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!

[Cherrie]

Hello Richard, You have such a easy way of blending image and rhyme, as always a lovely poem

[Richard🖌]

Why, "Hello, Sweet Cherrie!" 🎶

How wonderful of you to select this lovely piece to read and review for me, and I simply love what you think about it, too … you inspire me.

Hugs 'n happy blessings of warmest thanks, Dear Poetess! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Cherrie]

I hope you and your family are safe and well

[Richard🖌]

All's fine here … the same hoped for thee, Dear Cherrie ✨

[Cherrie]

We are doing well, we live in a rural area so that helps, and Im still working, which I'm grateful for.

[Richard🖌]

Be carrreful and keep mindful … we couldn't do without you, Cherrie*

[Relic]

Nice job, Richard. Each line seamlessly flows into the next and the emotion is what gives the poem impact.

[Richard🖌]

Hey Tim!

Ya lookin' good, buddy … LOL!
I really enjoyed your take and comments on this one.

Thanks a million, My Fine Friend! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Betty Hermelee]

What a beautiful poem, so poignant; lost love, ever desiring to bring her back to the " on old days" of song and dance. But know sometimes those that we have lost will never return. "Lost rivers from many tears" . I could go on, but, suffice it to say, I really love your work!

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so warmly, Betty,

I love how you let me know, by your keen interpretations, we've connected through my poetry … exactly how I mean them, too.

It's rare, and I am truly grateful for You! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for writing such a poignant poem; I will critique some others, a pleasure!!!

[Richard🖌]

"B L U S H !"
Such a thought-provoking rush. 😌

[DIVYA]

Such a delightful poem Richard. How beautifully you reason with an old and lost love to return. The penultimate verse is my most favorite. Amazing rhyming and meter! I was tapping my toes as I read it! I can't critique this poem in any way as I have no expertise to do so. But I so very much enjoyed reading it. Keep creating such beauty.

[Richard🖌]

Love your cat on the books! : )

"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"

Seems it's true, what they say of kindred hearts … thank you, Dear Divya, for sharing yours.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if the deepest lost love we'd ever known could be rekindled with only the beauty of it to return and last?
That you are working on your rhythm, meter, and flow is exemplified in your choice and commentary of this particular piece, Dear Divya … let me if you might be interested and I will gift you the key to unlock these poetical mysteries.

Your treasured praise and expressed appreciation make creating and sharing feel so very worthwhile … thank you ever-so sincerely, Divya ⁓ Richard 🍃

[DIVYA]

You’re most welcome Richard. It was a pleasure and I’ll surely seek your guidance soon.

[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 🍃