Old Love (second thoughts)

Ballad in alternating iambic tetrameter/trimeter (8/6/8/6 counts) and abcb, defe, ghih, etc; rhyme scheme.

It’s well I know of lonely nights …

these ever longer days.

Each time my lover's strayed-away

and I'm the one who stays.

Lost rivers from my many tears …

then, flowed to sorrow's seas,

with plaintive, soft-sent sighs to thee,

beseeching on bare knees.

Too well I know that painful grip

of steady, lonesome days,

and dread the fall of eventide,

devoid of your dear ways.

Comes ever to my waiting hope,

unanswered, echoed calls …

there's no relent to this dire need;

too sad, each tear that falls.

Shhh! Listen, hear this heart of mine

sing sweet our love's refrain …

oh, do your feet begin to dance,

or does it bring you pain,

to know that stars cannot take back

what's twinkled in our eyes …

nor, moon forget that which he's seen

on high from warm night skies?

If you shall answer with a, "Yes,

my soul is lonely, too!"

Why not then give us one more chance,

to make old love brand new.

Richard W. Jenkins

©2019

.

Author's Note

Painting: Oil on board, courtesy of Pinterest.

Please, feel free to leave hard critique, but know what you're talking about. 🤔

Reviews

[Marie]

Old love never dies and this pleasing ballad supports my theory. Soft, gentle, warm and emotionally touching is exquisitely penned in a beautiful simplicity. A very evocative write filled with symbolism as the story of love missed is painted superbly throughout. Giving love a second chance for some couples, sadly not for everyone. Missing someone so special is very impressively penned in this sublime write. So enjoyed reading. Thank you for sharing, dear poet...

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Gently Kind Marie 🌾

To be so intricately, graciously appreciated, and knowingly praised by such an accomplished poetess, with clear, keen understanding, entices a hopeful bard to blush with the sheer sincerity of passions sent and felt.
It is poignantly written, "Once falling out of love, it is nearly impossible to fall back in."

Warmest hugs to You! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Marie]

......and also to you, dear poet!

[Titilayo Sarah Eguridu]

What a way to make peace with the restless yearning of the heart.
The heart wants what it wants.
Who can teach it to learn from past hurts?
Old love is familiar,
it fits like an old glove but it’s not necessarily a good place to return to.
Could our thirst for the past come from habits or guilt?
Could deep reflection glide us towards the truth?
Have we given up on trying out new experiences , with new people?
The past is like a ball and chain with hints of turbulence and passion bubbling under the surface.
No one has the answers.

It took me down memory lane.
Another awesome piece Richard.
Thank you for sharing.

[Richard🖌]

Brilliance from Lady Titilayo 🗝️

As I'm growing to expect....
By absorbing the wisdom and depth in the essence of your words, there flows a stream of familiarity between us so naturally felt that we could have spoken them in harmony.

And, dancing around in your questions lives a sort of knowing, the key that unlocks much of love's mystery (if you will), already shared by us each.
Ya know? I'm thinking we could chat for hours, or just listen while each other speaks.

How thrilled I am, Titilayo, realizing we connected through this romantic little piece; you, down Memory Lane; me, immersed in the wonder of your thoughts and questions.

I feel spoiled by your presence, but am not complaining.
Thank you, Titilayo, for such an encouraging compliment! ⁓ Richard🖌️

[Writergurl]

Lost rivers from my many tears …
then, flowed to sorrow's seas,
with plaintive, soft-sent sighs to thee,
beseeching on bare knees.

I love these lines here, this is such a wonderful write.
It's emotional and gentle. Nicely written

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Dear Nora Jade 🌺🐝

Long time no hear from thee, Lady-Poet … how wonderful to again feel the warm softness of your vibrant voice upon my grateful ear.

That you still "love" anything about my poetry brings back special moments at the Café sharing our poems with mutually warm aplomb.

I, too, love the verse you've favored so graciously and kind … thank you, Lovely Poetess.

"HAPPY AUTUMN, TO THEE!" ⁓ Richard 🍂

[Tumi]

Your poem captures the pain of lost love with beautiful imagery and emotion. The flow between longing and hope is heartfelt and resonates deeply. A touching and evocative piece of work.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so gratefully, Tumi 🙏🏼

Your graciously expressed appreciation, understandings, and praise make it a distinct pleasure to write for and share with you.

The inspiration from your generously laid words inspire and olde bard to shine his pen and blend stardust into his ink for writes to dance anew upon the page.

Bright Autumn Blessings to thee, Syr Poet! ⁓ Richard 🍂

[Nessa]

Hi Richard,

I just wanted to share how deeply moved I was by your poem. From the opening line, “It’s well I know of lonely nights,” I felt the weight of longing and solitude you captured so beautifully. Your imagery, especially the metaphor of “lost rivers from my many tears” flowing into “sorrow's seas,” is stunning and paints a vivid picture of heartache.

I love how you balance this sorrow with moments of hope, particularly in the lines about the stars and the moon. They remind us that love’s memories are everlasting, even amid pain. The shift towards the end, inviting the beloved to recognize their shared loneliness, is poignant and hopeful, encapsulating the desire for renewal in relationships.

As I reflect on your poem, I find myself holding onto the line, “In the silence of stars, our love’s echo remains,” as a reminder of the enduring nature of love. To me, old love is like a weathered oak tree—strong and resilient, yet bearing the marks of storms weathered together, providing shelter and shade through the years. Maybe I will try and write one myself :)

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback on my poem; it truly meant a lot to me. Your poetic insights inspire me, and I’m excited to continue learning from you.

Once again, thank you for sharing your beautiful poem. It has touched my heart and motivated me to delve deeper into my own writing.

Best,
Elnnes Scholtz

[Richard🖌]

Hi yourself, Ellnes 🥀

The timbre of your gracious words touch a bard's hopeful heart in such gently fulgent ways he knows, without doubt, you're a poetically kindred spirit, and the thrust of your spot-on, keen, vibrantly shared interpretations, with such valid depth, proves it.

That you '"love" anything about my humble efforts, lends gratification beyond expectations … but, I'm keeping every word. ; )
Intelligent, intuitive, and with instinctive eloquence, every nuance of your relatability to metaphor, emotional surge, and the embrace of impossible impossibilities sings true unto an awed, willing ear.
The single line you've highlighted to "hold onto" … especially, in the nature so tenderly expressed, wakens the very depths of imaginative wonder, speaking volumes in vast dimensions of your own trove of love's promise … and, I cannot begin to express the enthrallment that you might compose a lovely Ballad of your own. Should you need a hand....
For my feedback on your stellar work, Ellnes, I could not be happier to offer what meager fare I can, and I am ever-so grateful you accepted me with such graciousness. It is my distinct pleasure, and shall be for as long as you might wish.
Beyond words, I am honored and encouraged to share with you, knowing my humble poetic efforts have touched so deeply and inspired your own poetic passions.

My warmest to thee, Elnnes … Happy Autumn! ⁓ Richard 🍂

[Amy R]

Another GREAT write which I can relate to.
Keep writing, excited to see more of your works.

[Richard🖌]

My goodness, Amy!😳

Let me pinch myself … how can I have become so lucky with all your attention on this fair day, to be the recipient of multiple reviews in a row for my humble verses? I don't know, but one thing's for sure … I love it and could get used to the way it feels! ; )

It's not just the awesome compliment you leave, but how encouraging that you want to see even more of my words … sighhh*

Thank you ever-so warmly Amy ⁓ Richard🖌

[Amy R]

Aww, I meant it in every word I used in my review,
your poems caught my attention to,
so that's a "good" luck !
You're welcome.
-Amy

[Starbaby]

You have a way of making the words flow effortlessly, your meter sheer perfection. Poetry should flow like liquid honey and coat the reader's mind in warmth and feeling. This does just that. A most pleasurable read my friend.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, so much, SB 🌾

For your lovely words of praise and expressed appreciation of my humble poetic efforts.

My very best to You ⁓ Richard🖌

[Kim S.]

This is so very beautiful, I really enjoyed this write.
Simply lovely.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Dear Poetess,

For selecting this little heart warmer to read and review for me, and for your inspiringly gracious compliment.

A most happy Autumn to You! 🍂 Richard

[jaye river]

this is so lovely, it flows so naturally i couldnt wait to see what the next line would be. and the word choice makes it feel even more timeless.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Jaye,

Your most lovely review for this romantic little piece in homage to the rekindling of love's once quenched flame is more than amply gracious.
Your warming comments make sharing feel all the more worthwhile and enjoyed.

May your Autumn be as lovely as these wondrously inspiring thoughts you've gifted a hopeful bard! ⁓ Richard 🍂

[Lisasview]

Hi Richard,
Yes I am back!!!
Gosh over 5 weeks of being too ill to read and review…and, of course write.
I was delighted to come across this wonderful ballad of yours which I do so relate to.
It flowed so well but then again all your poems/sonnets do. With the knowledge I now have “up my sleeve” I was able to see (feel) the rhyme scheme, which made your ballad even more enjoyable. I had to chuckle when I read your notes..
I love the whole notion of the stars twinkling in your eyes… the metaphor is great.
The sad feeling one has when that twinkle is gone and the hope that it perhaps can be rekindled.
Part of me wants to respond to each of the lines in your ballad as I connect deeply to your words.
Lisa, back to connecting

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Lisa Dear 🍂

"Happy 2023!"
It is so wonderfully delightful to feel your warming presence again; especially, when it's well and energy-filled … I'm happy to know you've healed very nicely, finally!
Oh yes, the Ballad form; hopefully, you'll be composing in it soon enough. : )
So much of import and enlightenment is often in the notes; especially, when one's knowledge allows proper understanding.

We both know how rare rekindling old love can be, eh?
Thanks for such an interesting review, Lisa … big hugs! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Lisasview]

Oh it is so wonderful to be back... Honestly I have that stupid lingering cough but other than that I am up and in action. Read and reviewed quite a few today.. and, so looking forward to tomorrow as I plan to go back to my unfinished poems...
L

[Richard🖌]

Sounds good. : )

[Lisasview]

So tomorrow morning I will start..
Missed you more than you will ever know..
Lisa