Shades of Blue

I sat at a table where were rich food and wine in abundance, and obsequious attendance, but sincerity and truth were not; and I went away hungry from the inhospitable board. - Thoreau

stumbling in on wobbly stilettos and the overinflated ego of self

you ran to stand beside me

laughing and dancing in that big house high up on a hill

the one i built with heart and brain sweat

the one on a foundation of a blood oath and an all-in bet

the one you chose to forget

faux wealth counted behind rolled up window shades and stained glass

through the tinted, tainted nearsightedness of your fashioned lenses

you stepped over me in the gutter

looking the other way

as i drank my own tears

the same song still playing in my soul

your lipstick of lies and mascara of masochism never growing old

now my dear

where are you

forgetting implies that you at least once knew

at least had a clue

how true

how true

like deep shades of blue

Author's Note

"I only desire sincere relations with the worthiest of my acquaintance, that they may give me an opportunity once in a year to speak the truth." - Thoreau

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

oh my .. super emotive .. breaks me ol' heart Pete ... i really feel for this guy ... so many wise old saying are flashing in me noodle right now ... but your poem says them all .. i hope the sun shines this morning .. two days of clouds and rain and now your poem ... i need some sunshine ;)))))))) well done says i!
E.

[Pete]

lol. thanks e. wet-noodle with tears? having a heat wave here in old beantown, a tropical heat wave. thank heaven for air conditioners & fans. if only burning matters of the heart could be cooled as such ... :)

[Einstein Noodle]

yep ... how true how true :}

[R.E. Ray]

Pete, first the image is striking, blue butterfly on the outer rim, flying away over its own reflection. I must say I was hooked on the first line. "Stumbling in on wobbly stilettos" was the first clue she wasn't genuine. I've never known a genuine woman to travel in shoes she didn't know. A sad poem for sure, though one the speaker reveals the truth, and perhaps a bit of himself and a hard life lesson. Life offers so much temptation. If only we'd read Thoreau before we take those ladies by the hand. One of your most profound poems, Pete.

[Pete]

thanks r.e. i like your observation - someone prepared to go the distance will wear appropriate footwear to be able to finish the race and stand tall no matter vs. phony, artificial glitz (put-on's) that don't quite measure up to the task. betrayal can cause us to examine ourselves and question our own capacity for truth, loyalty and the like. you are correct, thoreau had an uncanny ability to measure below the surface (an outstanding philosopher in my opinion). he loved nature (including human nature) and you can't get much truer than that - they don't call it transcendentalism for nothing ... :)

[R.E. Ray]

Always a pleasure to read your work, Pete, especially with the music, art and quotes. Much admiration for Thoreau and his contemporaries.

[barleygirl]

There are many longterm relationships based on solid stuff, but also many that I've seen which are based on convenience. A hookup that was based on convenience some years back seems to be viewed in your poem as not being quite as convenient anymore. Men love having that sparkling arm ornament to show off his manly powers of acquisition . . . until they don't anymore. This is true in both directions, of course! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Pete]

it's funny - we don't really know about true love and loyalty until the wheels come off and troubles strike. many run and few will stay but we don't know who's who until tested in rough waters. to me - the real ornament is the one who will stand with you through thick and thin. a what's on the inside vs. outside thing. flesh and spirit ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Oh my insincerity and betrayal by the bucket load here Pete. A blue, blue story indeed. The blues at their deepest. Poor bloke. Shame on her.

Chris

[Pete]

boo-hoo. thanks chris. better to laugh than cry says i. keep well ... :)