Transcending time

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."

Comments

[Rambler]

Tara, so innovative use of words, yet something so powerful and emotional.
nice words.

[Tammy]

Where do you find the time to write like this with so much going on? Beautiful...deep breath...enjoy! XXOO

[JanePoe (aka Deborah)]

Wonderful drafts ... I'm very fond of the theme of these poems. Peace & love, JP/deb

[alex]

love poems rock. thank you, tara.

[Clare]

Before I saw that it was a funeral stone, I thought it was a cake with powdered sugar. What a beautiful carving. Your wonderful poems really moved me. In the first one, I especially loved the line "the hearts survived centuries intact/ both the stone one and the beating one/ that fluttered in recognition...." Beyond lovely! And in the second one, "forever evolving, transcending time" gave me goosebumps -- beautiful poems!!
:)

[Mary T.]

The concept of time is such a fascinating thing. I think the day I realized that Einstein was correct that the dimension of time couldn't exist without mass moving through space has change many, many things about who I am. I loved the way you played with time and dimensions.

[Beaman]

Both poems are very beautiful. They especially hit a chord with me due to actual events in my own life similar to some of the things you describe. Truly wonderful words and sentiments.

[Jeanne]

How very lovely indeed

[cathy]

"for a brief shining moment
their joy blazed a trail of stars
like a comet streaking across the heavens"

very nice...great post

[kristen robinson]

Tara your words are so incredible, both pieces touch my soul. I trul believe love is the most scared gift we are given and can give. So lovely your prose.

You honor me using my simple words in such a fluid and lovely piece.

XOX
Kristen

[Sophiehoneysuckle]

That was such a lovely post. I really like it when people post poems on their blogs, as I love poetry but never have to time to find new poet's work. And the photo goes perfectly too. xx

[Becca]

Hauntingly beautiful - the photo is the pefect accompaniment.

[chiefbiscuit]

Beautiful poetry.
And I just loved the shots of all the craft pieces for the carbon footprint competition. As good (almost) as being there. Enjoy your time with Rel - and say Hi from me!

[tinker]

Hope you can find some rest soon, my friend.
What amazing 'rough drafts,' Tara - they read like finished poetry to me! Both of them are so poignantly beautiful, each in their own way. Bravo!~XOXO

[eb]

Subtle Anatomy - love as an energetic wave - undulating like the mountains I sat before today - two ranges - the Greens and the Adirondacks merging visually and in truth as one giant (from my perspective) wave of earth love...

like the curves of a stone heart...

conjoining -

xox - eb.

[simon]

well I do not know what to say without sounding "silly" simply beautiful really..

[wendy]

Both are beautiful..Do you believe in this? reincarnation?

[awareness]

Su destino........I will remember this.

hearts always know
what's sacred and true.....

Tara.......these are stunners.

I love the steamy intensity of the second poem......an intertwining of two hearts.

[Lea]

Beautiful. Both of them... I love the line, "indelibly written in her bones." This conjures up so many emotions in me... And the recognition over lifetimes... lovely.

[savannah]

absolutely lovely...it's been ages since i've stopped in, but today reading merisi, i saw your comment and remembered how much i enjoyed reading/seeing you...thank you for sharing paris...i miss it so...

[Pam Aries]

Ooooo! I cannot believe I have gotten so far behind in blogging!
Your site always brings me something interesting and inspiring in SO many different ways! It is always meaningful for me! Your two poems are no exception !! DEAR GOD..I wish I was in Paris right now!!!

[marita]

the heart once carved for a loved one became a lonely museum item...sad fate! maktoub!
the poems are so powerfull.
thanks tara!

[Steve]

Love conquers all, so long as both are after the same thing.
Sometimes, even as a male, I just want to be held!

[Tumblewords]

How beautiful! A rare magical love - your poetry tells it well and the photo makes it even more vivid.

[Gillian]

So completely gorgeous. Both of them. Jordana's photo is amazing.
If these are rough drafts, look out world when your book is done. I can hardly wait.
Thanks for these, they made my day.
xo
Blue

[This Girl Remembers]

Oh, they are both just lovely - gave me chills, each one! I have a hard time writing about the Big Emotions without feeling like I'm being trite, but you make it seem so easy, like it just flows right out of you. :)

[Colette]

That's a most beautiful funeral stone that speaks volumes!
Rough draft? Oh, no...it reads beautifully already! xoxo

[antipodeesse]

Dear Tara,

I do hate to detract from the romance of your post, but when I first laid eyes on Jordana's beautiful photo, my initial reaction was "Oooh! a giant waffle!"

Ahem...

[bella]

This is possibly the most powerful emotion one can feel, and you write about it so beautifully.

[gautami]

Love can transcend all, even ages. I like both.

[Robin from Israel]

The second two stanzas of the first poem struck me particularly. I love the idea of a love that finds its way home through the ages. The story evokes in me a reminder of a much-loved book I read years ago. I'd love to reread it, but sadly no longer remember what it was called or who wrote it.

[jo]

I especially liked the first, it's very moving and well written, though the second is no slouch either LOL....especially this:

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