If You Need Me

If You Need Me

When the sun rises, I'll be here,

When the sun sets, I'll be here.

When the moon shines, I'll be watching,

When the stars glisten, I'll be watching.

At every moment of the day,

I'll be watching from afar.

From the distance, here I stay,

Looming as a star.

If you want me now, I'll be waiting ,

If you want me not, I'll still be here.

If down you are, and spirits fading,

I wish for you to call me, dear.

At times we do misunderstand,

And separate ways we go,

But in the end we comprehend,

The truth which we now know.

That if you ever lose your way,

Or find by chance you happen to fear,

A hardship that is not okay,

I'll save you from the nightmare, dear.

With all my heart I wish you'd run,

To me with all your troubles,

But no, I see you wish to shun,

When all of your pain doubles.

When you need a friendly face,

Or someone to be near,

I'll hold you in a close embrace,

Because I love you, dear.

Just know this:

When the sun rises, I'll be here,

When the sun sets, I'll be here.

When the moon shines, I'll be watching,

When the stars glisten, I'll be watching.

So have some confidence in me,

Here for you, I'll always be.

Background: "If You Need Me" was written around the same time as "Letter of Recognition." As a reader, it is more than probable that you will draw similarities between the two poems. Both pieces deal with about the same concept. While I was writing "Letter of Recognition", rhythmic lines began popping into my head. These lines I wrote on a separate piece of paper so that I might create a better structured piece. While "Letter of Recognition" can easily be defined as my poetic musings, "If You Need Me" is a better structured poem conveying an almost identical message. You shall (hopefully) notice that a majority of the lines are rhythmically in tune. Though lacking in perfect rhyme and rhythm consistency, the general idea remains unwavering.

Basics: "If You Need Me" is essentially a man's declaration of loyalty to his lover. The man affirms in the beginning of the piece that he shall be readily available at all times to comfort and encourage her. At the end of the piece, the man reaffirms this statement once more to further demonstrate his sincerity. What makes this piece different from "Letter of Recognition" is that the character in this piece is less persistent than the character in "Letter of Recognition." This character leaves the option of sharing more intimacies up to the girl. Though persistent indeed, he is conscious of the possibility that she may value her privacy more than their relationship.

Thank you for reading!

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

~Jacob P. Hartges

A Letter of Recognition

A Letter of Recognition

Each day I am with her, I see her pain.

I watch it, this sadness, hinted upon her beautiful face,

And though she masks this sorrow with a smile,

Still I see through it, I know her too well.

It grieves me so, to hear that she is hurting.

Even so, I do all I can to help.

Yet I wonder if it has any effect...

I pray, and listen, and comfort, and empathize,

How can she be so disheartened?

I urge her to share with me, for I do truly care.

She's independent and strong, a leader in the making.

Does she not realize these trials occur to make her stronger?

I wonder.

It surprises and astounds me,

How she can encourage me and put my world back into perspective,

And not ask for anything in return...

She is so busy giving away love to others,

Yet she keeps barely enough for herself.

Selfless love such as this should never be forgotten, especially by those to whom it's given so freely.

My definition?

She's selfless, kind, a true friend, in a single word, heroic.

I wish more than anything she would see,

I want to be there for her.

She does not need to hide from herself,

Even if part of her struggles at times.

Don't hide it, I'm here to help.

Your tone of voice gives it away,

Believe it or not, I can see it in your eyes.

Exposing your weakness is not weakness, it is strength.

Bridge the gap, take a step, close your eyes, open your mouth, and speak what you feel.

So one more time she smiles at me, and says, "All is well."

I nod in helpless agreement, and silent adoration.

Background: "Letter of Recognition" was written last year. The inspiration for this piece originated from my writing letters to a friend. While writing one day, the concept hit me, "Why not conjure up a piece detailing the complexities and disappointments of a poorly functioning relationship" (keep in mind, this friend of mine and I were getting along perfectly well!). Though there is nothing structurally adhesive to this piece, I would like to hope that you, as a follower (and potentially critic) of my work, might appreciate the thought and time I put into this piece. In posting this one, I do feel comfortable in stating that I believe this is one of my better works. No, there is technically not a rhyme scheme or meter in this poem, but hopefully you will find that the words are rhythmic and cohesive at parts.

Basics: "Letter of Recognition" is ultimately a self-explanatory piece. A man feels as though the person he is in a relationship with, is not sharing personal details with him. He takes notice that she is struggling through life's trials, and so desires to comfort and empathize with her. But she is independent, not desiring any assistance from him. The man reassures with many comforting words, only to be denied. However, his respect for her is unwavering. The man admires her for her independent nature, but at the same time understands that this same quality keeps her from opening up and sharing with him.

Thank you for reading! Please feel free to comment and criticize. I welcome all feedback.

~Jacob P. Hartges

Poison

Poison

Although my time was not yet fit,

I boldly took a sip of it.

The taste was not of one to savor,

In truth it was a horrid flavor.

I drank the mix to kill the pain,

Of sorrows past which brought no gain.

Though now I'm having second thoughts,

As I grow faint from inner knots.

I drop the cup that did me in,

For now my head is in a spin.

From this cruel fate that I had chosen,

I lost my life to deadly poison.

Background: "Poison" was written just over a year ago for American Literature class. The piece received an "A", but also got me into a bit of trouble... After turning in the poem for evaluation, my literature teacher interpreted the poem as though I was actually suicidal! A major "oops" on my part. Maybe next time I write a downcast poem on poison drinking, I will remember to write it in third person. Ironically, the teacher held a brief meeting with my parents to ensure that I was not suicidal. My mother of course affirmed to the teacher that the poem was strictly fictional. Although the piece is perfect in meter and rhyme scheme, "Poison" received only an "A" due to the dark/disturbing subject. Once again to clarify, the piece was written as an assignment for literature class with NO predetermined background pretext! If you have been paying attention to any of my previous works, you will clearly see that I have a deep appreciation for life.

Sadness is simply an emotion I enjoy attempting to evoke at times.

Basics: "Poison" details a man who chooses to commit suicide after overwhelming worldly burdens overpower his thoughts. At first, the drinking of poison appears very appealing to the man, but he soon realizes upon drinking the mix, that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. The man is filled with regret as his final moments come and go in a flash.

Thank you for reading! Please feel free to comment and criticize. I welcome all feedback.

~Jacob P. Hartges

Forbidden

Forbidden

We met just last year, through friends of our friends,

But now things have changed, as do such trends.

We have much in common, both artists the same,

We both chase our dreams, and reach for the fame.

No relationship between us can ever be built,

Endless would be the tears and a lifetime of guilt.

Secretly meeting just wouldn't be fair,

Because my heart's taken, by one I do care.

This pretty, young girl, I am very fond,

But careful of my feelings, I can't let them bond.

Mixed emotions running wild,

Feelings farce and not so mild.

Affection from her I shall never gain,

And if she did give it, there'd be nothing but pain.

Our talks together I will never forget,

Though with each passing one, I start to regret,

The attachment that my heart has let form,

I won't let it happen, desires can't reform.

These words of false love shall never be spoken,

For if this were done so, both hearts would be broken.

So us, as just artists, is all we'll remain,

Nothing but this secret, my heart will refrain,

From selfish wishes, these feelings stay hidden,

Along with hopes, desires, and a love that's forbidden.

Background: "Forbidden" was written about three years ago. It started out as an experimental piece with little depth, but after a few weeks, I decided to turn my scribbles into a seven stanza first person piece. You may possibly be thinking, "but Jake, there are only six stanzas!" To which I might respond, "how correct you are, oh insightful reader!" My first draft originally had seven stanzas, but after much deliberation, I decided that the piece was better without the seventh (which was located in the direct center of the poem). As for the concept itself, a few hours of brainstorming and experimenting led me to create "Forbidden." This piece is significant to me because this is where I first tried to make the rhyming exact and fluid. Notice that this is the first piece I have posted with a sufficient rhyme scheme (though lacking in perfect meter).

Basics: "Forbidden" tells a short story of a man with a taxing decision to make. He is currently seeing someone, but has a secret desire for another woman. The man claims that he and this woman both have much in common because of their similar professions. Back and forth the man debates within his mind what he should do/which path he should take. He knows that in confessing his feelings to this woman, he is forfeiting the woman he is currently with because that would render him unfaithful. Regretful, but firm in his final decision, the man decides to keep his inner desires secret, all the while deeming himself selfish. What the man is obviously feeling is not love of the heart, but lust of the flesh. I attempted to make this evident throughout the course of the poem. Though ignorant enough to consider the possibility of committing infidelity, the man's final decision proves him unworthy of a title deeming him completely unfaithful.

Thank you for Reading! Please feel free to comment and criticize. I welcome all feedback.

~Jacob P. Hartges

A Problem Resolved

Hello!

For those of you who were wondering why you have not been able to comment on my posts, it is because comments were not originally enabled on this blog page! I am not sure why this was... However, I have just finished enabling the comments on all of my posts, so you may now feel free to comment. :)

My apologies for the confusion!

Best wishes,

~Jacob P. Hartges

The Longest Summer

The Longest Summer

Long I lay here on the sand,
Rapid thinking, pen in hand.
Writing all that's on my mind,
About a friend so sweet and kind.

Vivid thoughts of us together,
Making memories that last us a lifetime.

Missing you my heart so sad,
Thinking back to times we've had.

Wondering if you miss me too,
I say aloud, "If only you knew,
That right now as I watch the sun,
I scan the shore for you, my one."

The gentle wind seems to whisper your name,
Telling me there's nothing to fear.
My mind is to blame!
I shed a tear.

I say, "My dearest, it's been too long,
Since I've seen your face and played our song.
I need you with me, here at last,
For time is short, especially the past."

"I miss your laughter, joy, and smile,
Oh I'd give anything, to only talk a while.
These weeks without you, I've felt so lost,
I've paid my dues, and counted the cost."

"I wish you'd take me with you, every step of the way,
To be by your side, and know you're okay."
I wiped the tear dry from my cheek,
And walked down to the shore,
And wrote your name deep in the sand and said,
"It's you that I adore."

All too soon the tide crept in and washed your name off ground,
Then I spoke these words so clearly, as if never bound,
"They say that life is short, but if feels like an eternity when you're not around."

Background: "The Longest Summer" is significant to me because it was the very first serious poem I completed. No, it is not my best work because the meter and rhyme scheme are wavering. However, I have decided that in order for you, Reader, to recognize the improvement I have made over the years, it is necessary to start from the very beginning. "The Longest Summer" was written while on a fall retreat at Lake Michigan. Hence, the inspiration for the location in the poem.

Basics: This poem tells of a boy who desperately desires to be with one whom he misses. His thoughts are consumed with sadness and agitation as he wishes for nothing more than to be with this person.

I hope you enjoyed this piece; Please comment with opinions and personal interpretations. I shall post again in a few weeks!

Most sincerely,

~Jacob P. Hartges

From Beginning to End

Hello and welcome,

Due to the amount of encouragement I received to create a blog page listing many of my poetic works, I have decided to make it happen.

"Mellifluous Meditations" is now an existing extension of my main blog page, "Domostria." If you like what you read here, feel free to follow this link to my main page: http://discoverdomostria.blogspot.com/
"Domostria" is not, however, the least bit poetic mind you! It may simply be defined as my online journal. My weekly musings.

Now I would like to explain myself. "Mellifluous Meditations" has been created with the intention of expressing myself through poetic writing. I am eager to discover what your opinion as a reader may be of my work. Though anxious to share my works, I am also apprehensive of how my works will be received.

I encourage you, Reader, to be critical, not judgmental.

In order for you to understand how far I have come since I first began writing, it is crucial for me to begin at the beginning. I shall post a few of my first pieces and possibly some unfinished ones from years back, leading up to some of my more recent works. As you may conclude in my initial poems, though lacking in substantial meter or rhyme scheme and at times failing to utilize key writing tools such as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, personification, alliteration, etc., a certain degree of creativity lingers through the messiness.

My definition of poetry: Speaking from the heart. The above writing tools are simply tools used in writing poetry. Even rhyming is ultimately just a tool. I believe that none of the said writing tools are necessary to write inspirational poetry. Free verse happens to be a close friend of mine. At times I stray from using these poetic writing tools because I desire to express myself in the best way possible for me. Although I may not always follow the "rules", the style in which I chose to write is purely poetic. If you happen to disagree, than you need not feel obligated to read my "Mellifluous Meditations."

Please take note, I started writing at a young age and have learned much since I first began. If you wish to read some of my better works, stay tuned for later postings. At this present time I am not yet sure of how often I will be posting, until then, let us just say every other week. The likelihood of this changing is highly probable. :)

For those of you who know me best, you know I love to write. For those of you who do not know me very well, consider yourself informed, you are about to catch a glimpse of my poetic side.

I look forward to hearing your enlightening insights and critical comments.

Most sincerely,

~Jacob P. Hartges