Awesome poetry, Styx. I always enjoy your articulation.

Thank you Tim. I’m trying to get away from my long prose pieces and attempt things more poetic. My goal anyway. LOL.

This gives me hints of Egypt and Africa. The chalice is a beautiful offering of self. Love this.

Beautifully penned, Mark. Incredible imagery my friend, amazing write. Appreciate you.

Damian

And this is why Mark. This is why we write. Impeccable as ever. Tis always been a joy to read you. Do I get an invite to the wedding? A Welshman running loose under U.S of A skies.

Need to share this. It cut me like a blade into the guts, but I have moved on. There will never be enough room in my heart to thank the likes of you and Gary. In redemption, Rob

Ah but Rob, I’m only a two generation back American. My people were boat people. LOL. I enjoy the diversity of cultures, obviously. It is how we progress as humans. Yes? All of my years in the Army further strengthened that belief.
Del and I are not rushing a wedding. And, we just may elope to Vegas when the time comes. So far we are still doing the airplane rides back and forth to see each other. (Jobs, etc… ) But the future is obviously obvious for us.
As for writing, I’m still hacking at what I hope is worthy reads. I look for like-minded writers such as yourself, that are into the crafting of it all. No fluff, no generic porn just for attention. I will take a handful of dedicated writers to surround myself with, because it betters me. It was a reward discovering your own material. And still is. Som thank you for the comradery.

Oh. This read makes me feel like molten lava. Truly. It’s not rushed and had me smiling the whole time I read it. I have not written in a while. Material like this gets me motivated. I wish I had 4 arms! I’d get more work done! Great nod to intimacy honey. This is fantastic! Love you:)

Reading this poem felt like stepping into a sanctuary where intimacy becomes devotion. Its language carries a quiet heat, dignified yet deeply stirring. “Your fingers are pilgrims” and “read me in cursive” stood out to me as moments of profound connection, not just passion. The closing image, “a candle still warm at the wick,” leaves a soft afterglow – a reminder that some encounters echo long after they’ve passed.

Wonderful comment, Romaj.
I’m finding some keen motivation here in Starsrite, to write what I hope to be quality reads. Include yourself in that motivation. You are a gifted writer.
The “warm at the wick” was my fav idea and carried this write for me. A snuffed candle, yet that served its purpose.

This is an outstanding, passionate and heart touching piece, Styxian! The imagery and the wording are brilliant! I love how you elevate your relationship to a higher spiritual level by using cross references to the divine, like the Psalms or the chalice!

Very muchly enjoyed sir .. Neville 😎👍

“I am yours, not for the night,
but for the echo it leaves in our bones.” This thought spoke to me Styxian. The whole of the poem did as well. There is a feel of REAL Love, the kind that shares not only the intimacy, but everything that life presents to both of you. A sharing that leads to a hold-fast bond. I don’t think many have this kind of shared connection, or this kind of love. You express it delicately as well as passionately. Really, nicely written Styxian.

-Curt

hello dearest Styxian this really hit home I have trouble listening and have let love slip away because I didn’t love myself enough to fully open up here is the pain of it…this is so very sad and longing but beautifully executed 💕

Thanks Crims. I’m not much into doing rhyme, but it’s a good practice for staying mentally sharp with creativity.
Love is a type of energy, and they say that energy never fades. It just gets resourced. It’s around us all. We just have to be receptive for it.
Yeah?

Evocative lines of syllabic longing. Just a relatable feeling

“Like a book reread, yet a page unturned
Like a match unlit, but feeling burned.”

&

“How it all falls, with a sun unrisen
How dark the day, you didn’t listen.”

I feel like these lines tie the theme together well.

Like Crim, I’m always trying to still the grinding in my brain and it’s a challenge for some of us…so many missed opportunities at genuine connection lost on being somewhat crazy lol. It seems that ‘longing’ has become a guilty pleasure for me lately haha. Yes, just shut up and listen to the wind….

Always great to see a DUP veteran poet posting something new…great choice of rhyme and slant rhyme….kinda takes me home again, if only momentarily…all those moments I didn’t listen, and I always appreciate a good use of anaphora.

Thank you!

I swear to everything solid, I have been here. But you painted both the lonely who faded & went away & the left behind. That was an incredible image. Those left behind don’t always care though. Mine didn’t. But many do & this is a gentle reminder to listen & take nothing for granted…least of all love

I can relate Styx. Even your rhyming skills are polished. Great poem.

I truly appreciate the,artistry of your cadenced flow. A fitting requirement for the death of love. Well done, well done.

Beautifully penned, Mark. Love the imagery my friend, amazing rhymes, excellent write. My favorite lines:
“How it all falls, with a sun unrisen
How dark the day, you didn’t listen.”
Appreciate you.

Damian

I’m not adverse to rhyme as it can accentuate the emotions expressed. You work this well.

Oh Lordy. How to comment on this!! I got teary eyed while reading. It hits home on a personal note as I’m sure you know.
It is a beautiful write. I feel like I can touch it, it’s so real. This is perfect. Just like you:)

But honey, you’re biased! LOL.
I rarely do rhymes. But, yeah, we gotta stay sharp right?
Smooch!

This poem aches with quiet truth–and is so beautifully written. The way love doesn’t end in an instant, but fades through silence and small distances. The repetition of “gone is” feels like the echo of a heart breaking, and the candle’s hiss at the end is such a perfect image of love’s final breath. Haunting, tender, and deeply human.