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Alfie’s Answer
“What’s it all about, Alfie?” —Hal David
Not selfish pleasure, as I thought, but love
For isolated pleasures quickly sour.
Love feeds a hunger nothing else avails
The power of love all others overpowers
And love is needed in the giving too,
For giving love gives more than may appear.
From love nothing but goodness emanates;
In this one virtue many more inhere:
Forgiveness, patience, kindness, thoughtfulness,
Compassion, honour, gentleness, respect.
Love is a light that never dissipates
But propagates, diffuses and reflects,
And though by love received is life made sweet,
It is in giving love we are complete.
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Peter Duff was born and lives in Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland. When not practising law he writes poetry and plays drums. Peter has won second place twice at the Poetry on the Lake Festival in Orta, Italy. He is currently seeking a publisher for his collection “Alfie Poems.” Five more of his poems can be viewed on his website www.dailypoem.net.
I believe you have found the answer, Peter.
Thanks for a thought-provoking read. I loved the Shakespeare-like repetitions and interplays of the word ‘love’ and various forms of the word ‘give’.
Thanks for the read.
The line “Love feeds a hunger” is exquisit.
Love is not simply a selfish passing pleasure,
But seeks to please someone whom they dearly treasure.
That is the essence of love I found in your poem and is the opposite of narcissistic reward. Well done.
Amor vincit omnia.
“Without true love we just exist,” this is the perfect companion to that great song. Fabulous poem Peter.
Thank you for this beautiful poem describing genuine agape love.
The Beatles said all you need is love, so maybe that’s what it’s all about, Alfie.
Alfie seems like an odd speaker for the poem, until we recall the facing-camera remarks in the movies. Nice technique to go from “I” in the first line to “we” in the last. Rhyme scheme xaxaxbcbxdcdee also reveals a transition from half-rhyme to full rhyme as the ultimate idea develops. Admirable “light couplet” at lines 11-12 with four verbs that are applicable to light in the technical study of optics, but equally well describe psychosocial motions of love (and I do mean “motions” not “emotions”). Splendid poem with so much to appreciate, Peter.
Thank you all for your very kind comments!
Peter
A cleverly written and uplifting piece. I wish the younger me could have read it decades ago!
The title of the poem drew me in – how very clever – and I’m thrilled it did. What a beautiful poetic observation the power of love. I especially like the closing four lines… the build up to them is wonderful! Thank you, Peter.
Thank you David and Susan. I needed some encouragement – my muse has been absent of late!