Paper Poetry prompt response

Remain Forever

thanks to Rumi

“Except for love, nothing will remain forever.”

Corpses decay; souls will not rot, not ever.

Remember how you thought that you would never

find your soulmate? Heartbreak’s harsh bleak lessons teach:

“Give it all up. Your sad hope will never reach

another’s heart.” Then you see her tender smile.

Her eyes find yours. Their light shines forever miles.

Now fifty years you’ve walked earth with your love dear.

Your bodies age. Wrinkles deep, you have no fear,

for love’s warm light illuminates that darkling night.

~ Wry Welwood 13th of February 2022

Written in response to Paper Poetry prompt 1/29/2022. Italicized opening stanza written by Rumi. attention: Indubala Kachhawa. attention: Carolyn Hastings. attention: Suntonu Bhadra.

Form improvised for this prompt, named “Paper form”.