White Gloves

Faded moonlight and

twinkling lights strung between

posts frame the glorious

youth shucking off the

patina of childhood.

Like lustrous pearls

they gleam with the

polish of promised

paths paved in optimism.

Naïveté

brimming with bravado

sweeps across the dance

floor in a crescendo of

lives not yet lived;

Oh to be them once more!

Where the future awaits
like a proud mother

and the cold hand

of disappointment remains

strategically gloved.

Reviews

[Luna Evangeline]

This is certainly one of the best poems about youth that I've read so far. Your insightful tone as you observe these not-children-not-quite-adults is marvelous. It's the truth; youth is here and gone in the blink of an eye, and those flamboyant teenage dreams will have to be abandoned in order to face the cold tundra of adulthood.

I enjoyed the tiny tidbit of foreign language that you used (although I have no idea what the language is...). Overall that second to last stanza was my favorite, probably because you described a teenager's energy and confidence there like I've never seen before.

I'll tell you the same thing that I tell everyone...I am not a poet. Nor am I a very good poetry reviewer. But I always try my hardest to give a thorough review. Some are longer, if I have more to say, and some are shorter, simply because I don't have much of an opinion.

Anyway, if my interpretation of your poetry is ever miles off the mark, I apologize. It happens often, so do be warned.

You're a great poet, and I enjoyed this first impression. Well done!

[icelandicblue]

I am impressed by your thoughtful review and I think your interpretation is spot on. I thank you so very much for your kind and positive feedback. I read your story Ballet and I found that you my friend are a fantastic writer. It is good to meet you and I look forward to reading more of your work. Welcome!

[Luna Evangeline]

Nice to meet you as well :)

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

What a picture you have painted with your words in this one. The idea of youth and "looking back" is one that I think on often. I was just remembering some things I did in high school and thinking how I completely brushed over the absolute importance of those simple times. If I could go back (don't we all say this) i would savor every single bite of that pie; every little shred of anticipation, butterflies in the stomach, even rage and pain because it was something born of life before the "hand removed the white glove", as you put it.

Cleverly written, and the imagery was well done. I enjoyed the flow and the form. Nothing was out of place for me on this one, save possibly the last stanza with those two long lines...perhaps they could be broken a little, but then again, perhaps not, because I still felt this one strongly in my gut as I read. You were successful. Well done.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks so much for your review. I think I agree about those last line so I broke them up. I may still have to play with them. Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate the help.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

ps

the "kid" gloves are gone...time for the "white gloves"

[icelandicblue]

So true-lol.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, disappointment awaits...oh to go back and feel that innocence...the reckless abandon before the first heartbreaks in life..wake us up to the disappointing reality...

if only we could glove that hand.

really like this piece..

jacob

[icelandicblue]

Thanks jacob, if only, if only. : )