Mistakes...and the Lingering Cup

Yesterday’s coffee lingers

in a cup near the sink,

your fingerprints remain

where the delicate tips cupped the warmth

as breath weaved with rising steam

and perfumed my world with comfort

 

Sitting a safe distance away

I take vigil over what is missing

bits and pieces of what used to be contentment--

I guard the tiniest memories as if they are children

sheepishly hiding behind the hem of my skirt

clutching and clinging to my resolve

 

This morning I fashioned a bouquet

out of the flowers you sent to me,

an offering of peace in a time of war--

a white flag of lilies and roses,

and I put them on the balcony

where only the sun and the moon

can drink of their unnecessary fragrance

 

I should have declined your advances,

smiled brightly before tucking you away

in a dusty chest labeled “in another life”,

but you caught me at an apathetic moment

when sweaters and books were my only company

and I cared about as much for my own survival

as for the puddles of water pooling beneath my window

 

You gave chase and I surrendered

a doe paralyzed by the brightness of your eyes,

now all I have left is a cup, perching like a panther

on the edge of my counter

Reviews

[DiMar4u]

i need a moment,
very moving.

[Crowley]

Yep...the fourth stanza in particular is genius, sweaters and books, I love it. I am trying not to read all of your stuff at once although I could. You need a good dose of it daily so am practicing a little self denial. Nice work.

[Ed Hart]

Chapter two?

[Katie Richards]

This is amazing...it's such a beautiful angle to something that would appear, to most, as something ugly (mistakes and imperfection). I particularly like the phrase "tucking you away in a dusty chest labeled “in another life." It's so symbolic and so honest.

[D.R. Wilsey Jr.]

Extraordinary write once again from you, friend. Wonderful imagery and I particularly loved the "white flag of lilies" and the cup "perching like a panther".

I did have one stumble while reading this. A sort of break in the flow. First stanza: "where the delicate tips cupped the warmth as"

Possibly move the "as" to the next line? Seems to flow better. In my mind, anyway.

Excellent. Thank you again.

[Lisa Hickey]

I love how this comes full circle. The white flag made out of flowers is great. Tx.

[shanise]

Wow, I love it! it shows real emotion and has a really good rythm, it's very well put together..

[Jared]

Completely wonderful. Great Symbolism!

[Constance-Outspoken]

This is a captivating, original, and thoughtful piece of work. Your imagery is palpable, and your figurative language is natural, but 100% fresh. I love these lines:
"I guard the tiniest memories as if they are children

sheepishly hiding behind the hem of my skirt

clutching and clinging to my resolve"