Vanilla

She seemed a bit pale
Not one you would turn to watch
Or linger on
Just simple
Almost hollow blue eyes
Wandering about
Searching
Her hair
A misty cloud
Adrift on her head
Her smile
A whispered sadness
Hiding
Beneath an angular nose
Her lips thin
Yet
Somehow not

They called her “Vanilla”
For they lacked
An eye for passion
Sensed no fire
Ignored the lure of hollow blues
The mystery of the misty cloud
Could not hear the whispered sadness
Nor the promise of her thin lips

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Susan Ashley

Date: 9/16/2023 9:59:00 AM

Dear John, I adore the intrigue, emotion and beauty of your verse. "Her hair/A misty cloud/Adrift on her head" - such a creative and haunting depiction. Congratulations for your excellent win in Charlotte's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 9/16/2023 7:42:00 AM

A very poignant write John. There's something about it that draws me in - I re-read it a few times. Congratulations! :)

Brian Sambourne

Date: 9/16/2023 7:15:00 AM

Greetings John, Your poem (for me) has real punch + resonance. I am partial to pared down poetry that sidesteps adjective layering. In addition, I often visit long term care homes + there is an elderly lady (wheelchair bound) who fits your images to a T. She is a "Vanilla lady." Congratulations! Brian

Ink Empress

Date: 9/16/2023 5:13:00 AM

“They called her vanilla” those last lines! What a unique and descriptive writ! I absolutely loved reading this. Well deserved win, congratulations John

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 9/16/2023 4:58:00 AM

this is a very effective piece; pared down language but full of impact.."her hair/a misty cloud/adrift on her head" - i like that a lot..this was one of the first entries i received, and it stayed with me - congrats on your win in my contest!

Craig Cornish

Date: 9/9/2023 7:12:00 PM

Wow, seductive enchanting and haunting!

Robert Lindley

Date: 9/6/2023 9:23:00 AM

A beauty is manna to the hungry eyes of the beholder my friend. A sensual lady strikes desires in a hungry young man. Very fine verse , and this is a fav. As it makes me remember someone from 1977. God bless.

Jerry Brotherton

Date: 9/6/2023 9:17:00 AM

Proof positive that beauty is not what lies on the surface but what is hidden within.

Panagiota Romios

Date: 9/5/2023 8:09:00 PM

A Beaty in simplicity thanks for overbearing lines, This is like a Portrait and I am going to safave it. Thanks for the beautiful, simple, humble wonderful poem. Panagiota x