Slipping.
This one was inspired, in part, by this – open another window and listen while you read. It isn’t necessarily what seems obvious!
You must decide what the ending is before you get to the last screen-load – no cheating!, but it is open to interpretation. There are approximately 3½ screenloads.
They looked at each other and smiled in anticipation:
They were in for a wild ride!
They took the steps which would take them to the edge
They were hesitant, unsure that they knew what was coming.
Slowly, they reach out to touch the other
Needing the reassurance of touch.
Gently they entwined their fingers and lowered themselves,
Down to a surface which welcomed them.
Anticipation and uncertainty competed for the upper hand,
Their breathing and heart-beats are ragged.
They’d worn warm clothing expecting such an exposed place would be chilly;
Their nervousness was slowly going, allowing them to feel their surroundings.
It was surprisingly warm for this place and this time;
They fumbled with their jackets, throwing them to the side.
Ahhhh! The coolness was very welcome against the heat their nerves generated.
And, without the encumbrance of their jackets, their movements were much easier.
They’d spent a long time getting to know and trust each other,
Learning how they responded to the other’s gentle prompting.
Still, this was the ultimate test, the first time:
Would they finally release the grace which was inherent in every step of this journey?
Anticipation had taken the upper hand, and breathlessness had increased.
Knowing that their moment of truth was edging ever closer,
They sought to synchronise their breathing – synchrony was everything!
Time stood still even as it sped ever faster towards their moment,
A moment which has lain in wait for them for . . . forever, it seemed!
Unkown to the other, each sensed an inevitability of this moment,
As if Fate had smiled and willed them here.
The silence was soft, welcoming and . . . pregnant!
But, the tension was building.
So, so close; they were almost exploding with need,
They were very impatient but, it had to be exactly right.
Their skins lightly sheened, they looked at each other
In anticipation, expectation and with complete trust.
Now! They threw off the last of their unnecessary clothes.
It was as if the same music played in their veins, every nerve ending and muscle:
They moved together, graceful, sliding, sensuous, echoing their music.
The path was slippery but their joy made it seem only smooth.
Their ease with each other was evident in their every movement.
They touched, sometimes gently, sometimes strongly
Their touches and their music kept them moving towards that waiting end.
The tempo increased; their movements matched it;
That final, soaring crescendo was imminent!
Their eyes showing their elation,
They made their final movement together.
Ahhhh, what an incredible end, more than either had expected;
Worth every moment of that time and anticipation.
Slowly; slowly; almost painfully, they came back to earth
Their gasping breath and pounding hearts returning to normal.
The last of their music fading, they threw back their heads in exultation!
© J.V. Clarke, 2009
wigs
this is beautiful, so very well written, had me hooked
clarkey replied
I’m so glad you were hooked, Wigs, but, what conclusion did you reach before you got to the end? Many thanks for your lovely compliment, I appreciate it.
Rosie Appleton
Clarkey!! oh my goodness… need a fan… had me hooked too… hmmm MUSIC??? I never hear music :-D
clarkey replied
LOL, I’ll bring a fan with me next Monday! But, why does a simple “dance” make you need one? Glad it got you, too,Rosie, thanks for your compliment, it’s appreciated.
billyboy
Oh Jan… know all about the pain of coming back down to earth…
What a beautiful tale of consummated love!
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the music as the vid was ‘not available in my country’.
What was the track? I’ll look it up from this end.
Nice work!
xo
clarkey replied
LMAO, of course you do, but, where does it say lovemaking, Bill? Did it not occur to you that there are a number of other things which fit this perfectly?
The track was the official video for Enigma’s Sadness – I didn’t have time to find the extended version, though. Thanks for your lovely comment, I appreciate it.
pillipala
this is good, i was addicted and had to keep reading!
i also have some writing in this group :)
didn’t realize the music until AFTER i read it! oops!
clarkey replied
Many thanks for your lovely compliment, Maya, I’m glad you weret hooked and entertained, too, it means my ambiguity was successful!
Did you go back and listen to the music, it’s one of my favourites.
I appreciateyou visiting my little corner of RB and leaving me a lovely comment. Have a great day.
pillipala
yup, it is nice music and i can understand why it is one of your favs
clarkey replied
Thank you, Maya. I hope you have a great day.
RosaCobos
Anticipation forming part of the incredible plasticity of the brain to protect our species from dangers.
Anticipation….creating images that act as mirages,
to which we submmit so gladly,
Anticipation….giving firmmity to the weak and vanishing…
Anticipation….no answer to possible questioning..
pleasure is so… due to the anticipation.
And then…all energy in display suffocates the urging.
So we get back…
to dream of…
out of this moment…of
anticipation.
Rosa
clarkey replied
I appreciate your beautiful compliment very much, Rosa, and I thank you for writing this lovely piece to go with it. Anticipation certainly plays a big part in the pleasure we receive from life, but, we must learn not to anticipate too much, that can lead to disappointment. And, of course, I wrote this so that the readers would anticipate a specific ending, only to find that the ending they anticipated wasn’t stated, it was their anticipation which supplied what they thought was the inevitable conclusion. I’m pleased that my intention was successful and that, so far, it has been enjoyed. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Lozzle
skydiving!
fantastic piece :)
clarkey replied
LOL, I love your interpretation, Lozzle, it’s fantastic – this one is all about “flying” by whatever means the reader chooses to use to achieve that state. The ambiguity was intended to lead the reader to anticipate a stated ending, but not finding it stated, they had to decide if their anticipation was correct!
I appreciate your lovely compliment – I’m glad you enjoyed it.