Spiders

You drank cranberry juice like it was going out of style
I chewed fruit stripe gum and bitched how the flavor faded too fast
We were afraid of spiders and the dark, but more of spiders
The dark was only terrifying because it made us burn like sparklers

You grew into a beauty, too soft, too smart, too desired
I grew awkwardly,  like a sunflower, head too big, more weed than flower
We still said "hi" in the hallway, but your future was big screen, Technicolor
Mine faded like the stars in a New York City sky, destined for mediocrity

You were a beautiful young mother, long term plans shelved, hidden regret
I came out of the military strong, changed in ways that helped, harmed
We had no idea what the fates had in store but we still dreamed, moved forward
Time moves with liquid speed, not missing the cracks or crevices, flowing silently

You were standing at Grant and Green, your aura engaging, hair resplendent
I hadn’t seen you in twenty years, my god how the memories came flooding back
We sipped Cape Cods and talked about being afraid of spiders, but not the darkness
The darkness was the only place we could find each other again, burning and sparking

Author's Note

It is strange how we feel unique...but really, probably not so much.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This is a great piece of reminiscing. I get the feeling this is fiction, but your character profiles are vivid & realistic enuf to put the reader into these shoes. I've been on a jag lately, thinking about how many times I passed on some really desirable men over the years becuz I've never been one to endure the drawbacks of a less-than-comfy pairing. Your poem sounds almost exactly like my own regret-tinged thoughts, as I run thru the possibilities that were & will never be again, etc. As always from you, great details that make your writing fresh & unique (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Hayley]

Time passes too fast sometimes. This is a beautiful poem, thank you for sharing it. I think you hit the nail on the head how when you haven't seen a friend in a long time, when you finally meet up, nothing's really changed.

[Crowley]

Thanks so much for coming by and the kind words. It is strange how circumstances change but at the heart people do not.

[SkinlessFrank]

There is a long story to be told here, but the telling is only part of it. What is more is what is not told, the nighttime reveries of what could have been, the regret over moments lost and opportunities not taken, There is a universality to it all.

[Crowley]

Thanks so much for stopping by and the review. I really appreciate it. Life has a way of showing us that we can have the best of intentions, but its gonna bend us to its will if it wants. Its our response to that ending that dictates and we may not learn and just come up with a new set of intentions...lol. Thanks again!

[Neville]

What an absolute treat to find this fine May mane my friend... Without doubt word perfect... I feel like I have just read a most marvelous novel... this is certainly your very own style and you do it so bloomin well... N

[Crowley]

Thanks Neville!!! Fruit Stripe gum makes everything better, for a minute or two anyway!!!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

This is such a lovely poem. The tone has so much love and affection in it despite the tale being one of parting after a brief affair. You capture the mood in the descriptive nature of this piece.

[Crowley]

Thanks you for coming by!!! I appreciate it! A lovely review and a much appreciated comment!!

[Mrudula Rani]

Time shapes us, and even remakes us ... some beyond recognition, but the memories remain the same, becoming a place of acknowledgement and there we are always the same holding on to our hopes, even some fears. Your wonderful writings reflect the essence of life in sublime pictures.

[Crowley]

Great review...thank you so much for taking the time to read it. Haven't been able to get to the cafe in the last month as much as I want, but needed to do something. Have a great weekend!!

[Mrudula Rani]

Pleasure is all mine. Thank you , you too have a wonderful weekend. Tudo de bom para você ( wishing you all the best)

[Troy Henson]

Isn’t it quite amazing how we grow into ourselves or in fact how we feel about how we grow, our experiences and our perception of others. Yes time does move like liquid and nothing can stop it but our memories remain like a stone cliff face, aged but still resembling what once was. Loved this.

[Crowley]

Thanks so much!!! Time does have a way of covering over the layers with new ones. Time lately has been a raging river...too fast.

[kentuck14]

C,
Another wonderful poem of remembrance . . . vivid and so true to like in the telling. The more I read your stuff the more I am impressed. I bet your friend had a good clean urinary tract after drinking all that cranberry juice (at least that's what I've heard.) Congratulations.
Tom

[Crowley]

Ha!!! I was sitting at my desk and a coworker said they must have drank a gallon of cranberry over the weekend. That was the thought that started this one. And yes, it was for a UTI!!! Thanks!

[Robert Trakofler]

Yum Fruit striped gummy goodness I loved that zebra... your right it never lasted long enough but it was so damn tasty while it lasted. bring on the night, good Mr Crowley, Bring on the good writes Mr Crowley You always have a way of pulling me into your dialogues

[Crowley]

Oh that Fruit Stripe would eat it a pack at time. 10 minutes later, chewing on rubber....lol. Thanks so much BB I appreciate it!

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

Some of us are like rollercoasters. Fun when you are on them but not sure if your good for another round.lol
Im so glad you wrote Cee! It makes me remember not to forget about the romance, It's important in relationships.

[Crowley]

I'm trying to get back here, time has been zooming by lately. The romance is very important...thanks Q!!!