By adewpearl
I've quaked when thunder rumbled in my skies,
watched drapes of darkness on the day descend,
surrendered to my fears of world's demise
and all each crack of lightning might portend.
But I have also witnessed stars arise
to glory in the skies as rumblings end.
Though clouds will gather as new storms advance,
resplendent shine the lamps in skies' expanse.
| Author Notes |
Vicissitudes - changes in circumstance, changes in fortune
The ottava rima is a poetry form that dates back to 14th Century Italy. Lord Byron used it extensively in his English poetry in the 19th Century. It is written in 8 line stanzas - any number of stanzas. The lines are written in iambic pentameter, and the rhyme scheme is abababcc. |
By adewpearl
When every leap has landed in a fall,
each grand jete left sprawled upon the floor;
When every race has ended in a crawl,
a limp replacing all attempts to soar;
When every healing breeze becomes a squall,
that mauls each ship before it reaches shore --
These are the times our faith must pass the test,
too easy to believe when life seems blest.
| Author Notes | The ottava rima is an 8 line poem. Each line has 10 or 11 syllables, and the rhyme scheme is ABABABCC. |
By adewpearl
As dogwoods dress in frocks of party pink
and honeysuckles don their finest scent,
When hummingbirds who've dropped by for a drink
watch fawns' first fumbling steps with merriment,
When Johnny-Jump-Up gives the brook a wink,
whose waters burble by with blithe content,
I know the celebration's underway
to fete creation's best, the month of May.
| Author Notes |
The ottava rima is an eight line verse of Italian origin, written in iambic pentameter, with a rhyme scheme of ABABABCC.
Due to questions from early reviewers: In Pennsylvania there are both pink and white dogwood trees, and the pink ones are absolutely gorgeous. The Johnny-Jump-Up is a wildflower also known as heartsease - it is a wild pansy/violet and has the characteristic nodding look of those flowers that lends itself to the winking personification used here. I recommend googling both the tree and the flower to see how beautiful they are. |
By adewpearl
If every star should fall from out the sky
and April fail to yield to first of May,
If bubbling brooks don't laugh as stream beds dry
and barren meadows bear no bright bouquet,
If birds lose all their plumes and cannot fly
and doldrums leave the sea without its sway,
I still will find the spark within your smile
to light my path and guide me through each trial.
| Author Notes | The ottava rima is a poem of Italian origin, though it has also been employed by English-speaking poets since the time of Byron. It consists of eight 10 or 11 syllable lines in iambic meter with a rhyme scheme of abababcc. |
By adewpearl
I've crawled across a desert just to thirst
when what had seemed oasis turned to dust.
I've fought to be one counted 'mongst the first
when golden visions crumbled into rust.
I've stood in line for bread to be dispersed
to learn my only portion would be crust.
But You, who've bound my wounds and bid me eat,
have lifted me with love above defeat.
| Author Notes |
The ottava rima is an 8 line poem of Italian origin written in iambic pentameter with a rhyme scheme of abababcc. There can be multiple verses.
My reference to binding wounds is to Psalm 143, which I recommend highly. |
By adewpearl
Though snow will fall before this day is done
to add more depth to drifts that shroud the ground,
and clouds will soon obscure the shining sun
which has of late so seldom come around,
I won't surrender or become undone
for I have faith we'll see our Earth rebound,
and soon the skies will fill with birds that sing
a symphony to praise triumphant spring.
| Author Notes |
Yes, another snow storm will be arriving tonight.
The ottava rima consists of 8 line verses in iambic pentameter with a rhyme scheme of abababcc. |
By adewpearl
I've stood upon a canyon's craggy ledge
and wondered at the force which gave it birth,
that broke through stone as if some massive sledge
enabled it to crush our mighty Earth.
Did ancient master craftsman wield his wedge
to make this gorge gargantuan in girth?
Must rock be carved by sound and striking blow,
or does it yield to river's steady flow?
| Author Notes |
The ottava rima is an eight line verse with ten syllables in each line written in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is ABABABCC.
|
By adewpearl
Bare trees that line a riverbank look stark
until reflected in the limpid stream,
for in its course what seemed severe and dark
is softened to become a rippled dream.
When what was stripped of life picks up the spark
of sun that strikes a chord with every beam,
there is no death or chill in ice and snow,
but only beauty in the water's flow.
| Author Notes | The ottava rima is a centuries old Italian form that consists of 8 line verses written in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is abababcc. There can be any number of verses though this poem has only one. |
By adewpearl
A crocus somewhere sleeps neath frozen earth
to someday serve as harbinger of spring,
a messenger of hope who in its birth
will cause my soul to soar as robins sing.
A frisky lamb will romp with newborn's mirth
and joy will reemerge with all life brings.
Or so the poets claim, but all I know
are howling winds and growing mounds of snow.
| Author Notes | The ottava rima is an old Italian poetic form that consists of 8 line verses, each line written in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is abababcc. |
By adewpearl
When I have taken one last backward glance
at all I've done and all I've failed to do,
once I've assessed each falter and advance,
I'll bid what I can't change a fond adieu
and step onto the floor for my first dance
of one more day that makes its bold debut.
Life does not pause; its beat is far too strong,
and so I join the dance of new year's song.
| Author Notes | The ottava rima is a poem in 8 line verses of iambic pentameter with a rhyme scheme of abababcc. |
By adewpearl
When wailing winds have turned the seas to glass
and only snowmen brave the brisk, bleak cold,
when great oaks bend beneath the frigid blast
and warnings from great storm bells have been tolled,
when all the world in solid ice is cast
and winter grasps all life within its hold,
I promise you a place where you'll stay warm
if I can be your shelter from the storm.
| Author Notes | The ottava rima is written in verses of 8 lines of iambic pentameter with a rhyme scheme of ABABABCC. There can be any number of verses. |
By adewpearl
A cardinal dressed in finest coat of red
sought respite from its flight through swirling snow,
for many miles of journey lay ahead
through frozen blasts of winds that fiercely blow.
As winter's frigid breath o'er chilled world spread
to paralyze great rivers' mighty flow,
this tiny bird found peace in moment's pause
before it flew into the blizzard's jaws.
As flakes fell faster on his crimson crest,
I worried as I watched his trembling form
and wondered if he'd reach his waiting nest,
a sanctuary from the raging storm.
I offered prayers his precious life be blessed,
that he find welcome shelter, safe and warm,
then prayed for all who must this winter roam
without the comfort of a cordial home.
| Author Notes |
card/nel is pronounced with two syllables in this poem
The ottava rima is a poem in verses of 8 lines, each in iambic pentameter, with a rhyme scheme of ABABABCC DEDEDEFF. Yesterday, at the shelter where I serve breakfast, a regular client, a man about 60 who has severe mental health problems, came through the line, mumbling about the Korean War and his usual set of concerns. I've noticed before how bent his hands are from arthritis, but this time, they were also a deep red, and the tip of one thumb was totally black. I alerted the staff, who were going to follow up to see if it was gangrene or frostbite. I have to ask why a man in his fragile mental and physical health is roaming out in the cold. Are we really prepared to let him fend for himself like a cardinal in the wild and only find momentary respite in a day shelter that offers a bowl of oatmeal and a couple hours of seating in a heated room? |
By adewpearl
As sunlight streams through early morning mist
and dawn removes the ebon veil of night,
my doubts encased in darkness are dismissed,
misgivings chased away by gleaming light.
How could disquietude or fear persist,
illuminated by a star so bright?
I gaze upon my world in wonderment,
resplendent in the glow of sun's ascent.
| Author Notes |
The ottava rima is a poem in verses of 8 lines written in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is ABABABCC.
This contest calls for a poem that expresses a sense of wonderment or mystery. |
By adewpearl
What lies beyond the bend I cannot know,
for certitude is not life's guarantee.
No map will mark the course of each turn's flow,
so I can detour round all mystery,
nor will the dangers hidden deep below
break through the surface just so I can see.
Faith navigates with heart more than with eye,
and on that navigator I rely.
| Author Notes | The ottava rima is a poem in verses of 8 lines, with each line in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is ABABABCC. |
By adewpearl
The mystic moon pulls tides from ocean's floor
to set in motion my heart's fantasy.
I, but a speck of sand confined to shore,
believe I'll ride those waves past drudgery
to find new worlds fantastic to explore,
and so escape what now imprisons me.
I smile when distant moon sends down her beams,
for with a little faith I'll reach my dreams.
| Author Notes |
The contest requires a poem of any style that uses 9 of 10 words from a given list. I have used the words "motion, heart, fantasy, believe, fantastic, escape, smile, distant and little." I left out the word "friction." We were allowed to add endings to words, such as "escapes," but not change the word to a whole other form, like "escapee."
I chose a one verse ottava rima as my poetic form - 8 lines of 10 syllables each in iambic pentameter with a rhyme scheme of ABABABCC. |
By adewpearl
Stagnation's tethers tie me to the shore
as gulls, unfettered, fly so far from home.
No limitations curb where they explore,
no hesitation thwarts their call to roam.
What primal urge has fueled their need to soar
while mine is bridled by the dread unknown?
Wings clipped, I safely stand on solid ground,
my refuge but a prison where I'm bound.
| Author Notes |
The ottava rima is a poem in verses of 8 lines, each line written in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is ABABABCC.
The title is a working title until I come up with something better - any suggestions gratefully considered :-) |
By adewpearl
For centuries on battlefields they've lain,
eviscerated corpses, limbs askew,
their faces showing traces of the pain
that death's descent has silenced and subdued.
For honor and their fatherlands they've slain --
now on the slaughtered, I, the vulture chew,
my belly filling fast from fruits of war,
content they'll serve such feasts forevermore.
| Author Notes |
The ottava rima is a poem composed of verses of 8 lines, with each line having 10 syllables in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is ABABABCC.
Vultures are scavengers, who feed on carrion, usually dead animals, but for thousands of years they have been known to congregate on the battlefields of men, and few generations have failed to supply them with bountiful meals. |
By adewpearl
At midnight as a rising tide prevailed,
dim moonlight barely pierced the swarming clouds.
Wild gales of wailing wind our ears assailed
while crashing waves across the harbor plowed.
We prayed for all aboard each ship that sailed,
no stormy seas should form their funeral shroud,
nor could their bows collide with rocks on shore
nor would they be entombed on ocean's floor.
Our vigil lasted through the violent night
till waves that blasted rocks turned placid sea,
and swarthy skies turned pale with dawning light
that we might find the answer to our plea.
But where we hoped to see sails billow white
we only saw detritus and debris.
A miracle does not end all man's strife --
just ask each sailor's widow, once a wife.
| Author Notes |
The ottava rima is a poem in verses of 8 lines, each line having 10 syllables in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is ABABABCC DEDEDEFF.
I realize that "funeral" and "violent" both have 3 syllables, but in both cases the middle syllable is soft/lazy so that these words do not disrupt the iambic rhythm. |
By adewpearl
What lies beyond the borders of my view,
past boundaries that limit and define?
If I bid all that binds me an adieu,
what vantage points and vistas might I find?
Uncharted are the paths to all that's new,
familiar are the fences that confine.
I live in envy of the vagabond
who ventures out beyond his little pond.
| Author Notes |
The ottava rima is a poem in verses of 8 lines of 10 syllables each, written in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is ABABABCC.
The final line refers to the old saying - Would you rather be a big fish in a small pond or a little fish in a big pond? |
By adewpearl
If summer is the season fairies ride
upon the sculpted backs of snowy swans,
and tadpoles midst the lilac lilies hide
from raccoons who are hunting in their ponds,
then autumn is the time when fairies glide
above a world of copper, gold and bronze
while birds who seek sun's warmth fly from the nest
and raccoons first prepare for winter's rest.
The colors of the world may shift in shade
as maize and crimson leaves drift through the air,
but nothing in this motley masquerade
gives reason for one moment of despair,
for tawny ocher garbs of fairy maids,
just like the russet raiments fall trees wear,
don't signify dread death will claim the earth,
but celebrate life's cycle of rebirth.
| Author Notes |
The ottava rima is a poem in 8 line stanzas, with each line consisting of 10 syllables in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is abababcc dededeff. This Italian form is centuries old and has long been used in English poetry, such as Lord Byron's Don Juan.
|
By adewpearl
A white rose placed her shadow on the wall
and in that act created her best friend,
who even when the summer turned to fall
stayed steadfast by her side as she would bend.
Upon the rose's face he cast no pall,
a tried and true companion to the end,
till not one petal on her stem was left
and shadow passed from sight, a friend bereft.
| Author Notes | The ottava rima is written in stanzas of eight lines, each line having ten syllables in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is abababcc. This is a one stanza poem. |
By adewpearl
Upon the surface of the placid sea
there swept a squall that made the ocean whirl
until each sleeping billow woke to free
the power of still waters now unfurled.
As wave on wave rose if by wind's decree
to whip the whitecaps to a frothy swirl,
I spied a fairy tern swoop through the air
as if the raging swells weren't even there.
In spiraled flight on snow white wings she soared,
unflappable to harm placed in her path
though right below the rising waters roared
as if they could consume her with their wrath.
Then swift as squalls began, peace was restored,
serenity reclaimed, storm's aftermath,
while snowy tern, where once the waters stirred,
resumed her hunt for dinner undisturbed.
| Author Notes |
My Fan Story friend Dawn of Tomorrow recently suggested I try the challenging ottava rima form. Rhymelord, God bless his patient soul, has been tolerating the rictameter and cinquain in hopes I will get back to more rhyming forms. My daughter Miranda has wanted me to write more story and rhyming poems with nature themes. So, this goes out to all of them :-)
The ottava rima form is written in 8 line stanzas with each line having 10 syllables in iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is abababcc dededeff and so on depending on the number of stanzas. The most famous example of this Italian form in English poetry is Lord Byron's Don Juan. Byron's poem has dozens of stanzas - two is as ambitious as I could get this first time out! :-) Robin Gillow's gorgeous painting of Fairy Terns Fishing was a true inspiration. |
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