Before We Knew
All thought of consequence
melted with that first touch
of tongue to skin, no respite
to be found in that heat,
no shade at all. I recall
hitching a ride later with a
German couple who lit up
and passed the joint without
asking, and after their
Cinquecento sputtered away,
I walked down to the bar at the
waterfront for an espresso and
to watch the lights spark along
the bay. A few times a week
I’d see a boat putter in and tie up,
and the one-armed man would
display his catch or a carton
of bartered Lucky Strikes, but
not this night. The moon
weighed heavy on my shoulders
as I trudged home, remembering
the way you’d smiled and said,
from some place I’d never
witnessed before, come here,
now, as if I could have said no and
turned around, as if another urge
could have inserted itself
in that moment, in that life, ever.
* * *
“Before We Knew,” first appeared in Sleet Magazine in August 2018. I am grateful to editor Susan Solomon for taking this poem.
As if any of us are actually in control of our responses … or to those we’re triggering in others!
This poem is marvelously nostalgic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Add youthful pheromones to the mix, and confusion reigns!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A novel in miniature. I love it…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Life as I knew it, way back when. Sort of. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A gloriously nostalgic story, your words lit up the memories…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
We were once young, Ivor!
LikeLike
Haha, a long time ago ⌚📖💙
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loving this ❤ Every stanza feels tanglible like a personal memory.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so pleased it resonates for you. Thanks for letting me know.
LikeLike