There was
always a little booze
to get the
tongue loose,
and sex
to bridge
the bodily gap.
But once all
the highballs
were emptied,
and they
cracked the night
with a
breath of sunlight,
bare skin
prickled
against the
the hollow-boned touch
of dying
whispers
too hoarse
to rise above
what they
never said.
© 2013
Jennifer Wagner
“Partners in
a relationship can begin to lose their romantic and sexual passion for each
other when they begin showing less and less of their true feelings to each
other. This lack of ongoing "into-me-see" can occur because of fear
of how the other person will react, lingering resentment, or simply emotional
laziness. Much like tending a garden, ongoing
intimacy requires persistent effort, but in both cases the
fruit that blooms as a result of such loving dedication is well worth the
effort. It is quite possible for two people in a relationship to continue to
grow as individuals who are capable of revealing ever-deeper aspects of
themselves to their partner. In this way there are
always new qualities of a person to be known and loved, which is the best
insurance for maintaining sexual passion no matter how long the
couple has been together.
The quality
of your life is enhanced immeasurably by developing and maintaining
relationships with people who you allow deeply into your heart, mind and soul. Remember that secrets and emotional isolation
are the enemies of intimacy. The ability to be intimate with
another person is like a muscle that becomes weak when it is under-exercised.
Use it or lose it!” –Bill Herring LCSW, CSAT
"The opposite of loneliness, it's not togetherness. It
is intimacy." -Richard Bach
wise words in your footnotes...intimacy begins well before touch...and often it starts with communication...its the things unsaid that def scare me most in life....
ReplyDeleteLast three stanzas are just so amazing... the whole poem is, actually. So true, so true.
ReplyDeleteThis is a truly remarkable poem, such truth in each line, Without expressing one's true feelings, there is no intimacy in a relationship.
ReplyDeletemuch wisdom in this...sex and intimacy are def. two different pairs of shoes and ideally they walk hand in hand, one making the other deeper and richer
ReplyDelete... a lifetime of work
ReplyDeleteThere are so many more ways to be intimate than sex; it's such a shame that our culture is obsessed with sex alone.
ReplyDeleteLovely poem.
So very very true in the footnotes, so many people are just plain lazy and expect it to be there.
ReplyDeleteI appreciated the process notes ~ Intimacy is hard work ~
ReplyDeleteExcellent and wise words.
ReplyDeletethat holow boned touch always makes us prickle
ReplyDeletenano birthing chamber
Jennifer, what a remarkable way via verse to share such valid truths....excellent job.
ReplyDeleteI loved the layers in this...like peeling back the covers to peer into someone else's bed...and the most intimate parts of their lives.
ReplyDeleteThis wisdom is true, but still so hard to live by.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful was to express this truth!
ReplyDeleteJennifer!, I like. A true representation of this scene - the act - the unspoken words were the loudest. One of my favs. Excellente!
ReplyDeleteNicely done. And an excellent point.
ReplyDeletesuch a sad reality. you definitely touched on it quite beautifully...
ReplyDeleteWhere there is love, I think, it can take a lot more effort to block growth than to go with it. Sadly, that is a truth that is not always apparent when feelings get hurt.
ReplyDeleteWise words, so true.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, both your poem and your footnotes are profound. So much thought, and so much truth.
ReplyDeleteUse it or lose it!” –Bill Herring LCSW, CSAT
ReplyDeleteTruly said but many do not care! It only benefits the matrimonial lawyers! Nicely Jennifer!
Hank
great poem. I love the"tongue loose" and "bridge the bodily gap" wow....how true.
ReplyDeleteJules
A Dose of Jules
Truly beautiful and erotic. But not in a lewd way, but in the great tradition of fabulous poetry. A wonderful piece of poetry. I spoke to me.
ReplyDelete...very well said my friend... a relationship is nothing if only one is exerting effort... but then i understand that in a relationship you have to surrender yourself though not in all cases coz it def has to be in moderation fairly enough to the extent by which the relationship is not being sacrificed too much... smiles... i enjoyed it... thanks...
ReplyDeletevery true and very well put. The challenge is to keep the spark alive!
ReplyDeleteWise and interesting! The key is to communicate while leaving nothing important unsaid, well written :) http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/provoking-hearts-and-minds/2012/aug/25/noteworthy-rote/
ReplyDeleteIf both partners don't try, it will never last. Very eloquent write.
ReplyDeletePamela
What an insightful poem! I love the explanation you've added.
ReplyDeleteThe images you create in this poem, bring me to a lonely, empty place where love no longer resides. Great write.
ReplyDeleteIt is true that we become lazy in our intimacy - sexual or otherwise.
ReplyDeleteWise footnotes - footnotes to take heed of.
Anna :o]
I think it's an excellent poem, and I really like the quotes too.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think you needed the explanation at the end of it. The poem said it quite clearly.
ReplyDeleteI loved the ending. Was what was never said "I love you" ?
ReplyDeleteSounds like they said a lot, but it wasn't what anyone would want to hear.
ReplyDelete