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Poetry posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

Occasional Poetry - 38. Fools: A Ballade

em>Written in response to the Ballade Poetry Prompt. My deep appreciation goes to AC for his advice, and all the Live Poets for their support. Any remaining errors are my own.

Fools

Across the crowded floor I see your face,
but if I want to watch, I must be sly;
you mustn't get an inkling or a trace,
for if you did, then all would go awry;
so every moment I must turn my eye,
pretending interest in my host's guitar;
lest he detect me holding back a sigh,
then all the world must know what fools we are.
 
You move amidst the crowd depicting grace,
while on the margins, tongue-tied, standing by,
and knowing that I look so out of place,
to fade into the woodwork will I try,
and slip into the night without goodbye,
so I might make my way out to my car
before another guest could ask me why
then all the world must know what fools we are.
 
Yet even as my longing I efface,
your voice rings out behind me, asking why;
and turned to you, my head hangs in disgrace,
I mumble my excuses in reply;
but even as I babble and supply
a convoluted story fetched afar;
you take my arm, and dumbly I comply,
then all the world must know what fools we are.
 
When in the night, conventions we defy,
for you have left your chamber door ajar,
I wonder if the gods can hear me cry,
then all the world must know what fools we are.

 

 
em>If you have a response or review, I love to know about it. Comments are always appreciated.
Copyright © 2017 Parker Owens; All Rights Reserved.
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Poetry posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
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Chapter Comments

AC Benus

"Ballades are not easy to write!" Ain't that the truth!

 

But I'm glad I encouraged to look at the poetry prompt for the form, for although challenging, I think it's a good fit for your level of curiosity. You are also someone who does not back down from a difficult task.

 

As for the message, I agree with Tim that overall the poem has a melancholic feel. And yes, we all need someone to simply take our hand to get over the big, initial hurtle.

 

Thanks for taking the prompt challenge, and for posting this truly impressive poem.

Parker Owens
On 08/17/2016 02:44 AM, AC Benus said:

"Ballades are not easy to write!" Ain't that the truth!

 

But I'm glad I encouraged to look at the poetry prompt for the form, for although challenging, I think it's a good fit for your level of curiosity. You are also someone who does not back down from a difficult task.

 

As for the message, I agree with Tim that overall the poem has a melancholic feel. And yes, we all need someone to simply take our hand to get over the big, initial hurtle.

 

Thanks for taking the prompt challenge, and for posting this truly impressive poem.

Thanks for such really generous and thoughtful remarks. You are a great help to those of us getting over the hurdles of poetry; thanks for the helping hand. Perhaps this a melancholic form, or maybe I am in a pensive mood these days. But it is so satisfying to crack into these, in a way.

Parker Owens
On 08/17/2016 03:09 AM, skinnydragon said:

Yes, a little sad. But Parker, it was beautifully blue. (Do those two words even go together?)

 

Very well done and I enjoyed it in a blue way.

You, my friend, are the master of colors. If it can be blue and beautiful, then so be it. Most important is that you enjoyed it, even if it is kind of wistful and reflective. But do see Gary's comments, above, for they also re fleet my own intentions. Thanks so much for your thoughts and responses!

Parker Owens
On 08/17/2016 04:09 AM, Headstall said:

I guess I saw this differently... totally differently. I saw shyness, reticence, self-defeat... but all eclipsed by reward from the object of his desire. To me, it was uplifting... we all eventually get there, and I choose to believe he did... wonderful, Parker... cheers... Gary...

Gary, you get an A+ for seeing this just as it unfolded in my mind. You saw a fulfillment and perhaps a happy ending, as I did. I am so very glad. Thank you for your comments and support! Parker

Parker Owens
On 08/17/2016 05:35 AM, Emi GS said:

When I first read it, I felt some what sad and yet powerful. As I am one of the shy guys, I can see myself there. As for me, as Gary said, it is uplifting and yet made me confused. As I know personally, 'life won't be fair always'. I can say, I will personally like a boost like this.

 

Such a wonderful poem, Parker. Thanks for sharing with us... :)

 

~Emi.

Thank you, Emi. I, too am a member of the Shy Guy Legion. And like Gary, I see something good at the end. Thanks for reading and responding to this!

Parker Owens
On 08/17/2016 06:27 PM, aditus said:

Ah the ballade with an e! A tough challenge and you did so well! I saw struggling, and shame, but hope also. I didn't like the word fool, not you using it, but someone feeling like a fool for what they are or what they want. You showed me their conflict, well as I understood it. Okay, I stop rambling. Now I want more. :P

Thank you, Parker!

They say love (or infatuation) makes fools of us all, or so I have read. You saw the torturous tug between yearning and fear of rejection; and perhaps the later delight of having made a fool out of one's own former shy self. It is so wonderful that you read the poem kindly, and your remarks are most generous. Thank you!

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