As Quiet River Runs (Licentia Rhyme)

While ancient stones carried with snow melt go by
Still my form did quiet starling's lonely cry
Gnarled log my canopy dimpled in the sun
Dreams captured the day as quiet river runs
Feathers of wind tickled my sleep, you are there
As you always were, hint of gold in your hair
On the bank I held you, kissed away your tears
As if forever held no place in our fears
Lazy slumber lingered with our warm embrace
On fragrant bed of Violets and Queen Anne's lace
You were laughing, we sent wishes to the sky
We never knew those seedlings carried our goodbye

Oh the Springtime, when our love had just begun
Recall memories as quiet river runs
Sleep has gone, love has flown, drifting in the breeze
Wild geese cry in sympathy above bare trees
Vernal chill invades this trembling shattered heart
Skeletal branches plead for another start
Quiet river swells, a melancholy song
Remainders of a feeling, now love has gone
Wild flower remnants lie dry beneath my feet
"Please return"- repeats in every anguished beat
Clouds aloft bring home what I cannot deny
Change has come as snowflakes dance in Winter sky

A walk into the void, what's left of you there
Can still close my eyes and see gold in your hair
Quiet river silent, waiting for the Spring
As I, for dandelion wishes to bring
Waiting for violets and lost starling's song
Willing you to this bank, back where you belong
To lie safe in my arms and feel the new grass
Feeling at home when you are with me at last
Our quiet river will flow soft as before
On to forever to be lonely no more
And we'll be laughing, watching clouds floating by
To see dreams and wishes we've cast to the sky

The Licentia Rhyme Form, is a poetic form created by Laura Lamarca, consists of at least 3 x 12-line stanzas with 11 syllables per line.

The poem can be elongated by adding on to the following rhyme scheme:

aabbccddeeAA
BBffgghhiiAA
CCjjkkllmmAA