Just a Walk Away

Inside worn and weathered walls,
Nobles and commoners
Gather and share 
In the field of rosiness.
Together, they are
Composed, well organized.
Each one partaking in blind optimism.
Knowing truly, that
The odds prevail.

Uneasy
My eyes penetrate
The bleached and waxen folds
Of my buttoned-up, grown-up gown.
Cascading, suffocating
The pale, coarse mesh
Chafes and bites my skin.
Two perfectly fitted pearls
Glow and twitch
As I stand rooted,
Unwavering.
The train, ready for action,
Playfully courts the dusty stone.
And I rehearse and cling to
The delicate sensibility that 
“I am doing the right thing.”
“I am doing the right thing.”

Anxiety flourishes and
Doubt ripens under my tender care.
The thick fruit thrives
After months of incubation.
Nimble fingered, truth
Is busy, eagerly
Fusing and wiring herself to my soul.
Driven, she hails my attention.
Waving,
She wiggles her little fingers at me
And with a barbed and knowing glare,
She pleads with me from afar.
Willfully, I repeat my mantra.
“I am doing the right thing.”
“I am doing the right thing.”


Faithfully,
The rancid chorus begins.
I flinch, and flaunt my hollow smile.
The train sways,
Excited for life.
Breathless
I stand anchored,
Clutching a condemned bouquet.
I survey the waiting rabble.
Scowls, scrutiny, scorns.
Dusty brittle hair,
Spectacles and flowery hats,
Moving back and forth
In unison.
A mutual nod of disapproval.
The gasps and murmurs 
Trickle and ooze 
Through the blurry layers 
Of the jaw dropped gapers.

I can see him now,
Green eyes searching
Wild with fear.
My paper coat unravels,
He sees me.
He knows.
Praying, holding on,
He pushes forward.
Crunching, crinkling underfoot
Painfully,
Pressing onward.
He is just within reach.
Shaking,
I touch my fingers to my lips
And 
I turn 
And walk away.
Joyfully she whispers 
“You are doing the right thing!”
“You are doing the right thing!”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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A  Avatar
July 21, 2016 at 2:31 PM
nice to see this one again, Lori..skat
A  Avatar
April 26, 2015 at 1:04 AM
Lori, Stopping by with a nice, sweet Welcome to Poetry Soup. I will get much delight in reading and in time become familiar with your verse. As for now, I will greet you with the same smile others passed when I first joined the soup. Wishing you and your poetry the best. I hope you get to meet all the nice poets around here STARTING with me- SKAT :-) Please drop a hello and tell me a little about yourself if you wish. I would like to be your newest poetry soup "FRIEND" Hugs* SKAT
A   Avatar
April 25, 2015 at 11:58 PM
Lori, Congratulations in John Lawless "Just Within Reach" contest. Always ~ LINDA ~
Andresen Avatar
April 21, 2015 at 2:03 PM
- Hello Lori :) - I want to welcome you to the P-Soup - You have come to the right place, here you will find many talented poets :) - Share your work, try two get some "poets" friends :) - // Anne-Lise :)
A   Avatar
April 19, 2015 at 6:48 PM
Lori, A nice warm WELCOME to poetry soup. I hope you have fun with this wonderful community. You'll find many friendly poets who are ready to support and give positive feedback. I will enjoy following you and your poetry when you are ready :) We are Lucky To Have you. Enjoy 2015, with New Poet Friends @-> LINDA <-@
Leake Avatar
April 19, 2015 at 3:28 PM
I enjoyed your verse Lori, Have a nice evening God Bless you Kevin
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