LIFE'S SONG ⁓ (fear neither life nor death)

English Sonnet

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LIFE’S SONG

Beneath grayed cloak calm 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.


Richard W. Jenkins
©2016

1st Place

FanStory International Sonnet Contest

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Author's Note

Picture: compliments of Google Images

Helpful-intended comments and critique are always welcome! : )

Reviews

[Lyn Anderson]

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.

[Richard🖌]

KL,
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

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, KL.

[Kesch (Finding Julia)]

Beautiful write, yet kinda dark, but nicely written and expressed.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Kesh, for reading and commenting, and for your encouraging compliment! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Anne’sRants]

I felt this poem like a whisper. “An angel stands it’s guard, by deaths design.” Favourite line. It is such a peaceful relationship between life and death depicted here. I see them as old friends. Separated by their very nature.

[Richard🖌]

A warm welcome to my pages Anne 🌸
Thank you ever-so gratefully for selecting one of my poems to read and comment on.
That you felt its essence that softly touches my senses equally so.
Your uniquely expressed grasp of its meaning validates and rewards a bard's sincere desire and efforts to connect with and please his readers.

Bless you your generously gentle soul! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Einstein Noodle]

that beautiful Richard ... i appreciate the difficulty it is in using modern conversational language in a sonnet ... Sleepless Volcano and I have joined forces to complete this very challenging form and once we have done damage enough will send it too you for proofing :)) i appreciate your offer of assistance very much ... the Volcano and I are prepared in advance for needed correction ;) love this sonnet of your sir ... i put myself in it very easily and that great comfort of faith we need in death of the body ... you capture in a wonderful way between those guardian angel wings ... love it .. i pray my own faith is not found lacking in that moment ;)
E.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you so much, Gene, for such a lovely compliment. : )
How observant of you to recognize the simple language employed in composing this piece. This is one of the number of aspects about the Sonnet I'd hoped you'd pick-up on while reading through some of my pieces … as, to most, the king's language of Shakespearian times come to mind when they think of a Sonnet. Though, it can be fun to write in the archaic dialect of Olde England, we can compose amazing sonnets in contemporarily language, as-well. This speaks to the power and flexibility of this form that any topic can be fit into its beautifully compelling, unique, and intriguingly-captivating format.
Few, among the multitudes, can compose a correct and worthy Sonnet, Gene … it is my sincere and fervent hope you'll be one of the rarely gifted who can and will.
We'll see how your cowrite with the Sleepless Volcano poet goes, though, I'd planned for it be your own effort You and I work on together. I hope this person is as receptive to critique as you are. ; )

Thank you most sincerely for the read of this excellent example, My Friend, and for relating so easily with it … may your pen ever be charmed and ready! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Einstein Noodle]

your a treasure Richard ...honestly...your devotion to the sonnet is catching .... you have me almost convinced to making them a regular habit ... we shall see ... your time and attention are not going to go unloved ;) we are ready for your pen sir! (please don't use a dreaded red one tho) ...once we have exhausted our own efforts ;) your a treasure my friend!

[Richard🖌]

"B L U S H!*"

[Mari' Emeraude]

Ooh! Both chilling and ominous. This had kind of a 'gothic feel' tto it for me. Nicely done.

[Richard🖌]

Beautifully spake, Dear Mari' 🍂
There does seem to be a rather balefully portentous atmosphere pervading it, at that … brrrr!

Thank you ever-so gracious for such a nice compliment, too … hugs, to You! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Rye]

such a longing of beauty and loneliness really. Very well written and expressed.
Love your poetic style. flows really nicely. I love reading poems that have flow
and rhyme. It's refreshing. nicely written

[Richard🖌]

Yes, Ryanna 🌸
It seems rhymed, metered poetry is becoming a dying art of late … on this site, anyway.
It is equally as fresh a breath of air that someone loves and enjoys the skill required to pen proper classical poems.
In as much as you've expressed such love and enjoyment for the English Sonnet form, I hope you'll seek out my other examples, too.

My warmest hug of grateful thanks to You for your inspiringly thoughtful reviews! ⁓ Richard : )

[Jade]

A very beautiful write, so lovely and poetic

[Richard🖌]

Thank you most warmly, Brandie 🌻
Three reads in a row … you have me blushing.
read moreThank you most warmly, Brandie 🌻
Three reads in a row … you have me blushing.

The loveliness of our words are more than equal to my humble efforts … happiest hugs! ⁓ Richard 😊


I love your (very) impressive profile picture!

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Richard... as I read your poetry of the Evergreens... softer than a new born’s sigh...
I could feel the presence of feathered birds on boughs of gentle Songs... Yes, it is essential to keep the music of the heart always part of life. truly, Pat

[Richard🖌]

Many thank you's, Pat!
I feel very grateful and rewarded from the sheer blessings of your words in review to this rather ethereal piece.

Bless you ever-so sincerely! ⁓ Richard : )

[Dr. YumnaKay]

A perfect song that life sings, indeed! I love the contrast of life and death in this, even though a little dark, still pleasing to the mind's eye. An absolutely beautiful ending too.
From the 'kiss of winds' to 'life's lips' all the way to 'Death's design' and ending on 'Life's song', there is everything in this piece to adore. And certainly a good lesson for me to understand Sonnet writing ;)
Lovely to read. :)

[Richard🖌]

Dr. YumnaKay,
Of all those who've come to review this one for me and leave their commentary, yours means so very much … for, as my student, I am proud of your accomplishments, both on and off the poetry pages, and am privileged, therefore.
And, I could not feel more gratified and blessed to be on the receiving end of your expressed appreciation, understanding, and praise.
I ever-so sincerely look forward to teaching you your next poetic form.

Thank you so much for your touching review to this excellent example of the English Sonnet! ⁓ Richard : )

[Starr]

oh wow! so beautiful and soft, enjoyed your words. like your talent

[Richard🖌]

Brief and to the point, Dalton,
I can't help but smile from the sweet praise and expressed enjoyment in your sentiments for this award-winning Sonnet.

That you like anything about my talent is truly fulfilling … thank you ever-so gratefully! ⁓ Richard : )

[Richard🖌]

PS: I hope you return to us in 2019.