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.

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 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.

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: 10 Oct 2007 17:01 |  Comments (1) |  Report a problem