Might Have

“Knowing” by Andrew Atroshenko

courtesy of  jwatsonfineart.com

 

 

 

In the wordless wilderness of life’s anonymity
beautiful downtown anywhere
my cigarette smoke
“might have” dangled on top of humid air
like fog in the neon night
while I searched for caffeine and comfort.
(Not necessarily in that order!)

Your luminous smile “might have” told me
the games were about to begin.
Yes, word play was inevitable
and  just perhaps
sensuality was in
our collective future

Music was my co-conspirator
It “might have” allowed you to hold me close
or me to hold you close
in all my delusory
weakness and wetness
and dance me through life’s promises
one by one 
all the while inscribing your desire
on every inch of my exposed flesh

A few catchy lines
and a tactical maneuver later
we “might have” been out of there
each with a breathless hungry need
off to our rendezvous with lust

There “might have” been
touches of fire

           the cacophonic sizzle
                  of new lips, legs, arms
                       mingling with moans

ah, the resonance of reverie
till the tea kettle rudely screams
boiling away another “might have” moment

Author's Note

Although I stopped smoking over 6 years ago, my muse insists on inserting smoking into some poems! :)

Reviews

[Jvl narasimharao]

did you really smoke? You are really a sensuous poet like Keats.Unlike mine you have the knack of projecting even lust in the best delicate form.In this poem there an array of beautiful images.Even your language is as beautiful as your images.Sensuality is the hall mark of a great poetess like you.As a mortal i can only wonder at your immortal poetry

[Lydia Shutter]

You flatter me! Yes, I was a smoker for over 35 years. I was not easy stopping. Although I know I will not pick them up again, often they find their way into my poetry. Your compliments are so sweet. thank you. Lydi**

[Koibito "Nickie" Kitsuy..]

Wonderfully done. I love the intricate details that you give with both the environment and within the person's mind. I also love how when reading this piece you can easily put yourself into the person's shoes and connect with the poem as the person in the poem and delve into the poem even more so. I truly loved it.

[Lydia Shutter]

I'm so pleased you were able to put yourself into the words, Nickie. Thank you for telling me that. I appreciate you! Have a good evening. Lydi**

[Joyce S. Greene]

I'm very glad you stopped smoking, Lydi. And this is a wonderful poem for a Sunday night. It speaks of someone sitting alone considering what "might have been". You're most likely glad it didn't t because what did happen in your world turned out very well, I'd say. But it's always fun to think about other scenarios, so dream on! Well done.

[Lydia Shutter]

We always wonder "what if" in life....no matter how good things are. No harm in a fantasy now and then, is there? Thanks for saying you are glad I stopped. Actually, I am too, but it is still a part of who I am . I appreciate your comments, Joyce. Lydi**

[Dr. Wood ?]

To turn a different corner eh.....Who knows what might have happened...What may have been might not be all it seems

[Lydia Shutter]

Absolutely true. One can never be sure. Thanks for reading and commenting. lydi**

[Tom]

What might have been but never was... "Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all" ..
I say so and so did Shakespeare long before me and your eloquent, reflective poem proves our hypothesis to be correct!

An absorbing read once more !

[Lydia Shutter]

Tom, I always appreciate your comments. Thank you so much. Lydi**

[ANTO]

Such daydreams Lydia....!! Like a french subtitled movie full of mystery and sensuality and pure unadulterated carnals - steamy.....

Not usually my cup of tea (lol) but definitely required reading.
X

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Anto. I appreciate your comments. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

me too...this is my favorite from you---a very bluesy piece...

the perfect moment that might have been...but then reality whistles its interruption.

nicely done, Lydi..

jacob

[Lydia Shutter]

You stopped smoking too? Kudos to you! It's still part of who I am even though I have not taken a puff in so long. Thanks for the great comments, Jacob. Lydi**

[MsJewel]

Oh to think...what might have been...and then reality sets in and we realize what is..and hopefully it is as satisfying as what might have been...Still, it is fun to think what if...

Love the lines...I might have allowed you to hold me close....and dance me through life's promises...one by one...(and all the lines inbetween)

This is such a wonderfuly teasing, sensual masterpiece Lydi. Your talent is amazing and as always it is a delight to read your poetry. :) Julie

[Lydia Shutter]

Julie, your comments humble me. Thank you so much. I hope Sunday is being good to you. Lydi**