Memories Stirred
Memories stirred, for your eyes speak from ages past,
Like an unbridled flame, eternal, and without compare
Across desert sands we walked as one, hands entwined
Shifting sands mesmerized and hid our whispers of love
Through the forum we watched and waited for one another,
Our love then forbidden: Liberti unworthy of the Patricians
And yet, our will prove valiant, hearts brave, and emotions true
Over a thousand years, every heartbeat still repeats.
We met again, when souls were young, fields were green,
Druids led you through the mist, only me, your soul was seen
In sandstone temples, even those then carved of holy stone,
We shared a single kiss, for to the Gods you were betrothed
Eyes lingered as you were led away to live, and I to the long blade
Heavy palms held fast to ancient oars, yet eyesight never failed
I saw you then, as I see you now, each glimpse, a treasure
Each second an eternity, and each morning a gift of a lifetime
Through battlefields and storms of fire, you remained my reason
Whether sailor, slave, knight or knave, my feelings never faltered
On my worst days, you were my glowing flame in the dark of night
My ears tuned to the sound of your sumptuous and sweet voice
Tis true, that we’ve worn many faces, and held many titles and names
And yet still the passion burns the same, the heart, and the flame
No fate could tear us far apart, for time remembers what’s held inside
So here, in a lifetime measured in the faint upturn of ruby red lips
Soft curves that go on for an eternity plus another eternity
Kindness that breaks like the sun peering over the mountain tops
And eyes that echo the magickal meaning of every scrap of poetry
I again pledge to thou, that which all the pasts swore to be truth
My love will never bend, nor shall it give yield, nor break under strain,
This heart will be eternal, and forever beat in unison with yours
A thousand lives for you I’ll take, and a thousand lives I shall survive
For you are soul, my truth, my endless love, my reason to live every life,
I’ve waited long, though endless lives, until this day, to call you my wife
Additional Reading
R.J. (Ralph) Schwartz is an American poet, author, website owner, and online publisher. His writing spans several poetry collections—ranging from spiritual and romantic to fear-driven explorations—and even extends into science fiction. Notable works include:
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Hope – Inspirational and Spiritual Poetry
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Things That Go Bump in the Night – Poetry of Fear and Fright
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The Lover’s Thread – Poetry for Couples
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Poetry of the Human Condition – The Ups and Downs of Modern Living
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The Secrets of the Moon (a sci-fi novel co-authored with his son Sebastian J. Schwartz)
Schwartz’s work is described as purposefully wordy, richly descriptive, and thematically grounded in nature, romance, antiquity, and forgotten histories. He writes regularly on platforms he manages, including The Creative Exiles, a collaborative venue for writers, and The Gypsy Thread, which delves into offbeat histories, pagan lore, and poetry.
- The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral - May 11, 2026
- The Spring Collection - May 8, 2026
- Faces Without Names - May 6, 2026
