between the lines

artwork by azalea thomas

here

between the lines of a poem

you dress my mind

in lacy lingerie that fits

over well placed nouns

and stimulates adjectives

i long to hear

no need to split infinitives

sibilants soothe in other venues

but here my body recognizes the passion

              bids it good day

                      kisses it good night

because here

i am a valiant footslogger

plodding through a life of reality

while tiptoeing through velvet romance

with naked indecency

following footsteps in the sand

knowing words will shield

the underbelly of my so called identity

of course

maybe not through tomorrow

and certainly not next week

just here

between the lines of a poem

Author's Note

it's been a while since i posted a poem. hope you like this one.

Reviews

[Jibey]

I think it is beautiful - and flows smoothly like cream... You are not alone in finding solace in words - the engine of the imagination, taking us into longed for places, where the silk feels soft and the heart beats faster..

I wonder if the footsteps in the sand is too cliched now... It jarred for me... taking me out of the pleasure of your presence into another world... just saying.

I like it a lot.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you for your review, Jibey. Lydi**

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Reality takes a bit out of the prettiest apple, but we can close our eyes and remember how beautiful she used to be. We can write of her and give her new life, make her blush red with love anew. Thank goodness for the power of the pen.

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed! Thanks so much, Linda. Lydi**

[Richard🖌]

Mmmm, Lydi**!
I thought I saw streams of smoke, and just look where they led me! 😏
I never knew poetical descriptives could be so scintillatingly sensuous or suggestive, but you've certainly set my thinking straight.
Brilliantly so, you've swept us from a trite realm of mundanity, up into the sweetness of metaphorically-enchanting, blissful fantasy; and, it's not all only between the lines we feel it … if you my drift! 😋
Well, you know how I've always enjoyed your creative spirit and freedom in originality … so increasingly rare these days.

Who else, but You, could so smoothly and eloquently set the site afire … ummm, like splendid wine, you're aging, sooo beautifully! It was worth the wait.
I really LOVE this! Smoldering yours … my warmest hug! ⁓ Richard 🍃

(now, I'm gonna have to use "footslogger" somewhere)

[Lydia Shutter]

Richard, thank you so much for this effusive review! I always appreciate your reviews. Lydi**

[Richard🖌]

Such a pleasure it always is, Lydi**. : )

[R.E. Ray]

Between the lines (and sometimes the words) lie our interpretations, and in the best poems, inspirations, to dream, love and sometimes write better poetry. So happy to read your latest. We need more. And, I love the artwork, too. Her blue eyes and that strong chin speak confidence and strength, and a mind capable of reading between the lines.

[Lydia Shutter]

Such a lovely review...and I appreciate it so much. Thank you. Lydi**

[Desert Knave]

This one really does flow and the wordplay is fun. Very glad to see you write again. ~Jim

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks, Jim. It's been a while. Sometimes life gets in the way. I know you understand. Lydi***

[Lorry]

If only your words were in the textbooks of my youth, i would have paid way more attention in english class, instead of staring at the bra straps beneath the blouse of the girl on front of me 😀
Beautiful words Lydi and a most welcome return.

[Lydia Shutter]

Lorry, you just made me laugh! Thank you so much! Oh, and that girl whose bra straps you were staring at probably would have loved to go out with you! :) Lydi**

[Lorry]

We did. Once at school and then in our twenties. She obviously didnt learn her lesson the first time either 😀

[Lydia Shutter]

You are a riot! LOL

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Lydi... your poem has the softness of an expensive moisturizer...
it takes away the wrinkles of every day passionate moments and
takes us to a place where verbs chase nouns on the sands of time.
I am ready for adventure and upside-down passion. truly, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

If only words could take away wrinkles! What a great thought, Pat. Thank you so much for the review. Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

Dear Lydia, this poem is so good.
because here
"i am a valiant footslogger
plodding through a life of reality
while tiptoeing through velvet romance
with naked indecency
following footsteps in the sand
knowing words will shield
the underbelly of my so called identity"
The above lines. So good. I could write a epic tale from. Naked indecency and the underbelly. These words create powerful visions. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Lydia Shutter]

John, I appreciate your wonderful review. Enjoy your weekend, my friend. Lydi***

[Coyote Poetry]

I loved the poem and you are welcome dear Lydia.

[John the Baptist]

Indeed, within a poem it can be so much more interesting than it is in the same old, same old reality. The stanzas can conceal all manner of delicious naked indecency, while reality is taking out the garbage. That's why I always keep a small notebook with me, so I can stimulate some adjectives when I'm stuck in traffic.

[Lydia Shutter]

Exactly! Thanks so much for the review and for "getting" what I am saying. Lydi**

[Willys Watson]

I really love this and you're right that often the true feelings we have about love, passion and life in general are concealed between the lines that poets write. This is pretty amazing verse.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Willys! Lydi**