posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 18
Photograph of funeral stone at the Institut de l’Monde Arabe, Paris by Jordana Shalhoub
For the Writers Island prompt, “The Gift:”
These linked poems were inspired by this remarkably-preserved stone funeral heart that has withstood ravages of many centuries. While writing the poems, “sailing on a new ocean,” a line from a piece by Kristen Robinson leapt to mind and was incorporated within the poems. These are rough drafts, as thanks to guests, I’ve had little time to myself when I’m not exhausted; therefore, not in full creative mode.
True love never dies
So strong was their love
that when she died he carved a stone heart
and placed it in her tomb for comfort in the afterlife;
an eternal reminder that love transcends lifetimes
and would be theirs again.
The hearts survived centuries intact
both the stone one and the beating one
that fluttered in recognition
when she walked into the room
in another country in another lifetime.
And her heart skipped a beat
when their eyes met,
subconsciously remembering
what the mind forgot:
ancient promises indelibly written in her bones.
All familiar terrain
yet unchartered territory
sailing on a new ocean
mapped via the heart’s compass
finding her home in his embrace.
Transcending time
Look deep into her eyes
you’ll notice the sadness
like a faint shadow
that follows her everywhere
unbidden reminder of a love so powerful
everything else pales in comparison
for a brief shining moment
their joy blazed a trail of stars
like a comet streaking across the heavens
Su destino*
he murmured to himself
the moment their eyes met
She smiled in recognition
as the spark caught fire
that would carry them far
and sustain them
those long months, years even
when they were worlds apart
sailing on different oceans
but never forgetting
the true measure of love
cannot be diluted
by time or distance or circumstance
Hearts always know
what’s sacred and true
No substitutes acceptable
for the real thing
A flame steadily burning
sometimes brightening
occasionally dimming
forever evolving, transcending time
*Spanish for “It’s destiny.”
parisparfait.typepad.com
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