Listening

 

 

Down the middle,

the center of who we are,

is a line drawn

between

our hearts

 

unbroken,

in permanent ink,

signed and sealed

by prior decisions

 

promises made,

allow us to see each other

in the distance,

silhouettes on a shore,

visible but,

unable to touch

 

a written boundary,

fenced off emotions,

barb wire dreams, internal detours

redirect our movements

on stretched GPS coordinates

 

fear marks this crossing,

thoughts of what if, who pays,

who sits alone in pain

casting shadows in the path, on this line

black and wet, still sticky

 

Yet, I will cross that line,

regardless of peril, pointed fingers

leftover doubts, or fresh ink

if you call my name

 

and I stand here waiting…listening

 

 

 

Reviews

[Pryde Foltz]

fear marks this crossing,
thoughts of what if, who pays,
who sits alone in pain
casting shadows in the path, on this line
black and wet, still sticky

A wonderfully rounded piece, Will. But don't you dare sit there waiting … you have a GPS, set a new course.

[willweb]

Thank you Pryde...sometimes setting that new course is harder than it seems.

[Pryde Foltz]

Just stop thinking and a new course will choose you:) Or so I have been told.

[emmajoy]

'.. written boundary, .. fenced off emotions, .. barb wire dreams, internal detours .. '

Sad as sad can be. I no longer doubt the way pain creates the finest poetry. Too many times we unintentionally perhaps cast shadows over others, bite the air they walk in.. and then.. when it happens to us, we sink further and further into a place where waiting is almost the only thing left to do.

[willweb]

Thank you for this beautiful review of my work. I am happy you enjoyed this sad little poem Emmajoy. Sadness does seem to power the pen at times.

[AprilRN1210]

this is one that I can relate to on so many levels.. the need, the ache, the longing, the want, the fear, the doubt, the uncertainty, the scars of the past, yet the hope, the faith, the desire... it is a leap of faith that you put into others when you put yourself out there and expose that vulnerability, one that isn't easily done.. but the sweet, tender tone of this expresses the intent that you feel those doubts in the other and are understanding, accepting, and willing to be patient, and that you know and share those feelings.. it is ok.. it will be ok.. it is rare these days to find someone who is willing to LOOK deeper, to see those thoughts and emotions, reflect, share, and listen to what the other person needs.. those defense mechanisms, walls, fences are what protect us, but can also be the very thing that prevents true connections and happiness.. you have expressed this beautifully here.. bittersweet... well done!

[willweb]

Thank you so very much April for this wonderful review of my poem. Fences do force us to do some strange things but the caring heart will look past these obstacles and hope for the best.

[CARA AL-DUNYAZAD]

Hi Willweb,
Written like a man "unable to touch" and "fenced off emotions" Just kidding! Again another poem that takes time to understand on a deeper level

[willweb]

Thank you Cara. I am happy you enjoyed this one.

[MsJewel]

There is a quiet ache to your words that is so soft and tender....truly heart touching my friend.
You never cease to amaze me with your talent.

:) Julie

[willweb]

Thank you so very much Julie for always being so nice to me.

[MsJewel]

You are so sweet. I appreciate your friendship.

[R Smith]

very wistful Will, the desire is almost within reach, just separated by a thin veil, cross the line and hear that voice stop waiting, another gem, your writing is a mountain of pleasure to the reader, thank you :)

[willweb]

Thanks so much Richard for these nice comments. I am thrilled you enjoyed this one.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

like Ana...i too felt the longing in this...and the willingness to tear down those boundaries for love...we just have to be willing to risk.

[willweb]

Both sides of that fence need to be willing to risk Jacob. Thank you for your nice comments

[Matching Socks]

Things that make you go hmmm. ;)
Great poem, very heart felt longing.

[willweb]

Thank you Ana. The heart may long but that is not always enough.

[Matching Socks]

True my friend but keep smiling and I'll extend you a hug from way over here.