Embraced but later left;
(such theft)
a subtle trace of lipstick left;
such tricks
had him exposed,
bereft of both,
they’re gone
instead of two
in none;
his vessel filled
is spilled;
he’s having nil
except regret
of having lost
what he loved most.
Giorgione
Today Merril hosts the Quadrille at dVerse, and the word is embrace. I tried to write a bit of moral analogy. I believe his two lovers became an item actually.
February 8, 2021
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Stellar writing, Bjorn! I love the image “subtle trace of lipstick,” 🙂 a classic case of two-timing gone wrong.
I also like the “subtle trace of lipstick”–how many times have men (or women) been tripped up that way? I hope the women did get together!
At least they have something in common… the disgust of the two-timer
Yes, exactly! 😀
Oh what tangled web….! Great image to illustrate 🙂
At first I saw only the title, Björn, which intrigued me and I tried to work out what the poem might be about, and then the image caught my eye. Finally, I read the poem, which reminded me of a song called ‘Triad’ by David Crosby, recorded by The Byrds and then on the Crosby Stills and Nash album ‘Four Way Street’. I like the way you started with the prompt word and the repetition of ‘left’ in two of its meanings.
This is marvelous Bjorn!
Well that would be poetic justice if the women did get together! Nice take on the prompt – caught by ‘lipstick on his collar’ – the oldest slip-up in the book!
Ahhh, I love this! A beautiful poem using such moral analogy. It’s a horrible thing to deceive your partner, probably one of the worst things one can do to someone they claim to love.
I love the ending in this one–he has to understand his loss because of his selfish actions. Hopefully, the two women did get together.
Clever and clarity, with a bit of moist morality, brother. Men have to combat their hormones and instincts. Of course there are women who cheat as well. Perhaps the 60’s allowed us too much sexual freedom, and it was/is hard to exorcise those lust demons.
The expression in the painting abs the lipstick left. So much drama with so few words . Enjoyed.
Good one, Bjorn. And the image couldn’t be more perfect!
Oh, the story of careless impassioned youth, lost in the moment of no return!!
The jerky form of the lines is like slap after slap.
Woe be the man if the two lovers get together. Hell truly hath no fury! Beautifully captured drama in your poem.
For many, 3 is a lucky number but, I guess, not always, eh? Very cool write Bjorn, and thanks for the artwork.
This is the comment to keep
The trio certainly didn’t work well . Does it ever
Happy Monday
Much💗love
playing with fire one will get burnt … well done!
An (almost) man thought he (almost ) got away with it but lost!
Priceless notes …. I caught that look between them and agree 100%. Another great write, Mr. Bjorn.
Particualrly enjoyed:
his vessel filled
is spilled;
he’s having nil
A tale told many times, yet many still don’t heed the lesson. Nicely done.
Oh, my! Cheaters never win in the long run. Brilliantly rendered.
That’s one hard-learned lesson.
No one likes a two-timer. Nothing good ever comes of it and everyone is a loser.
Björn,
I truly loved this poem from start to finish – I found myself looking forward to every subsequent word.
Yours,
David
cool connection to history and morals
I sense his regret is temporary, I like the idea that he has unwittingly introduced two others.
A deep heart tugging poem. The sense of loss drew me in and I felt it.
You’ve captured the story behind that painting! Well I hoped he learned his lesson. 👏👏
Ah the twice left smudge of lipstick….that dastardly man!
It is wonderful how you wrote a poem about the reality of a love triangle.
I have tried to write a short story based on a parallel universe. All the characters are affected by someone whom is not quite a woman.
It is based on England and Scotland. For the first time I have decided to use a Score Rubic so I do not sound bias. It took me a month and I hope it inspires you too.
https://artymarty99.wordpress.com/2021/02/28/its-okay-to-cry-tribute-to-sophie-xeno/
I will need to get back to this… it’s late tonight and a story like this will have to take its time.
Yes it is pretty detailed. But I look forward to reading more of your work.