Opal Reflections
Perspectives through Prose, Poetry and Photography
An Engineer’s Journal: June, 2001 – Turning The Page
“Until the day I die, I’ll never forget
those glassy, unblinking eyes.” they haunt me still,
Years were cut abruptly, I regret,
His callous satisfaction, feigned conceal.To some he was a buddy, someone real
But I, a distaff staffer, stood outside,
I chuckled not at vulgar chats, but steeled
myself, though reddened cheeks I could not hide.He, the victor, donned this pelt with pride
abroad his shoulder, flung his neck around,
He, the satyr, stomped the losing side,
But in the end, my spirit would rebound.With dignity and hope I bid adieu
to quarter century: “Begin anew.”
Though this poem was inspired by my recollection of a man I once worked for (who took delight in facilitating my departure from his senior staff), it was written specifically for the Speakeasy challenge #162, following these guidelines:
- Your post must be dated May 18, 2013, or later.
- Submissions must be 750 words or fewer.
- Submissions must be fiction or poetry.
- You must include the following sentence as the FIRST line in your submission: “Until the day I die, I’ll never forget those glassy, unblinking eyes.”
- You must also include a reference to the media prompt, the portrait of Oswalt Krel, by Albrecht Durer.
13 Comments on “An Engineer’s Journal: June, 2001 – Turning The Page”
I'd appreciate your feedback (Please, leave a comment)!
Lighthouse in the Mist, Cape May, NJ
Bandit
Festive View from the Pub, Peddler’s Village – Lahaska, PA.
Home Sweet Home
Opal Reflections 
Nice rhythm to this poem and a nice creative spin to the prompts!
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Thanks. Having lived this, the words are true. There are stories I could tell…someday.
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Really like this line in particular: “But I, a distaff staffer, stood outside,” The alliteration is wonderful.
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Wonderful rhythm and imagery!
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Thank you…the prompt was challenging but did get my brain going. Thanks for your comment.
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This is great, Joanne! I love that you paint a portrait with your words. Great take on the prompts! 🙂
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Thanks, Suzanne.
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I agree…working the portrait in was problematic. But I guess that’s why we do these challenges. Thanks, Janna.
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I enjoyed your poem – especially the 3rd stanza. The art prompt was a difficult one (well, for me, anyway 🙂 )
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There’s a lovely rhythm to his poem, and some really beautiful imagery 🙂
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Thanks. I wasn’t sure where I was going with thus one until I got started.
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Your poem is wonderful.
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Thank you.
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