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  Vixility

  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!!
  
  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.
  
  All that aside though, I mean … wow, Sue! This poem is fascinating. more »

  LikeReply4 hours ago
  • 

    Vixility

    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.
    
    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:
    
    “There he gave me his breast;
    There he taught me a sweet and living knowledge;
    And I gave myself to him,
    Keeping nothing back;
    There I promised to be his bride.”
    
    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. more »

    LikeReply 14 hours ago
  • 

    susan.brumel

    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
    Love, Sex and Spirituality. Leonard was known for 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. more »

    LikeReply3 hours ago
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  charlesedwardyork

  This is so beautiful-I felt this vibe!

  LikeReply 120 hours ago
  • 

    susan.brumel

    Thank you, Charles.

    LikeReply20 hours ago
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  rameshs.88917

  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.
  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.
  
  Overall it is magnificent creativity respected Poetess. more »

  LikeReply 12 days ago
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    susan.brumel

    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.
    Thank you, Ramesh. :-) more »

    LikeReply 12 days ago
  • 

    rameshs.88917

    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.

    LikeReply 11 day ago
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  beg_d

  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.
  
  That's if I got the hang of it. more »

  LikeReply 12 days ago
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    susan.brumel

    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! I appreciate your support of my work. more »

    LikeReply2 days ago
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  dawg4jesus

  I enjoyed it but you made me blush. Excellent work thank you.

  LikeReply 12 days ago
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    susan.brumel

    I’m happy you enjoyed it- even though it made you blush. ;-)

    LikeReply2 days ago
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  sgtusmcrec0n

  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.
  
  OUTSTANDING! more »

  LikeReply 12 days ago
  • 

    susan.brumel

    Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful commentary, Will.
    I hoped this poem would be received the way you interpreted it. I’ve been experimenting with more free verse, non rhyming poetry lately, so that you like it is very encouraging! more »

    LikeReply2 days ago
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  Symmetry60

  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.

  LikeReply 12 days ago
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    susan.brumel

    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.
    Thank you again, buddy. Enjoy that cold shower. I read they’re very healthy. ;-) more »

    LikeReply2 days ago
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  susan.brumel

  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 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. more »

  LikeReply3 days ago
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  yelskwah

  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, 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. more »

  LikeReply 13 days ago
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    susan.brumel

    oops. See above.

    LikeReply3 days ago
  • 

    yelskwah

    I truly appreciate exceptional poetry, and your work is among the finest I’ve found on poetry.com

    LikeReply 13 days ago
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    susan.brumel

    Thank you so much, Joel. That’s quite a compliment coming from such a talented writer.

    LikeReply3 days ago