There Lingers Dignity

Attempting a sonnet

For now cascading branches greet the sun

whose kind embrace grows weaker by each day.

With courage leaves like artists on trapeze,

cling fast to brushwood tendrils as they sway.

Soon greenery will tire of this dance

as creeping gold replaces verdant hues.

The splendour of the change the season brings,

a wealth to match a velvet sky of blue.

Such elegance on show for all to see,

short-lived before the jealous winds take rage,

to steal the foliage left upon our birch

ensuring all remains an empty stage.

Yet even in its naked form to me,

this tree surpasses all in dignity.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

I would say this is more than an attempt at a sonnet. Being primarily a writer of free verse, I have always admired those with the discipline and patience to construct these exquisite pieces. Here we have an excellent example of the Shakespearean sonnet, 14 lines of iambic pentameter. The subject is impermanence as exemplified by the changing seasons. The last two lines express the poem's meaning, which I take to be the rightness of life despite its seeming fragility. It might even be a metaphor for the sonnet itself, an old form which continues to move readers despite the pervasiveness of more modern styles. Well done.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your excellent review. Yes, sonnets are quite difficult and need a good deal of patience and practice. I don't write them often, but it's good to know that I am not afraid of trying anymore.

[sette]

the attempt in sonnet writing had achieved its goal, the use of metaphors and personification here makes the poem so creatively written and expressed.

[Chris Shaw]

Your appreciation is gratefully received. Thank you

[sette]

you are welcome

[Coyote Poetry]

Wonderful use of words and thoughts. I love the trees too.
"Yet even in its naked form to me,
this tree surpasses all in dignity"
I enjoyed the complete poem and the above lines. I believe also. Thank you Christine for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your kind review. Pleased you enjoyed reading my poem.

[Coyote Poetry]

I did enjoy and you are welcome Christine.

[Pash]

Your like a master painter coloring your canvas with beautiful words. Again, another lovely piece.
Thank you for sharing.
DB

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you. Many thanks for reading. I am very keen on writing about nature in all its glory and all its moods.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this tree much like a human...living its spring and summer, in its autumn getting most attention because of the beauty that is understood by others late in its life...and then the bareness in winter....but the memories remain strong.

nicely done allegory here.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for reviewing Jacob.

[SleeplessVolcano]

This reminds me of an old oak I used to sit under when I needed some peace of mind.....you've beautifully used personification by bringing the tree to life and allocating it deserving dignity......if only more people could be as solidly dignifying :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your kind words. We can learn a great deal from nature, especially trees.

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Sonnets usually explore universal elements of human life or nature, to which many people can relate. Your subject of the 'tree' has worked very nicely in your write! I found it a pleasant read and would encourage you to continue developing this style!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your kind words.