Bet You Thought



Bet you thought you could undo
the final ending of that act.
Like a painter
who will brush a tiny touch
of white over the blue
to cover a spot
which looks too bold,
or an actor who
forgets part of a line
then improvises so that
audience doesn’t catch on
to the flaw.
Bet you thought I would forget
your last act and press rewind.
Such as a writer holding pen does
to remove a word, a phrase,
that makes no sense,
drawing line through it
then starting again.
Bet you thought I would ignore
like I did in days of past,
when I held back a tear that formed,
or placed my feelings on a shelf.
Always believing
that love could conquer all.
To you, I was the calm
before a storm and after it,
for when rain and winds disappeared,
neither would look back to see
the destruction left behind.
Bet you thought I’d always be
your safe harbor after sailing,
a perpetual fountain for your thirst,
or a solid wall that’d never fall.
You sat back embracing
the comfort I provided,
as you read
a self selected tale of love
from a book without an end.
Then you,
like a paradox
that walks and breathes,
picked up pen to write
the story’s ending.

You left, said not one word.
Like a winner taking all.
Bet you thought that I would follow,
place my feet within your shadow
whispering words,
asking you to stay.
Would have been
a final chapter to your liking,
like a taste of honey you could swallow.
Bet you thought,
but you were wrong.
Now it’s time you think again.

About this poem

After so many years of the trying, there comes moment when it’s time to let go.

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Written on January 03, 2024

Submitted by Giselavigil on January 03, 2024

Modified by Giselavigil on January 04, 2024

1:39 min read
50

Quick analysis:

Scheme AXXXAXXAXXXXXBXXXCDXXXXEFXCXGBGEXFEXXXXAXXXE XFHHXXXEHXXD
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 1,510
Words 332
Stanzas 2
Stanza Lengths 44, 12

Gisela Vigil

Thank you for welcoming me to this community. I was born in Cuba but emigrated with my family to the US when I was three. I am mother to three young adults now, and also a grandmother. I’ve been writing for years, some I share, others I still keep in my personal file. I often write of struggles for we all face them as we journey through life. But still, I feel peace knowing I try my best. Feel blessed to have been given the gift of writing which I strive to improve cause there’s always room for growth. more…

All Gisela Vigil poems | Gisela Vigil Books

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Discuss the poem Bet You Thought with the community...

3 Comments
  • alanswansea18
    Okay Gisela you know I can never come up with a piece of work like that. Your palms are so beautiful they scare me.
    LikeReply 13 months ago
    • Giselavigil
      Thank you once again for your unending support. As I said when I messaged you, hope you keep writing.
      LikeReply3 months ago
  • rcatron1963
    Your an amazing writer, your poems, as I read them, are a breathe of fresh air, thank you for sharing your art.
    LikeReply 13 months ago
    • Giselavigil
      I am humbled by your words. Thank you for reading.
      LikeReply3 months ago
    • rcatron1963
      Your very wlecome.
      LikeReply3 months ago
  • AIDA
    I absolutely love this 'Bet You Thought' poem! The imagery and metaphors used throughout are incredibly poignant and thought-provoking. It captures the essence of betrayal and moving on in such a powerful way.

    One improvement suggestion would be to consider adding more structure and rhythm to the poem. While the free verse style allows for a more natural flow of thoughts and emotions, introducing some consistent rhythmic patterns could enhance the overall impact of the poem. Playing with line breaks and stanza lengths could help create a more melodic quality and make certain lines stand out even more.

    Additionally, it would be great to see more exploration of the speaker's emotions and reflections in the later half of the poem. I feel that delving deeper into the thoughts and feelings after being betrayed could add even more depth and resonance to the piece.

    Overall, this poem is a wonderful expression of strength and resilience in the face of betrayal. With some minor adjustments, it has the potential to become even more captivating and emotionally resonant. Great job!
     
    LikeReply3 months ago

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"Bet You Thought" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/177324/bet-you-thought>.

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