Brothers Vagabond ⁓ (to kindred spirits)

Free Style (intermittent rhyming with line-break rhythm, but no set pattern)

Brothers Vagabond ~

Come, my friend ...
let me take your hand in comfort,
harmony and peaceful ease,
brave together arm in arm
life's forever urging breeze.

Let us lean
into each others' worlds ...
touch on every true friend's level,
that we may know the all of us;
in sweet imagination, revel;

that we might evenly
know each,
the all we can imbue ...
feel the joys, the aching pains,
assimilate and convey the wanderlust
within our yearning veins.

Do you sleep
with the same dreams as I ...
though, you have no bed,
carry the torch of love on high
for the maiden you live for,
as do I ...
inside this hopeful head?

Have you loved and lost ...
sailed life's shimmering silver sea,
fantasied sublimely-aglow
of everlasting glee?

Gazed fixedly,
to melt into your own ...
the endless depths of your woman's eyes,
then, felt your loins' passion flow
'tween her softly-urging thighs?

Does every cloud passing
upon it, own her face,
her name;
or, do you simply sit
benumbed in disappointment,
wondering …
who is to blame?

Let's embrace now,
while we still can ...
offer what little comfort
we both may have to give;
for, are we not all
but brothers vagabond,
seeking yet,
to love and live?


Richard W. Jenkins
           ©2016

Author's Note

Artwork: "Hobo" — oil painting by Norman Rockwell, 1924

I was asked by a fellow-poet, "Don't you ever write anything that's not about mushy love?"
Well, here's one that's not (exactly), but it still has some mushy stuff — hm? Guess I just can't get completely away from it; mayhap, it has a meaningful message, tho' … LOL!

All constructive comments and critique are welcomed! : )

Reviews

[θεά]

I am so glad that my silly, stupid heart is always drawn to such creations of beauty, your poetry being one of them. What a classic read this has been, Richard! And before I start raving as I am wont to do when it comes to your writing, let me commend you on the absolutely brilliant use of Norman Rockwell's sketch.
With this poem, I don't need to imagine two "hobos" or vagabonds, it could be anyone, you, me, the stranger by the tree. But, at the end of the day, we are all vagabonds in a way, caught in our own bodies, locomoting from one place to another in our corporeal cages while our thoughts and musings scuttle from one zone to another.
Your poems are wonderful, Richard, I can't say this enough.

Looking forward to read your others,
Best,
M.

[George Coombs]

I especially liked the line "let us lean into each others worlds" which is so very profound and what I think needs to happen-I used to do voluntary work among the homeless so there is much here I could relate to-an excallent write Richard

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

So sweet and tender, like a warm blanket. Lovely form, rhyme and flow. "Let us lean into each others' worlds"... all of us being vagabond brothers and sisters. Kudos!

[Cherrie Palmer]

What a journey, this was. True perfection, It made me think, and feel and your gentle flow carried me through till the very end, and really, what else could you ask for, from a poem. Loved it.

[Coyote Poetry]

I did enjoy the poem. So many lines stood out.
"Have you loved and lost ... sailed life's shimmering silver sea, fantasied sublimely-aglow of everlasting glee?
The above lines were my favorite. Most of us are similar. We just need to listen to another person. Thank you Richard for sharing your excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Richard🖌]

Hi, again, John!
I really got lucky today to receive two inspiring reviews from you, My New friend, and how truly happy it makes me feel! : D
How thoughtful of you to let me know you enjoyed so many lines, and those you've selected are certainly image-laden with metaphor and emotion … I enjoy them, too (great mind, etc). ; )
Your expressed insights let me know we've connected … what could be better than that?
A bushel of thankful blessings to you, Dear Poet! ⁓ Richard

[Coyote Poetry]

Was my pleasure to read your work and I hope to read more.

[Richard🖌]

I hope so, too, John. : )

[jacob erin-cilberto]

we can hate our lives or endeavor to make do with what we have and enjoy that---love the sentiment---and the more or less free verse style mixed with slight rhyme...this poem keeps a beat....and it is a good one...in content and form...

you seem to write with such ease.

j.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Your line "that we may know the all of us" resonates throughout. When we get past all the situations, politics, materialism, etc. we are all just humans trying to find our way. This is different from other poems I've read of yours, but your love of beauty, and your fellow man come through so beautifully.
Not much time on site of late, but I'll be back to see your recent posts. A lot going on at the old homestead.
:)

[Shabeeh Haider]

A strong message given in soft gently flowing words.
Indeed we are all the same. We feel the same love and passion.
A beautiful poem decorated by sweet and lovely phrases.

[Georgina Cross]

Hi Richard,
It has been a while since i have reviewed any of your work- sorry! It has been very busy these recent months.
I love this, 'Do you sleep
with the same dreams as I ...
though, you have no bed,'
I have missed reading the beauty in your work, the emotional connection one gets with your lexis is enthralling and your message is clear.
Love!
Hope to hear from you soon,
Georgie.

[Richard🖌]

Hi yourself, Sweet Poetess! : )
Yes, Georgie Dear, I know, and I've missed the warming touch of your beautiful voice upon my hopeful ear.
I am not surprised, but pleased, that you've picked the same lines I'm most taken by … our emotional connection and enthrallment embraces the senses, and I love it dearly!
Soon, you shall hear from me, M'Lady … happy hugs to you! ⁓ Richard

[Angelheart1]

WOW - what a truly inspiring and heart warming words you have placed upon the page Richard.

You have painted a beautiful picture of comradary that allows the reader to feel they are seeing this played out right before us. It's a nice thing to see a man let his guard down and allow such feelings to be shared with others, for your tender words do pull at the heartstrings.

I know it's been some time since I've visited you but I promise to be back for more soon for I have found your words very addicting. AH

[Richard🖌]

MMmmm!
How truly enchanting and enthralling your words sing unto a bard's grateful senses, Dear Angel, and what lovely sensations soar all through from the radiant glow of your praise and enjoyment for this meandering homage to the riches one might find and appreciate in camaraderie.
You will always be welcome here, M'Lady!
Hugs and warmest blessings of happy thanks to You, Dear Poetess! ⁓ Richard