
birds fly through the sky
as in my heart our love always resides
flittering
and mistaking a beat or two
for a remedy made of oranges that are blue
in an afternoon of love-making
combined with two souls partaking
in each other, hand in hand
and as I gasp, before the rendering is complete
a task comes true
and
as I transfix my gaze in a helios of pain
I remember the love of yours that always comes through
to me, from you
-JEFF FLESCH
Jeff grew up in Los Angeles, and now lives in Corvallis, Oregon, where he works in Educational Leadership. Jeff’s interests and passions include personal and professional development, developing new ways to increase access to higher education, and creating inspiration, transformation, and more equity throughout society. Visit Develop. Inspire. Transform. to read more of his thoughts and writing.

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Jeff’s writing offers a beautiful glance at love and its totality. There’s much warmth and passionate intimacy that only two lovers can experience and share. But where there is goodness, pain may not be far. But the wholesome feeling of once having been loved and having loved is far more surreal than one can imagine.
Congratulations Jeff!
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Thank you for all that you do, and for your insightful reflections and acknowledgements, Terveen. They are super meaningful to me as is being here each month.
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A beautiful poem Jeff. Congratulations
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Thank you so much, Sadje.
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You’re welcome ☺️
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Sometimes, love and pain, exist together, and, we simply can’t experience one fully, without the existence, or presence of the, other.
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That is wise, and exactly so; I completely agree with you. Thank you for your insightful reflection, and for being here, my friend.
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So beautiful , Jeff. Wonderful piece.💕
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Thank you so much, dear Grace. I’m delighted to know you enjoyed it.💕
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I sure did. My pleasure 💕
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This piece is particularly beautiful Jeff. It truly reaches out to many. Full of such strong love and then pain. They are often intwined. The bitter with the sweet. Gorgeous writing, blessings to you Jeff, hugs Joni
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Thank you so much, Joni. Your words are precious to me. I agree with you about love and pain, they do often go together. Blessings to you too my friend. Big hugs.
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You are so welcome. It is a pleasure to read you. Big hugs, Joni
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Excellent work, congratulations Jeff!
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Thank you so much, Ingrid!
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Loving the emotion and raw imagery in this lovely narrative that flows to a gentle end!
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Thank you so much, Jaya!!
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Always stunning
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Thank you so much, dear Bella.
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Beautiful imagery Jeff and these words in particular:
“for a remedy made of oranges that are blue”
Love takes us to many places of joy and pain relatable on many levels. Well done! 💖👏
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Thank you so much, Cindy! I’m so happy that line resonated with you, and I completely agree with you about joy and pain. So true. Thank you again! 💕💕
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It’s my pleasure Jeff! You said it and I just clapped! 💖
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The oaths of love bind us in beautiful combinations like blues and oranges but also seem to be capable of causing pain in their connectivity. Your poem seems to capture these opposites are connected, but also how it is the love that will shine through. Thoughtful and warm as usual, Jeff. 💜 Thank you for sharing these words.
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Your reflections are always insightful, and meaningful to me. Indeed, these opposites are connected, always, and love does shine through regardless. Eloquent and wise, are you. Thank you so much, K. 💜
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You are most welcome.
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Beautiful poem! Loved the sublime lines and the varied imagery! This is lovely: ‘for a remedy made of oranges that are blue’!
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That makes me smile deeply. Thank you so much, Dominic!
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My pleasure Jeff!
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a remedy made of oranges that are blue – this is exquisitely beautiful Jeff!! The deepest love brings the deepest pain – your poetry brings this so very beautifully!!!
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I agree with you wholeheartedly and completely, Pragalbha. It’s so true that the deepest love also brings the deepest pain. Wonderfully stated. Thank you so much always for your lovely words!
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Ah this made me teared up Jeff …remembering the love despite of the pain.
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Oh, thank you so much, Mich. Your comment has touched my heart.
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Congratulations Jeff. Love shines through the pain… lovely poem 💖
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“for a remedy made of oranges that are blue” 💚
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Congratulations, Jeff! Love and psin beautifully interwoven. ❤️
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Ahh, what beautiful sentiments are expressed here. Lucky is the girl who receives them, Jeff.
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