Alone

O what can ail thee, woeful child,

Alone and palely loitering?

Thy stare is blank, thy spirit mild,

Thou dost not dance or sing?

 

O why dost thou but sojourn here

So set apart from ev’ryone,

And frolic not about in cheer,

Partaking in the fun?

 

I know not one who walks about

In energetic gaiety.

And, seeing how they are, I doubt

They would be friends with me.

 

I’m new to all, like all to me,

I feel so insecure and daunted.

For often any who should be

Unknown would be unwanted.

 

And that is why I sojourn here,

Alone and palely loitering,

And frolic not about in cheer,

Nor dance nor even sing.

 

Thou needst fear nothing, woeful child,

I would be pleased to be thy friend.

Our days shall e’er be bright and wild,

For friendships never end.

 

I’ll guide thee through thy moments here,

And, ere this trying day should end,

Thy plea would make the lot give ear,

And want to be thy friend.

 

Thus not to worry, woeful child,

Be not so palely loitering,

Arise and smile! Be bright and wild!

Arise and dance and sing!

-EDP

Reviews

[ViaLex]

This was emotionally gripping

In all honesty, I typically don't have much patience for most poetry, but I've perused your page for the last hour, and have even found myself reading a few aloud to my partner. He began praising me in between selections, and I realized he thought I was sharing my own words. I begrudgingly set the record straight ;)

You're really quite talented. Thank you.

[emipoemi]

Thank you so much! I actually have a few qualms about modern verse, which I dare not talk about in such circumstances as these, but I can gather that you have similar qualms by your lack of "patience". I'm one of the few poets out there who actually understand what quality and poetry entail, so it really means a lot when someone praises my work to such extent as you just did. Thanks again. I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself. Have you a fave among the ones you read/recited? If you're interested, I do have my debut collection up for grabs via amazon, barnes and noble, (or even me). With that you can read all many poems on my page as well as some I haven't yet posted.

[ViaLex]

La Vida Gitana was likely my favorite.

I am certainly interested. I'd like to better learn the art of poetry, and *reading* good poetry helps, naturally. How do I find you on Amazon?

[emipoemi]

It's called Abre la Puerta. I believe there's a post I made on here about it, in which you can find the link. And "La Vida Gitana" is your fave? Wow? Didn't figure you would have known enough Spanish to understand that parody (for it is a parody of "La Vida Loca"). I also had written that with H L Rose - another poet on here, who you could check out as well, for she has some good stuff on her page, too.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

"O, what can ail thee, knight-at-arms,
Alone and palely loitering?
The sedge has wither’d from the lake,
And no birds sing. "
So reminiscent of Keats' "La Belle Dame sans Merci"- in form and language, but a new take on theme. Cleverly and meaningfully done. The lonely child finds the joy of an accepting friend. I Feel this may be a wish or actual occurrence in your life- very sweet,poignant and classically eloquent.

[emipoemi]

It's actually nothing short than a take on my favourite Keats poem (based on an observation and philosophical analyzation of a modern day issue), although, hilariously, I have felt "alone" at times and wished someone would "be [my] friend" during certain circumstances. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

emipoemi,
"Alone"
The title is the clue to the voice of the friend here:
"Thou needst fear nothing, woeful child, I would be pleased to be thy friend."
Then the place of the alone state; for we are within ourselves. This is what we give in this world; ourselves.
"Thus not to worry, woeful child, Be not so palely loitering. arise and smile!"
Lovely old English poem!
Fun to read.
Blessings,
Kathy

[emipoemi]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[G. Writing]

AMAZING!!! I love it, it flowed perfectly. Your writing is pure talent I always enjoy reading it :)

[emipoemi]

Thank you so much! So glad you do :)

[Zoya]

Amazing tale told here! The rhyme scheme is really good and it flows well.
The fourth stanza stands out. Well written.

[emipoemi]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[Zoya]

No worries

[Raven Moonchild]

This is fantastic and makes me think of Shakespeare!! :D