Poetry: I shall not say it
Hi, back again.
Here's something I wrote a while back. Inspired by a poem by Auden (I forget the name, but it contained the immortal lines 'Time will say nothing except I told you so'). I like this one, because it has an illusion of delicacy around it. As always, feedback appreciated.
Enjoy liberally.
I Shall Not Say It:
I shall not say it
In a passed around note
That seems a lie handwritten
Or in a text that pays by the word
And so cheapens the way
In which I feel.
Let me say it
In eyes that dart
Around your features
And rest on your eyes –
Until you turn my way.
I shall not say it
In any bold declaration
Like those who have done so
Before, and actors
On screens professing
Heartfelt fake fantasies
Of adoration.
Let me say it
In the holding of your hand
In mine, gently squeezing,
Firm, yet yielding
To your wants.
I shall not say it
It in a dark room
Gently lit,
Whispering as if
We were not alone
In our private little world.
Let me say it
In a brief embrace –
A hug, at least –
Fleeting before
Your latest appointment.
I shall not say it
In the words of
Dead poets, like
Shakespeare and
Wordsworth, who
Did not live to see you
Here today.
Let me say it
In the words of my own
And the choices of my own
And the feelings of my own.
Let me say
It need not be said.
Johnny, it’s beautiful. Honestly, it’s very fresh – I’m well aware how hard it is to be novel with this sort of topic, but you do it very well here. A pat on the back for you, sir.
24 Oct 2007, 17:25
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