Madelaine's Chalice

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On that summer’s day when we first meet and kissed,
I knew you Madelaine as one I could adore.
Against your family’s wishes, I still persisted
in wooing you; we’d wed or I’d be your paramour. 

The levant winds blew through Spain’s hills unfettered
bringing death to suitors far and wide from above.
We had cause to feel our choice had made us debtors,
leaving our love a littered path, a ball-fisted glove.

Like Romeo I’d leave, not die, but without a trace
for I’d not hurt you more and death would be too much.
I’d give you time to heal your sorrows to embrace,
to come to terms with the rightness of our chaste touch.

In a far off land, I recall your devotion;
your lamented father’s wish for a princely dower, 
but all have died who wished our love to be undone.
Soon, I’ll claim my Lady from her empty tower.

Fate gifted us passion, drinking from its chalice.		 
We waded through flaming waves of rising ardor,
in your summer home, your primrose covered palace.		
The memories of your touch make absence harder.	

As I looked across the wind-blown spray of ocean,	
my mind turned to the sadness of our parting hours	
Kneeling, I begged for a distance closing potion		
so I could reclaim you to our rosy bower.

I see your longing, desperate, lovely, face				
endowed in fears dire depth as we parted from the clutch.	
I reminded you distance could not erase love’s trace	
or lesson my need to feel your soft, gentle touch.			

Last week, I sent a love-soaked, tear-stained letter;		
now I return aboard a ship to my sweet dove.			
I hope my missive sent has made you feel better,			
nevermore will I be denied the touch of my love.			


By Robert Lindley and Deborah Guzzi

Copyright © | Year Posted 2015



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Date: 12/20/2015 7:12:00 PM
Debbie, :) Hope you are well enjoying what is left of 2015. Sending an early Christmas Message with Hugs. May you have a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year. Good luck in all you do during 2016. ~SKAT LOVE~
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Date: 12/14/2015 9:47:00 AM
Came back again to read yet again and fav this poem but found I had already added to my fav list! SIMPLY FORGOT... So I will thank you again for writing with me my good friend and your sharing of your wonderful talent and great advice!
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Date: 12/13/2015 4:18:00 PM
Excellent! Enjoyed greatly! Btw, Debbie, no longer use the typical syllable count for tanka. Do try to honor form with short-long- short-long-long if it does not take from theme or distort the meaning!
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Guzzi Avatar
Debbie Guzzi
Date: 12/13/2015 4:41:00 PM
Thanks Thomas!
Date: 12/6/2015 8:06:00 PM
Excellent collaboration, a romantic tale. Enjoyed. Best wishes, RP.
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Date: 12/6/2015 12:20:00 PM
My good friend and excellent co-writer, a great pleasure composing this piece with you and your insightful advice and creative verses are a great boon to this piece. I am indebted to you for your time and your generosity both. As well as your always excellent advice! Any time my friend.
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Date: 12/5/2015 7:37:00 PM
tres romantique!! Well done you two! This is sooo render and divine, full of rich language and vibrant imagery. BRAVO! Best wishes, Keith.
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Bickerstaffe Avatar
Keith Bickerstaffe
Date: 12/5/2015 7:37:00 PM
that's tender!
Date: 12/5/2015 9:29:00 AM
I enjoyed reading your beautiful, romantic tale! An excellent write and collaboration, Debbie and Robert! Love, Kim
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