LIFE'S SONG ⁓ (fear neither life nor death)

English Sonnet

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LIFE’S SONG

Beneath grayed cloak the evergreens reach high
to drink from air, their needles weighted full.
Limbs supple, softer than an unborn sigh,
subdued in mist, give way to Nature’s pull.

At night, soft whispers you may nigh hear of … 
o' do not fear and turn to run from such;
for, only ‘tis the kiss of winds above
in chilling flight … upon life’s lips, its touch.

Amidst those mists and shadows lies a shrine
of vine-made arbors … gravestones for the dead.
An angel stands its guard, by Death’s design,
that peaceful comfort wroughts when life has fled.

Should thee soar high, between that angel’s wings,
hold tight with faith; then, hear the song life sings.


Richard W. Jenkins
©2016

1st Place

FanStory International Sonnet Contest

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Author's Note

Picture: compliments of Google Images

Helpful-intended comments and critique are always welcome! : )

Reviews

[Lyn Anderson]

I like everything about this piece, from the word choice, to its softness, and quiet understanding of the interplay of nature, life, and death -- the earthly and the spiritual -- it is so warm and comforting, something I would hope to achieve within the context of a sonnet.

[Richard🖌]

KL,
I can reasonably expect your poetic potential to one day eclipse the skill it took to compose this piece, and I sincerely believe your aptitude is such that it will.
Yes, the Sonnet is one of the most versatile of all poetic forms, allowing great latitude to those whom master it.
Your take on this piece is genuinely reassuring; for, every nuance of your comments speaks it voice clearly and concisely.

it is so earnestly rewarding to share with those whom best "get it"! ⁓ Richard

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, KL.

[William Liston]

I've been meaning to review this one for a while ... why I haven't yet, I have no clue, for I've read this poem at least a million times.
Richard, this is the best sonnet I've ever read. The way it flows so gently and smoothly with a peaceful vibe and dark undertone really pulled me in. I love the abstract, ethereal quality of your words in that they seem to slow time and zoom in on the small details. The originality, imagination, and skill it took to write this certainly something worth admiring, Richard. Great work!

- William Liston

[Richard🖌]

"William!!!"
A "million" times? I told you, at least, a million times not to exaggerate … LOL!
It is a rare occurrence, indeed, that any poet, particularly, a writer of your poetic acumen, tells me one of my poems is the best they've ever read … goodness, my knees feel weak!
Still, from the sincerity and clarity of your comments, I have to take you seriously, and in turn, admit I am enormously complimented and gratified beyond any degree I could have expected.

From you, dear protégé, your words are a treasured gift of genuine value.
Thank you, Sir William … sincerely! ⁓ Richard ✨

[William Liston]

I meant every word. This is, quite honestly, my favorite sonnet. And, though I haven't actually read it a million times (haha), I have copied and pasted it to a file on my tablet so I can read it whenever I want ... needless to say, I've had plenty good readings of it.

[Richard🖌]

William,
You truly honor me in a way words cannot adequately express, except to offer a sincere and grateful,"Thank you, My Friend," as I humbly bow.

[Chris]

A "comforting" piece to pause with and contemplate.

[Richard🖌]

'Twould seem (in spirit) you agree with others, Chris.

Many thanks to you, and a bright blessing for your day! ⁓ Richard : )

[Chris]

I didn't look at a single comment here - just so ya know. I read this aloud and let the flow form my comment.

[Richard🖌]

I'm with you, and my response was based completely on your expressed personal take, even while reminded of like sentiments by others, and was mentioned to afford you the opportunity of knowing how others agree with you.
You're, probably, like me, in the sense that I rarely read other's reviews, and I, too, follow your methodology when reading and reviewing, if I get your gist here, my friend thank you again! : )

[Chris]

You nailed it... seems some follow "the crowd" and use the crowds' thought as their own. We - you and I, follow our own minds ...for better or worse I guess.

[Richard🖌]

LOL! I guess so. : )

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

My inspirations are such that, at times, a poem will burst from my pen, after which, I seem the image to accompany it. At other times, an image itself serves as the inspiration. I imagine the latter was the case in this instance for you. Life is a song, with highs and lows, a chorus, and crescendo, with beauty in them all. I think you have captured this so succinctly. Bravo!

[Richard🖌]

Linda,
As you've probably figured by now, I'm not much of a reviewer, but like you, when I do review, I try not to leave token pats on the head.
I love your reviews, as I love your poetry, and I've read a lot of you, too, even reviewed some …I will say you make writing, sharing, and reviewing a joy.
Not so ironically, your ways are those of my own, and not many, actually, very few ever take time to try and discern how I go about writing. Your intuition is spot on… the picture inspired the poem, it possesses such deep moment, almost a spiritual pull, that thoughts, ideas, cadence, imagery, the entire scenario you perceive in the poem was written in my head, my heart, and soul before it hit the page.
How can I thank you enough for simply being You, for being thoughtful and giving enough to gift me praise and expressed appreciation … how could I wish for more?

Most gratefully yours, Linda ✨ ⁓ Richard : )

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Isn't it funny what inspires us? Last night, I came across someone's poem. I believe it was called 'Haunted Closets." The caption beneath the poem stated that it had something to do with the skeletons that we all have in our closets and how we are haunted by them. While I didn't read the poem itself, the title alone gave life to the first two lines to a poem. I didn't write them down right away. I was in the middle of watching a program on television; and after about an hour, I got up to go write it down and then began working on the poem. I was into the second stanza, and I was just too tired to continue. So, I put it away and returned to it today; and "My Darling, Rose" was born. Initially, I had a black and white photograph of an old man sitting by himself on a bench looking so sad and dejected. While I initially thought I would use it to go with the poem when it was still in the initial stages, it just didn't suit me in the end. So, I discovered another, more appropriate one.

The muse sometimes whispers and sometimes she screams, but we must never turn a deaf ear to her. She will not let us be.

[Richard🖌]

You speak with the resonating voice of a very wise and conscious being … one whom I feel has entered my soul, slid beneath my skin and deciphered my very depths. I wonder, Linda, do our muses chat? ; )
I really and truly enjoy you ✨

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

I rather believe that our muses are like sprites, flitting to and fro, from my door then to yours. Like fairies, they flutter for fun.

[Richard🖌]

I knew you would know all about it⁓*

[Tazeen Ahmed]

mesmerizing and soothing...
the descriptions are attractive,
grayed cloak, chilling flight...
epic!

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Tazeen,
Your words of understanding, depth, and praise are a touching poem in themselves.

Warmest, most grateful hugs! ⁓ Richard : )

[Tazeen Ahmed]

welcome! hugs back to you!

[George Coombs]

Wonderful writing Richard and, for me, a gentle and quiet understanding of the interplay and dialogue between nature, death and life, a wonderful complimentary image

[Richard🖌]

Hello, George.
For a man of your poetic stature to select one of my pieces to read, comment on, and praise so effulgently, with such concise understanding, and keen approval of the accompanying picture, is gratification beyond that which I could have hoped for.
I am truly and sincerely grateful, My Fine Poet Friend, for your visit and graciousness.

Thank you ever-so warmly, George … keep thee safe and well! ⁓ Richard : )

[George Coombs]

My pleasure Richard

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Pristine and perfect. Classic poem flows like the night breeze. Dark but welcoming. Even in death "hear the song life sings"... Loved this!

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Annette, ever-so graciously and warmly for selecting this rather ominously misty piece to read and comment on … your bright words of praise and expressed appreciation caress like a soft poetic breeze.

That you "Loved" anything my rusty olde pen scribed is gratification beyond tat which a hopeful bard could have expected, but I am keeping it, nonetheless … smiles 'n hugs! ⁓ Richard ; )

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

And back to you my friend!

[Relic]

This is rich with images and metaphors Richard. I can picture the scene as I read so I'm automatically drawn to the poem right from the beginning.

Excellent work.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Dear Relic, for selecting this rather deeply abstract, image-laden Sonnet in homage to the acceptance of life and death.
Your praise and expressed appreciation have truly blessed an olde bard's humble efforts, My Friend … gratefully yours! ⁓ Richard

[Ardra]

Amidst those mists and shadows lies a shrine
of vine-made arbors … gravestones for the dead.
An angel stands its guard, by Death’s design,

When you read this poem ..you feel like a mist covering all of you ..then suddenly you are at the shrine ...where you find the angels....and hear their whispers..... and the sighs of the nature.... it's very soothing...I liked how you have painted this beautiful poem. ...have a blessed day richard!

[Richard🖌]

Thank you sincerely, Dear Ria!
The Sonnet form does create a rhythm and tempo that pulls one into and through their own emotions, eh? I think this is why (though, among the most challenging poetic forms to master) it has remained so popular for hundreds of years.
Throw some meaningfully, creatively arranged words into its composition and it virtually dances upon the page with a whisper into one's very consciousness.
I love your interpretation of and commentary on this rather abstract piece, Ria, and that a poetess of your stature loves anything about my humble poetic efforts is praise higher than I could have expected … hugs 'n brightest blessings! ⁓ Richard : )

[ReedWrite]

Ooooo...I love this one so much, and I can't tell you why. I love the word choice...the voice...the flavor...the imagery...the interplay of concepts...the feeling that runs through you as you read the words. All of it is...perfect. Beautiful. Touching. You truly are a gifted Bard, Richard.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Lovely Lady!
I think I like your review better than the poem … you're so thoughtfully descriptive and inspiring, and your praise made me blush*

You spoil me so nicely … grateful hugs! ⁓ Richard : )

[Susan 🦋]

Such a spiritual piece...as i hope one day I can soar high through angels wings...and that my life songs were..beautiful.lovely imagery..favorite being "an Angel stands it guard, by death's design"....i also like "grey cloak" ( sky)...gentle rain that evergreens 'drink full"...wonderful.

[Richard🖌]

Dear Susan,
Thank you ever-so, Lady-Poet, for reading this Sonnet and for your gratifying praise and expressed appreciation.
The words you've chosen certainly highlight the heart of the poem's spirit.
I wish for your hopes to be granted, too … how wonderful my words brought them to mind and that you shred them with me.

Hugs 'n brightest blessings! ⁓ Richard

[Susan 🦋]

You're welcome. :-)