POSSIBILITIES

Debarkation...and...things to care of...

 

 

 

 

I sit in the grand hall of the ship with hundreds

of other passengers waiting for instructions

regarding our next move

there is much  tumult, people hauling luggage

muttering their goodbyes, hugs, laughs

porters assisting passengers

quite a scene from the other thirteen days at sea

The hall is quite ornate with gilded cupids

On the walls, droopy chandeliers like twinkling

stars in the dark

a majestic marble staircase with radiant brass hand rails

hand-woven Turkish carpets  hither and yon

Comfortable divans, couches, and ottomans

 

 

I await a note from the concierge  to advise the name of a doctor and a place to stay for a few days near the hospital

my apprehension  enhances as I muse about all the possibilities before my eyes, some of which terrify me

Is it credible that I could be with child?

a moment’s reflection about the crossing

can it be that without the interlude with

the gentleman on board, that the sailing

might have been utterly boring?

ti's an awkward matter to broach

yet I cannot completely delete it from my mind

 

At once, I have two notes from the concierge

one, guiding me to Hotel Atlas in the Hounslow Borough

of London

the second note includes the name and address of a doctor in a clinic, a walking distance from my hotel, no appointments necessary

I am in a frenzy yet I shall try to comport myself

 

The Concierge calls a Hackney Cab

I await, trembling like a dog out in the frigid

sense loneliness and distress

long to be with my soldier at this moment

Not a soul to condole with me

I still stew over what may transpire

in a matter of days

must cease this appalling demeanor

t'is harmful to me and to my soldier

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading this Series

Reviews

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Very nice reading.
I like how you go through the details.
Pregnancy can be difficult, even more for a woman in times of war.
We can feel the character natural fear. And how she longs to be back with her lover.
Keep it up. Very good.
Take good care.

[Betty Hermelee]

A very lovely comment, thank you so much!
Warmly, B

[Mauricio Montoya]

Betty the title holds its ground because its got me wondering as I read but it was the ending that made me think and the pic of the taxi, is someone travelling during WW2 in London, worried of the dangers of not only oneself but of soldier it once knew.
Thank you for sharing an excellent write, ps if I got it wrong it what I saw as I read. Sorry but I did enjoy the poem it made me think of the possibilities.

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes, possibilities of life….thsnk you so much for your review
Warmly, B

[Pete]

great descriptions. caught between two - being pulled in different directions. what will she do. what will happen. tension mounts. i wouldn't mind a ticket on that luxurious ship.

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Pete... like minds.. I just read your latest poem!
Thank you, as always for a spot on and humorous review!
Warmly, B

[Dave Brown]

Poor duped soldier
Serving his country and this his reward!!
I wonder just how often the concierge is there to assist, I mean, really!!!!
He must just roll his eyes...!!!
You are doing a great job of all this and in addition have picked a super image of the old Hackney Cab
BESTB

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks Davie
It’s still a mystery as to her Soldier’s reaction, that is IF …..great review as always….🌷
Warmly, B

[Thomas W Case]

Great work Betty. You take the reader right into the scene.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Thomas for a lovely review!!!
Warmly, B

[emmajoygreen]

The lady, her soldier and an unintended adventure have turned a lady's holiday at sea into what could be a tragedy, but, at present, is a mystery. Betty, you are teasing your readers yet, calling on our memories of your longer series, your vivid but careful imagination yet now - asking us to use ours! What to think, worry about you, be available should you need advice or - has it already been given? A fine excerpt and one to relish, yes?! The details of decor and furniture and the like are so well researched. The language you use is on the mark, the lady's worries somewhat bewildering, yet, could be that she is still on the cruise rather than the her real world. Perhaps?

[Betty Hermelee]

Dearest EM, what a thought, beautiful review, however I decline to reveal any more than is written or it will spoil the story.... suspense is good, keeps one in a heightened state..... BUG HUGS
B HAPPY EASTER!

[Poetic Beauty]

Anxiety welling up consuming the thoughts as the are ever present plaguing the mind. The feeling of shaken insides and trembling hands as possibilities of what may come. I have known this thought that is unraveling.
When the only peace is when asleep.

I have mild anxiety and deal with it well but when stressed it rises up and it is hard to quell it; to make it stop it’s unrelenting chattering.

The story continued in here in this piece is relatable and my heart hurts for the lady waiting for answers. The scene is described well and I can picture the hustle and bustle of the off boarding of the ship and all the coming and goings.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you PB, your review is excellent, spot on!!!
and much appreciated!
Warmly, B

[Poetic Beauty]

As alway you are welcome. This story keeps me coming back to read more.

[Betty Hermelee]

YAY! That’s the idea! So happy to hear this!
Warmly, B

[Poetic Beauty]

I’m glad it made you excited!!

[Soren]

It is the unknown that we fear and it seems to be the case here as well. Only time will tell what will come next.

[Betty Hermelee]

Indeed Soren, suspense in a good thing... but it won't last that long!!! Thank you immensely for your review!!
Warmly, B

[John the Baptist]

Our heroine is dealing with apprehension here. She fears she may be pregnant and needs access to living quarters and medical care. The ship's concierge has obliged by obtaining the names of a hotel and a clinic near it. Now she must steel herself to learn what her next step will be. We must remember this is 1945.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you John for a perfect review!
Warmly, B