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Companions

Cold is the iron bench I sit upon, watching for you on this cool Autumn morning but all I see is a lone slug moving slowly from lichen to lichen on the far arm rest, a thick trail of slime marks its supine passage. I remember our long talks as evening approached, sitting on this old worn bench, the sky blushing at us as it shared its multi-hued secrets, flowers fragrant and sweet. The birds singing songs of love to us but it all had to end. It was on your birthday when I told you I love you and gave you the gift, a thin gold chain. You just stared at me, the chain dangled between your fingers. Letting it slowly fall to the ground you smiled sadly then turned and walked away. That was the last time I sat on this bench, the last time I saw your gentle smile. Now, it is a lonely refuge for me and my torpid friend, a lost, eremitic soul, searching for what? Only he knows. How I wish to be him. I watch as he slowly traverses the handle when through the dim morning haze I glimpse a gleam of light from under the bench. It is the chain buried in the sand, only the clasp showing. I leave it for some young lovers to find. 08/17/16

Copyright © | Year Posted 2016




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Date: 6/1/2020 6:48:00 PM
oh yes, that heartbreaking one done in such a wonderful unique pattern. Excellent choice for the list as well. Yep, I bet I have seen all the ten poems that define you!!
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James Inman
Date: 6/1/2020 7:16:00 PM
Hey there wonderful lady. Thank you for visiting and for the nice comment. I still have a few of yours to read when I can.
Date: 4/21/2020 9:47:00 AM
Visually stunning, James. A lovely and touching read.
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James Inman
Date: 4/21/2020 11:34:00 AM
As I mentioned, this was prompted by a poet who posted before I started, seemingly disappeared, and started posting again years later with beautifully touching poems. She has disappeared again but I hope she still drops by occasionally to read some. Because the poem was written about her prompts I consider it a bit of homage to those poets here who host contests such as yourself. I can't do it. Thanks for another lovely comment Line.
Date: 9/3/2016 10:42:00 PM
What an in-depth story, James! The bittersweet ending of one couples separation leading to another's embrace is a beautiful moral to end on ... and, of course, the wavy way you formatted this poem is a nice touch.
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James Inman
Date: 9/4/2016 8:43:00 AM
Nice of you to visit Timothy, haven't heard from you for a while. Just finished reading your wonderful short story, "Never Out of Season," thanks for the nice comment.
Date: 8/18/2016 5:03:00 PM
WOW James I was hooked from beginning to end -and despite the fact I don't like slugs (lol) I love the way you end the poem back with your slimy friend and memories of that lost love. .Such a beautiful flow to your creative write - wish I could give it a 10:-) hugs jan xx
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Lynn Marie
Date: 8/21/2016 3:04:00 PM
...i stepped on one barefoot when i was 4...have never forgot it..lol
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James Inman
Date: 8/19/2016 6:09:00 AM
What a beautiful comment Jan. Thank you, and I am happy you enjoyed it. (I'm actually not big on slugs either. They are creepy little creatures.)
Date: 8/17/2016 3:43:00 PM
on my way off, I saw the girl before me told you bravo. I swear I did not see her comment first. It looks like it has to be a superb poem from you!
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Lynn Marie
Date: 8/17/2016 4:06:00 PM
..can never have too many "bravo's"..lol Bravo to you for your great mind :-) I don't read other comments before writing my own either..you are the first I know to do this too :-) xx
Date: 8/17/2016 3:42:00 PM
wow, what a fabulous ending on this one, James. Bravo1
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James Inman
Date: 8/18/2016 6:14:00 AM
Thank you Andrea.
Date: 8/17/2016 12:53:00 PM
Bravo..an ingenious piece, so beautifully crafted, I feel like I am eavesdropping on this man's private heartache. Your word choice is exquisite, the shape increasing the feelings of loss and the "singleness", for both slug and man. The "bench" is the "centre" where it all began, I feel a fondness for, the "thin gold chain" a token of love left with hope for another. Brilliantly composed, a great pleasure to read such Fine Art Sir :-) A timeless Etheree favourite:-) blessings, lynn
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James Inman
Date: 8/18/2016 6:17:00 AM
Well, what can I say. It was all about slugs and thin gold chains, wasn't it? Thanks for the inspiration. ...and the wonderful comment.
Date: 8/17/2016 12:47:00 PM
Beautiful write and beautiful memories...love the end!
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James Inman
Date: 8/18/2016 6:14:00 AM
Thank you, Chris, for the lovely comment.
Date: 8/17/2016 12:01:00 PM
Elegant write, James, I could see every movement of the slug and the shock face look in your eyes. Wow. I enjoyed reading. Hugs Eve
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James Inman
Date: 8/17/2016 12:16:00 PM
Thank you for your ever so kind comment Eve.

Book: Shattered Sighs