47 Comments

I was so blessed when I was 21 and found my beloved husband and best friend. We had 48 years together of fiery love and passion. He died several years ago at home with his family. He had multiple lung diseases from exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. He was also a smoker for years and a lung cancer survivor. We LIVED every day knowing that we were always there for each other even during times of anger.

I have my memories now thank goodness. We loved to take $100 (that was a a lot in those days for us) and headed off to who knows where for a weekend. We’d explore museums and natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest and always managed to stay in some weird motel. We’d drive aimlessly and argue (debate?) about all kinds of things. We never stopped laughing or holding hands.

This poem embodies how we felt about each other until death did us part. It makes me sad and my heart feel so full at the same time. I’m still swept away sometimes by grief but I go to sleep knowing that deep love sometimes begets deep pain.

My grandsons love hearing Papa stories because they are always so funny. We laughed through every thing and I still do. Nothing was off-limits for a joke. When he was diagnosed with lung cancer years before he passed, we celebrated and went out to dinner - because he didn’t have brain cancer.

It’s amazing how fast 48 years go by. May you find the person who sets your soul on fire.

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Thank You for sharing these memories with us, Sharon. They are a testament to how deeply love continues to resonate throughout life, even after the death of a loved one. I am happy you were able to relate to the poem in such a generous manner!

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Your poem is like you had been watching us. So beautiful. I always recommend fiery love and plenty of passion. Otherwise life would have a lot less color.

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Mar 28Liked by Paul Wittenberger

Minimum requirements.

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Thanks, Stan

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Mar 28Liked by Paul Wittenberger

there is no love free from harm

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People often discover that too late. Thanks for the reminder, Chen!

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Mar 28Liked by Paul Wittenberger

Fiery lines of iambic tetrameter! Skillfully written!

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Thank you, Mike. Iam, I said. The meter reminds me overmuch of another that I posted some time ago - "I do not want our live to be/imprisoned by these same four walls" You get the idea. I don't think I'm a natural rhymer, though (in anything).

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Mar 28Liked by Paul Wittenberger

Your rhythm and your rhymes both sound gorgeous from here, Paul.

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I think it’s a bit 🥶

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Love without conflict doesn't lend itself to growth or anything that can last beyond the 'happily after ever'.

Every stanza has a striking phrase that drives your point home further or emphasizes it. Great work.

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Mar 28Liked by Paul Wittenberger

Did you find it?

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author

Many times—How about you?

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Mar 28Liked by Paul Wittenberger

I only find the kind that flees,

Taunting, tormenting, treacherous tease,

It always starts with playful ease,

Then slips through my fingers, no matter how hard I squeeze.

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Well done, Madison!

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Mar 28Liked by Paul Wittenberger

Good One Paul

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Thanks, Mark

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Mar 28Liked by Paul Wittenberger

What said when I just reread this beauty: wow. passion (and as I found it to be, it’s irresistible)

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author

Thank You, Patris. I enjoyed writing this one, but I'm not certain I could live it.

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Mar 28Liked by Paul Wittenberger

It’s not easy.

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No, it isn't easy. Like everything else in my life, I'm not a natural rhymer

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Mar 28Liked by Paul Wittenberger

I meant the message. The life it leads to.

(my favorite poetry does not usually rhyme.)

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author

I know, Patris.

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I’m an idiot

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Do you have a link for finding this most desirable love? Wonderful way to start the day with a dream.

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If I did, I'd give it away! Thanks for the comment, Wendy

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Mar 28Liked by Paul Wittenberger

My favorite so far, Paul!!! But perhaps it’s because it hits home pretty damn hard. Thank you for this.

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You are so welcome, Angie-Glad you could relate to this!

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Mar 28Liked by Paul Wittenberger

Powerful, soulful, meaningful, sensual, love your poetry. 🙏 Thank you, Paul.

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Thank you, Sue - I appreciate your comment.

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Mar 28Liked by Paul Wittenberger

Well, finding that is the right way to start any day! Thanks Paul!

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Thanks, Joshua / Enjoy the day!

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Mar 28Liked by Paul Wittenberger

We all do

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Thanks, Diane - I think I have another poem coming that looks at the idea from a different point of view. Watch for it

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Mar 28Liked by Paul Wittenberger

Quite the charming one. It calls to my mind Paganini and his piano counterpart Liszt

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Interesting comment, Ika-Thank You!

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So beautiful.

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Thank you, Maureen

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Thanks to @SumPissdChck for the restack!

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