A SPECIAL VISIT

and so it goes....

I awaken feeling clammy and with headache

the day is finally here

I shall visit my soldier, long awaited special day

t’s early, I decide to bathe to deep cleanse myself

important to smell delicious for him

excited and scared, I make the water very hot

pour in some bubbles and try to relax for a while

 

I cannot relax! I dry off, put on my lounging gown

and make some tea

then I pace the room all the while to determine

what to say to my love, and at long last I know

 

I am dressed and ready for my cab to take me to the hospital

my anxiety level reaches to the tree tops

and I can view the sun peep through

t’s a bright day, if only my mood mimics

I have rehearsed all my words

yet in my agitation, I may well draw a blank

shops and people wiz by as we near the hospital

I have not had time to do some shopping in these

enticing shops along the way

too much preparation for other important matters

we pass so many stunning churches

the architecture brings a smile to my lips

 

At once, we pull up to the hospital

my hands shake as I try to pull out some money

for the driver

must clear my throat a few times to thank him

there are many steps up to the entrance

massive building I shall say

the  space inside is quite antiseptic, looks new

I inquire where my soldier’s room is located

the receptionist tells me to wait one moment

my heart flutters like a humming bird

I apprise her of his name

she reveals that it is on the seventh floor

war casualties ward

I flinch when I hear that name

my mind’s picture is frightening

 

I step out of the newly installed elevator with tremble

a nurse inquires of my presence

I provide a name and my relationship

she leads me to his room

all the while I sense a weakness in my legs

she opens the door and there are two beds

I can barely recognize who is who

she leads me to his bed

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading....."AT BRIDGES END"

Reviews

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Another great chapter of your novel...
I very much enjoyed reading this piece.
Well done Betty.
Wondering what the fate of the soldier will be...
Take good care friend. Thank you for sharing.
😃🌹

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much, appreciated!
Warmly, B
PS next episode crucial!

[The_Ancient_Rock]

You are most welcome.
Wow, can hardly wait for it.
🌹

[Samuel Dickens]

Priestess, Emma, and others have said it better than I could, so I'll just say that it's a fine and sensitive write, full of heart wrenching emotion. To quote the Bible, " "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends". That is what our service men and women demonstrate every day.

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes indeed Sam, it wreaks with emotion, told by one person speaking to the reader, thank you for your lovely review!🌷
Warmly, B

[Mystical Ink]

Your narrative poem beautifully captures the mix of emotions and experiences leading up to a poignant moment. The journey begins with a palpable sense of anticipation and nervousness as you prepare yourself for a long-awaited visit to your soldier. The details of bathing and choosing your attire reflect both excitement and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of this occasion.

The internal turmoil and preparations are vividly depicted through pacing, making tea, and rehearsing what to say. These actions convey the depth of your feelings and the significance of the upcoming meeting.

As you travel to the hospital, your anxiety is palpable, contrasting with the bright day outside. The passing scenery and architecture provide a backdrop that adds texture to your journey, highlighting the beauty amidst your inner turmoil.

Upon arriving at the hospital, the atmosphere shifts to one of solemnity and seriousness. The sterile environment and the mention of the "war casualties ward" starkly contrast with your initial anticipation. The tension builds as you navigate through the hospital, your emotions mirroring the uncertainty and fear associated with such visits.

The moment you finally reach your soldier's room is poignant and fraught with emotion. The nurse's guidance to his bedside adds a sense of relief and trepidation as you confront the reality of the situation.

Overall, your poem masterfully captures the emotional rollercoaster of anticipation, anxiety, and eventual arrival, weaving together vivid imagery and introspective narration. It immerses the reader in your journey, evoking empathy and understanding for the complex emotions involved in visiting a loved one in challenging circumstances. Well done!

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear High Priestess
This is a masterpiece of intricate understanding and a thoughtful review; I just wish you could have read the first 43 episodes, so you would have the whole story before you. In short, the protagonist is engaged to her soldier during WW2, she is oceans away from him. On leave, he returns home for a few days and their love heated,, however she always wants more and ruminates about his love-giving and about his goodbyes….she is love- starved….one day she receives a telegram that soldier is injured….. she transports to London on a ship……meet a gentleman, has an affair….all the while very guilty….. she breaks up
Still thinks about him…. ( he slips her a note with his name and address in London) they part ways….. at same time her tummy is growing…. Who is the father? Surmises it’s the soldier….in London confirmed by Dr.that she is pregnant…. What to do? Stays at hotel…. Visits her soldier…..with relief…. Momentarily……and now you’re up to snuff! Next episode is crucial to the story….🌷
Warmly, B

[Mystical Ink]

Thank you for providing such a detailed summary! It's clear that the story has many layers and complexities. While I regret not having read the first 43 episodes, your summary helps me understand the protagonist's journey and the emotional turmoil she faces. Her longing for her soldier, the affair, and the subsequent pregnancy create a gripping narrative. The next episode indeed sounds pivotal, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the child's paternity and her reunion with her soldier. I'm eager to see how the story unfolds and how she navigates these challenges. Thank you for bringing me up to speed!

[Betty Hermelee]

My pleasure
Warmly B🌷

[Tom]

Alas this was and sadly the case for many girlfriends/fiancee's even wives of soldiers fallen in battle, yes many survived but at the cost of injuy fighting for their respective countries, and despite the lady's aprehension her love clearly unyielding!!

A poignat, powerful poetic tale Betty, kudos!!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Tom for a very thoughtful review!
Warmly, B

[Patricia Wedel]

Pins and needles cannot put me together again… the Shadow remains when my eyes begin to twinkle like Bees 🐝 making Honey… 🍯… how Sweet the Moment…. Charmed in His Arms… Amen.. Pat

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear Pat...always a sweet review!
Warmly, B

[Poetic_Vixen]

This poem touches my heart, it starts of beautifully with excitement and desperation to meet her lover, to look the best and prepare a sweet moment in mind all the while having the fear of something terrible clutching her heart, I love how she compensates her anxieties with her sightseeings, the beauty of sun and it's brightness contrasting her state of emotions, this poem induced her anxiety into my heart, as she makes way to her lover, the nearer she gets the more agitated she becomes, you have significantly made this poem felt, hoping this rendezvous turned out be a sweet moment. Beautiful poem there. With warm regards ❤️

[Betty Hermelee]

I am honored by your review! This is the 44th episode in this series and you entered as if you had read all the others, quite amazing; thank you so much; appreciated🌹
Warmly
B.

[Poetic_Vixen]

I'm truly glad to learn I was able to catch up. You're very welcome my friend!

[Poetic Beauty]

I can literally feel her anxiety as I actually suffer from mild anxiety. The heart race, feeling nauseous and shaking like a tree limb is a storm. I feel so sorry for her on this cab ride. I surprised she can speak at all exiting the cab.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you PB for your heartfelt comments
Warmly, B🌷

[Poetic Beauty]

You are welcome

[emmajoygreen]

The mood of this part is escalating.. a holding-breath time when anything or all could happen. Trying to guess - or not. No, needing to pause and wait. But oh my goodness, what, WHAT? is going to happen. Methinks the lady is leaving chance to grab her in its arms and.. move along, gently? Or not? Can a man in a hospital bed move his limbs, react how she wants or not.. drum beats, heart beats.. what - under the circumstances - is going to happen now? Can I wait.. have to..

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you sweet EM for a “ what the heck is going to happen “review…..you are spot on! Much appreciated
Hugs🌷

[emmajoygreen]

Clever me! You really know how to inspire - patience!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you!

[emmajoygreen]

Always a pleasure. Finding it hard to be patient... and yes, it's a virtue but...

[Betty Hermelee]

antsy I am
xoxo

[emmajoygreen]

Two days without cafe.. closed to me, don't know if others too! Hope all's well with you, dear friend?!

[Betty Hermelee]

Me too! site was down....All's well....xoxo

[emmajoygreen]

Yes, seems so. Hope life has been good for you and family otherwise! Take care and be happily contented. :)

[Sami Khalil]

A crescendo was built while I was reading this suspenseful poem, story with lots of good detail. Ending was mysterious as I was looking for clues.
You got the style.

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Sami: it's not over!! more episodes to come!
Thank you for a lovely review!
Warmly, B

[Sami Khalil]

I agree wholeheartedly. Will visit when you post.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you!

[Sami Khalil]

::::::))))))))))))

[Ken Simm.]

I could see all this continuing (hopefully) story. I could film it and its wonderful atmosphere.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear Ken, I wish you would film it!!!
Your review is lovely!
Warmly, B