The Candy Store

The little girl stood outside the candy store
Pressing her nose against the window
Her lips wet 
Trying hard to swallow
What the sight of those candies 
Produced in abundance in her mouth...
The liquid anticipation of taste

It had been a long time 
Since a candy 
Had slowly dissolved
On her playful tongue
Oh, the bliss 
Yet she knew….
She could not have one

She looked longing at one particular kind
Her friend had given her just a lick of
Oh…it was so divine
She wanted one…all to herself
Not to share with anyone
To savor…..alone
To savor…long
Tasting every single flavor
That would burst on her tongue
How she wanted it
To fill her mouth with sticky sweetness
To help her forget
The bitterness of her days and nights
A little tear trickled down her cheek

Slowly she pulled herself away
And trudged on past the candy store
Perhaps, she was just not meant
To have certain treats
She smiled through her tears
As she kicked a stone aside
Now that she had seen it
At least she could dream
Of floating away
On sugary cotton candy clouds
Of wispy pink
Savoring in her mouth 
the glorious sweetness
Of her forbidden treat

Eileen Manassian Ghali
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Cabanes Avatar
January 18, 2014 at 1:30 AM
I love this poem.poignantly sweet. sometimes things we long to have just cannot be reached simply because they are not meant for us in the first place...<3
Cabanes Avatar
January 18, 2014 at 1:34 AM
making this my favorite. the image that this poem has evoked brings a memory of a little girl that we once were.
Anglesey Avatar
October 18, 2013 at 11:27 AM
The fulfillment we seek begins at such a young age. We learn to accept that we can't always grasp on to what we want but somehow need to find some comfort in what we have. There is always hope for better. Very thoughtful work
Manassian Avatar
October 21, 2013 at 3:20 PM
Sweet of you to share this insight, my dear....thanks......
Seal Avatar
October 17, 2013 at 7:57 PM
I felt the same way the other day looking at a Maserati through the showroom window, seems we can't always have what we want, but I'm just has happy buzzing along in my Peugeot-rati lol. Love the use of child and sweets in this write, suppose in some ways we never grow up. Super write. Take care, Richard
Manassian Avatar
October 18, 2013 at 10:08 AM
Oh....so cars do it for you, Mr Seal....If I had the money, I'd buy you one! I can't even buy my little candy....Be happy and content. I never do grow up, Mr Seal...I guess you must name me Baby Desert Orchid....
Lamoureux Avatar
October 17, 2013 at 7:56 AM
I really feel this one. When I was a kid we rarely got treats. I think that's why I have such a sweet tooth now. This is a powerful metophor for want and dreaming. Straight to my favorites.
Lamoureux Avatar
October 18, 2013 at 10:48 AM
now at this stage in my life I feel I have been given so much and sometimes I fear it will somehow slip away like I am living in a dream. If it is I don't wish to wake up.
Manassian Avatar
October 18, 2013 at 10:10 AM
Oh...it is bad to to get what you want. I was the youngest, a girl.....Mom had me at 41...I was a SURPRISE....After two boys, you can believe I got spoiled....Yea, used to getting what I want. Life isn't that way, though, and so.....it makes it that much more difficult to have and not to get....See, so I guess both ways....not a good thing. Thanks ever so much for faving this, Richard.
Jones Avatar
October 17, 2013 at 7:17 AM
Hello my Girl...what kind of candy do you love..I'll send some!!!!!!...make some.....whatever to get it to ya! .. :-) great poem.....love it when you write like this..you are very very good at it.....luv ya....MD
Manassian Avatar
October 18, 2013 at 10:11 AM
:) I don't love candy as much as I love decadent chocolate!!!! Anything gooey and oozing with that brown yummy stuff, and I'm yours! :) Hugs, MD....I know that you love me....I love you too! :)
J.T. Avatar
October 17, 2013 at 2:42 AM
It seems like we yearn most for the things we can't have. good poem
Manassian Avatar
October 18, 2013 at 10:11 AM
Now....ain't that the truth!
Carroll Avatar
October 16, 2013 at 8:47 PM
Hi Eileen, Lovely child like imagery here.. Ken
Manassian Avatar
October 18, 2013 at 10:12 AM
Thanks, Ken....sometimes the child in us never grows up!!! :)
Hendricks Avatar
October 16, 2013 at 6:52 PM
Awww, I feel sorry for this poor child. The forbidden is always best. Hey, girlfriend, check out an oldie of mine, "Lollie Junkie". It's kind of along the same lines but not - erm - quite (lol). I hope you're having a good one, my friend. Muuuchly warmly huggalies. Licia :-)
Manassian Avatar
October 18, 2013 at 10:13 AM
Licia....will look it up. I have a feeling I know what that one is all about, you naughty girl you! Huggalies back at ya!!!! Smooches too!
Bauer Avatar
October 16, 2013 at 6:27 PM
this poem captures yearning so well - great job, eileen! i enjoyed it...
Manassian Avatar
October 18, 2013 at 10:14 AM
Thanks, Ilene...I enjoyed your visit, my dear. Always a pleasure to hear from you!
Chircop Avatar
October 16, 2013 at 3:21 PM
Forbidden treats are always the sweeyest..Since they re forbidden..We pass by them..then dream about them..As such is life.We yearn for its sweetness and when we can t have such..We dream..and Our crave would be satisfied at least for a moment.An excellent poem dear
Manassian Avatar
October 18, 2013 at 10:16 AM
Yes, you are right, my dear. Isn't that the truth of the matter. How are you, sweetie? I hope that life is treating you well and that you are happy. You are as sweet as candy....
Onclaud Avatar
October 16, 2013 at 9:46 AM
ohhh, the craving serves as a poignant backdrop to this piece, creating a sense of heartache and redemption. well written,dear eileen... :) huggs
Manassian Avatar
October 18, 2013 at 10:17 AM
You captured the essence of this poem so well, Nette. Thanks ever so much for your visits and the lovely words of praise...
Tacito Avatar
October 16, 2013 at 9:38 AM
Innocence & need all wrapped in this beautiful & charming writing.
Manassian Avatar
October 18, 2013 at 10:14 AM
Thanks for your sweet comment, Drake...Sweet as candy!!!
Ekechukwu Avatar
October 16, 2013 at 8:14 AM
A very deep and creative work of art. Nicely penned. Kudos. Wishing you the best of luck. Hugs and love
Manassian Avatar
October 16, 2013 at 8:23 AM
Thanks ever so much for the visit and post. I appreciate it! :)
Matose Avatar
October 16, 2013 at 8:04 AM
emotional poem. It makes one see the true ill of need or deprivation...candies receding from her longing tongue like a mirage!
Manassian Avatar
October 16, 2013 at 8:07 AM
Yes, this isn't an actual experience, Joseph. I could have all the candies I want! ;) You have touched on that in the second part of your post. Yes....a mirage indeed. Thanks for stopping by...Always appreciated.
Matose Avatar
October 16, 2013 at 8:05 AM
By the way, I featured you in my latest poem: Popcorn Music....JM
Ryerson Avatar
October 16, 2013 at 7:14 AM
You keep topping yourself dear lady...The word 'bittersweet' never applied more in this beauty of yours - Tim
Manassian Avatar
October 16, 2013 at 8:22 AM
Thanks, Tim...Your post is ONLY sweet! :) Hugs
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