The only time he ever fired up the stove
was to boil a small pot of shaving water
Back in days before hot water heaters
he needed it piping hot to wet a stubborn beard
After the water began boiling he moved
to a small mirror over the sink
Wetting his brush of soft straight bristles
He dipped them in a shaving soap bowl
to wiggle them around working up a lather
Applying thick suds over a bearded face
he was pleasured just feeling its luxury
As the lather cooled he reached for his
straight razor a single ultimate cutting blade
Slowly he cut away on ragged sideburns
then moved to hair near lips and nose
Ending the first shave he had trimmed
stubble from chin and scratchy neck
A worn leather strap got a few strokes
from a dull razor needing sharpening
He pourrd warm water on a wash cloth
and wiped soapy bits sticking to the skin
A small towel dries a tired face for more
thick lather colder this time around
He fingered his cheeks to find a few
uncut bristles quickly snipped away
And after cloth and towel he admires
handiwork of a man who knows how
A smoothness past imagining he felt
the skin of a newborn beneath touch
Launching renewed face he reaches
for a bottle of cooling lavender water
Patting it into every pore of open
invigorated skin soon to be admired
A smile said she awaited as he tied
the robe walking to their bedroom
Where she would welcome smooth
Bill, Bill, Bill... this piece has it all! Simple lines with so much tucked in between...a bit nostalgia with a hint of sensuality. I'd say this is as fine as wine...aged and vintage!
M
OOOOOOOooooooooooo yeeeeeeeeees, William!! Applause, applause!! The whole narrative had me gripped with its precision and observation: wonderfully described so that it was if I was the voyeur... but the twist at the end was tremendous and yes... have to say, after your tasty build-up I'm quite ready for that fresh sampling and intimate connection right now.. :)) A total delight. TY Kate xx
Your poetry gives on so m uch meaning that you have to recieve positive feedback from all that review. Thanks for sharing with me and many others here on the lovely Den.
This is a awesome write. It reminds me of the days when my father would lather his face and then brush the tip of my nose. The memories your pen brought back are proieless this morning. Thank you!
Love,
Susan
What a beautiful write as also a beautiful trip down memory lane. I recall seeing my grandfather shave in this manner, as did my father inlaw, and my husband in our first house which didn't even have plumbing. Your details were excellent, always a joy to read your beautiful work! enjoyed this so much!
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling
Reviewed by Kathryn Collins (Reader)
Reviewed on March 4, 2007
Dear Bill:
What a great title -- means so much more after reading your piece. Very cool indeed. Felt like I was shaving right along with you, no nicks. Smooth writing line by line falling into the next An oh the ending..... Times do not change.
SweeeeeeeeeeeT! Always the softness is a turn ON!
What a poem, I thought you were speaking of your DAD!
and his tireless shaving routines!
Wonderfully done Bill!
WArmly, WArrior Lady Sheeeoox
P.s. Thank you for your kind caring words back from my messg. to you!
I find your heart warm and true! Write on fellow poet/Writer, deep of mind and soul! to be told...
If you have time, come to my corner of the den and unwind. Your heart may gravitate to what I can share with your soul in some way...
Half way into the poem one expects a giant yawn on the tired face, one waits like the wait for the other showe to fall, then come the end, the embers got some lavender and the vigor is back, wondering if the old me can ignite the fire on her so early in the morning.
What a man can say? near by a close shave?
Georg
Each person is but a grain of sand resting beside the sea. This thought sets the tone for Jill Eisnaugle’s latest poetry collection, Beside Still Waters.
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M
Love,
Susan
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling
What a great title -- means so much more after reading your piece. Very cool indeed. Felt like I was shaving right along with you, no nicks. Smooth writing line by line falling into the next An oh the ending..... Times do not change.
love,
Kathy
What a poem, I thought you were speaking of your DAD!
and his tireless shaving routines!
Wonderfully done Bill!
WArmly, WArrior Lady Sheeeoox
P.s. Thank you for your kind caring words back from my messg. to you!
I find your heart warm and true! Write on fellow poet/Writer, deep of mind and soul! to be told...
If you have time, come to my corner of the den and unwind. Your heart may gravitate to what I can share with your soul in some way...
What a man can say? near by a close shave?
Georg