As if in reply to interjections of morning,
the wind changes course,
volatile as it is,
it is no surprise that susurration of leaves
follow suit—the raiment
we put on often alludes to desire without
being specific.
I crave the stain; I crave the stain.
Is it his scent or musk of flowers that invigorates?
Light of the sun
or warmth in tone that implores I give myself?
Perhaps we will never know,
as in all beginnings,
in middle
and in the end,
the paramour is gentle
and meek [only to be altered by fervour] who
made the rules, who broke them,
the reason is past care,
now we are wild and do not remember.
I beseech, drink only the wine of my eyes,
eat only the almond of full lips,
nowadays autumn is more fragrant,
it is rose gold,
it utters words, that if, heard by Poets
would end up in sonnets,
I know not how to explain, the raiment
we put on is
often compelled by gesture,
by motion and color of the sky.
This occurred long ago, long before the rising
of saints,
before the tide learned to be influenced
by the moon,
little did I know that I would become
alien to my own shore,
so soft, yet so fiery his touch, beckons
and calls,
with thoughts sweet express the storm
that rages inside,
the raiment we put on often counts the ways,
absolves from sin and teaches
hesitant limbs to bloom, I am prepared.
Photo Credits: Pinterest
Loosely inspired by the title of Kelly Cherry’s poem “The Raiment We Put On.” I look forward
to welcoming you all on Google Meet on Saturday. 🩷
Posted for Open Link Night #371 (with Live edition) @dVerse Poets Pub
32 Responses
Such a sensual poem, Sanaa! I love the yearning in the repeated ‘I crave the stain; I crave the stain’; the desire in ‘I beseech, drink only the wine of my eyes, eat only the almond of full lips’; and the acceptance in the lines:
‘the raiment we put on often counts the ways,
absolves from sin and teaches
hesitant limbs to bloom, I am prepared.’
Thank you so much, Kim 😍 so glad you enjoyed it 💄❤️
Oh dear Sanaa, you have outdone yourself! The flow, the subtle sensuality and the repetition works like a charm. A stunning write. ❤️❤️
Awww gosh! Thank you so much, Punam 😀 so glad you liked it 💄❤️
All the rules of love are broken and reimposed and transfigured in this song of desire, Sanaa, as always so alluringly voiced.
Thank you so much, Dora 😀 so glad the poem resonated with you 💄❤️
So sensual, Sanaa! The rules broken in passion, and the willingness to do so at the end. 🔥
Thank you so much, Merril 😀 so glad you enjoyed it 💄❤️
The sensuality of your words flows like a river that carries you along until the undertow nearly pulls you under, Sanaa…
Thank you so much, Andrew 😀 so glad you liked it 💄❤️
A monsoon of words pouring, and your last stanza is just bewitching…
Superb poetry, utterly superb
Thank you so much, Ain 😀 so glad the poem resonated with you 💄❤️
Wonderful love poem, Sanaa!
❤️❤️❤️
A lovely sensual poem, and these lines especially spring out at me:
“the paramour is gentle”
“the raiment we put on often counts the ways,
absolves from sin and teaches
hesitant limbs to bloom, I am prepared.”
Awww gosh! Thank you so much, Sunra 😀 so glad you enjoyed it 💄❤️
I like the idea of “nowadays” as an adjective as in “nowadays autumn”
Thank you so much, Maria 😀 so glad the poem and its ideology appealed to you 💄❤️
The raiment is an invitation to “desire without being specific” – each poem a “stain” of the drench which fulfills the desire – whatever and wherever that water comes from next. The beloved sets the stage for Eros’ next entrance. First the invitation – the raiment – then clouds and rain. And poetry invokes the raiment.
Absolutely! Thank you so much, Brendan 😀 so glad the poem resonated with you 💄❤️
another poem full of your desiring, imploring and painterly way with words – the title alone is poetry and a lovely collection of words to repeat
“the paramour is gentle
and meek
superb beginning to love
Thank you so much, Laura 😀 so glad you liked it 💄❤️
I crave the stain repeated….whew! Such yearning there! And the third stanza for me is the most beautiful. Simply the idea of raiment….in this autumn season when nature dresses in such luscious colors….a beautiful write.
Awww gosh! Thank you so much, Lillian 😀 so glad you enjoyed it 💄❤️
Such passion that will never ever leave you I think… wonderfully penned.
“drink only the wine of my eyes”… really touched me as you read it.
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Bjorn 😀 so glad the poem resonated with you 💄❤️
“the reason is past care … ” such a yummy line to go with such a yummy poem. <3
Thank you so much, Ren 😀 so glad the poem and its imagery appealed to you 💄❤️
sumptuous; glorious ~
Thank you so much, M 😀 so glad you enjoyed it 💄❤️