Laugh Lines (Revised, with thanks), Sonnet Options

[MFK Buckley]

Thank you for the crits, I've adjusted happily accordingly. However consider a man who, if chastened, hastens to recall... F


Laugh Lines

If years from now you hasten to recall
my witticisms in another light,
inflections, buoyant once, are apt to fall,
deflecting into peevishness despite
how we are now. (Though I’ve said this before
in other arms, interpretations blurred.)
When we no longer linger I’ll ignore
you passing; it’s both best and most preferred.
But always you will be to me, as now,
endearingly disarmed, without a name.
Should memories of this conspire somehow
to recollect me harshly, you’re to blame:
the heft and cleave of me without the laughter
was all it meant, and all that you were after.

MFK Buckley



Laugh Lines

If years from now you hasten to recall
my witticisms in another light
inflections, buoyant once, are apt to fall
deflecting into peevishness despite
how we are now. (But I’ve said this before
in other arms, interpretations blurred.)
When you no longer linger I’ll ignore
your leaving; given that, don’t be disturbed.
You’ll always be to me as you are now –
endearingly disarmed, without a name.
Should memories of this conspire somehow
to recollect me harshly, you’re to blame:
the heft and cleave of me without the laughter
was all it meant, and all that you were after.

MFK Buckley

[MFK Buckley]

Well Liz! Darling Girl, how lovely to meet again and how are you? It has been so long it's hard to think about it. Thank you for asking, I am well and all is well. I have far less time than previously to commit to the rigours of critique and thus this is my first foray into this section. I tend to hover over in Challenges just to keep my hand in.

I just dusted off this old thing but very much appreciate both the pleasure of the work as well as nips and tucks thanks to this poet community. Currently my work is entirely Spenserian stanzas... I prefer the constraints of the form.

I'm delighted to know you're in residence here! I look forward to the pleasure of reading you! Hugs right back, Franny