....all along (wishful)

Free Verse

....all along

Sitting 'longside evening's pond,

lost in thoughts of You....

"What, if possible, right now

would you say to me?"

I closed my eyes,

dreaming your sweet breath,

heard you whisper softly,

gently into my heart....

"Oh, love ~

I've journeyed through

many canyons and vales of life ~

over mountains high ...

'cross seas endlessly wide and deep,

each step along my way

through trials and tribulations,

to the far four winds taken

that I may come to be

right here ...

a part of thee, my man."

I sat quietly like this for hours,

frogs and crickets telling me

over and over, again and again,

until....

under burgeoning twilight

I realized what

it all had been revealing.

Barely acknowledging a heartbeat,

afraid ...

lest the vibration might end it all,

each star-flicker

and soft wink of the firefly,

another tender touch from You.

Each gentle breeze, now ...

another whisper,

your soul blown softly forth

into my core ~

my bones absorbing You,

from your pomegranate-flavored lips ...

for me to inhale another part of 

your enchanted life's golden flow.

Then, aglow ...

enveloped in the pristine promise

of that moment ...

between bowing reeds

and the sweet aroma of ripe hibiscus,

in a blink, it came to me ...

then, I knew in that sparkling instant

where my own life's path had been heading,

....all along.

    

Richard W. Jenkins

©2015

Author's Note

All constructive criticism and praise are welcomed. : )

Reviews

[Lisasview]

Oh my G..
I just love reading your poetry... this one was so enchanting..
knowing where your path was heading.. loved that part of your poem..but also loved so much more..
I already know that you are a lovely caring person..and this is revealed in your poems..
Thank you so much for sharing..
Lisa

[Richard🖌]

Lisa Dear 🍂

Don't you think it's amazing how much about a person can be glimpsed through their poetry … or, so it seems?
Ya know, Lisa? You have such an entreating way about you that tugs one to come closer; it's a rare knack few are gifted with … just thinking out loud.
How thrilling it is to hear how much love my poetry, and that you've enjoyed sharing this wishfully creative interlude with me beside evening's pond.

Thank you for perceiving something of me few do or convey … warm hugs! ⁓ Richard🎋

[Lisasview]

To be honest.. and then this is only me speaking... I think most readers really do not take the time to REALLY read your poems.
So, they miss the true meaning,,
Thus, they can not perceive the true meaning of you and convey ...
I am saddened that this happens and only wish other poets on this site would just sit back and take the time to absorb the poems you write..
Your poems are tríelo amazing, Richard.. not that I am one to give a professional opinion
But I do know how I feel when I am read them... and I stand in awe!!!!

[Richard🖌]

Lisa,

I so enjoy your honesty; especially, when its in my favor. : )
There are so many varied facets to what you're sharing about others reading my poetry it boggle the mind.
For instance, one might feel as you do, but does not possess the ability to express it as eloquently, intelligently, or as thoughtfully as you can. Then, they might lack your depths of insight and understanding, or they may feel inadequate, unconfident, or qualified to, etc. On and on the reasons go.
You, and a rare few others, truly gratify my efforts with meaningful depth, but everyone gifts in their own way(s), to one degree or another … so, I'm always blessed to receive whatever comes my way.

Equally speaking, and this is only in my opinion, I stand in awe of YOU! 😳

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'...all along'
Richard,
This was enchanting to read. Blue emotion in the text ringing of comfort and soft acceptance. Beautiful depth. Sweet evening shining forth in it's own special way speaking the inner thoughts allready known by the poet. Fragrances are mentioned and they are very enticing!
Blessings to you
Kathy

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so warmly, Dear Kathy✨
For looking back to find this lovely verse, in homage to wishfully plaintive yearning of wistful romance.
How beautiful are your own gently appreciative, gracious words, so sweetly enticing to a bard's grateful senses.

You are a poem in yourself … with happy hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Kathy Van Kurin]

You are an inspiring and honest portrayer of what caring looks like. It's fun to see how your style has developed over time. hugs to you too Richard,
Kathy

[Dr. YumnaKay]

Ah, this is wishful indeed...! I have so much to learn about freeverse, that I've realized after reading this beautiful piece of yours, Richard! Glad to have stumbled upon this one :))

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so warmly and gratefully, dear Lady Yumna,
Oh, yes, indeed! Free Verse is a form all its own, with its set of rules few even know about, or seldom acknowledge, if they do.

I am so glad you stumbled upon this one, too, Yumna … it's put a broad, happy smile on a bard's rugged face! ⁓ Richard 🌼

[Susan 🦋]

Perhaps in those quiet moments when we steady our thoughts and reflect, do those revelations come to us..
Or is it that we imagine words spoken, drawn from memories and experiences along the way..More so, these "knowings" were always with us...waiting to come forth to guide us or comfort us. Either way, to know the purpose...is always a blessing.
Technical stuff...every word well placed, appropriate line breaks and pauses. Splendid imagery..perfectly flowing...leaves the reader wanting to place arms around the "you"..and say, everything will be alright.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Susan, for such an in-depth, understanding, and knowing review of empathetic feeling and gentle emotion.

You're a wonderful reviewer … hugs to you! ⁓ Richard : )

[Susan 🦋]

umm you taught me how to review, remember? :-p

[Richard🖌]

Good point, but you took it steps beyond my simple prompts! ; )

[Tabby Mac]

WOW! You are a talent my friend! I love the images that danced in my mind as I read this! You have a way with describing nature that brings it to life! And the picture you paint of the spirit with you is so romanticly done!
WEll penned!!
Tabby

[Richard🖌]

Sighhh!
If I knew all my reviews would be as gracious, beautifully appreciative, and deeply touching as yours, I'd write and share a poem a day for a lifetime.
No one else will never know how wonderful the sensations of your words caressing my senses truly are!

Thank you, Tabby 🌼
Warmest hugs! ⁓ Richard

[PANDORA]

The thing I love about your writing is that you make the reader feel as if they are there sitting by that pond with you. You have a talent of really drawing the reader in. You have great cadence in your writing. It makes for a smooth ride within your imagination.

My only suggestion, and I struggled with it because I don't know if it will improve the flow or not is "What, if possible right now, ----What if (IT) possible right now.

Thank you for a great read

[Richard🖌]

I am thrilled you love anything about or from me, Sheri, and in as much that you've found such favor in this (one of my favorite Free Verse pieces), gifts gratification I could never have dreamed of hoping for, but that you were drawn-in my moment and relate so vividly, joins with your praise in letting me know just how well I've done with this humble little poem.
I will take a very close look at that line, with sincere thought to editing it.
Thank you so very much for your constructive critique.

You are certainly welcome for the great read, and I thank you warmly for your great review! ⁓ Richard

[Richard🖌]

What I am actually saying in that inner thought, in a condensed manner, is:
"What, if (it were) possible right now,
would you say to me?""
Don't forget the pause (comma after "What," and "now," that simplifies and allows the stronger,
"What, if possible right now,"
to stand alone without the extra "it were".
One of the keys to great poetry is saying what one wishes to convey with a few words as possible, without skinning one's work to the bone and neutering it, of course … LOL!
We can chat further about this, or anything, by messaging, if you'd like.
Thanks again, Sheri … this is how we get needed help, learn, and improve. : )

[Willard Wells]

Very beautiful words of love and finding the path for that love. I felt myself sitting as you at the pond thinking of my love. Thank you for sharing you work.

[Richard🖌]

A thousand grateful thanks, Willard, for selecting this romantically-wishful little piece to read and comment on, and most of all for for relating so completely with its vivid moments.
Blessings to you, Fellow-Poet! ⁓ Richard

[Willard Wells]

As a romantic myself love poems are almost always worth a look. :)

[Richard🖌]

Hear, hear! : )

[...]

This is exquisite poetry, Richard...breathless!

[Richard🖌]

As is your lovely, brief review, Lynn … my warmest thanks to you! ⁓ Richard

[MsJewel]

This is a poem that should be read aloud to fully absorb the tenderness of your words. While the tone is quite melancholy, there is so much beauty here - an enchanted whisper and the memory of pomegranate flavored lips...so lovely my friend. Stunning, stunning poetry.

Julie

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so warmly, Julie … I bow in humble gratitude! ⁓ Richard

[John Alexander McFadyen]

This has so many qualities to it Richard. It is rich in descriptive narrative, it has a sad reflective mourning to it, yet it is soulful and whimsical and ends on a brighter note as though the protagonist is resolved to feel happy to have known the person they are reminiscing over and is acquiesced to accept their loss, but celebrate their memory. Quite a lovely read.

[Richard🖌]

John,
You are a treasured reviewer who know how to interpret and convey the intricate and inspiring portions of one's labors, and it is this relationship between reader and verse that allow the author to know his efforts have proven worthwhile to his trusty olde pen.

Thank you, My Friend, for selecting this piece, for enjoying it and letting me know, and for your ever-inspiring praise … it is a genuine pleasure to serve you! ⁓ Richard