Dancing On Thin Ice

Listen to poem:

the heart is always right
unless this time it’s wrong
and this time is not like all the others

this game he must not lose
too much at risk
no room for error

is it worth the risk
has he hit the point of no return
is it really worth the venture

if it’s a go
execution must be meticulous
indeed the stakes are high

this gamble must be calculated
pros and cons be tallied
well thought through in every detail

arsenal of charm and tactics
gone out on a limb
a joyride down a slippery slope

jeopardizing the crown
winner take all
in pursuit of the gauntlet

ripple effect of a backlash
a chain reaction
hanging in the balance

this sort of entanglement
not for the foolhardy
it’s no sitcom for buffoons

at the slightest hiccup
fallout could be disastrous
will he roll the dice

at what point does
temptation become obsession
and seriously cloud all judgment

precarious and unpredictable
impetuous and highly flammable
the repercussions for frivolity

the high cost of capricious reverie
its longterm aftermath
risky business




Published in my 24-page photo/anthology book ~CITYLIGHTS~ 2021

Read on air by invitation  ~  August 13, 2021  'LATE NIGHT POETS'

AP: 3rd place 2025, Honorable Mention 2022

Submitted on August 2, 2021 for A BRIAN STRAND YOUR CHOICE POETRY contest sponsored by BRIAN STRAND  -  RANKED 1ST

futureintrospectionlifepsychologicalrelationshipfree verse

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Ann Peck

Date: 8/21/2021 7:12:00 AM

Just found your wonderful poem. It could speak of the game of life. So many repercussions with the wrong move. It's often a dice throw...

Line Gauthier
Date: 8/21/2021 3:20:00 PM

Absolutely ~ thanks for your much appreciated visit and comment, Ann ~

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 8/17/2021 1:34:00 AM

A seriously great question "at what point does temptation become obsession and seriously cloud all judgment" I wish more would think and answer.

Line Gauthier
Date: 8/17/2021 3:34:00 AM

Thanks, Caren ~ let me know when it comes to you

Kim Merryman

Date: 8/5/2021 12:14:00 PM

Line, congrats on your win in Brian's contest with your well written, intriguing poem! Blessings, Kim M

Line Gauthier
Date: 8/5/2021 1:28:00 PM

Thank you very much, Kim ~

Delice Arleen Skelly

Date: 8/1/2021 1:44:00 AM

Hello Line, I read this piece with interest. I probably am wrong but this piece sounded like a game of chess. However, no matter it intrigued me no end...Delice

Line Gauthier
Date: 8/1/2021 4:18:00 AM

absolutely ~

Gershon Wolf

Date: 7/31/2021 8:29:00 PM

Wow! Such a narrative you've spun. So meticulously detailed -- and yet wide-open for the reader to fly fancifully on his own. A FAVE for me, Line! Thanks, gw

Line Gauthier
Date: 8/1/2021 4:19:00 AM

thank you so much, Gershon. I'm thrilled that this poem resonated with you ~

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/31/2021 8:05:00 PM

So much thought put into this "this gamble must be calculated pros and cons be tallied well thought through in every detail" love is always a risk!

Line Gauthier
Date: 8/1/2021 4:20:00 AM

so very true ~ thanks, Caren