Wild flames of dreams ⁓ (passion's touch)

English [Shakespearean] Sonnet

~ Wild flames of dreams ~

I knew I should have dressed accordingly

to fight ache's rush of dreams off in the night;

had I pre-known the heat consuming me,

I'd lain me down in naught but soft moonlight.

Oft, too, when nighttime calls, there comes a yawn;

then, one cannot foresee what dreams will bring ...

a melody through realms twixt dusk and dawn,

we hear those songs that only souls can sing.

Ethereal in-time merge passions fleet,

to quickened rhythms' rocking in the night,

whilst warm their pearl-lit rivers' flowing beat,

embraced, two lovers cling with all their might.

Tho, in wild flames of dreams we may succumb,

too seldom dreams ~ realities become.

Richard W. Jenkins

©2017

Author's Note

Lovers: oil on canvas by Kurt Van Warner

I was told, by a very sultry poetess, my first picture was not hot enough for the poem … I hope this one will warm it up nicely! ; )

Constructive, well-meant critique and comments are always welcome! : )

Reviews

[heavenscentgirl1]

Oh, what a beautifully penned Sonnet this is Richard.

Its amazing how those songs become loud & clear when passion's quickened rhythm's rock in the night as those sweet warm rivers flow while two souls hold on tight.

Richard, your words bring to mind some very beautiful images that in reality are only seen & experienced in dreams for many of us.

Thanks for sharing another beautifully penned Sonnet my friend.

As always, take care & have a good week.

Blessings, 🙏
~ mj

[Richard🖌]

Goodness, Mary Jo,
What a lovely review for this sweetly hot little number, and how I ever missed it I'll never know, unless the site did skipped telling me "again". ; /
Anyway, you always highlight the most impacting parts to express on, and I always agree.

How lovely is that?
Hugs 'n warmest blessings of thanks, dear lady-poet! ⁓ Richard : )

[lovelymarina]

The painting was such a strong adjunct to the writing... such a well-written sonnet. This is extremely impressive.
Marina

[Richard🖌]

Lovely Marina 🌺

To have received the accolades and seal of approval from one of my utmost favorite poetesses, soars stars around a humble bard's most ardent hopes.

Bless you your beautiful heart 'n soul! ⁓ Ricard 🍃

[marilyn 1225]

gorgeous poem so loving and beautiful brimming with ability and talent and feeling and great description

[Richard🖌]

Thank you warmly, Marilyn,
I feel tender heartbeats breathing from the glow of your graciously-spoken words.

In the embrace of your praise I bow! ⁓ Richard ; )

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Only souls can sing- where we are one and one we are never knowing what is to come but dreams that ignite into promises out of truth beyond reality...we can only dream and yes to seldom do wishes materialise but that mustn’t stop hope from blooming, wonderful words🌹

[Richard🖌]

Thank you warmly, Dear Kelly.
The depth of knowing radiating from your words speaks the the very essence, not only of this poem, but to the glorious possibilities of that which imagination may well lead.
Lovely sweet little rose.

Your expressed praise and appreciation of this rather urging piece glows from within … hugs to you✨ ⁓ Richard

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

Only a pleasure🌹

[Carola]

wow!! what a great sonnet, i haven't read a modern shakespearean style poem until now.
you sure have a great way with words.
i hope i can learn to eventually write such wonderful poetic expressions.
i love the added painting, a great poetic aid.

[Richard🖌]

Beautifully spake, Dear Carola!
Your words touch and enthrall an olde bard's hopes to write and please another in just such ways you've so warmly expressed of this passionate little piece.
if you've not yet had the pleasure, it would be mine to teach you this wonderful poetic form, M'Lady.

Hugs 'n warmest blessings to you! ⁓ Richard

[Carola]

wonderful! i had to look up 'spake' in the dictionary, & i did not expect to find such archaic words.
cheerio carola

[Richard🖌]

It is fun to throw a word of pure origin into one of my poems, comments, or reviews –- just to remind and pay homage to poetry's classical poets of olde. : )
My offer to You stands.*

[Carola]

i will take you up on your offer richard. but not right now, as i'm in the middle of some new family history discoveries. will let you know. cheerio carola

[Einstein Noodle]

love it ..a delight to read ..most of the language is everyday speech but set in Shakespeare ... it is self paced ...rhyme solid ..has beginning and end ..with the best in the middle .. i only read this once and its all i need .. this line was like tympani drums driving the bus " to quickened rhythms' rocking in the night,";) putting it in me ol' library sir ..thanks so much for sharing
E.
ps it's beautiful!
pss oh yes...the pic is subtle and hot ..but quite frankly not needed at all ..but it is hot :)

[Richard🖌]

Thank you sincerely, Dear Gene!
Your expressed praise of delight, beauty, and graciousness are certainly reciprocated in deepest gratitude, My Friend.
I agree, the picture is seldom ever "needed", but it sure does set the mood for what's to come … sorta like fiery foreplay, eh? ⁓ Richard ; )

[Einstein Noodle]

yep :)..................

[emmajoy]

'Ethereal in-time merge passions fleet,
to quickened rhythms' rocking in the night,
whilst warm their pearl-lit rivers' flowing beat,'

Your knowledge and use of poetic genre (if that's the correct way to describe it) really teaches 'how to' in every phrase, Richard. Even within the allure of romantic poetry you adhere to meter and bow to it with care; but or yet, create the warmth required by the theme.

[Richard🖌]

It speaks tenderly soft 'n deep, this sweetly warming moment's highlight.

Such recognition, understanding, and knowing praise from such a wonderfully-gifted poetess truly bless and gratify a bard's humble efforts … thank you, Em! ⁓ Richard

[emmajoy]

You're welcome.. apologies for not calling in before now.

[Richard🖌]

I'm grateful anytime, Em.

[GreenShoes]

Your words are truly a gift to all who read them. You mentioned, I believe, Sultry Soul in your A/N, she is the reason I started an account on WC, and may her beautiful soul rest in peace.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you so blissfully, Karen,
Your words speak so much unsaid, but to a hopeful bard they are quietly heard.
In my Author's Note, I actually said "a very sultry poetess"; but, ironically, SultrySoul is one of my students and a fine friend. I am not certain she is the same person to whom you are referring (http://www.writerscafe.org/Sultrysoul), as I am not aware that she has met her demise. If so, it saddens me greatly … please, Karen, if you you'll not mind, check her out and let me know; I will greatly appreciate you.

Thank you, Dear Poetess, for your presence here with me under this rather warming piece … hugs! ⁓ Richard ; )

[GreenShoes]

Yes, that's her.

I'm very sorry for your loss.

[Lydia Shutter]

How true your ultra-romantic words are. Often fantasies and dream stay in that realm and never step over the border into reality. So much desire and passion in this one. Wonderful. Lydi**

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Dear Lydi,
Your words, sweet flickers of flames in themselves, arouse and ember in an olde bard's imagination.

You've set my my mind 'n feet a'dancing … warmest hugs! ⁓ Richard ; )

[Ardra]

we hear those songs that only souls can sing... :)
only in dreams we find the freedom to let our souls fly to their desired destinations ;)

its beautifully done... very warm and passionate..the painting as usual compliments the poem..

thanks for sharing the wonderful work richard.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so warmly, Dear Ria!
I thought you'd enjoy that line quite nicely, and you've certainly explained your take on it beautifully.

I cannot tell you how welcome you are, Ria, nor can I express my gratitude for your warming words deeply enough … hugs to thee! ⁓ Richard : )

[Susan 🦋]

Oh and that last line!...that heart tugging line! When passions are so strong and reality so hard...yep, got me with this one. What more can I say?...
Imagine this,
the utter bliss ...
two lovers meant to be.
Bound souls caressed,
ending long quests
in peaceful guarantee.

Yet, dual tears shed,
sorrow and dread;
fate has chosen ... it seems.
Drawn to return
I'll always yearn;
you'll e'er live in my dreams.

[Richard🖌]

Geeze, Susan!
How thrillingly your words caress my senses … and those two Quickie stanzas dance so sweetly in review … ohhh-MY!

Thank you ever-so gratefully and brightly! ⁓ Richard : )

[Richard🖌]

I've no idea how I missed you delight review, Susan … another failure for the site to notify me? ; /