I ... entered the poem of life, whose purpose is ... simply to witness the beauties of the world, to discover the many forms that love can take. (Barabara Blackman in 'Glass After Glass')

These poems are works in progress and may be updated without notice. Nevertheless copyright applies to all writings here and all photos (which are either my own or used with permission). Thank you for your comments. I read and appreciate them all, and reply here to specific points that seem to need it — or as I have the leisure. Otherwise I reciprocate by reading and commenting on your blog posts as much as possible.

17 April 2013

Declaration of No Possibility


Some friends don't understand
when I say I don't ever want 
another relationship.
It's not that the last was so bad
but so good, and therefore enough.

But also I never want 
to nurse anyone again.
I did it for him with love
and willingness; he
was my love for 20 years.

I'm not going through that again
for someone I couldn't know or love 
anywhere near so well. 
And I don't want anyone 
going through that for me.

Besides, it's my time now,
time to be with me,
rediscover who I am —
the next great adventure.
So no more partners; I'm all done.

'But surely,' says a friend,
'If there was a spark ...'
I murmur acquiescently, but think:
'Mate, there'd have to be
a bloody great conflagration!'

Poetic Asides April Poem A Day Challenge 2013, 16: impossible.

 Submitted for Poets United's Verse First: An Authentic Life  

 Oops! For the PU prompt it was supposed to be fewer than 13 lines. I'll do a little cheat and say that, in 25 lines, it's fewer than 13x2.
By -
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25 comments:

  1. Sherry Blue Sky17 April 2013 at 08:55

    Rosemary, Sister of my heart, I absolutely hear you! Because it was so good, it was Enough. And now, time for us........I LOVE "there'd have to be a bloody great conflagration". Cackle. Me, too.

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  2. Pearl19 April 2013 at 23:39

    good poem Rosemary. it changed with the context of the poem of today tho. (teasing)

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade2 May 2013 at 09:32

      The fire one, right? Perhaps the celibate life can include vitality and passion. :-D

      Delete
  3. Lisa Williams1 May 2013 at 22:55

    Remarkable poem, Rosemary. The wisdom of your words shines in each line, and yes there comes a time when our lives should belong to us.

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  4. Sherri B.1 May 2013 at 23:23

    Beautifully expressed...your final lines made me smile. :)

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  5. Sherry Blue Sky2 May 2013 at 02:29

    I came back from Verse First and enjoyed this poem all over again. I love it, Rosemary! This is truly the expression of an authentic voice.

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  6. Laurie Kolp2 May 2013 at 02:32

    I don't blame you, but don't be surprised if your mind is changed several years from now.

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade2 May 2013 at 09:33

      I'm 73, darling. Not impossible, but perhaps unlikely. :)

      Delete
  7. Unknown2 May 2013 at 06:46

    That last line is fabulous, Rosemary! And yes... this is ideal for the prompt. Others need not understand your movement or feel comfortable with the ripples produced. It is your life to live, your time to dive in, deep and alone.

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  8. paperdollmom2 May 2013 at 09:56

    I think those thoughts you've expressed in your poem are wonderful. I really get your feelings in the poem and find them commendable.

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  9. WabiSabi2 May 2013 at 10:20

    This was deeply touching. I especially was moved by the expression of not wanting to have to nurse someone ever again. It is as though you gave it all to your beloved and the well is dry. At least you have the comfort of knowing that you did what you could for love. And now, without the bloody conflagration, it's a no show... no go!! :)
    Rumi's Beloved

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  10. Mary2 May 2013 at 11:01

    I do understand that you would not want to do such intense nursing again. Makes sense to me.

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  11. Susan2 May 2013 at 11:03

    I truly like this -- Especially the conviction of the last stanza after the love shown in the earlier ones. What a joy to care for ourselves.

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  12. Anonymous2 May 2013 at 11:28

    My Mother used to tell me, after my divorce, that I was still young enough to find a good man. She never understood when I would say, "I doubt that will happen because I'd have to be looking, and I'm not." Much of what you express here, at the end of your poem, was and is the reason I haven't been looking. It is our time, our space for discovering and learning the face that we claim as our own.

    Elizabeth
    http://soulsmusic.wordpress.com/2013/05/01/color-therapy/

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  13. Anonymous2 May 2013 at 11:30

    Don't know what happened to my comment, but will try this again. I too believe that this time is ours and should be used to explore the individual we are and might become.

    Elizabeth
    http://soulsmusic.wordpress.com/2013/05/01/color-therapy/

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade2 May 2013 at 16:19

      Your comments were awaiting moderation, Elizabeth, as this post is more than a fortnight old. (Spammers tend to target older posts.)

      I am glad to have both your comments, saying the same thing in different, equally eloquent ways. :)

      Delete
  14. TCPC2 May 2013 at 17:54

    wonderful!

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  15. Unknown2 May 2013 at 23:25

    Your love pours through all your words!

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  16. Anonymous3 May 2013 at 00:15


    This is part of the human condition isn't it? Not to ever want to open one's heart to another after being broken so badly. But the poem has a hopeful sense of playfulness at the end. Thanks for sharing this poem. I like the conversational style you employ - it keeps it real and fun.

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  17. Sean3 May 2013 at 06:30

    What a beautiful poem! I was single for quite sometime and really enjoyed it. There is just something different about being truly on your own, not having to worry about a significant other. Oh and Rosemary, I'm pretty new to blogging and sharing poems, and if it isn't to much trouble could you check out my blog. I only have one poem, but will be adding another tonight. I'd really appreciate your feedback :) Have a great day

    http://poeticclarity.blogspot.com/

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  18. Anonymous4 May 2013 at 14:02

    Rosemary, I completely understood this poem. I had one divorce and am now in a solid marriage (15 years), and if Lex were to go first, I would be very happy to live out my days as a widow. He's such a gem, I cannot imagine finding another... and breaking him in, either, come to think of it! YIKES!

    Your poem was poignant and touched my heart of hearts. Thanks for sharing, and I don't give a hoot about 13 lines. This needed the space. Amy

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  19. Kodjo Deynoo4 May 2013 at 21:30

    Finding yourself is most important...

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  20. Rosemary Nissen-Wade5 May 2013 at 09:58

    I very much appreciate all your comments, dear people, endorsing the validity of the way I feel. Thank you. xxxx

    ReplyDelete

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