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In this poem, the three spirits are catalysts for and witnesses to a spiritual transformation. A consummated sexual experience the metaphor for attaining eternal spiritual life. </p> </div> <div id="content-filters" class="clearfix"><span><span class="sort fsize"><strong>Font size:</strong><span class="rc3 s" data-size="xs" title="Normal size"><small><i class="far fa-font" aria-hidden="true"></i></small></span><span class="rc3" data-size="lg" title="Large size"><span class="fsl"><i class="far fa-font" aria-hidden="true"></i></span></span></span></span></div> <div class="clearfix poem-credits"> <div class="text-right" style="position:relative;float:right;top:-3px;right:-3px"> <a href="collection.php?add=216650" class="add-to-list s rc3" title="click to add Promise of Eternal Life to your collection"><i class="fa-leaf fas" aria-hidden="true"></i> Collection</a>  <a href="/create-your-mug/216650" class="add-to-list s rc3" title="Get the mug!"><i class="fas fa-mug"></i></a>  <a href="signup.php" class="add-to-list s rc3" title="click to edit Promise of Eternal Life"><i class="fa-pencil-alt fas" aria-hidden="true"></i> Edit</a>  <a href="/poem-pdf/216650" class="add-to-list s rc3" title="click to down the Promise of Eternal Life poem as PDF"><i class="far fa-file-pdf"></i></a>  <a target="_blank" href="email.php?id=216650&type=poem" class="add-to-list s rc3" title="click to email Promise of Eternal Life to a friend"><i class="fas fa-paper-plane"></i></a>  <a target="_blank" href="print.php?id=216650" class="add-to-list s rc3" title="click to send Promise of Eternal Life to your printer"><i class="fa-print fas" aria-hidden="true"></i></a>  </div> <div class="visible-xs" style="margin-top:13px;"> </div> <p>Written on November 11, 2024</p> <p>Submitted by <a href="/user/287968" title="susan.brumel"><b>susan.brumel</b></a> on March 18, 2025</p> <p>Modified by <a href="/user/287968" title="susan.brumel"><b>susan.brumel</b></a> on March 18, 2025</p> <div class="poem-details"> <input id="poem-data" type="hidden" data-id="216650" data-type="poem"> <input type="hidden" id="incr" value="1"> <dl> <dt><i class="far fa-clock" aria-hidden="true"></i></dt> <dd>40 sec read</dd> <dt><i class="far fa-eye" aria-hidden="true"></i></dt> <dd>229 Views</dd> </dl> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="disp-quote-author-meta"> <div id="disp-quote-author" class="author-thumb-ext" data-author="Susan Mayer Brumel" data-img="1"> <img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/poet/33733_susan-mayer-brumel.png" class="author-thumb" alt="" loading="lazy" width="120"> </div> <p class="author"><a href="/poet/Susan+Mayer+Brumel">Susan Mayer Brumel</a></p> <div class="countries-area small"><div><a href="/poets-by-country/United States"><span class="f32 flag-area rc4"><span class="flag no-margin us" title="United States"></span></span></a> · <b><a href="/poets-by-birth-year/1955">1955</a></b> · <a href="/poets-by-birthplace/Newark, New Jersey">Newark, New Jersey</a></div></div> <p class="author-bio">A few years ago, I retired from a thirty-five year career in hospice counseling, at which time I began writing poetry. My poems are influenced by my patients’ journeys, the compelling beauty of nature, and the human condition. A lover of all animals and most people, I enjoy spending time in nature, long walks, and reading Pablo Neruda, Blake, William Carlos Williams, James Joyce, Mary Oliver, Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou, Leonard Cohen, and more. Baudelaire tells us to ‘be drunk’ on something every day; I am drunk on poetry and intend never to be sober! <a href="https://www.biographies.net/search/Susan%20Mayer%20Brumel">more…</a></p> <p class="author-bio"><a href="/poet/Susan+Mayer+Brumel">All Susan Mayer Brumel poems</a> | <a href="/product-search/Susan+Mayer+Brumel" target="_blank">Susan Mayer Brumel Books</a></p> <p class="fans-cnt" data-term="Susan Mayer Brumel" data-key="33733" data-page="homepage"> <button class="btn btn-counter s " data-votes="45" data-pid="33733" data-uid="" data-target="#login-modal" title="click to add your vote"><i class="fas fa-star" aria-hidden="true"></i> <span>Follow</span></button> <span class="fans rc3" onclick="location.href='https://www.poetry.com/poet-fans/33733';">45 fans</span> </p> </div> <hr> <div class="adunit-middle adunit-middle-2col clearfix"> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-12"><script async 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class="used"><span class="flag flag-en"></span> English (English)</li></ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <hr> <div class="callout comments-area"> <div id="s4-comments"> <h4>Discuss the poem <a href="https://www.poetry.com/poem/216650/promise-of-eternal-life">Promise of Eternal Life</a> with the community...</h4> <div class="comment-form-container"> <form id="frm-comment"> <input type="hidden" name="comment_id" id="commentId" /> <input type="hidden" name="cmt_part" id="cmtPart" value="1" /> <input type="hidden" name="cmt_reward" id="comments-reward" value="0" /> <input type="hidden" id="current-website" value="13" /> <input type="hidden" id="current-entity" value="poem" /> <input type="hidden" id="current-entityid" value="216650" /> <input type="hidden" id="comments-limit" value="10" /> <div id="objid" class="hidden">https://www.poetry.com/poem/216650/promise-of-eternal-life</div> <div class="form-group"> <div class="comments-sort filter-users flr"> <div class="btn-group" 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title="Vixility"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/253356" title="Vixility" alt="Vixility" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/253356/Vixility" target="_blank" title="Vixility">Vixility</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">Wuh-wow !!! That has to be one of the most sensual poems I have read in a long time–if ever! And not at all flagrant or inappropriate. But sexy in the best and most eloquently possible ways. And not to mention: brave!! <br><span id="cmt-more-197061" class="collapse cmt-collapse"><br>Writers of novels don’t have to worry about this like writers of poetry do—the former can elaborate at leisure and in the safe confines of ‘the standard dialect’, while the latter (without falling into vulgarities) have to balance propriety, brevity, and the absolute best metaphorical imagery all while using words and syntax that are foreign and even contradictory to those used by standard dialects. <br><br>All that aside though, I mean … wow, Sue! This poem is fascinating.</span> <a class="cmt-more-link" data-toggle="collapse" href="#cmt-more-197061" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="cmt-more-197061">more »</a></div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="0"></span><span class="cmt-added">6 hours ago</span></div></div></div><ul class="cmt-replies" data-src="197061"><li><div id="comment-197062" class="comment clearfix" data-id="197062" data-ts="1742615248" data-parent="197061"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/253356/Vixility" target="_blank" title="Vixility"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/253356" title="Vixility" alt="Vixility" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/253356/Vixility" target="_blank" title="Vixility">Vixility</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">I’m not sure if you have ever heard of Juan de la Cruz (John of the Cross), but reading your much better and much more modern poem on the connection between sensuality and spiritual salvation (as he might put it) reminded me of his works. <br><span id="cmt-more-197062" class="collapse cmt-collapse"><br>I had to go to the bookshelf to look up the particular work: “The Spiritual Canticle”. He does commentary on the spiritual meaning of his poems—and thank goodness he does. Sample:<br><br>“There he gave me his breast;<br>There he taught me a sweet and living knowledge;<br>And I gave myself to him,<br>Keeping nothing back;<br>There I promised to be his bride.”<br><br>As I mentioned, he breaks down the words to his poems, this one stanza (out of about forty) touches on the mystic’s relationship with God. The whole poem is an experience.</span> <a class="cmt-more-link" data-toggle="collapse" href="#cmt-more-197062" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="cmt-more-197062">more »</a></div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="1"><i class="fas fa-thumbs-up"></i> 1</span><span class="cmt-added">6 hours ago</span></div></div></div></li><li><div id="comment-197063" class="comment clearfix" data-id="197063" data-ts="1742616926" data-parent="197062"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/287968" title="susan.brumel" alt="susan.brumel" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel">susan.brumel</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">The original poem, I’ve since reworked it, was written for a Leonard Cohen poetry contest where the poet was challenged to write a piece comprising<br>Love, Sex and Spirituality. Leonard was known for <span id="cmt-more-197063" class="collapse cmt-collapse">writing pieces that wove the three together, sometimes subtly but sometimes not. I chose the more subtle, metaphorical route to that end. Hmmmm. Maybe not too subtle! It was a lot of fun to write, and yes it took some courage to post it here. But I found the subject so interesting to research and write about. The connection between salvation and sensuality is so profound and provocative! I’m thrilled that you found my work fascinating- as I found your commentary as well! Thank you always, my friend, for your most encouraging words and support. They mean more than you know.</span> <a class="cmt-more-link" data-toggle="collapse" href="#cmt-more-197063" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="cmt-more-197063">more »</a></div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="0"></span><span class="cmt-added">5 hours ago</span></div></div></div></li></ul></li><li><div id="comment-196976" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196976" data-ts="1742556890"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/210314/charlesedwardyork" target="_blank" title="charlesedwardyork"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/210314" title="charlesedwardyork" alt="charlesedwardyork" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/210314/charlesedwardyork" target="_blank" title="charlesedwardyork">charlesedwardyork</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">This is so beautiful-I felt this vibe!</div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="1"><i class="fas fa-thumbs-up"></i> 1</span><span class="cmt-added">22 hours ago</span></div></div></div><ul class="cmt-replies" data-src="196976"><li><div id="comment-196978" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196978" data-ts="1742557382" data-parent="196976"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/287968" title="susan.brumel" alt="susan.brumel" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel">susan.brumel</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">Thank you, Charles.</div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="0"></span><span class="cmt-added">22 hours ago</span></div></div></div></li></ul></li><li><div id="comment-196703" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196703" data-ts="1742399549"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/392255/rameshs.88917" target="_blank" title="rameshs.88917"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/392255" title="rameshs.88917" alt="rameshs.88917" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/392255/rameshs.88917" target="_blank" title="rameshs.88917">rameshs.88917</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">Wow! Ma'am marvelous creativity and mind freshed reading in between the lines of thine's master piece. Yes, sensuousness, sensuality verses spirituality. Like innocence to the experience, physical love, purification and to the Platonic love. After sexual incourse or actualisation of marriage experiences spiritual journey of life or ultimate salvation. Sensuality stands a bridge between physical and emotional hieghtening emotions and deepening intimacy. The beautiful bond of love between lovers is very tactfully compared with natural images like Fire ,Light and Water makes the poem more ornamented. As there is beautiful link between the soul of nature,in the same way true love creates wonderful connection between earthly pleasures and spritual journey.True love satisfies as you mentioned in the line quenched thirst or pursuits of physical especially sexual pleasures and hunger whet means increasing more appetite. <br><span id="cmt-more-196703" class="collapse cmt-collapse">The way sensuality is and spirituality interlinked reflects the maturity of the poetess.In the poem I found sensuality genre of John Milton, John Keats and Mathew Arnold.<br><br>Overall it is magnificent creativity respected Poetess.</span> <a class="cmt-more-link" data-toggle="collapse" href="#cmt-more-196703" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="cmt-more-196703">more »</a></div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="1"><i class="fas fa-thumbs-up"></i> 1</span><span class="cmt-added">2 days ago</span></div></div></div><ul class="cmt-replies" data-src="196703"><li><div id="comment-196812" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196812" data-ts="1742441946" data-parent="196703"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/287968" title="susan.brumel" alt="susan.brumel" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel">susan.brumel</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">I’m so glad this poem resonated with you. Your comments speak to my intentions when I decided to write on the topic. Keats, Milton, Arnold- That my poem brought them to mind for any reason is the ultimate compliment.<br><span id="cmt-more-196812" class="collapse cmt-collapse">Thank you, Ramesh. :-)</span> <a class="cmt-more-link" data-toggle="collapse" href="#cmt-more-196812" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="cmt-more-196812">more »</a></div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="1"><i class="fas fa-thumbs-up"></i> 1</span><span class="cmt-added">2 days ago</span></div></div></div></li><li><div id="comment-196846" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196846" data-ts="1742459929" data-parent="196703"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/392255/rameshs.88917" target="_blank" title="rameshs.88917"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/392255" title="rameshs.88917" alt="rameshs.88917" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/392255/rameshs.88917" target="_blank" title="rameshs.88917">rameshs.88917</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">me too elated as some how I grasped thine's aesthetical vocabulary and little bit able to connect the themes of the poem. Tnx a lot Ma'am.</div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="1"><i class="fas fa-thumbs-up"></i> 1</span><span class="cmt-added">2 days ago</span></div></div></div></li></ul></li><li><div id="comment-196697" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196697" data-ts="1742393904"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/385141/beg_d" target="_blank" title="beg_d"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/385141" title="beg_d" alt="beg_d" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/385141/beg_d" target="_blank" title="beg_d">beg_d</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">I think your poem is a sensual and spiritual celebration of love. And in the course of describing a romantic encounter between lovers, you used an imagery from nature to convey the intensity of their passion... Kudos.<br><span id="cmt-more-196697" class="collapse cmt-collapse"><br>That's if I got the hang of it.</span> <a class="cmt-more-link" data-toggle="collapse" href="#cmt-more-196697" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="cmt-more-196697">more »</a></div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="1"><i class="fas fa-thumbs-up"></i> 1</span><span class="cmt-added">2 days ago</span></div></div></div><ul class="cmt-replies" data-src="196697"><li><div id="comment-196709" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196709" data-ts="1742403542" data-parent="196697"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/287968" title="susan.brumel" alt="susan.brumel" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel">susan.brumel</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful comments. Yes, your interpretation of this piece is a lovely one. I think people glean different things from a poem, which makes poetry writing so enjoyable! <span id="cmt-more-196709" class="collapse cmt-collapse">I appreciate your support of my work.</span> <a class="cmt-more-link" data-toggle="collapse" href="#cmt-more-196709" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="cmt-more-196709">more »</a></div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="0"></span><span class="cmt-added">2 days ago</span></div></div></div></li></ul></li><li><div id="comment-196685" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196685" data-ts="1742390573"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/216698/dawg4jesus" target="_blank" title="dawg4jesus"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/216698" title="dawg4jesus" alt="dawg4jesus" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/216698/dawg4jesus" target="_blank" title="dawg4jesus">dawg4jesus</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">I enjoyed it but you made me blush. Excellent work thank you.</div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="1"><i class="fas fa-thumbs-up"></i> 1</span><span class="cmt-added">2 days ago</span></div></div></div><ul class="cmt-replies" data-src="196685"><li><div id="comment-196686" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196686" data-ts="1742390841" data-parent="196685"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/287968" title="susan.brumel" alt="susan.brumel" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel">susan.brumel</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">I’m happy you enjoyed it- even though it made you blush. ;-)</div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="0"></span><span class="cmt-added">2 days ago</span></div></div></div></li></ul></li><li><div id="comment-196684" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196684" data-ts="1742390117"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/414044/sgtusmcrec0n" target="_blank" title="sgtusmcrec0n"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/414044" title="sgtusmcrec0n" alt="sgtusmcrec0n" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/414044/sgtusmcrec0n" target="_blank" title="sgtusmcrec0n">sgtusmcrec0n</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">Wow Sue. Absolutely breathtaking. I really love how you portray love as a sacred act that unites physical passion with spiritual transcendence. The interplay of fire (passion, energy, divine witness) and water (life, renewal, eternity) suggests that true love is both consuming and nourishing, a force that binds lovers together in a cycle of desire, fulfillment, and eternal devotion.<br><span id="cmt-more-196684" class="collapse cmt-collapse"><br>OUTSTANDING!</span> <a class="cmt-more-link" data-toggle="collapse" href="#cmt-more-196684" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="cmt-more-196684">more »</a></div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="1"><i class="fas fa-thumbs-up"></i> 1</span><span class="cmt-added">2 days ago</span></div></div></div><ul class="cmt-replies" data-src="196684"><li><div id="comment-196687" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196687" data-ts="1742391131" data-parent="196684"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/287968" title="susan.brumel" alt="susan.brumel" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel">susan.brumel</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful commentary, Will.<br>I hoped this poem would be received the way you interpreted it. I’ve been experimenting with more free verse, non rhyming poetry lately, <span id="cmt-more-196687" class="collapse cmt-collapse">so that you like it is very encouraging!</span> <a class="cmt-more-link" data-toggle="collapse" href="#cmt-more-196687" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="cmt-more-196687">more »</a></div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="0"></span><span class="cmt-added">2 days ago</span></div></div></div></li></ul></li><li><div id="comment-196678" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196678" data-ts="1742386171"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/206524/Symmetry60" target="_blank" title="Symmetry60"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/206524" title="Symmetry60" alt="Symmetry60" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/206524/Symmetry60" target="_blank" title="Symmetry60">Symmetry60</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">One of your better pieces for sure. Someone is getting adept at this style of poetry. Very well penned, Miss Brumel. Something to be proud of for sure. I'm off for a cold shower.</div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="1"><i class="fas fa-thumbs-up"></i> 1</span><span class="cmt-added">2 days ago</span></div></div></div><ul class="cmt-replies" data-src="196678"><li><div id="comment-196680" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196680" data-ts="1742388708" data-parent="196678"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/287968" title="susan.brumel" alt="susan.brumel" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel">susan.brumel</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">Thank you for the compliment, and encouraging words…Coming from the master of non-rhymers, I am quite flattered. The theme may look familiar to you. I believe you wrote one too, several months back.<br><span id="cmt-more-196680" class="collapse cmt-collapse">Thank you again, buddy. Enjoy that cold shower. I read they’re very healthy. ;-)</span> <a class="cmt-more-link" data-toggle="collapse" href="#cmt-more-196680" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="cmt-more-196680">more »</a></div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="0"></span><span class="cmt-added">2 days ago</span></div></div></div></li></ul></li><li><div id="comment-196649" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196649" data-ts="1742333934"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/287968" title="susan.brumel" alt="susan.brumel" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel">susan.brumel</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">Thank you so much. I hoped the poem would be read exactly the way you describe it. It wasn’t until after I wrote the first line that I researched what the food of the gods is, and I was pleasantly surprised <span id="cmt-more-196649" class="collapse cmt-collapse">to discover it’s something sweet. In fact, the Mayans believed it to be chocolate! Your thoughtful reviews of my poetry are always encouraging and much appreciated.</span> <a class="cmt-more-link" data-toggle="collapse" href="#cmt-more-196649" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="cmt-more-196649">more »</a></div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="0"></span><span class="cmt-added">3 days ago</span></div></div></div></li><li><div id="comment-196646" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196646" data-ts="1742332543"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/393585/yelskwah" target="_blank" title="yelskwah"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/393585" title="yelskwah" alt="yelskwah" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/393585/yelskwah" target="_blank" title="yelskwah">yelskwah</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">What I appreciate most about this poem is its ability to blend sensuality with spirituality, creating a rich and evocative canvas of imagery. You’ve skillfully used personification, natural symbolism, <span id="cmt-more-196646" class="collapse cmt-collapse">and a sense of ritualistic devotion to create a poem that feels intimate and transcendent. The poem is a testament to the power of love to connect us to the earthly and the divine.</span> <a class="cmt-more-link" data-toggle="collapse" href="#cmt-more-196646" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="cmt-more-196646">more »</a></div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="1"><i class="fas fa-thumbs-up"></i> 1</span><span class="cmt-added">3 days ago</span></div></div></div><ul class="cmt-replies" data-src="196646"><li><div id="comment-196650" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196650" data-ts="1742333971" data-parent="196646"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/287968" title="susan.brumel" alt="susan.brumel" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel">susan.brumel</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">oops. See above.</div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="0"></span><span class="cmt-added">3 days ago</span></div></div></div></li><li><div id="comment-196656" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196656" data-ts="1742342577" data-parent="196650"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/393585/yelskwah" target="_blank" title="yelskwah"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/393585" title="yelskwah" alt="yelskwah" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/393585/yelskwah" target="_blank" title="yelskwah">yelskwah</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">I truly appreciate exceptional poetry, and your work is among the finest I’ve found on poetry.com</div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="1"><i class="fas fa-thumbs-up"></i> 1</span><span class="cmt-added">3 days ago</span></div></div></div></li><li><div id="comment-196658" class="comment clearfix" data-id="196658" data-ts="1742344345" data-parent="196656"><div class="col-xs-2 col-sm-1 no-padding"><div class="cmt-avatar"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel"><img src="https://static.stands4.com/images/user/287968" title="susan.brumel" alt="susan.brumel" loading="lazy" /></a></div></div><div class="col-xs-10 col-sm-11"><div class="cmt-user"><a href="/user/287968/susan.brumel" target="_blank" title="susan.brumel">susan.brumel</a></div><div class="cmt-comment"><div class="cmt-message">Thank you so much, Joel. That’s quite a compliment coming from such a talented writer.</div></div><div class="cmt-actions"><span><span class="cmt-like">Like</span></span><span><span class="cmt-reply" title="Reply">Reply</span></span><span><span title="Report as spam" data-toggle="modal" data-target="#cmt-report-modal" class="cmt-report small"><i class="fa-flag fas"></i></span></span><span class="cmt-likes" data-count="0"></span><span class="cmt-added">3 days ago</span></div></div></div></li></ul></li></ul> </div>  <div class="modal fade" id="cmt-report-modal" tabindex="-1" role="dialog" aria-labelledby="cmt-report-label" aria-hidden="true"> <div class="modal-dialog"> <div class="modal-content"> <div class="modal-header"> <button type="button" class="close" data-dismiss="modal"><span aria-hidden="true">×</span><span class="sr-only">Close</span></button> <h4 class="modal-title" id="cmt-report-label">Report Comment</h4> </div> <div class="modal-body"> <p>We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, 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href="/poem/216941/fire-and-brimstone">FIRE AND BRIMSTONE</a></dt> <dd>by <a href="/poet/Barry+Green+Jr">Barry Green Jr</a></dd> </dl> <div class="sb-add-btn"> <button type="button" class="btn btn-2 primary" onclick="location.href='addpoem.php';">Submit a new Poem</button> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="cblocks"> <div class="cblock fauthors fam-poets"> <hgroup class="clearfix"> <h4>Our favorite collection of</h4> <h3>Famous Poets</h3> </hgroup> <span class="more"><a href="poets.php">»</a></span> <div class="cblock-int"> <ul><li><div class="poet-img"><a href="/poet/Robert+Browning" title="Robert Browning"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/58/Robert_Browning_by_Herbert_Rose_Barraud_c1888.jpg/216px-Robert_Browning_by_Herbert_Rose_Barraud_c1888.jpg" alt="" title="Robert Browning" width="40" loading="lazy"></a></div><div class="poet-infos"><div class="poet-title"><strong><a href="/poet/Robert+Browning">Robert Browning</a></strong></div><div class="poet-dates">1812 - 1889</div></div></li><li><div class="poet-img"><a href="/poet/Samuel+Taylor+Coleridge" title="Samuel Taylor Coleridge"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/SamuelTaylorColeridge.jpg/241px-SamuelTaylorColeridge.jpg" alt="" title="Samuel Taylor Coleridge" width="40" loading="lazy"></a></div><div class="poet-infos"><div class="poet-title"><strong><a href="/poet/Samuel+Taylor+Coleridge">Samuel Taylor Coleridge</a></strong></div><div class="poet-dates">1772 - 1834</div></div></li><li><div class="poet-img"><a href="/poet/Rainer+Maria+Rilke" title="Rainer Maria Rilke"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Rainer_Maria_Rilke_1900.jpg/187px-Rainer_Maria_Rilke_1900.jpg" alt="" title="Rainer Maria Rilke" width="40" loading="lazy"></a></div><div class="poet-infos"><div class="poet-title"><strong><a href="/poet/Rainer+Maria+Rilke">Rainer Maria Rilke</a></strong></div><div class="poet-dates">1875 - 1926</div></div></li><li><div class="poet-img"><a href="/poet/Rudyard+Kipling" title="Rudyard Kipling"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Rudyard_Kipling_(portrait).jpg/225px-Rudyard_Kipling_(portrait).jpg" alt="" title="Rudyard Kipling" width="40" loading="lazy"></a></div><div class="poet-infos"><div class="poet-title"><strong><a href="/poet/Rudyard+Kipling">Rudyard Kipling</a></strong></div><div class="poet-dates">1865 - 1936</div></div></li><li><div class="poet-img"><a href="/poet/Thomas+Hardy" title="Thomas Hardy"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Thomashardy_restored.jpg/207px-Thomashardy_restored.jpg" alt="" title="Thomas Hardy" width="40" loading="lazy"></a></div><div class="poet-infos"><div class="poet-title"><strong><a href="/poet/Thomas+Hardy">Thomas Hardy</a></strong></div><div class="poet-dates">1840 - 1928</div></div></li><li><div class="poet-img"><a href="/poet/Dylan+Thomas" title="Dylan Thomas"><img 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