I wonder, "Why?" (life's bliss)

Blank Verse

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                        As morning wakes, I stir to sounds of life.

                        It's not the normal kind of life I hear,    

                        but of an ilk that stirs the heart and soul;

                        a loveliness that cannot be denied.

                        How is it that I fall in-love with sound

                        when songs of birds' sing melodies to me,

                        as crickets saw their hymnal mating rites,

                        and laughing children fill me full of joy?

                        Oft, times I've sat and questioned how I fit,

                        of what my purpose here on Earth may be;

                        and, then I look around and wonder why,

                        with all the beauty ~ I would even care?

                                               Richard W. Jenkins

                                                                     ©2015

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Author's Note

BLANK VERSE
Lines must not rhyme.
There is no limit to number of lines.
Each line is composed in iambic pentameter*.
(*10-syllables pronounced in natural soft/HARD cadence/meter/tempo or flow)
When reading a properly composed Blank Verse poem, one will notice that a line flows so smoothly and seamlessly into the next it is not noticed there is no rhyme, yet it seems there was … this is the heart of Blank Verse and the challenge, both produced by word choices, their arrangements, and the iambic meter, of course.

Constructive critique is always welcome. : )

Reviews

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'I wonder "Why" (life's bliss)
Richard,
From the title to the morning beauty image this is a poem seen with the heart. Creative words flow and sing within this poem. Birdsong, breezes carried on on morning dew. Inspiration all over the place! I needed to read this.
Thank you for being you.
Kathy

[Richard🖌]

Ahhh, Kathy, m'lovely poetess faire 🥀

How I've missed the sweet pleasure of your delightful touch.
Written with the heart, read with the heart, and reviewed with a wonderfully charming heart ~ so graciously blessed.

I needed it, too … thank you, Dear Kathy, for being You!
Warmest Autumn hugs! ⁓ Richard 🍂

[GreenShoes]

A lovely poem and enjoyable read. I just have two minor critiques. I've never heard anyone use the word ilk before, aside from that, the poem is all familiar words, which makes for a fluid read. The other thing is, I would say the comma should go after Oft times, not Oft.
It was interesting learning about Blank Verse, I've never tried one.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you for the gratifying compliment, Karen.
For virtually everything, there is an apt word in the English language that expressed, defines, or illustrates, etc; something in particular … "ilk", being a rather common and precise, legitimate word, was utilized for that purpose and in that manner. Whatever words may or not be familiar to you, I have no way of knowing, except that you've informed me that "ilk" is not one of them … LOL!
For the comma, there are certain rules; after satisfying those, it is oft used in whatever manner needed to emphasize a pause to guiding the reader in understanding the "author's" intent … thus, "Oft or Often (pause), times I've sat and questioned how I fit,".
This may have meant/intended it to be said differently, had you written it.
Seldom composed in, Blank Verse is quite a challenge, for some … this is one of the reasons it's so enjoyed.

Thank you for your comments and your thoughts! ⁓ Richard

[Coyote Poetry]

I liked the words and thoughts. You led the reader to true and perfect ending. The gift of nature. Paradise for the wise. Thank you Richard for sharing your amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so gratefully, John,
Your words in review touch my poet's heart and inspire my olde pen and ebon ink to write again.

Blessings, My Fine Friend! ⁓ Richard : )

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome my friend Richard.

[Einstein Noodle]

with all the work needed to fulfill the iambs .. i guess it doubly hard for you (who prefers the rhyme) to keep yourself from it ;)
thanks for my new found form ..definitely putting it in the incubator .. the scene you paint occurs outside my window each morning as i look past my computer screen .. it seems a long time since i questioned my purpose ..my youth's energy all spent on it and the adventures it produced .. but your closing lines is such a gentle reminder to stop and look and listen to our world each moment ..well said sir! very inspiring for me
E.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so gratefully, Dear Gene! : )
Actually, if you'll take a trip down my list of poems, you'll find that many are Free Verse and other than rhyming forms. My passion truly is in a widely varied poetical stretch of genre.
When you compose in the Blank Verse form, I know there will be much you'll enjoy and receive from it, as it is different than any other form in flow and flexibility of expression. let me know, please, when you've posted yours.
If there were no others, the one thing I always appreciate about your reviews, My Friend, is how you grasp the core essence of my humble pieces.

Bless you, our fine poet! ⁓ Richard

[Einstein Noodle]

now i am on the hook to do it ;) thank you sir and blessings on you as well

[JayceeC]

Very nice piece of blank verse, with traditional imagery if not a traditional message. It almost seems opposed to the PC stance until the reader realizes that there is no need too wonder about something that is so much part of who you are.
My only caution here is that the "when" in line two of the second stanza seems like you are speaking of the bird sing as a certification, not as part of the whole. It three me if a bit on first reading do that I had to recite the stanza again.
A nice piece of blank verse that is well metered, but I would expect no less from you.
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful piece.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Jan, for beginning with a nice compliment … you've bade me warmly smile!

You're right, it is purposely traditional, as common beauty often brings about a familiarity the mind, heart, and soul can most easily relate to in feeling, thought, and emotion … the more simple aspects of Nature, allowing for an atmosphere where one might share those things of my own simple wonderments, that, within themselves are far deeper than seen at a mere glance, or what we often become all too used to, to always appreciate and marvel at.

Yes, I suppose the "songs of birds'" (for me) is a sort of certification to the wondrous, as-well a part of all.

Thank you sincerely, Dear Jan, for reading this challenging piece, and for expressing appreciation and praise … a beautiful Lone Star day to Thee! ⁓ Richard

[Jennesis]

There's so much to miss in this world. The beauty of simple sounds is often overlooked. Joyous is the sound of a dogs smacking in snuggled contentment, coffee percolating, the soft birds chirping outside, the breeze in the pine trees, water in a brook. I could go on...lovely poem Richard

[Richard🖌]

Again, Jenn,
Your words dance in harmony with my own thoughts and feelings, as though you live inside my skin … it's in such a manner as to seamlessly convey a boundless knowing soul-to-soul, and what better could a hopeful bard ask than this … I do not know.
Yet, what I do know is your presence, sharing, and praise of approval makes me very happy to receive … thank you warmly and sincerely, Jenn, for this, and more! ⁓ Richard

[marcus]

a beautiful rhythm and flow, and a beautiful message, I liked it!

[Richard🖌]

Such an economical review, Marcus, but much appreciated, nonetheless! 〜 Richard

[emmajoy]

Both genre and content is so fine, don't think i'll ever attempt blank verse again or - miss the sound of the dawn chorus colouring the horizon. You've been peeping at my world, heard it, felt it.. and so should we all. Don't you think? Your lesson is willingly learned, your words much appreciated.

[Richard🖌]

Yes, Dear Em, I do think! : )
Of all, I am not in the least surprised it would be You who gets the point that I am in such harmony with all around, such a part of it, and I am so embraced by it all there is no doubt how I fit, or whatever else my reason for being here it is so overwhelmed by all else that I am insignificant in the greater scheme of things … or, this is what I mean in the expressed final comment, which seems to have been missed, or left unsaid in review.

Thank you ever-so warmly and gratefully, Em … I feel so very blessed by Nature and by You! 〜 Richard

[Rick Puetter]

This is a fabulous piece, and has a magnificent flow and a dreamy air. The subject, of course, is wonderful, the beauty of nature, and the way you bring this out delicately with your wondering of how you can be so captivated by the simple things, like the song of a bird or the sound of a cricket, is most excellent. These are bewitching things, and your readers easily relate.

This was greatly enjoyed. This write clearly showcases the powerful ability of meter to hypnotize the reader.

Very best regards,

Rick

I generally don't like to publicly post suggestions I make to other writers about their pieces. I like to do this privately. However, Richard asked me to post my letter and his response. So despite my feelings about such things, I will bend to his suggestion. So, for better or worse, below appears my note to him and his e-mail reply.

------------- My note to Richard ----------------

Dear Richard,

I greatly enjoyed reading your poem. Technically, I think the poem is about as perfect as I've read on WC. However, I did wanted to comment that the ending seemed rather abrupt to me, and at odds with the rest of the poem. The first part of the poem has me convinced that you care very deeply for the beauty of nature and "life's bliss". Ending the poem with wondering why do you care if you fit in or not seems in conflict with this theme. I would think you'd want to fit in very well and to harmonize with nature. So I suggest some different ending. For example, you might end with

"and, then I stop and breathe in life--oh my--
embrace creation, and sit back and sigh!"

Or something to that effect. I do not wish to put words into your mouth, as you have done such a marvelous job with this piece.

This was greatly enjoyed.

My best regards,

Rick

------------ His reply to my note ---------------

Thank you, Rick.
Please, post this into your original review, that others may, also, benefit and learn by your comments and suggestions, and I will respond there, as-well.

------------- One final comment --------------

Yes, Richard, I realize my two ending lines rhyme. So a good reason, perhaps, for you to change my wording if you want to strictly avoid a rhyme. But I'm sorry. I'm a rhyming poet, and it almost comes through that way without me even being aware of it. -- My best wishes!

[Richard🖌]

Thank you sincerely, Rick, for your honest and caring comments on this poem, and for sharing your feelings and sentiments in such a constructive and honest way … we need more of this kind of review, aimed at truly helping the artist improve on their craft.

Your point is well taken, My Friend … yet, there is something I believe you missed (or, perhaps, misunderstood) in the essence of that which I said while reading through this piece; namely, this*:

" Oft, times I've sat and questioned how I fit,
of what my purpose here on Earth may be;"

and, that it is *this, when compared to all else far more magnificent and meaningful than my self-indulgent thoughts I am referring to when I say,

" and, then I look around and wonder why,
with all the beauty 〜 I would even care?"

As I always refrain, "Constructive critique is always welcome. : )"
I welcome your thoughts and take, as well, My Fine Poet Friend, and I hope my explanation has helped you better understand the essence of this piece a bit better … thank you ever-so gratefully and humbly, Rick! 〜 Richard

[Rick Puetter]

Hi Richard, I think I understood it that way when I read your piece. Your response and motivation is fine. Each artist calls it as they see it. My very best regards -- Rick

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, again, Rick … may you be blessed! 〜 Richard

[Roland Petrov]

This lovely poem has inspired me to do my homework, but I fear I am challenged by iambic meter. Thanks for introducing me to blank verse, and for this beautiful example. The last four lines are my new substitute for all the world's sacred texts!

[Richard🖌]

Yes, that is the idea, Roland Dear, to inspire you to dig-in and take care of your lessons, accepting the iambic pentameter challenge that will make you a far better and more accomplished poet, as it already has, and you know it … LOL!
You are most welcome for the introduction and example, and I am suitably honored by my writing being substituted for the world's sacred texts … a zillion thanks, ommm! 〜 Richard