This, Our Love ⁓ (through the seasons)

BALLAD, in 8/6/8/6 count, rhyme-scheme: abcb, defe, etc; in iambic meter.

This, Our Love ~
~---------------------------------~**~---------------------------------~

When Earth, She spoke, 'twas then I knew
I'd ne'er be as before;
for, in Her voice a gentle tone,
"Come lie upon My shore!

Learn from the waves that lap My sand,
caressing deep the beach;
shhh! As you watch, so softly hear
life's primal mating breach ...

as brushing soft, hushed sighing sand,
passion in its motion,
relents, as rivers always do,
flowing to their ocean.

Unto the sky uplift your face,
see there life's wings in flight,
learn then what flying truly means,
come soar with me tonight.

We'll traverse 'cross vast oceans wide,
broach mountains high above,
and bed 'longside bright silver streams,
teach starlings how to love.

Then, when we're spent, the grass will wave,
with flowers dancing, too;
as willing breezes witnessed all
of lovers wedding true."

I listened well, the breath of me
She took into Her soul,
and when exhaled the seed of life,
it made us one and whole.

"O' wean me, Winter, to Spring's breast,
ere Summer's fields grow bold;

please, bless then, dear Earth, 'this, our love ~’
turn it to Autumn gold."

~---------------------------------~**~---------------------------------~
Richard W. Jenkins
©2015

Author's Note

Photograph, from Wikipedia Commons.

Constructive critique is always welcome! : )

Reviews

[George Coombs]

A beautiful, well chosen image that compliments the poem to perfection. A brilliantly crafted and beautiful celebration of life and the movement of nature and the seasons through existence.I loved the verse beginning "unto the sky..." with its invitation to "learn what life truly means" Great work

[Richard🖌]

Thank you sincerely, Dear George,
It is ever a pleasure to receive such an inspiring and gratifying review from one as accomplished as you are, my friend.
Your praise and grasp of the essence this piece portrays makes writing and sharing a truly blessed event.
The verse you've highlighted (I think) expresses the deeper meaning of this piece; it is, also, one of my favorite … and, I must heartily agree with your assessment of the picture, too.

A fine review, George … I humbly bow! ⁓ Richard : )

[George Coombs]

Your welcome Richard

[aruntp Thalassery]

A wonderful poem...beautiful work...

[Richard🖌]

Gee, thanks!

[J3ssInJupit3r]

So incredibly beautiful. You are a professional writer? This is incredible. The first line captivated me and I could not stop reading. Such beauty, such flow in your words. It ties in very well with the picture. I very much liked this poem and I can not wait to read more from you.

[Richard🖌]

Good grief, Jess!
How on earth, heaven, and the universe did I ever miss your enthralling review to this romantic homage to Earth and human love.
All too often I receive no notice of reviews from the site … this may well have been one of those.
I am, indeed, a professional writer, on here sharing my wares with my wonderful peers, and to gleam the inspiration, encouragement, and critique that will allow my skills to improve beyond their present limitations.
To know anything I've written has captivated you in such a way you see its beauty and flow so effulgently, even aspiringly enough to read more of my humble offerings, is gratification beyond any I could have expected.

Thank you ever-so gratefully, My Fine Friend … you've added sparkles to my life! ⁓ Richard : )

[Orange Juice]

I hope one day my writing can be as beautiful as yours, from its texture, to its word choice. Your mind is clear and your imagery too. Your poetry truly is a lovely painting.

[Richard🖌]

OJ,
How can I merely thank another who has so eloquently blessed me with such loveliness of word, thought, and the warm affection of appreciation … ahhh, I feel completely caressed, and I love it!
Listen ⁓ if the time should come you wish for me to help your skills embrace this genre of poetry, it would be my sincere pleasure to show you how.

Thank you sincerely … brightest blessings! 〜 Richard

[Orange Juice]

My pleasure :)... And the time sure will come

[marcus]

yes..very beautiful! I'm afraid there's not much critique I am able to give. I really enjoyed it!

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Marcus, for enjoying this beautifully-structured and amazingly vivid composition of sheer heavenly splendor … these are but a few example comments one might mention in a deserved review, along with any personal feelings derived from its imagery, emotional effect(s), etc; there is so much a reviewer might share that an author would appreciate and derive encouragement and gratification from.
Remember, effective reviewing is as much an art as composing poetry, and should always be expressed proportionally to the author's efforts and results.

Still, there is certain reward in knowing you think it is beautiful and simply "enjoyed it", Marcus … thanks so much! 〜 Richard

[J]

i am not a student of formal verse in its myriad forms, tho did take a course once and learned the possibilities of terms. that is not to say i am without heart or discerning ear ~~ for some reason, i have an inate sense to recognize a master when i read him ....... and you, sir, strike chords not heard in years. i would not even try to critique such perfection ... i did not encounter one stumble or misstep. writing poetry to fit within specific parameters [to me] is like trying to hobble a racehorse [like Secretariat] -- not conceptually possible for me.

here, your parallel metaphors for nature/lovers is inspiring in its ease of rhyme and comparison. the passion and truth of such feelings are beyond comment ......

just wow and wow, rj. thank you for sharing with us mere mortals.

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Dear Jill,

What a distinct pleasure and honor it is to have you visit one of my humble poetic efforts, and to receive those kinds of enthralling comments of praise and appreciative accolades from such a accomplished poetess is gratification higher than I could have hoped for, but I most gratefully and modestly accept them. : )

From the gracious expressions of inspired feelings and emotions in your review, I realize you well know that one need not be a student of classically structured poetic forms to recognize and enjoy them, and to realize that, though structured, there is a point where a poet becomes natural in their skills that they convey thought, feeling, emotion, even spirituality as smoothly and naturally as any Free Verse writer; though, from my own reading and reviewing, it is not common amongst writers to spend time in developing their craft in the classical venue to this level.

By reading many of your enthralling pieces, it is obvious you are a most wonderfully brilliant Free Verse writer, Jill, and though it is rare that I am bold enough to invite anyone to read my work, there are some Free Verse pieces of mine on here I think you might thoroughly enjoy, as I so enthusiastically enjoy yours.
Here are a few to select from, if you wish to and time allows:

"Hello!" http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/RichardJ/1602409/

“Lemon Avenue, Flowers and You” http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/RichardJ/1588442/

“….all along” http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/RichardJ/1580161/

“Beside the pond” http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/RichardJ/1558954/

“In these quiet places” http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/RichardJ/1544612/

There are others, too, and some Free Style (Free Verse, with intermittent rhymes dispersed throughout), I know you’ll find them, if you should become that interested. : )
Meanwhile, I’ll keep reading and reviewing your amazing offerings, Jill, and come away from each one with a piece of your wondrous skills tucked into my mind, heart, and soul … this is the splendid power of your pieces.

Jill, I cannot thank you enough for your presence on my pages and for the gift of your inspiring and gratifying support in your beautiful review … hugs ’n blessings to You! ～ Richard

[Angelheart1]

Exquisite, Beautiful, Stunning, Breathtaking, Powerful and Deciplined are the words that you've gathered and shared.

Richard, I am not qualified to critique your work, but I thoroughly enjoyed this piece and look forward to reading more of your words as time will allow me to do so. Thank You for allowing me to read this wonderful piece.

[Richard🖌]

Ah, Dear Angel,
How delightfully you spoil me with all the praise, appreciation, and your enjoyment.
In a review, if our minds and hearts are in the right place, we always give our best when critiquing a composition and sharing advice in however we feel it will best help the writer improve on their poem and/or their skills, and I would say that by observing the beautiful skill by which you've rendered your review, I've learned much to be grateful and to thank you for.
My pages are always open to you, Fine Lady-Poet! ～ Richard

[Angelheart1]

It is MY pleasure to read your words and it makes me very happy to know that your pages are open for my reading enjoyment.

[.]

~~ ohhhhhh... what a beautiful piece of writing... magical beyond measure...

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Serah, for your praise and obvious enjoyment of this sweetly romantic little piece.
You've blessed me "beyond measure"! 〜 Richard

[.]

~~ my privilege, monsieur Richard...

[Richard🖌]

You gift a smile! : )

[.]

~~ oh... thank you for those kind words, monsieur... :)

[Richard🖌]

With a low sweeping bow〜*

[Adeyna]

this writing is absolutely beautiful !!! no critique needed at all! Stunning word usage! Very powerful! Just WOW! Thank you for such a stunning read sir!

[Richard🖌]

Adeyna,
You have more than gratified my efforts to share with others that they might enjoy and appreciate something produced from my modest skills, therefore, inspiring and encouraging my further poetic efforts.
You are very welcome, Adeyna, and it is I who most humbly thank you for your time spent here and for your more than wonderful praise! 〜 Richard

[Renée]

I read poetry..devour it at times..but unfortunately, other than to say what touches the soul or a funny bone, I'm not a qualified reviewer. But I do know..This is a stunning piece you have written, Thank you for sharing your work with us.

[Richard🖌]

Gosh, Renée!
On your way to devouring the poetry on this site, I cannot express my gratitude deeply enough to repay you for stopping by to take a bite of this romantic little piece, and for your beautiful words of praise.
You are most welcome, Dear Poetess, but it is I who, also, thank you.
Warmest smiles 'n hugs! ⁓ Richard

[A. Amos]

I truly enjoyed the whole read...however the last times were mesmerizing!

[Richard🖌]

Amos,
I bow most humbly and gratefully for your enjoyment of this piece from my own heart and soul, and for your praise I am set aglow.
Thank you, ever-so much, My Fine Poet Friend! ⁓ Richard