In a flash my mind shows me a thousand streets tormented by loneliness. These streets – once the grand wine-presses of human bodies and cars – are now haunted by sickness and eaten by desolation.
It’s spring. The ocean’s water is warm like a country bread. I can taste it. The crisp crust, the sweetness of grains and earth melt on my tongue.
I miss you and the chestnut tree from that pastel afternoon when we first kissed.
Why did I love you? Of course, you were handsome, but it wasn’t that. I loved you because you could not have been conquered by the tricks with which a woman conquers most men. Why would I even want a man that any women with lipstick and stilettos can have?
I am digressing, am I not?
It’s spring. The water is red. Under the light of its pearls, flowers open like fresh young lips.
I avert my mind from the memory of your arms which tries to drag me inside an abyss of naked love; a love blessed with the force of the mistral and the sensuality of linked fingers under the moonlight.
The earth and the waters are one.
Yet the pain is heavy and filled with fluids like the chest cavity of a dead animal hanging up-side down.
I can see your boat. It’s beautiful.
The world is sick.
If I say I love you will you tell me what I can do to heal it?
Please read my Spillwords Author of the Year (2019) interview here
My thanks again to Kevin Morris – a wonderful poet – for interviewing me. Please read Kevin’s interview with me here.
Love and good health to everyone.
Gabriela
© Gabriela Marie Milton
Nice!
Thank you!
Your welcome, 💕
😉
Also do you know how I can give someone a sunshine blogger award?
I did not know that 🙂
Oh.
I keep hearing about it…
I am afraid I do not understand you…
Okay. It’s this thing that I see on loads of people’s blogs that I only heard about recently. It’s an award for people who do intresting blogs and stuff. You can search it on WordPress. It’s called the SUNSHINE BLOGGER AWARD.
Oh, that is what you meant. You are really sweet. I know what it is. In 2 years and a half of blogging I was nominated numerous times for many awards. I am very grateful to my readers for that. Deeply grateful. Their generosity was and is beyond.
I feel bad but this blog is award free. Therefore I do not nominate either. It would be very difficult. I love the work of the people I follow. It will be hard to make up my mind.
Stay safe,
G.
I really like your words about why want a man that any woman wearing stilettos and lipstick can have. Thanks for linking to your interview on my blog. It was my pleasure to host you and I’m looking forward to reading your book of poems when it goes live. Best wishes, Kevin
Kevin, thank you again for interviewing me. I will always be grateful to you for that. It was a real pleasure to be your guest.
“I’m looking forward to reading your book of poems when it goes live.” Thank you again, Kevin . It means a lot to me.
Best wishes,
Gabriela
It is a great amalgam of stranded thoughts n realistic horror- gathering romatic kiwis; in the basket of woe—— beautiful and artistic
Thank you so much for your beautiful comment Aamir. I am really touched by your words.
Stay safe.
Gabriela
Oh how I needed this today.
Thank you Bo. You made my morning too.
Sending you plenty of love.
Very nice my dear. I like you very much.
Thank you so much Jared. I am so glad you liked it and I am very grateful to you for your comment. Stay safe.
Gabriela
Excellent short prose for a sick world. Even with all your beauty, womanly tricks and sensuality shimmering in the moonlight healing a sick world is a lot to ask.
Timothy this is such beautiful comment. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your words are gorgeous. Maya sends you a virtual kiss 🙂
Take care of everyone. Say hello to the kitties.
G,
I love kitty kisses. All the Kitties send you Ciaos and Meows.
Aw.., thank you so much. Sending them lots of kisses and some treats 🙂
I love the last verse is epic. And i so adore this phrase “Why would I even want a man that any women with lipstick and stilettos can have?”.
Thought provoking..😊😊😊
Aw… I am delighted you like the last verse and you adore that phrase. Thought provoking… I guess 🙂
Sending you lots of love,. Stay safe.
Gabriela
😊😊😊
Good morning G,
Funny, saying good morning when we just spoke on my blog.
This is breathtaking.
The ocean water……this line is brilliant, so full of vivid description. YOu have compared it to country bread; giving it texture, taste, and warmth. Amazing line.
Of course you wouldn’t just say I missed you. You evoke memories of longing by reminded us of the magic of a first kiss.
Why have a man any woman can have with lipstick and stilletos?
God I love this line. Can’t stop laughing. But you said so much with this. It said so much about the woman thinking these thoughts. (Clara?). It was a polished and brilliant way to characterize your character. It didn’t impose on the reader, the narrator’s voice never interrupted. The character’s thoughts just flowed beautifully as something new was revealed about her.
Now, you did not mention Glass Lovers, but I am assuming it is a wonderful excerpt.
G, I could go on and on about this piece, but life is short and you are terribly busy.
This is, by far, one of the greatest pieces I have read i my five years of blogging. It read the way great fiction is supposed to read.
Bravo. 🌴
Helo my dearest Drew,
Yes, it is Clara speaking. How did you know? I take that as a big compliment. Can you read me? 🙂
Drew, thank you so much for your praise. I am humbled by your words.
“he ocean water……this line is brilliant, so full of vivid description. YOu have compared it to country bread; giving it texture, taste, and warmth. Amazing line.” Thank you. I kind of like that line too 🙂
“t didn’t impose on the reader, the narrator’s voice never interrupted. The character’s thoughts just flowed beautifully as something new was revealed about her”
This means a lot to me. I am beyond happy you think so.
“Why have a man any woman can have with lipstick and stilletos?
God I love this line. Can’t stop laughing. But you said so much with this. It said so much about the woman thinking these thoughts. ” It does, doesn’t it? 🙂
“This is, by far, one of the greatest pieces I have read i my five years of blogging.”
This really brings tears in my eyes, Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I don’t know what else to say. You silenced me. I’ll be forever grateful to you for this.
Stay well, stay inspired, write beautiful poetry under palm trees. Be happy Drew.
Thank you again
G.
Siempre……
🙂
I could envision every line🔮💕💕
Thank you so much my dearest K. It means a lot to me.
Stay safe
Gabriela xoxo
The first part is so topical! Gosh! You could be talking about now and that last line…how beautiful! Stay safe, dear G! ❤️🌷
Hello my dear. Thank you for reading and thank you for your beautiful words. I am so grateful to you for your kindness and your support. Sending you lots of thanks and love.
Take good care of yourself
xoxoxoxo
You are so welcome, dear. 💞
💕🌸💐
Smashing! You’ve written something most lovely Gabriela…true to the times as is the reference to the streets…but haunting and provoking…calm sensual, serene yet powerful…beautiful, loved it!
Muchas gracias por tus lindas palabras, Francisco. Es muy amable de tu parte.
un beso y una flor
un verso nostálgico
…
Que tengas un buen día
G.
Un poema intenso y bello… Siempre un placer. Igual, Gabriela que el martes sea tu día
❤️
Muchas gracias, Francisco.
dos besos
G.
siempre un placer Gabriela…
😉
Too beautiful❤
Thank you so much my dear. I am thrilled you enjoyed it. Lots of hugs to you and stay safe.
G,
Thank you so much. You too take care and stay indoors♥
🌸💝💕🤗
😊🤗🌷🖐🏡
🙏🌸🌿🌷💕💐
Very, very beautiful with deep insights.
Thank you so much Nico. Peace and blessings to you.
And also to you G! 🙂🌏🍃
😉
Very lovely. I love you too.
Wow. Is that a love declaration? 🙂
Thank you for your comment.
It is, and you are very graciously welcome.
🙂
“If I say I love you,” feels haunting. . .
Hi Jay. You read me right. It was meant to be haunting. Thank you for your comment my friend. I hope you are well.
Hugs.
If only our voices could really haunt those who broke out hearts, LOL. Take Care yourself, Hugs
More hugs right back to you 🙂
Oh G you always make me blush 😉
Take a selfie and sent it to me 🙂
LOL this is escalating quickly! my pictures don’t come free, though.
If don’t come free. they don’t. What can I say? 🙂
Time are tough these days.
You got no argument from me 🙂
LOL
😉
🤐
Lyrical as always and ripe with metaphor G. Each one takes me on a little journey before bringing me back to the gorgeous prose. I hope you are well. Take care
– Nitin
Hi Nitin. So great to hear from you. Thank you so much for your beautiful comment. It means a lot. It made my evening. I have been reading you lately. You are a brilliant writer. The power of your words is incredible.
Take care of you and stay safe.
G.
Thank you G. I make many little mistakes even after I’ve revised the text so many times, and then sit and correct things by pressing the update button innumerable times. It’s infuriating, but shows me that I still have much to learn. Your words humble me. They mean a lot coming from someone whose prose flows like a beautiful soft current in a meandering stream. I have much catching up to do, which I plan to very soon.
Stay safe and keep writing
Nitin
My pleasure Nitin. Oh yeah .. the little mistakes… I make them too and of course we both should improve.
However, don’t forget one important thing Nitin: a good editor can correct those little mistakes but nobody can replace or reproduce your talent. Your talent is King. This is what makes you the great writer that you are. Will you keep that in mind please?
G,
Honestly, most of the people who live near me and call themselves ‘friends’ consider me a failure with no talent who’s wasting his time. They refuse to see my potential. And when someone says that I have what it takes, it makes my day. I’ve learned to let go of the naysayers though and write for the few like you who appreciate the work, time, effort and skill that this business demands. So thank you once again, my friend.
Nitin, anyone with your talent has plenty of naysayers. Honestly what else mediocrity can do but say no to talent? I keep saying the same thing and I’ll say it again: Your talent is incredible. It is hard to equal the force of your writings. I read you Nitin and I go like: WOW why can’t I write like this? So, my dear friend I am glad you learned to let go of naysayers. Don’t engage. Ignore them. You don’t have a problem. They do.
Keep writing and take care of you.
G
“like the chest cavity of a dead animal hanging up-side down.” I really cannot tell you how impressed I am by this image. I tend to repeat the words “vivid” and “evocative” in relation to your writing, but they truly do describe your work.
Stay healthy and have a sensational evening.
David
Good Evening David,
Thank you so much for your comment. It does not surprises me you picked that sentence. Thank you very much for that.
Stay healthy too and have a fabulous day tomorrow.
G.
You’re welcome! 🙂
🙂
Hi Gabriela, sometimes the time difference makes even harder for me to catch up (although I never really catch up)
Your prose is intoxicatingly sensual and intriguingly diverse… between your two themes of love and earth……💙🌏
https://youtu.be/bFsy12ErLcs
Hi Ivor,
“sometimes the time difference makes even harder for me to catch up.” I know. It does the same to me so we are in the same boat yet on different continents 🙂
“Your prose is intoxicatingly sensual and intriguingly diverse” Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your beautiful comment. It humbles me.
Aw… the clip… wild sun… I love it Ivor. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I am trying to curb my enthusiasm but it’s not working.
Have a beautiful afternoon.
Stay happy and romantic.
Gabriela
Haha, yes I’m a romantic one, and also happily enthusiastic
💙🌏🤗
See Ivor I know you and because you are romantic, enthusiastic and talented we are blessed with your beautiful poetry.
xoxo
Thank you, I’m smiling big time, but I can smile and giggle as much as like, inside my cocoon. 😁😊😉
My pleasure, Ivor. You giggle and smile as much as you want. And then write a great poem for all of us.
xoxo
I’ve just posted a new poem 😁
Here I come …
Such beautiful expressions
Thank you so much, my dear. It means the world to me.
Hugs and love to you.
Stay safe.
G.
You too should stay safe.
Thank you 🙂
Gabriela, dear friend, I am speechless with this piece…. it feels like a push and pull between love and pain, loneliness, the sickness of the world. Your passage about the pain…. i felt it in my own body. It’s visceral. Equally, how you’ve written of love…
“I avert my mind from the memory of your arms which tries to drag me inside an abyss of naked love; a love blessed with the force of the mistral and the sensuality of linked fingers under the moonlight”.
I mean, how could you avert your memory from that?
Don’t even get me started on the stilettos and lipstick lines.
Sigh, you are simply, so talented.
There are often boats dear friend. It strikes me, and I send you a boat load of love 🗝♥️⛵️ xoxoxo
My fabulous Rachel I don’t want you to be speechless. I want you to talk. I want to hear your beautiful words.
Rachel, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this fabulous comment. It really humbles me. You are such a talented writer and such a wonderful friend. Your words caress me, encourage me, and heal me. You are the best sweetheart.
“I avert my mind from the memory of your arms which tries to drag me inside an abyss of naked love; a love blessed with the force of the mistral and the sensuality of linked fingers under the moonlight”.
“I mean, how could you avert your memory from that?”
I was trying 🙂
“Don’t even get me started on the stilettos and lipstick lines.” I want you to get started. Perhaps we should start an entire conversation on that.
A boat of love. How beautiful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sending you a boat filled with stars.
Have a wonderful week Rachel, and thank you again. Make sure you put the stars in your hair.
xoxoxo
Gabriela, your words have me smiling and smiling. If my words can even begin to have a healing or encouraging effect on you, then I need to be saying more. On that note, just on the off chance that you may want to read a poem of mine, I posted a couple of days ago. It feels presumptuous to say that, but I know also you often don’t get my notifications. So, no pressure on that front, it’s just a ‘just in case you missed it and didn’t want to miss it’ scenario.
“Why would I even want a man that any women with lipstick and stilettos can have?” Well, you would not want this man because he would in no way be a match for you. You would be dissatisfied and have to banish him to that same place as the guy in the suit 😂.
This man who you we’re trying to avert your memory from… he is in a different category. Perhaps one all of his own. I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or not.
I’m going to put the stars in my hair darling G. Because that is exactly how you make me feel I am – shining and able to do the impossible. You’re a wonderful friend, I’m so grateful. Now I’m going to have to send you another boat of love xoxoxo
My fabulous Rachel.
I am so sorry. I truly apologize. You posted a poem and I did not read it yet? I feel horrible. I chated with WP many times about this. It happens when it comes to you, to Bo, and to Watt. I have to check your sites. I was convinced that Watt is not posting anymore. I think I checked his site yesterday and surprise… he’s posting.
WP is blaming everything on my VPN. Yet the fact that I use a VPN does not explain why it happens only when it comes to three people. However, as long as I use the VPN WP can get away with lots of things. Once I finish replying to your comment I will go right to your site and read your poem my beautiful Rachel.
Yes, Rachel your words have a healing or encouraging effect on me. I am sure they have the same effect on many people. I am no different.
“Well, you would not want this man because he would in no way be a match for you. You would be dissatisfied and have to banish him to that same place as the guy in the suit 😂.”: Haha! Look the guy in the suit (Actually was he ever in a suit? We made up the suit. Last time we saw him he was in a wet tee-shirt) forgot himself on the beach which is not a crime at the end of the day. We can spend some time to rescue him. We can have mercy on him. As for the other man he will be completely a waste of time. Seriously who wants such a man?
“This man who you we’re trying to avert your memory from… he is in a different category.” Yes, there are people that there are in their own categories. I do not know if it is good of bad. It just is.
“I’m going to put the stars in my hair darling G. Because that is exactly how you make me feel I am – shining and able to do the impossible. ”
My fabulous Rachel you are the brightest star of all. I want you to know that. I sent you stars so when you put them in your hair we can see how bright you shine. You are the morning star!
Love and hugs to you. I am moving to your site now.
xoxoxo
G. I can’t tell you what it’s like to read these words right now. You know when you’re in that place where If someone says something nice it’s enough to make you cry? Which doesn’t make sense does it, because it is such a joyous feeling. But, it seems to harness a sadness too. I should understand this phenomenon, but it feels a mystery to me.
So, the man in the suit, you’re right, I’m not sure if he ever even put that suit on. He seemed to be very comfortable in his wet tee-shirt. Yes, let’s rescue him, maybe have mercy on him? We’ll see. Perhaps he is in his own category too, who knows? We can see if he’s swooned by lipstick and heels.
I did not mean to make you feel bad in any way for not seeing my post. I only mentioned it because sometimes you ask when I’m posting and I wanted you to know that I had. I know you have that problem with my site and those others.
Honey, if I’m the morning star, you must certainly be the evening one. I look for your light. It’s beautiful, it guides and soothes me when I look at the night sky, and illuminates everything in a brilliant glow.
Tears again. Thank you dear G. You truly are wonderful and a special friend to me.
So many love and hugs G, sent to you along the ocean.
Xoxoxo
I am sorry for the late response. I have been fallen behind. Sweet Button I really love this style. Such a song your words are. They paint so many images. Gorgeous work. Every line packs a punch of vivid thoughts. What a delicious gift you have beautiful Button. I hope you are being careful and staying well. The ending of your poem made me think of these strange days. Love you my dear friend. 💕❤️😘🌸🌺
No need to apologize honeybun. We all fall behind sometimes. It could happened to any of us.
Thank you so much for your beautiful words. I am really glad you liked the piece Joni. It makes me happy at this late hour.
I hope you have a beautiful morning honeybun. Sending you plenty of love and hugs.
xoxoxo
G.
Thanks for being understanding. I loved all your words. I have been so grateful for your kind nudge, sending works to three magazines now. Bless your heart. Love you sweet Button. J 😘🌸🌺💕
I am so happy you are sending your work out. I am keeping my fingers crossed. I know things will be just fine. You are very talented honeybun.
Have a great evening
Love and hugs to you
Gabriela
Thank you sweet Button. You have a wonderful evening as well. I am grateful for your encouragement. I have submitted to three magazines. I appreciate you having your fingers crossed. Stay safe and have a blessed weekend and hopefully you will be able to enjoy Easter. Love and hugs sweet Button. ❤️💕😘🌸🥰
You too sweetheart 💕
Let me catch my breath – scrolling through your comments quite exhausted me – now what was it I was going to say? I’ve forgotten so scrolling back to the top again – re-read you while there – now back again – forgotten – here we go again!
You are great. You said it all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart 🙂
Take care Eric.
I can sense the feel of love and pain, the sickness of the world and how it can put a heavy burden on us all.
Beautifully well expressed and written my friend. 🙂
Charlie, my dear friend, thank you very much for your beautiful comment and for the praise. You are the best.
I saw you posted a new poem. I am going to try to get to your site as soon as I can.
Stay blessed my friend.
G.
You are welcome. Bless your wonderful heart. 🙂
May happiness bring peace to your heart and creative soul. 🙂
Thank you Charlie. May you stay creative and blessed forever 🙂
You too my friend. 🙂
Beautiful poetry Gabriela!❤️
Thank you so much Rene. I am so glad you think so. Lots of love and hugs to you sweetheart.
Too you too !
🌸💕💐🙏
💐🙏
i so enjoyed how you formatted the prose, like droplets of rain on fevered flesh, my mind was awash with sultry visions and swam back to that pastel afternoon, oh gosh Gabriela, just when I think you have given me a great poem something greater appears from you – I so love this piece
Gina, sweetheart, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your beautiful comment. Your words are more beautiful than my prose. They stun and mesmerize at the same time.
Again thank you for the love and the beautiful words. I am receiving them with open arms. You are such a great writer and such a wonderful friend.
Love right back to you
xoxo
always a joy Gabriela, you and your words
🙏🌸💐💕
Good Lord, Gabriella. This is crazy brilliant. I read it through twice…the second time very slowly. It fills my heart and tries to run all directions at once. Amazing. Heavy. Sensual….sad. Thank You. And….wow. ❤️
Aw…Katy thank you so much for your wonderful words. Good morning . I am delighted you liked the piece. So happy you commented.
Make your day fabulous and stay safe.. Love and hugs to you 🤗❤️💕🌸💐
My pleasure, Gabriela! Thank You, as well! You stay safe too and I’m sending Love and hugs right back Your way! 🤗❤️😊
Thank you so much Katy.💐❤️🌸💕🙏
❤️🙏🏼😊!
Hi Gabriela… I came here via a recommend that Matthew J Richardson made at the bottom of his latest piece “Root and Ray.” (https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/79163937/posts/2657253201).
Wow, very beautifully written. So many divine lines. My favourites are the repeated “It is spring” lines:
“It’s spring. The ocean’s water is warm like a country bread. I can taste it. The crisp crust, the sweetness of grains and earth melt on my tongue.”
“It’s spring. The water is red. Under the light of its pearls, flowers open like fresh young lips.”
Wow again… wonderfully crafted. ❤︎🙏
Dear Nadine,
Thank you so much for your magnificent comment]. I am so humbled and delights by your words. You made my morning brighter.
Have a wonderful rest of the day and much love to you.
Gabriela
Oh thank you, Gabriela! I’m glad I came back here to check if you’d replied – for some reason WP doesn’t seem to show my comment replies sometimes, so I missed this till now! Thank you for this lovely reply, and same back to you. 😊 xoxoxo
My pleasure Nadine. I have the same problem.
Love and hugs to you.
You’re so kind!! Love and hugs back! ❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎
🤗❤️🌸
Most lovely and heart touching,dear G!!
Thank you dear!
Most welcome,dear!!
Beautiful, Gabriela! <3
Thank you so much Susi ❤️🤗🌸💕
You are very welcome, Gabriela! 🙂
🤗❤️🌸
Beautiful and sensual, oh the words to describe this masterpiece are endless. I really love how you’ve contrasted loneliness with spring, it gives you that reminiscent feeling. Stay safe! 😊
Aw… I am humbled and delighted by your words. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sending you good wishes, love and please stay safe.
Gabriela
No problem😊
i looove this … beautifully heart breaking
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am delighted you liked it.
Gabriela
Okay, I’m your new fan! 😀
Aw… thank you from the bottom of my heart Nadia.
Gorgeous! You are amazingly talented, as always!
Thank you so much. That’s so kind of you to say.
You’re welcome! 😊
🤗