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!

[emmajoy]

Richard, you know how much I know about making poetry: think one word is 'zilch', the other - the softer Italian, 'niente.'

However, what i do know is true beauty throughout a poem: each of its stanza laid perfectly; every comma, every apostrophe added with proud knowledge.

And then, sir, there's the emotions garlanded throughout! Ok,forgive my wanton behaviour but i have to say WOW! The love, the absence, the please and pleas. the need and fervour seem so utterly sincere. If not, Richard, you 're not only a fine poet but a fine actor, too.

[Richard🖌]

Em,

There is one thing I am certain of: You are as genuinely You and true to yourself as anyone I've ever known, and I, also, know that (in your own right) you're every bit as accomplished a writer of original poetry as anyone I've ever read and enjoyed ～ that I could, I'd not change a thing about You, or your poetry … I am definitely a smitten fan.

Yes, we all have seem to our unique poetic knacks, and thank goodness we do. I am truly humbled and proud (beyond words) that you appreciate and enjoy my earnest efforts in such a way as you've expressed here … I can conceive of no greater reward or gratification; especially, coming from You.

It would be hard to imagine that you haven't to others, but I don't think I ever heard you say "WOW" to me before … what a kind gift, Em. Thank you.

I would like to believe I am a fine poet, and actor, as-well; for, does it not take both to imagine what others feel, think, and believe that we can create poetry others can relate to and perceive/project themselves into?

Then, wouldn't it be wonderful if we could fall in-love again with the one we once loved so deep and true, and make it work? : )

You always inspire me to think, and we both know how my pen likes to pontificate, eh? LOL!

Thank you dearly, Em, for your wonderfully appreciated and encouraging words … bless your kind and lovely heart! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[emmajoy]

I meant every word, Richard. Thank YOU.

[Richard🖌]

This, Em, I know is true. ✨

[Crowley]

Well I don’t know what I’m talking about...that’s for sure, however, I can tell you what my heart, eye, mind and soul desire and it is pieces like this that make them soar and a bit more than envious.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, My Very Fine Friend!

I'm truly honored to receive such an encouragingly gratifying review for this hopeful little effort.
Your candid honesty shows both humility and character, virtually lacking in ego … a rare and pleasant treat in generosity I feel privileged to receive from a peer I admire.
Your comments are, indeed, a gift of high praise and appreciation, in themselves.

I could not feel more grateful and humbled right now … thank you most sincerely, Syr! ⁓🍃

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Richard,

This poem is poetic bliss, perfectly metered, with each word perfectly placed. From beginning to end, it reverberates with my soul. Love it!

[Richard🖌]

Linda Marie,

I thank you from my heart for your warm and graciously expressed appreciation, praise, admiration, and bestowal of love for this most humble effort.
That your soul reverberates sends my spirit soaring.
Bless You, Linda Marie … I love your kind, touching review! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Patricia Wedel]

A very persuasive poem that ripples on a River of anticipation where lovers have gathered fallen Stars to wish upon. Wishes were made to come true... when the Moon is full of promise. truly, Pat

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Pat! : )
What a sweet review you've gifted this nostalgically romantic little poem.
I particularly enjoy your metaphorically lyrical take on its meaning … simply beautiful, the true reflection of your wondrously imaginative heart.

What more gratification could a hopeful bard wish for … big hug of thanks, Dear Poetess! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[heavenscentgirl1]

“YES”, This poem is just as beautiful & special as the first time I read it. Love it Richard. hugs and Blessings. Mj 😇

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Mary Jo,
For a second read and beautiful repeat review.

What a treat you truly are … hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Cassie]

I so relate with this one Richard, I am going to shelve this one

[Richard🖌]

Goodness, Sweet Cassie!
You deeply honor me to think so highly of this romantically stimulating little piece.

I hope you enjoy it many times, more with each read … greedy, aren't I. ; )
Thank you for such lovely delight! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Sarah]

I love this! What the stars can't take back, is what twinkled in our eyes. The truth of action when the stars align. We can't undo what is meant to be.

[Richard🖌]

Ah!
Someone who really knows and understands the magical truth of love's sweet mystery.

Thank you, Sarah … you've gratified my humble efforts to reach and relate to at least one being.
My softest smile! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[heith.ash]

This is just so beautiful!
I felt as if I was reading a romantic book.
The pain ,love longing . everything is so beautifully expressed.
I loved the lines "yes my soul is lonely too". You just spoke what every soul feels.at a point in life .
I absolutely loved it

[Richard🖌]

Thank you Heith,
How fortunate I am to receive the gifts of two wondrously gracious reviews from You on a single day.
The line you've highlighted to love is one of my very favorite of all in this piece … in fact, it might well be the main pivot point of its entirety. Good eye!
The very essence of your words convey deep understanding and feelings in how completely we relate through those of my own. You have a way of touching that … well, let's say, makes a bard's earnest efforts feel so worthwhile.

Thank you for reading me and letting me know how appreciated my humble efforts are … many grateful blessings! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Fay Slimm]

What lyrical poetry this classic love-ballad which flows so well from your eloquent pen Richard. The appeal in those final two lines did it for me - Beautiful poetry.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so warmly, Dear Lady Fay✨
The appreciative sweetness of your words are the honey an olde poet bear works so hard for and enjoys so delightfully.
The final two lines, eh? Oh, yes, indeed! There is nothing like rekindling an old flame and dancing to the beat of its rhythmic ecstasy.

The warmth of your expressed enjoyment, praise, and lovely compliments are the gratuity I need right now … big HUGS! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Karmee]

You've penned a most lovely piece here

Shhh! Listen, hear this heart of mine
sing sweet our love's refrain …

I do love this part, It is so beautiful and lovely

[Richard🖌]

Well, dear Kit,
Your own words are every bit as lovely as mine, and the lines you've selected say a lot about Your own heart.

Thanks warmly for sharing You with Me! ⁓ Richard 🍃