Notes About The Poem

'We Need To Talk'

I'm suddenly choking 
             On the disorienting fumes 
               Of unbearable suspense.
              Four words was all it took.               
             What does "We need to talk" 

                 Supposed to mean? 
                Oh, dear. I'm bracing...
             For a ravaging avalanche 
                  Of unsettling news 
                   To bury me whole.

              It's THAT bad, am I right?
      You guessed it, I do not feel good 
      About what you're about to tell me! 
              Not when you're wearing 
                  A concerning scowl.  

          What's on your mind, pray tell?
      Screw later, I'd prefer we talk, NOW.
        About what, though? One word...
       In that phrase, "need," engendered... 
      A paralysis of dread in me, you see.

                 Did someone we know 
          Get arrested and thrown in jail? 
         Is this some sort of twisted joke 
                   You're pulling on me?
       Does it mean I'm in the doghouse?

    Nope, I don't need to sit down for this.
               Why the prolonged wait?
               Come on, for God's sake,
                 Let me expel some air!
           Wait, this isn't a breakup, is it?


W T F Poetry Contest
Sponsored by John lawless
Date written: 05/29/2023
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Volumes Avatar
June 9, 2023 at 11:30 AM
Back to say congrats. Three excellent poems on the podium, must have been a hard decision.
Ibeh Avatar
June 11, 2023 at 11:49 AM
Thanks again, SV:-) Most obliged.
Lawless Avatar
June 8, 2023 at 1:19 PM
Well, Edward, I froze as i read the title. Being a guy, a father, grandfather and great grandfather I am SOOOO familiar with the overwhelming aura of THAT phrase. Thanks for entering the contest.
Ibeh Avatar
June 11, 2023 at 11:50 AM
Thank you very much for your wonderful visit, feedback and my placement, John:-) Most obliged.
Allison Avatar
June 8, 2023 at 11:05 AM
I love the build up in the poem Edward ...the waiting for clarification of 'we need to talk' is excruciating in circumstances like this. loved the poem, many congrats on your win:-) hugs Jan xx
Ibeh Avatar
June 11, 2023 at 11:52 AM
Thank you very much, Jan:-) I appreciate the visit and congratulations!
Poet Avatar
June 8, 2023 at 9:32 AM
Congratulations on your contest win, Edward. No doubt your poem was delightful and deserving of the honor.
Ibeh Avatar
June 11, 2023 at 11:51 AM
Thank you very much indeed, Lasaad:-)
Volumes Avatar
June 3, 2023 at 9:44 AM
Sorry, I did not intend to be ambiguous. I simply meant that after your mesmerizing one sided conversation, you did not tell us why you needed to talk. You left the reader wondering. (Like many good authors. you have left your readers tantalized, wanting to know the outcome).
Ibeh Avatar
June 3, 2023 at 11:39 AM
Thanks for the clarification and compliment, SV:-) No need to apologize, my friend. No offense taken whatsoever. Have a wonderful weekend...
Volumes Avatar
June 2, 2023 at 7:09 PM
Totally captivating. Engrossed, then no enlightenment!!!! How could you do this to your reader?
Ibeh Avatar
June 3, 2023 at 9:28 AM
Honestly, I'm not quite sure what you mean, SV, but thanks for the comments and visit to my poem page:) Welcome to Poetrysoup...
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