Happy Ending Poem by Fleur Adcock

Happy Ending

Rating: 4.3


After they had not made love
she pulled the sheet up over her eyes
until he was buttoning his shirt:
not shyness for their bodies- those
they had willingly displayed- but a frail
endeavour to apologise.

Later, though, drawn together by
a distaste for such 'untidy ends'
they agreed to meet again; whereupon
they giggled, reminisced, held hands
as though what they had made was love-
and not that happier outcome- friends.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Susan Williams 12 November 2015

I want to read more of this woman's insightful, truthful, and quirky poetry. Top notch,

11 1 Reply
Kim Barney 11 January 2016

The first line is the most intriguing one of all: After they had not made love It makes one wonder: Why not?

5 1 Reply
Neran Sati 12 November 2015

a brilliant poetic insight into an intimate illusion, prevalent as prose subject, so more precious here. Thanks PH.

3 1 Reply
Dr Antony Theodore 17 July 2020

not shyness for their bodies- those they had willingly displayed- but a frail endeavour to apologise. very fine poem. tony

0 1 Reply
Ratnakar Mandlik 16 July 2016

A beautifully envisioned thought provoking poem. Thanks for sharing it here.

0 1 Reply
Michael Morgan 16 July 2016

shows how poetry is the clothing in words of an important idea. MM

0 2 Reply
Edward Kofi Louis 16 July 2016

Love and dreams! Drawn together. Thanks for sharing.

0 2 Reply
Barry Middleton 16 July 2016

Interesting. Friendship is much more durable than love.

0 1 Reply
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