Reflections in Life

Refined Trijan Refrain

Each twisting turn in life defined,

bright moments 'oft embraced.

Whence carefree childhood days once shined

of wonders children chased.

Sweet innocence, so soon foregone,

as if a sprinting newborn fawn.

Sweet innocence,

sweet innocence …

time folds upon the breaking dawn.

Life's pendulum so quickly flows

'tween timeless love and grief.

Weaves tapestry of highs 'n lows

in fine-laced golden leaf.

Such worthiness in life, rejoice!

(Dare not, subdue a truthful voice).

Such worthiness,

such worthiness …

a vibrant paradox of choice.

Let it be said, "We choose to love

with whom our pathways cross,

and recognize true grace above,

held tight 'gainst any loss!"

Love overcomes each twisting turn

(God granted wisdom to discern).

Love overcomes,

love overcomes …

a life worth living ~ we all yearn.

Author's Note

Refined Trijan REFRAIN
The Refined Trijan REFRAIN, is an adaptation of the Trijan REFRAIN,
created by Jan Turner, which originally had refrains in L1 in all three verses.
The Refined Trijan REFRAIN consists of three 9-line stanzas, for a total of 27 lines.
The first four syllables of line 5 in each verse
are repeated as the DOUBLE-REFRAIN for lines 7 and 8.
The Trijan Refrain is a rhyming poem with a set meter and a rhyme scheme as follows:
Rhyme scheme: a,b,a,b,c,c,D,D,c
(the REFRAINS are the first 4 syllables of line five).
Meter: 8/6/8/6/8/8/4-4 REFRAINS/8

Reviews

[M.E.Lyle]

This is a great piece of work. A bit melancholy, I think. I'm not so sure about that last part though, "Love overcomes..." Sometimes overcoming is a bit too difficult. I know we are supposed to love one another as ourselves, but it ain't always easy. There is a dark blotch in my heart that occurred well over thirty years ago. It remains there today as a reminder of utmost betrayal. Forgiving is not as easy as it might sound, even though it's the right thing to do.
Thanks for bringing up those bad memories...only kidding.
Have a blessed day.

[Arundass TP]

Beautiful and interesting poem. Enjoyed reading 👍

[Soyam]

A beautiful expression of life's twists and turns, Celebrating innocence, love, and lessons learned, The poem captures the paradox of choices we face, Reminding us that love overcomes with its embrace.

Keep penning!

[Susan 🦋]

Thank you kindly for reading 😊

[Matthew Daalling]

Did you write this?? I like the format. something about someone of royalty having written this . Thasks for sharing

[Susan 🦋]

Did I write this?? Umm Yes. Why on earth would you assume otherwise? I have no author notes crediting another author, only the form. My thoughts and poetry are my own. I am not in the business of forgery or stealing a poet's work.

[Matthew Daalling]

Oh my. I meant no offense. I was just curious. Its very well written. I would like to add you to a book of poets that I am compiling. Is that ok with you? We call it a Zine. Short for magazine.

[Susan 🦋]

Please pm me.

[Matthew Daalling]

Whats Pm me mean?

[Susan 🦋]

:-) message...

[William Michael Reeves]

Hi Susan. With courage and wisdom granted, we find serenity. In the vastness of time we are but children, forever learning during our brief lives. Your thoughts are so eloquently penned in this beautiful poem. I love it!

I really like how you fracture the language. Your thoughts feel timeless as though written when this form may have been developed. I'm not familiar with it so I'll have to search it. For all I know it's a modern form. In any case, an excellent poem.

Bill

[Susan 🦋]

Hi Bill, Thank you! Courage and wisdom indeed! You should try this form out :-)

[William Michael Reeves]

In your notes you said the form has a set meter. Is that iambic?

[Susan 🦋]

yes... it always flows better.

[emmajoygreen]

Why did the word 'pendulum' come to mind after reading only four lines!?! Then look - the actual word is there in invisible golden letters, Susan. Is true, from first line to last there is a distinct cadence which would be hard to improve. Your skill is using true form yet always in a sensitive manner, your insight same. Plus, Susan, you add life's unsung lessons, one: "Choose to love only those we hope we can trust and are free to reciprocate!

Happy Everything for 2024, dear friend

[Susan 🦋]

Hi Emma, Thank you for this lovely review!! I do appreciate it :-)

[emmajoygreen]

You're very welcome. Happy Easter... :)

[Lisasview]

Brilliant is the only word to decribe your poem dearest Susan.
From the fantastic image to the very last line...brilliant.
Your are so amazing, as I struggle with my newest endeavour French Quatran...not easy for me...
Just finished my first Ballad AWAKEN and posted it..hope you might like yo read it and give an honest review... that would be great.
I so enjoy reading your words...
Lisa, getting late in Spain

[Susan 🦋]

Thank you kindly Lisa. 😊yes, I will try and get over to your page to read.

[Lisasview]

You are most welcome Susan.
Lisa

[Coyote Poetry]

I loved the poetry dear Susan.
"Such worthiness in life, rejoice!
(Dare not, subdue a truthful voice).
Such worthiness,
such worthiness …
a vibrant paradox of choice."
I did like the logic of the above lines. I believe we decide our emotions. Good or bad? Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Susan 🦋]

Aww thanks for the kind review! 😊 indeed, life is full of choices… either in action or response.

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoy your work dear Susan and you are welcome.

[W. Barrett Munn]

To be frank I am not a fan of most form and rhyme scheme which often leads to antiquated diction and skewed syntax,
You have handled this form admirably and I salute you skill.

Winston

[Susan 🦋]

I’m all about the challenge of formatted poetry. Rarely will I write a free verse. Thank you for your kind review!! I do appreciate you reading 😊

[W. Barrett Munn]

You must be a Frost acolyte. I am a great admirer of his work but not of his inflexibility. :-)

[Susan 🦋]

Well, maybe? I could probably benefit from reading more.

[W. Barrett Munn]

I find reading poetry to be the greatest source of inspiration.

[Susan 🦋]

I find life to me mine 😊 but of course, reading others beautiful poetry is inspirational too. WC has many wonderful poets.

[Chris Shaw]

I do so admire the patience to work with complex rhyme schemes.

Love overcomes each twisting turn

That is so true Susan. I enjoyed all three of your stanzas, moving from early years and innocence through to adulthood and the roller coaster that life can be. Your lines are lyrical and the refrain works so well. An accomplished piece of writing. A beautiful pen. Much enjoyed.

[Susan 🦋]

Thank you Chris, I do enjoy the challenge. Thank you for reading and for the lovely review 😊