Feasting On the Fruit of My Heart's Desire

I dreamed that I stood in a valley, and amid sighs,
For happy lovers passed two by two where I stood;
And I dreamed my lost love came stealthily out of the wood
With her cloud-pale eyelids falling on dream-dimmed eyes. 
                                     William Butler Yeats 


Notions had gathered inside my head;
a wanderlust that refused to be denied.
Within my mind, the need of love was bred,
burned in tongues of fire that torched a hole
inside my heart and seared my soul.
I sought the finest wine from the valley floor,
to sate my thirst when he'd stand at my side.

I climbed heathered hills; crossing streams
Down twisting paths I ambled, taking wrong turns
until I found the enchanting vision in my dreams,
and feasted on the fruit of my heart's desire.
But too soon he slipped from my arms.
Left behind were his vespers in passion's embers, 
and fading echoes of his whispered words.

Time rushed through years like sifting sand
but the fire he kindled has not died.
I remember the gentle touch of his hand, 
and sweet moments of devotion we stole.
Now, with feeble steps I remain in pursuit
of memories we made long ago in the valley.
I hear his voice in the wind, and I cannot refute
that love's flame still burns within my soul.


An interpretation of ''The Song of Wandering Aengus,"
                                           by William Butler Yeats.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Barden Avatar
December 7, 2018 at 6:24 PM
Just love this write ... it has an grand, epic feel and presentation, and yet touches the spirit on a very personal way ... that's an unusual and difficult line to walk with words, and one that can't be taught or guided, but only FELT. Enjoyed this thoroughly, and adding to my favs.
Smith Avatar
November 26, 2018 at 6:32 PM
Beautiful Lin
Lane Avatar
November 27, 2018 at 7:46 AM
Thank you, Tim.
Allison Avatar
November 26, 2018 at 10:53 AM
wow Lin this is so beautifully penned! I agree with everything Chris said, and what a wonderful quote that inspired you to write this gem, into my faves:-) hugs Jan xx
Lane Avatar
November 26, 2018 at 1:39 PM
Thank you for such gracious compliments, Jan. Yeats has long been a favorite poet. I guess I truly am a romantic at heart, even if love is lost.
Green Avatar
November 26, 2018 at 10:46 AM
I loved this Lin. That final stanza was my favorite, though it was hard to choose because the entire poem is fantastic. There is a soft rhythm to this that flows so smoothly. Really nice my friend.
Lane Avatar
November 26, 2018 at 1:37 PM
Thanks ever so much for your generous praises, Chris. Each one is greatly appreciated. The last stanza indicates that love has a hold on us, even in its dying embers.
Rodrigues Avatar
November 26, 2018 at 10:08 AM
My favorite line: Left behind were her vespers in passion's embers. Very nicely done, Line!
Lane Avatar
November 26, 2018 at 1:35 PM
Thanks for the read and leaving your favorite line. Lin
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace