BEDECKED EXPECTATIONS

The spice of life, a relaxed languid stroll in the park

Gazing at the moon and stars, when light succumbs to dark

Yearning for a true love, to share the joys, as life unfolds

Some wait in bated anticipation, yet lonely they grow old

Idealistic imaginations, flow from the unmarred virgin mind

Recoiling, from the stark reality, that all is not sublime

Days of sweet kisses, wine and roses, never come into fruition

Mirrored image, of life’s missed opportunities, ironic juxtaposition

Yet, vivid dreams of the life not lived, incessantly invade the mind

Hopes stricken, with tear filled paths, unfold as days unwind

But the mind races on, filled with remorse of empty rumination’s

Embellished with loves romanticism, oh…the bedecked expectations

©Annette (Wengert) Tarpley

3/4/2024

(Title Prompt Credit: Cherie Leigh)

Bio: 

Annette Tarpley (USA) is an acclaimed award-winning poet, short story writer and published author. She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the literary world, publishing in various anthologies and gaining popularity on YouTube and Tiktok. Annette is a co-author of the Amazon bestseller "Two Hearts," written alongside Sarfraz Ahmed. As the founder and administrator of the thriving Facebook group "The Passion of Poetry," she has fostered a community of over 110K members internationally. In 2022, she released The Passion of Poetry Group's very first anthology book, "Inked With Passion". Annette is preparing for the release of her third solo poetry book and has also ventured into children's literature with her debut book, "The Bird and the Dragonfly," published in June 2022. She showcases her versatility by exploring short stories, having all five of them published in books, and continues to contribute to various international anthologies. Annette's first debut book, "Poetry Potpourri," was widely received, selling several copies, and was heralded with excellent reviews. Annette also hosts a live webcast called POP Chat, bringing attention to other poets and writers, and has conducted over 100 interviews. Annette is a Staff Writer for Wildfire Publications Magazine and has had the honor of writers many forewords for authors books. Annette is the honorary member and USA coordinator and host for events for the Progressive Literary and Cultural Society of India. She has been featured on the cover and in a number of poetry magazines and journals. She has written many forewords, prefaces, literary reviews and introductions for other poets and authors. Annette is highly acclaimed in the literary/poetry community and has received much respect and adoration for her leadership and innovative ideas. She has been interviewed on numerous occasions and continues to be a widely sought out guest and is featured in many poetry events. Her group “The Passion of Poetry” on Facebook has 113K members internationally and grew 50K members in 3 months May-August of 2023 and is one of the largest poetry sites on Facebook. Due to her widely popular group “POP” and its uncanny growth, she was featured on the cover February 2024 cover of Blossoms Journal. September of 2023, she built and launched a standalone website “POP-Star Poetry which publishes poets works. In October 2023 launched POP’s online magazine “POP-Star Poetry Magazine.” She is currently working on publishing her 2nd solo book, “Poetry Menageries” slated to be published in 2024. She also has begun writing her 1st fiction novel, “The Ballad of Ned” based on a poem she wrote about bullying. January she was selected as a guest and appeared on The Spotlight Network/TV, and was interviewed by Logan Crawford, an Emmy Award winning Anchor and a Hollywood actor.