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A Sonnet for Joyce, Conrad & Dickinson ( Sonnetto Rispetto)

Missing image
~by Gregg Rowe~

While James Joyce did speak to me of the dead - -
With heart of darkness, Conrad mouths to me - -
These books I read in my hospital bed,
Their profound words began to set me free.
My life everyday was unbridled thread;
I humbly bowed to G-d upon my knee.
Because I’ve three tales spinning through my mind
Open my eyes so I will not be blind


Emily Dickinson, when she died- - heard
A fly buzz - - myself -- see the moon-lit sky :
I peacefully look towards  heavenwards - -
Go back Son it’s early for you to die!
Immortal authors saved me through their words:
Now I’ve made peace, ready to say good-bye - -



Author notes

As i was preparing to have iopen heart surgery in May 2004, these were the three authors i was studying at university before I had to put these studies on hold to recuperate.

Each author studied had writtten about facing death or struggling with their existence and it was a profound experience that the Literature course I had chosen this semester would in the end reflect in my personal life later on.  During the semester, as I prepared myself to enter the hospital, knowing that I may not come out if anything happened, these three writers pedastaled me on a new level of thinking about life and death.


Emily Dickinson:  The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson
Joseph Conrad:  Heart of Darkness
James Joyce:  The Dubliners:  The Dead
Written January 31st, 2005

In a list

A contest entry

What did you think

    I plan to revise this poem: please leave constructive criticism!
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Comments

1 - 18 of 18
  • Babyblonde
    January 29, 2006
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    This is a fantastically written, inspiring piece! I dont really see my topic in there though. I suppose the authors could be your heros, but it was not written to speak of their effect on you.

    Thanks for entering. A beautiful poem.
    ***Sarah xxx


  • staindvaynez
    July 18, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    what a visual piece i humbly loved it and wish you luck

  • Ms. Trick
    May 24, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Like the soothing stroke of a line of greatly penned words.

    Nice background. Thanks for entering!

    trick


  • lordoftherings gold member
    May 23, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Flaming Sky: Yes, I have read your rules and there are three titles to books mentioned within the poem that I have written because at that particular time, I was reading all three for a univeristy course and going through open-heart surgery. Perhaps it is not a singular title of a book, but these three books (which are listed in the Author's Comments) seemed to fit perfectly inside one poem, if it does not fit the driteria of the contest, which baffles me that one person should be subjected to just one book in writing, then it will be kewl for me. These were just my muse's feelings at a particular point in my life with some of the greatest in theliterary world. I also wouldn't name a title of a peom after a book because someone already owns rights to it, but using the author's name is not a cause of plagerisim.
    Edited on May 23, 3:08 p.m. because ''.


  • Flaming Sky
    May 23, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    I hate to break it to you, but this is not the title of a book... at least as far as I know. Did you read the rules?
    As far as content goes, this is beautiful. - sky

  • Lacerated-Eidolon
    May 22, 2005
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    That was an incredible poem. Books are incredible; I love how it is so easy to escape your own life by reading of something else. Though I have never read Conrad and I don't particularly care for Dickinson, I really enjoy Joyce. I am currently in the middle of Ulysses and I've wanted to read The Dubliners: The Dead. Anyway, sorry, I can ramble on and on about books, now back to the poem you have written. This poem was wonderful, the imagery within was beautiful and somewhat saddening. The rhyme scheme and the words themselves were also beautiful.

  • listen
    January 31, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    what do you mean by"ready to say good-bye"?

  • pozo
    January 31, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Great emotion and use of other poets, I hope you are healthy and well Keep writing and living
    All the best,
    Pozo

  • DevilsWrongHand
    January 31, 2005
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    nice write

    This was a very nice poem. It has a nice flow and great imagery. And the 3 you write about are brillant. Great job!
    XOXO
    ~laura


  • CarterTachikawa
    January 31, 2005
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    This was just...wow. Really, really amazing. The way you combined all three of these poets in one poem is incredible. I love the second stanza about Emily Dickinson, reminded me of that poem. Just beautiful. I never read such a lovely sonnet before. This is probably the first. Good joh. I love the emotion and the power behind it all. Keep up the good work!

    ~CT

  • lordoftherings gold member
    January 31, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Allissia: Don't you just love intertexuality in a piece of work (where a pice of writing is mentioned and it brings up a whole body of images and metaphors to go alongside the writing you are engaged in). That is my new learning experience, to do it professional without being cliché about it all, am glad you picked up on this literary device and perhaps will use it one day yourself, it really enriches the art of writing when a narrator can do this to the reader. Gregg
    Edited on Jan 31, 1:06 p.m. because ''.


  • barefoot contessa silver member
    January 31, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    As always my dear mentor, your work leave me breathless. I love the whole concept of the idea displayed in this poem.

    Emily Dickinson, when she died- - heard
    A fly buzz - - myself -- see the moon-lit sky :
    I peacefully look towards heavenwards - -
    Go back Son it’s early for you to die!

    I don't know why, but that stood out the most to me in this peace. For one, I remember the poem you are referring too plus I thought this also. I also like the style of those particular lines. lol

    On a personal note, you just inspired me to try my hands at a sonnet. As always when I feel writer block steel grasp, I take a look at your poems and I am inspired. Thanks dear mentor!
    -Allissia


  • Ferenc
    January 31, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Wow! Pretty powerful!
    Content and form are beautifully merged.
    I love the passion you convey in straightforward - and yet an almost mythical way. And I totally agree that some books can save our lives, literally.
    I love:
    "Their profound words began to set me free"
    The way you ended this piece, turning intellectuality into sheer life-experience, is masterful!
    A great poem with many layers!
    Well done!
    Cheers!
    Personally

  • Tudor Rose
    January 31, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    ooops what a clutzz I am, it was "Lord of the brooke" who i knew before, not you, I'm sorry, still at least I got to read this brilliant poem and also read about you on your page, your an amazing indivisual who should be very proud, well done.


  • Romeos captive
    January 31, 2005
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    Well done on such an excellent piece! A truly beautiful piece and a pleasure to read. I could feel the emotions in every word and ohh ... it left me speechless! Magnificent!

    With the best of regards,
    Romeos captive
    Edited on Jan 31, 6:12 because ''.

  • Tudor Rose
    January 31, 2005
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    absolutely brilliant, so masterfully written, I wish I read more then I too might be able to write as well as you? havnt seen you on in a long long time, I hope you will stop by to read some of my stuff when you can? anyway an excellent poem, glad to see you back


  • aslanlight
    January 31, 2005
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    Wow I'm honestly impressed with this one! It reminds me of a poem I wrote the other day:

    'I am a seeker of love and friendship
    My wish for peace within myself
    Is a driving force that gives me willingness
    To learn from teachers of old who tapped the source'.

    You mention hospital beds and when I have been recouperating I have read, especially 'Thomas Merton' a Trappist monk, dead now but famous in the sixties for his writing. His spiritual insights are revealing and lift you to a greater height.

    I'm applauding for the positive attitude in this piece.
    Edited on Jan 31, 5:48 because ''.


  • indierose
    January 31, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Wow.. this poem is brilliant. Very emotion filled and well.. great!

    Good luck and keep writing,

    Indie xx

1 - 18 of 18