The Breakup

Waiting. The minutes groan arduously.
Somehow, perhaps – my heart fails to beat
with the rush of your momentary attention.
Perched precariously on spikes
Flesh colored, yet artificial – 
Manikin fingers, fidgeting.
Mournfully drenched in factious apology.
Our eyes meet briefly, then dart with bashfulness,
Choreographed precisely. 
Words uttered repetitively from wine stained lips 
Fill the tortuous silence – hesitantly.  
Your hollow ghost memory, porous and unsubstantial.

'We can work at this, ' you finally choke
An unfamiliar innocence, grasping -
Your voice childlike in its simplicity.
And for a second, I recognized that old stranger. 
I muster a skeptical nod – and smile limply, dismissively 
Fingering the rim of my glass. 
'And deceive ourselves with promises made before?'
I winced with audacity – impatient of your feeling,
As the words ripped your heart out clean.
You clear your throat in an effort to speak -
Those words never did surface...
My acid tongue, an all too familiar indulgence.

I raise hesitantly, your gaze fixated as I shrink.
A tormenting embrace, clothing saturated in your scent
Sodden with tears unshed.
Humoring your touch with finality – 
An unspoken understanding sneered behind the mask.
Face taunt with incomprehension, as sorrow squeezed out the substance.
I avoid the depths of my black dying heart, defiantly.
Anemic with reluctance – I usher the door
A smiling parody of phantom reminisce -
Poisonous and seductive. 
An enormous tear got away,
As you lay fragile and broken – bereft.


I’m sorry.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Guzzi Avatar
November 29, 2012 at 3:27 PM
So many good lines! such power..wonderful vocabulary..why aren't you writing more for us? fav line [Anemic with reluctance – I usher the door] Light & Love
A   Avatar
November 21, 2012 at 10:36 PM
JOSHUA,, Stopping by to greet you and every other soup poet, with a special thank you comment, during this wonderful Thanksgiving season. Hope you do not mind the time I am taking to express my sincere appreciation for any support you have offered during the years, or time you have been here on the soup. I am deeply thankful and extend to you my best wishes for a happy and healthy Poetic Magical Thanksgiving Day. *Always & Forever, the Poet Destroyer; -*
Makama Avatar
June 11, 2012 at 6:01 AM
This is great... I really enjoyed it. Nice to get such a blessing in such a beautiful monday afternoon.
Rider Avatar
November 4, 2011 at 10:21 PM
My heart is breaking. ~Tru~
Keally Avatar
November 4, 2011 at 1:48 PM
This is such a wonderful poem, even though the topic is one that no one ever wants to face. It is beautifully written, as well. Congratulations on the feature, as well!
A   Avatar
October 31, 2011 at 6:30 PM
JOSHUA, Congratulations on your featured poem of the week.. take care and have yourself a safe and fun Halloween night,..p.d.
Brown Avatar
October 31, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Congratulations Joshua on your well deserving poetry being featured this week. Love, Carol
Mccoy Avatar
September 17, 2011 at 2:44 AM
Exellent description and a sharp perception of the formentioned topic!! Very well done...CHEERS!!
Abbey-Mensah Avatar
June 10, 2011 at 4:05 PM
Wonderful write and congratulations on its feature, really excellent flow... Well chosen vocabulary...
Brown Avatar
June 10, 2011 at 6:27 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Joshua. It is an honor to be on the list with you this week. May you find the inspiration to keep you writing. Love, Carol
Mehta Avatar
June 7, 2011 at 8:45 AM
My congratulations on your poem being featured this week, Joshua
Greenwood Avatar
April 28, 2011 at 2:06 PM
both moving and beautiful .. you've set the scene perfectly and i think we've all been there.. i'll look out for some more of your poems in the future.naomi
Brown Avatar
April 28, 2011 at 7:29 AM
Enjoyed reading your excellent poetry again today Joshua. I will be back again to read more. Please continue to write and share your poetry with us. The best to you in your writing endeavors whatever they may be. Love, Carol
Brown Avatar
April 26, 2011 at 5:16 AM
Congratulations on your win in the contest Joshua. Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
April 25, 2011 at 11:27 AM
Congrats Joshua on your HM in the Crisis contest with this excellent entry for Paula.. wonderful write .. enjoy your very special honor with luv..
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