Remembering Keats

Author's Note

Remembering one of my favorite poets upon the anniversary of his death, in 1821.

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I love Keats. I can't think of a poet that I don't enjoy though from Browning to Donne. There's just so much poetry to read and the treasure trove keeps growing like ripples expanding in the pond of consciousness. We throw in a pebble of thought and get waves of inspiration. I read the collected poems of D.H. Lawrence over a few weeks and my final impression was the perfect imperfection of it all. His work embodied the duality of mankind so well, faith, doubt, anger, joy, lust, piety...it's all in there as it is in each of us. Now I look for those aspects in the works I read; I don't try to reconcile one thought or belief with another anymore. Because I've learned that opposing views exist in all of us; love, hate, fear, courage, joy, melancholy, anxiety, depression, brokenness, wholeness...we are completely incomplete. I understand Keats longing for another Spring. I find myself longing for the same. In fact, I wake each day wondering if there will be tomorrow. But it isn't mine to know. I'll just have to satisfy my curiosity with my existence in the here and now. It gets harder every day.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Keats died from tuberculosis on February 23, 1821 at the age of 25 in Rome. I read on Wikipedia that his autopsy revealed his lungs had almost disintegrated. This quote is from a poem I wrote, learning how Keats longed for another spring. I think it stands well on its own. Thank you, Fabian!

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Many great poets died young. I recall the line from Keats. Keats at 25, Lord Byron died at 36, Shelley at 29, Emily Bronte at 30. Plath died early too but by her own hand. You're most welcome, always a pleasure.

[Kelly Scheppers]

That was the tragedy of it all, that they each had such a brief life. Do you believe Hemingway took his life, or was it an accident?

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Hemingway, I believe, was a suicide. But Jack London was an definitely an accident.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

London was suffering kidney or renal failure and he was taking more morphine for pain which exacerbated his kidney failure. He could have recovered had it not been for the misdiagnosis of his physician. He had dysentery and was an alcoholic, his liver and kidneys were shot from previous bouts of scurvy. London was forty, far from being an old man.

[Relic]

I've never delved into keats. Come to think of it, I've never delved into anyone except maybe frost or Poe. I'll make sure I investigate him soon.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Promise me, if he doesn't appeal to you, you'll still be a fan...of mine? Lol, thanks Tim!

[Relic]

haha, I promise. :)

[W. Barrett Munn]

Lovely. I think Keats would approve.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Out of the dozen or so poems I've written about Keats, this is truly my most favorite! Thank you, Winston. I'd like to think he would approve!

[Shannon]

How refreshing; I cruise through the poetry here and often am left rather cold… I’m going to have to look at more of your work. I’m glad I ran into it… Writer’s Cafe was starting to leave me a lil disappointed.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I am so deeply flattered by your response. I've been here nearly fourteen years this September, and I've always been grateful for the friendships I've made. You may not see my name top any honored lists here, but I don't mind being the underdog. I am so fortunate in so many other ways. Thank you for making a difference for this poet!

[Betty Hermelee]

A lovely tribute to a great poet; I like the way you wrote on the photo. The words are soft, and caring. the presentation is great.
Best, B

[Kelly Scheppers]

Keats has been a major influence on my writing through the years, and this one is my treasure. I am thrilled you discovered it. Thank you, Betty!

[Coyote Poetry]

This is so wonderful dear Kelly. I love the ancient writers. I try to read them daily. I hope you are doing well nd staying safe.
Coyote

[Kelly Scheppers]

I am well, thank you, John. I had some difficulties with accessing my account, but thanks to Charlie, I think everything is working smoothly once again. So thrilled you loved this piece - it's very dear to me. Be well, stay safe, my friend.

[Coyote Poetry]

You stay safe too dear Kelly and you are welcome.

[Ruth]

Ah, Kelly :) Always wonderful to read you when I pop back here :) A wonderful beauty of a piece...you have a way of delivering such wonderment in your conveyance x

[Kelly Scheppers]

Forgive me for being lost in my embarrassment, for not acknowledging this earlier. I deeply appreciate the kindness of your words. Thank you, Ruth!

[Beccy]

A wonderful tribute, to a wonderful poet. I grew up reading the English Romantic poets; absolutely adored, and still do adore their work. I have all of Keats work, read him and other poets of that time regularly, and I confess they have great influence on me.

Imagine the volume of work Keats would have accomplished had it not been for his so very early death. He deserved so many more springs than he was granted.

Beccy.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I wholeheartedly agree with you, Beccy. His work has had such an influence on me through the years. He truly deserved many more springs.

[Pete]

great tribute, cleverly weaved with class. beautiful sentiments, deep with emotion - words just float off the page in a dimension of their own ... :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your reviews always wiggle their way into my heart. Thank you, Pete!

[Neville]

You ma'am have one hell of a gift and though remote.. when you do write, you have a warmth, both real and bright

Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art—
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night
And watching, with eternal lids apart...

He certainly was darn good wasn't he...

Neville

[Kelly Scheppers]

...there you go again, giving me chills! Thank you, my friend from a distant shore!

[Neville]

most welcome and true..