The Value of Tears

.................. I'm gonna leave it entirely up to you...

 

The Value of Tears

I truly cannot sing her praises

Loud or long enough

She really does seem to me

That perfect

But logic simply

Will have none of it today

Instead I shall settle

For a moment, maybe two

And try to squeeze an ounce

Or so of comfort from

This  tired

Old bench and watch her

From a distance

Yes, that is precisely how

I shall spend my mornings from

Now on

Under the pretext of reading

Cohen’s ‘Favourite Game’

And sipping

Strong black breakfast coffee

In the courtyard

Off Café Canto alla Mela

Yes, I am almost certain of it

That is precisely how and where

And when

I shall be reminded of

The true value of tears

While gazing out across some  

Vacant courtyard spreading

Far beyond

The sprawling reach of

My own bowed shadow and

From where I find

The brightness of this savage

Florence sun still blinding

Sip it slowly soldier

I thought I heard her voice

From somewhere 

Just behind my right shoulder

And from the shelter of 

This oh' so shaded archway

I am again reminded

Of the true value of tears ....

 

 

 

Author's Note

there are those might call it love...

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

You've got your mojo back. Madness or love it can be a close call at times. Though here you are blinded by the sunlight as well as the perfect she. You can not find fault with her. That is quite special. There is a longing here for something you can't have. Separated by distance or death, who knows. There is an ache here. You have some special ingredients black coffee, Cohen and Florence thrown in for added measure. Full of intrigue as well as being tinged with sadness. Something for all your readers here Neville. Up with your best, I would say. Great stuff.

Chris

[Neville]

I wont deny that certain sense of relief when I hit the send button... thanks for noticing our Chris.

Neville :)

[barleygirl]

When it comes to reading your poems, the longer the better for me! I love it when you go into depth on an idea, like you've done here. This feels like that confusing swirl that accompanies a memory that's both a bright spot & a tear jerker. This narrator seems so eager & happy to take up a position in seeming worship of such a memory, despite being connected to tearful times. Sometimes we just need to sit & feel those tears all over again for no logical reason (((DRIP))) Fondly, Margie

[Neville]

Thank you Margie for such a lovely review comment .. you really know how to put a smile on this old fella's face (GRINS) inanely, Neville :)

[iliOZ]

admittedly, i randomly selected one of your (decidedly) poem to see if there is a mutual admiration out of the box.
although i am not being deeply religious, Cohen always "gets me", actually gets the better of me.
it is really hard to live an exemplary life, but you have to be happy to sit down on your favorite bench and enjoy the scenery while sipping your strong breakfast coffee and thinking...you cannot do better than your best.
did i get it, did i get you, did i get the value of tears?
no matter, i enjoyed this poem

[Neville]

if you enjoyed the poem, that has got to be a win win .. thank you my friend :)

[Papaya]

This is lovely no matter how it's read. I lovely lady or a sweet bird?
Does it matter. Not really. I like that it's up to me to decide. Although, I suspect it's a bird because you seem to have a thing for birds.

[Neville]

... I do indeed .. me n Lorry have a thing about penguins .. its just he is so much better than me getting the wrappers off ......... Many smiles n thanks Ana and they're headin your way .....

Neville

[Papaya]

I shall be happy to receive 'em. Whatever birds find their way to me :)

[Neville]

......... Yeah .. that's what we like to hear :)

[MOON]

Seems like love and loss and everything in between , lyrically beautiful.

[Neville]

thank you MOON you are not only beautiful yourself, but very kind too ... N :)

[Ken Simm.]

This is more than a love story. This is a beautiful drawing of form and wisdom , romance and loss. Considreation and the strange developmensts of our lives. All wrapped in gorgeous writing.

[Neville]

You sure ya on the write page sir Ken ....

now if on checking, that turns out to be a yes, then blimey guv, I shall owe ya big time and true .. N :)

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Neville... the most beautiful poem ever...
I think of my Mother's voice... and revel in the music
of a thousand birds. truly, Pat

[Neville]

I was smiling, even as my eyes first caught a glimpse of the d word before my name ... many big thank you's n truly true tooly ...

Neville

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem shared Neville. Knowing tears mean, we are still alive. Hello my friend, I hope you are doing well and enjoying the days of Summer. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Neville]

I could not wish for a more understanding response to these words my friend .. a big thank you is on its way.... and you stay safe too now ya hear ..

Neville

[Coyote Poetry]

Powerful words shared and you are welcome Neville.

[Chris Shaw]

Second time round and it reads as good as the first time. Not sure whether you have tinkered with this one since a month ago. As for love, of course it is

Chris

[Neville]

............... aw gawdy ... second time round n he's blushin again .. they all think I got summat systemic or nasty goin on ... Many thanks our Chris .. stay safe and well :)

[light and ashes]

Good work....enjoyable to read.. sad... bittersweet.

[Neville]

thank you Allie B :)

[light and ashes]

You are welcome :)

[Neville]

.............. N:)

[Lale]

Maybe someday the memory will get lost in the bitterness of coffee. Coffee is indeed a mood, especially if it is well served.
I like the imagery you created and the mention of Cohen; I miss his music.
I enjoyed this poem. Thank you for sharing.

[Neville]

thank you my friend.. much appreciated.. I miss him too and wonder, have you read the great mans novels?

Neville

[Lale]

I haven't, yet. They're definitely on my reading list.

[Neville]

I'm sure you will enjoy them.