of how many woman
I said “I love you” to.
I had written
miles of poetry,
dedicated songs on the radio,
made mix tapes,
when they actually were
cassette tapes.
But they didn't stay.
I could transform a
$40 budget motel room
into a romantic boudoir
complete with candlelight
and roses
with only 20 minutes’ notice
on the off-chance
that I got the green light.
But they wouldn’t stay.
I knew all the in-spots,
had tickets
to the latest shows,
and I freshened up my
ad-libbed small talk
every week,
and this was all
before the advent
of the internet
so it really took some
time and effort
and real legwork
to be the King of Romance.
But still…
I kept hoping that
an all-encompassing,
heart-exploding,
landscape-changing
love
would somehow
float by my window
and finally
just stay.
I used to joke
that I was going to get
a tattoo on my chest,
over my heart that said
“YOUR NAME HERE.”
I’m so glad
the only tattoo I have now
just says
“Anita.”
(Written for #OpenLinkNight at http://dversepoets.com/ - the best poetry site in the world!)
November 2010. (Could I possibly have a less muscular tone than this?)
I often wonder about all those tattoos people get on the spur of the moment, whether they will regret them later!
ReplyDeleteMe too, but this one wasn't spur of the moment. :)
ReplyDeleteThings happen the way they happen for a reason. You were obviously not right for all the others but, people keep telling me when you finally stop looking for love, love finds you. It seems that's what happened for you and I am so pleased. Anita must be the one if you had her name tattooed on your arm and, am so happy for both of you Buddah :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I was looking for love in all the wrong places. Yes, I could've never guessed at 39 years old, I'd find her. Yes, Anita is my answered prayer.
Deletenice tat man...sometimes it takes a bit for us to get it right...but i sure wish mix tapes were still in style you know...a warm and endearing (and honest) write...
ReplyDeleteThanks, yeah a mix cd just isn't the same.
DeleteI am happy for you and happy for Anita! I always love reading your work--this piece, like all of them for me, just flows so easily!
ReplyDeleteThank you Diva- I strive to be as sweet and smooth as banana pudding.
DeleteDiametrical to my problem --
ReplyDeletehave the man,
need the romance.
{and you don't LOOK like a fatman...! ? }
Kiddo, it's all camera angles. I'm not overweight, I'm underheight.
DeleteYes... it's worth the wait to find the right one. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks Laurie, so worth the wait.
DeleteNice poem! When it's right, you know it!! They say never get a name tattooed on you, that you never know if you'd regret it. Got my husband's inked on my back in 2005 after almost loosing him in emergency surgery Been together since '79. No regrets (husband or tattoo)!!
ReplyDeleteYes, I knew it relatively soon. I got my tat because this is the only wife I'll ever have for the rest of my life. No regrets either.
DeleteGood for you! And this is definitely one of those poems that is completely heartfelt. I know it will be treasured by she whose dedication is the final word.
ReplyDeleteThanks - I know she'd treasure it, but she never comes here to read my poetry, so maybe someday she'll find it . :)
DeleteNice write and nice ink! You are so romantic.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I got the ink when my daughter got her tat, I thought a Father-Daughter Tattoo memory was a cool idea. Yes, I thought I was the King of Romance, but in retrospect I was just the Court Jester. :)
DeleteYou are keeper...glad it turned out well ~
ReplyDeleteCheers ~
Thanks! She's a keeper too!
DeleteHey. How come I never got a mix tape??? :-P
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem, beautiful ink, sir.
I gave you one, 'member? The one with the New York Dolls and the Partridge Family on it? :) Thanks, my friend.
DeleteAwwww, i love you... Anita sounds like she's one lucky and well loved women for staying in love with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this moment.
http://leah-jamielynn.typepad.com
Thanks for the kind words, it's been mutual - how lucky we are together. - Mosk
DeleteAh, this is lovely...You hit it right on...the mystery of love, the yearning, the aching, and finally THE happening. It's beautiful when it happens, and I'm happy you both have found it. May you and Anita live long and loving :))) x
ReplyDelete'
Thanks so much! I'm truly blessed.
DeleteKing of the roooo-mance! Nice one. Congrats to you and Anita.
ReplyDeleteThanks- I call myself the KOR tongue in cheek only, btw.
Deleteunfortunately mixed tapes were never a big thing over here in germany...would've loved this as i think it's very special...and great you found the one you love and are happy with...big smile..
ReplyDeleteThanks Claudia, yes, you can make a mix cd, but it isn't the same - perhaps because a mix tape you have to make in real time (a 90 minute tape takes at least 90m minutes to make) whereas a cd is just a few minutes. :)
DeleteLove the "your name here" line - glad you never had to go that far! This one reads like a short story - with a happy ending. Great write.
ReplyDeleteThanks my brother, I'm glad you liked it, esp the happy ending.
DeleteYour name here - that line is very good. This whole poem, however, is totally rockin! Love that Anita has a place inked on your arm and in your heart! Mix tapes...oh my!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I was kind of proud of it, Thanks for the kind words, yes I think it's ok to get your wife's name tattooed on your arm - discreetly. :)
DeleteOh, brudda, this was great stuff. "Your Name Here..." The sadness of waiting and waiting for the right one... to catch up with you! I shared that, too, before Lex was plunked down into my church and we became friends, then fell in love. I don't have a tattoo, but my heart is on my sleeve and everyone knows it. I LOVE your tat for Anita, and the sentimental verse attached to it. You big old romantic teddy bear. Love from your sistah, Ameleh
ReplyDeletehttp://sharplittlepencil.com/2012/05/23/wp-restores-choices-and-poem/
Thanks Ameleh, I know you know this poem! Your brudda from anudda mudda.
DeleteHonest writing. I'm glad you found her, man :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Alex, for not dissing it. :) Seriously, I appreciate your kind words.
Deleteawww. i also was caught by the image of the "your name here...". a very real write, this.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanna - yes, almost got that "YOUR NAME HERE" - it always got a big laff (that's how cynical I was).
ReplyDeleteSO sweet. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the "your name here."