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Portrait: Of a Lady

She had never felt so loved, past threshold of turning back to familiar home There was comfort in arms that held her statuesque form, heart fine honed His cruelty made her kind, bound to commit to vows she once thought she could not follow Free spirit reigned in, free will did permit dependance on hope's promise, now hollow Embedded deeply in heart and in mind, integrity fired truth to be her guide knowing full well all she would leave behind To give her best was all she could try But for the fact she was so much hated She would not have known love, underrated Aqua Marine 02/04/2024 Inspiration: Portrait of a Lady by Henry James.

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Eileen Manassian

Date: 4/5/2024 7:56:00 AM

What a sad sonnet, dear. Why can't love be reciprocal? Powerful write. It takes a strong heart to keep going on...

Aqua Marine
Date: 4/6/2024 8:14:00 AM

I appreciate your question and visit. Means a lot to me. ((Warm Hugs))

Aqua Marine
Date: 4/6/2024 8:12:00 AM

I am a "fighter" for life, and kind loving. I am grateful to many who show compassion and understanding. Love shared freely in genuine acts of concern, and kindness, are not always reciprocated. Not a waste, because they test the endurance of your love "mettle". A loving person doesn't stop loving people, because they aren't loved back. Love is more than our love.

Aqua Marine
Date: 4/6/2024 7:52:00 AM

A person who cannot love because they hate what they idolized as "supply, " in a narcissistic manner, cannot reciprocate because they really only love themselves. Some men and women want to love a person to "life" because they feel deeply, the wounds in others. Maybe they feel everyone has a right to be lovable. It doesn't always work, as I needed to learn for myself.

Bill Baker

Date: 4/4/2024 3:55:00 PM

Sonnets are my favorite form of poetry. You have written a fine one today. This poem resonates deeply with me and my life before Sara, Aqua. Some men have your same experience, I did. You may enjoy going back to my first poem posted on Poetry Soup 10/26/2021. "An Oath to Truth and Right". Be strong, turn lemon experiences in life into lemonade. If it doesn't kill us, it has a potential to make us stronger. Have a pleasant evening. Bill

Aqua Marine
Date: 4/6/2024 7:42:00 AM

Dear Bill, I love your firm honesty about men going through similar traumatic experiences. I have two sons and we have deep discussions about masculinity and femininity. They have enlightened me about life's experiences from a man's point of view. The only way to heal is to not become hateful like the persons who hated one. Hearing from men like yourself is good for me, and I deeply respect your miraculous marriage - there is always Hope, isn't there? I cling to that.

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 4/1/2024 5:06:00 PM

a poignant but powerful read. The 'lady' endured much...and even with her spirit reigned in she maintained a hollow hope. What strength for her to let integrity and truth be her guide. I love the portrait you painted with your words. have a great evening, Sara

Aqua Marine
Date: 4/3/2024 11:36:00 PM

Thank you Sara, I truly appreciate your thoughtful comments on a poem that wasn't easy to post... I had "buried" it... A bit "close to the bone" of the history of my life. Semi autobiographical, the tears and hurt, and determination are real. I watched the movie 3 times. There are many "Ladies" here, and out "there" who refuse to abdicate their integrity. It is not about pride or feminism. It takes self awareness and some humility to hang on to doing your best to do what is right. It's a struggle. (((Warm Hugs)))