Echoes of Pretty Girls




Blinded by green pastures,
suitcases packed with goodbyes,
pretty girls give up boots for high heels.

Somewhere out there has bright lights,
while here is only dust and a broken moon.

Dreams walk along Fifth Avenue,
not the parking lot of a five and dime.

Pretty girls don’t want rearview mirrors.
They want to move on and never look back.

Leaving is the only thing they plan for.
They never seem to notice this small town
is always full of pretty girls.



©Susie Clevenger 2013

 At Real Toads Marian introduced us to the music of Tim Easton
to use as inspiration for our writing. I hadn't heard of him before
so I lift up a hearty thank you to Marian!


Comments

Kerry O'Connor said…
This is excellent, Susie. Your opening line is knock-out and each couplet is a concise and vivid image. You wrapped it up with an ironic twist which really drives the point home.
Manicddaily said…
Ah - you know that is very true! And you are so ironic and clever and succinct. I love the switch from fifth avenue to parking lots of five and dime. k.
Marian said…
ooooh Susie, you went deep! i love this song.
and your poem is just marvelous... and i totally relate. they're chomping at the bit to leave, they DON'T want rearview mirrors, and they might never go back at all. excellent!!!
Ella said…
I love your poem and the smart ending~ I love how your imagery paints enough so we can see any town or city~ Bravo!
Grace said…
The video link is a good choice ~

Too bad these pretty girls look for their dreams in the bright lights. The ending is a a clincher for me...a town full of pretty girls~ Good one ~
Laurie Kolp said…
Gorgeous, Susie. I especially like:

Somewhere out there has bright lights,
while here is only dust and a broken moon.
Unknown said…
Your use of compare & contrast in each couplet is a strong and clever device. This observational piece rolls off the tongue and sings off the page. Nice work.
Susie Swanson said…
Love it.. This applies to so many small towns. You had me with the first line.I can relate so much..
Sherry Blue Sky said…
That's exactly how girls feel in those small towns with "dust and a broken moon"........so often, after they get their hearts broken in the city, they return to the safety of home. Great write, Susie. You put us right there, where once we were when we were pretty girls.
Margaret said…
This poem is so perceptive and just awesome. Could we call this rockabilly/folk poetry? That's what his music reminds me of and I love it AND this poem. Just a perfect response to this challenge.