Edward Ibeh | + Follow Poet |
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'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 © Edward Ibeh | Year Posted 2023

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Speaks Volumes Date: 6/9/2023 11:30:00 AM Back to say congrats. Three excellent poems on the podium, must have been a hard decision. Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 6/11/2023 11:49:00 AM Thanks again, SV:-) Most obliged.

John Lawless Date: 6/8/2023 1:19:00 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. Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 6/11/2023 11:50:00 AM Thank you very much for your wonderful visit, feedback and my placement, John:-) Most obliged.

Jan Allison Date: 6/8/2023 11:05:00 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 Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 6/11/2023 11:52:00 AM Thank you very much, Jan:-) I appreciate the visit and congratulations!

Sotto Poet Date: 6/8/2023 9:32:00 AM Congratulations on your contest win, Edward. No doubt your poem was delightful and deserving of the honor. Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 6/11/2023 11:51:00 AM Thank you very much indeed, Lasaad:-)

Speaks Volumes Date: 6/3/2023 9:44:00 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). Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 6/3/2023 11:39:00 AM Thanks for the clarification and compliment, SV:-) No need to apologize, my friend. No offense taken whatsoever. Have a wonderful weekend...

Speaks Volumes Date: 6/2/2023 7:09:00 PM Totally captivating. Engrossed, then no enlightenment!!!! How could you do this to your reader? Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 6/3/2023 9:28:00 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...