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Aspects of Love
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I. Unrequited
a rondeau redoublé
Tonight, my eyes are open and aware.
The kiss I trusted was a lustful lie.
I’m letting go of love that isn’t there.
My heart holds dreams no mind can justify.
I built a cozy castle in the sky—
A home of truth and faith and all that’s fair.
But now I see a light I can’t deny.
Tonight, my eyes are open and aware.
Tonight, I learned his fervent air of care
Was wispy smoke, a joke, a worthless sigh.
That burden’s hard to bear. We’re not a pair.
The kiss I trusted was a lustful lie.
I know the sweetness of life’s apple pie—
Two feasting on a marvel made to share.
But only one felt wonder at that high.
I’m letting go of love that isn’t there.
I live for love and send mine in a prayer
Together with a brusque and bold goodbye
To soothe my wretched spirit’s raw despair—
My heart holds dreams no mind can justify.
I curse the sting of tears I ache to cry.
I hunger for his fingers in my hair.
I thirst to give vain wishes one more try…
But no… my soul would starve if I should dare.
Tonight, my eyes are open.
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II. Rebound
a rondelet
Grim loneliness
Peeled my heart, bored into its core.
Grim loneliness—
It sealed me in its stoneliness…
Your steaminess thawed every pore
With hot finesse. How I abhor
Grim loneliness.
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III. It’s True…
a pantoum
I knew it when you slid beneath my skin;
You lifted lows to eagle-gliding highs.
I knew it when your dazzle drew me in
And stoked a smile that blazed in bluest eyes.
You lifted lows to eagle-gliding highs.
You wrapped me in a warmth that surged and spread
And stoked a smile that blazed in bluest eyes—
I’ll follow where your truth and beauty tread.
You wrapped me in a warmth that surged then spread.
You hauled my heart from misery’s abyss.
I’ll follow where your truth and beauty tread—
Beyond the mock of clocks and Reaper’s kiss.
You hauled my heart from misery’s abyss.
Our souls are made to sing above the sun—
Beyond the mock of clocks and Reaper’s kiss.
I know eternity has just begun.
Our souls are made to sing above the sun.
I knew it when your dazzle drew me in.
I know eternity has just begun…
I knew it when you slid beneath my skin.
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IV. A Bibliophile’s Betrothal
“Beware you be not swallowed up in books!
An ounce of love is worth a pound of knowledge.” —John Wesley
I’ve slammed shut well-thumbed tomes without a frown.
Each antiquated adjective and noun
Will now give way to days of me and you.
To Rochester et al, I’ve bid adieu.
All plights and plots that toyed with heart and mind
Are in their rightful place, they’ve been consigned
To boxes in the attic—lofty heights
For damsels in distress and men in tights.
I will not stroke a spine or sniff a cover.
I won’t ascend the turret stairs and wuther
Through realms of gothic, Heathcliff-driven lust.
It’s time to let dear Darcy gather dust.
I used to wander lonely as a cloud
Through Manderley (far from the madding crowd)
Until you slipped into my inglenook…
I dropped my guard and then I dropped my book.
An ounce of your true love is worth a pound
Of pages turned in search of what I’ve found.
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Susan Jarvis Bryant has poetry published on Lighten Up Online, Snakeskin, Light, Sparks of Calliope, and Expansive Poetry Online. She also has poetry published in TRINACRIA, Beth Houston’s Extreme Formal Poems anthology, and in Openings (anthologies of poems by Open University Poets in the UK). Susan is the winner of the 2020 International SCP Poetry Competition, and has been nominated for the 2022 Pushcart Prize.
similar to a sonnet I wrote as an appendix to a paper as an undergraduate, when something that was supposedly angry at unrequited love didn’t seem very angry – Appendix #1 – A Sonnet of Monolithic Anger (for purposes of comparison)
Deceitful wench! Are all the words that passed
Between us when our love seemed less unreal
Mere tatters now that thou mayest calmly blast
To nothing when thou so inclined dost feel?
May he who engineered thy late disgrace
Prove like a squash leaf at the crack of frost —
Turn black and shrivel; so faithless arms embrace
The shattered dead remains, forever lost;
And may’st thou in that faithlessness go on
To multitudes of lovers, whose delights
May all resolve to torments – may by dawn
Each have another mistress in his sights,
So that the love that thou hast killed in me.
Through scores of others may be slain in thee.
Wow, Fred… food for thought, indeed. Thank you for dropping by.
Susan:
Your poems are part of life’s apple pie. Thanks!
Russel, I love this comment. Much the same as your perspicacious and highly entertaining poetry, it embraces brevity while saying everything. Thank you very much indeed!
These are wonderful poems. I especially like “A Bibliophile’s Betrothal,” which has (by my count) five literary references: Mr. Rochester from “Jane Eyre,” Heathcliff from “Wuthering Heights,” Mr. Darcy from “Pride and Prejudice,” the place Manderley from Daphne du Maurier’s “Rebecca,” and a direct use of Hardy’s title “Far from the Madding Crowd.” That’s a lot of intense love-literature! And the use of the rare dialect word “wuther” (to blow with great gusts of wind) in quatrain 3 is an inspired diction choice.
One humble suggestion: In the third quatrain of “Unrequited,” you might consider writing “We’re not a pair” instead of “We weren’t a pair.” This keeps the meter nicely regular.
Joe, Im thrilled you like these. I am only just beginning to realize the beauty of writing a series of themed poetry. ‘Rebound’ was a little light amusement between two heavier pieces to entice the reader to read on. “A Bibliophile’s Betrothal” seems a bit out of place… It’s a nod to my wonderful life. I’m a born bookworm. When I put down the books and started living it instead of reading it – things got a whole lot better… until I replaced fiction with fact… hence my recent poetic rants. I thoroughly appreciate your fine eye where English Literature is concerned. I’m glad my bookish bent has been put to good use.
Joe, I like the suggestion – it’s much smoother. Thank you for this… such observations are one of the huge benefits of being on this site.
Susan, anyone who wants to study fair forms needs to abandon his published form manual, which usually gives only one example of each form (and often not a particularly good one). Instead, that student needs to find SCP and search under your name.
“Unrequited” not only makes excellent use of the rondeau redouble, but comes to a most perceptive psychological point about the topic.
The rondelet is remarkable for that coined central word “stoneliness” in perfect triple rhyme. Most writers would have been satisfied with standard “stoniness.”
The pantoum reads nicely as sad-to-happy experience, but with that first line/last line, it’s itching for an erotic reading.
I see two more literary allusions in “A Bibliophile’s Betrothal.” Wordsworth wandering lonely as a cloud, and John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester. You did say, “Rochester et al,” implying that there is more than one Rochester. And for a speaker who’s giving up his former literary ways to enter an engagement, who better to renounce than the Earl, one of whose most famous poems is “Against Constancy.” There are more and worse where that came from.
But you are entertaining us with a splendid selection here!
It’s one thing to slam shut and bid adieu to a bunch of syrupy nineteenth-century novels about love. Its quite another to give up one of the wittiest, funniest, and most wonderfully obscene writers of the seventeenth century. That’s why I’m betting that Susan Bryant is only alluding to Mr. Rochester in “Jane Eyre,” and not John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester. It’s easy to forget about the repressed romanticism of a somewhat dull governess like Jane Eyre. It’s not easy to forget the rollicking author of “A Ramble in St. James’ Park,” even when you’ve found your true love.
When Susan says “et al,” I think she simply means “other guys.”
Joe, you’re right about the syrupy novels, but you must not appreciate the measure of my wife’s feelings for me. She HAS locked up John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester in the attic, along with Jack Benny’s valet… et al.
When I was young, Mike, I was a big fan of the Jack Benny Show, and I’ll never forget the way Rochester would say in his raspy voice: “Hey Boss.”
Margaret, needless to say, I’m over the moon. Thank you very much for your astute interpretation and your beautiful words. The nod to Wordsworth is a fine catch. I would love to claim my ‘Rochester et al’ embraces John Wilmot. Joe is right, it doesn’t. But now, I’m intrigued. I’m hankering after a glimpse of his linguistic naughtiness… I fear my nose is about to be buried in books for the foreseeable future.
Brilliant poems Susan, I enjoyed the entire collection very much, thank you. I just so happened to be listening to a Jay Ungar & Molly Mason version of the Ookpik Waltz when I began reading your poems and they went so well together that I can highly recommend their combination to anyone who enjoys fiddle music with their love poems:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szt4zhnenIk
Yael – thank you and the music is wonderful! I think these poems need a little background music to be appreciated to their optimum… great idea! Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️
I love any kind of old-timey music and its subsequent iterations, Yael, including Bluegrass. These things are pure Americana.
These are marvelous and demanding forms, and you use them so well!
Thank you very much, Cynthia – a wonderful observation from a fine poet is always welcome. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Paul.
I’m calling the 3rd stanza in “A Bibliophile’s Betrothal” as the best I’m going to read this greeting-card season.
I’m going to take this as a compliment… I hope I’m not being foolish… I’ve read many a gem in a greeting card and I’m of a joyful disposition. Happy Valentine’s Day, Adam.
Oops, I was too flippant. No, I just meant the holiday has been greeting card-ified and it’s hard to get away from the twee and cloying greeting card style of verse when writing love poems, and you definitely nailed it in that poem and, especially, that stanza.
Another thing I forgot to mention about “A Bibliophile’s Betrothal:” I was reminded very much of Larkin’s “A Study of Reading Habits,” but with a sweet, instead of a sour ending. Bravo.
Happy Valentine’s Day to one who is a master of forms! I loved Unrequited.
Thank you very much, Allegra. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Susan, what’s not to love about your group of four poetic forms?
“A Bibliophile’s Betrothal” is my firm favorite due to image forming lines including “I dropped my guard and then I dropped my book.”
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Mike.
Thank you very much, David. I’m very happy to hear “A Bibliophile’s Betrothal” is your favourite. That one is pure me! A very Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your beloved… don’t start flicking through any 19th century romance novels.
Susan, the first three read like an autobiograhy, with “It’s true” being a lovely blast of optimism. The “Bibliophile’s Betrothal” reminded me of last Christmas when I ploughed through “Madding Crowd” “Wuthering” “Jane Eyre” and the interminable “Wildfell Hall” You are so right, too many blokes in britches and tights, ladies in bonnets and far too many horses. As good old Prince Philip would have said, “Just get on with it”
Wow Jeff, I’m impressed! I will confess to loving “Far From the Madding Crowd” – apart from the sheep/cliff scene… why didn’t Shepherd Oak barbecue them on the beach – all you can eat with, a bonfire, music, and a knees up. Bring your own mint sauce and ale. The poor sheepdog would have received a medal of honour instead of a bullet! Oh no, I’m beginning to wander towards the turret stairs with another flick through Madame Bovary in mind… Happy Valentine’s Day!
Susan, what a tour de force of brilliant poetry! First, I think your reference to Andrew Lloyd Weber for the title of the quartet is a clever – and usefully accurate – one!.
I love each one of these poems for different reasons, although I think I’m partial to the rondeau redouble simply because you show yourself to be THE master of a form that is so tricky and because what you write is fraught with meaning and wonderfully applied poetic devices. You really capture the emotional suffering and anxiety of unrequited love so well! Although I suspect those “opened eyes” at the end are not truly the end. In fact, that is what makes this form so perfect for the subject matter – it creates the sense of an anxiety-laden perpetual motion.
I also admire your coining the term “stoneliness” which admirably carries the weight of a double-meaning with great economy.
After writing one I realize that, in general, I don’t especially like the pantoum form but I think your “It’s True” uses this form to maximum effect and is a very fine marriage of sexy and emotional subject matter all intertwined — much the way two lovers might be.
And I think your Bibliophile’s Betrothal is a blast! Your combined use of romantic imagery and literary allusions contrasted with a rather cheeky tone is quite brilliant! Some of your verbage is quite suggestive (not Earl of Rochester level, thank heaven) but enough to make the story of a bookworm joining the living at last quite charming. The image I get is of the proverbial uptight librarian wearing glasses and her hair in a bun who finally flings off the glasses and lets her hair down.
All very well done indeed! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Brian, I am so sorry I neglected to reply to this magnificent comment… a comment that’s inspired a magnificent poem by Dr. Salemi… such is the wonder of your words. I love your observations. You never miss a literary trick and for that I am wholly grateful. Brian, your poems and your comments bring an extra ray of sunshine to a beautiful site. Thank you!
Often, I am stunned by your “selectric” poetic abilities, your vast range of knowledge, and cunning use of a fabulous vocabulary. This contribution is no exception and at a level few poets have ever reached and to which most aspire. I, like others, loved the use of your beautifully conceived word, “stoneliness,” that should be added to the dictionary.
Roy, I am humbled by your words. Thank you very, very much.
I love all four of these poems and the variety of clever techniques and verbal gymnastics used, that I can hopefully learn from. Susan, your ‘bookish bent’ that you speak of, inspires me to read more, while giving less attention to the tube!! Thank you.
Norma, your poetry is inspirational in its own right, and it never fails to delight me… which is why I’m thrilled to be blessed with this comment. Thank you!
Susan, your poems are excellent and we are all certainly able to grasp how
labor intensive they have been for you to write. The rhyme schemes are pure
perfection. You’ve done an amazing job.
I particularly enjoyed the first poem as we have all been there. Unfortunately, it brought back sad memories for me.
As well your first rondelet makes me think you’re an old pro at this particular poetic form. Great job! You should be congratulated, especially since you’ve not written this type of poem previously.
The pantoum is filled with raw emotion that displays your endless love.
Overall, you’ve proven what a great poet you are and we all appreciate your
effort. Don’t ever give up writing. 🙂
Tamara, I am thrilled you’ve dropped by and noticed the rondelet, inspired by your beautifully composed “The Spectral Lines”. Thank you for your fine eye, appreciation, and encouragement. Your comment has made my Saturday morning, and I will never give up writing… I simply can’t. I must add, I am sorry to hear of your pain. Whether unrequited or reciprocated, the side-effects of love take our emotions on unexpected journeys that never leave us quite the same… a well of woe and wonder for a poet to tap. 😉