John 9/16

The lingering sense of someone who should have said yes

John 9/16

 

It was one of those

Sun-drenched days

Summer wheeling into autumn

School days looming

In the Alabama haze

A not too pretty

But oh so bright girl

Stood before a boy

Her heart a gift

He did not want

 

I held out honesty

Innocence tucked in

And edged with a hint

Of sweet madness

A moment dressed in

The poignant lace of youth

 

You saw a threat

An infringement on your

Carefully guarded borders

Someone who saw too much

And told the world

What was inside you

I was a trip wire waiting

For a diamond ring

 

Only I was not asking for forever

I was asking for friendship

For front porch chats

And glasses of sweet tea

At the kitchen table

For holding hands

And homemade ice cream

Fourth of July barbecues

And firework kisses in the twilight

 

I wanted what all young girls

Wanted when they wished

On summer stars

And shared secrets with 

A new found friend

But in that wild and willful moment

I was not the author or finisher

Of your future

 

I was just a girl

Standing in front of a boy

Asking him to take a chance

On all that would never be

 

-Zoe Richardson

Author's Note

So much love. So many lessons. No wonder I still find inspiration!

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This is a powerful & poignant account of this specific situation, done with a ton of popping detail. But I also read this as a statement on the ever-present tension that exists between women & men who are more than friends & less than lovers. It seems one or the other reads "commitment" in all the wrong ways, twisted ways, even. Your writing is top-notch! (((HUGS)))

[Zoe Richardson]

Exactly! We are speaking two different languages, and nobody seems to have a way to translate. I am so glad you get this, and I appreciate you taking the time to delve into my efforts!

[shadrach hah]

Hi Zoe, you bring back so many memories in my mind, memories that I don't mind remembering. I was the one who turned and walked away. I didn't trust in my own love. The biggest mistake I ever made. I was younger then. I love this flowing piece of wonderful poetry. You do know how to play the readers heartstrings. Have a wonderful Wednesday. Hugs always....Mike.

[Zoe Richardson]

It's funny, isn't it, how young men don't know what to do when a girl offers them something they don't expect? The girl always blames herself. The boy always wonders why they would want them. It's like we speak two different languages. Don't feel too badly about making that mistake. Love can cut two ways. It's an incredible experience, but it also the most dangerous drug known to man. It's possible you dodged a bullet!

[shadrach hah]

Maybe I should have done things differently and seen how things might have gone. It is always funny how some of us would like to see what we would do if given a second chance. Second chances? Have a wonderful evening. Hugs always....Mike.

[Zoe Richardson]

There's as much of a chance it would have gone wrong as right. We always want to blame ourselves when a chance is lost or not taken, believing the outcome would somehow be good. The truth is, we had no crystal ball or untapped psychic powers. It's only the haze of years that makes it seem so appealing, when in actuality, the other person could have made our lives a living hell instead of heaven on earth. I try to remember that when I wax too romantic!

[Ted Kniffen]

Once upon a time ... 1970 to be exact ... I was that boy who stood next to that girl when she spoke of love.
That thought was dashed when I ... rather surprised that anyone could love me at the time ... blurted out
"are you kidding me?"

Game ... set ... and match.

Good poets bring back memories.
You are that poet Zoe. Thank you.

[Zoe Richardson]

Oh my! That poor girl. And poor you. We learn so much from what never was, don't we? Almost as much as from those who find their way in. I am so glad this sparked good memories for you! And thank you for taking the time to say so.