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

[Lisasview]

Hi Richard,
Yes I am back!!!
Gosh over 5 weeks of being too ill to read and review…and, of course write.
I was delighted to come across this wonderful ballad of yours which I do so relate to.
It flowed so well but then again all your poems/sonnets do. With the knowledge I now have “up my sleeve” I was able to see (feel) the rhyme scheme, which made your ballad even more enjoyable. I had to chuckle when I read your notes..
I love the whole notion of the stars twinkling in your eyes… the metaphor is great.
The sad feeling one has when that twinkle is gone and the hope that it perhaps can be rekindled.
Part of me wants to respond to each of the lines in your ballad as I connect deeply to your words.
Lisa, back to connecting

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Lisa Dear 🍂

"Happy 2023!"
It is so wonderfully delightful to feel your warming presence again; especially, when it's well and energy-filled … I'm happy to know you've healed very nicely, finally!
Oh yes, the Ballad form; hopefully, you'll be composing in it soon enough. : )
So much of import and enlightenment is often in the notes; especially, when one's knowledge allows proper understanding.

We both know how rare rekindling old love can be, eh?
Thanks for such an interesting review, Lisa … big hugs! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Lisasview]

Oh it is so wonderful to be back... Honestly I have that stupid lingering cough but other than that I am up and in action. Read and reviewed quite a few today.. and, so looking forward to tomorrow as I plan to go back to my unfinished poems...
L

[Richard🖌]

Sounds good. : )

[Lisasview]

So tomorrow morning I will start..
Missed you more than you will ever know..
Lisa

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

I'm not a poet that criticize, but I'll have to say that this is exemption...
It's really a great kind of an emotional poem. It flows so well with mind as I read it.

Great job!

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Sir Kay.
You thoughtfully kind and inspiring words of praise and enjoyment make sharing a true pleasure.

Many grateful blessings! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Kay Salisu Titilola]

My pleasure, Sir.

[BlackPrince]

This is a wonderful poem, with vivid and picturesque imagery. The stanza structure and rhyme scheme are wonderful.

[Richard🖌]

A good Sunday to you, My Fine Friend : )

What an excellent review you've left for this rather lengthy, poignant piece.
It is the Ballad format that lends it such a lovely structure and rhyme pattern, and the imagery, of course, is entirely from the heart and imagination.

I thank you so very much for your gratifyingly inspiring comments … bless your day, Syr Poet, as you've surely blessed mine! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Jade]

Such a very lovely read, it's so sweet and gentle. Nicely done and written

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Lady Brandie!
It's been awhile, and it's so nice to see you on this bright Sunday morning. : )
I very much enjoy your take on this rather hopeful piece of soft romance, and I thank you most gratefully for the inspiring compliment.

With happy blessings! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Richard🖌]

Brandie...
I went to your site to read one of your lovely pieces and leave a review for You, to find it closed.
I wanted you to know I tried … I hope you will be away only for a little while, My Friend. : )

[Susan 🦋]

Such is the ways of a tender heart and love that resides within always... memories of joys mingled with reality. Pain...sigh, but I like the idea of hope. Love always prevails. I lovely Friday morning read.

[Susan 🦋]

oh, I like this image too. The tones reflect an "antique" feeling...

[Richard🖌]

Sighhh*
True, Susan Dear,
Reality eclipses all … tender hearts and hopes, even love and dreams, despite there are those who believe they hold sway over all things; for, life teaches a far different lesson.
But, on the positive side, I am thrilled your Friday was made lovelier by this rather reflective piece.

I, too, feel the same of the picture as You*.
Thanks ever-so warmly! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Einstein Noodle]

well said and written says i! lovely sentiments, rhythm and flow .. wouldn't change a thing ..relatable in many of the varied ways that true love is lost and lamented ... how could she resist this one last plea?! ;) but i have the feeling in time there will be one more ...last plea :) thanks for sharing ..wonderful poetry
E.

[Richard🖌]

Hey, buddy!
Good Sunday morning.
Hope all's been well in your neck of the woods.

yeah, it's always the last time, ei: "I'll never do that again," but you're right, there's always one more. : )

Thanks, Gene, for reading this little ditty of hope-filled romance! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Carola]

your poem 'stories' are just so lovely & readable, great rhyming too !

sometimes in my poems i know i don't always get the rhythm quite right, so my admiration richard yours always seems to flow smoothly.. 👍

[Richard🖌]

"Blush*"
Dear Carola 🍂
Seems you enjoy Free Verse and Ballad (metered/rhymed poetry) equally, where most tend to favor one or the other.
How enjoyably rewarding this makes sharing with you.
As to the flow and rhyme, note the intro comments for an explanation why this occurs, and anytime your desire might rise to the occasion, it would be my great pleasure to share this methodology with you, my fine poetess. : )

Your reviews are as warm caresses; it's no wonder a giddy smile graces my rugged lips when I see your name 'neath one of my poems … a thankful hug! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Carola]

yes i read those intro comments, but that's like short-hand to me.... & i don't understand short-hand !! 😳
i'm self-taught at writing poetry, couldn't realistically call myself a 'poet'.

[Richard🖌]

Would you like for me to interpret the poetic language for you, Carola(?) … it can be very interesting, and even unlock some of the secrets of poetry for you. : )
Message, if you'd like to do it.

[heavenscentgirl1]

Oh my, your words are so relatable and the last two lines “Give us one more Chance to make Old Love Brand New just melts my heart.
Richard, thanks so much for sharing your special words and Beautiful Romantic Heart with us. Can you tell that I loved this one?
Take care & I pray that you are well & having a wonderful Holiday. Warm hugs & Blessings dear Master Poet. Mj😇

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so warmly, Mary Jo 🍂
Yes, it's true that so many will, probably, relate to this one and would jump on a chance to start anew.

My most sincere, "You're welcome," Mary Jo, and I thank you for selecting this piece to read and leave such heartfelt words … with brightest blessings! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Sarah K Cass]

Ohhh how lovely is that. What woman could resist such words? Anyone would think you're a poet, Richard!

[Richard🖌]

Ah, Dear Sessy ✨
The first to review, and how wonderfully lovely your sentiments … quit irresistible, too. ; )

A bard I would humbly aspire to be … thank you warmly, Lady-Poet! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Richard🖌]

"quite" irresistible … seems my finger went lazy on me … LOL!

[Sarah K Cass]

I didnt notice! Lol