Before your heart turned
break-your-back mean
you were giving
softer than a goblet of deep red Bordeaux.
For two years you and I followed the same path
making love between clean cotton sheets at sunrise
or
perhaps
many hours before
And at noon
in grape fields
littered with angular stones
that scratched divets in our backs
divets we laughed about while lathering one another in our open-air shower
kissing, wishing
hoping
for a child
Or at midnight, underneath moss-covered cliffs
my favorite
if the rain held
But the rain didn’t hold
Squall followed squall for 106 days
conjuring your anger and my angst
You declared you wanted freedom
Another life
The air I breathed smothered you
How could that be?
My fault?
Your fault?
No one’s?
Now, even as I leave you
hoping you find the man you want
all I can say is:
I love you.
I love you.
I love you.
This is exquisite.
LikeLike
Thanks! I’ve been away for a while. I appreciate your stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome back!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!!!
LikeLike
Heart breaking and heartfelt. Difficult to create a break up without cliche but you manage it. Lovely imagery and phrasing, Lish
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lynn. It feels good to be dipping my toe into the Pegman waters again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure. Lovely to see you here
LikeLike
Heartbreaking – and as Lynn says, very well done to have covered such familiar ground without resorting to overused cliches.
LikeLike
Thank you, Joy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a lovely poem. I like the imagery.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Josh!
LikeLike
I like this poem. You’ve shown us cleverly that the relationship was very close, as the couple wanted children. I like the way you’ve written it from the man’s pov, too – and what a gentle man you’ve made him. Lovely writing, Lish.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Penny. This was written from a woman’s POV until I read and reread…and changed it at the last minute. Thanks for noticing. Lish
LikeLike
love and pain. makes me wonder. cheers.
LikeLike
Seems they go hand in hand. Thanks, Joe
LikeLike
Great one, Alicia! Glad to see you back! 🙂 ❤ ~Shalom, Bear
LikeLike
Thanks so much
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great to see you, Lish! Loved this exquisite and tragic poem. So many wonderful lines, but my favorite was the biting “Before your heart turned break-your-back mean”
LikeLiked by 1 person