Bright Star

Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art-

In constant twinkle, ever with my nose

Towards the north and with my ardent heart

A feather of delight through highs and lows.

Would I could have some compass and command,

Lest be enthralled by belles dames sans merci;

Or hold so warm and capable a hand

When I have fears that I may cease to be.

A melody unheard may sweeter sound,

Yet what’s unseen would often go unfound;

A cricket must on tiptoe tread the ground,

For there are sleeping dragons all around.

Four seasons fill the measure of the year,

And I, drear-nighted, strive to persevere.

-EDP

Reviews

[Ty]

This is great! 'Yet what's unseen would often go unfound'. Excellence.

[emipoemi]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[H L Rose]

I really liked your use of “would I were” and “would I could”, the poem as a whole is beautiful, and I felt these lines come off as especially beautiful.

I liked the whole feeling and imagery of the poem wth all the aspects that make the reader imagine a stary night setting. Especially the mention of the “cricket”.

“Sleeping dragons” also caught my eye, and added a bit of tension.

I really enjoy reading it!

[emipoemi]

Thank you so much! This is what I like to call a Homage poem, because it actually pays homage to the poet who originally wrote many lines that I reference in this poem in order to create my narrative. So the narrative is mine, but many of the lines are technically not, and if you know your poets, you should be able to guess who the homage is for. Glad you enjoyed it.

[H L Rose]

I admit I’m pretty new to the poetry scene. I’ve heard of John Keats before, but never retained any of his pieces since I didn’t care a whole lot for poetry prior to a few months ago.
But I’ve just read “La Belle Dame Sans Merci”, and do see the resemblance.

I like the idea of paying homage to a poem like this.

[emipoemi]

It's not the homage to the poem itself, it's a homage to Keats (so they're are 10 references in total to Keats's work.....for those who want the challenge of finding all of them).

You can make a homage poem yourself, if you're interested....it's very simple: Choose an artist and write a poem using as many of their lines as possible (form doesn't matter).

[H L Rose]

I might just take you up on both those challenges. I like a good scavenger hunt, and am always looking for interesting poetry types.

[Heather]

This is beautiful! I love the message of turning towards nature for direction. And the imagery...it is breathtaking to say the very least. I could read it over and over and find something new to love about it. You're an amazing poet : )

[emipoemi]

Thank you so much! I have Keats to thank for that one. He served as the main inspiration. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Heather]

I can see and appreciate the Romantic influence. Great job!

[emipoemi]

Again, thank you.

[Emere]

A melody unheard may sweeter sound,
Yet what’s unseen would often go unfound;
A cricket must on tiptoe tread the ground,
For there are sleeping dragons all around.

Amazing. I'm going to put it on my wall.

[emipoemi]

Your FB wall!!

[emipoemi]

......apparently the rest of my comment failed to go through.....the above should continue on and say "What an honour! Thank you! Make sure to give credit where it's due ;) Glad you enjoyed it.

[Emere]

Absolutely

[poetgurl (Plainly Meg)]

would I could have some compass and command,
Lest be enthralled by belles dames sans merci;

I really like this part of this write,
very nicely written

[emipoemi]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[Manel]

i like it thank you for sharing it with us

[emipoemi]

Thanks for reading. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Lola Positive]

Really lovely, I really like the flow!

[emipoemi]

Thank you. Much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed it