LIFE’S SONG Beneath grayed cloak the evergreens reach high
to drink from air, their needles weighted full.
Limbs supple, softer than an unborn sigh,
subdued in mist, give way to Nature’s pull.
At night, soft whispers you may nigh hear of …
o' do not fear and turn to run from such;
for, only ‘tis the kiss of winds above
in chilling flight … upon life’s lips, its touch.
Amidst those mists and shadows lies a shrine
of vine-made arbors … gravestones for the dead.
An angel stands its guard, by Death’s design,
that peaceful comfort wroughts when life has fled.
Should thee soar high, between that angel’s wings,
hold tight with faith;then, hear the song life sings.
I like everything about this piece, from the word choice, to its softness, and quiet understanding of the interplay of nature, life, and death -- the earthly and the spiritual -- it is so warm and comforting, something I would hope to achieve within the context of a sonnet.
Posted 7 Years Ago
2 of 2 people found this review constructive.
7 Years Ago
KL,
I can reasonably expect your poetic potential to one day eclipse the skill it took to com.. read moreKL,
I can reasonably expect your poetic potential to one day eclipse the skill it took to compose this piece, and I sincerely believe your aptitude is such that it will.
Yes, the Sonnet is one of the most versatile of all poetic forms, allowing great latitude to those whom master it.
Your take on this piece is genuinely reassuring; for, every nuance of your comments speaks it voice clearly and concisely.
it is so earnestly rewarding to share with those whom best "get it"! ⁓ Richard
As I read this beautiful poetry where you skilfully and lovingly thread Nature's magnificence, the ephemeral gift of life and the soft, restful oblivion of death in one thread, I cannot but also marvel at the depth and beauty of the message you imprint upon my spirit, that one must tarry, persevere in faith for brief is the song of life and it must be sung to its fullest before earning that well deserved rest. Brings to mind, my favorite verse from the Holy Bible:
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" - 2 Timothy 4:7-8
It is wonderful, M'Dear Lady Divya,
to have you select this particular piece to read and shar.. read moreIt is wonderful, M'Dear Lady Divya,
to have you select this particular piece to read and share your thoughts and feeling on … of all our poems we've shared of each other's, enjoyed, and found meaning in, I am truly happy you've found this one.
The embracing ways you possess in your beautiful mind, heart, and emotional tenderness to fulfill a bard's earnest hopes of pleasing [at least] one of his readers, and whom could be more suitable than You to thusly bless him.
From the core essence of your keen understanding words, there is no doubt we've connected through this unusually rare verse on a deeply meaningful level, and the Bible verse you selected assures just how thoroughly you've grasped, appreciated, and bonded with my own mind, heart, and emotion.
What more could a hopeful bard ask?
Bless you for blessing me, Dear Divya … my happiest hugs! ⁓ Richard : )
5 Years Ago
Happiest hugs to you my friend. Its a priviledge and a pleasure to connect with you, learn from you .. read moreHappiest hugs to you my friend. Its a priviledge and a pleasure to connect with you, learn from you and to have your appreciation ⚘❤
I don't know why I thought that I've reviewed this one before? I was surprised to see that I didn't.
I believe this one of Your most brilliant masterpieces, the language, the hidden messages, the mystic and awe mysterious feelings which haunt us deep, just perfect to Your subject, there are many poems about life and death, but I don't think I ever read a one as comprehensive as this one, with Your ever own deep wisdom and gentleness, the uniqueness of this poem stands high, someone who is going though hardships can read it, someone who is just living can read it, someone who is dying can read it, and someone who is wanting to end his life can read it too... all will find a certain comfort in it, what I like the most about Your ending that to me it was like You left the choice to the reader weather they want to end their life or not, BUT You showed both ways, that in each there is solace... even on the death bed, even in death, I don't like when people judge those who ended their lives, that they are going to be punished on hell or etc... I don't EVER believe in that, they wanted to end their pains, only their pains.
There is always pain, as there is always hope, there is always despair, as there is always faith, don't fear what life hides, just open Your heart and mind, and listen, feel... see what all around of wonderment there is, Nature, the ever prim wonderment is a haven for You, a green bud that is slowly growing, it grows even at night, in the darkness, it sings softly to You, the wondrous song of living, of surviving.
a true wondrous poem, from a true wondrous Syr Poet ✨
Posted 5 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
5 Years Ago
There's scant doubt that over the years we've known each other you've read this piece many times, al.. read moreThere's scant doubt that over the years we've known each other you've read this piece many times, always, I am sure, meaning to review it for me, but i too, know what it's like to immerse myself into a work that hits deeply and not feeling the moment is right to adequately express it … or, that's the gist of what I relate to with you.
To receive such beautifully impacting depth of meaning and interpretation from your insightful mind, heart, and soul was well worth the wait, M'Dear.
Thank you ever-so warmly and sincerely … your dedicated, ever grateful, bard! ⁓ Richard x0x
5 Years Ago
Yes, I know it, I know that I've read it, and I do recognize/ed it, but I thought I've reviewed it b.. read moreYes, I know it, I know that I've read it, and I do recognize/ed it, but I thought I've reviewed it before, though You are so correct, sometime You just feel it's not the time to review...
Surely, You are more than deeply and warmly welcome.
I am wondering how easy it was for you to write this one or how long it took you. Did you torture yourself over the the rhyme of "of" and "above"? The rhyme sounds good, but doesn't look good. I'm just picking on a little thing cause I have nothing else. Upon first reading it felt almost conversational and I read it as I would a blank-verse poem. I didn't pay attention to the rhymes until the third reading. I would say your sonnet had, to me, a many layered feeling to it. I know it ceases to be a sonnet without the rhymes, but you could have replaced each end word and it still would be a relevant work. I believe your word choices were great, but I am going to have to give you a thumbs down on the your choice of font. You do not have permission to judge my font choices though, I am fully aware they are boring. If you want a good laugh, check out a picture of a sonnet I wrote when I was nineteen that I recently found among my Navy things. It's in my photos and some of the word choices are beyond me. Ah youth.
BTW....You knew this was a good poem. Talk at you later. CD
Posted 5 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
5 Years Ago
Hi, CD!
Happy Sunday, My Friend. : )
Yes, I knew this is a good poem, and I knew you w.. read moreHi, CD!
Happy Sunday, My Friend. : )
Yes, I knew this is a good poem, and I knew you would, too, in the effort to allow you grace in recanting the statement I know you could not have really meant, being the accomplished poet I know you to be … LOL!
A keen observation on the "of/above", as it felt almost contrived at first blush, but seemed tolerable in retrospect.
This one is a handful of poems I've composed by inspiration from a picture … admittedly, it struck something deep enough in my gut needing expression. In those rare instances I've done this, I never have been able to figure why, … it just seems too abstract for logic.
I cannot disagree with you that it could easily be as impactful if it were Blank Verse, though, I never considered that until your thoughts.
Amazingly, this wok flowed easily out from somewhere beyond myself, from some source I don't entirely understand.
Your Sonnet sounds interesting … I'll be sure to take a look-see and comment comment.
Thank you so much, CD, for your good nature in tolerating me … LOL! ⁓ Richard : )
Oh my goodness, how beautiful is this, so soft it melted my soul, loved the comforting thoughts this poem brings
Posted 5 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
5 Years Ago
Beautiful reviewing, Madeira,
Ever now and again a bard will receive such an entreating accol.. read moreBeautiful reviewing, Madeira,
Ever now and again a bard will receive such an entreating accolade of praise and appreciation he can't help smiling inside with a warming glow … like now.
"Melted my soul" … sighhh!
Thank you most sincerely, kind lady-poet ⁓ Richard
Many thanks selecting this piece to read and review, for your inspiring compliment, and for a helpin.. read moreMany thanks selecting this piece to read and review, for your inspiring compliment, and for a helping hand with that wayward oh/o'.
Blessings to ya! ⁓ Richard : )
6 Years Ago
You're very welcome. This is shades of 18th century poetry. None of that self-indulgent crap people .. read moreYou're very welcome. This is shades of 18th century poetry. None of that self-indulgent crap people call poetry nowadays.
6 Years Ago
Things tend to change to suit the times … some good, some not so good.
Thank you again.
As usual, your poetry is stunning. The imagery is surreal and placement of metaphors with the meter is admirable. Wunderbar!!
Posted 6 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
6 Years Ago
A huge thank you, Dear Malika! : )
Your words of expressed appreciation and praise more than .. read moreA huge thank you, Dear Malika! : )
Your words of expressed appreciation and praise more than gratify my humble efforts to compose and share for the enjoyment of others.
The song of life, beautiful the poem is full and weighted with thought and images
Posted 6 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
6 Years Ago
Cherrie,
You're as a sigh, so soft and warm unto a bard's hopeful desires … to share and p.. read moreCherrie,
You're as a sigh, so soft and warm unto a bard's hopeful desires … to share and please.
I've been meaning to review this one for a while ... why I haven't yet, I have no clue, for I've read this poem at least a million times.
Richard, this is the best sonnet I've ever read. The way it flows so gently and smoothly with a peaceful vibe and dark undertone really pulled me in. I love the abstract, ethereal quality of your words in that they seem to slow time and zoom in on the small details. The originality, imagination, and skill it took to write this certainly something worth admiring, Richard. Great work!
"William!!!"
A "million" times? I told you, at least, a million times not to exaggerate … L.. read more"William!!!"
A "million" times? I told you, at least, a million times not to exaggerate … LOL!
It is a rare occurrence, indeed, that any poet, particularly, a writer of your poetic acumen, tells me one of my poems is the best they've ever read … goodness, my knees feel weak!
Still, from the sincerity and clarity of your comments, I have to take you seriously, and in turn, admit I am enormously complimented and gratified beyond any degree I could have expected.
From you, dear protégé, your words are a treasured gift of genuine value.
Thank you, Sir William … sincerely! ⁓ Richard ✨
6 Years Ago
I meant every word. This is, quite honestly, my favorite sonnet. And, though I haven't actually read.. read moreI meant every word. This is, quite honestly, my favorite sonnet. And, though I haven't actually read it a million times (haha), I have copied and pasted it to a file on my tablet so I can read it whenever I want ... needless to say, I've had plenty good readings of it.
6 Years Ago
William,
You truly honor me in a way words cannot adequately express, except to offer a since.. read moreWilliam,
You truly honor me in a way words cannot adequately express, except to offer a sincere and grateful,"Thank you, My Friend," as I humbly bow.
A "comforting" piece to pause with and contemplate.
Posted 6 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
6 Years Ago
'Twould seem (in spirit) you agree with others, Chris.
Many thanks to you, and a brig.. read more'Twould seem (in spirit) you agree with others, Chris.
Many thanks to you, and a bright blessing for your day! ⁓ Richard : )
6 Years Ago
I didn't look at a single comment here - just so ya know. I read this aloud and let the flow form m.. read moreI didn't look at a single comment here - just so ya know. I read this aloud and let the flow form my comment.
I'm with you, and my response was based completely on your expressed personal take, even while remin.. read moreI'm with you, and my response was based completely on your expressed personal take, even while reminded of like sentiments by others, and was mentioned to afford you the opportunity of knowing how others agree with you.
You're, probably, like me, in the sense that I rarely read other's reviews, and I, too, follow your methodology when reading and reviewing, if I get your gist here, my friend thank you again! : )
6 Years Ago
You nailed it... seems some follow "the crowd" and use the crowds' thought as their own. We - you a.. read moreYou nailed it... seems some follow "the crowd" and use the crowds' thought as their own. We - you and I, follow our own minds ...for better or worse I guess.