The NEOPHYTE (novice)

SESTETS (6-line verses) in 9-syllable counts and a rhyme-scheme of aa,bb,cc / dd,ee,ff / etc.

The NEOPHYTE

…beginner…

Once, a young lass, naïve neophyte …

some force compelled her to sit and write.

Her coffers were filled with every word

that had been written or ever heard.

Her pen’s ink she drew from finest wells,

to scribe her magick poetic spells.

Preparing for what, she did not know …

phantasmic vapors began to flow,

kaleidoscopes spun in high hues bright,

to set her young soul to winged flight.

A mandala all her words became,

as each thought lit a poetic flame.

Now, 'twas there she sat, filled pen in hand,

upon the pages bright thoughts flowed grand.

Far into night, soft moonlight glowed down,

every word she scribed would bring renown …

adjectives and adverbs, oh so fine,

she perfectly placed in every line.

Then, at breaking of morn’s early light,

she’d writ everything that she could write;

her eyes grew heavy, her wings now furled,

her weary head lain down, shed the world.

Came dream upon dream, all through her sleep,

great poems so grand, not one she’d keep.

She tried to recall … they disappeared;

'twas as though, a wind her mind had cleared.

Upon the table came into sight

pages labored-on all through the night.

Her heart filled with joy at what she read;

then, slowly her words … each turned to dread.

Something was missing, all had gone wrong;

her melody, became a sad song.

The rhymes were all slanted, nothing flowed,

her bright world spinning had somehow slowed.

Where were the images from her mind?

Not a one, on each page, could she find.

Oh, all her words were still there, alright;

but, they’d lost their meanings, from last night.

Like talking with no poetic voice,

that which seemed thrilling does not rejoice.

What, while she slept, had suddenly changed;

had her words, somehow, been rearranged?

She sat, pored keenly over each line,

discov’ring her words were not so fine.

They lacked those deep feelings she had felt …

all of the love in her heart that dwelt.

Thus, she studied about metaphor,

rhyming  'n rhythm  -- then, so much more.

With syntax, flow, and line-breaks that dance;

her verses, she knew, now stood a chance.

She’d read and learned, by those from before;

now, could express her feelings galore.

Her words, at last, knew how to sing;

it's said, "Each, is an inspiring Spring!"

One cannot do what they do not know,

we must first learn, before we can grow.

So, all you fresh, naïve beginners …

smile, for you each will soon be winners.

Learn our fine art of poetry right;

or, you’ll ever be … a "Neophyte".

Richard W. Jenkins

© 3 Oct 2007

Author's Note

One from the archives (though, long) you may still enjoy and find something worthwhile in.
Originally, it was a "young lad", until one of the site's very observant poetesses pointed out that the majority of writers on here are lasses … I always oblige a charming lady-poet. ; )

Please, feel free to leave well-meant, honest, and constructive critique! : )

Reviews

[Lisasview]

Loved reading this (story) poem.
Really..now Richard what can I say.. Not easy to review what I would call a perfect poem.
Clever..clever..
I understood it so well.
Every line sang to me...
I smiled throughout the entire poem..wonderful feeling..waking up, not feeling great, with this Covid, and reading your poem was such a positive beginning of my day.
Funny, but since I started all this.. was it really only two weeks ago!!
I fall asleep searching for words..and once found, I hope to remember them in the morning..seldom happens because with doing this as I said I fall to sleep..and all is lost in my dreams.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so warmly, Lisa Dear✍

And, I love that you loved anything about this rather contemplative story poem, too. What a marvelous compliment for an olde bard to receive from such an elegant poetess.
Further, that you smiled while reading and actually understand its essence throughout every line, serves to prove I've reached, at least, one appreciative human being … what higher praise could there be than this?

With sincerest gratitude! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Relic]

Incredible poetry, Richard. I enjoyed very much. :)

[Richard🖌]

Hey!
Thanks for the read, Tim, and the grateful compliment … glad you enjoyed it.
read moreHey!
Thanks for the read, Tim, and the grateful compliment … glad you enjoyed it.

Blessings, My Friend! ⁓ Richard : )

[Dr. YumnaKay]

Ah this is for me! Lol
Your words here touch me very much for I find myself in each of the verses. This poetry thing ain't a game for sure! 😶😉
Like we've agreed before, learning is the key to mastering (or coming close to) any art.
Such a great advice for us beginners, Richard! Great write :))

[Richard🖌]

Uh-huh, Doc!
You, as much as any other, I knew would grasp the tangible essence of this studiously eye-opening piece.
It's ironic that you say you find yourself in each verse, because any one of us who have fallen and picked themselves up time-after-time, dusted our selves off, got right back into the fray to persevere, and have paid our dues will, too.
You're a great student of poetry, Yumna, and with your willing attitude and work ethic, will be a great master, too.
You're right … poetry is not for sissies, wannabes, or quitters! : )

Thank you, Dear Poetess, for your praise and comments of understanding … big hugs! ⁓ Richard