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

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
June 1, 2020 at 6:48 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!!
Inman Avatar
June 1, 2020 at 7:16 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.
Gauthier Avatar
April 21, 2020 at 9:47 AM
Visually stunning, James. A lovely and touching read.
Inman Avatar
April 21, 2020 at 11:34 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.
Hicks Avatar
September 3, 2016 at 10:42 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.
Inman Avatar
September 4, 2016 at 8:43 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.
Allison Avatar
August 18, 2016 at 5:03 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
Marie Avatar
August 21, 2016 at 3:04 PM
...i stepped on one barefoot when i was 4...have never forgot it..lol
Inman Avatar
August 19, 2016 at 6:09 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.)
Dietrich Avatar
August 17, 2016 at 3:43 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!
Marie Avatar
August 17, 2016 at 4:06 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
Dietrich Avatar
August 17, 2016 at 3:42 PM
wow, what a fabulous ending on this one, James. Bravo1
Inman Avatar
August 18, 2016 at 6:14 AM
Thank you Andrea.
Marie Avatar
August 17, 2016 at 12:53 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
Inman Avatar
August 18, 2016 at 6:17 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.
Hagy Avatar
August 17, 2016 at 12:47 PM
Beautiful write and beautiful memories...love the end!
Inman Avatar
August 18, 2016 at 6:14 AM
Thank you, Chris, for the lovely comment.
Roper Avatar
August 17, 2016 at 12:01 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
Inman Avatar
August 17, 2016 at 12:16 PM
Thank you for your ever so kind comment Eve.
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