MOMENTS BETWEEN WORDS

A bridge untested is a connection that remains unexplored.

Sitting at the table
Eye to eye.
A glance at the face,
A glance at the phone
It’s just a thing we do.

Words sit, waiting, ready to spill
Straightforward thoughts,
the kind that could wreck you for life.
Or light-hearted musings,
Bound by fear of misunderstanding.

Instead, you smile at the person.
The smile is returned.
And for a moment,
All is good.
Nothing to fright.

There are things you want to say,
Things you want to share.
Words that could fluster.
Words that might annoy.

Bridges are built,
Yet fear keeps you from crossing.
The bridge may break.
It may collapse.
But have you ever stopped to consider
Could the bridge hold?
Maybe the bridge is strong?

By the time you find out,
You’ve grown accustomed to the fear.

Two at the table,
Close enough to whisper.
Yet all you do is smile,
Because a smile is never wrong.

An evil grin, a shy smile, a giggle, polite and teasing,
Nervous, flirtatious, sad
Each one speaks the truth your heart longs for.

Author's Note

Have you felt you want to fill the awkward silence but then the silence is also comforting that you don't want to break it.

Reviews

[A.H.]

sometimes speaking less is more. silence can be comforting too, but awkward when you're with a person with whom you're trying to build a bridge of connection. the questions, the thoughts and the situation is well expressed here. i like the way it delves into this subject and keeps prodding more and more with questions and perspectives. thanks for sharing this write. enjoyed reading.

[Inkspire]

Yes silence can be both comforting and akward .
Thank you for your review really appreciated it.

[A.H.]

you're welcome. Btw, I like your handle - Inkspire, it's creative :)

[LisaCarol]

I’ve found guidance in the saying “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” That has served me well in my 60 years on this earth. “Silence is Golden”. Thanks for sharing this poem. A thought provoking piece.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

If I'm with someone in person I'm fully engaged with their company. And I will not be relegated to the back burner by anyone's cell phone. I find that sort of behavior rude and obnoxious. If they want to talk on their phone, that's fine, but not in my company. They can just go their own way and talk on their phone all they like to whomever they wish or watch whatever amuses them. It's disrespecting my time and time is life and if someone disrespects my life I don't need them in mine. So, no, it's not just a thing "we" do. You might, or your friend might, but I'd be headed for the exit. I like to engage others in conversation and find out meaningful attributes of their character and ambitions. It helps me decide on whether or not I want that person for a friend. This sounds like something a young teen might experience complete with disconnected attention drawn away by electronic devices. But here's a clue; if a girl or guy is smiling at you in private company it's obvious they like you and want to be there with you. So be there with them, not drawn away by something seemingly more important. Expressions are no replacement for honest and open conversation. Language is a wonderful gift that only we humans as a species have mastered. It's a shame to let that gift go unused or wasted. That truth extends to personal relationships and to perfect strangers. Be open, be honest. be forthright and those who don't like it don't really like you. They like the "image" of you but not "you". I don't know how introverts tolerate me but I have a few friends that are very introverted. One lady told me she enjoyed my company because she could never think of anything to say and around me she didn't have to worry about that because I kept the conversation alive. You paint a good picture of a modern first date here though; I'm just pleased that I'm not in that game anymore. I married someone who talks even more than I do. It was a good write and I'm sure many will find it relatable. But the minute cell phones show themselves at my dinner table I'll just excuse myself and tend to other more pressing matters since my company obviously isn't one of them.

[Manta Ray Lily]

Well silence can be disturbing for few but soothing for others. Ever wondered how different we see the world, differing from one to another. Everyone has their own interpretations which should be acknowledged. As per the poem, it might tell about people who fear to talk to someone they care or someone they love. Fear is the only element which can defeat life. But as Nelson Mandela said "I learnt that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers the fear" suits right for the people who have engraved fear in their hearts and not trying to make any effort to overcome that. Nice work, Inkspire!

[Inkspire]

Thank you
True , silence can be both soothing and disturbing.
Everything Excess in Life,Is Poison.