All things beautiful

I cannot put you into rhyme

You would refuse to go there

Having once said, “If you can describe love . . . . It isn’t”

And you are the same

I cannot dress you in words and do you justice

Adjectives fall upon themselves in the effort

And metaphors mumble in confusion

While searching for comparisons

Because you were the source of it all

All things must be compared to you

And beauty should have bowed when you passed

 

Your smile was never like the sunrise

Rather, the sunrise imitated your smile

And when I saw stars reflected in your eyes

The stars were made more beautiful

Some men are correct to offer the compliment

“You look beautiful in that dress”

That was inappropriate with you and I would gasp

“That dress looks beautiful on you”

The standard of all things lovely lived in you

And with a glance the sister nymphs danced

And all was well in the kingdom of my soul

 

And so it is now . . . . now that you are gone

When leaves whisper about the wind

I know they gossip of why I walk alone

Why my arm reaches for the empty space beside me

And crickets spread rumors across the night

Even the streamlet frog grunts his agreement

 Because without you all things beautiful

Depend upon each other for definition

And grow lonely in the task

And I am composed of memories, nothing more

Repeating them like butterflies going home

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

especially like the second stanza...and the twists of phrases you use...irony of old phrases.

i like the last two lines, but it gets so sad...

all this love, all this beauty...but now...

it is gone...she is gone.

"if you can describe love, it isn't"

that is an amazing line...and just leaves the reader pondering that.

love is indescribable i think.

love this poem...you are really really good, my friend.

jacob

[oxo]

this is so sad..... but i always enjoy your writing. looking forward for more.

[DrD]

Thank you, oxo. Glad to see you here.

[Frieda P]

Reading this was like drinking fine wine...'repeating them like butterflies going home', that touched my heart. Exquisite.

[Patrick Henry]

That was, in so many vividly revealing ways, both to a depth that is personally deep to the author but easily realized, and also very well written with the choicest of words used. I picture those days, still, sitting at my Pepe's feet listening to the war stories he had and how he and his men earned their medals through pain and pride. Your poem reminded me of my poem "In Closing" where you see the rawest truth spoken from the perfect source...... Sad and reflective, but a very nice poem to spend some time on. -Mark

[David Scott]

What a gifted writer you are! I felt the maturity of emotion here. A fine wine aged to perfection. A taste that must be sipped and swallowed to understand. You cannot be told of the taste and fragrance. This poem is as complex and savory.
Thank you my friend for this refreshment.

[DrD]

Thank you, David. I can always count on you for kind words.

[Corset]

such a lovely pour, when you put it out there you hold nothing back. It's such a lovely glass in which to hold all of you.

[DrD]

Your description of my work is, in itself, marvelous and I appreciate your visit.

[PP]

In the kingdom of your soul your subjects pretty much don't exist without your love for the Queen who breathes life in all of them including you! On this note, I must admit your Kingdom of Soul is Immortal because of your love for her!!! I love this piece :)

[DrD]

You're as kind as always, Prathama and I am grateful for it.

[PP]

:)

[Mia]

Doc, it has been too long and I have missed your incredible way with words. I read this three times over because it deserves to be read repeatedly. There will never be another man who loves a woman so...I can't imagine it! This is beautiful, absolutely amazing!!

[DrD]

I've missed you, Mia. Thanks for visiting and for your kind words.

[Mia]

I won't be a stranger :)

[Hawkmoon]

The first two lines are awesome!!! The rest, great --- "crickets spread rumors across the night , the streamlet frog" ... being composed of memories is a fantastic theory. Where do they exist?

[DrD]

Thanks, Stone. I haven't seen you here before and hope you return soon.

[Southern Cross]

I honestly couldn't pick a favorite line in this exquisite piece . I think this is one of my very favorites of love gained and lost. The love and devotion ..the careful choice of descriptive words all blend into a perfect portrait. I have saved this to return many, many times. Magnificent .

[DrD]

Thank you, S.C., I appreciate your visit and very kind words