Roberta (from my upcoming novel The Curious Tale of Diamond Lil)

A passionate poem in the tradition of the Spanish romantic poets. I also have set it to music. I wrote a bassa nova piece for it on classical guitar, as a solo or accompaniment.

How many years now has it been

Since I first saw you standing there,

And smelled the earth yet in your robes,

And felt the wind yet in your hair?

And though I know you've gone beyond

This frozen world you've left behind with me,

And though I know the past is gone,

Your laughter echoes in the heart of me.

How many years now has it been

Since I first saw you standing there,

And drank the kisses from your lips,

And spoke your name just like a prayer?

And when I find a love that's new,

Now matter how hard that I try,

The one I'm holding close is you.

I just can't bear to say goodbye.

How many years now has it been,

Since I first saw you standing there,

And can I live with all this pain,

And will I ever love again?

I take you with me everywhere.

Reviews

[.n.]

This poem is haunting and tender with great imagery. I especially enjoyed line 3 and your incorporation of different sensory experiences into the piece. It would be interesting to see this in the context of the story that you have taken it from. Nice work.

[annie minus]

A wonderful flowing poem, it rolls off the tongue with ease, I'm sure many people can relate to this - it reminds me of that unique feeling you get about your first love. Annie :)