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Finally relaxing on my high-rise roof I notice you across the street on your balcony seemingly aloof listening to vintage Carly Simon "... you say we can keep our love alive" You stare my way and energetically waive "Babe all I know is what I see" I hesitate, smile and then return the gesture "The couples cling and claw" As if on cue you stand and press against the railing "and drown in love's debris" Still smiling as my heart beats faster "... we'll soar like two birds through the clouds" "What's your name?" you playfully cry out "But soon you'll cage me on your shelf" "Who wants to know?" is my surprising reply "I'll never learn to be just me first by myself" Sudden flashbacks hijack my thinking "... it's time we moved in together and raised a family of our own, you and me" Why is this happening? Why am I sinking? "... that's the way I've always heard it should be you want to marry me, we'll marry" I hear your beseeching, unintelligible shouts as I retreat Painful memories open like an oubliette under my feet— p l u n g i n g Lost and languishing in isolation's labyrinth 8/8/2020 Same Old Song Poetry Contest Sponsor: Beth Evans Italicized lyrics from the song "That's the Way I've Always heard It Should Be" (1971) written by Carly Simon and Jacob Brackman.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2020




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Date: 2/12/2021 2:32:00 PM
Congrats...late but congrats.
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Toney Avatar
Mark Toney
Date: 2/26/2021 9:33:00 AM
Thank you, Barbara!
Date: 8/16/2020 7:00:00 PM
Hey Mark, loved the write, Carly Simon is one of the best ever, glad you got placed in the contest, for me it is a top winner!
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Mark Toney
Date: 8/16/2020 8:31:00 PM
Why thank you kind sir. It means a lot. ~Mark
Date: 8/13/2020 4:35:00 PM
Enjoyed your rooftop escapade, and I applaud your considerable restraint.
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Mark Toney
Date: 8/13/2020 5:32:00 PM
Thank you, Leo. Best wishes to you. ~Mark
Date: 8/12/2020 3:51:00 PM
I'm a Carly Simon fan, and I like what you did here, presenting her song as the backdrop to the story, and how it foretells the ending - best wishes for the contest!
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Mark Toney
Date: 8/13/2020 5:33:00 PM
Thanks for the heads-up, Michelle.
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Michelle Faulkner
Date: 8/13/2020 3:33:00 PM
Sorry, I thought it was for the 'Same Old Song' contest, you should consider entering, if you haven't already-
Toney Avatar
Mark Toney
Date: 8/12/2020 7:18:00 PM
I appreciate your detailed observation, Michelle. What contest are you referring too? ~Mark