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.

[lightning-born]

i'm always afraid to be constructive with people because i'm not sure how much they actually want it, but you seemed very skilled and actually clearly asked for it so here we go!

This poem was very beautifully written, i will start off with that. but a little bit too beautifully written. it feels like the beautiful wording is taking away from the message of this poem. it makes it almost hard to follow; like it sounds nice, flows well, but i end up focusing more on your words than the actual message. and it's a wonderful message! but if you have a box with a sentimental necklace in it, and you cover the box in flowers and sparkles and other decorations, what will people notice first? the pretty flowers or what the whole point of the box is actually there for(to hold something meaningful in it)?

all that being said, your structure is wonderful, and i love the consistant flow you have going throughout the poem. and like i said before, it's a wonderful message.

[Richard🖌]

Howdy, Quinn! : )
A warm and sincere welcome to my humble pages.
Well, now, how thrilled it makes me feel to know anyone onsite is intent on shooting it straight, exactly as they see it.
First, thanks for the "skilled" compliment right-off; then, for sharing your take on how overly-decorative the wording is, how if it were less pretty, its essence could jump out off the page, if not so laden with sugary frills … I am paraphrasing and exaggerating, of course, but this is the gist of the message your commentary exudes.
I take you to heart in the spirit in which I believe your insights were delivered: Well-intended, honest, open, and shot straight from the hip, and your praise was equally as effective as your critique.
I won't be changing anything about this piece to fit into the scope of your ideals (not that I don't believe it needs something), but to undertake to make it as you'd have it, would be to dismantle it to too high a degree, but there is not a doubt I'll be thinking of the help you've offered my writing for the next piece that comes even close to being akin to this one.
I do have some pieces on here you might find the content and composition of more suitable to the essence of its message. Try this one, for instance:
"Once, When I Was Just A Lad"
http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/RichardJ/1629855/

I know when a Lady-Texan saunters along, the air is going to glow!
Big hug of thanks to you for a marvelously refreshing and stimulating review, Quinn! ⁓ Richard

[Jacob Clifford]

Very uplifting poem you have here, Richard. It's not often someone can write in such a meandering manner and not have the end result feel digressed or sloppy. Additionally, you have very wonderfully created a natural flow to your words without using a standard scheme. I know how easy it is to write only about "mushy stuff", but it's not necessarily bad if that sort of material is what you frequently produce. A poem should be nothing if not genuine; if that's what you feel, then go it. Of course, there's nothing wrong with taking a step in a different direction.

I simply love the seamless ties made between the pain and comradery we all have with one another. I'm not always a fan of accompaniment artwork, but, in this case, it fits very well. It really shows that we're more similar to others than we might think.

I'm sure this is starting to seem like swindlingly positive gushing, so I'll end my review at those points. But one last time: I really can't stress it enough that is grand.

[Richard🖌]

Ah, a new friend! : )
Hi, Clifford … I am always grateful for the opportunity to make a new friend, and when that friend is a fellow-poet, I know we will enjoy many moments reading, commenting-on, and reviewing each other's pieces … how very exciting!
I thank ever-so humbly and happily for your praise and appreciation of my ernest efforts to write and share for the hoped pleasure of my fellow and lady-poets.
I could not agree more with your thoughts on poetry, and if there is ever any particular topic, form, or genre you would like for me to compose in, please, feel free (anytime) to let me know, and I'll do my utmost to fulfill your request with my best attempt.
I, too, view a considerable amount of artwork that doesn't seem to fit the mode and/or mood of a poem's moment; so, your feeling on this is well understood. Not to defend, but to share my thought and simple reasoning: I include artwork, a photo, or illustration with each of my pieces to add that little mind's-eye appeal to fit/befit the moment's mood and for readers' enjoyment, even though, some express distaste for them; therefore, I do it for most who do … plus, I, also, like the atmosphere they help set for the poem.
That you "love" anything about this work is gratification beyond any I could have expected, Clifford, but i'm keeping it, anyway! : )
Thank you, My New Friend, for helping make this poem feel like a truly "grand" piece! ⁓ Richard

[barleygirl]

Your gracefully-written message conveys more meanings than that which is most apparent, the sign of a true master. When life strips away the trappings, we all hurt the same way. Feelings connect, no matter our backstory or present situations. That's why a smile is the universal language *smile* I like your artful depiction of these brothers.

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Margie! ; )
I knew if anyone could read between the lines of this one it would be You, with your keen knack for deep observation and understanding.
How sweetly you slather me, too, and i love it sooo much when you do!
You make everything feel right … smiles 'n happy hugs to you! ⁓ Richard