love lives in each heartbeat
and breath
we take, regardless of past
mistakes
and the pain we rake
like mist
that takes me on a trip down memory lane
and into the fiery lake
I transpire.
lingering on the petal of a flower
and, within an hour?
clarity becomes truth
just like the love, I feel for 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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MasticadoresIndia // Editora: Terveen Gill 
Jeff writes of past love and heartache. It is a constant that remains and often returns in the form of memories, some sweet, some bitter. Silencing the mind allows the heart to find its way and realise the feelings that reside in the depths of one’s being. A promise to cherish each moment.
Congratulations Jeff!
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Thank you so much for the lovely reflection and acknowledgment, Terveen. I’m honored.
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Congratulations Jeff. A beautiful take on love and it’s pain.
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Thank you so much, Sadje.
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You’re welcome my friend
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Congratulations , Jeff. So beautiful .💕
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Thank you so much, dear Grace. 💞
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My pleasure 💕
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Well done, Jeff. What a fascinating and otherworldly piece. As always, nature finds its way into your poetry, and we readers are all the better for it. Truly masterful writing, good sir! 🙂
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That’s so kind; thank you so much, Mike! I’m honored. 😊
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Congratulations, Jeff! Beautiful piece💛👏🏼
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Thank you so much, Deeksha! 💛✨
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Jeff, beautifully expressed! Many congratulations. ❤️
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I’m so happy you think so; thank you so much, Punam. ❤️
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Lovely piece and I really like the simplicity of the words which make a powerful and visual statement. Love and hugs my friend, Joni
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Thank you so much, Joni. I’m so happy you enjoyed it. Love and hugs, my friend.
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A gorgeous reframing of pain and past mistakes into clarity and love. ✨💖 A lovely poetic reflection, Jeff. 🌳
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Thank you so much, Michele. ✨💖 I’m so happy to know you enjoyed it. 🌳
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Another beautiful piece, with an exquisite image that paints the fiery lake in all its glory/.. Such a wonderful title..exciting and your thoughts are full of love and understanding.. I felt a sudden wave of peace, when I finished your last line Jeff…❤️
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Aww, thank you so much for this gorgeous reflection and acknowledgment, Karima. ❤️
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A baptism of sorts. The sense that if we are still we can indeed find the answers we seek. The fiery lake that mirror’s the heart’s fire. A wonderful reminder that there is indeed time for reflection and being even when we feel that our lives are in perpetual motion. This one makes me miss sunrises over the water, as well. Beautiful poem, Jeff. Thank you for sharing it with us.
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Ahh, I love this idea of a baptism of sorts. Such a wonderful reflection, as always. I’m honored. Thank you so much, K. 💜
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You’re very welcome, Jeff.💜
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So beautiful Jeff! Wonderful poem! You understand the workings of the mind and heart!
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Beautiful piece, Jeff. We are but love ❤
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A lovely poem with love’s gift holding us in the softness of the petals of the rose that we float on in our darkest times. Nicely done Jeff. Congratulations!
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Beautiful poem! I love the final reflection: “clarity becomes truth/ just like the love, I feel for you”. Congratulations!
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Congratulations, dear friend! Your poem is beautiful and the line of true love lingering on a flower petal, l feel that, such a beautiful and profound image. 🙏🏽👏💝
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