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Open Poetry #23
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VAS
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450
Oregon

0 posted 2002-11-06 12:45 PM


This was a response to a challenge to write a poem using the line: how you smiled at the foot of the stairs.

Prom Night

slipped on my stockings
carefully
past my ankles
up my calves
over my knees
and on to my waist

grabbed by nylon slip
draped it over my head
inserted my arms
and let it fall
over my frame

standing,
staring into the closet
your favorite color
popped out at me
I slithered my gown
off the hanger,
its taffeta trim
shimmered life
to my ears

midnight blue,
spaghetti straps,
fitted bodice,
full skirt
all of satin brocade

I pulled it on
over my feet
and up to my waist
tucking in the excess
of my slip between my knees

gazed into the mirror
tucked in the few loose hairs
grinned at the thought of your reaction
tucked my toes into my heels
and turned
toward the doorway
of my room

a deep breath,
and cleansing exhale
encouraged my steps
I reached the landing
and, oh,
how you smiled
at the foot of the stairs


©November 5, 2002

Whether on the shoal or on the shore,
I'll seek the lighthouse evermore.

© Copyright 2002 Virginia Salter - All Rights Reserved
Robert Adamson
Member
since 2002-10-21
Posts 328
PA/USA
1 posted 2002-11-06 02:12 AM


You held my undivided attention. I am sure you have met the challenge well. Thank you.

etoodog

the_loner_23
Member Ascendant
since 2002-06-08
Posts 5479
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
2 posted 2002-11-06 05:37 PM


Great imagery. Too bad I didn't go to prom.

Cold hands means a warm heart

Connel
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2002-11-04
Posts 736
Florida, USA
3 posted 2002-11-06 06:14 PM


You have some very nice words.. I hope to read another of your poems =)...

I wish to become a great poet some day, but it will only come in time. Til then, I shall write my poems, and wait.

paladin
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2001-08-05
Posts 930
Pensacola,Fl.
4 posted 2002-11-06 08:13 PM


It is hard to smile when you gaze up at such beauty while standing in a rented tux.

paladin

Mistletoe Angel
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
5 posted 2002-11-06 11:31 PM


"a deep breath,
and cleansing exhale
encouraged my steps
I reached the landing
and, oh,
how you smiled
at the foot of the stairs"




(big hugggssssssss) Oh Virginia, I cried reading this because it is soooooo beautiful, sweet friend, I never got to go to any prom and that saddens me as I long ever so much to see my sweetheart waltz on the balustrade and admire the smiles she brings my way! (sigh) This is breathtaking, sweet friend, I love it, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Virginia, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

DawnG
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 2000-06-23
Posts 1494
United States
6 posted 2002-11-06 11:36 PM


Vas,

I'm sure you looked beautiful in your prom dress. I hope you had a great time. I enjoyed the way you answered the challenge.

                   Dawn

VAS
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450
Oregon
7 posted 2002-11-07 12:03 PM


Thank you all for your wonderful comments. I do have to say, it is a dream-like contrivance. I did go to my prom many moons ago, but my dress was a soft green and not satin brocade. It was strapless, too, whooohooo. I had white long, mitt type gloves like they used in the olden days...the 60's. Hehehehe.  It was fun writing this poem, dreaming of what it could be like...of course in my vision, I had a curving staircase. In my reality, when I went to prom, I lived in a one story, two-bedroom house on some acreage. The house was very humble, but my folks were finally buying, not renting. That was a good thing in comparison.

Of course, if you analyze the poem too greatly, you'll find that the type of 'slip the character is slipping on is the wrong kind of slip to wear with a spaghetti-strapped gown.

Whether on the shoal or on the shore,
I'll seek the lighthouse evermore.

Marsha
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423
Maidstone Kent England
8 posted 2002-11-07 11:24 AM


VAS darling heart up you go bumpity bump

Bev de bump came out today
I thought she had gone away
But she still comes out when I call
And so I said raise this one tall

A poem that is so superb
In every sentence every word
Let others read of this victory
Of sense and sensibility

YOU beloved heart can Write
The words that clarify the night
Too often a thought isn’t spared
And then the voice goes unheard

But you, who write with humanity
You fill the sight of such as me
So Bev de bump just do the deed
And send it back to the top at speed

You know I love it utterly utterly utterly xxxx

Love and warm stuff
As always
Mushy

Breathe through the heat of our desire
Thy coolness and they balm
Let sense be dumb let flesh retire
Speak through the earthquake wind and fire

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