Always Mine (lookin' back)

"Eights 'n Sixes" (see "Author's Notes" below for rules: I would be honored if any would like to try this original form, and any who do, please let me know)

   Always Mine

~~·~-~**~-~·~~·~~·~~·~~·~~·~-~·~~

Oh, Darling, see how I miss thee...

while you've been gone, My Dear.

Each starlit night two souls take flight

on wings of loving care.

Mine travels far to where You are

in search of your sweet touch,

and everywhere I look with care

for all we've shared so much.

Those days bygone still linger on

right here within my heart,

I know yours, too, has remained true,

ne'er are our souls apart.

It matters yet, I'll not forget;

your tender affection.

That moon above knows I'm in-love,

You are my perfection.

I know I'm less, I must confess,

than all you might desire,

but hold me tight with all your might,

stoke high my burning fire.

Be ever glad for all we've had,

'tis long our hearts now wed;

that blossomed rose of ours that grows

drank every tear we've shed,

and when it blooms, its sweet perfumes

caress us once again.

Tho, heard it's told not all is gold ...

to Thee I've this refrain:

"If all the stars fell from the skies,

the sun and moon, both failed to shine ...

if every sea and river dries,

still in my heart ~ You're always mine."

~~·~-~**~-~·~~·~~·~~·~~·~~·~-~·~~

   Richard W. Jenkins

             ©2015

Author's Note

"Doubledown Style 1 (or) Eights 'n Sixes"
Original form created by
Richard W. Jenkins
© 1 Apr 1987

Any number of 4-line verses about anything:
Aligned left or centered.

Syllable count per verse:
8/6/8/6

Rhyme scheme:
xxxaxxxa
xxxxxb
xxxcxxxc
xxxxxb

xxxdxxxd
xxxxxe
xxxfxxxf
xxxxxe

Etc...

(not part of the form: but, in this poem, ending with an 8-count, a-b-a-b rhyming quatrain envoi)

Honest constructive critique is always welcome! ✍

Reviews

[Writergurl]

"If all the stars fell from the skies,
the sun and moon, both failed to shine ...
if every sea and river dries,
still in my heart ~ You're always mine."

If there is nothing left like the sun and moon, and river dries
then love wouldn't exist. Love creates everything beautiful.
But I get what you mean. This is wonderful and beautiful

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, writergurl 😌

Your praise is so inspiring, and the interesting comments added just the needed touch this humble piece needed.

Many blessings sent your way! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Tabby Mac]

One thing I'm admiring in your work is the ability to write in a variety of genres. I work in free style. It's impressive to me and as I have been trying a few of your styles it is a challenge to make something of caliber. It's easy to write: the bird is red...like I have said...what color do you see...no, it's not blue...joke is on you...etc... 4/4/6 making funny little rhyming attempts.
For you tho it reads so smoothly and genuinely touches the soul as it is taken in. For this I commend! Your poetry truly takes the reader to another place, has depth and passion! So far in every piece I've read a naturally romantic tone has been behind the words. Out of the heart the mouth speaks a good heart yours must be!
--My favorite part in this piece--
Be ever glad for all we've had
''Tis long our hearts now wed
That blossomed rose of ours that grows
Drank every tear we've shed
That stanza has me GEEKING OUT!! LOVE IT!! Very powerful lines there!! Profound beyond words can explain!! Well penned! You have exploding talent in poetry!
Tabby

[Richard🖌]

Tabby Dear,
As a long-tenured teacher of poetry, it is natural that I would venture forth into many poetic genre, styles, and forms … out of necessity, if for no other reason.
But, over the years, I've learned that, like musical notes, melody, and rhythm, etc; do, there is a poem most suitable to more powerfully express every kind of thought, feeling, and emotion; and, I've, also, found it true that a poet will seldom derive at this understanding on their own; instead, settling on one or very few forms as their bread-n-butter choice(s).
In effect, no particular form will best accommodate and express everything … yet, many (perhaps, most) believe their favored choice of form will, and their skills are, thereby, stunted. Yet, is it not each poet's prerogative to compose in whatever manner they so choose, or to advance to whatever level suites their desire and passion?
Then, a teacher's commitment is different … they are compelled to further the art of poetry at every opportunity offered, where potential, desire, proper work ethic, attitude, and willingness exists and is expressed.
I offer this purely from the attentive, simple eye of a teacher.
That you've you been attempting a few of my styles is encouraging, indeed, Tabby … any assistance you may wish, just tap my shoulder. : )
As in most anything new and worthwhile we aspire to accomplish, performance improves according to degree of understanding and practice … with your potential, depths of feeling, thought, emotion, and grasp of syntax and grammar, I think yours could be virtually boundless.
The accuracy of your insights of me are uncanny, but in the way you express them, I find it very comforting and enjoyable … not in the least threatening.
The verse you've highlighted, I consider the core of this work … and, I'm not at all surprised you chose it.

Your shared thoughts and feeling have blessed me … thank you, Tabby! ⁓ Richard

[Tabby Mac]

Well that explains a lot! Haha
I indeed will tap on your shoulder when ready. I could use wisdoms and guidance in writing for sure! I enjoy and am comfortable with my style but I love to challenge myself for the better know matter the aches and pains it may take to get there!!
I am excited to know this about you and inspired to learn and get better. As well as try new things! It can only amount to good. Falling up hill still gets you higher! Hahaha I do that a lot! Thank you for taking the time to explain and share with me your talents and where they come from! Your passions for teaching, and poetry burst through your words like a burst of wind but gentle like a well awaited breeze!
My pleasure Richard.
Tabby

[Richard🖌]

Tabby,
You speak with the heart of a consummate poetess, one that captivates and inspires … ever-so gratefully yours! ⁓ RJ

[Susan 🦋]

I'm not sure if I can review this poem and give it the praise it deserves..format aside ( one of my favorites)...it pulls at my heart from start to finish..I think those tenderest of souls have that unique ability to wrap up those memories and cherish them a lifetime..always choosing to remember then forget sweet love from another time.Ohh this brings out such feelings in me, makes me remember,hope and always dream. Just amazingly touching...I feel like crying (no worries, happens all the time) Such poetry goes straight to the heart and snuggles in. I truly loved this piece. Thank you Richard.

[Richard🖌]

Well, Susan,
Im my mind's-eye, you've done a marvelous job of adequately expressing yourself in gifting this original poetic form in homage to the memory of enduring love all it deserves … and, I think you've more than amply praised and blessed it; certainly, beautifully so.

Thank you, Dear Poetess, for loving anything about anything I've composed …
coming from a writer of your caliber, I'm beside myself with pure joy! ⁓ Richard : )

[Susan 🦋]

I have the best teacher... :-)

[Richard🖌]

And, I, the best student! ; )

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

So lovely, but my favorite :
Be ever glad for all we've had,
'tis long our hearts now wed;
that blossomed rose of ours that grows
drank every tear we've shed,"
Another interesting form, my friend...you make me want to try it. No breath holding though!

[Richard🖌]

LOL!
Okay, Claire,
I'll not hold my breath waiting for your rendition of Eights 'n Sixes, but knowing your beautifully, skilled, creative, and expressive heart, mind, and soul I can almost taste the wonderment it would be, and, of course, I'm all astir with happy hopes you will. : )
Thank you for the "lovely" compliment, M'Lady, and for selecting this romantically sentimental piece from my imagination to read and comment-on, and most certainly for picking my very favorite verse … great minds, and all that*
Happiest smiles 'n hugs to You! ⁓ Richard

[R.M.C]

A lovely tender piece - when I read it, I quickly set a slow and quiet pace, like that of a lovers whisper, and to be able to make a reader do that, I feel it takes a lot of skill on the writers part. The rhymes enhance the roll-of-the-tongue flow of the poem. The only possible thing I can bring to your attention is the rhyme in the first stanza (Dear and care) - to me this doesn't rhyme but I might just be reading it wrong or you might have done it purposefully... the last thing I can think to mention is the wonderful picture at the top - for me, the fine "butterfly" wings represent the delicate beauty of love, and the dark sky represents the ever present threats in life...

[Richard🖌]

Ross,
Some of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of your reviews is that you let me know how the poem you are reviewing makes you feel, how you interpret it, that you enjoy it, praise it, and that you advise me of anything to correct of you believe will help me become a better writer.
What more could an author wish for? Thank you for these treasures of gratification, My Friend.
Addressing the first verse off-rhyme you mentioned: It is referred in the poet world as a soft, near, or slant rhyme … not a perfect, but a close-sounding rhyme, as in the sort of rhymes songwriters often use in their compositions. Some poets accept these kinds of rhymes, while others (purists) do not; I accept them, as long as they are not too far off rhyming.
If you'd like to, I will entertain any suggestion you might have for me by rewriting the first verse, either partly or whole, in an effort to setting the rhymes into perfect hard or straight form.
Thank you again, Ross, for being one of my most enjoyable and thorough reviewers … blessing to you! ⁓ Richard

[R.M.C]

Like always, it was a pleasure to read your work. As to the first stanza, I want to thank you for the little lesson; it's always a pleasure to learn something new, and I can certainly relate the soft rhymes to songs, like you mentioned.

[barleygirl]

Very gracefully stated message about love & longing. I like the way this poetic form sounds when reading aloud. Your message is reminiscent of a love that's lasted for decades, the kind where two people almost become each other, they're so connected. I'll be honest, some of your phrasing has been taken from the book of over-used descriptions of love . . . but just like the people who immerse themselves in this kind of love, they also appreciate familiarity more than originality. Good job & good example of how to use your poetic form.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you so very much for reading this piece of romantic triteness, M'Dear, and for whatever of it you were able to derive pleasure from.
I very much like it that you read it aloud and enjoyed the sound of the form.
I guess I've just been in-love too any times to be original … LOL!
Perhaps, you, in your more contemporary style, might compose one in the form so I can appreciate what fresh love poetry feels like … I'd very much enjoy that.
Hugs 'n warmest thanks to you for selecting this one to read, and I appreciate your honesty — maybe, I'll become a better poet from it … one can surely hope, eh? ⁓ Richard

[barleygirl]

I haven't been in love for decades, so I'm sure I'm no expert . . . (((HUGS)))

[Richard🖌]

Oh, I think you know well enough what love is all about* ; )
Thank you so dearly for the cozy hugs!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Simply beautiful Richard. You have created your own form thus proving your mastery of the poetic form. In this one you capture romantic emotions in a flowing, classical style.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, John,
it is always a pleasure to receive your gratifying words of praise and appreciation for my humble efforts.
May your words flow like liquid gold! ⁓ Richard

[~]

A sweet harmony of the heart and mind.

I like the rhyme scheme that you have invented. It adds beautiful rhythm to the poem. The title leads the reader in the main intent of the speaker, and the verses open a new window into his soul for the beloved.

The imagery whispered through the vivid imagery is but echoes of the longing heart.

I did give it a try, and it was fun indeed :D

thank you for sharing with us :D

[Richard🖌]

Thank you for giving my form a try, and for all the accolades and appreciation bestowed upon this romantic little piece.

Many grateful blessings to you! ⁓ Richard

[Richard🖌]

Thank you again, Dear Moonskittles : )

[Richard🖌]

Wherever you are ⁓*

[...]

I don't know much about form and structure Rascal, but I do know what I like when I read it. This is gorgeous!

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Lynn! : )

Well, the world of poetry is composed of literally hundreds of forms, so if you're writing good poetry you are following some kind of form, and I've read your beautiful poetry.
That you find favor in this sweetly romantic little effort says so very much of you, the woman and poetess, and I like what I see.

What a wonderful compliment … thank you again, with many warm blessings, Lynn! ~ Richard

[mattavelli]

Richard, this is an awesome rhyme. And it's all beautiful, but I really like those last four lines.
I'd like to try the form. It looks tough though. I'll let you know if I can do it.

[Richard🖌]

Dear Matt,
I sincerely and gratefully thank you for reading this sweet poem in its unique form, and for your praise, but most of all for selecting this form for your beautiful composition titled "For My Son", which I hope everyone will take advantage of the opportunity to read and review … simply a marvelously touching and heart-grabbing work of sheer inspiration.

Bless you, my friend … big smiles to You 'n your Boy! ~ Richard

[SyberRose]

Gorgeous...so beautifully written. I love the form too Richard...Enjoyed as always...SyberRose

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so gratefully and humbly, Dear Rose, for your praise and for loving my form.
With your talent, you should give it a try … it is easy to write-in and makes for a truly beautifuly flowing poem.

Big hugs to you, Rose! ~ Richard