She ~
So abstract, rarified ideas the same – that
he was an angel – but he beat them
effortlessly – he soared above the common thoughts of humanity
Author notes
This acrostic poem, entitled She ~ is in tribute to the famous poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley.
"On the Philosophy and Poetry of Shelley published in 1821, the reviewer observes that "with all the combined attractions of mind and verse, we feel that Mr. Shelley can never become a popular poet. He does not sufficiently link himself with man; he is too visionary for the intellect of the generality of his readers, and is ever immersed in the clouds of religious and metaphysical speculations. They are magnificent abstractions of mind - the outpouring of a spirit "steeped to the full" in humanity and religious enthusiasm." In Shelley's own self-preserving declaration, he replied, "I have the vanity to write only for poetical minds, and must be satisfied with few readers." Reportedly, he instructed his poems be printed in a limited run of only one hundred copies, "for the esoteric few who are capable of judging and feeling rightly with respect to a composition of so abstruse a nature." Such an invented audience of ideal readers, the envisioned audience for his work, demanded of its readers a sophisticated understanding of literary and cultural history. He cannot be faulted for writing for a distinctly elite audience. Even if Shelley was writing only for "poetical minds" the major works he undertook in his final years exhibit great range and diversity..."
Source: Shelley's Poetry and Prose , Edited by Donald H. Reiman and Neil Fraistat, W. W. Norton & Company, 2002.
Comments?
Comments
1 - 23 of 23
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"he soared above the common thoughts of humanity" - the use of "the" in this line isn't necessary. It would, in my opinion, read better without it.
I thought it'd be longer for a tribute, which is why I clicked. I was hoping for more but this is nice.
-Nam -
Interesting info in the author's notes, but I can't really say the poem speaks to me particularly well.
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Loved it, so simple yet engaging. Great use of the acrostic style
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Excellently formed, wonderfully worded and delicately descriptive. Loved it.
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One of my favorite poets.
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Very Nice
Very well put together and wonderful imagination. Well Done!
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Thank you for your positive critique and applause on this tribute to Percy Bysshe Shelley. I understand he was called She by his peers. I'm not sure if it is pronounced She or Shay. Well, it was a fun piece, just the same. Thanks again! 
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this kind of through me off being that it was a picture instead of a stanza by stanza poem. nice work. i like how you captured the meaning of this picture to you in that brief sentence.
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I'm not familiar with the term "acrostic" but your words make an interesting philosophical statement. Good work and happy trails
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acrostic is when you use the letters of a word as the first letter of each line, in this case, notice how the first letters in each line above spells "she"?
Paul -
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Yes, it was supposedly his nick-name. Notice his middle name was "Bysshe?" Only thing is, I'm not sure how it is pronounced, "Shay" or "She" (this is according to some poet I know).
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amazing
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Beautiful!
***Pam***
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A subtle and beautiful tribute to one of the leading poets of the 19th century (and indeed, of all time). Very well done.
Bill
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Ah, finely penned and cleverly constructed is this smart acrostic. Shelley deserves the best. BRAVO!
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I like the imagery your words painted and the eye-catching picture..well done!
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just lovely. i LOVE the picture too. great job!
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I wouldn't have seen the SHE immediately..but I found it..it's beautiful Cyn..that pic is gorgeous.
I am touched by this. Anyone would be, reading a tribute this lovely..
You amaze me,
Jin
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I see it now!!! SHE Great!!!
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beautiful!
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Awesome great job!
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Very Beautiful! When I was in High School we read a great deal of Shelley. He is one of my favorites
. Rewarded 4
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"he soared above the common thoughts of humanity..."
Great line!
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