California

Edited by the skilled, Richard W. Jenkins.

  California….

Remember …

when we left California,

drove that

bright blue four-wheeler

over to New York,

where aspirations

of too many

faded away in sullied fog,

so dolefully

clouding our visions?

I find myself there

a little too often, now.

I guess …

vivid pictures

'neath big bright lights

feel all too familiar;

because,

it’s where I know I can find You.

The lights …

seem to work

hand-in-hand with my lover.

Unfortunately,

they never shut-off;

everyone says

it’s the city that never sleeps,

where dreamers dream;

   where despaired souls roam.

You …

just happen to be another piece of life

we all wish we could turn-off,

just once in awhile.

It’s hard …

to appreciate beauty

where everyone lives;

and everyone loves.

I, sometimes, think,

"Going back to California

would feel more like home;

because, you see …

too many

have plunged in this place,

where we throw bills

at the wealthy …

change at bagmen."

It’s unfair,

          unfair,

             unfair …

but, you wouldn’t leave;

won't come home with me.

If,

we could all have our way,

I’d navigate

that piece of steel,

swiftly, through the lost tunnel,

taking you to a new horizon

on the golden coast,

where we'd dance in that small den …

making love,

without the noise.

You’re lost in New York …

I’m strutting streets,

throwing change at the bagmen

in my tall, red penny loafers,

with a man

who loves a world

   that loves back.

I’ll appreciate, dear,

puddles we stand in

on this sidewalk …

where the incubus is far,

but also near.

And, maybe, 

           just maybe,

I’ll see California again

… in my dreams.

Reviews

[D. Mansfield]

Nice Poem, thank you for this. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.

[Brad Dehler]

Very good nostalgia. This makes me think about my time in California. Your alliteration and descriptive verse protects it from any morose feeling. Thank you

[Ballpark Frank]

This is nicely, sweetly written. Very sad though. I hope you get back there.

[lovelymarina]

Thank you for your review! :)

Marina

[Lisasview]

Well, being from southern California and now living in Spain for the past year or so I definelty connected with your poem.
Really enjoyed the read.
Lisa

[lovelymarina]

Thank you, Lisa. I'm glad you enjoyed :)

Marina

[Lisasview]

You are most welcome,
Lisa. now in Spain

[Unspoken poet]

I feel this write so deep, as i moved clear away from my hometown.
This is wonderful, so full of feeling

[lovelymarina]

Thank you dearly!

Marina

[the tipsy writer]

I really love this. I feel like I can connect from the opposite side. My frequent moving making my love life quite difficult.

[lovelymarina]

Thank you for your kind review and i’m glad you could connect…
Xx
Marina

[Fabian G. Franklin]

"Heads Carolina, tails, California, somewhere greener, somewhere warmer...." Jo Dee Messina

I've never been to California or New York. But I love my Appalachian Mountains. The only place I've been that reminded me of home was the Ozarks in Arkansas. I traveled the south and some of the Midwest as far as Colorado. The Rockies were too cold and aloof for me. That's also the farthest north I've been. I used to deliver furniture for a living across the south. The big cities I've been to didn't hold much appeal for me. I'm just a southern country boy and a hillbilly river rat. I love your descriptions and the nostalgic feel of this piece. This was a great write and I enjoyed reading. F.

[lovelymarina]

Hahaha. I couldn't be more opposite. I'm a true city girl. Thanks for the kind review again.
Marina

[Zoe Richardson]

I felt exactly like this when I left Alabama for northern Illinois and a man who promised a bright future. It was never home, and he was not my future. While I would never want to live in California, or New York, the longing for home is the same. And you capture it with such emotion, such poignancy. Just remember... if he loves you, he won't make you stand in a puddle. He will keep you warm, safe, and dry!

[lovelymarina]

I wish that clicked in my brain. Maybe “home” isn’t always a good place. Thank you for the lovely review.
Marina

[Kerra]

Wonderful imagery in your well written write, nicely done. enjoyable read

[lovelymarina]

Thank you dearly for your kind review!
Marina