Before I Really Fall

A rewrite of an old one inspired by an old situation, fortunately one I left behind for a much better one.

Please don't kiss me like that.

I'm tired of insincere kisses.

Save it for a lover.

Now I know we’re only meant to be friends

Although I once hoped to mean more than that to you.

 

This isn’t about love,

This is about you leading me on and messing my mind.

Oh yes, I bear some of the blame.

I was just as willing to play

But now I need more.

 

Whatever I once felt when I kissed you is gone now,

Even though I don't know how I'll ever go on without it.

There are too many others you've

Kissed the same way,

Too many times I wanted you near

Too many things I wanted to share with you

When you weren't around.

 

So let's end it right now,

While we're still friends,

While I can still be grateful for good times we've had,

Before I really fall in love with you.

Reviews

[Tracey~]

I feel a resignation in this. One that is empowering for her to know her worth. She is capable of love but can't and won't settle for less than. Hard to do but it shows that you believe in your self worth..xo Love it..

[Jennie Baron]

I like that interpretation. You are correct, the narrator must be coming from a position of strength. Thanks for your read, and it's flattering when someone reads one of my older poems and finds it meaningful.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Jennie Baron,
"Before I really Fall'
The title itself bears the meaning of this message to time now gone and the reality of that time. How many of us can identify with your story?
I found my own name in this as I read it. To escape a place of life that is not nurturing is so good! I found myself saying hurrah for the one who knew it needed to be left alone.
"So let's end it right now, while we''re still friends, while I can still be grateful for good times we've had, before I really fall in love with you."
I wanted to focus on more of the meaning in other stanzas as it is so meaningful.
Encouraging, sad, mournful and bright all in one poem.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Jennie Baron]

Blessings to you in return and thanks for your reading and review. I'm very happy that you found it meaningful.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Yes I did and its always nice to enjoy and find meaning in writing such as yours!

[Moonie]

The poem rings with a musical quality and all the phrases roll off the tongue effortlessly. It is very relatable and emotional--the conflicting feelings, the hurt, the anger...all can be felt... Well done, ma'am!!!! :)

[Jennie Baron]

You are so very, very kind, Moon! I'm gratified that you read and liked it.

[kublakhan27]

I relate to many elements of this one...it's a painful situation but I think we have to experience it to understand true love and be aware of it when it arrives...you have a way of getting right to the heart of the matter with your words, and conveying deep emotions in ways that we can all understand, even if we haven't been there...great work Jennie.

[Jennie Baron]

You are so very right, Khan. I'm honored at the reading and approval from such a talented poet!

[kublakhan27]

Always a pleasure Jennie, and thanks so much for the kind words :)

[Lyn Anderson]

Ouch. This is so painful, so real, so honest. Whether based on personal or empathy for others, the poet has nailed the emotions behind a "special friends" relationship that has crossed the line for one person and not the other.

[Jennie Baron]

You exactly "got" my meaning. Thanks for reading!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I like the sentiment here...when we are in that relationship that is love...we are both lovers and friends...not just one without the other...
and this instance, the friendship may be hard to hold onto...especially if he keeps acting as he is.

an emotional write.

[Jennie Baron]

So very, very true...I appreciate so much that you took the time to read it, Jacob.

[Madalyn Beck]

UGH! You reached into my chest, yanked my heart out, and threw it on the floor. Stomping it for good measure. Hot damn. This is exactly how I've been feeling as of late and you know what? I think reading this is exactly what I needed.

Thank you for sharing this and writing something that attached to me so thoroughly. Excellent and going into my favs!! xo :)

[Jennie Baron]

I'm so happy you liked it; it's like a compliment coming from someone whose writing I enjoy so much. I truly did feel this cynical and bitter about someone once, but that was a long time ago.

[Michael G. Smith]

Wow, this shared a lot of mixed signals. I love him... I love him not. A roller coaster poem which I'm sure mimics the relationship.

[Jennie Baron]

You're correct. I guess it's basically about someone who has a lot of bitterness and regret but also some residual attachment, trying to talk him/herself out of a relationship that is obviously one-sided and is never going to work. I appreciate your comments and your taking the time to read, Michael!

[Luissanto]

Beautifully written, sad and thought provoking. You say with few words
what others have felt for lifetimes and could not articulate.
Your writing is amazing as usual...

[Jennie Baron]

As usual, you're very welcome!