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A Sip of Spring

Missing image

A Sip of Spring

I oft' stood back and watched the gay pastel,
absorbed within the colors fast and deep;
and lost within a glass of muscatel,
I viewed the canvas lending eyes to weep.
When Venus blessed the dawn of newborn spring
and cherubs watched her soul from high above,
the Graces danced within a rondel ring,
expressing joy throughout their dance of love.
The death of winter brought them to the wood,
to gather ‘neath the canopy of spring,
rejoicing in the birth of maidenhood,
delighted Graces float within their ring.
    Lost deep within this artistry divine,
    I sighed and took another sip of wine.

 

 

 

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Author notes

Painting by: Sandros Botticelli, housed in main Gallery in Florence: The Primavera.

In a list

A contest entry

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Comments

1 - 87 of 87

  • Nisaba M.
    November 23
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    The sonnet-form suits you, doesn't it. I'm interested in Tarot, and the detail of the three muses as well as detail of the cupid, were used in two Tarot cards in a deck based on Botticelli's work. Your poem, while well-written and obviously in admiration of the painting, still has the quality of a remoteness from the painting. I wonder whether that is because the glass of wine, referred to twice, stands between you and the painting?


  • Night Hope gold member
    October 27

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    I adore Botticelli paintings, Amera. I recently had several contests prompted by art - the latest one being Bouguereau. As I mentioned to ecrivain01 on his entry, I have always admired sonnets and even wrote a couple myself, but uncomfortably. Free verse seems to be my niche, so I remain there, usually, although I have done a few rhymes I still like. And grace has always been one of my favorite words, too. This is a remarkable penning, in scope and content. Thank you for entering my contest, Sweetie. Good luck.




  • capricornpoet
    October 7
    Edit | Reply

    inspiring senses

    Spring and Venus, of life and all senses , life and love , its flavors and taste, and a good
    wine , sweet divine.


  • AutumnGypsy gold member
    September 17

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    This is a beautiful and delicate piece of poetry, you laced this with such gracious and elegant imagery it was hard to to stop and sigh at the end. Well done. Best to you in the contest


  • Kiran silver member
    September 4

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    This is really wonderful! I really enjoyed this; the language and imagery in this piece was outstanding


  • fangs to blame
    August 12
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    Grace in it's most delicate form.

  • Purrsanthema
    August 11

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    In line 12 i especially love your use of the word "float". What a beautiful sonnet! Elegant and entirely appropriate for the Botticelli!


  • creationsfromheart
    July 22

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    My Dearest Amera , Please know that you are a fantastic writer I seen some of the comments below so went to check out the port of the great one, As I read only one poem suffering through it, and read another, I realize this is a taught writer and not a writer from the heart which is no poet. You keep writing and you keep your great works going and sharing with the world! YOU are queen of form and they are just envious of your talent and wish they had half of it


  • DesolatELifE
    July 18

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    Another boring comment coming:

    Very nice indeed. Once the reading is done great poems get boring, because there's seldom anything but 'compliment you lots and lots'. Still, I'd rather enjoy the reading than the comment, and I do.


  • Sonya-Erasmus silver member
    July 15
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    I loved it - maybe cos I am a wine lover hehehe


  • The.poet.of.hearts
    July 1

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    humz.. I felt as it was written from the oldest book of english poetry
    very fine work of art
    keep writing

    by
    the poet of hearts and beautiful words

  • Topnotchsy
    June 23

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    This is beautiful. I almost forgot about the poem as I took the time to read some of the recent comments. I'll say I truly enjoyed the poem and did not assume any homosexual references (whether or not such references would be an issue is up for someone else to decide.)


  • Melodies
    May 28

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    Joining in the celebration of your remarkable talent here as poets gather 'round your beautiful sonnet with admiration. You have penned an exquisite story of passion that pleases the reader wonderfully.

  • Vera Rich
    May 26
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    This is the second poem I have seen in this competition where the rhyme only works by stressing "PasTEL" on the second syllable. I have always stressed it on the first syllable, but wonder now if this is an accepted variant pronunciation - (transatlantic, perhaps?)

    And do be careful of the word "gay", which as you know over the past four decades has acquired the secondary meaning of homosexual/lesbian. In view of the figures in the Botticelli painting being all feminine, this could evoke associations that you did not intend. This shift of meaning is something that I myself find very annoying. I have had to revise all my translations published before the shift took place so that "gay" would be eliminated in the new editions - and it is not easy to find a substitute word that fits the rhythm and conveys the sense of light-hearted joy.

    In the case of your sonnet, since it is referring to a painting, "bright" might be possible substitute.


    • Amera gold member
      May 27
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      I did not intend for my work to become a debate and you have successfully convinced me to simply give up writing; I just don’t have what it takes. You can use the O.E.D. free on line here: http://www.askoxford.com/


    • PerVirtuous
      May 26
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      pasTEL is the only pronunciation I have ever heard.

      From Merriam Webster: \pas-ˈtel\ They give no other pronunciation.

      According to the Oxford dictionary, "ORIGIN Italian pastello, from pasta ‘paste’
      Since the Italian word is pas-TEL-lo, it stands to reason the Anglosized version is pasTELL.

      As for the word gay, I think you have taken political correctness to the extreme. To say a word is arbitrarily not to be used even though the dictionary still lists the definition it is being used for is completely subjective and I see no valid reason to claim it is necessary.

      Again from Merriam Webster's:

      1gay
      Pronunciation: \ˈgā\
      Function: adjective
      Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French gai, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German gāhi quick, sudden
      Date: 14th century
      1 a: happily excited : merry b: keenly alive and exuberant : having or inducing high spirits
      2 a: bright, lively b: brilliant in color
      3: given to social pleasures ; also : licentious
      4 a: homosexual b: of, relating to, or used by homosexuals

      Since definition one and two are indeed acceptable uses of the word, I think it is very unfair of you to claim the word should not be used as definition 1 or 2 in a poem. Perhaps that is what your publisher wants in their publications, but to take it as far as you do here and to claim its use should be banned altogether is borderline thought police. I see no justification for it.

      It seems to me you mentioned two things that are incredibly subjective and really did not give the poem much of a proper critique at all.

      • Vera Rich
        May 27
        Edit | Reply
        Well, if you WANT to evoke unfortunate and inappropriate overtones to your poems, by all means do so! But the fact that such overtones do exist is a FACT - and it is not "thought police" to point this out.



        Likewise - if you want to work with the Merriam-Webster dictionaries by all means do so. (Indeed, I had a copy myself as a child... unfortunately it was a wartime economy edition and eventually fell to pieces!) However, I am informed by my US philologist colleagues that the definitive dictionary for scholarly use is - for them as for us - the OED. And, indeed, I would normally have checked this pronunciation in the OED. However, at present I do not have access to my own copy (all my books are in temporary storage)- and it is not possible at present to get to the library. Nor did I want to bother any of my colleagues about it at the busiest time in the academic year!

        If Allpoetry competitions did not need to be judged so rapidly, things would be a lot easier.

        As for giving a "proper critique" of the poem - well, that is something that I do later - after the competition has closed and been judged; doing one or two poems per week in depth. Providing, that is, that people leave their poems on my competition page until I have the time and am in a sufficiently relaxed and auspicious mood to deal with them!


        • PerVirtuous
          May 27
          Edit | Reply
          You are joking, right? How a word is used, the context, determines its meaning. Most words have multiple definitions. Clearly in the context of this poem: "watched the gay pastel" is not referencing crayons or chalk in a homosexual orgy. Since a picture was provided, that subject matter is not in question. I see your criticism as silly.

          "the definitive dictionary for scholarly use is"

          This may be true if you are publishing research papers regarding science, history, literature, etc. When discussing poetry and the expression of one's relationship with the external world in a poem, the poet's own experiences are the definitve resource. Therefore, if that poet uses Merriam-Webster's - whose online dictionary offers pronunciation and OED does not - then that is the definitive resource for that poet. Art is not a static inflexible science. You have pointed out that the connotations of the word "gay" have changed with popular usage. It was not changed by the scholars. Then you say that a word must be pronuounced according to a definitive scholarly source. These are contradictory positions. Either it is ok to consider popular usage of words or it is not. You cannot arbitrarily say in one example it is and in another example it is not.

    • Amera gold member
      May 26
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      Considering the topic and the tone of the poem I think you are being obtuse criticizing the use of the word “gay”. I also think you have tunnel vision regarding pronunciation. Most of the English speaking world does not speak British English. Here is the dictionary’s pronunciation of the word you questioned.
      [ pa-STEL; especially Brit. PAS-tl ]
      I’m still trying to figure out if you intentionally try to discourage those who are trying to learn or if you are simply set in your British ways. I guess we should avoid each other in the future.

  • piccola silver member
    January 24

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    I can relate to this ... enjoying such beauty and then at the last, a well given sigh and then returning to the glass of rich, heady muscatel. Of course there is more than one way that we can view muscatel for many who are homeless drink it ... I doubt that they view such a museum though. Not to mention they usually don't drink from a glass ... but a bottle held within a brown paper bag


  • Swan song gold member
    December 25, 2008
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    A beautiful sonner indeed Amera smooth and the last line brought the imagery I like lol


  • Azgar
    December 1, 2008
    Edit | Reply


  • Ellis gold member
    November 1, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Burp

    Oh dear, you need AA
    What more is there to say
    Get help fast
    That will last
    And write another day

    Tiki Cat
    Buy Tiki's Gourmet Cat Food
    "Too Good For Humans"


  • nordicsky silver member
    October 30, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    This poem is as delicate as the Botticelli painting it portrays.
    I love the way you have described the painting's themes, whilst never once losing your poetic flow.
    In parts, it sounds almost Shakespearean.

    A fine write,
    Regards, Peter


  • Pisces Pieces
    September 18, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    I like that it is an expression of someones thoughts with a bit of emotion while perhaps analyzing or contemplating...or interpreting the story of the/a painting.

    You portray things in such a unique and creative way...I love reading it.

    ♥


  • xCandieKissesx
    August 28, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Very intriguing and unique piece indeed. I feel the imagery and creatvity seeping out of every word. Great job and congrats for making the spotlight!


  • dame de la riviere
    August 22, 2008

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    So very beautiful as is the bloomin' spring. You did the grandeur of nature good justice in this very finely written poem. Nicely done! , Dannie


  • MysticalRayne
    August 22, 2008
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    I'm not one to judge sonnet's for I really have not learned this structure. I have a hard time reading a lot of the old English and getting the gist of what is being said ~ I did enjoy this I just had to read it a few times and you have woven a wonderful tale. Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece

  • strangerforeigner
    August 22, 2008

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    So well done. I wish I had the discipline to write something as structured as a sonnet. Lovely use of language, we should all respect words so much.


  • owlish
    August 21, 2008

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    Beautiful! If you enjoy sonnets, read Eusebius' works, they're amazing! You probably already have, though. Good rhyme, nice take on the picture. I like the last two lines especially. Great job.


  • Tirrell
    August 21, 2008

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    A beautiful sonnet, and love the imagery as near the end one can almost taste the wine upon the lips, very well penned. A treat to read indeed!

  • davidwright silver member
    August 21, 2008

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    It's a great piece and I enjoyed reading it. I chuckled at Muscatel bit. I know it rhymes but...

    Happy trails


  • Kappa Pyua
    August 21, 2008

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    This is a much better piece then mine. I must keep practicing. For a first attempt at an English Sonnet, I think I did ok. Hope it does not take me too long to master. I hope to flow like this some day. Thanks for sharing. UNT


  • Lyndon gold member
    August 21, 2008

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    Most beautiful.

    As a writer of classical poetry, you are tops. You may have the Charisma to bring it back into international favour. Lyndon.


  • nilav
    August 21, 2008

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    recreating all the beauty with words like this is very appreciable.....adding more colors and feeling to reach the heart....


  • cricketjeff gold member
    August 21, 2008
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    re-reading this from the spotlight, it is STILL a stunning sonnet.
    Great.


  • rbruce gold member
    August 21, 2008

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    Tremendous

    This may well be the best sonnet I've read for a long time. Clear music in the wording as if a mintsrel of old was accompanying himself with a lute as he delivered this to his audience.


  • luna-midnight gold member
    July 27, 2008

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    this is awesome ^_^ lol. i know me and my teen slang
    but yeha love the word ought...i like that word alot, haha, one of my favs to say.
    but congrats on the bronze, and keep the writting, you do, do the sonnet so well
    Stephanie ♥

  • LoveEverlasting
    July 10, 2008
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    Another masterpiece!

  • Have left the site
    July 6, 2008

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    Ha ha. It is 'oft the case when viewing art and drinking wine. Another sip was a cute tid bit to add to this viewing of "The Primavera." Very nice. Good to see an award on this. -Wil


  • macandrew
    June 10, 2008

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    A wonderful bit of writing that matches your image extremely well.

    A treat to read.
    John


  • wingsofgold25 silver member
    June 4, 2008
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    Very well written Thank you for your entry and good luck in the contest.


  • R S Adams Jr silver member
    May 18, 2008

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    a wonderful sonnet...

    I thoroughly enjoyed this sonnet. It is cleverly written, perfect metre, apt rhyme and I can understand it from beginning to end without having to rack my little brain.

    I also like the sip of wine at the end...in two lines that wrap the poem up perfectly.

    Well done and thank you.


  • manoguru
    May 18, 2008
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    hmm.. well written

  • creationsfromheart
    May 9, 2008
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    this is beautiful Amera your write alwasy make feel I am in another place and another time you are a true poet with out a doubt your words are amazing I love htis write and I still have not found one you have written I do not like this is amazing!

  • Papagallo
    May 6, 2008
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    Darn I keep forgetting:

  • Papagallo
    May 6, 2008

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    Your sonnet was beautiful. I saw this painting while in Florence. You must visit Italy and France to feelthe beauty of the art. Take care, Papagallo (thanks for your comment)


  • And Hyetal
    May 4, 2008

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    This is so beautiful! It calls in Spring perfectly and soothes the senses. ^.^ I absolutely love your sonnets.

    You definately earned this bronze.

    ~Cassie


  • MargaretG
    May 1, 2008

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    lovely

    This sonnet is a lovely companion to the mythological painting, describing the scene and personages for better understanding. How pleasant, to relax with a glass of wine and contemplate great art!
    Well done technique - congratulations for your trophy.


    • Amera gold member
      May 1, 2008
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      Thank you so much! This was a tough contest, I am lucky to place at all.


  • Ithica silver member
    April 29, 2008

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    What is your secret??? It must be a God given gift, or I need to start riding on the poets "slow bus" !!! Every Sonnet you write is a lovely image filled story and an amazing piece of art... AND I really loved this theme... (now I'm off to mumble about meter some more... )


  • aslanlight
    April 27, 2008

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    The words fit the painting perfectly! They could have been written with it. You're a master of the pen.

    Peace Georgia


  • micol
    April 27, 2008
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    Rich and gorgeous, as textured as the painting itself. Very well done indeed.

  • Lyndon gold member
    April 27, 2008

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    From looking on ...

    You brought out much (not all) of the mythology of the large and great painting.
    A fine Shakespearean sonnet, by the way. Your volta is there in the negative sense of "The death of Winter".  The concluding couplet is almost off-hand but true. You make much of the rondel and rightly so because 'La Primavera' is a fertility work of art in celebration of spring. The rondel is a fertility movement.

    I have enjoyed this poem very much and I wish you all the best.

    Lyndon of the Winklings.  


    • maa gold member
      April 30, 2008
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      for lyndon

      thank you, wise one, for the additional info about the fertility of rondels, literally and metaphorically ...
      our amera seems to be a poetic (and maybe more than just poetic) fertilizing goddess ...

      thank you for honoring her with a cuppie in your contest ...


      fertile huggies to you both
      maa

  • maa gold member
    April 26, 2008

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    okay, now you have definitely conquered my heart with your sonnets ... since you have decided to surrender to the entrancing bliss of meter, your verse dances even more gracefully than ever ...
    I knew that this marriage would bring forth the most delightful poetic heirs of your gift ...

    wonderful !
    maa

    • Amera gold member
      April 26, 2008
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      Thank you so much my dear sister.
      When I was working on this, you were on my mind as I tried to come up to your standards of perfection.


  • Tercil gold member
    April 26, 2008

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    il più squisito

    Yes, this is in a style remotely similar to mine for which I quell much about how comparable we'd like to with Shakespeare in particular. There is much in this that gives you a style of own, such are the gay rondels, which, permit me for saying so, portray a slang term for dagger as a firtility dance with solemn overtones, that speak of the life cycle as a whole. Such large-format paintings were not unusual in the private residences of affluent families. The Primavera is, however, significantly illustrative of Renaissance classicistic iconography and form, depicting classical gods almost naked and life-size and a complex philosophical symbolism requiring deep knowledge of Renaissance literature and syncretism to interpret. Your composition is equally life size and interpretable, and brings out the life from this fine art.

    • Amera gold member
      April 26, 2008
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      Oh Tony!
      Thank you so much for the wonderful comment. You brought out things that I should have put in my notes. Your knowledge of poetry of this grnre is well known throughout this web site and having your signature on my poem means so much to me.


  • penman gold member
    April 25, 2008

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    Excellent

    Wow, what a creation. As usual your pen stuns with your great descriptions. best of luck in the contest.


  • JohnnyD gold member
    April 25, 2008

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    Reading this- me Cubbie- was like sipping the finest Melot under a setting Tuscany sun and then allowing the buttermilk moon to drizzle butter across the lobster on your plate- exquisite....

    refill on the wine my dear?

    dad


  • Swan song gold member
    April 25, 2008
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    So sunshine when you get a collection do I get a autographed copy? This is truly a gem here.


  • kiwigirljacks gold member
    April 25, 2008

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    Beautiful! You have really captured that picture and your form is superb.. not being a form writer myself I really respect those who can... and you do it wonderfully!


  • Auburn Sunrise gold member
    April 24, 2008

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    Wow! This is gorgeous!
    I love how you used the Graces (which evokes such a classical, artistic image and thoughts of civilizations long vanished from the map), and it really ties in with the old-style language and your perfected sonnet form.
    I always say you are the best traditional poet of modern times.

  • staticshakedown
    April 24, 2008
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    This is good——very very very good.
    A very impressive write.


  • Mansoor
    April 24, 2008

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    Wow... simply awesome, this is one of the best writes i have red so far of you. Superb!!
    i rate u 10 out of 10!!

  • cricketjeff gold member
    April 24, 2008
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    I love a love sonnet, and you have written some of the best I know, but this, I think, may be your best sonnet yet.
    It does have a volta and a resolution, but both are unexpected, yet utterly right. Meter flawless story telling superb. No I don't think it can be bettered.


  • blueyez
    April 23, 2008

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    I felt embraced by the Goddess as I read this! This is so beautiful written in the tongue of days passed. The rhythm is such that it rolls off your tongue effortlessly!!! Very well penned!
    Peace and Love always... and thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with me and all of us at AP amera


  • Faeryn
    April 23, 2008

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    Everytime I've read this and want to comment, something happens and I have to leave the computer. I really love this. It cheers me and I kinda need it right now.
    Love,
    Tay


  • moonbumps silver member
    April 23, 2008
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    Exquisite.
    Loved it-
    Everything-
    xxx Hilly


  • Emerald Dog
    April 23, 2008

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    What a beautiful sonnet to greet me - as spring begins to break (at last!) here in the old U of K. Your precious talent has succeeded in making these crafted words dance with joy! A true delight.

    Love & Peace,

    Kezz


  • RedAquarius
    April 23, 2008

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    So lovely, I read this out loud at my desk and my co-worker was sighing along with me in how refreshing it felt. This is artistry and I am glad to have tasted it!


  • Desire gold member
    April 23, 2008

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    Oh My!!

    Love the images You have painted also the tale told in Magnificent form as always
    Beautiful picture You complimented!!

    The death of winter brought them to the wood,
    to gather ‘neath the canopy of spring,
    rejoicing in the birth of maidenhood,
    delighted Graces float within a ring.
    These lines grabbed~~

    Keep that quill dancing~~
    Thank You for sharing Your Heart and Spirit~
    Many blessings to You in the contest Sweet Soul
    Best wishes too
    and much love~ Desire~*~

  • Papagallo
    April 23, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Ah wine the fruit of the vine. I enjoy reding your work. How you doit all simply admazes me. You know and do a little of it all. Best of luckin the contest. and a


  • StarEyes
    April 23, 2008

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    I think I am truly running out of words to describe your writing sis! This is beyond amazing! WOW!! I truly enjoy reading your forms, and this one somehow just surpassed every other one of yours I have read to date!!

    Best of luck in this contest!!

    and love

    Nyetta


  • painfully amazing
    April 23, 2008
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    wow=] this was really really amazing


  • Mairi bheag gold member
    April 23, 2008

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    Right-o, more than two words this time. I keep telling you that your sonnets are maturing. Well this is a case in point. keep this up.

    (If Eusebius says it is an excellent sonnet, then it's an excellent sonnet. He knows one when he sees one)


  • Kiran silver member
    April 23, 2008
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    This is a beautiful spring poem, with lovely language and imagery.

  • Eusebius
    April 23, 2008

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    Bravo

    A most excellent Shakespearean sonnet, indeed! A most wonderful flavor and so marvelously put together--as Oliver said "More, more, please!" bravo... bravo... bravo...


  • Never Fall in Love
    April 23, 2008

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    This a very good reflection of the picture - tasteful, the right words and the perfect images. The form is, without a doubt, used properly. In a nutshell, excellent!

    Never ♥

  • PerVirtuous
    April 23, 2008

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    Rich, Beautiful and Tasty!!!

    You have intoxicated me with this luscious view of art. Not only the art in the picture, but the art in the sonnet. You certainly put some deep thought into this one, as every line is perfect. The flow is impeccable and I so want to taste that muscatel at the end; put the glass aside and kiss me.


  • penman gold member
    April 23, 2008
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    Excellent

    Another fantastic creation. So very well done. Best of luck in the contest.

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