The Width of a Table

it all began with a single glance across a restaurant table or two..

The Width of a Table

 

He could not help but notice her

Despite the obvious empty

Reserved table in no mans land

Between them

Of course she also had the waiter’s

Undivided attention

Which was not surprising

Given that she stood out like a

Beautiful sore thumb

 

He was also most impressed with

The way she held her fish knife

And later drew upon a Gauloises

A nice touch he thought

As some acquired reflex made him

Reach inside his jacket

Before remembering that he quit

Ten years or more ago

 

Then on making his way back

To the parking lot

He tossed the Alfa keys high

In the air and smiled

At his own reflection in the

Window of a Dry Cleaner on 

Station Road

 

He had caught her eye at least

And she smiled in his direction

Maybe next time or the next time

He hoped they might exchange

More than just a smile and those

Occasional glances thrown across

An empty table

That which perfectly divided them

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

So elegant, breathtaking and steeped in romantic nuance. Minimalist style renders maximum impact. “The Width of a Table” - the infinite, yet minute, space between two ‘potentials’-so electrically charged. A glance, the hand on a knife, a delicate exotic tendril of cigarette smoke, and finally....the smile (pregnant pause)...
Love your stark, noir verses and imagery as they play across the b&w celluloid reel Neville. Might there be a sequel???

[Neville]

You my friend are far too generous.. Thank you tho and so very much.... a sequel eh'.. who knows, depends on which way the ink flows, I s'pose.... Neville x

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

see love is everywhere inside you...you just gotta mix it well....stirred not shaken..it s gentler!

[Neville]

I will take your word for that Queenie.. nice thought.. thank you for touching down so gently... N

[Beccy]

The instant attraction between two people is a curious, almost mystical thing. It cannot be quantified, indeed, nor should it be. It is part of the magic of that glance across a crowded room, the fleeting glimpse of someone you pass in the street; someone you will never, ever know, but who for a few intense seconds, stirs both the heart and the soul. Such interludes say more than a million words ever could.

Love the whole poem; and the title is to die for.

Beccy.

[Neville]

Aw gawsh Beccy, now ya got me blushing all over...Many, many thank you's my friend..... N

[kianatahleigh]

I really liked how this poem made me look back at my own experiences, but also how it pulled me in and I felt the need to know what was going to happen in the future between these people.

[Neville]

thank you for considering these words of mine, your time and impression are very much appreciated.... All Good Things, Neville

[sette]

i love the way the poem makes me wonder what could be the ending?

[Neville]

Thanks sette.. I wonder too............. Neville

[Gee]

I found this usually worked..

Excuse Miss, May I kiss you ???

No

I suppose a shags out of the question then ??

This read like one of those moments when you make eye contact when on a bus, train and then spend hours wondering IF.
Good morning Neville, you are fast becoming one of the better writers to read on here.
Cheers

[Neville]

Get outa here you old softie... ya got me darn blushin all over... oh' and just between us two.. yeah they usually got me a smack in the face...cheers my friend..... Neville

[Ardra]

Beautifully written...
Those smiles and eye contact...and sweetness... :)
And you feel happy she noticed you ...
Mmm it's small things that makes life so intresting isn't it...
Like a stolen glance...
A wicked grin... and sometime you being the reason for it makes it all worth it...

I enjoyed reading this one...hope next time you offer to accompany her for tea/coffee....or buy her a cheese cake...lol... :p

[Neville]

what a beautiful review Ardra and what a delicious thought too.... thank you so much...... N x

[Lyn Anderson]

That fleeting bit of romance that could be.

[Neville]

story of my life.........

[Chris Shaw]

I liked this poem very much. It was so visual and you created great ambience. I would imagine there could also have been a sort of awkwardness, two people alone, eating on separate tables separated by one marked reserved. I start wondering about eye contact, whether there was much? And there you are, you have drawn me in to that restaurant. Whatever eye contact there could have been certainly wasn't sufficient, something more was needed. And you gave that, throwing the keys up high in the air to be sure she noticed, and it worked. A nice smile to finish off. Good evening Neville.

Chris

[Neville]

All in me head chuck.... Good Evening Chris and ta so very much..... N

[Chris Shaw]

I like what's in your head Neville:)) When you write, your readers never know what they are going to get. Hope your BBQ was great fun.

[Neville]

might need to write one about food poisoning then......... only kidding... BBQ was good ta x

[Chris Shaw]

:)) x ...........

[Neville]

..............x )):

[Gee]

Oy you two, get a room :))

[Neville]

Gee, you are such a spoilsport Gee...

[Gee]

Chuckling here...

[Chris Shaw]

Gee, I think you've got a bit confused. It's Neville's poem you should be responding to here, not our banter. Now go and leave him a nice comment to show you've read his work :))

[Gee]

Oops....on it