To Live Greatly, Without Fear of Death

A sonnet I had to write for class. Not a big fan of the genre, but I thought this would be neat for a change. This was a response to a piece by John Keats, although, the title of that piece has escaped me at the moment.

To Live Greatly, Without Fear of Death
James Horsley

When in the morn your eyes first glimpse the sun
    Your mind collects its senses, dull with sleep
Know who you are, exactly where you stand
    And death shall never be a threat again
Your Human Spirit cannot be undone
    Throughout misfortunes, hardships you may reap
Nurture those you love, keep them close at hand
   Your legacy on earth shall be retained
Life’s a thing to love, and be lived boldly
   To feed the soul and serve your fellow man
That when death comes, descends upon you coldly
   Your Spirit is safe from his icy brand
And men shall sing your outstanding story
   You’ve achieved self-fulfillment and undying glory

Author's Note

I'm well aware of how cheesy this comes across, but I'll never claim to a master of this genre. Even so, this is sort of my manifesto for life.

Reviews

[Wildfleour]

I don't think it's cheesy. I think it's true (okay, maybe a little cheesy!)

You write very well for 17!!!!

[Luqman Qadi]

You have unestimated this piece young man. "Cheesy"? Not by a long shot." Know who you are, exactly where you stand
And death shall never be a threat again
Your Human Spirit cannot be undone
Throughout misfortunes, hardships you may reap
Nurture those you love, keep them close at hand." This is divine revelation young brother.

Luqman

[An Ordinary Woman]

This isn't cheesy, not even one little bit. I was rather speechless as I read, holding a cup of coffee to my mouth and thinking I'd take a sip but never quite making it. Your one heck of a poet, James Horsley.

Good things are headed your way, be ready for it. You amaze me ever time I visit. Wow.

[Amanda Crandall]

I love sonnets, I really do. I like the fearless theme in the poem, its almost inspirational good job.

[Emily B]

You've done much better with the form than I would have . . . it's not cheesy. For me it is just too hard to rhyme without sounding nursery-rhymish. Great job. Looking forward to seeing more of your works come back.