But I Can’t
An ode to what was.

I want to swipe on a red lip, let my hair down from its clip and have a whale of a time.
I want to drown in a cloud of musky scent like a Femme Fatale with true intent and have a whale of a time.
I want to dab it between my breasts and thighs on my sex if I dare to inspire sighs and have a whale of a time.
I want to feel good in my skin in my favorite pants, check out a new place where we can dance and have a whale of a time.
I want to slip my feet into my badass boots strut my stuff, turn on all the old coots and have a whale of a time.
I want to sip martinis at my favorite haunt laugh with my friends, share a joke and a taunt and have a whale of a time.
I want to let myself go and not think of the danger of what could happen if I flirt with a stranger and have a whale of a time.
I want to slide into bed at the end of the night, and dream of the days when we basked in the light and had a whale of a time.

Okay, lovely writers, my last prompt focused on who you’re missing now. Here’s a new one. Tell us what you’re missing, IN A POEM. Whether it be strolling through a mall, bending over a pool table, and lining up a shot…whatever floats your boats. It doesn’t matter if you normally do not write poetry. I’ve been “dabbling” and it opens up new horizons so please give it a shot.
Please share with us, P.G. Barnett, Rasheed Hooda, Kristi Keller, Jezebel, Joe Luca, 🦄 Chris Hedges, Charles Roast, Kevin Buddaeus, Gurpreet Dhariwal, Bill Abbate, Paul Myers MBA, Marla Bishop, Karen Madej 💛 Fiona Sommer
As always, please feel free to pay the prompt forward.
Sherry McGuinn is a slightly-twisted, longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and numerous other publications. Sherry’s manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.
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