Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Psalms of Lina Marie


Chapter 12


Psalms of Lina Marie


My Beloved Bride
Lina Marie (née Tucker) Jensen
Bridal Picture, August 2008
It is with satisfaction, joy, and a enormous sense of personal fulfillment that I arrive at this final chapter of my romantic poems.

Why?

Because all of the poetry in this chapter is either inspired by or dedicated to my dear wife, Lina Marie Tucker, who, in conjunction with being my only sweetheart, precious lover, and wife of 15 years, is also my best friend, closest confidant, and greatest supporter.

As I have amply chronicled in the past, courting and winning Lina's heart did not come quickly or easily. 

Click HERE to read Dr. JJ's Rocky Road of Romance.  

Indeed, along the pathways of this unusually circuitous and painful—albeit richly rewarding—quest, I often felt like Jacob (Israel) of old who had to labor 14 long years for the hand of his cherished Rachel. My journey to Lina Marie Tucker was similarly long and laborious; it simply didn't come quickly or easily—nothing in life worth having does—something my dad once taught me: Nevertheless, because  I can, in hindsight, echo the sentiments of that great Prophet and Father of a mighty nation as recorded in the Holy Bible:

"And Jacob served [14] years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her" (Genesis 29:20).  

It took me 13 years from the time I first started dating at age 16 in August 1995 until the day I married Lina in August 2008. And like Jacob's patient wait for Rachel, it was worth all of the required labor!  

I proposed to Lina in a Restaurant across from the
King and Queen Towers in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, on
March 22, 2008.  I placed this sign at the base of the
Queen Tower and had her look through binoculars
immediately before getting down on one knee
officially pop the question and display her
engagement ring.  
 
Along the way, I was similarly inspired by Jacob's mother, Rebekah, whose beauty, character, and confidence made her the apple of Isaac's privileged eye and heart.

Throughout my teenage and young adult years, I often displayed on my bedroom wall a copy of a famous painting of Rebekah drawing water for Abraham's servant, Eliezer, and his camels. It was an intentional move on my part because I deeply desired to someday marry someone with the beauty, character, caring, capability, and confidence of Rebekah. In my mind and heart, anything less than Rebekah would be settling in the marriage department.

Despite these stirringly high standards, I succeeded spectacularly in somehow, someway convincing the lovely and remarkably Rebekah- and Rachel-like Lina Marie Tucker to take an eternal chance on me!   

As magical, mystical, and magnificent as ROMANCE can be for the individual and couple involved, it ultimately has an even high purpose than individual or relational joy, pleasure, satisfaction, and fulfilment. That higher purpose is, of course, PROCREATION, which makes it possible for even more people and their immortal souls to eventually experience the joys and wonders of romance... and all the other magnificent experiences, knowledge, and things available to us in this world—and beyond!

Lina and I in front of our Florida home
in 2022.

Fifteen (15) years into marriage and I'm still crazy about my Lina Marie. Not only does the ROMANCE continue and deepen, but our relationship is much richer and more mature than it was in 2008. Don't get me wrong... no one in this world has a perfect marriage; Lina and I are no exception. Under the best of circumstances marriage still requires work and selflessness to succeed. As we've mutually committed to such a lifestyle, it's worked out pretty well! Plus, making up after a disagreement or difficulty is divine! 

Perhaps some readers may be thinking: "This is all well-and-good, Dr. JJ; but why publish something as private as a love poem to one's intimate partner?"

Good Question, and my answer is two-fold.   

First, these poems are all appropriate for a general audience. In other words, details of our intimate relationship are not shared. Second, it is my sincere hope that whoever reads these poems might find inspiration that will influence and empower them to more fully realize the heavenly potential in their own lives and romantic relationships—including (and especially) their marriages.

After all, I was once just a young, jejune juvenile who was fortunate enough to be introduced to the work of Byron, Poe, Shakespeare, Shelley, and Wordsworth, who collectively influenced and inspired me a great deal!

While my work may never be appraised as being on-par with such masters, I have nonetheless derived an enormous amount of pleasure, satisfaction, and fulfillment from following my heart to make the attempt.  

ENJOY!  


Finally   

The tender kiss of lips so sweet,
   The sweet smell of my precious dear,
Her saintly presence is a treat,
   Oh how I love to have her near!

Of all the girls that I have thought,
   Were better than the rest for me,
Among all those for whom I sought,
   I knew that still I'd not met She.

For every time I'd like a lass,
   There'd be a deep and inner sense,
That though this woman was first class,
   Eventually she'd be past tense.

How painful and how deep the smart,
   When each time I would bid adieu,
Or be shut down, my bleeding heart,
   Did ever long to just meet YOU!  

There was no shortcut through the years,
   The price was set, I had to choose,
The game was mine to win or lose,
   The cost to win: time, sweat, blood, tears!

It seems now like a dream to me,
   As I reflect upon that choice,
That proved to shape my destiny,
   And led me unto thy sweet voice.

May God be thanked for faith and will,
   And the power that lifted me,
And made my natural self the kill,
   'Pon altars of eternity.  



Worth It 

When I meet my bride,
I shall know it; and she
Lina doing homework in her
dorm room at Georgia Tech
Shall sense it like palpable rain,
As it falls down from Heaven,
Like glistening leaven,
Assuaging and healing my pain.

Oh the years that I worked,
With Her sweet soul in mind,
Trying hard not to slip or to fall,
Working hard to improve,
Yes, I watched every move,
For I knew what was best above all!

Yet the price I must buy
Seemed so dauntingly high,
And without her face singed in my eyes,
I often would wonder,
Had the deal gone under?
I was always aloof of the Prize!

For we never supposed
Long before I proposed,
How great I would often be tried.
But with Father's own blessing,
My soul kept progressing,
Past gulfs that seemed endlessly wide!

And so often it seemed,
As I wrestled and dreamed
Of the battles in which I took part,
That success only dallied,
While rejections rallied,
Vestigially vexing my heart!

After never succeeding,
My heart always bleeding,
I wondered if all was in vain?
How could I rekindle
The flame that would dwindle,
And turn so much loss into gain?

And there were those times,
When the umptieth woman
Made it clear that she wanted no more
Of my face or my presence,
Unmistakable evidence
That far outweighed any implore!

Yet something remained,
Though my soul often pained,
All through those vexatious years.
He managed to handle,
Kept relighting my candle,
And managed the worst of my fears.

He kept me prepared,
While my burden He shared,
So that when she'd finally meet me,
She'd feel it and ponder,
No longer look yonder,
For there in the flesh would I be!

Lina's work Christmas
Party 2017
Then we'd both understand
That the pain had been planned,
With His loving Hand there to guide it.
And humbly we'd say
As we knelt down to pray,
Thank You Father above; it was worth it!

Then something amusing
Will grace our perusing
As we contemplate all that had passed.
And we'll sigh several sighs,
Wipe a tear from both eyes,
And hold onto each other fast!

And midst sunset's grandeur
I'll view her with candor,
And recognize something anew.
Though her looks still a prize,
Always thrilling my eyes,
Yet my eyes cannot see what's most true...

For the purest of gems
Isn't found in her face,
Though a breathtaking face she possesses;
For when beauty's bright glimmer,
With old age grows dimmer,
Her spirit my soul still caresses!

Thus when youth's bloom is fading,
I'll still be awaiting
The best time of all to arrive.
After so many years,
Filled with joy and with tears,
We'll never have been so alive!

Living for one another
More than sister or brother
In a bond that shall always abide.
More in love than ever,
We'll forge through forever,
Eternally we'll be side-be-side!


Sonnet 11  (Pure Unsullied Sweetness)

She is a Princess; when I'm around Her
I cannot feel less than a prince—a king—
Endowed with a rich virtue apt to stir
In my bosom a pure light, which doth bring
Out the best gifts of my nature; indeed,
Inside of me I find a man renewed,
A soul prepared like soil for a seed,
To thrive and grow a crop that is imbued
With Heaven's light exposing its goodness,
And richly flowing back unto the two
Of us to whom the sweet harvest doth bless,
As daily its rich nutrients renew:
   Giving strength to run the race to its end,
   A task quite possible with one's best friend!


Sonnet 12  (Prepossessed Beauty)

Her beauty is prepossessed, and I think
That perhaps 'fore the world was I adored
Her o'er others, as mine eyes they did drink
In the sweet fairness of She; my heart soared,
Augmenting the meaning of life to come,
Where I would meet her and fall into love—
Transfixed I'd be—considering the sum
Of all that She is, sent down from above.
Such goodness, and such beauty, I would find
Her worth to surpass all other pursuits,
With a face and a form to match her mind,
I'm still at a loss to measure the fruits,
   Yet to spring forth from such a connection,
   Gifting me sweet e'erlasting reflection. 


Sonnet 13  (A Cornocopic Concatenation)

A cornucopic concatenation
Was triggered for me one fine Georgia fall,
Ushering in a delayed elation,
Catharcting some former ingested gall.
What was it? Power, or money, or fame?
Nay! It was something far longer lasting,
A subject summed up in just one word: Dame!
A friend who could help bring life everlasting,
And oh! What wonder it brought to my world!
So poignantly contrasting times of yore,
An unbroken streak of fortune unfurled,
Unlatching at last the lock to that door!
   Browning made his point; and did so quite well,
   My life's now been kissed, as I'm here to tell!  (1)


Early on in our relationship—when we were still just friends—Lina mentioned to me that she liked limerick poems. It will come as no surprise then, that I wrote several of them for her!


Sweet Lass from Homestead 

There once was a sweet lass from Homestead,
My South Florida girlfriend
climbing a palm tree
Who became a Georgia Tech Coed,
Where a lad from Utah,
Met and fell in awe,
Now sweet thoughts of Her swirl in his head. 


Genius of Beauty 

I once met a genius of beauty,
A brilliant and talented cutie,
Whose keen sense of fashion,
And life filled with passion,
Has caught my attention most truly.


Girl Named Lina 

There once was a girl named Lina,
Who's mind was akin to Athena,  (2)
With pure soul and heart,
Lina at her dorm room computer
And her beauty, like art,
Now my heart's docked in Her marina!


Finest of Girls 

I now date the finest of Girls,
Who makes my heart do flips and twirls,
So proud to be her sir,
I'm so in love with Her,
Her worth's beyond diamonds or pearls!



Exquisitely Cast 

I love her to a depth ne'er plunged before,
Midst all gals known in days of yore,
With Lina at church in 2007
Her character's a thing well wrought,
For such a lass I've always sought,
Whose beauty, though exquisitely cast,
Yet somehow, is still surpassed
By Who she is on the inside:
A Queen, a goddess, who doth abide
So pure within the realms of truth
And virtue, I must say, forsooth,
That in her presence I feel a prince!
An heir to a throne that doth evince
That I could ne'er settle for less
Than a true Princess: the very best!
A true Princess indeed You are,
Like a pure, rare gem mined from afar,
For whom I'm searched my whole world through,
Just to find someone like YOU!
A search that's oft been a troublesome trek,
Wherein I've sometimes felt shipwrecked,
Or moored upon a desert isle,
Bereft of a rare and royal smile,
Or a soft, sweet kiss, or a tender touch,
A comforting hug, or other such,
So natural in a Gal like You:
So pure, so precious, and so true!

And now to your sheer pulchritude,
Which ranks among the best I've viewed,
Your pure silk hair and soft smooth skin:
A color that's pure perfection!
Your feminine figure dazzles me,
All adding to the ecstasy
That fills my heart when I behold
Your perfect form, like perfect gold!
A smile that shineth like the sun,
Your lighted eyes make you the One
Gal I seek in the world,
Let flags of my heart now be unfurled,
With bended knee I humbly bow
In deep respect I do know now,
That you're the right woman for me,
Being yours sets my young heart free!


Sum and Substance 

Whenever I am in her presence,
I find it hard not to sit and stare,
Not just because she is so pretty,
But because of something deep down
Inside of her that draws me in
With Lina on South Beach
March 2007
Like a bee to the most precious
And gorgeous of Roses!

Like a mountain climber seeks out
Everest's elusive peak,
I seek Her hand, and
   Her heart,
      Mind,
         Soul
            Goodness,
               And LOVE...
To be one with Her,
   And commune with Her spirit.

If I were a champion athlete,
   She would be the world record.

If I were a politician,
   She would be the office of President.

If I were an artist,
   She would be the Mona Lisa,
      Or even the Sistine Chapel.

If I were a royal heir,
South Beach
March 2007
   Or even if I wasn't,
Still, she is a Princess
   Whose blood is bluer
      Than the aqua waters of
         Miami Beach or the
            Florida Keys
Near her
   Childhood home.

Whose heart is not easily won;
No true Princess's ever is.
But perhaps with a true knight's valor,
   Courage,
      Patience,
         Kindness,
And a chivalric
   Consistency
      Over time,
I might win
   The fairest gift in all the world:
Her eternal
   Love,
      Affection, and
         Promise
            To
                Be
                    Mine!

This Woman is a Queen,
   Whose elegant gowns,
        And gold and jewel-bedecked adornments;
            Whose scepter and throne,
                Castles and land,
                    Entourage and army,
                        Power and influence,
                            Beauty and grace,
Are all as mere tinsel
   On the Christmas Tree
        Of Her virtue,
          Character,
             Integrity,
                Intellect, and
                    Spirit.

Yes...

Words are but dull,
   Empty, and
      Insufficient
Means of capturing the
   Celestial essence of Her noble Being.

Nay, nothing in mortal realms
   Can ever compose a worthy description
      Of Her,
Least of all
   My
      Paltry
         Pen!

Wordsmith though I may be,
Still I sense my utter fallibility,
And my profound failure
To paint a literary likeness
   Worthy
      Of a Being so
         Divinely conceived!

The effort is like trying to reconstruct
   The Twin Towers
      With Tonka Toys

Well might a kindergartner attempt
   To mingle with the mind of Hawking,

Or my laughably
   Lanky an
      Limited limbs
Put themselves forth to swim the vast Pacific,
   Or traverse it in a canoe!

Such is any attempt of mine to
   Articulate the worth of
      She,
Of which any price,
   No matter how high,
      Would still be too low
         In estimating
            HER value!

Still...
   
    I must try!

I must make use of all means at my disposal,
   Paltry and pathetic though such means may be.

YES!

Though I will always fall short
   Of the goal,
I will never cease to
   Try
      My
         Best
In making
   The attempt!

Though my efforts will
   Perpetually
      Prove
         Inadequate,
I shall never
   Relinquish
      The Quest
To capture the
   Wonder,
      Glory,
         Beauty, and
            Majestic celestiality
Of the lovely,
    Pure, and
        Precious WOMAN
          I have grown to love
             So
                Much!

Behold, the
   Consummate magnificence of...

Lina
   Marie
      Tucker!  



Sweetest of Them All 

Of all sweet gifts that God can give,
She's by far the sweetest of them all!
For her I'd die; what's more I would live
And each day answer Heaven's call.
A nobler Woman I've never seen;
A prettier Being I've ne'er beheld!
I'm humbled before such a Queen.
Soon to be Sealed with God's own weld.
Amidst all of life's blissful joys,
She remains to me first and foremost,
E'en above our girls and boys,
Of She above all will I boast!
For as a steadfast, hopeful youth,
I daydreamed of one like She,
Yet hard it has been in truth
To see Her tangible actuality,
To think that somewhere in Earth's wide space
A precious woman is becoming
A spirit more beautiful than her face—
So gorgeous—my senses are numbing
In preparation to take it all in:
The glory of merging my life
   Someday
      With
         My
            Wife!


Another Failed Attempt 

There is nothing sweeter than my precious Lady,
Oh, how I've longed to meet her!
And from Her acquire the key into Her life and heart
That opens up our world
To where life really begins!
Thank God for giving me the strength
To grow grace-by-grace
Into a man of stature
Sufficiently
   Worthy
      Of
This precious Woman,
   This royal Princess,
      This Goddess-like being of
To me...
Unmatchéd majesty!
This Lady of
   The utmost elegance
      And
         Refinement,
Possessing a:
Heart of gold,
     A brain of brilliance,
          The patience of Job,
               The selflessness, goodness, and honor of Rebekah,
          The wisdom of Deborah,
     The kindness and forgiveness of Christ,
And the beauty and purity of Rachel.
With a soul filled with pure passion borne of
Character
   And
      Enthusiasm.
Then least of all her amazing traits—
At least in terms of moral import—
Comes one of my favorite ones.
Though 'tis mere icing on the cake
When compared with her
   Character
      And
         Virtue.
Nevertheless,
There still remains...
   Her
      Striking
         Beauty,
My own Aphrodite!
And though I often try to capture in words
The majesty of she of whom I love so much,
I always fall so terribly short,
And
   So
      Would
         Shakespeare.
Nevertheless,
God hath forever blessed me to be
One with
My eternal Companion,
     My Lady,
          My Wife,
               My Sweetheart,
          My Joy,
     My Friend
My Joy and my Queen.

Thus in ink it is now emblazoned:
Another failed attempt
To articulate the
Majesty of
   My
      Precious
         Wife.  



A Perfect Match 

Somehow these two
   Just look right together.
In puzzle-like fashion
Their natural fit emerges
From photographic images
Like an artistic, fictional portrayal
Of lovers meant to be.
It's like they're siblings
   Or close cousins,
But of course they're not,
So...
   What accounts for such a fit?
Though scholars may surmise the scene 
For hints of a logical explanation,
And poets may peruse
The nature of idyllic attraction,
Neither can justly ascribe
Or adequately articulate
The perfection of
Their match.

They just are:
A perfect,
   Natural match
Made
   By
      God
In
   His
      Heaven
         Above,
A signal and sign
Of His eternal love.  


Gratitude 

Gratitude.

It's all summed up in the assessment and attitude
That I now possess a gem of all gemstones
In HER.

It's seeing all other achievements
Wane in their luster
When compared
To the honor
Of being
Her sir.

It's seeing romance—the greatest conundrum,
Frustration, and challenge
Of my young life to date—
Work itself out miraculously
In the warmth of her embrace.

It's seeing the imprint of God's own Hand
Gently,
   Yet Firmly
      Intervene
In a matter of such weighty importance.

It's being filled to overflowing
With my love for Him
And my lover for Her—
Consummating my everlasting affection—
For
   Both!



Holding Hands 'Neath the Covers 

Of all sweet affection
Exchangéd between lovers,
There's nothing quite like
Holding hands 'neath the covers.

Concealed from others' eyes
It's more than mere show,
This token of true love
That's destined to grow.

While all things erotic may
Take place 'neath the sheet,
Even between strangers
Just met on the street.

Purchased with the lucre
Of lust's appetite,
And climax comes quickly—
A vice tricky to fight.

It lasts just a moment—
A swift, fleeting turn,
Thus anything greater
A person must earn!

Oh, the sweet tender molding
Of true lovers' hand-holding,
Takes time to engender
Such pure love to send her.

It can't be attained
Without pure faithfulness,
Mutually sworn—
The union to bless!

Yet it's worth the effort
In patience and time
Required to gain it
And make her heart mine!

Revealed by the sweet clasp 
Of my hand in hers
Where no one can see it;
I pray it endures!

I'll love her forever,
And e'er take her hand,
In light, dark, and shadow;
'Tis a privilege grand!

That plays a sweet melody
On my heart's strings;
A tune so endearing
It trumps most other things!


I'm Thankful for Pictures 

I'm thankful for pictures,
For pictures of She.
I'm thankful for romance,
And dates yet to be!

I'm glad I have eyes,
Two of them that can see,
That I might drink deeply
Of her sweet beauty!

A beauty that melts me
And brings my heart bliss!
Her gorgeous reflection,
Oh, how I do miss!

Her salty sea green eyes
And pure olive skin,
A brow that is so wise
It lights from within!

A face so well fashioned,
Her cheeks full of life,
With ears cuter than puppies
Yes... this is my Wife!

Her face lights my world,
Her form makes my heart race,
Her figure's a wonder
Bespeaking beauty's grace.

That makes Her an Angel,
And Goddess to my heart.
A Being that I loved
Right back from the start.

When I first laid eyes on
The wonder of She,
And since ne'er recovered,
So glad She chose me!

And now that she's away
Apart from my grasp,
I'm thankful for pictures,
Since I cannot clasp
Her form to my bosom,
And cuddle her close,
And tenderly kiss her:
The One I love most!

So until I see her
Again soon to come,
I'm thankful for pictures
Of my chosen One.

And til we meet again
I daily will pore,
O'er pictures of my Love,
The One I adore!

I'm thankful for pictures,
For pictures of She.
I'm thankful for pictures
Of She who loves me!

I'm thankful for two eyes,
That baskingly gaze
Upon the sweet Angel
Who's mine all my days.

I'm thankful for this
Blesséd blessing in life,
I'm thankful for pictures 
Of my precious Wife!



The Make-Up Poem 

I didn't know holding her hand again
Would cause such an internal reaction.
Heart beating faster.....
Yearning for Hers to beat again in sync with mine.
Stomach fluttering...
Worrying She might not want me back.
The unspoken awkwardness of the first few moments of that planned picnic.
Worried like craze she might not be on the same page as me.

When . . .

Drawing closer in, 
I go out on the limb of my life,
Hoping with all of my soul that
The magnetism of True Love might once again
Bring us back together.

Then . . .

To the jubilance of both our souls
And countless generations yet to come,

Our lips join together softly
Sweetly,
Purely,
And passionately
In an affectionate token
And experience
Of the Heaven on Earth we have come to know together
During the past six months,
And I get the impression that
It may not be over
After
All!



Her Unmatched Beauty* 

Sitting up four stories o'er-looking the beach,
Our Wedding Day
August 8, 2008
It seems I can almost feel Her reach
From the other side of the world,
As though She were right here curled
Up next to me on this lodging loft
With Her skin so soft
And softly
Brushing gently up against mine.
Oh, how I do pine
For this sweet angel's
Presence,
So purely divine,
Who very soon will be mine!

Though it's only memory's pure apparition,
I cannot conceive a more precious cognition,
A visage kept sacred above any other,
More valued than father or sibling or mothing,
A Woman I value above my own flesh,
Whose body and soul with mine will soon enmesh.
For a spirit, mind, and heart as perfect as she,
I would do anything required of me.
So deep in my mind's eye, all day I shall stare,
Ever increasingly keenly aware
Of the unmatched beauty she offers to me,
With skin color of sand,
And sweet eyes like the sea!

* Composed on a hotel balcony in Daytona Beach, Florida, after dark.  I was in town teaching a professional seminar.  Lina was in Shanghai, China studying abroad.   


What a Magician! 

Dancing at our Wedding Reception
August 8, 2008
How is it
That as time goes on
I only love my GIRL
More
   And
      More
         And
            More?

How is it
That the more time
I spend with HER,
The more I miss Her
When
   We
      Are
         Apart?

How is it 
That a woman
   So beautiful,
Can just keep getting
   Prettier
      To me
With every passing
Glimpse,
     And glance,
          And stare?

I say stare,
Because I can't
   Really help it.
My eyes catch hold
   Her gorgeous face,
      And sexy form,
And I'm completely
     Entranced,
          Transfixed,
               Submerged
Beneath the spell that HER
   Beauty and
      Goodness and
         Intelligence has
            Cast upon me.

And oh!
   What a
Wonderful,
     Marvelous,
          Glorious,
               Spell it is!

Yes, what a
   MAGICIAN
                      Is She!



Unique Perfection 

Her striking eyes of perfect class,
And soft look of unique perfection;
All things told this sweet, young lass
Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA
July 2017
Transcends all in my recollection.

Outward She radiates light,
Like a soft beam lathereth,
Her footsteps increase my sight,
As watching Her I gathereth
Inner strength inside my soul,
So inspired I am by HER,
Her dazzling charm has ta'en its toll,
Drawing me in closer.

Midst such magical delights,
In love I cannot help but fall,
Never have I seen such sights,
As Her eyes, form, face, and all.

Being amidst her glorious wonder,
I am honored and subdued,
In Her love I'm torn asunder,
And my soul with heav'n's imbued.

Mingling with her precious presence
Is an unsurpasséd pleasure,
Oh, sweet solid evanescence...
I'm in love beyond all measure!
  


Lina leaping in the air at South Beach
March 2007
My Favorite Floridian *

How sweet, how sure,
How tender and pure,
How beautiful inside and out
How unique and rare,
How stunningly fair,
How fun to learn all about.
She's special. She's fun.
She's brilliant. She's one
Girl that's captured my attention,
And on Christmas Day,
Though She is far away,
I think I will willingly mention...
How this fine Woman,
Somehow has caught,
The heart of this lad,
Who now likes her a lot!  

* This poem was one of several that I wrote to Lina as part of a Twelve Days of Christmas e-present in December 2006. She traveled home to South Florida to celebrate with her family. I remained in Atlanta at my cousin's where I lived at the time.  



My Baby's Face 

I love to see my Baby's face,
Queen Tower
Atlanta, Georgia
When visiting our special place.*

I love to see her figure fine,
And realize that she is mine.

This precious Princess, oh, so rare!
I'm lost amidst a pleasant stare

At her angelic countenance,
That makes my inward spirit dance,

And sing and praise and shout and sight,
As cuddling close the clouds roll by.

A place of passing, prescient peace,
Portending joy that will not cease.

Through days of life and far beyond
This water dwelling in our pond,

Wherein the pool's reflecting trace,
On clear days paints for met the face

Of my best friend and lover true,
The Girl I've pledged my whole life to!

* Our special place was at the base of the King and Queen Towers in Atlanta, Georgia. 


Not So Strange 

How strange it is
   That they should come together,
Our Engagement Photo
Spring 2008
      Indeed!
How is it that a 27-year old country boy
   With redneck roots,
      Poor grades,
And an even poorer
   Track Record
      With the ladies...
Should attract
   A 1590 SAT hottie from
      South Beach?
Well...
   Maybe not literally from SB,
      But close enough.

He, ironically, as formal as a British heir,
And she as casual as a refined cowgirl
   From the fly-overs.

She not looking for anything
   But friendship and fun,
      While he ardently pursued conjugality.

Yet, somehow, it still happened
   Over time.
And now they're the closest thing
   On God's green Earth
      To a Perfect
         Match!

I s'pose that's cuz God had something
   To do with it.

And besides, deep down,
The roots of both ran a little country,
Wearing second-hand clothes,
   Fearing familial impecuniosity
      And jockeying for space and/or
Whatever prized pudding
   Might be in the fridge...
      But not for long!

And isn't it something
   How they both ultimately
      Want the same things?
And see eye-to-eye
   On what really matters?

No matter that they were raised
   On different sides of a continent.
They remain as similar 
   As they are different.

And the passion!

Such attraction's fiery draw'll
Make it difficult
   Deal and
      Seal to ever
         Sever
Without even mentioning
Their fidelitous pledge
   To each other,
      The community,
         And to God—
            FOREVER.  

So, I guess it's not really so strange
   After all.

I mean
   It works!
And like magic
   At that.

It must be divinely appointed.

It's me and Her.
   It's Her and me.
      It's us
For ETERNITY...
   
And it's not so strange
   After all.  



Royal Blood 

Royal blood is hard to find,
A quest that's stretched my heart and mind.

So, it's not wonder, when I found
Her heart, once She had come around.

It filled my soul with pure delight,
And made love in my heart ignite!

To think that such a Princess fair,
Considers me as also rare!

'Tis a privileged state to dwell,
Methinks I've never felt so well

As when I find Her in my arms,
Or 'neath the spell of Her sweet charms.

With every kiss my lips are giv'n,
A precious little piece of Heav'n.

Each hug a glorious, sweet embrace,
To body—like to eyes—her face.

Her precious touch is home sweet bliss,
Augmented by each tender kiss.

And sometimes I just sit and stare,
In disbelief to be aware

That this sweet Woman's heart is mind:
A miracle from God divine!



The Lovely Lina Marie 

(Ode to Her Outer Beauty)

Our Wedding Day
Salt Lake City, Utah
8-8-08
Her gorgeous eyes and radiant smile,
I think perhaps I'll take a while,
And bask among the pleasant view,
Of all things glorious 'bout YOU!
Your pure sweet face and soft smooth hair,
Of catch me in an ardent stare,
And then there are the little things,
Like soft smooth hands and cool earrings.
I love the color of your skin,
A perfect olive that's within,
Such well-fashioned styled attire,
That's hot, yet ne'er doth cross the wire
Of pure sweet modesty's request,
Perhaps 'tis this that I love best!
A super figure and nice arms,
My knees get weak amidst such charms.
I love her sparing use of paint,*
Too much of it would only taint
The stunning natural looks She's got,
The stuff that cant' be sold or bought.
With lovely legs 'pon which She stands,
Her outer looks are simply grand!

* Makeup


Dr. JJ

August 2, 2023
Terra Nova, Newfoundland, CANADA
          


Author's Note: This is the 338th Blog Post Published by Freedom Focused LLC since November 2013 and the 158th consecutive weekly blog published since August 31, 2020.   

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Notes:

1.  A reference and allusion to Robert Browning's famous poem, Sumum Bonum

2.  Greek goddess of wisdom.


Wednesday, July 26, 2023

POEMS of Love & Romance

  

Chapter 11


POEMS of Love & Romance


There are always two sides to everything in this world. ROMANCE—which has the potential for providing us with so much fulfillment, joy, and pleasure—likewise carries the possibility of enormous grief and pain. 

As I have amply chronicled, my journey to Lina was interesting and adventurous; but it was also very challenging and painful.

Along the way, I wrote a great many poems on the subject of ROMANCE. 

Some of these works were driven by my imagination's concoctions of "My Future Bride," and some of them were inspired by the many beautiful, wonderful, and virtuous young women I had the privilege of associating with and/or dating before I met Lina. This chapter includes the poems I wrote in the lead-up to meeting my Lina Marie. Then, in next week's chapter, I will share the poems and sonnets I specifically wrote to, about, and/or for Lina herself.  

Click HERE to read Dr. JJ's Rocky Road of Romance.  


My bride, Lina Marie (née Tucker) Jensen
is the Paragon of Perfection to me.
Next week's chapter's poems
are all dedicated to her.
The Paragon of Perfection   

She walks with pure nobility,
A queen of wit and grace,
She's majesty personified,
And light shines from her face.

My eyes are dazzled by her beauty,
Her figure makes my head swim,
Though all of that is nigh eclipsed,
By who she is within.

Aside from talent, brains, and class,
And a great attitude,
She has a Kantian good will,
Yet never plays the prude.

The wisdom that she cultivates,
The questions that she fields,
All this is pure evidence of,
The power that she wields.

And when my person and my soul,
In unity doth meet,
With her whose soul I love the most,
There's nothing else so sweet!

'Tis like a mingling with the Gods,
To be with one so pure,
The essence of our union sweet,
Is Godly love, I'm sure!


Lina Marie (née Tucker) Jensen
Bridal pics, August 2008
My Future Bride   

Sitting by the water's side,
I think about my future bride,
And fill my mind with her sweet soul,
Reflecting on my connubial goal,
And just how tender, pure, and sweet,
Will be the day I get to meet
That woman and my angel too,
Toward whom I'll always be true,
And how I'll bask in each moment
That God foreknowingly hath sent.
Such thoughts are just as sweet and pure
As this river and it's verdure.


The Soul's Beauty

Ah!  The sight
Of she so fair:
Her lips, her face,
Her fragranced air;
Her fitly form
And soft smooth touch,
Her silken hair
And other such...
Hath stole my senses,
Yet more sweet,
Is when my soul 
With hers did meet;
For while beauty fair ignites a fire,
Soul's goodness if my heart's desire—
That lasts beyond the external face,
To lifelong bliss and eternal grace.  

The Nameless Belle   

Although I've yet to learn your name,
Your picture casts a certain light,
That on my face a radiance rests,
A piece of heaven to my sight!

Amidst the throngs of gals I see,
All through this great vicinity,
Your lovely face, my eyes do fix,
And wish your heart and soul to see.

Oh how I wish that I could meet
Your mind and wit and all that be,
I shan't refrain, but just entreat,
With hope that you smile back at me.

And if you do, you'll ne'er regret,
And whether love or passion blooms,
You'll gain a friend, who's a poet,
And share life's odorless perfumes.

Hence this shall be my season's goal,
Yea, here's a Christmas wish I jingle,
That with your gorgeous, lovely soul,
I yet shall meet and mingle!  (1, 2)


I Wonder   

I wonder if she thinks of me
Like I do think of her.

I wonder if she feels for me
As if I were her sir.

I wonder if inside she feels
A love sprung up within.

I wonder if she yearns for me
Like I do yearn to win
Her heart and hand,
And tender touch,
And a sweet kiss upon,
Her rose-red lips so pure and sweet,
There couldn't be a better treat,
For this young lad of amorous passion,
I'd love her like love had gone out of fashion,
And spoil her deep with sweet, tender kisses,
And snuggling and cuddling and other such blisses,
And when we grew tired, we'd love all the more,
As we furthered our journey to see what's in store,
Oh, my blessed (put name here), to you I will thank,
For into your heart have I drowned, yes, I've sank,
Into a magical ocean so pure,
That ever, forever I'll always be sure,
That you are the one that is perfect for me,
And both you and me,
Together shall see,
Into the future
And eternity,
That thanks to our choices,
We'll always be free,
Clasped
   In
      Each
         Other's 
            Souls.


A Picture of Her Soul   

If I could have a picture of her soul,
I'd hang it on my wall amidst the rest,
And find light from the central piece had stole,
The glory from among the outward best.
And as it shone most brightly on the wall,
I'd notice that a flame would soon be lit,
And all around the picture soon would fall,
As fire engulfed the room and all in it.
And as the flames took hold upon the house,
I'd wonder what had happened to the frame,
And picture of her worth in heaven's blouse,
Would it too be destroyed within the flame?
Then I found an answer to my query,
As I saw the portrait rise above the smoke,
The sight of it was extraordinary,
A pure heavenly vision to this bloke.
That night I learned where beauty really lies,
As I saw her majesty light up the skies.  


She Was   

She was...

An angelic figure of embryonic divinity,
A guileless goddess of perfect pristinity,
My unmatched match throughout all eternity...

This girl that I met just today.  


The Cyclical Essence
of Love in Adolescence
  

The cyclical essence
Of love in adolescence,
Oft invades the presence
Of an unsuspecting lot.
The always-foolish lad,
And the ever-clueless dame,
Deny that they are had,
By an ever-present game.
They feel quite enraptured
By the person that has captured
Their heart, which soon has fractured
That organ called the brain!
It all seems rather pleasant
While the epinephrine flows,
But the couple never dreameth
Where the madness often goes:
To the place it often ends—
in heartache, ill, and stew—
As they moan and grown and cry and howl
All day and all night through.
Then firm resolves are plainly made
With anger at the wheel,
Before they turn and start again
To replay the whole spiel!  (3)


I Dream About She   

Alone with my thoughts, I dream about she;
And all of the joy that she brings unto me,
Her very existence inspires me to be:
The greatest man here, or in eternity!

Her presence I long for, her touch I adore,
Oh how this far distance maketh my heart sore,
And longing and wishing to be at her door,
I sit and I ponder just what is in store!

Then dreaming and hoping I put down my fears,
And set my mind working to face pain and tears,
Decide once and always I'll conquer the years:
I'll dedicate hands, heart, eyes, loins, head, and ears!

There's nothing more precious than my (put name here),
My love for her's deathless, I'm her greatest fan,
With her in my thoughts, I'll do all that I can,
To strive for the best that's alive in this man!

Oh dear God in Heaven, please smile upon,
The union between us, which so soon will dawn,
I promise to cherish forever beyond,
Through the tears of all years; I'll always go on!

And it shall be easy with her by my side,
Though pain shall so often interrupt our ride,
Yet we'll e'er push onward, destroying all pride,
Through the falling and rising of life's daily tide.

Oh, THANK YOU my Love for with me being one,
This journey's been hard and this journey's been fun.
And we've had some daughters and more than one son,
And now heaven's bounty through Christ we have won!

Through all of eternity I can't wait to share,
With you whom I cherish, a woman so fair,
I'll love you forever, and always I'll care,
For you more than anyone else anywhere!  


Her Tender Smile   

The sweetness of her tender smile
Ignites my soul with true love's fire;
I gaze into her face awhile,
And swoon before my heart's desire!


Her Kiss is Bliss   

Her kiss is bliss,
Her touch, divine,
And how I miss,
And how I pine,
When we're apart,
It makes my heart
Give thanks to God
That she is mine!  


Love's Undulations   

The kiss of bliss is worth the smart,
The pain and angst that wrings the heart,
For once true love has made its start,
Your bound to take both sweet and tart,
And see the thing clear to the end.

But...

For those who do,
Rewards are fat,
These words are true,
And that is that!


Saints Like She   

Eclipsing youth with maturation,
   Rarely matched throughout all time,
My heart and soul finds saturation,
   In love's ardent, aged rhyme.

Love for pure ennobled virtue,
   Though the rose be barely blooming,
Such a vision, never I knew,
   Like a blessed omen looming.

Looming o'er my humble spirit,
   Seeking God's most prized possession,
Deep respect, no doubt I fear it,
   Yet I make this last confession...

My whole life I'd night surrender,
   Through all years of mortal dwelling,
For the victory of her tender
   Heart and soul, this vow 'tis telling!

And gives voice to my intention:
   Royalty she'll be to me,
And with God's profound invention,
   I shall prove a king to She.

Minus constant, loving action,
   All this speech proves vanity,
Fails to verify a fraction,
   Of a true sincerity.

Hence, my humble, heartfelt pleading,
   Asks of her a chance to prove,
From this point I'll start a-seeding,
   Sowing seeds of my true love!

For though woman ye are known,
   Yet a Saint ye are to me,
Since first sight of you I've grown
   Fonder of your unmatch'ed beauty!

Hair of silk and skin of olive,
   Clothe a most enchanting figure,
Covered so modesty may give,
   Evidence that you are pure!

Yes, my eyes they dance in wonder,
   As they view your comely presence,
Yet what threw my heart asunder,
   Was inner beauty's evanescence!

When compared to mortal glory,
   Inner Goddess-hood potential,
Tells to me a different story,
   Fills me with all things essential.

Full of deepened admiration,
   For this Princess 'fore my eyes,
An impassioned exclamation,
   Big as life, though quaint her size.

Though still young with life well 'fore her,
   She is destined yet to prove,
Noble greatness yet to enter,
   Hearts of men towards Christ she'll move!

As I waken from somnolence,
   Thoughts of such a woman linger,
Wond'ring 'bout all my life's events,
   At far side of future's finger.

Though the dream was not portentous,
   Of a living day to come,
And though I'm apt to be contentious,
   With a holy edict from...

A wise guide 'midst Heaven's plotting,
   Steering me towards other roads,
Teaching me of God's allotting,
   Gently showing me the codes...

Of my soul's true supplication,
   Guiding me towards future's bliss,
Sending forth my incantation,
   Leading to my chosen Miss.

Yet betimes for now and ever,
   When I view sweet Saints like She,
I will praise dear God forever,
   That a she like She liked me!


The Risk   

At once when in her eyes I gazed,
My heart did melt and I, amazed,
Took joy to see her tender glance,
I'm overjoyed I took the chance!


Love's Anxiety   

The anxious state of knowing not
   Just how She truly feels;
   My stomach turns, my mind it reels,
My soul's tied in a knot!

For her sweet kiss is perfect bliss;
   Her presence is sublime;
   Her voice is as a precious chime,
Oh, curse to lose all this!

For it to fail, Oh, thought depart!
   It pangs my inmost soul;
   This chilling angst doth take its toll,
And jolts my ardent heart!

To lose a love, while not the end,
   It smarts with poignant ache,
   Yet risk is always worth the take,
If not, why live my friend? 

For though it may not go your way,
   And though it breaks your heart;
   You're best prepped for the next start,
To do better another day!

This thought in mind doth ease the sting,
   But never takes away,
   The apprehension of the day,
That courtship's risk doth bring!

One must know pain to feel true joy,
   And so it's worth the trip,
   To launch upon the fateful ship,
Never being too shy or coy!

For if you always try again,
   One day you'll rise above;
   Your heart will meet your own true love,
You'll win at last and then...

You'll bask in true Love's holy state,
   And thank the Lord for all,
   En route to answering life's all,
With your eternal mate! 

And you'll embark on newfound lands,
   And tax your best efforts;
   You'll struggle through new pain that hurts,
And wade through love's quicksands.

But if you're brave and never let,
   Life's trials breech your vow,
   One day upon you're knees you'll bow,
'Fore God who ne'er forgets...

That those who give to Him their best,
   And love each other true,
   Will one day get an endless view,
And have eternal rest!


Whenever I Lay Eyes on She   

Whenever I lay eyes on She—
This lovely lass of destiny—
My heart doth pulse with panging angst,
The kind that makes me offer thanks,
For she of whom I love so deep,
Who thrills my heart and sweetens sleep,
Who's like a vision to my eye,
And gives me so much joy I sigh...
Oh, please dear Lord make me worthy,
Of this blesséd precious lady,
So that I can be the man who
Maketh her fondest dreams come true,
For what I want with all my soul's
To see her happy: that's my goal.
How fortune's filled my empty cup,
And raised my downcast spirits up,
For she is light and life to me,
God only has seniority,
And after all is said and done,
She be my first and only One!  


To Think that I am Hers   

Oh what bliss
   Is in her kiss!
And how I miss
   Her tenderness
When I'm away
   E'en for a day,
I always pray
   To God above
To watch my Love—
   That Pure White Dove—
Whose beauty fair
   Who lights the air
      Up everywhere!
And her choice form
   Doth grace
      Each face
She sees
   From place
      To place.
Then bye
   And bye,
In my mind's eye,
   I catch a glimpse
      Of her
         And sigh...
To think
   That I
      Am Hers,
         Oh my!
Sweet Angel pure,
   I am quite sure
If I'll endure
   As her worthy sir,
That time will prove,
   When e'er we move,
Or what our groove,
   That you, my sweet
Blesséd Help Meet:
   My Greatest,
      Grandest,
         Favorite
            Treat...
I'll ever have
   Whose love—like salve—
Has healed my heart—
   A brand new start
She did impart
   Her glorious art,
Transforming me
   Into a he
      Most blessed by She,
Whose sweet beauty
   Eclipsed only
By a spirit's free
   Enamored majesty,
And femininity,
   Transcending
      All
         Glory
I have known
   As I've grown
To be on my own
   Before
      Meeting
         Her.  


Heavenly Birds   

As the Birds in the Heavens
   Fly south o'er the sea,
So my ardent heart
   Flieth nigh unto Thee! 


Costly Habits, Golden Changes   

He casts his crowns into the coffers,
   Hoping that his purse will buy,
Then wonders why she never offers,
   Anything as she walks by.

So costly is his raging habit,
   Spent in such one-sided effort,
Tossed in vain into the ocean,
   Vainly spent 'spite true devotion!

And his tears that pour like rainfall,
   Sink in silent, unseen darkness,
Like the coins and jewels, they all
   Lose their value in such starkness!

Til one day when sad and downcast,
   This ardent boy became a man,
Lifting up his head to look past,
   All his fabled, foiled plans.

And with apathetic vigor
   He walked past all former losses,
Catching view of something bigger,
   Yielding humbly to his crosses.

Years gone by he viewed his treasure,
   Taking note of interest's blessings,
'Twas purely vain to try and measure
   Who he was, or count his pleasure.

Deep in sober contemplation,
   He thought back on days of yore,
His heart brim with sweet elation,
   He gave thanks to God who bore...

His soul on behalf of he,
   Preparing long his victory,
Yet all have choice, and all are free,
   How rich they'll get, and what they'll be.

It's all a willing gift from He;
   Bestowed 'pon every soul like thee,
Who cast their old man in the sea,
   To sink like cash spent foolishly.

So glad that I did make the choice,
   That was aligned with Thy true voice,
The gift Thou promised now is mine,
   Glad I chose the will that was Thine!


A Kiss in the Rain  

A lass knows I,
   Who's bye-and-bye,
      The finest lass around
And bestest of the best is this:
   The lass, she likes this clown!
The clown is me, just watch me dance,
   So sprightly through the rain,
As hand-in-hand, towards Her I glance,
   And watch her gaze remain...
All through the storm,
   Her sun-kissed form,
      Paused slowly facing me.
And then She's mute,
   And I've no words,
      Just hushed, silent are we.
Completely lost in her bright eyes,
   I wonder and I stare,
When then, just then,
   She puts her hand
      Straight up into the air!
Then 'pon my cheek
   Her hand doth grace
      While gazing silently;
Likewise my eyes drown in her face,
   That's so perfect to me.
Does this Woman know how beautiful,
   Or what angelic love,
She radiates to me and all?
   For Her, thank God above!
Our naked feet upon the sand,
   Reaching down I take her hand,
And raise it to my lips to touch,
   The fingers that I love so much.
Then gently do I touch Her face,
   And whisper in her ear:
"If Heaven really is a place,
   It's rarely been so near!"
Her soft tan hands caress my cheek,
   And wipe away my tears,
As prelude to the moment of
   The instant of the years...
When with her lips my lips do meet,
   Consuming all my fears!  


Forever to Enjoy   

I can hardly wait to kiss the lips
   Of my beloved, cherished Mate.
My hands will soon rest on her hips,
   A sensation to satiate
My ever longing for her touch,
   And bliss of her embrace.
I love to watch her sexy gait,
   As likewise I appreciate
The pure, sweet beauty of her face,
   How fortunate a man am I
To have such communion
   With One such as She!
I sit and watch the clouds dance by
   And contemplate our union,
That boasts a bliss that's rarely matched,
   And carries true love's joy,
Thank God almighty our love hatched,
   Forever to enjoy!  



Dr. JJ
July 26, 2023
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA


Author's Note: This is the 337th Blog Post Published by Freedom Focused LLC since November 2013 and the 157th consecutive weekly blog published since August 31, 2020.   

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Notes:

1.  A phrase from Shelley's poem Love's Philosophy

2.  I collaborated on this poem with a dear friend—Mildred Wongfrom Honolulu, Hawaii.  See visual below to see Mildred's notes.    
Mildred Wong's edits on my original poem.
As the poem itself reveals, I included several
of Mildred's excellent suggestions. 

3.  This poem was originally written when I was in high school, but was significantly revised later on in the mid 2000s.  









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