She turned the radio on
and the words fell out.
The second definition
resonates, a competitor
judged most likely to win.
Swollen second eye accuses
her new lover, who boils
the soup of second thoughts.
Your second anniversary--
she breathes the possibility
of second chances, and now
you're second best.
She has a new favorite.
Izy challenged the Real Toads to re-purpose lyrics from our go-to breakup song. Mine is "New Favorite," written by Gillian Welch and recorded by Alison Krauss. I was lucky enough to see Gillian Welch perform this magnificent song live, and let me tell you, it was an affecting moment that I will not forget.
I love "who boils the soup of second thoughts" and "she has a new favorite". This is terrific, kiddo!
ReplyDeleteI like that same line as Sherry, about the soup. What an awful feeling...second best. Great poem!
ReplyDeleteWow!! I must jump on board with Sherry and Hannah about my favorite line. Ah sweet revenge "second best"
ReplyDeleteLOVE Alison Krause--have you seen the stuff she's done with Robert Plant? Amazing. Anyway--your poem makes an excellent turnaround of this song, love the opening lines--spilling out the music, and 'boiling the soup of second thoughts.."
ReplyDeleteoops--didn't read the other comments first--everybody likes the soup line--sp, umm...me too. ;_)
Delete*love* her work with Robert Plant!
DeleteLove this poem...so very good. Great song, Allison Kraus is one of my favorite singers.
ReplyDeleteI like the clever way you used the word "second" throughout the poem, turning it into a resonant punch-line. So clever of you to consider the possibility that the new favourite may also face the possibility of his second thoughts... Yeesh.
ReplyDeleteAnd the song is exceptionally beautiful and heart-breaking..is there a dry eye in the house?
Soup of second thoughts has a nice ring to it. Delectable!
ReplyDeletethanks, friends. i too like Alison Krauss very much, but I can hear Gillian Welch's voice so clearly in this haunting song. I feel really privileged that I was able to hear her perform it (and yes, I sobbed during the concert, and yes, i relate it to a breakup) but I could not find a Gillian Welch version anywhere to share.
ReplyDeleteLooks like we all have the same favorite line! The video is beautiful - visually, musically. I was fortunate to see Alison live here in Bend OR last year ~ what an incredible performer! Your poem packs quite a punch!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is chilling and so very sad. Your repetition of "second" is so effective.
ReplyDeleteYou're my old favorite.
ReplyDeleteare you calling me old? sheesh. xo
DeleteSeems to prove the old adage....what goes around comes around!
ReplyDeleteI love the cleverness here...you built to your last lines beautifully! The song is gorgeous as well! Thanks for participating and viva la
ReplyDeleteI was once someone's second best but it hurts to much to stay there.
ReplyDeleteGreat song, lovely interpretation.
thanks, friends. i so appreciate all your comments!
ReplyDeleteSeems the soup of second thoughts is a new favorite for a lot of us, and lord, it is a pretty song.
ReplyDeletexoxo
ReplyDeleteMy whole month has been about the WHAT IFs, the stuff that I'm still waiting to come. I never like being 2nd, I don't shine there, but sometimes it's better than not being thought of at all. Loved this.
ReplyDeletewell, can't wait to hear about what IS, then! xo
ReplyDelete