. . . S i m p a t i c o . . .

Linked Quatrains in 8/6/8/6 Ballad meter, abcb rhymes.

.  .  .  S i m p a t i c o  .  .  . 

It’s written, "Those who don’t care why

will never know what’s real …

nor, find compatibility,

but only to conceal."

Conceal what’s true within their hearts

that share what others might …

such peace of mind and sanity

that comes with great insight.

Insight … tho, who can know and tell

of  those they cannot see,

that live out on the razor’s edge

of mediocrity?

Mediocrity knows so well

of what it’s like to cry,

or how it feels when someone loved

suddenly says, “Goodbye.”

Goodbye to bliss that’s never been;

what happened to our plans?

We loved so well … I thought we did;

it slipped right through our hands.

Hands reaching out in cold despair,

where warmth once thrilled us so,

embracing every dream we had;

yet, ne’er simpatico.

Richard W. Jenkins

© 20 Jan 2023

.

Author's Note

Artwork courtesy of Wikimedia © Free

Offer whatever you think will improve this piece. ✍

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

Yes, admittedly. the picture lured me closer, Richard.. there is a look that gently beckons the eyes to look more. And, yes I did.. thankfully/ Your poem has its own special life; the use of the last word in each stanza to start the next and yet, not one 'clever' is not the right word - will think of one in the early hours, more than likely. Meantime, movement abounds, sir!

[Richard🖌]

It,

Is always interesting, Em, to learn of what your eye sees and interprets the essences of what one of my simple poems might be?
Most times, you're spot-on, making it seem we're on the same, or close, wavelength.
I, too, wondered at 'clever', thinking, perhaps, 'artful', 'crafty', or um, who knows? LOL!

Many thanks, Em, for another of your brilliantly thought-provoking reviews.
Gratefully yours! ⁓ Richard🖌️

[June bug]

"Insight … tho, who can know and tell
of those they cannot see,
that live out on the razor’s edge
of mediocrity?"

Oh such wonderful lines! This is magnificent wording here.
I really enjoyed this write a lot. Pleasant take on words and clever.

[mou]

Some people can never be together (despite their best efforts) because a 'Goodbye' has already been destinied for them.
The empathetic soul suffers the most. This void is very painful but you do not allow it to outstrip the 'love' that still lingers in your every word.

'...Goodbye to bliss that’s never been;
what happened to our plans?
We loved so well … I thought we did;
it slipped right through our hands...'
❤

It is a heartfelt write. Honestly speaking, I didn't need to look at the 'photo' as the poem had already been started speaking. Beautiful poem!
- mou

[Poetic Beauty]

Sometimes people simply aren’t compatible; they may love each other. However they may not be able to live together for they have mass fundamental differences and personality clashes when in the same space as each other too long.

Sometimes people grow apart because they evolve and change in different directions. There are many reason why people as couples le and friends say goodbye

Well thought out and a deep thinking piece

[Carola]

love your poems richard.
cheerio carola

[Richard🖌]

I've fallen so far behind,

After my teaching retirement, being offline for so long, and not commenting on reviews, I'm making a quick thank you with a very grateful acknowledgment to everyone for their wonderful input and feedback.

And, I love your reviews, Carola.
With big smiles 'n hugs! ⁓ Richard🖌

[slfisher89]

i love your ablity to seamlessly explore six ideas in a compact, through form: in each stanza. Each stanza link so well together

[Richard🖌]

Hello, Good Poet!

I thank you ever-so much for sharing this poignant piece with me, and for your inspiring words of recognition and praise.

May peace be your best friend, always! ⁓ Richard

[Cherrie Palmer]

There are those lost in the cadence, and never in step.
I really like the flow of this ballad. Your gifted pen magical.

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Cherrie Dear,

Yes, a magical, flowing, and dancing form I always wanted to teach you.

Love your lovely avatar! ⁓ Richard

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Richard… and then there are those who are unlucky in love, although they did their ernest best; only once did they touch upon the ultimate climax that would never survive the perils of health and vitality. Otherwise there are many Sympatico scenarios that never reach the Fireworks of true Passion. Your poetry always creates Flowers that Bloom in our 💜 Heart. tenderly, Pat

[Richard🖌]

Thank you so very much, Patricia,

Your poetic reviews always touch warmly.
Hugs to You! ⁓ Richard

[lightsong]

Another PERFECT photo, I like the man, I like how he bleeds silently while it seems the world behind is going on talking... Sorrow and pain is the same for everyone, yet it is special for each individual, who said a normal man can't be hurt and feel hurt? or someone who is strong or out going? we all feel it in our own way, and we express it differently.

it seems your ink is flowing abundantly of late... how great is that.

[Richard🖌]

Dear Ghounwah,

I thank you so very much for reading this for me and sharing your thoughts in such a beautiful way.

Warmest hugs! ⁓ Richard