The HIGH ROAD.... (Poets-ALL)

English Sonnet ~ In homage to our poets’ hearts, comes Winter nigh.

The HIGH ROAD....

Upon the page plays dappled moon-kissed light;
aged pen in hand drawn full with lifetime’s ink,
awaiting schemes from poets’ sanguine plight,
yet full - the parchment ever thirsts for drink.
Tho, paradox works up to paradigm,
with Paradise our hope along the way;
assured we are, that rhythm leads to rhyme ...
while wordsmiths pack their verses on a sleigh.
Before us waits the high road cloaked ‘neath snow.
Let’s harness-up the cache and soon depart.
We’ll find our dreams, for who’s to doubt they’re so;
whilst beckons - every kindred poet’s heart.
Thus, we’ll sing full each song of life’s spent years;
then, spiel our verse by naught but grateful tears.

Richard W. Jenkins
©2017

Author's Note

Paintings courtesy of Google images:
The SLED RIDE, by Leonard Wintorowski, 1916, oil on canvas.
The SLEIGH RIDE, by Alfred von Wierusz Kowalski, 1878, oil on board.

Verse I (Pose or Situation)
Verse II (Definition or Focus)
Verse III (Turn or Volta)
Heroic Couplet (Key or Solution)

Well-meant, constructive critique is always welcomed! : )

Reviews

[Susan 🦋]

Truly a beautiful sonnet Richard! Iv'e read it several times, just to soak in all your wonderful wording. I am particulary drawn to "yet full - the parchment ever thirsts for drink" I'm loving this line..I dont know why. The Sonnet plays out in my mind..lifetimes ink,parchment thirsty for drink...to a traveling wordsmith.. don't all poets hold dreams in their hearts? :-) and knowing the joy our dreams and writings have...ahhh BIG hug for you!..smiling and pondering your words again..

[Richard🖌]

I did not know you read this one, Susan, : )
That is a rather nice line you've highlighted, it's one of my favs, too. I think it might be because we can relate to what it's like to have a full well, yet still thirst.
It think you must be right, Susan … all the poets I know do seem to hold dreams in their hearts.

Big hugs reciprocated, Lovely Poetess, and many thanks, too! ⁓ Richard : )

[Susan 🦋]

:-) i read all your work... sometimes slow on the review :-/ working on that..

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

There can be miracles...if you believe, where dreams come true and thoughts find home in memories sought out on carpet rides and in the wake of the tide... we journey on .. yearning , learning and never doubting that fairytales come true within the rhythm becoming rhyme🌹

[Richard🖌]

Within the universe of a poet's mind all things are possible, and is this not the wonderment of sharing poet to poet those miraculous imaginings that gift life such blissful dreams to dance on?

Kelly, it is truly a pleasure to receive your lovely, insightful words in review … a warm thank you hug! ⁓ Richard : )

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

Only a pleasure kind sir🌹

[Mirror]

"We’ll find our dreams, for who’s to doubt they’re so;
whilst beckons - every kindred poet’s heart."

The touch of ol' fashion English gave me a feel why i loved Literature so much in College. And the two lines above is a great tribute for all writers. thank you for such a great write.

[Richard🖌]

Bless you for your wonderfully gratifying appreciation and compliments to an olde bard's humble ramblings.
I am so happy you like this one the way you do.

Many thanks, my friend! ⁓ Richard : )

[lightsong]

I remember when I first read it on WN I was so touched that it inspired me inside to write a poem, the key of this poem is within the last two words, (grateful tears), gentle grateful tears, because this how I felt from the first word until the last one, yearning and hopes, cold loneliness, and I keep imaging an old Bard standing high, looking down as the rush of memories sweep with sadness inside his poetic heart, until the heat of his tears warm his cold wrinkled cheeks.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Dear GH, ever-so warmly and gratefully.
Yes, I belong to so many sites it's complicated to recall which ones I've posted what to, and those, like Writer's Network, that just closed, my work will be remembered only by those like you I've proudly served with and shared our poetry together … I am so glad you came to the Café, so others may enjoy your special kind brilliance I've know for years.
How keenly observant of you to have found the two words that are at the core of this one, but you always have had a knack for understanding my humble little efforts so clearly ; it's one of the reasons I've always enjoyed sharing poetry and reviews with you.
Your interpretation of the olde bard, too, is closer than one might think.

Thank you most warmly, Dear Poetess … most gracious hugs to you! ⁓ Richard : )

[lightsong]

Always my joyous pleasure! The fact Your Sonnet at that time has inspired the image of the olde Bard that the main theme of my poem was about him, I will look for it and send it to You, but sure it needs lots of editing now lol

[Richard🖌]

Ohhh, I can barely wait! : D

[heavenscentgirl1]

Another beautifully penned Sonnet from the Master Poet himself.

Richard, the connection you make of your words with this perfectly selected picture brings forth a very peaceful feeling to this reader. A true Masterpiece Sir!

Thanks for sharing your beautiful talent with us my dear friend.

Take care and have a wonderful week.

Blessings,
~ mj

[Richard🖌]

Well, Mary Jo,
You've certainly lost none of your knack for making me blush, but the ways in which you slather with appreciative accolades, it's a happy blush, indeed! ; )
I, too, thought the paintings helped set an appropriate mood and moment for the poem … it's lovely to know we see eye-to-eye.

You are so very welcome, Dear Poetess; it has been a pleasure … thankful hugs to you! ⁓ Richard : )

[heavenscentgirl1]

You’re welcome and it’s always my pleasure to read your words.

[J. J. Nightingale]

Oh my,, love the ART ..

"We’ll find our dreams, for who’s to doubt they’re so; whilst beckons - every kindred poet’s heart."

Favorite line.. if that is the correct term..

Very well done !!!...

JAZZY..

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Dear Jasmine! : )
Aren't those paintings amazing … I so truly wish I had those level of skills with a brush.

What wonderfully representative favorite lines you've highlighted to best express this poem's essence, M'Lady … I wholly concur with your apt choice.

I thank you ever-so humbly and gratefully for selecting this piece to read and review, and for the thoughtfully encouraging compliment, too … hugs to You! ⁓ Richard : )

[J. J. Nightingale]

You are welcome kind Sir....HUGS.................♥