The Brightest Stars

Lesson 2b: Terza Rima

The brightest stars burn long in life as deeds;
their light is seen where acts of love will be ...
what hope has planted, as the future's seeds.

Some stars are grown and sown eternally ...
illuminate our garden growing good,
to nourish peace forever being free

of hate that poisons soil, where we stood
on cosmic lands, determination toiled;
its care is tending stalks as strong as wood,

we fill the void with love that never spoiled,
and harvest time and space as patience shared
with fruit that fills the vacuum ... evil foiled

by light that shines across humanity ~
as bright as stars that fall for all to see.

2022

Author's Note

My professor of poetry requested a short Terza Rima about a subject of my choosing. The first one was rather long of word. I was thinking of my friend who was a bright star when I wrote this.

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

The brightest stars is a place where love is born; the stars also shine on our earth where are loved ones are buried, and who nourish it and nourish our souls….stars do not determine love from hate, they act as humanity for all.
Nice subject and craft.
Best
B.

[William Michael Reeves]

Thanks Betty. Your light shines on my words and nourish my poetic soul! You are right. The light can't differentiate love from hate. Only illuminate the truth about it.

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re very welcome WM!
Best, B

[Stella Armour]

Well penned Bill, when i write this kind of format i make a long list of all the rhymimg words before i use them, and wonder if if that is your method too?
You certainly made good choices with this one and i like the subject very much ....

[Patricia]

second and third stanza is amazing, well done final line. Love poetry of the stars and moon, the universe as a whole. Surreal

[Neville]

You sir are a star in your very own write .. respect to your professor & to your friend .. Oh' n thank you for sharing this little gem .. N :)

[William Michael Reeves]

Share and share alike. Thanks N. My pen gets strokes again! It's getting an ego or something.

[JE Falcon]

I am impressed, William, and I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I'd give it an "A" for sure. :)

[William Michael Reeves]

Thank you. An A eh? Yay!!!

[Patricia Wedel]

When the Sky is the darkest… the Stars shine the Brightest. I trust that now when our World is the darkest.. that Bright Stars will Show us a Way to Untangle Destiny. tenderly, Pat

[William Michael Reeves]

Your tender words tenderized my heart Pat. Thank you. When we need to untangle destiny, some starlight really helps!!

[Patricia Wedel]

Terza Rima form intrigues me… I may give it a Try…. gently, Pat

[Aura]

When I read your poem, instead of a star, I imagined an angel! Something that is caring, positive, happy, something that erases the negative filling us with love we need. This is a beautiful write/tribute to your friend. Thanks for sharing!

[William Michael Reeves]

A belated thank you.

[Aura]

My pleasure!

[Cherrie]

I have never written one of these. I really enjoyed the flow and progression.
Excellent poem.
Now I must look up this poetic style.

[William Michael Reeves]

That would be great if my lessons inspire others to learn these too. There are a few ways to end them and carrying your first line to the last is ok. Thanks Cherrie

[Chris Shaw]

Lovely rhyme and alliteration in this terza rima Bill. I like the three line stanza format very much. The brightest stars will always stay with us. Beautiful thoughts.

Chris

[William Michael Reeves]

Thanks Chris. Alliteration is a little like adding spice to words. Gives 'em extra flavor.

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right and when you read poems aloud like I do, it pays off a treat. :)

[lightsong]

Yes, some Souls are even shining beyond this life and world, even after death their lights keep burning, gifting earth goodness, warmth, safety, beauty, peace, wisdoms, company... everything. their graceful bliss is eternal because we are immortal. This is beautiful, heartwarming and heartfelt, gentle as the morning sunray... Well done Bill.

[William Michael Reeves]

Thank you. Your review is heartwarming. I thought of her as a Forever Being.