Like China

 Like China

 

 

 

He talks to me of business
in the hurried moments

of a cellular conversation,
tells me without fail

how much he misses

the warmth of my body

against him

and how much I would love

the Nebraska snow.

 

My voice cracks at the mention
of sleeping alone,
with a northeast wind
that rattles the shutters at night
coercing me into

a fetal position.

I listen for the exhale of a sigh.

It is the tenor of his voice

that breaks me,
like china.

 

 

 

 

photography by / Ernesto Garcia Pena

 

 

Reviews

[barleygirl]

The reason I shy away from love poems is becuz many are predictable. That's why I love the way you do it, so original & surprising. I had the idea of "China" being a place one might travel to do business & be away from a loved one. But you surprise me with your ending, which is palpable & dynamic. I've not had the pleasure of a longterm relationship with a human, but this is how I would feel if missing the warmth of a cuddly warm dog every night *wink! wink!* Fondly, Margie

[Kelly Scheppers]

Our four legged friends give us so much more than unconditional love. I have three, and they truly make each day a little brighter in every way. Thank you, Margie!

[Ted Kniffen]

I know these feelings. The longing to be together when apart. The awkwardness of sleeping alone after so many years curled against someone, and yet there is an underlying tone to this that speaks of abandonment. Perhaps it's the last verse...something in the voice...or the words that would break someone like fragile china...too difficult to handle over the phone...too hard without facial expressions to truly pick up the intentions.

Good write, Kelly, there is much here to think about. I like that.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I like leaving my reader with something to think about. Thank you, Ted!

[DIVYA]

This is written so beautifully Kelly. You make me feel the cold wind. I can feel the blue emptiness. The impending heartbreak...

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's the bitter cold of being alone, apart from the one you love. We all feel it from time to time, don't we? I love "the blue of emptiness" you mentioned here. Thank you, Divya!

[DIVYA]

It was a pleasure to read this vividly inspiring poem, dear Kelly.

[redzone]

rolling over and feeling only air is a missing that words find it hard to describe, and yet your words have done just this Kelly… what makes it even more lonely is that for the longest time I could still smell her perfume on her side of the bed and the continued warmth she left.... for me though, there was no "sigh" to hold on to.....
beautifully written Kelly

[Kelly Scheppers]

My heart breaks for you, truly. I am ever so humbled to find that you were able to feel the enormity of my words here...it means so much. Thank you, Curt!

[Lydia Shutter]

The romantic longing is palpable here. Missing someone so much you can almost feel their presence...needing someone so much. As usual, your poetry moves me. Wonderful. Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your reviews always seem to hold the most weight for me. It's just the way we roll. Thank you, Lydi!

[duck]

no better way to express your love for someone not with you is via poetry and it is done beautifully here. very expressive write with illustration which complements this well worded poetry.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Whenever I can garnish the review of a new reader, its a good day. Thank you so much!

[Chris Shaw]

For years my husband worked away from home. Your lines brought back many feelings Kelly. Most of them were of the emptiness I felt, particularly at night and the longing for him. Having said that the chill of the weekdays was replaced by the warmth of the weekends. Your skin, like fine china easily cracked if not handled with the utmost care. I hated putting the phone down. Land lines back then. Hope all is well and thank you for a lovely read.

Chris

[Kelly Scheppers]

I do believe your review speaks to the heart of this poem. Thank you, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

I hope it is a short trip and not a lengthy one Kelly. I found myself in those days wishing my life away.

[Kelly Scheppers]

It was simply my muse spreading its wings. It thrills me to know you were able to feel the intent of my words. How wonderful it is!

[Chris Shaw]

Your muse found me :)

[Patricia Wedel]

You are fragile like China where artists paint flowers on your cheeks and furry minks scamper about wondering why you sleep alone with only the phone to ring in melodies of 💕 love. A poem to handle with care. truly, Pat

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Pat. You always make me smile.

[Pax]

fragile emotions like china, its a beautiful burden put into words...

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Pax. Your words are much appreciated.

[john l smith]

It would take many warm bodies for me to overcome that Nebraska snow but, you never know, he just might be that special guy
Stay warm
Dave B

[Kelly Scheppers]

I knew Nebraska would bring the chill. Thanks, Dave!