THE TELEGRAM

change of heart ...for the moment

THE TELEGRAM

I bide for a few days

Tinker around the house

Muttering to myself about voids

Struggle to immerse

Fantasize a bit

Consider the written word to my soldier

 

I persist to brood over my sentiments  

I need a walk, freshen up my whims

T’is a chill in the air as I plant my feet outside

The sun illuminates the sky

Cotton clouds waft by

leaves stir in faint breeze

                              

 I trod along a familiar path that leads to the bridge

Memories rouse in my mind about our meetings there

I sense goose bumps on my skin

Birdsongs are profuse, euphony to my ears

Cow fields in every direction

I heed their base sounds as well

After an hour’s walk, I enter the front of the house

It appears there is an envelope on the steps

I stoop down to collect it

My hands quiver as I open the door

                       

“My darling. I have leave due in three days. I miss you. Meet me at the Bridge at 5 o’clock on Wednesday. My love.”

 

 

My smile befits high spirits

few droplets down my cheek

my pulse stretches to the moon

I blink sundry times

as my lashes bind together

I shall count every minute

until Wednesday

when we meet at bridges end

Reviews

[Ken Simm.]

Sweet, incredibly touching and very fine writing to capture all this feelings from a memory and a lifetime. Wonderful.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Ken, I really appreciate your review!
Best, B.

[Pete]

much enjoyed. so touching with heartwarming sentiment and emotion. the telegram and bridge both spanning the gap of absence which together with your lovely words makes the heart grow fonder. well done ... :)

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks so much for a spot on review Pete, much appreciated
Best, B

[Ladysue]

The missing him. The letters in between and the bridge that connects in someway. Now the telegram and the joy and anticipation of his arrival. Cant wait for the next poem. Another wonderful write to this story.

[Betty Hermelee]

I’m so happy you’re engaged with this series of poems; I appreciate your reviews very much…..
Best, B

[Richard🖌]

Wonderfully rendered, Dear Betty 📝

Through the magic of Poetic Prose you've taken us on a sentimental, romantic journey of a loved one waiting uncertainly and hopefully at home for word from her sweetheart soldier and his return from the war.
Your telegram and bridge created the central features to weave your heartbeat's story of emotional expectation around, and such descriptives as goosebumps, euphonic birdsong, rousing memories at the bridge, surrounding cow fields, tinkering and muttering around the house, fantasizing, cotton clouds, stirring leaves, the new telegram, quivering hands, all breathe life into the rhythms of your palpably embracing words, and speak volumes of just how imaginatively creative your poetic soul works.
Though, we can still send telegrams, yours from 1929, tells of a bygone era steeped in worldwide conflict -- sacrifices, struggles, worries, and fears at home, one day (hopefully), will never again have to be endured anywhere in the world.

But, I love happy endings, Betty, and yours has made my heart smile and dance.
Thank you ever-so warmly and gratefully for sharing your excellent skill! ⁓ Richard🖌

PS: Your title, telegram picture, and perfect font choice, along with spot-on line-breaks … simply superb!

[Betty Hermelee]

I can’t thank you enough Richard for such an inclusive and beautiful review, you are too kind.
read moreI can’t thank you enough Richard for such an inclusive and beautiful review, you are too kind.
BestB

[Matthew Daalling]

I really like this poem. It reminds me of a film. Like a telegram waiting on a soldiers cot. Thank you for sharing. I hope to read more poetry written by you.

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re very welcome
Best, B

[DIVYA]

Dear Betty,

Reading this poem of love in a bygone time took me back quite a few years and I marveled how wonderful it felt to miss, yearn and long for someone loved. Indeed, love grew to fill the nights and days and made waiting so wonderful. I loved the setting of the poem, the simpler times, the letters and telegrams. The sight of an envelop filled one with such joy! One feels the anticipation in the air.

The chosen artwork was so special too. Thank you for sharing the Telegram! I haven't seen one since I grew up. I enjoyed looking at it, so much!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Divya for such a thoughtful review; it is much appreciated; and is part of a series called “At Bridges End”, poetic prose. Best to you my friend
B.

[DIVYA]

I'll look forward to reading all of it. Thank you for sharing, dear Betty.

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re very welcome, my friend
Best to you, B

[Chris Shaw]

Aw, the countdown to Wednesday will seem like a lifetime. I anticipate the excitement and butterflies till these two meet again. Nicely penned dear Betty. Days of telegrams long gone:) I can remember the tension of receiving one of these years ago:)

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear Chris, this indeed a bygone era, which I am enjoying writing about …. A lovely review!
Take care
B

[Dave Brown]

This bridge is beginning to haunt me
While listening to the hooty Owl outside, I lie awake at night, tossing, turning, wife complaining, dog growling, pillows never quite comfy wondering about it, its construction (one or two lanes) the surrounding, I imagine it being part of a back road with a work yellow colored 'CAUTION-NARROW BRIDGE' on either side, treed all round, a quiet stream flowing below, swallows circling for a feast just before sunset, the road itself fading from site as the evening settles in with romance eventually taking center stage
I just hope he is worth it and this is not some sort of elaborate, romantic scam
BESTB

[Betty Hermelee]

Don’t worry Dave no scams I promise!
Thanks for a great Dave review
BESTB

[Stuart Munro]

It’s amazing where love places you , and it’s amazing where without love places you

[Betty Hermelee]

An interesting take on this Stuart, thank you so much for your review, much appreciated

[Stuart Munro]

I enjoyed your poem , Betty , Telegram , it’s easier now , thankfully

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the soldier, the muse...the poetry is never late at this station.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

I guess not J. thank you for your insightful review.
Best, B

[Lorry]

It is strange how such once loved views and walks can feel so empty and painful without the person that made them so enjoyable in the first place.
It can also be said for the dread of unexpected mail too, when your heart leaps into your mouth, fearing the worst instantly, but yay, this one was at least some good and overdue news of his return.
Now, I better shut up so as not to jinx the next instalment, where the long awaited hero is shot five minutes before leaving to meet, or in a bizarre, Das Boot kinda way, the bridge gets blown up just as you catch sight of him in the crowd!
No spoilers though... But if I have guessed the next instalment, I shall hang my head in shame and put myself on the naughty step... Promise. 😊

[Betty Hermelee]

It's still a mystery to me Lorry; but I'll think of something, not to blow up the bridge though!
read moreIt's still a mystery to me Lorry; but I'll think of something, not to blow up the bridge though!
Thank you always for your great reviews!
Best, B