Notes About The Poem

Poem composed: August 23, 2022

When We Love

...comes the force of awakening 
                      like tenderness and fire
an intimacy that stands at the edge of new
time works differently
                     reshuffles life
                         in heart hammering excitement
                         invested with hope
          to push aside the boundaries of impossible

two people shaped by each other's needs
        drawn together in physical ease
        when words shake down reserve
        when touch morphs into love
                   sometimes tangled and knotty
                   like heartbreak in country music

if we just climb high enough
if we have the courage to carry on
if forgiveness transforms silence
                          disputes fall by the wayside
we change through loving eyes
vows that summon us forward
          that never numb with age

Does the world know what it ought to cherish?

                      to woo a full humanity
                      to mend the battle scars of war
                      when we know a visionary change
                      that lives on
                      in the love we leave behind
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Turner Avatar
April 25, 2023 at 8:40 AM
This is excellent Brian. i believe the world knows what it SHOULD cherish but that doesn't mean it does, sadly.
Sambourne Avatar
October 18, 2023 at 6:54 PM
Greetings Daniel, I appreciate your stop and insights. You are quite right about the world's willed blindness to darken what it ought to hold dear. Be well. Brian
Kauffman Avatar
January 23, 2023 at 10:35 AM
Truly, "does the world know what it ought to cherish?" I love your first lines, "force of awakening like tenderness and fire!" Just two of your marvelous, oh so creative images. Congratulations on your win! Blessings!
Sambourne Avatar
January 23, 2023 at 11:08 AM
Your congratulatory message, Sam, is much appreciated. The contest placement was something of a surprise. Hope that you are well. Sincerely, Brian
Toney Avatar
January 22, 2023 at 2:09 PM
Brian, your inspirational poem reveals the power of Love and asks the tricky question, "Does the world know what it ought to cherish?" and then outlines Love's worldwide potential. Congratulations on your win on Mile 24 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Two more miles to run before the Qualifier's Final Placement Contest!
Sambourne Avatar
January 22, 2023 at 2:22 PM
Greetings Mark, My sincere appreciation for the recognition in your Marathon of verses. Best wishes, Brian
Fowler Avatar
October 20, 2022 at 3:05 PM
There is so much here to like Brian. I am having a hard time choosing just one thing to like best. In the end, I think the world does not know what it needs or should cherish. Very insightful Brian. :)
Sambourne Avatar
October 20, 2022 at 9:57 PM
Very thoughtful of you, Linda, to comment so positively on my entry in the "Love" theme contest. One commentator called the piece "mush," so your upbeat input is most valued. Be well. Brian
Wells Avatar
October 3, 2022 at 7:55 PM
This is a beautiful, moving poem full of hope and moral meaning. I am reminded of what Charles Darwin says in "The Descent of Man." One of the most essential characteristics separating humans from other animals is the human ability to feel and express love for others in the human community. -Thomas
Sambourne Avatar
October 3, 2022 at 8:07 PM
Thank you, Thomas. The Darwin quote is laser light perfect. My small piece is perhaps a small homage to Darwin's brilliant insight. With much appreciation for your stop by + encouraging comment. Be well. Sincerely, Brian
Kendrick Avatar
September 5, 2022 at 9:11 AM
Sometimes in this world forgiveness is not so easy. I can't imagine being a child whose parent/s are killed in a war and has to live in a single parent home or is orphaned. I can think it might be hard to forgive who did the murder/s of my loved ones that I depended upon. Thank you for sharing this wisdom and your visit to my page with a nice comment. Sara
Sambourne Avatar
September 10, 2022 at 10:03 AM
Hi Sara, You are so right about the daunting wave of forgiveness. It sometimes just won't wash over the one aggrieved. The atrocities of war mangle the victims for life. How does one overcome that? And yet some do. Be well dear lady. Sincerely Brian
Lawrence Avatar
September 2, 2022 at 8:22 PM
Brian, Beautiful, heartfelt and poignant. So much truth here. Messages of love that live on because of us and through us forever. Love it ! Blessings to you, Susan :)
Sambourne Avatar
September 3, 2022 at 4:55 AM
Hello Susan, My appreciation for your visit to my page + the supportive comments made. Difficult to avoid cliche when writing about love, though one tries. Sincerest regards, Brian
Nicole Avatar
September 2, 2022 at 8:44 AM
"when touch morphs into love". Yes, it is that powerful. What our world needs now, is more Agape love. Your thoughts curl gently around my soul. Many wonderful blessings to you, Brian. Hugs, Brandy
Sambourne Avatar
September 2, 2022 at 3:56 PM
Your thoughtful comments have made my day, Brandy. I am reassured by your remarks + those of others that there is some merit to my submissions. Be well. With appreciation, Brian
Of Avatar
September 2, 2022 at 7:46 AM
You are blessed dear Brian to have loved and received love. God bless you and shower external happiness.
Sambourne Avatar
September 2, 2022 at 3:59 PM
Greetings Adl, Very kind of you to comment + wish me a loving life. I have been blessed indeed. May your life be rich with love too.Sincerest regards, Brian
Horsman Avatar
August 31, 2022 at 1:28 AM
I'd like to think my wife and i have achieved most of what is in your beautiful and knowledgeable poem, Brian, Being it's our 60th anniversary in December.
Sambourne Avatar
August 31, 2022 at 5:40 AM
Congratulations to you + your wife, Harry, as you celebrate 60 years together. Quite a milestone. Thank you, too, for your affirming take on my posting. Sincerely, Brian
Radice Avatar
August 28, 2022 at 7:55 AM
I echo all that has been said Brian. I'll add that I'd really like to hear your poem recited. I suspect it would add even more depth and heart to the overall feel of the poem (if such is possible). I like your repeating of the words 'when' 'if' and 'to' .. they add a certain emphasis / stress to the lines in which they appear. Free verse fascinates me. It has its own set of rules. Cheers - Gary
Sambourne Avatar
August 28, 2022 at 12:11 PM
Many thanks, Gary, for your supportive words + for the recitation idea. I'll see if that can be achieved. I suspect though that free verse isn't always valued as it skirts rhyming rules. Your analysis is always valued, Gary. Be well. The best to you, Brian
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 27, 2022 at 9:11 PM
Wow Brian, your poem sings of love in all aspects and your last stanza is so incredibly beautiful. A fave for me! Congratulations on your wonderful win. Blessings xxoo
Sambourne Avatar
August 28, 2022 at 4:20 AM
My appreciation for your thoughtful message, Connie. Love is a challenging subject as limitless words + expressions have been written on the subject. Originality is daunting. My offering is but a small attempt. Sincerest regards, Brian
Pandit Avatar
August 27, 2022 at 3:08 PM
Endearing sentiments. Enjoyed the read. Congrats on your win, Brian.
Sambourne Avatar
August 27, 2022 at 3:49 PM
Thank you, Vijay. So good to read so many fine postings. Best wishes, Brian
George Avatar
August 25, 2022 at 9:17 PM
When people are in love, there comes the 'force of reawakening', reshuffling life with hope invested and reaches unprecedented heights pushing aside the boundaries of what is possible. Love has such magic ! Really great poetry, dear Brian. All the Best in the contest.
Sambourne Avatar
August 25, 2022 at 9:43 PM
You are most kind in your appraisal of my posting, Valsa.There is much to say about love. My piece doesn't give love's complexity a full airing by any means, but poet's struggle with the challenge. With appreciation, Brian
Messina Avatar
August 24, 2022 at 7:33 PM
Excellent poetry, Brian. So well composed my friend. Thanks for your recent visit. Hope all is well! Best wishes in the contest. Charlie
Sambourne Avatar
August 24, 2022 at 7:46 PM
Thank you, Charles, for your affirmative note. My expectations are low in the upcoming contest. But I forge on with my free verse addiction. Sincerest regards, Brian
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