Mistakes...and the Lingering Cup

Yesterday’s coffee lingers

in a cup near the sink,

your fingerprints remain

where the delicate tips cupped the warmth

as breath weaved with rising steam

and perfumed my world with comfort

 

Sitting a safe distance away

I take vigil over what is missing

bits and pieces of what used to be contentment--

I guard the tiniest memories as if they are children

sheepishly hiding behind the hem of my skirt

clutching and clinging to my resolve

 

This morning I fashioned a bouquet

out of the flowers you sent to me,

an offering of peace in a time of war--

a white flag of lilies and roses,

and I put them on the balcony

where only the sun and the moon

can drink of their unnecessary fragrance

 

I should have declined your advances,

smiled brightly before tucking you away

in a dusty chest labeled “in another life”,

but you caught me at an apathetic moment

when sweaters and books were my only company

and I cared about as much for my own survival

as for the puddles of water pooling beneath my window

 

You gave chase and I surrendered

a doe paralyzed by the brightness of your eyes,

now all I have left is a cup, perching like a panther

on the edge of my counter

Reviews

[G. Marie"floating on an..]

only the sun and moon can drink of their unnecessary fragrance ~~I liked that line and clutching and clinging to my own resolve for I can relate to that in my own life and had to struggle with that resolution no matter how painful having to realize that nothing would change if I were to give in again and another time a great poem

[An owl on the moon]

You set such a mood with your words, carrying us into this bittersweet moment. We can sense the account of this love affair that took you off guard... took you away for a time... and now just glimpses remain. So beautifully woven...

[J.P. Bristow]

This was crazy good......into my fav's. This is so full of emotion and I am left feeling woebegone.

[Poetic Beauty]

I love the imagery in this poem. The flow is spectacular. I could feel the emotion as the poem drew me in.

[Ferg]

this is fabulous! you write extremely well and i look forward to reading more of your work!
the pace of this is great, the reflections and images vivid and fitting, and the resignation palpable. very nicely written!