A brother's sonnet

I hear your laughter’s light, it calms my mind

Your presence lifts my heart like candles’ glow

Within your words I know that I will find

A sweetness that will soothe this bitter blow.

I see your piercing eyes looking at me

Their fire stirs me once again to rise

These memories will be my remedy

To comfort me through all these countless cries.

I feel the closeness of your warm embrace

You’ve been my rock, my voice of reason, clear

Forever will I long to see your face

And in my heart you always will be near.

You touched my life in ways that can’t be told

The walks you take are now on streets of gold.

Author's Note

Painting: Cliffs and Sea by Esperanza Creeger

Reviews

[Richard🖌]

Ah, my poetic brother,

I, too, have lost a brother; thus, my heart and soul can feel the poignant sorrow plaintively singing in the respectful yearning of your well-struck words.
I fondly recall the Sonnet You, Gene, and I shared that turned out so masterfully … this piece brought to mind those moments.
I am humbled to say how very much I admire the skill with which you've rendered this challenging form, with only L5 and 6 trochees (message if interested) … the rest flows absolutely perfectly emotionally, syntactically, spiritually, metaphorically, iambically, dancing off the page deep into my own heart. And, what a heavenly spirit-touching picture you've chosen to accompany your brother's Sonnet.

My most sincere sentiments, Dear Poet, at the loss of your brother … his memories will bless you all your life. This Sonnet is as wonderful a homage to your brother as I can imagine a poem being … I hope his service was beautiful and well-attended.

Thank you most gratefully for sharing. ⁓ Richard 🍃

[SleeplessVolcano]

Thank you for your kind words. Poetry is a comfort during life’s storms.

[Richard🖌]

Never, Syr, were truer words spoken.
You are most sincerely welcome.

[SleeplessVolcano]

I stopped writing for nearly a year. Isn't it ironic that grief can reignite snuffed out candles? It's a bit of a bitter sweet reality. I'd rather never write a single word again and have my brother alive.

[barleygirl]

I'm sorry for your loss (((HUGS))) . . . but from a purely sonnet point of view, this poem delivers such a strong engrossing story of deep feeling, I forgot to check this out in terms of the sonnet form. I love forgetting about the form, which is what I want from a poet who writes in form. Sometimes it seems like the form is too distracting when poets write sonnets & the message fades into the background. There's nothing "background" about your heartfelt message. This reminds me of how I still often think about my best friend & feel his presence, RIP 6 years now. Gracious share coming from the depths of how this must feel for you (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[SleeplessVolcano]

Thanks Margie. Much appreciated.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

So sorry for your loss...
I hardly noticed the rhyme and the sonnet nature of this piece. That for me is a really good thing, because all of it felt so natural, nothing forced...but then the feelings from losing a family member, those just flow, don't they?

powerful write...very powerful...and uplifting that his spirit is always with you.
j.

[SleeplessVolcano]

Thanks Jacob. Yes, when we love someone, words are not thought out, they've always been there.

[Einstein Noodle]

I see you have lost your brother sir .. I wasn't sure when I read your poem "Questions" ...so sorry old friend .. tho we only know each other here at the Cafe' .. it has been a while and I always think of our collab. when I see you visiting here. I think your sonnet is fine; tho I am not the authority others here are on the form .. it flows fine .. the language not forced and in everyday wording .. not easy to do as the sonnet lends itself to using old English similar to the times. peace upon you sir .. I recently lost my Norma and feel you my friend.
E.

[SleeplessVolcano]

Thank you for your kind words.

[Ardra]

May his soul rest in peace... heart felt tribute...
Take care

[John the Baptist]

The impression is that the addressee has passed on. The poem is a beautifully rhymed sonnet professing the ongoing love of a brother. That all of us might receive such tributes at our passing.

[SleeplessVolcano]

Thanks John. His funeral is tomorrow.

[Chris Shaw]

A beautifully composed sonnet which touched my heart. As I read your lines I thought of my younger brother, six years gone and was reminded of all he had been to me andcall he still is.

Chris

[SleeplessVolcano]

Thanks Chris. Words can never really cover all those memories, can they? We try, though. The funeral is romorrow.

[Chris Shaw]

I am so sorry for your loss. Look after yourself while you grieve.