Journey’s End

PUMP A'DEGAU form (see Author's Note) "If we accept the person we are when we fail, the journey ends. That failure becomes our destination.” - Brandon Sanderson

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Journey’s End

Dick had no real home, he was born to roam,

it matters not what destiny had wrought …

was free as a breeze, to do and to please

whatever yearned-of dreams his mind so sought.

’Tis early each Spring, when Nightingales sing,

proud flowers everywhere display their show …

’mongst trees tall ’n short, windblown leaves cavort

amidst bright blooms - where sweetsop apples grow.

Dick shed not a tear; for, he had no fear

of death’s decree … his memories all filled

by glorious love, bright grace from above,

until each beat of his heart will have stilled. 

Oh, he’s known sad woes, but that’s how life goes;

with good, the bad shall always come along.

He’s looked back with joy, nothing can destroy,

recalling every tune in beauty's song.

Alas, by ’n by, he sat wond’ring why

all he had been through now called him to go?

Climbing to the top, something bade him stop

to gaze upon life’s long past … farrr below.

As he takes it in, deep thoughts then begin

he’d never known before - within his heart.

Earth rose to the sky, ’twas then Dick knew why …

’pon life’s last journey ~ he would soon depart.

Richard W. Jenkins

©2021

Author's Note

"PUMP A'DEGAU"
(Doubledown Style 6 or Welsh for Fives 'n Tens)
Original advanced level form created by
Richard W. Jenkins
© 17 Apr 2001
A poetic tale, told in three (3) Octaves (8-line verses) about anything:
Every uneven number, double-rhymed line is five-five metered.
Every even number line is composed in iambic pentameter.
Can be aligned left or center (author’s choice).
Verse I
Sets the scene and introduces characters, subject, theme, etc.
Verse II
Builds the core essence of the tale.
Verse III
Summarizes the tale.
Syllable counts per line, per verse:
5-5/10/5-5/10/5-5/10/5-5/10
Rhyme Scheme:
a-a,b,c-c,b,d-d,e,f-f,e

Your best, honest, constructively intended critique is appreciated.
✍

Reviews

[Poetic Beauty]

Being able to have adventures and live life to the fullest is a joy not everyone is adventurous to do. But to look back on your life as you are departing to the next plane for me that would be heaven and say for good and bad I’ve had an amazing life

Great job in this tale and journey you have painted

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, PB 🌸

Ever-so gratefully for your poetically lovely review of this rather soulful piece on the journey toward life's ultimate destination.

Your appreciation shown and compliment, made sharing feel all the more worthwhile! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Poetic Beauty]

We are all headed towards another plane of existence. Death waits for no one. When God calls you home we aren’t given a choice. Finding joy in this life simple or grand is something we should try to do

[Richard🖌]

AMEN, Sister PB!

[carl]

Admire your work and your study and mastery of form. Makes me self conscious of my dabbling but then there are many levels of endeavor for all things that we do as humans - the flow of your piece is to be admired and the story thought provoking on a personal level as contemplation of ones life is something I often reflect on at this point in my life. thanks for the post - carl

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Carl🍀

It's been a joy to receive the encouragement and graciousness of your keen, thought-filled words.
I could not agree with you more; there are unlimited styles of poetry … something for everyone … and literally hundreds of varying forms to ideally express and fit anything one's mind, heart, soul, and emotions can conjure.
As for me, I'll write in any and every form that best says what I'm thinking and feeling, whether Free Verse, Sonnet, Metered or Unmetered Quatrain, Villanelle, Pantoum, Haiku, Senryu, etc; etc; etc; I'm not limited to any particular poetic format.
Yes, Carl … as moments turn into days, days into years, and the end of our journey looms closer, one often has a tendency to consider the past and remaining moments of life's ins 'n outs and how we've filled them.
What a mouthful … you really got me to thinking. : )

You are most welcome for the post, Carl … and, what an inspiring compliment you've paid by admiring anything about my humble poetic efforts.

Many blessing upon you, Syr Poet … drop by anytime! ⁓ Richard🖌

[alexAlexander]

Oh! The Journey's End. The line that touched me was. Oh, He knew sad woes, but that's how life goes; with good, the bad shall always come. Like trying to balance a pendulum. Between life and death. So the story goes.

[Richard🖌]

G'morning, Alex, my newest Café friend 🌤️

It is nice meeting you and receiving such an encouraging review for this rather somber poem. I very much like your take on it.
Your selection of lines are at the core essence of this piece … a good choice, I think.

Thank you for your favorable words! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Starbaby]

I loved this Richard! I am always most impressed by those who can and do write in structured formats. I'm a rebel, and have to just let loose to feel without any restraints holding me back. I write without a formula, just instinct. To do what you do, as well as you do it, amazes and inspires me. You inspire me to experiment

[Richard🖌]

Lorena,

I, too, like You, am a rebel, but a strict conformist, as-well. It requires a certain discipline, a fire in the belly for poetry of all forms, and the developed, unrestrained, free-spirited skills to perform all of them equally as well.
For instance, I've posted many Free Verse and Freestyle poems on here, as well as many other poetic formats … and, I think to do so one has to be willing to allow their flexibility free rein to fully expand their potential skills. The more willing, the more skilled and masterful at our amazing art.
I very much appreciate and enjoy your own wonderfully rendered artistic bent.
Check these two easy examples.
Senryu: https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/RichardJ/1606458/
Free Verse: https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/RichardJ/2096521/

Thank you, Dear Poetess, for loving anything about my humble poetry, for your encouraging praise, and for openly sharing your thoughts on poetic format … and, most of all, for allowing my earnest efforts to inspire you to experiment.
Hah! With all I've said, it seems you've inspired me, too. : )

Grateful hugs 'n warmest blessings! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Lisasview]

Forgot to mention that I love the art work you chose...where did you find it?
Lisa

[Richard🖌]

🤓 👍
© Free Google Images.

[Lisasview]

Hi there,
I see you are on line so I looked to see if there was something new of yours that I could read. And, I found this new one of yours!! Actually, written in 2001 ...
I love the poetic tale and found myself flowing easily through the lines as your tale unraveled.
Felt a bit like a Free Style poem because of the intermittent rhymes... and, until I read your authors notes I of course had not idea that this was one that you had created. You are truly brilliant ...
Doesn't look all that easy ... but certainly delightful to read.
Lisa

[Richard🖌]

I've fallen so far behind,

After my teaching retirement, being offline for so long, and not commenting on reviews, I'm making a quick thank you with a very grateful acknowledgment to everyone for their wonderful input and feedback.

I'll soon be making the rounds to pay you back.
Big smiles 'n hugs to one and all! ⁓ Richard🖌

[William Michael Reeves]

I certainly hope you were just waxing poetic about mortality and not expressing impending health problems you are facing. You seem to be alive and well two years later now. This poem felt graceful like the love from above. I like that you describe the importance of music in our lives. We sing until we depart, do poets. It is our destiny!

[Richard🖌]

I've fallen so far behind,

After my teaching retirement, being offline for so long, and not commenting on reviews, I'm making a quick thank you with a very grateful acknowledgment to everyone for their wonderful input and feedback.

Big smiles 'n hugs to one and all! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Relic]

Wow. It appears Dick saw death as a new journey. KInd of sad, but lets see A.I try to write something this good. I've never seen a bad poem from you Richard. Always a pleasure. :)

[Richard🖌]

I've fallen so far behind,

After my teaching retirement, being offline for so long, and not commenting on reviews, I'm making a quick thank you with a very grateful acknowledgment to everyone for their wonderful input and feedback.

Big smiles 'n hugs to one and all! ⁓ Richard🖌