Before the Fire

I remember when our love was simple
a preamble to the heart tremble and the gods' gamble
when we didn't owe each other anything and our artistry meant everything, 
we were free of hope and suffering, living on the feeling of belonging to love rising,

We made a lexicon of lightening and splendor of thunder
rendezvoued in the sharp rain of rage and grew gold roses in rebel's plunder,
taught truth not to bet on beauty but to bite into the meat of rugged reality, to taste our mettle, 
you became the priestess of my noetic eyes, and I, the priest of your poetic pain, we were miracle -

J.A.B.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Empress Avatar
April 13, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Ah dear justin, This made my heart quiver, as i can resonate with the trembling truth of reminiscing what was, and how youv expressed here emanates notes of nostalgia in the most evocative manner, soul stirring really! I especially felt the lines "you became the priestess of my noetic eyes, and I, the priest of your poetic pain, we were miracle -" so passionately poignant and romantic! Pleasure reading this jewel that aches with timeless love in such aesthetic cadence.. sending you light
Bordner Avatar
April 13, 2025 at 4:12 PM
This poem is very special Poetess, very much like knowing for a golden moment why Life must be like life...I'm very happy this poem is special to you. It's a pleasure knowing your heartfelt thoughts...J.A.B.
Manassian Avatar
August 30, 2015 at 12:50 AM
What was that fire that consumed and brought destruction? This poem is filled with pain. Life is complicated and the heart is often....rebellious. Great write for the one whom you love.
Bordner Avatar
August 30, 2015 at 2:36 AM
We stood before the fire of fate, and have survived...there is a tender pain, and a tenacious love in this poem, I'm feeling strong knowing that you understand Eileen. My heart does indeed rebel for true love...J.A.B.
Chircop Avatar
June 8, 2015 at 12:15 PM
Its nice to remember the beauty of love forwhat it was without tainting it with what cant be..Love is the present..Cherish the moment. A favourite here Justin..Loved it.
Bordner Avatar
July 13, 2015 at 8:18 PM
Your wisdom is lovely Charma, your beauty sweet...J.A.B.
Y. Avatar
May 25, 2015 at 1:40 AM
This is a well written beautiful piece.I could sense the passion within this wonderful poem. Thanks for Honorable Mention of my poem Existence. I'm glad I stopped by to view this 7 piece.- Alexis
Bordner Avatar
May 28, 2015 at 8:29 PM
You confirm that there is a consciousness in the heart Alexis, thank you...J.A.B.
La France Avatar
May 19, 2015 at 8:25 AM
Justin, this poem is full of beauty and wonderful phrasing, 7, and thank you so much for my honorable mention in your When love was innocent contest, I am honoured
Bordner Avatar
May 22, 2015 at 9:03 PM
I admire you Wings of Fire, you possess a bravura that few poets cultivate...it pleases me that your intellect embraces my style woman...you make me happy...you are an awesome competitor...J.A.B.
Maverick Avatar
May 12, 2015 at 12:18 PM
Soup mail..'
Bordner Avatar
May 13, 2015 at 1:42 PM
Excellent...J.A.B.
Callus Avatar
May 10, 2015 at 9:23 AM
Simple, free love is what brings emotions to unrestrained heights. This is what young love is usually made of. Nothing else matters. Another honest poetic offering from you, Justin. All the best. // paul
Bordner Avatar
May 13, 2015 at 1:41 PM
Yes Paul, an offering of pure burning hearts, I hope the gods of love are pleased and awed...to be capable of, and wanting "all the best" necessitates a serious cost. Your wisdom is inspiring Paul, thank you. J.A.B.
Muideen Avatar
May 10, 2015 at 12:14 AM
I drop by to re-read your poem, you are in deed a genius poet,I like how the lines was written and how You put it;but to me you are tense and anxious.
Bordner Avatar
May 13, 2015 at 1:11 PM
Self motivation, instincts and ingenuity; genius is very difficult to sustain throughout a lifetime, however, with the help of Providence One can achieve the new truths...to live the epic we must travel the spectrum of love and pain Afolabi. J.A.B.
Relish Avatar
May 9, 2015 at 11:15 PM
Such pure and innocent love, how good it would be if only this innocence could last a tad bit longer... but the world is too cruel to let that happen... loved reading your musings Justin, as always .. #7.. nad
Bordner Avatar
May 13, 2015 at 12:39 PM
Love is only cruel when we want from it what it cannot give Nadiya...it pleases me that you feel the power of love in this poem Poetess...J.A.B.
Muideen Avatar
May 9, 2015 at 4:30 PM
Well constructed Justin,this is a sad touch,it really touch me a lot.7! and a fav.
Bordner Avatar
May 13, 2015 at 12:16 PM
An intricate style for an intricate love Afolabi. Sometimes the course of our love takes us through difficult and sad valleys, yet the journey ends not...J.A.B.
Nunez Avatar
May 8, 2015 at 1:50 PM
So much beauty in this nostalgic write, Justin. Pulled at my heartstrings. Had to stop, and read all over again. Why does innocence touch such a deep chord in us? Perhaps there is something in all of us that wishes a revisit to those carefree days, devoid of any care, full of hope and passion for the ideal. Your poetry affects me much like when listening to the pure music of the masters. A 7 and a fav. Kim
Bordner Avatar
May 9, 2015 at 3:09 AM
Your heartstrings humming from the touch of true need, being pulled and plucked by fingers that desire love Kim...ideal, yes, the ideal made real my silk Poetess. Your beautiful and empathetic words have given me comfort Kim...J.A.B.
Breidenthal Avatar
May 7, 2015 at 10:00 PM
This one has a sad touch to it.. very moving poem, Justin..I loved the line: "taught truth not to bet on beauty but to bite into the meat of rugged reality, to taste our mettle"...you never fail to amaze me with your lines. What of it now, this love? I feel the tugging of tears, the burning to keep the miracle memories alive... I've been reading this one a lot for the last couple of days. A beautiful one. <3 Always, Laura
Bordner Avatar
May 9, 2015 at 2:31 AM
Melancholia did march through my heart's memory as I composed this poem of love's youth Laura. She and I were natural, explosive poetry together. This love is carving a word upon our souls that only the heart can pronounce. I thank you for feeling my sensitive spirit Laura...J.A.B.
Pinet Avatar
May 7, 2015 at 8:29 AM
You process a poetic soul that breathes magic into life absorbing all its beauty whilst quietly dispersing this gift to others. Emile.
Bordner Avatar
May 7, 2015 at 8:32 PM
The more One pays attention to life the more attentive they are to the balance of cause & effect. To respect life divergent, as well as that which in accord with your instincts and passions is a fundamental discipline in being attuned to the intrinsic poetry that surrounds us daily, making the world that we feel, contemplate and create with Emile. To share inspiration is godly, and the mind always knows the what and who which motivates our actions.J.A.B.
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