To Be Loved

To Be Loved

Teardrops stain the pages as I write,

My ears are alert,

For someone, anyone,

Silently approaching.

Years of sorrow,

Crash down as this one single moment,

Walks up from behind,

And taps me on the shoulder.

She whispers,

"I know what you wish for."

A final tear drips down my cheek,

As I listen, but dare not turn around.

She continues,

"But I also know your secret."

I shudder, knowing she is correct.

"And the answer is no."

When I turn around,

No one is present.

To be loved is one's nature.

To be loved is a miracle.

Background: "To Be Loved" was inspired by a rainy day back in May of last year. I pictured a lonely man in my own backyard, sitting on a stump we have placed next to our fire pit out back. As the rain pitter-pattered against the window, I jotted down the first thoughts that came to mind regarding the concept of affection going full-circle. Bizarre, how such a simple thing as rain can inspire one's train of thought into motion. No rhyming and no meter make this, yet another, free verse piece. Like my others, this poem is also written in first person. Despite the lack of rhyming and meter, I attempted to keep the piece organized, nevertheless.

Basics: "To Be Loved" accompanies a man when he's struck with an epiphany. The man sullenly sits upon a stump, writing something. Be it a letter, journal entry, or poem? Vague and unknown answer. The man is ready to hide what he's writing at a moments notice. He feels as though his life has been building up to something and that in this precise moment, his next move could be pivotal. Vague and unknown answer. Suddenly, he's struck with an epiphany. Although (as stated before) this piece is lacking meter and rhyme scheme, an element of symbolism protrudes. The "she" which the piece refers to, is the epiphany. Initially the epiphany is introduced in a metaphysical sense, but as she continues to whisper, I wanted the man to be struck so intently by her words that she almost appears real (hence his reason for turning around and seeing no one). In the most blatant usage of vague wording, I have the epiphany speak her final words to the man. Utterly vague and unknown answer.

The man sits, pondering how he can love someone so much, but fail to be loved in return. His epiphany? Finally accepting his worst nightmare: That he is not loved in return. It is human nature to love someone, but to receive the same level of affection in return is a miracle. The poem ends as this striking realization occurs to the man.

Feel free to comment and criticize. I welcome all feedback.

Most sincerely,

~Jacob P. Hartges