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A Perfect Poem

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Stopped by Seven Eleven to find absolution... maybe some triple chocolate Häagen-Dazs' slice of heaven., a little peace; redemption. A lanky guy dressed in jeans and a smile, one welcomed in a greeting... walked the parking lot selling flowers.. wrapped in a clear shielded bouquet., set his sights on me. Wonder now, whom the more desperate of us two, either way wasn't showing all his tarot cards, when I waved him aside. Keepin' that deadly pace.. fallen far, it seemed, from any kinda grace. In that one second, my mood a little off.. face must've showed it.. too late. He knew, as I did too.. he had to ask, anyway.. I just wanted to be, somewhere else, anywhere.. else. Anyway., rested uneasy on my mind. I made my way out past the door, marked in inches and feet. For a moment, I thought about it. Guilt-ridden, eyes searchin' for him.. young woman with her flowers..,happy, his truck backin' to gas up, full of flowers.., still smiling.. Almost turned and went back. a chance to repay, my fellow brother in arms.. 'hey, I do want those flowers after all.. how much are they?, keep the change.' Man, when did things get this bad... One of these days I'll find you.. your smile will be my reason., to buy those sad looking flowers., though I don't think you care much for them. Another day perhaps... I'll find it; we'll find it.. the perfect poem. One written just for you and me. Just a guess., I think that flower vender heard it already, and wanted only to share its miracle with me...

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Gary Radice

Date: 6/23/2021 1:58:00 PM

Excellent poem Richard. I read it a few times - with and without audio. I often examine my own conscience. Life puts people in these situations. Life puts us in these situations. Cheers - Gary

Quoth Theraven
Date: 6/28/2021 9:23:00 PM

Hello Gary, Thanks for the comment. The choices we make everyday in a life. -Richard

David Smith

Date: 6/20/2021 8:08:00 AM

Good stuff. Great last line. Very raven like. good to catch some of your work. Have been doing more posting than reading lately. Best regards David in NZ

Quoth Theraven
Date: 6/26/2021 10:40:00 PM

David, Thanks mate, I'm sure opportunities will lead and afford the chance to return the courtesy. Say in a poem of yours called 'Losses best avoided'. I think I like this one. -Richard

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 6/5/2021 7:19:00 AM

I am impressed, I think you may have topped yourself with this amazing piece. Now that is no small thing because you are a talented poet. Exceptional writing my friend. Blessings Rick.

Quoth Theraven
Date: 6/5/2021 6:46:00 PM

Rick, Thank you for that comment. Drove by the scene of my own crime. I'll fix what's broken, hopefully in time. -Richard

Heidi Sands

Date: 6/1/2021 5:16:00 AM

This poem stirs emotions. Very well written Richard. Captivating too :)

Quoth Theraven
Date: 6/2/2021 7:10:00 AM

Good morning Heidi, And thank you for your forest shadows and mountain mists. -Richard

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 5/31/2021 11:40:00 AM

This is wonderful poetry, Richard. So interesting and intriguing. Have a blessed holiday, Evelyn

Quoth Theraven
Date: 5/31/2021 7:25:00 PM

Hello Evelyn, Thank you for dropping by and for the comment. Wishes for all your Memorial Days and your poet's well-penned heart. -Richard

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/30/2021 1:28:00 PM

Reading the comments below, yes, this is a slice of life kind of poem turned reflective. I did one similar to it once, about a the Red Cross and feeling guilty always going past them during Xmas time because each day I was putting money into their cup, but they were always there every day. Well, I think you get the picture! There are beggars on our street corners now as we idle at red lights and I feel so odd. Do we get out of our cars at the light?? I never see people giving them money!

Quoth Theraven
Date: 5/31/2021 5:15:00 PM

Hello Andrea, Thank you. We put stock into things people say and do, never look to our own. What price a few flowers, what price for a soul. -Richard

Juliet Ligon

Date: 5/29/2021 10:58:00 PM

I love the way you set the scene with a complex analysis. I'm faving this one!

Quoth Theraven
Date: 5/31/2021 5:07:00 PM

Hello Juliet, Thank you for that comment. As some say.., the devil's in the details. -Richard

Gershon Wolf

Date: 5/29/2021 8:54:00 PM

This is beyond intriguing, Richard. Kind of perfect, I'd say. So it's into my FAVES with it, to wait for a second chance with the flower man! Happy Sunday, Gershon

Quoth Theraven
Date: 5/31/2021 3:02:00 PM

Gershon, Thank you. It happened last week. So many better deserving a second chance in life. I've passed up a hundred bouquets. -Richard

Anitha Jayasankar

Date: 5/29/2021 2:05:00 AM

Unexpected moments of our lives, sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter... but those moments, so valuable for us... you have captured the beauty of such moments in your well penned perfect poem Richard... God bless.. ~ Ani

Quoth Theraven
Date: 5/31/2021 1:40:00 PM

Anitha, Thank you for 'sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter'. The journey we all take one day at a time. -Richard

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 5/28/2021 11:38:00 AM

I like these 'slice of life' poems, there are so many little moments we wish we could go back to do over, maybe you can find that flower guy another day, and you can both give a little joy to each other~

Quoth Theraven
Date: 5/31/2021 1:34:00 PM

Michelle, Thank you. That would make a nice poetry book title 'slice of life'. We have to ask sometimes; can you find Providence among the gas pumps, divine salavation atop the Big Gulp machine? You just never know., when you will be tested. -Richard

L Milton Hankins

Date: 5/28/2021 8:53:00 AM

Loved your reverie, Quoth. Interesting, the flow kept me entranced until the last word. Nice writing.

Quoth Theraven
Date: 5/31/2021 1:22:00 PM

L Milton, Thank you. (You) must keep your head on a swivel when going to Seven Eleven. You never know when the judged become the jury. I enjoyed reading your philosophical Dizain 'My Conscience'. -Richard

Tom Cunningham

Date: 5/28/2021 7:19:00 AM

Quite an emotional write Richard, you carry on searching never giving up hope. Hope you have a lovely weekend. Tom

Quoth Theraven
Date: 5/31/2021 12:52:00 PM

Tom, Thank you, this Memorial Day week-end. They say you're not to use 'Happy'... What then? Have a somber Memorial Day. I say it with reverence for our fallen, and promise never to forget their sacrifice. I know they'd do the same for us if it were our lives given. -Richard

Vijay Pandit

Date: 5/28/2021 4:46:00 AM

This is that perfect poem, Richard. You captured the moments well--I have seen such a scene--you gave it feelings.

Quoth Theraven
Date: 5/30/2021 10:30:00 PM

Vijay, Thank you..you must tell me of it one day. I will continue to seek penance for my short sightedness. -Richard