Imagination's Pilgrimage

Far from home,
through the flutter of my lashes
I imagine you are there.

My mind conjures your flesh,
your warmth,
the tilt of your head,
the mischief in your eyes,
the desire in your voice -

the way your breath
warms my already flushed skin -

and my moans echo
in an empty room,
and an emptier bed
only kept warm by the knowledge
you will enter again
someday.

I do not shirk
the responsibility I’ve been entrusted.
I will march through the darkest forests;

but I will never deny myself
thoughts of you,
that dance like foxfire through the days,
and burn like holy flame through my nights,
until I reclaim my place in your arms
without memory’s pale intercession. 


This poem was inspired by A Dash of Sunny's Prompt Nights: Battle of the Bards. Sanaa asked us to take inspiration from a list of classic poets. My choice was William Shakespeare and the following quote from his 27th sonnet:

But then begins a journey in my head
To work my mind, when body’s work’s expired:
For then my thoughts – from far where I abide –
Intend a zealous pilgrimage to thee...

This poem is also linked to the Tuesday Platform over at Imaginary Gardens With Real Toads and Poets United Poetry Pantry #342.

52 comments:

  1. foxfire and holy flame...nicely done!!!

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  2. Stream of thoughts crafted so nicely

    much love...

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  3. Replies
    1. Yay! Glad it got the effect across I wanted.

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  4. until I reclaim my place in your arms
    without memory’s pale intercession

    Memories may not be a barrier for relationships can still be rekindled! That's right Rommy!

    Hank

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    1. They can be sustenance until the next rendezvous as well.

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  5. Whistles!!!❤️❤️This is absolutely gorgeously penned, Rommy!!😘 I felt shivers running up and down my spine as I read these lines; "but I will never deny myself thoughts of you, that dance like foxfire through the days, and burn like holy flame through my nights, until I reclaim my place in your arms without memory’s pale intercession." Sigh.. thank you so much for participating at Prompt Nights and for your constant love and support❤️❤️


    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

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  6. It is hard to be apart from the one you love.. I can relate to this idea of storing the memories as precious parts of ourselves.

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    1. Memory here sustains the spirit, but of course cannot satisfy the hunger the way actual reunion would.

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  7. Love the thought of a pilgrimage returning to someone you love. If I were religious it could work as a hymn almost. Truly lovely

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    1. Thanks Bjorn. I was struck by that phrasing in the original sonnet as well. It made for great material to explore.

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  8. I feel sorry for those who haven't been able to do this themselves, reliving the love they have experienced. What fantastic and beautiful poem this is.

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    1. Memory can be the dearest comfort we have, provided we don't get too lost in it.

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  9. A dream on fire. Was it truly so? Who can tell as it burns in a realm without limits. Marvelously composed.

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    1. I'm glad you picked up on the dream-like aspects of the piece.

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  10. And the "darkness forests" will sparkle with the strength of her light and dark... and anything hiding in the shadows, planning mischief, will tremble and run because they know she means business.

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    1. Oh hell yes, if only to return to home all the sooner.

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    2. Back for seconds, and thinking that if more of us refuse to shrink from our responsibilities, as humans, we might be able to clean some of our mess. I wish, I wish, I wish...

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    3. People also have widely varying ideas of what constitutes a responsibility too.

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  11. "Thoughts of you...dance like foxfire through the days". How gorgeous! Very beautiful writing.

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  12. Passion revisited! Well depicted, well written!

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  13. Ah, sometimes when one is far away those memories help keep romance love alive. And those memories make one anticipate what the next time together will bring. I enjoyed this, Rommy.

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  14. Beautifully written. The yearning is palpable,

    Elizabeth

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  15. Foxfire and holy flame! Great references!

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    Replies
    1. I was pretty happy when I came up with it.

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  16. From wonderful title - to lovely close: a beautifully rendered piece.

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  17. Have a good week, thanks for dropping by my Sunday Standard this week Rommy

    much love...

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  18. Yes, indeed, the imagination and sense memory keep the love alive.

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