By adewpearl
Amen to stars that pierce the dark
to steal the terror from the night,
replacing doleful void with light
from which our hopes can find a spark.
An answer to a question mark,
that packs our fears away in flight,
Amen to stars that pierce the dark
to strip away our nightmares' might.
When desolation's black and stark,
they make a barren sky turn bright.
What brilliance dwells within their sight,
a place from which our dreams embark.
Amen to stars that pierce the dark.
| Author Notes | The rondel is a French repeating form that dates back to the 14th Century. It consists of 13 lines, usually written in iambic tetrameter, though the meter is not mandatory. The rhyme scheme is ABba abAb abbaA. The capital letters indicate which lines are repeated. A variant on the form has the B line repeated at the end of the final verse. |
By adewpearl
Too long I've tarried in this place
till now I hear my burdens call.
I slowed my steps and tried to stall,
but life commands I run its race.
I sought the courage to embrace
a placid pond, a waterfall.
Too long I've tarried in this place
till now I hear my burdens call.
As others keenly joined the chase,
I left the blocks at idle crawl,
but time demands I be its thrall
and march with brisk and bustling pace.
Too long I've tarried in this place
till now I hear my burdens call.
| Author Notes |
The rondel is a French repeating form dating back to the 14th Century. It consists of 13 or 14 lines. The first two verses are quatrains and the final verse has either 5 or 6 lines, depending on whether the poet chooses to repeat both opening lines or just the first opening line. Usually there are 8 syllables per line, but that is not dictated.
The rhyme scheme is ABba abAB abbaA/abbaAB. The capital letters denote lines that are repeated. |
By adewpearl
When fairies sprinkled dust on me,
a magic mix of merriment,
they freed me from my discontent
and filled me with felicity.
I took their gift most gratefully,
then tossed aside my last lament
when fairies sprinkled dust on me,
a magic mix of merriment.
I bore a daughter filled with glee,
who giggles with abandonment,
whose joy no genius could invent.
I celebrate most happily
when fairies sprinkled dust on me.
| Author Notes |
May 15 is my daughter's 28th birthday - she is my fairy girl and the light of my life.
The rondel is a French repeating form that consists of four line verses followed by a five line verse. The rhyme scheme is ABba abAB abbaA. The capitalized letters indicate that line one is repeated as lines 7 and 13, and line two is repeated as line 8. |
By adewpearl
Upon each bud God's love is poured,
creating blossoms full and bright.
When it is pleasing to His sight,
no need for rose to be demure.
No sin resides in bloom's allure
when beauty stems from Holy light.
Upon each bud God's love is poured,
creating blossoms full and bright.
Within small seeds some sun is stored
that grows each flower to full height.
Not standing tall would be a slight
to Him Who makes creation soar.
Upon each bud God's love is poured.
| Author Notes |
Created in the 14th Century, the rondel is a French repeating form of 13 lines, with each line containing either 8 or 10 syllables. It is divided into three stanzas with a rhyme scheme of ABba abAB abbaA. The capital letters denote which lines are to be repeated as refrain, so line one also appears as lines 7 and 13 and line two repeats as line 8. There is a variant form in which line B is also repeated as a fourteenth line, but I am not using that variant.
The inspiration for this poem is the song I've sung at so many rallies, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine," which relates to the Biblical admonition not to hide your light under a bushel. One need not hide one's God-given beauty and talents in order to be humble, so long as those talents are used for good. |
By adewpearl
Sweet honey flows from rocks once dry
for those who don't God's word defy,
and from His fields the finest wheat
is harvested so faithful eat
upon His bountiful supply.
But I have kept the faith, I cry,
yet have not wheat to satisfy,
and still I hear the Psalm repeat,
sweet honey flows.
It has to be God's words imply
a food and drink one cannot buy,
sustaining us against defeat
of hope, which through Him won't retreat.
His promise I cannot deny,
sweet honey flows.
| Author Notes |
This poem is inspired by Psalm 81: 10-16
I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide and I will fill it. But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would have none of me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels. Oh that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways! I would soon subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes. Those who hate the Lord would cringe toward him, and their fate would last forever. I would feed you with the finest of wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you. I believe some new age philosophies and churches teach the gospel of prosperity because they have gotten Biblical passages like this all wrong. They teach material goods will come to those who are faithful and who pray for them or material success and goods will come to those who direct their psychic energy toward their accumulation. But was God really telling us that he will supply riches and endless wheat and honey to those who follow His word while he will impoverish those who defy him? I think not. Many are blessed who are not materially wealthy, who appear not to have a place at the table, at least a table set with fine china and silver. At the same time, many who host million dollar parties filled with caviar and champagne have earned the money to pay for those supplies in less than honorable ways, nor do they share their wealth with those in need. Surely it was not God's message that we only need search for those who have much to find those who have pleased Him. The wheat and honey he promised can not, the way I see it, be literally interpreted. |
By adewpearl
Sleep well, sweet child; lay down your head,
may troubled thoughts from you be led.
While slumber grants you peaceful rest,
may all your dreams be doubly blest
and sunshine greet your day ahead.
May joy and calm be gently spread
by sprites who dance around your bed
and sprinkle stardust on your breast.
Sleep well, sweet child.
May fairies weave with golden thread
a web that captures tears you've shed,
then fly those tears at my bequest
far from your warm, protected nest
and leave rose petals in their stead.
Sleep well, sweet child.
| Author Notes |
The rondeau is a centuries old French poetic form that consists of 15 lines in 3 verses. The first verse consists of 5 lines of 8 syllables each with a rhyme scheme of AABBA.
The second verse has 4 lines with a rhyme scheme of AABR. R is a 4 syllable refrain made up of the first words from verse one. The final verse is composed of 6 lines with a rhyme scheme of AABBAR. The refrain is the same refrain found in verse 2. |
By adewpearl
I'm drawn by tides that beckon me
to ride their crest upon the sea,
where whales intone their ancient songs
and pods of dolphins dance along
to plaintive tunes in minor keys.
Deep waters yield deep mysteries
beneath the roguish, roiling seas,
and to those depths where none have gone,
I'm drawn by tides.
I've heard the blue whales' notes reprise
in melancholy harmonies,
so summoned by their sirens' song,
I know the sea's where I belong.
Beguiled to learn her mysteries,
I'm drawn by tides.
| Author Notes |
The rondeau is a 15 line poem in three verses. The first verse is composed of five 8 syllable lines with a rhyme scheme of AABBA. The second verse is composed of three 8 syllable lines with rhyme scheme of AAB followed by a shorter refrain line composed of the first words of the first line of verse 1. The third verse is composed of five 8 syllable lines with a rhyme scheme of AABBA followed by the same shorter refrain line.
"reprise" rhymes with "sneeze," not "eyes." I mention this because months ago when I used this word, some reviewers did not realize this. Blue whales, like humpback whales, are known for their songs, which sound a great deal like prolonged moans. If you have never heard them, google whale songs - many sites online allow you to listen to these most compelling, mournful songs. |
By adewpearl
In mirror's glare, may I first seek
my grievous sins before I speak
of others' failings, surely there,
as certain as those which I bear,
for in this life I have been weak.
While each of us our secrets keep
in hidden recess dark and deep,
may mine be seen first, if I dare,
in mirror's glare.
Before I curse what others reap,
or ask another man's defeat,
or feel temptation to compare
his life to mine, may I beware
what sins my eyes are bound to meet
in mirror's glare.
By adewpearl
My golden friend, may you find rest --
please know we'll honor your bequest.
Your vow to never yield the fight
for those who have not means nor might
has passed to us as sacred quest.
You lived as if a man possessed
to see the wrongs of life addressed.
May now that burden's load be light,
my golden friend.
In God our Father's sweet caress
find grace and peace among the blessed.
Be still, our strong, undaunted knight
who knew not how to yield a fight.
When passed the torch, you passed the test,
my golden friend.
| Author Notes |
In 1980, Senator Edward Kennedy delivered the Keynote Speech of the Democratic National Convention after he lost the nomination to President Carter. In this address, considered by many a classic speech in American politics, he spoke of all the golden friends he had met while campaigning across the country, such as students without tuition money, elderly without rent, parents without the means to support their children, workers made idle by a
factory shutdown. He also quoted the poet Tennyson's line "to strive, to seek, to find and not to yield before he concluded with his vow - "the work goes on, the dream shall never die." My most enduring memory of him will always be his eulogy for Bobby when his voice cracked and I fell apart. But Teddy took up the torch of his older brothers and did not let their dreams die. Even in the final days of his life he was continuing the battle for health care reform. I just have this image in my mind of him wanting a little more time to keep up the fight. I want him to know it is all right to rest now. |
By adewpearl
As crowds pass by they fail to hear
my cries announcing I am near --
they have no eyes to see my face,
no arms to hold me in embrace,
nor hearts to offer comfort's cheer.
I once had those who held me dear,
who kept me in their loving sphere,
till from their minds I was erased
as crowds pass by.
At least when they don't know I'm here
they can't with disapproving sneer
condemn what put me in this place.
Since nothing can expunge disgrace,
perhaps it's best I disappear
as crowds pass by.
| Author Notes |
When I saw the daily prompt about a poem that portrays loneliness in 15 or fewer lines, I was immediately inspired to write a rondeau, which is 15 lines long. By the time I realized it said the poem had to be free verse, my thoughts were already flowing, so I've written this anyway.
Many of the homeless people I serve as a volunteer are incredibly upbeat and filled with determined purpose, hope and faith. This poem does not at all reflect their spirit - it is about the loneliness of those who have been beaten down in defeat and self-recrimination, for I have met them too. For all those who act as if they are not even present, and for those who sneer at them as they give them wide berth, I say shame. Nobody in this position needs anyone else holding them in contempt when they already have more than enough self-loathing filling their hearts. |
By adewpearl
Entreat me not, this I implore,
that I should offer up to war
the sacrifice of my sweet child
upon whom God and life have smiled.
Please hear this plea from my lips pour.
You can't demand forevermore
that mothers' children settle scores
with those your hardened hearts revile.
Entreat me not.
For eons youth have joined that corps
who march into the battle's roar
as bodies on war's altar pile,
till now you ask I add my child.
It's time to say, No nevermore.
Entreat me not.
| Author Notes |
The fifteen line rondeau consists of three verses.
Verse one has five eight syllable lines in the rhyming pattern of AABBA. Verse two has three eight syllable lines followed by one four syllable line, the refrain, that is derived from the first words of the first line of verse one. The rhyme scheme of verse two is AABC. Verse three has five eight syllable lines followed by the four syllable refrain. Its rhyme scheme is AABBAC. Verse three has five lines of e |
By adewpearl
Forget me not, when I've returned
to mother's arms for which I've yearned
these many years, but think instead
upon the joyous life I led
before the time we shared adjourned.
For even when life's seas have churned,
there's not one storm I would have spurned,
nor wave from which I would have fled.
Forget me not.
Some days sun warmed, some days sun burned,
but from its face I've never turned,
nor from the light its rays have spread
because I've known what lies ahead.
Embrace my death, be not concerned.
Forget me not.
| Author Notes |
The rondeau is a fifteen line poem in three verses.
Verse one consists of five lines of eight syllables each with a rhyme scheme of AABBA. Verse two consists of four lines with a rhyme scheme of AABC. The final line in verse two is the refrain, only four syllables long, which is taken from the first words of the first verse. The third consists of six lines with a rhyme scheme of AABBAC. The only line which is not eight syllables in this verse is the final line, which is the same four syllable refrain as found in the second verse. A pivotal word in this poem is "adjourned," which means postponed, not ended or canceled. When court is adjourned, that means the session stops for the day until the next time it meets. |
By adewpearl
My meadow blooms, a glad bouquet
of johnny jump ups on display.
Here clover with its nectar brings
the bumblebee with beating wings
and butterflies in bright array.
As sprites among wild mushrooms play
throughout this fertile home for fae,
one song their magic chorus sings,
"My meadow blooms."
Where buttercups in breezes sway
as far my eyes this scene survey,
from banks that line the laughing spring
to distant oaks where mosses cling,
all creatures cheer with voices gay,
"My meadow blooms."
| Author Notes |
A rondeau is a poem in thirteen eight syllable lines and two four syllable lines. The first five line verse has a rhyme scheme of AABBA. The second verse, which consists of four lines, has the rhyme scheme of AABC. The last line of this verse is only four syllables and is made up of the first words of the first line of the first verse.
The final verse of six lines has a rhyme scheme of AABBAC and repeats the refrain of the second verse as its final line. If that is all too confusing, it ends up looking and sounding like this poem! LOL "fae" is another word for fairies |
By adewpearl
I beg you, Lord, to intercede,
to bear the weight of all who need
to lay their burdens down and rest.
For those who from life's harsh blows bleed,
I kneel before your feet to plead.
Some simply have not strength nor speed
to find a place 'mongst those who lead.
For those who must concede this test,
I beg you, Lord.
For those who sowed their fields with seeds
but find their crops have choked on weeds,
who find no prize at end of quest,
who falter though they've done their best,
who bend and bruise like tender reeds,
I beg you, Lord.
| Author Notes | Isaiah 42:3 reads - "a bruised reed he will not break and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice." |
By adewpearl
Against all odds we run our race
each at his own God-given pace,
be that pace swift as a gazelle
or tortoise in its heavy shell,
we run toward victory's embrace.
The goals we set, the dreams we chase
by limitations aren't erased,
for in the effort we excel
against all odds.
Defeat's a word that has no place
within a life that bears no trace
of cowardice, so say farewell
to doubts that deep within you dwell
and run with gusto, grit and grace
against all odds.
| Author Notes |
Please see my last two posts for an explanation of the rondeau form.
As I am posting this, the memorial mass is being held for Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who founded the Special Olympics over forty years ago. This poem is dedicated to her, to all Special Olympians who run that race at their own pace, and to everyone who makes the effort to live life to the fullest, fueled by faith. |
By adewpearl
Come shout amen to celebrate
the day this dawn emancipates
from doubts which form in dark of night
but fade when bathed in breaking light.
Come now. Rejoice. Don't hesitate.
The time has passed to be sedate
when fears forlorn perpetuate.
The sun has forced them into flight.
Come shout amen!
With hope renewed all dread abates
as life with light rejuvenates.
Each bloom unfurled within our sight
prompts dormant passions to ignite.
Bear witness as God recreates.
Come shout amen!
| Author Notes |
The rondeau is a French form that dates back to the Thirteenth Century when it was commonly set to music. It consists of three verses in fifteen lines. The first verse, in lines of 8 syllables each, is five lines long with a rhyme scheme of AABBA. The second verse of four lines has a rhyme scheme of AABC, with the final line a 4 syllable refrain formed from the first words of the first verse. The third verse is six lines long with a rhyme scheme of AABBAC, with the final line the same four syllable refrain used in the second verse.
In the Twentieth Century the rondeau was employed in writing two of my favorite English language poems, "We Wear the Mask" by Paul Laurence Dunbar, and "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae. |
By adewpearl
We question why we don't receive
reward for each success achieved,
why much of life results in pain
instead of glory, grace and gain.
How dour those days we spend aggrieved.
Too often we are left deceived
by those whose promise we believed,
so when we feel we've loved in vain,
we question why.
Each time with loss we weep and grieve,
when darkness clouds all we perceive,
when doubts we harbor aren't explained,
when laughter from our lives has drained,
when faith we've clung to seems naive,
we question why.
| Author Notes |
The rondeau is a poem of fifteen lines of eight syllables each except for the refrain line of four syllables at the end of verses two and three. The refrain line is derived from the first line of verse one. There are three verses - the first verse of five lines has a rhyme scheme of aabba.
The second verse of four lines has a rhyme scheme of aabc. The third verse of six lines has a rhyme scheme of aabbac. If that sounds complicated, that's because it is!!! LOL This poem simply acknowledges that most people experience times of darkness and questioning. It is not meant as a negative statement about faith, nor is it meant to state that life is always hopeless. It is just an honest observation of a place most of us find ourselves at times. |
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