Oh I forgot to come back to this. I'm sorry. This is beautiful David. I've gotten so used to short lined poems that the long lines in this is a wonderful change. I think the line lengths really make this poem. It beautifully paces, and I didn't really mind the archaism. Actually it's not archaisms but unnatural word order. It gives it a Tennysonian feel. The only place I wninced was with the line "I look back not." That was is just flat out awkward. But the others give a certain romance to the poem. I really like this. It's not modern poetry, but it's good poetry.
The one stanza I don't think adds anything is this one:
Quote:
The play begun, the open scene, two actors in the roles are set.
The words now run, and, in between soft linens, warmth is now beset.
And intertwined two spirits hold, in gentle grasp, each other's heart.
It is now time. It can be told. This time is of tomorrow's start.
And the breeze whispers a name.
You could probably delete that one or replace it with something else.
Quote:
But these stanzas are outstanding:
A glass calm sea, slight wind fills sail, high cotton cloud on tropic air.
She calls to me. I will not fail the wondrous scent of flowing hair.
She dances light on ballet step, with dip at tiny, slender waist.
I catch the sight, my heart is kept, my lip does tremble hers to taste.
And the breeze whispers a name.
and
Quote:
Soft hand on flesh, taut back in arch, moist breath on neck, it shakes me so.
I give the rest. Light fills the dark. She speaks what I already know.
She calls my name on moment high, and body quivers at the touch.
In love's fair game, the softest sigh that fills the room. Erotic blush.
And the breeze whispers a name.
I really enjoyed this. :)