Return from Somewhere

Cherry

By Richard L. Provencher

Fri, 01 Mar 2013
  • 2699 reads
13 comments
 

Across the table he
sits---eyes fixated on me
deck of cards splayed
across the table. Just
yesterday we met
after 17 long years.
In spite of the turmoil
between us---a truce.
Talking. Him visiting or
staying this time? My son
smiles at the old man.

I take a long time
before doing the same.
Why do we have to live
with words spoken in
haste? I wonder.
Forgiveness
the clue. Happier times
must take place.
Finally I smile---son
I’m so glad you’re back.

© Richard L. Provencher

Certificate U
Poem
Poetry - For All Reasons
Autobiography

Comments

Submitted by jolono on
For reasons I cant say. I loved this Richard.

 

Submitted by Richard L. Prov... on
Hi jolono, glad you enjoyed this special poem, one of my favourite. The words and feelings all fell together this am. Richard
Richard L. Provencher

Submitted by Syphon on
Brilliant Richard, really well done, cheers S

Submitted by Richard L. Prov... on
Thank you too, Syphon. Before I write something, I always pray over my work. And it humbles me the way the words flow, and after some of my poems are completed, I can't believe the phrases that collapse onto my paper. Thank you all. Richard LP
Richard L. Provencher

Submitted by Richard L. Prov... on
Thank you very much for the cherries, Tony and ABC crew. Man, they taste good. Richard LP ps. it took me five months to joggle the words in my mind in order to write this poem, and I am pleased with the results. R
Richard L. Provencher

Submitted by seashore on
Beautifully expressed.

Submitted by Richard L. Prov... on
Thank you, seashore. Our young fellow (45 this year) overcame a lot, and can't wait for his summer visit. All the best, Richard
Richard L. Provencher

Submitted by coolibah on
R Not sure I can honestly say I interpret this as being better times like other do. It makes me think of the N's wife and mother...what she is like? I take a long time before doing the same. Why do we have to live with words spoken in haste? I wonder. Forgiveness the clue. Happier times must take place. L3 (with reference to the final line of the entire poem) deductively infers the N actually hasn't had peace (or more) for 17 long years... and there's only her (the wife) left to blame lol. Tis a good thing btw, as many cards may look the same but they are of different suits/colour. And as fresh packs of cards come with two jokers, I'd personally be clarifying the other nag by changing the first he to she in the entry. Love the way you can actually take a step outside yourself and then look back in objectively...very cool.

Submitted by Richard L. Prov... on
Thank you Coolibah for your ideas. Much appreciated. Will ponder. Keep writing. Richard
Richard L. Provencher

Submitted by Rhiannonw on
Moving. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Richard L. Prov... on
Thank you so much Rhiannon. Richard
Richard L. Provencher

Submitted by Hades502 on
Nice. Even more interesting to know it is based on something real. Good job. GGHades502

GGHades502

Submitted by Richard L. Prov... on
Thank you, GGHades502. Yes, we have three precious sons, the youngest is almost 45, yikes. Where does time go? And of course my daughter who is moving to British Columbia this week-end. Chimo, Richard
Richard L. Provencher