I Can Only Touch the Empty Air

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This was originally called One For Darlene, written in 1988, probably while I was attending a military school in Texas. I had taken Darlene out a few times, then were separated by choices. I saw here once more after Texas, then spent the next 15 years in Europe or in the other half of the USA. We're still friends on Facebook.

I cannot look in your eyes from here, To touch your soul with my gaze. Your too far away to reach, My Dear, To be taken in by my embrace. My whispered thoughts cannot extend to there-- Where you are's too far away. I can only touch the empty air Instead of holding you near always. So many men between you and I. I envy each one his place. Oh, to be at the head of that line, Looking at you again face to face. Wonder of wonders, fate of all fates... I chose to be where I am: Sitting alone laughing at regrets, Cursing the notion "what might have been". I wish I could steal your heart to here And keep it captive near mine. But hearts are only given, it's clear... All I can do is offer you mine.

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Richard Nnoli

Date: 9/26/2014 2:45:00 PM

wow this is love, this poem is beautiful, nice one mark, enjoy how you write richard

Mark J. Halliday
Date: 9/26/2014 6:12:00 PM

Glad you liked it. Wasn't really love, but that girl was filet mignon in a world of chuck steak.

Barbara Gorelick

Date: 9/20/2014 1:46:00 PM

This touches me ,especially today, just having gotten in touch with an old beau from years go. It is bitter-sweet. BG

Mark J. Halliday
Date: 9/20/2014 1:50:00 PM

Nice to get in touch with those. Facebook can be a wonderful thing.

Jan Allison

Date: 9/20/2014 12:22:00 PM

what a tender charming write Mark and wonderful you are still friends - who knows what might of been - guess we all have regrets and 'what if' moments to look back in our lives:-) hugs jan xxx

Jan Allison
Date: 9/20/2014 12:30:00 PM

You are very blessed you are still friends Mark and have a happy and long relationship with Nelly:-) hugs Jan xx

Mark J. Halliday
Date: 9/20/2014 12:28:00 PM

She was one of only a few, that given the opportunity, I would have liked to marry. Been with Nelly for 24 years, so can't complain. Going through poems I had on originalpoetry.com that I didn't have saved.