At the Dawn of Love (whiskers 'n rainbows)

Lesson 4: Bi-Trillets

At the dawn of love, two lives longed, thereof;
time spent to know amour's sweet bliss ~
felt sincerity's tender kiss.

His heart's avatar; she is Morningstar!
they came together in Godspeed;
knew not what the future would need.

Perfect couple; for, truly trust will store.
Yet, in clearest tranquility,
belies life's fated tragedy.

Disease glazing stain, colored life with pain.
Man, whose mind is as clear as glass ...
dementia, now, has come to pass.

In his confusion, there's no delusion;
no need to obscure or pretend.
His story must come to an end.

Time may take its toll, test a righteous soul
(he whose body was strong as stone),
she whose care's been lovingly shown.

In faith to true vows, now, her strength endows
tolerance, coupled with patience ...
unconditional acceptance.

This man's works of art touched her humble heart;
cut stained panes with optimism ~
paints light through empathy's prism.

As memory fades, falls into grey shades,
they find comfort in routines set;
cooking peace ... and, joys of a pet.

So, grace lifts sadness, life filled with gladness
both, they and their happy hearts purred ...
memories together transferred.

Through refracted light, man sees his twilight ~
takes solace that her future knows,
love lives on ... whiskers and rainbows.

2022

Author's Note

This is a true story. My friend is an accomplished stained glass artist. His wife's maiden name is Morningstar. I'm here helping them.

Bi-Trillets is an original form developed by Richard Jenkins. The first line rhymes on the 5th and 10th syllable, then two 8 syllable lines that rhyme with each other. I really enjoyed writing in this form and admire Richard's ability to design poetic structure. I will be writing more Bi-Trillets in the future.

Reviews

[Linda Stinson Wells]

Wow!!! Right over this woman's head. I am trying to learn to understand poetry. When you talk about Bi-Trillets and rhymes on the 5th and 10th syllable and two eight syllable lines that rhyme, you have completely lost me. You surely know your poetry. What I am getting out of this is a man and woman meet and fall in love. The man comes down with dementia. They are learning to accept it and deal with it. They get a pet. His dementia deepens and he accepts his upcoming death. Am I too far off? If I am make me understand, please.

[William Michael Reeves]

Sorry so late with a response. You pretty much summarized it correctly. What I might add is the concept that their love gets transferred to their cats and the eternal nature of art, and his energy in it, will carry her through a future alone. Thank you Linda

[Linda Stinson Wells]

Oh that is so awesome. Yes I got confused at the animal part. But I did realize the pet played an important part. Thank you for help. You have a good one. I am getting better at this poetry reading.

LSW

[lightsong]

You see, I already reviewed it :) and yes, I adore it! your flawless flow is amazing. sure my most favorite verse is the last one.

[Arundass TP]

Interesting poem, words used are strong and expressive. Keep it up

[William Michael Reeves]

I will! Thanks Arundas

[Neville]

You sir might very easily be the first genius that I have visited today .. and without any doubt whatsoever, this, or should I perhaps say these are really quite exquisite .. No kiddin Bill, a real work of art, a complete story told in Bi-Trillets .. even though I had never heard of them before, I am now a firm fan .. Neville :)

[William Michael Reeves]

A belated thank you. Not sure how I missed this, but I did. That is high praise Neville. Thanks. Bi-Trillets is a form Richard developed. So many good things about the form. The way it lends itself to song. Strict rhyme pattern and structure, but not so strict for meter, so it's less painful to write. More fun. Felt like Bi-Trillets was a comfortable sweater that my pen wore. Part of why I'm posting these lessons is the hope other poets might try too. Go for it! I usually manage to reply to reviews in a timely fashion. Wish I had seen this earlier, rhe polite poet in me wants to disagree, but Billigami insists we believe it. So what can I say, but thank you very much!!

[Carola]

what a stupendous write, so clever, don't think I could manage this form.
yes, dementia is so sad particularly when you knew what had been.
and what a fabulous maiden name 'morninstar', i'd want to keep that name when getting married.
have a great day
cheerio carola

[William Michael Reeves]

Morningstar is a native American name. When I heard what her name was I just had to work it into the poem somehow and was pretty happy when the rhyme came to mind. Thanks Corola. Read you soon

Bill

[lightsong]

As I've said in message, magnificent... superior, outstanding piece. What I admire about You, is that in any style or form You write, your own unique touch will always be there and strong. Some poets lost it when they write in different and new forms, but not You, for this You truly deserve an extra A+. You are already a Masterpoet.

[William Michael Reeves]

The omnipoetess hath spoken! And I humbly accept your review with sincere gratitude. Recognizing my unique style touches my brain and heart, warming the ink flowing through my veins that nourish the synaptic growth gardened by these poetic lessons. Sometimes my 'style' creates difficulty though. So all the more satisfying to get it right and know the reader feels what I am conveying.

As for being a master poet ... I just got a D on what I just finished for the next lesson. You'd think I would breeze through poetic prose, but the lack of structure has me confounded. And trying to keep billigami in his cage is a real chore. These rhyming forms have been fueling his engine. Still grasshopper here.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Bill. I like this format very much and the story narrated is so sad, but also a triumph of love. Dementia is a cruel disease and all too common. Happy Friday to you.

Chris

[William Michael Reeves]

Happy Friday to you too Chris. O was given a title to write for months lesson, 'love finds a sad man'. Changed it, but the subject remains. Glad can triumph over sad. Thank you.

Your avatar is peeking at me now.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear William Michael… I adore Stained glass Windows especially in a Cathedral… a very Special Spiritual Poem that leaves my Prayers ascending… tenderly, Pat

[William Michael Reeves]

My friend creates beautiful works of art incorporating three dimensional objects as well, like shells and metal sculpture. Your ascending prayers may touch them. Their faith is an important part of their lives. I'll share that with them. Thanks Patricia.

[Betty Hermelee]

This sad, as I know a few people with dementia... and it just gets worse... this is a heartfelt piece where love and caring goes beyond health and sickness... there are so many memories to hold in one's spirit; a painter he was, and the brightest colors turn to washed-out grays....but there is grace in this piece and that pervades all sadness. Great write WM!
Best, B

[William Michael Reeves]

So glad we live forever through through our art. Thanks B.

B.

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes we do and it’s so great! And you’re very welcome! Best
B.

[Einstein Noodle]

Richard is most certainly the "forms" go to guy! What i really appreciate about him is that he is more than willing to work with anyone who has the desire and willingness to learn .. that being said .. i am so not a form guy .. and just reading what it is spins me nog almost as the delicacies of the sonnets .. so i am just reading for enjoyment, my friend, and not looking for your perfect imperfection ;)))))))))))))))
breaks my heart in reading sir! so sorrow filled with love and grace elevates one to endure with patient kindness .. i lived for a while in Taos NM in the 60s .. there was several Communes established around Taos at the time ... Morning Star was one of them ... another was the Hog Farm, still going strong today ... your tribute reminded me of those times .. other than the Farm .. the other communes failed .. but the spirit of "whiskers and rainbows" still has a spark in the world today, i think .. any kind of dementia hits all those surrounding the one who is challenged with it ... they do give us a chance to become more empathetic ... understanding and tolerant ... with love ... your poem is beautiful says i! i think it's eloquent, deeply emotive and has much wisdom in and around the lines ... the form is very flowing .. not surprised Richard created it. nice work ... i hope Morningstar has read it sir... love and peace to all
E.
ps."This man's works of art touched her humble heart;
cut stained panes with optimism ~
paints light through empathy's prism." .... brilliant ... simply brilliant .. "...cut stained panes ..." sheesh!! cutting edge word play ... makes me bleed :(

[William Michael Reeves]

Yes, he is even willing to work with me. Can you imagine that? Hog wild for Morningstar sausage! I felt like Richard developed this form for me. I was very comfortable writing in it. Thank you for seeing the wisdom I wrote about. Unconditional acceptance is the necessary ingredient to cook peace. I make 'em laugh 'n cry, but now my audience is bleeding. I'll write you a tourniquete. Thanks Gene

[Einstein Noodle]

peace and joy upon you Mr. Reeves!