The Choices We Can't Make

First stanza courtesy of Emma Joy

What's forbidden, disallowed

is all the more wanted than

the freedom to choose.

 

That we can't have,

but deeply desire,

is all the sweeter

for the longing.

 

Bitter as it may be,

pangs of yearning

can be laced with hope,

 

and hope gives us cause,

gives us aspiration,

allows us ambition,

 

as we hunger

for the flavours

of love.

 

14/11/20

Author's Note

Reviews

[Kent Rawski]

I found the last phrase so intriguing the flavors of love. Ive felt i always had a choice even if the heavens themself lay at my feet. Oh the tempest that roared in King Davids blood, to feel so strong to feel so weak. A thoughtful write

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ah to hold such certainty is a rare commodity for a poet I would imagine as emotions drive the pen. Many thanks for stopping by.

[John the Baptist]

Yes, the forbidden fruit. This is the reason prohibitions don't work.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed so JTB. Many thank yous and happy Sunday.

[Chris Shaw]

You can't always get what you want....Stones I think. I've got Mick Jagger in my head. .. That which you can't have, isbalways desired the most. It's always been that way.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Yes that would have been a good one! And I do so like The Stones-gritty Jagger. Many thanks Chris.

[Cherrie]

How could any if us go astray opening a poem with the words of Emma, this is a beautiful blending of need set to rhythm.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed so such a respected poetess. Thank you so much Cherrie.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I have one special love like this...
perhaps part of our attraction is not being able to have what we want...
but circumstances always presented that situation to us...
took restraint.
I appreciate this write.
j.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I guess some things are bitter sweet Jacob, however I have a sweet tooth lol! Many thank yous as always.

[Gee]

Often the longing is way, way better than the getting.
Tis strange times we live in. My weekends at present drag, which is something I never thought would happen.
Fine work John

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed strange Gee, hard to know what to think other than it will end soon. Or at least we will learn to live with it as we have with other viruses. Many thanks for reading. Did you get my message by the way?

[Gee]

Aye. The fella himself actually warned me about conversing with him telling me that folk may well get the hump with me and block, defriend me. I guess if that happens I'll have nobody to blame but myself. The ball is not In my court.
In no way, shape or form an I condoning his behaviour by the way.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

He is responsible for his own behaviour Gee. If you saw some of the stuff he has sent. I have pages of it and it is quite disgusting stuff. But he ho, so long as he stays away from me and the people I associate with....................................

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Strange indeed he actually converses with you as he seems only to offer abuse.

[Gee]

It is odd. Saying that he is sometimes very blunt with reviews but I'd prefer that to false praise :)
Perhaps my day will come, we'll see.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Maybe he has changed but I know he attacked someone recently. Check this out https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/Passion8/2098353/

[Gee]

Will have a butchers in a wee while

[Coyote Poetry]

Outstanding poetry John.
"We are punished for our refusals. Every impulse that we strive to strangle broods in the mind, and poisons us. The body sins once, and has done with its sin, for action is a mode of purification-- Dorian Gray
I loved the above quote. The picture of Dorian Gray book. So many great quotes. One of the few books I read more than five times. Thank you for sharing your amazing words and thoughts.
Coyote

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Great quote Coyote John. Thanks for sharing it. And thank you for such a nice review!

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome John. Oscar Wilde was amazing.