Beside the pond ⁓ (wistful)

Free Verse

    

       

      Beside the pond ~

          Alone,

          I sat beside the pond

          this morning.

          Early sun ...

          vibrant in its warm flush

          of golden welcome

          came cascading down

          from treetops' glow,

          embracing grass,

          gifting colors vividly alive,

          lifting flowers' faces …

          with their honey-pollened smiles.

          I was amazed

          at how the breeze knew

          I missed you

          or was even thinking of you,

          but I’d swear

          it touched mine with your cheek,

          slid a wisp of your locks

          across my shoulder,

          and became the sweetness

          of your breath.

 

          Olive oil and rose bouquet ...

          ... it hung for awhile

          in the morning air,

          a fragrant marker

          along a trail of yesterdays,

          leading to You ...

          places of dreams and hope,

          of love and laughter

          and impossible possibilities.

 

          I almost started to believe

          I’d turn my head ~

          and you’d be there.

          Each year

          has come and gone …

          You, like fertile mana

          ever glowing, growing

          in my heart.

          It’s said all things end,

          and walking back to the house

          I sensed that coming truth,

          as Autumn's leaves

          began falling

          like tears ~

          washing around

          my feet.

              Richard W. Jenkins

                        ©2015

1st Place

"Poetry About Loss Contest"

Author's Note

Picture is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Constructive criticism is always welcomed and appreciated. : )

I was asked to post a Free Verse for a change; so, here one is … hope you enjoy.

Reviews

[Norman T]

I loved the gentle imagery that you created, that ended with a poignancy indicated by the falling leaves.
Although not normally a writer ( or lover) of free verse, I felt that this worked particularly well. You may have helped to change my inhibited views. Thank you.

[Richard🖌]

Hello, Norman! : )
It is so nice to see you here today, M'Friend, finding something to love in this beautifully poignant piece, filled with the flow gentle emotion.
Your comments and praise have certainly gratified my efforts to write, share, in hopes of pleases my knowing readers — those like You.
It is certainly rewarding to know my poem may have inspired your beginning to enjoy the Free Verse genre of poetry, broadening your appreciation a bit more, let's say. The one thing I know is, we can always keep growing, eh?
Norman, I thank you so very sincerely for stoping-in to enjoy one of my poems … please, feel free to do so anytime, My Fine Friend! ⁓ Richard

[Richard🖌]

For those who might wonder:
The six deletions above were controversial comments from a wrongly disgruntled being, who took my response to Norman's review out of context.

[Great Aunt Astri]

oooooo, oh dear1

[K writes]

I don't see anything wrong with Norman's review.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Dear Kay✨
Your kindness is so gracious … it was not Norman's review, it something misinterpreted in my response to Norman's review that got her knickers in a wad.
Privately, she apologized and all was set straight between us … I never like to let misunderstandings go without making peace.

You're a sweetheart, Kay … thanks again. RJ 🍃

[Samuel Dickens]

I don't know much about poetry, but it seems you do. The picture you paint is wonderful and soothing. As with so much that's precious in life, however, it ends with an ache to the heart. This is very nice work, Richard.

[Richard🖌]

Samuel,
I long ago learned one does not need a degree in creative writing to enjoy good poetry, and it sure seems you consider mine to be somewhat good enough to enjoy.

Thank you, My Dear Poet Friend, for your gracious words and inspiring praise! ⁓ Richard

[Cryingkate]

Oh Dear, Yesterday after our review replies I wondered again to your site.
Of coarse after i had just spoken about each others pond and the connection we have about Riverwords i stumbled upon your pond. Coinicidence?
Naw.. we know better :-)

Richard, This write is so Beautiful and so Deeply felt and portrayed that it must of been mined from deep caverns.
I have been resisting the urge to write a reply. Restraining the Spirit is a tough one for me :-)
You have awakened the "Spiritual Maiden" in me.
Thank you so much.

[Richard🖌]

Yes, Kate, some things flow and merge together, like thoughts, dreams, fantasies, desires, fate … they flow and blend as one into a sea of sensations that often awaken mental, emotional, and yes, even spiritual bliss that has lain waiting to warmly breathe again.
When deep feelings hit, it is the moment to embrace that which envelops the senses, such as you've done with this poem and its touches upon you.
Most warm and grateful thanks to you, Dear Poetess, for sharing You! ⁓ Richard

[Cryingkate]

Oh My.... The maiden clutches her fist to her heart as she tries to contain "The breath/The Spirit"
Keywords transfer as witnesses, testifying communion and meeting at a place unseen,
Sir Richard, Thy word unlocks doors of dimensional palaces and gardens.
Oh dear Poet....... How sweet is thy song.
How Blessed is I to have met you where eyes cannot see.
Oh My ! Oh my , my my.....

[Amelia May]

The imagery throughout this poem is beautiful. You can really tell that you are an experienced writer. Thank you for sharing with the rest of us on here. Each word looks as if it was precisely chosen to further portray the poem in their own unique ways. Lovely. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

[Richard🖌]

Dear Amelia,
It is such praise, expressed understanding, and enjoyment as yours that assures me I've been successful in my desires and goal of touching others through my earnest efforts.
I cannot thank you enough for your inspiringly gracious comments.
Hugs 'n blessings to you, Dear Poetess! ⁓ Richard

[jfdkslafnas]

This is wonderfully written. I love the line "impossible possibilities" a beautiful oxymoron. The fact that you added the photo really added to the imagery. I could imagine a man by the pond, lost in a memory. I love this poem. It's so emotional and flawless. Amazing.

[Richard🖌]

With most grateful thanks! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Kenny N]

The imagery and emotion in this piece is absolutely stunning. I sense a great sadness and longing in this one, and I can truly feel the words gripping my hear. Awesome poem, awesome story.

[Richard🖌]

Beautifully spoken, Kenny.

Thank you! ! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[DeerInHeadlights]

This is so beautiful. So lovely written. I understand that constructive criticism is always s welcomed, but I just don't know what any one could suggest to make this more perfect than it already is. I am looking forward to reading more of your work.

[Richard🖌]

Dear Lady-Poet,
Your presence and praise gift a specialness to the appreciation, emotion, and feeling this poignantly lovely poem aches for, and I know your touch has warmed it all through.

Hugs 'n blessings of warmest thanks! ⁓ Richard

[Audrey Murray]

forgot to say that including thee photo is a nice lead into the poem did you also take the picture?

[Richard🖌]

Photo source is in Author's Note, Audrey.

[Audrey Murray]

a trail of yesterdays,,,,wonderful imagery and the way the words seem to float along like magic in all their glory I think your use of free verse is an excellent choice to lead from summer into the untidiness of fall

[Richard🖌]

Audrey,
I warmly and sincerely thank you for your praise of the picture, for your beautiful comments of appreciation, and for a review as poetically endearing as the poem, itself.
I hope you enjoyed the poem as much as I have your comments.
Hugs 'n blessings to you, Audrey! ⁓ Richard

[viola]

I enjoy the progression of this poem. You start with a description simply of nature. But it transitions flawlessly into the person who was lost.

I also appreciate the single line "Olive oil and rose bouquet ..." Having one important line that stands out in a poem works as a focus, and gives the reader something to remember--but of course you know that.

So in summary, thank you for a poem that simultaneously made me smile at the beauty of nature and sigh at the sadness of autumn and partings and the longing that comes with them.

[Zoe Naga]

wow!!! The way you described everything is so flawlessly magnificent... Thank you for sharing your beautiful moment with us. Its seriously beautiful.

[Richard🖌]

Such exuberance is invigorating, Zoe, and your praise of this deeply romantic and yearning Free Verse piece is certainly inspiring and gratifying to the earnest effort I put into composing it.
You are most welcome, and I thank you, also, for bringing warming sunshine into my day.
Namasta* ⁓ Richard