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When the Party Is Over

The guests had all left; the band had stopped playing No more witty remarks, no more 'As I was saying' Decorations strewn casually on the floor here and there Half-filled glasses of champagne's stale odor downstairs We looked at each other; we managed to smile Surrounded by emptiness, crusted dishes in piles Our heads still a-buzz from the night's gay repartee These aches in our joints, souvenirs of exuberant glee Turn back the hands of the clock, O you Guardians of Night Nevermore burst forth rays of the dawn of morn's light Play the music forever; let the champagne flow upstream Perpetuate laughter, delicacies dainty, and dreams For memories dim, as events recede in Time's sands When the party is over, who will strike up the band June 24, 2019 After the Party Poetry Contest Sponsor: Anthony Slausin

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Michelle Faulkner

Date: 6/27/2019 1:48:00 PM

This is a brilliant sonnet, perfect for the contest, here's hoping for a high placement!

Gershon Wolf
Date: 6/27/2019 2:23:00 PM

From your pen to the sponsor's ear, Michelle. Thank you for the support in the contest. Greatly appreciated. Best wishes, gw

Geoffrey Brewer

Date: 6/27/2019 6:35:00 AM

A nice mixture of the positive acceptance and the sardonic - perceptive and witty - I like it, Gershon (No! Spellchecker; not ‘Gershwin’)

Gershon Wolf
Date: 6/27/2019 9:28:00 AM

Thank you so much for your generous evaluation of this write. How much do I owe you?!...And as for 'Gershwin,' I could do worse, by George. LOL. Thanks again, and best wishes, George Wolfwin

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 6/25/2019 7:06:00 PM

I am glad you were still smiling. In some circles when the party is over, the fighting begins in earnest. "We looked at each other; we managed to smile Surrounded by emptiness, crusted dishes in piles" - loved this, because it is the one time that no one is cleaning plates out quickly.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 6/25/2019 8:19:00 PM

Yeah, you're right. I hadn't thought of that. I just remember throwing big parties and being too exhausted afterward to get angry (or to clean up either). It was either smile or cry. Smiling only takes 6 muscles; crying and frowning takes 11. ~ Lazybones in Chicago

M. L. Kiser

Date: 6/25/2019 5:14:00 PM

Most likely it will be a barking dog band with the moon as inspiration. Loved it. Good luck.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 6/25/2019 8:17:00 PM

--Or, in my case, a howling wolf band with the moon as inspiration. Thanks for the suggestion. Great idea! :) gw

Ilene Bauer

Date: 6/25/2019 3:35:00 PM

well done, gershon! best of luck in the contest. sounds like a winner to me!

Gershon Wolf
Date: 6/25/2019 8:17:00 PM

Oh, thank you, Ilene! I do hope this one place somewhere in the contest. Who knows? Spin the roulette wheel. :) gw

Laura Leiser

Date: 6/25/2019 12:40:00 AM

Great flow using the Sonnet form for the after party summation, Gershon! Love the humor, as well! Hope this does well in the contest! :)

Gershon Wolf
Date: 6/25/2019 2:35:00 PM

Thank you for your kind words, Laura, and for your good wishes in the contest. Best always, Gersho

Lindsay Laurie

Date: 6/24/2019 8:50:00 PM

Hello Gershon … nice easy to read and well rhymed verse with a moral to finish that many of us ask ourselves - Lindsay

Gershon Wolf
Date: 6/24/2019 9:17:00 PM

Thank you so much, Lindsay... In terms of the last two lines (who will strike up the band) -- Just have to start planning the next party! :) gw

Line Gauthier

Date: 6/24/2019 6:55:00 PM

Wonderfully penned, Gershon.

Line Gauthier
Date: 6/24/2019 9:16:00 PM

Love the champagne theme.

Gershon Wolf
Date: 6/24/2019 9:16:00 PM

Line, you're just too nice to me. Appreciate all of your encouragement. Best wishes, Gershon