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Mavis

Her name was Mavis
She was beautiful and in charge
She cooked things that taught my taste buds
The fine art of the spices

We made love awkwardly
As initial lovers do
Our first night of intimacy
Ended with so much confusion
Yet we made love eventually

Mavis was a Dragon
Who claimed to be a pig?
Although later admitted to being a dog
I never understood

She was metal, I am wood
"Rabbits!"

Mavis thought I never washed my hair
Blonde, obviously, should be blonde
I laughed at this in the shower just then
Three years after our parting

I loved Mavis, Mavis loved me
Even if I was just a holiday fling
We parted with gifts and neurosis
Never to sing together again

Mavis is so strong and so weak
We complimented each other
Just our timing
But for our timing

My heart assures me she was ok
Even if half a world away
My heart assures me she is ok
My mind hears, “So much better than ok!”

Mavis, you are one I’ve had the joy to love

N.b. The Chinese horoscope years mentioned are Dragon 1976, Rabbit 1975, Pig 1971 and dog 1970.

Wouldn't it be lovely for Mavis to know that this long after she inspired a poem so realistic and appreciative?


~ Lizzy

I like the literal emotion.

I should write a poem about the twins I dated in Kindergarten, maybe I could woo them back, and they are still my number 1's in the list of best ex's; actually I've been graced with an idea, definitely something to ponder there. Thank you both for your comments.
Jim.

Also wondered if my addition of the years has made a difference to this piece, realised last night that it is a little too much expecting a reader to guess which cycle of the chinese horoscope I am referring to, even if I did note her as a metal element, its not maths class after all.

Further to your comment Lizzy, far to scared to ever get back in touch with that dragon! However it is implied by the second last line that she carries a knowledge of our past and my eternal feelings.

Thanks again for reading,
Jim.

It’s touching that you still remember a past love with such clarity and feeling. It leaves me with some very vivid impressions.

I thought the following verse referred to the psychological test where you try to find out about a person’s character by asking them which three animals they would choose to be in order of preference. My husband used that question on me when we first met. But I should have clued in to the fact that it referred to Chinese astrological signs.

Mavis was a Dragon
Who claimed to be a pig?
Although later admitted to being a dog
I never understood

Sherry

Thank you for your input Sherry, I like that question and wonder what animals you wanted to be. I immediately thought of Eagle, but Owl would be better, will have to think of two others. I do wonder what you chose, obviously they were the right three hey.

I am glad adding the note has helped make this peace a little more accessible, although not having the note would of given you more to relate to possibly, poetry is silly.
Thanks again for your comment, hope you are well.
James.

Hi James,

I chose (I think), a chickadee, a deer and a bear. But that was 25 years ago. I am probably a very different person now and would either change the animals or at least the order. Possibly "bear" would go first now. Not that I'm ferocious by nature, but I am very protective of my young.

I look forward to reading more of your poems. Come to think of it, this topic could be inspiration for another one!

Sherry