Both Sides For Me

The look of pity on the saleswoman's face said it all
my paint spattered clothing, however the jeans fit
just didn't have that panache, chic pizazz, tongue hanging
inspiration for desire a young woman out to have.

The car dealer took one look at me, led me to the far
corner of the lot, showed me the used hot rods
the beater four doors, the budget cutters like I'd rode
but I wanted glossy black, silver hood ornament, brand new.

Paint is supposed to sit on top of your nails, but underneath
is advantageous when compared to oil, to muck, to dirty guts
so I was a step on the ladder of the working man, 
I could even afford to buy hose, which I still don't wear.

There's something to be said for the over glasses, safety 
glasses look, white paper coat, something comical 
one supposes, but the purple overalls worn for skiing
which suddenly I could afford, made me my nephews joke.

At times I waited for a date who preferred the bar
called and said maybe later, because passion rumbled
between us when we kissed but I didn't want a flit,
disease, broken promise, I wanted to be embraced

Cozy now, body motion are promises and content
passion is beyond me, the bar on the patio in back
the hand I always hold a missing app that answers
more lonely than any mistaken wish that he'd be the one.

Stars, too, I climbed to them in my dream, climbed
the Space Needle and found my self with no safety net
I always avoided those climbs the dreams more nightmare
even though I do what I am told, to reach, to soar.

Sometimes now I wear black on gold dresses which fit
to the nth inch, so I can barely sit, hold champagne
to watch golden bubbles float against the elegant
white linen against starry night event, that's rich, success.

Dump it gladly for a romp on the beach, the missing
something like threads through a woven maze,
like an angel's hope. When I dump it all and seek
there's grace lying on the shores between the rocks

a pooled place where deer come to lick minerals,
boulders come unglued and sail down river
and think, maybe I could do that. Maybe I could
unglue all the expectations and rearrange the world.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Krutsinger Avatar
September 13, 2018 at 7:35 AM
This one is way too great to comment about. I am faving it instead.
Inman Avatar
February 26, 2016 at 8:49 AM
What a beautiful, well written, emotional poem. Your introspective musings move me and leave me in contemplation.
Romaine Avatar
September 17, 2015 at 8:44 AM
Hey Sheri, stopped by for a visit and to say thank you. First - this is an intense and deeply introspective Quatrain - I love the many varied situations experienced and great imagery. Excellent writing and expression. Second - I want to thank you for the "honorable mention" in your contest Out of Water for my poem "In Fantasy Land" back in March. Please forgive me for taking so long to thank you. I just discovered it today and I appreciate it truly very much. Be Blessed, Neva
Richards Avatar
April 4, 2015 at 5:12 PM
I agree with Andrea, this poem is wonderfully written, and gives deep thought from the reader, if only we could rearrange the world Love this so much!
Dietrich Avatar
December 9, 2014 at 11:19 PM
wow, so many contrasts going on in this one. it's very deep and very intelligently written. One of the best I have seen today, dearie.
Horn Avatar
November 3, 2014 at 8:05 AM
Aha. Seahawks, Sounders and the Sonics of long ago all with that S sound. Lived in Redmond for 30 years. Lovely, beautiful place even though wet at times. Poem has one continuous, smooth flow. Could say each line to myself in one breath. Only one problem though. When will you be writing more? Jim Horn
Harper Avatar
November 3, 2014 at 10:05 PM
I am slowly making my way into more, thanks much for the visit and the encouragement James.
Yvonne Avatar
October 19, 2014 at 7:04 AM
This is just excellent. You are a wonderful poet. I am so happy I took the time to reach out to your poetry. What a delight.
Harper Avatar
November 3, 2014 at 10:05 PM
Thanks so much Maurice, I appreciate such kindness.
Petersen Potter Avatar
October 8, 2014 at 10:38 PM
Very good poem Sheri! It made me smile. And enjoyable read my friend! ;) have a great day or night! Love peace and light! xxx D.
Richards Avatar
October 8, 2014 at 9:45 AM
I had to go back and read this again, more than once, to get the full sense of sad irony. So well thought out, and graphically accurate, and love the sarcastic approach that is so real.
Richards Avatar
October 8, 2014 at 9:46 AM
PS.....while I'm here, I must thank you also, I'm so pleased that you liked my Teeter-totter poem. What a creative theme for a contest......that was a fun idea! Thank you!
Kamoonpuri Avatar
October 8, 2014 at 1:07 AM
Woah sublime and extraordinary poetic goings on. The descriptions are fascinating in literary devices and imagery. I likd esp the last stanza. Great to read u again.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace