TEMPERANCE

agonizing

   I toss an abundance

             of the night                                             

Struggle to restore my sleep, in vain

I settle in bed eyes peeled half open

Sand crystals glued to them

I reflect upon the captain’s dinner

In two days hence

My temper is sheer chaos

As I try to sort matters

 

I shall not be rude

Yet I fear the unknown

A momentary notion of my soldier

Entrusted to this hospital bed

Yet a new instant of this perfectly

Kind gentleman

Seemingly smitten with me

And wishes to pursue me

I must keep my distance

In order that I do not forfeit restrain

Oh, if someone else would only make this call

 

I dress with my wool shawl and stroll around

The ship’s walking path

Catch some fresh sea air

Perhaps this will guide me

To a final decision

 

Tis a crisp morning whither the salt aura

Cleanses my nostrils

Thick brown hair swaggers in the breeze

I lean against the ship’s railing

Mutter incessantly, ought to cease this rubbish

 

Fine, I say to myself

I shall attend the captain’s dinner

With my gentleman friend

Though with temperance

 

 

Author's Note

Thank you for supporting this endeavor!

Reviews

[Thomas W Case]

Tremendous imagery and use of the senses.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Thomas for your kind review
Warmly, B

[willweb]

And I am back to join in on this thought filled stroll and peer through the porthole on this decision and upcoming dinner rendezvous. Intriguing is an understatement of your work my friend. On to find the next.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you my friend! always look for your insightful reviews!
Warmly, B

[DIVYA]

I loved the way this story is going, dear Betty. Today, I pondered on the fact that the protagonist is not rigid in her outlook and after a brief tussle with herself agrees to dine with a gentleman other than her boyfriend. Keeping an open mind helps arrive at better decisions in life and so I think it's a good thing. The key word will therefore be temperance as you so beautifully picked here. She must be so careful and wise as she takes new chances. Once again, a poem I enjoyed very much.

[Betty Hermelee]

So sorry to be late with my response, Thank you Divya for an insightful review. Have a great day!read moreSo sorry to be late with my response, Thank you Divya for an insightful review. Have a great day!
Warmly, B

[Akinlolu]

Interesting. I hold internal dialogue with myself sometimes when I'm faced with situations that tempt my anger to erupt. I try to consider the effects of being reactionary and the effect of being cool. It helps me make the very best decisions. But this isn't always easy. Easier said than done. This character is eeriely lifelike. I can identify with her. A good write, Betty.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you , a great review!
Warmly, B

[Betty Hermelee]

She does indeed! Thank you for a well thought out review.
Warmly, B

[Lorry]

Ahh, your character mutters to herself too! I do have a handy trick for getting out of an argument with myself. When I realise I'm talking to myself, I just look in a mirror and say "why you asking me, when you know I don't know or wouldn't be asking! It usually makes me smile and shake my head, while looking around for anyone who looks like they're going to put a wraparound coat with long sleeves on me and take me to the room with bouncy wallpaper. 😊
Which is way more inelegant than what you did not say! 😊
So very well stated Betty. Don't ha just love when people talk proper? So unlike those commoners! 😊

[Betty Hermelee]

A great review Lorry, thanks so very much!!!
Warmly, B

[Soren]

Amazingly good description of simple life issues in the beginning of this piece. It left me feeling that I was there. Nicely written Betty.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Soren, appreciated
Warmly, B

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I read this short piece and found myself wanting more. You need to continue this, B.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Carlos, so good to have you reviewing my poetry… there are 20 other pieces in this poetic prose series…. Starting with “At Bridges End”, than part 2 and many more( not all in sequence ) but you’ll know right away….
Warmly, B

[emmajoygreen]

'Tis a crisp morning whither the salt aura
Cleanses my nostrils
Thick brown hair swaggers in the breeze
I lean against the ship’s railing
Mutter incessantly, ought to cease this rubbish'

Third line suggests a woman with quiet composure. But then your words are inevitably confidently laid whatever their meaning. And (never start a sentence with.. .. ) the story continues!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Em, so happy you reviewed and it’s perfect ( except for my “with) , but just a continuation of former Line) much appreciated!
Hugs, B

[Weeping willow]

Loved the flow of the story and the way her mind was speaking inside herself as she struggled within the decision of her turmoil ;-}

[Betty Hermelee]

A thoughtful review, thank you very much!
Warmly, B