Notes About The Poem

The One That Got Away - Silence of What Ifs

If a poet falls in love with you
you will live forever.
Atticus Finch - To kill a mockingbird.

In the midst of conundrums, of 'what ifs.'

I dislike the ocean,
its bitter saltiness, brings no joy.
Perched safely, upon the highest cliff,
watching waves surge upon the shore.
They are a constant reminder of
how you waved goodbye.

Each ripple carried you away - forever.

Lost in reflection,
sentimental memories remain eternal.

Recalling how the sun caressed your face,
mirroring your spirited smile -
like a lantern in my darkness.

Still unforgettable -
the joy in those soulful eyes -
each time you glanced at me.

Nonchalantly, I would follow you.
As we walked without a care -
you never seeming to tire.

In our youthful playground,
rusty see-saws and swings 
still remember our laughter and tears -
that first sophomoric kiss

and I can still taste you.

When night would arrive,
there was no fear, hand in hand.
You were like a mystical pixie,
glowing in the enchantment of moonlight -
it would illuminate through your eyes.

We could have danced all night,
our souls ascending to the heavens.
But, I was afraid of new horizons,
because, I knew you would depart -
just like a shooting star.

Without thinking,
I broke your heart -
before you could heal mine.

I remain in the silence of 'what ifs.'
But, I smile, content -
knowing that once there was a time,
your heart and mine, 
merged like day and night. 

Simple Musing
4 July 2020

This is a fictional poem.
An example for the 'One who got away' contest.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Decker Avatar
November 6, 2020 at 9:03 PM
Your way with words hold a kind of sweet tortured enchantment. I’m moderately delighted of the vivid imagery created negating excessive details. Very beautiful!
One Avatar
November 7, 2020 at 9:26 AM
Thank you.. Sometimes, I forget poems, that I have written, this was a nice reminder..
Robinson Jr. Avatar
July 17, 2020 at 7:21 AM
Such a beautiful poem, SO! Deeply emotional. This undertow of timeless introspection pulled me under, yet willingly I gave my surrendering eyes to this poetic majesty. Stellar ink, my dear friend. Love and more love always.
Robinson Jr. Avatar
July 17, 2020 at 7:22 AM
Btw ... thanks for the great quote! May love and peace rest upon you always.
Tor Avatar
July 9, 2020 at 5:50 PM
Wonderfully written, and those that have experienced some of your intimate details can appreciate the level of love mixed in with emotions that transcend ones soul. An exceptional entry for the Contest Silent One...
Daniel Avatar
July 8, 2020 at 8:58 AM
Such beautiful words intricately woven into this intriguing poem, SO, beyond beautiful:)
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 1:42 PM
Wow, beautiful and heartfelt even if fiction, Silent! I should have read this before I entered the contest. Blessings, Rhonda xx
Teagan Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 10:02 AM
wow. I LOVE this, Silent One. Your writing has developed and I absolutely adore where it has taken you. There is a stanza in here that I believe stand completely alone. I will write it in a single post next. This is a favorite for me.
Teagan Avatar
July 7, 2020 at 10:02 AM
"Without thinking, I broke your heart - before you could heal mine"
Rose  Avatar
July 6, 2020 at 11:43 AM
You got this Silent One, and I doubt it if it doesn't reach the stars of poetry soup, even if it doesn't , its definitely reached my podium, Love and light xo
Horsman Avatar
July 6, 2020 at 9:11 AM
Been there and done that, yet t'was nothing like your wonderful Poetry...
Proxenos Avatar
July 6, 2020 at 1:47 AM
What if that was the one, what if we had carried on, what if it was all wrong, what if it was meant to be strong, what if, what if , what if,life cannot be perfect, some things or persons disappear from our grasp, they were just not meant to be! A lovely poem with much emotion. Blessings and hugs Jennifer.
Marc Avatar
July 5, 2020 at 7:17 PM
I love it :)
Ball Avatar
July 5, 2020 at 5:00 PM
Love is a living thing and like all living things without the proper nourishment it will wither and die. A very touching piece my friend. Filled with beautiful imagery and much emotion. God Bless. JB
DiMino Avatar
July 5, 2020 at 4:37 PM
Riveting imagery driving this poem. Relatable emotions coming ashore and into focus like tsunami. I guess in this finite world, it is better to have at least touched boughs for a memorable moment, than to pass as those lonely ships in the night running out of time. I have lots of regrets. Many apologies I wish I could give. Great read, Si!
Lindley Avatar
July 5, 2020 at 2:24 PM
I love this beautifully wrought and very inspirational piece my friend. As I have had a lot- far too man,y of those what ifs, in my youth. A true gem and a fav too.... God bless...
Lindley Avatar
July 5, 2020 at 6:33 PM
Yes ,too many. And pains that still to this day hurt. Yet life travels ever onward into the shades Time's ever speeding echoes of eternity.
One Avatar
July 5, 2020 at 3:20 PM
Oh that sounds like s lot of losses... Thank you Robert .
Michael Avatar
July 5, 2020 at 11:18 AM
The things we do because of fear...Almost as if too much good is bad...then we immortalize it...Well done
One Avatar
July 5, 2020 at 3:19 PM
Indeed or immaturity... Thank you
Sharp Avatar
July 5, 2020 at 8:05 AM
Well written, Si, there is great poetic artistry in this piece.
One Avatar
July 5, 2020 at 3:18 PM
Thank you..
Riabi Dziri Avatar
July 5, 2020 at 7:17 AM
The "what ifs" might bring a fleeting sensation of satisfaction as they might leave a bitter taste of regret. They might shape a whole world we dream to embrace and attempt to defy both time and fate. The "what ifs", a boon for a great loss! a relief from an unbearable ache! the power to capture the beauty of the past and transcend it to the wonder of the dream! Your words, Silent One emanate from a deep perception of such a real state so many relate to.. you wrap them in a so beautiful poetry!
One Avatar
July 5, 2020 at 3:18 PM
Thank you Besma...
Nicole Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 10:44 PM
A heart will always question- moments of yesterday. Of a love that it once knew. This is beautiful, tender and emotional- all at the same time. ~ Brandy
One Avatar
July 5, 2020 at 3:15 PM
Indeed... Thank you
Dietrich Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 8:30 PM
Yours musings are rarely simple, Silent One .This is gorgeous!! (love that quote at the top. it's so true!)
One Avatar
July 5, 2020 at 3:15 PM
Thank you...Every poet has one..
Cunningham Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 5:08 PM
The one that got away, how we all look back and think of old flames and what it would been like if we had carried on, unfortunately it's the great unknown. Great example for your contest S. O. Tom
One Avatar
July 5, 2020 at 2:29 PM
Yes I think many have one that got away...
Goff Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 1:46 PM
Love this! read your explanation, realized I had similar theme so made some minor edits, bobs yer uncle...
One Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 4:23 PM
Thanks..
Dhaka Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 11:39 AM
Each ones childhood memories... I can see my self in your poem...beautifully expressed.
One Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 4:22 PM
Thank you..
May Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 11:31 AM
A sentiment journey of a love that got away, Well penned Silent
One Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 4:22 PM
Thank you..
Roper Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 10:41 AM
<3
One Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 4:22 PM
Thanks
Pandit Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 9:47 AM
She lives forever in the poet's mind--fictional though it may be, your poem speaks of enchanting love from the treasures of youth that we have all experienced in some form. And many such don't survive the test of time. Details of your verses take the reader back in time to a special place, SO.
One Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 4:21 PM
It is fiction.. but there have been love interests who I often think about... Thanks Vijay..
Andresen Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 9:09 AM
- I love your example ... I hope you will "love" my contribution :))) - Have a wonderful weekend, my friend S.O. :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
One Avatar
July 4, 2020 at 4:20 PM
Thank you..I am sure yours is great..
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