A Fragile Glass Heart

I'm beginning to notice a repetitive theme in my writing. I apologize. Though I believe that speaks more about me than anything...

A Fragile Glass heart

By

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada 

Love is a gift we often break

Purposefully, or by mistake

Our intentions are often clouded

Is this the one, or am I broken hearted

Should I settle for something less

or am I deserving of the best

Is this something just to get me by

A shoulder needed when I cry

But intentions often vacillate 

Between moods of doubt we propagate 

The line of romance we blur

When selfishness and envy occur 

So fragile, yet strong the heart may be

When it yearns for love and company 

But know as true as your own

A restless heart is always alone 

Author's Note

"You love me." My muse Cate said with a tinge of self assured arrogance. "What do you mean? I've never even said that word to you." I replied defiant, yet perturbed. "I can tell. It's written all over your face." She said in breathy voice akin to a film starlet back in the 40s. "Lies..." I countered as I ran to the bathroom to see for myself. And what I saw was one confused looking old man staring back in the mirror at me. Nothing defines love more than that look. Feel free to comment, troll, or leave best wishes. But...keep love out of it. Insincerely, CLE

Reviews

[keith]

too many throw THAT WORD around like a snowball in hell
too often it is used as a tool of deceit that most often forces the other to respond such as obligation
it is a catch phrase that really means nothing
there are too many other words that could be used instead
bottom line; it is an endorphin response to pleasure or need
today's world certainly is not a great example of that deadly 4 letter word

other than that, this is another write that catches interest and brings an open door for interpretation

ok i'm putting my soapbox away

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I enjoy reading your soapbox observations, Keith. Your insightful comments and art exude with honest conviction and passion that is seldom revealed. I respect and admire what you have to say because we tend to share similar viewpoints. Especially, in social issues. When it comes to the subject of love poetry in my work I do my best to strive towards an ambiguous message because love itself is often that way. It is not always what we expect, nor want in the end, but what we get. Especially, in long term relationships that require a lot of balance and equal measure in sacrifice. Where one is not always going to get the kind of love they truly yearn for. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.

[keith]

ok ... you used the 4 letter word 3 times! HA!
but, it's all good
and,
YES, i have used the word before in my write
'show to me' page 8 #3 ...
how's that for self-promotion! HA!

[Dianne S Penfold]

This has such musicality to it. The way it flows. The rhythmic essence of this piece truly draws you in. Very well written.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Dianne I appreciate your kind thoughts on this poem. Love isn't always the easiest subject to approach in art. Because in doing so we reveal so much about ourselves to the reader. Often times I try to make the attempt at being ambiguous. That way the audience can find their own relationship to the piece. And I agree with you that there is a lyrical flow in this poem. That you were so observant to pick up on. Perhaps a bit of influence from another Hispanic artist, one Lin-Manuel Miranda. Whose poetry is sublimely captured in the play Hamilton. We as artists are forever inspired by the works of other artists. You just never know your words may inspire some else to create their art. Thank you again I really appreciate it.

[Robert Haigh]

"...keep love out of it." I'm afraid I can't, Carlos. Love always seems to come into it, one way or another, whatever we write about. Perhaps your last line in this poem is correct, and a restless heart is always alone. This poem made me think... and it made me feel. An evocative and thought-provoking write!

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Love...is truly the thing of poetry. An unsolvable riddle that isn't always easy to define because it has to be lived to understand it. We write about it from experience, and yet still falls short of its mystery. Because its understanding is skewed by individual perspective and personal bias. Love is only as strong as the heart that wields it. For it can be a weapon for good or bad intentions. Depending on the individual, of course. It is a creative life force we writers often tap into in order to give life to our art. And it is also in the aspirations of a simple kindness. Love has always had a bit of dichotomous qualities about it these outlined thoughts I've presented. Vile acts have been committed out of love. It has driven people into foul actions. But in the end love is interpretated and defined by our own individual perspective and choice. But in all honesty I freely admit I don't truly know anything about love, except that it's difficult to understand and hard to live by. Thank you Robert for sharing this conversation with me, as well as your insightful perspective on Love. I really appreciate it, for it adds to my endless education on the subject. Your friend, CLE

[Robert Haigh]

I agree with your comments here, Carlos. Love is a wonderful thing, but it is often shrouded in mystery.

[Lisasview]

Good morning dear Carlos..
I say stay open and NEVER settle for anything less than you deserve.
Life is way too short..
I say take your chances on that word you would rather I not say.
Communicate your feelings...
Lisa, not always happy...but such is life.. but I did make the right choice

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

To live for life...is to truly love. My grandfather was Spaniard and lived these words till his end. I don't know if he died happy though because he pined for my grandmother who would never take him back after his countless cheating ways. He loved her, which was undeniable, but it wasn't enough. I myself in my late 50's freely admit I still don't truly know everything there is to know about love. And I feel that is a good thing. To be content with something is to lose sight of its value. Love should always stay a mystery. For in doing so it retains its vitality and worth. Thank you as always Lisa. I so appreciate your insightful thoughts on my work. It means a lot to me.

[lightsong]

I must speak about your note first, don't worry about repeating yourself my friend, I do that myself, no matter how I try to change my style it seems it keeps back to the same-old. Some people fear opening their hearts again afraid of getting hurt, since yes the heart is so fragile (and the strongest with love YES!), but what if a chance comes and we miss it? then we regret it? not all the people out there are the same, there are people who deserve us as we deserve them. the restless heart can fins its way to peace and self-love, can be when someone enter your life and bring hope to your life (like your frisky muse :>). sincere words my friend, I still love the conversation between You and Cate the most. all the best and sending You a little LOVE like it or not lol

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I will except that kind love and return it in equal measure, dear poet. As a fan of your art and style I hope inspiration forever resides in your heart so that you continue to gift this community with your incredible words. Your poetry never fails to give us hope and love in humanity. That is what art should always strive to do, and you always deliver in your profound work. Thank you for your comment and especially your encouraging friendship which I value.

[lightsong]

With a Little Love~ Modern Talking


They said: "Oh yeah, it's a tough worldread moreWith a Little Love~ Modern Talking


They said: "Oh yeah, it's a tough world
You are restless and you are young"
I said: "Oh girl, it's a good twirl
And your time will come, your time will come"
They said: "You came from the wrong side
He's a page from the end of the book"
I said: "You came from the right side"
Took me just one look
Then you understood

[Refrain]
With a little love you will survive
With a little love you will get by
Do what you want, go your own way
'Cause it's your life
(Life)
[Chorus]
With a little love you'll make a start
Yeah, why lovers break each other's heart?
Do what you want, go your own way
'Cause it's your life

They said: "No future, forget it
You came from the wrong side of town"
I said: "Don't listen, don't let it
Let it bring you down
Make you wear a frown"
They said: "Oh, let him down easy
Laugh at the heart you have one"
I said: "That life is for living
Like the morning sun
It had just began"

[Refrain]
With a little love you will survive
With a little love you will get by
Do what you want, go your own way
'Cause it's your life
(Life)
[Chorus]
With a little love you'll make a start
Yeah, why lovers break each other's heart?
Do what you want, go your own way
'Cause it's your life
With a little love you'll make a start
Yeah, why lovers break each other's heart?
Do what you want, go your own way
'Cause it's your life


With a little love you'll make a start
Yeah, why lovers break each other's heart?
Do what you want, go your own way
'Cause it's your life.

:>

[Chris Shaw]

A restless heart is not content. A restless heart is a wandering heart, one which is searching and lonely. One which might never find what it's looking for. Dear Carlos, your poetry is a blessing for all on this site. Thank you.

Chris

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Chris for your supportive kind words. They mean a lot to me. I so love reading the comments on my work because they truly do help me grow as a writer and creative. Even in my late 50s I have so much to still learn about this powerful emotion we call love. Alas, I feel it may be a hopeless endeavor because one can only know love by living it, not trying to dissect it and categorize it. We may effusively praise its aspirations but it is in the actual experience that we become enlightened by its power. Thank you as always, dear poet, for your insight on this poem. I appreciate every word you say.

[John the Baptist]

"A restless heart is always alone." Truer words were never spoken. Such hearts are alone even when they are in relationships. Such hearts often end relationships.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

That is so true, JB. I remember years ago asking an uncle who had a few failed marriages why he was always cheating and I remember him saying in almost a quizzical look, "I guess I'm just not happy." For years his words resonated with a sense of selfishness. With age I have grown to understand them. Thank you for your comment on this poem.

[Patricia]

The heart is complicated and thank goodness or we poets would be out of work ;) Restless=unsure of what one wants and needs, tricky little heart when the head weighs in.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

That is the absolute truth. I can't even begin to imagine what writing and poetry would be in a world devoid of love. The heart has always defined love for me, so if love didn't exist would the heart still hold such a powerful meaning? A frightening question to contemplate. Thank you Patricia for sharing your thoughts with me.

[Patricia]

You're welcome Carlos, and well done...you brought in a lot of attention with this piece and a lot of conversation, brilliant!

[William Michael Reeves]

Hard to handle the gift when it comes to us in surprise. We fumble. It drops. If only we knew it was coming. We could steady ourselves, hopes firmly planted on both sides of the parallel, to catch what comes in a blur. And when we succeed, and hold the beautiful fragile crystal ball of love, it does become clear ... in the mirror.

I hate loving your poetry! I love your notes of sincerity.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you William your comment brought a much needed smile on my face. As a dreamer at heart I'm in agreement with you on the ideas of love. It is a fragile object that gains clarity in the truthful heart willing to give in return equally. I always enjoy your insightful thoughts on my writing. They make me better. Thank you so much again.

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes, I totally agree.... a restless heart is totally alone! And why, because we tend to jump into relationships because we are needy and fear being alone. We don't examine well and then we fall into a pit. true love is a building block, no rush, let's get to know each other. ... builds to a crescendo of trust, faith, passion, truth and hope.If we are in doubt, we need to take a step back. Very thought provoking!!!
Best, B

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you B, for your insightful and very wise comment on Love. I readily admit I'm far from an expert when it comes to this most powerful human emotion. Even at 56 I'm still learning about it. But as a writer my keen eyes view it from the perspective of others who have fallen under its spell. It has left me both in awe and fear of its power. In both the good way to love and the bad. I am quick to acknowledge though the last line truly resonates with me unfortunately. I'm still a work in progress. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Carlos, but I am nowhere near an expert on love (two husbands!) I love you analyses, they are so deep!!!
Best, B

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

You are more an expert than I. I'm going to be 57 this year and never married. At least you have tried and attempted love, where as I haven't. Your heart is deeper for it, B. Love is like a house. It accumulates beautiful things inside of value and memories. You were in that house, while I was simply at the window looking in. The success you garnered from your past love feeds the art you share. Because you know of love more intimately than I. I've had relationships in my past but have always been self destructive in them. You have known the home of love. You approach it with wisdom.

[Betty Hermelee]

You have so much to share, true love will come soon!
Best, B