Caution

Don't transfix me with a gaze that shakes 
my complacency and threatens to resurrect
feelings I let die--actually bludgeoned to death—
eons ago.

Don't speak to me in that seductive tone, 
reminding me that I am flesh, not a well-oiled 
machine. Don't touch me with demanding hands 
that seek the warmth and fulfillment I can't, 
or won't, provide. 

A final warning:
If you must try to summon forth a dead or 
dormant thing, do so not simply for the challenge 
of conquest.

Awakened things must be nurtured. 


Posted October 16, 2017

October 29, 2018, entered in Julia Ward's contest--Favorite Free Verse
from October or November 2017

Entered in Brian Strand's Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Brewer Avatar
November 9, 2018 at 8:56 PM
Powerful words arousing thoughts and memories, I might prefer to forget. Well written, Janice.
Canerdy Avatar
November 9, 2018 at 10:09 PM
I know what you mean, Geoffrey. Thanks so much for your comment! Janice
Gauthier Avatar
November 3, 2018 at 8:57 PM
Congrats on your top win, Janice.
Canerdy Avatar
November 3, 2018 at 10:25 PM
Thanks so much, Line! Janice
Lindley Avatar
October 22, 2017 at 1:55 PM
Great advice to men that have not learned, to be kind, gentle and truly sincere in their loving.. I love both the depth and wisdom this gem displays my friend! A fav....
Canerdy Avatar
October 22, 2017 at 8:05 PM
Thank you so much for this encouraging comment, Robert! Janice
Hamilton Avatar
October 16, 2017 at 10:31 PM
This is really good Janice, not just for conquest, a good warning to foolish men! Hope this does well in the contest!
Canerdy Avatar
October 16, 2017 at 10:38 PM
Thank you so much, John! Janice
Pandit Avatar
October 16, 2017 at 4:24 PM
So many apt warnings ---very well done, Janice--the heart awakens!
Canerdy Avatar
October 16, 2017 at 9:42 PM
Thanks, Vijay! Janice
Dietrich Avatar
October 16, 2017 at 4:23 PM
You really went to work fast on her contest theme. How well said, and that last line of is the point of it all! I really like this, Janice.
Canerdy Avatar
October 16, 2017 at 9:42 PM
Thanks so much, Andrea! Janice
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