AN INTERFERENCE

in the dining room onboard ship

My appetizer of liver mousse with little toasts

 is delivered with another glass of champagne

yet I am suspect that I am a bit tipsy

still, I note that my disposition is more even-tempered

there is music in the surroundings which causes me

to listen with care

 

All the while I am dining on my Duck a L’orange

with crunchy carrots and Potatoes Au Gratin

I discern this gentleman eyeing me more frequently

sometimes with a smile

I feel awkward, uncomfortable, puzzled

I ought not respond to him

my heart is with my wounded soldier

I need to focus my energy on him

though I am quite lonely these past weeks

 

I may regret a smile in return

markedly when the champagne has worn

I am flustered

shall I bestir myself and leave the dining hall?

or complete my evening meal and seek to ease off?

 

I suppose I had better take care of myself

as well as my soldier

the gentleman gestures to me to visit my table

I shall not be rude, hence I grant him

an invitation to join me, though with trepidation

hands shaking under the table

notions in my head stirring around like soup

 

He walks with grace, tall and handsome

I encourage him to sit and indulge in a cocktail

he kindly shakes my hand and takes a seat

the waiter arrives and he orders champagne

I mutter to myself and hence order another one

I ought to choose my words carefully

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

moving right along.....

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

I guess when the mouse is away, the cats will play as I take this encounter. I hope it went well to your taste and liking.
Who can say no to a talented beauty?

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Sami for a thoughtful review, much appreciated
Warmly,
B

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome Betty

[DIVYA]

Dear Betty,
This poem was an exciting one to read.
Life is strange, beautiful and magical.
You never know what it will throw next at you.
What journey or what adventure awaits us next.
We get carried away in it like a rip tide.
I loved this poem.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear Divys... I value your critique!!!
Warmly, B

[DIVYA]

I enjoyed this part and I'm so looking forward to what transpires next. You are most welcome, my friend Betty!

[willweb]

Chose your words carefully and take it easy on the Champagne or there might be another situation in the works. Or perhaps just a nice friendship for the trip will evolve and nothing more will come of it...or not. : )
Still traveling with you my friend.

[Betty Hermelee]

Don't go astray please@ Thanks Will for your endless support!
Warmly
B.

[Neville]

deliciously enticing .. and leaving this reader tempted to beg for seconds and then of course for dessert .. All the Best of Good Things Betty .. Neville

[Betty Hermelee]

Great review Neville, glad you were enticed!!!
Warmly, B

[Stuart Munro]

I have had interference allmy life or diversions , it’s annoying , but now in later life I’ve found solitude
When I was young I thought I was a sex icon , but that slowly diminished into a an avoid
Thankfully I got uglier as I got older , Peace at last , I like your poem Betty , you’ve got talent

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Stuart, gals you're at peace; much appreciated!
Warmly, B

[Stuart Munro]

Thanks Betty

[FGFRANKLIN]

I enjoyed the read. The use of the word "I" in the poem left me a bit disconcerted though. Perhaps some of the lines could be rearranged so there aren't quite so many in the piece. Using the same word 19 times in a poem is a bit of an overkill for my taste. (yes, I counted them) Once the writer has established the first-person and the tense pattern for the piece it seems a redundant and dispensable repetition. Of course, opinions will vary and I'm far from being a literary critic. As for the overall content, it has a feeling of honesty and self-awareness that lends itself to these flustering situations. Flattered and attracted but remembering former commitments and loyalty to them is an admirable trait.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for a very thorough review!
Warmly, B

[emmajoygreen]

There is a touch of daring but.. but.. but also - well considered caution. Perhaps two glasses is more than enough, maybe sip still water too; one can always have too much of this or that freely offered.

There is a controlled pace to your poem, appears to be wrapped in a stage director's instructions 'be subtle; In other words, you know what you are doing as both writer and main character. So very you!

[Betty Hermelee]

A thoughtful and delightful review Em, always appreciated….
Warmly
B.

[emmajoygreen]

Finely presented, glasses and all. How i look forward to the next part! :)

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear Em, wonderful review!
Warmly, B

[emmajoygreen]

You're very welcome, always are.

[John the Baptist]

Our heroine is venturing into dangerous waters in this installment. The gentleman in the dining hall is becoming more forward, gesturing for her to join him. She knows she shouldn't encourage him, knows she should focus on her wounded soldier, but she is feeling her liquor and her judgment is skewed. She beckons the man to her table, and he acquiesces. Worse, she orders another drink. I don't see this ending well.

[Betty Hermelee]

You got it straight, thank you John for a spit on review!
Warmly, B

[W. Barrett Munn]

this issue of the series is constructed really well and reads smoothly. Nice job.

Winston

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for a lovely review!
Warmly,
B