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The Forgotten

Missing image

Who comes sailing in that
battered old ship toward me?

What phenomenon summons from
that corpse infested sea?

It seems to be a ghost
from a forgotten land,

whose sun-struck tattered sails
follow the wind's command.

It is the future I dreamed about,
yet will soon be yesterday,

its motionless black eyes hold me
so I cannot run away.

I feel the nightmare coming on,
with no hope for a blessed dawn...

 

 

Author notes

This sonnet of death was inspired by John Galt’s
speech in Atlas Shrugged (by Ayn Rand):

"...and should you die without reaching full sunlight,
you will die on a level touched by its rays..."

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1 - 99 of 102     1 2  next >  (show all)

  • Lee Tai Wah
    November 14

    Edit | Reply

    Excellent!

    Haunting and dark. I was wondering about the future being "a battered old ship" until I read your notes. What kind of sonnet is this? I like sonnets but don't know much them and have the idea that a sonnet is a 14 lined pentameter. It looks like that there are a lot of variations.


  • jazzcat gold member
    October 8

    Edit | Reply
    Wow, a poem inspired by John Galt, one of the greatest fictional heros of all time!

    The last three stanzas are very, very powerful -- the whole piece is great, but I think those last 3 really hit me the hardest. Excellent write, I'm sure Ayn Rand would be proud of this being connected to her character.


  • Yemassee gold member
    September 26

    Edit | Reply
    Don't mind me, I'm just randomly jumping around, trying to read a few new authors. I tend to get stuck in a crowd and don't venture out as much as a like.

    And I have to say I hit pay dirt with your poem. Well written of course but I admire the style, that of a more classical form which works were with the somewhat brooding tone of the poem. I've never been an outward optimist so the symbols for me were effective in evoking that sense that tomorrow holds no great hope. I enjoyed the metaphor here, and must admit I am glad it didn't follow the trite path most follow with such figures of speech.

    See this is the fun of random reading, finding stuff like this.


  • The.poet.of.hearts
    September 7

    Edit | Reply
    she told it's stunning, but it's word not saphire
    I will say , it is marvalous
    wonderful thought
    by
    the poet of hearts and beautiful words

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      September 18
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you, Poet of Hearts!!

      I appreciate your stopping by to read my poetry, and I will be over to visit your pages soon!! Thanks again, take care!!
      Peace & hugs,
      xx Cyn xx


  • PastelMoons gold member
    August 30

    Edit | Reply

    Stunning!!

    This is so Gorgeous!

    I can't pick a fav. line
    the entire piece captivated me,
    and being struck by the imagery
    I had to read it several times....
    I am so glad I stopped by
    what a treat!!!

    Thank you so much for sharing
    your brilliance...


    ~Pastel

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      September 18
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you, Pastel!!

      I really appreciate your stopping in to read my poetry... I'll be over your way soon!! Thanks again, you take care!!
      Peace & hugs,
      xx Cyn xx


  • Lowell Poe
    July 9

    Edit | Reply
    oh you are my Irish......had to re read.....
    i recently went to Belfast to see my family.....
    they are obsessed with ghosts...Ireland is obsessed with ghosts....
    how i wish i had this one on paper at the pubs.....
    it would have bowled many a lad off their stools...
    Vesseled ghosts......almost a favorite there....
    this was very cool....
    i love ghost stories..
    i hate all the bloody horror stuff....but a true ghost story that scares you and makes ya want to lock the door and get under the covers....
    thats what i like....
    and thats exactly what this was...
    I love it!!!!

    You make me smile lass,
    Liam

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      July 9
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for your thoughtful comments!!

      Ireland - that's one place I'd love to go... one day, I pray. I'll be over your way again soon!! Thanks again, you made my day complete!!
      Peace & hugs,
      xx Cyn xx


  • inder silver member
    July 7
    Edit | Reply

    nicely done

    every time I read your work, I discover a new facet, a new dimension...keep peeling nad pivoting!


    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      July 9
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for reading my work, and for your thoughtful comments!!

      I'll be over your way soon!! Thanks again, you made my day!!
      Peace & hugs,
      xx Cyn xx


  • PerVirtuous
    May 26

    Edit | Reply
    Ayn Rand was a very good writer, but she was lost as a philosopher. So many assumptions sneaking in the back door unsupported. Her philosophy reminded me very much of the Marquis de Sade. He held many of the same principles. Though I doubt they'd have hung out in the same circles... go figure. Lovely poem.

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      September 18

      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for taking time to read and comment!!

      I do appreciate your stopping in to read my poetry!! I'm not an advocate of Ayn Rand, but I did read a couple of her books (Atlas Shrugged, Fountainhead). At that time, I though she was brilliant. As to her philosophy - I don't follow, but have my own... Thanks again, I'll be over your way soon!! Take care!!
      Peace & hugs,
      xx Cyn xx

  • Mercury Rising
    April 11

    Edit | Reply
    A haunting poem with subtle and natural rhymes, and marvelous imagery. A pleasure to read and ponder.

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      September 18
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for sharing your thoughtful comments!!

      I do appreciate your stopping in to read my poetry!! I'll be over to visit your poetry pages ASAP!! Thanks again, take care!!
      Peace & hugs,
      xx Cyn xx


  • Gwenevere
    April 6

    Edit | Reply
    This shouts out to me "live for today for tomorrow we die".We cannot run from the past or rush headlong into the future.we have but today, Ros

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      September 18
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you, Ros!!

      I do appreciate your stopping in to read my poetry!! Although it's been a long while, I'll be over your way soon!! Thanks again, you take care!!
      Peace & hugs,
      xx Cyn xx


  • Venugopal gold member
    March 29

    Edit | Reply
    It is the future I dreamed about,
    yet will soon be yesterday

    and also last stanza. Simply marvellous

  • patrick20traveler
    March 19

    Edit | Reply
    What prophetic vision you display in this poem. This is very well written and has a pleasing and subtle rhyme scheme. I like it!


  • The.poet.of.hearts
    March 6
    Edit | Reply
    Vivid, and wicked
    liked it thought

    by
    the poet of hearts and beautiful words

  • HollyLouise
    February 20

    Edit | Reply
    powerful, truly powerful. You have written it so well, it flows perfectly. The rhyme works nicely also.

    Holly.


  • Whispers of Hope
    February 13

    Edit | Reply
    This is a great piece so full of imagry I love the picture! You are a talented writer from what I see thanks for adding me to your favorites hope to read more!!


  • Auburn Sunrise gold member
    February 4

    Edit | Reply
    Great book. A copy was given to every senior at my college in December. I read it in high school and wrote an essay on it... but fully intend to re-read it.

    As for your poem: pure brilliance! Perfectly penned - not a word out of place. Written by design - made the finality of the subject that much more final.

    Also - great use of tone and the sounds of words - makes the poem feel heavier when read aloud which complements the subject matter well.

    Thanks for sharing! Hope you are well!


  • Azgar
    December 14, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Short and forceful... Nice


  • Heath Thompson
    December 13, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    This is great and so is the picture. Really like this stanza - its motionless black eyes hold me
    so I cannot run away.

    Excellent well done!


  • Titus gold member
    December 11, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    One excellent piece, which from the eye cannot be bettered, from such an eye catching ritual glancing over requires. You've given us a haunting visual, and a surreal one at that, that it would have been almost like the photograph you've submitted, well done.

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      December 12, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for the kudos!!!

      I'm really glad you stopped in to read my work! I'm heading over to your pages soon, and look forward to reading your impressive poetry. I've seen some of your writings from afar, and really admire our muse's creativity!! Thanks again, you've made my day!!! Peace always, xx Cyn


  • Snowing Kisses gold member
    December 7, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    The imagry you paint for me here is stunning, this is beautiful, if it were a masterpiece, I would hang it on my centre wall
    thankyou

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      December 7, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for your thoughtful comments!!!

      I'm glad you like my poem, and thanks for stopping in today, I appreciate the kudos!!! I'll be over your way to read more of your awesome work as soon as I'm able to make my way over there. Until then, keep it flowing... Peace always, xx Cyn


  • darlintlc silver member
    December 1, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    very haunting...it feels like death calling to you with a welcoming embrace.

    Wow!

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      December 1, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for the kudos!

      I'm glad you stopped in to read my poem, and I'll be over your way to visit your pages ASAP!! Thanks again!!! Peace, Cyn


  • Rayne Maker
    November 15, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    This is beautiful and very powerful. My favorite lines were "It is the future I dreamed about,
    yet will soon be yesterday," Well done. I can't wait to read more.

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      December 1, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for the kudos!

      I'm glad you stopped in to read my poem, and I'll be over your way to visit your pages ASAP!! Thanks again!!! Peace, Cyn


  • Joseph Hollis
    November 15, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    A dark and haunting sonnet. The legend of the Flying Dutchman's ghost ship came to mind as I was reading this. Well done.

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      December 1, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for the kudos!

      I'm glad you stopped in to read my poem, and I'll be over your way to visit your pages ASAP!! Thanks again!!! Peace, Cyn


  • nilav
    October 30, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    this brought mixed feeling in me with an emphasis on time ..very powerful expression with deep meaning

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      December 1, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for the kudos!

      I'm glad you stopped in to read my poem, and I'll be over your way to visit your pages ASAP!! Thanks again!!! Peace, Cyn


  • americanrebel
    October 25, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Wow this has such a mysterious vibe to it that you see clearly. just an amazing write over all. well done. - Reb

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      December 1, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for the kudos!

      I'm glad you stopped in to read my poem, and I'll be over your way to visit your pages ASAP!! Thanks again!!! Peace, Cyn


  • Sprite silver member
    October 15, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Lovely write. The tone is so wonderfully dark. The future is not ours to see, as they sing. I love that the fleet footed devil, time, is so well described by one so young. It is true that there are really only two physical conditions, dead or alive. But the in-between is filled with so many spirits as to be lush with life.
    I truly enjoyed reading this. ~ Joyce


  • Gwenevere
    October 12, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Deep and dark and of course, haunting.Very well executed. ( no pun intended ), Ros


  • mysticstorm gold member
    October 6, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    How haunting and sorrowful...deep in meaning and beautiful flow in form...so touching and well done...you write so much from the heart and it shows...beautiful words...and a wonderful write so fitting for the phrase of inspiration...

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      December 1, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for the kudos!

      I'm glad you stopped in to read my poem, and I'll be over your way to visit your pages ASAP!! Thanks again!!! Peace, Cyn


  • Lady Ireland gold member
    October 5, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    This is so meaningful Cyn,
    i can relate to it. i loved this sonnet the best form i think you write (allthough i love all you work) It has a loneliness about it like a lost soul in pergatury. the picture is great and what it has inspired is magnificant.
    these are my fav lines..

    It is the future I dreamed about,
    yet will soon be yesterday,
    Slán
    Dolores xx

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      December 1, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for the kudos!

      I'm glad you stopped in to read my poem, and I'll be over your way to visit your pages ASAP!! Thanks again!!! Peace, Cyn


  • libithina
    October 5, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    do you know Cynthia at some level I reached this point so this definiteley spoke to me ..so many illnesses and my Dads health has prevented me from visiting..brilliantly conveyed |Cynthia ..loved the analogy with the battered old ship .. hopes fo a 'blesed dawn' Lib x

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      October 6, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for the kudos!!!!

      I really do appreciate your stopping in to read my work today, it really means a lot. Thank you also for the beautiful greeting first thing this morning, what a nice surprise!!! I'll be over your way to visit your poetry pages ASAP. I'm off to sleep now, it's been a loooonnng day... Thanks again, you take good care!!! Peace, Cyn aka Yellow Moon


  • bluejeans51
    September 30, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Nicely done sonnet!! I like the flow to the sonnet and
    you have penned a beautiful sonnet for all to enjoy.
    May your pen stay full and never run dry!

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      December 1, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for the kudos!

      I'm glad you stopped in to read my poem, and I'll be over your way to visit your pages ASAP!! Thanks again!!! Peace, Cyn


  • Blushfulmoon silver member
    September 27, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    excellent

    Sonnets are hard to do
    You have penned this one perfectly
    I have only written one sonnet the whole time I have been on AP I find forms very hard to do
    Best of luck in the contest..this is a winner in my book
    Hugs
    Susan~~~

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      December 1, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for the kudos!

      I'm glad you stopped in to read my poem, and I'll be over your way to visit your pages ASAP!! Thanks again!!! Peace, Cyn

  • Sprite silver member
    September 17, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Very nice.

    I love the sonnet. Beautifully writ. However, I am not fond of the word "though." It sounds better to me without it. (Maybe it is just me.) I love the line "its emotionless black eyes hold me." That is a soulful line of being captured by a negative emotion. ~ Joyce


  • FransB gold member
    September 15, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Cyn

    I was not going to read any poetry this morning, as I have much preparation to do. But, I did have another look at your home page - beautiful, and then read this poem. You have succeeded to personify death in a meaningful manner. The write a subtle reflection on what it is. You can feel it, but it does not scare the reader. The poem is an opposite to the ‘line prompt’ in the AN. I refer to it as a bold poem of straight-talk meaning. Be blessed. Frans

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      September 15, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for the kudos...

      I'm glad you like my poem, Frans! I'll be over to read your page more indepth ASAP. We're about to eat a late BBQ dinner now... You take care and don't work too hard!! Peace Always, Cyn


  • xSarahx
    September 10, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Wow, great poem!


    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      September 10, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you!!! I am glad you like my poem!!!

      I'll be over to read your work here ASAP. Thanks again!!! -Cyn


  • Spiritual Nature
    September 10, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Wonderful work, my friend! You truly paint a picture, complete with vivid colors and the tiniest details.  I love the feeling of this one, dark, poetic and philosophical. Love it!
    Wink


    BLESSING & LOVE,
    Doris *rose*


  • Solidified
    August 16, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    You obviously are very intellectual. I can't keep up I think you have such pure talent and can see your works in a book which would be on my book shelf.

    Even being a dreary poem I love it. I enjoy the simplicity of the images with the stark contrast of such a dark ending.


  • poeticweaver gold member
    August 10, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Excellent Write Sis,

    Bravo sweet soul! You
    Thanks for sharing your talented pen within.

    Brother Timothy


  • Shadow Lynx
    August 10, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    I can see this ship with a long bow and surrounded in a shroud of fog while the grim reaper sits somewhere near the wheel, someone elses destiney heading for ourtoday , marvellous write!! ill be back to read more


  • IansCyberspace silver member
    August 7, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Highly visual

    "It is the future I dreamed about,
    though it belongs to someone's yesterday,"
    this is profound! I can see why they referred me to your site as a place to learn.

  • Ulimate
    August 4, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Well done!!! I really liked this write.


  • Camille Morin gold member
    July 28, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Bravo

    What a haunting, magnificent piece. Its rhythm and form create an entire world. I am especially taken with "It is the future I dreamed about,
    though it belongs to someone's yesterday". Congratulations on another beautiful work.

  • bowmore bill
    July 19, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    holds the attention

    Hello Rose, had to have a look at something else of yuors. This piece reminds me of the Marie Celeste, as an ex seaman i feel what you are writing about...Make sense?

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      July 19, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you, I'm glad you like my poem!!!

      Thank you for your thoughtful kudos & compliments!!! As I've never heard of Marie Celeste, I'll have to look her up... I'll be sure and return the favor and read more of your own poetry ASAP. Thanks again!!! BTW, were you in the Navy? Just curious...
      Take care, Cyn


  • myrataal silver member
    June 20, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Ah, Beloved Poetess ...

    I am extremely touched by your poem, as well as the words of John Galt. Death is inevitable, but the Door to the MORE of Him!



    Beautiful presentation of haunting words ...

    Love
    Myra

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      July 19, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you!!! I'm glad you like my poem!!!

      Thanks for stopping in to read my work, and I'll be sure and return the favor ASAP. Thanks again, and take care! Peace, Cyn


  • stylization
    June 18, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Lovely. I love it.


  • leopardleaf
    June 6, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    I love this one! Your writings are so beautiful I adored the twist in this one. I must admit i was not expecting a corpse infested sea. Although some might say that's a little gross I think it makes for an amazing interesting poem! Nice work


  • arafura gold member
    June 2, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    You amaze me... Wonderful work!


  • quantumsurveyor
    June 1, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    The first two lines eased me beautifully into the picture and then.....you hit me with a corpse infested sea!!!! A stirring piece that curdles the blood - you stick with your nightmares and I promise..I won't share mine.


  • Hetha gold member
    June 1, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Incredible! I feel I can relate to every word here, it touched me so deeply. I like how you show, rather than tell, and paint with such vivid imagery, such a melancholy picture. I do believe this is one of the best pieces I've read today! Keep penning, you have much talent!

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      December 1, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for the kudos!

      I'm glad you stopped in to read my poem, and I'll be over your way to visit your pages ASAP!! Thanks again!!! Peace, Cyn


  • Gwenevere
    May 31, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    You paint this picture very well and I like it a lot.Well done with this one.you should be proud of it, Ros

  • Eusebius
    May 29, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    bravo

    A very deftly done poem here, and a very fine accompaniment to the illustration... bravo... bravo...


  • ProudMomma
    May 28, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    wonderful write.. its well written and a delight to read... its a sad poem and a beautiful poem keep on writing

  • Lowell Poe
    May 24, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    In the realm of poetic majesty.
    A paralyzing piece of poetic drama.
    The method used by the writer to convey the on coming fear...the ship in a sea of death ...approaching...
    A poetic crescendo....
    Very real.
    You really are back lassie!

    Sweet blessings of stardust,
    LOWELL

  • oldpoets
    May 23, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    This is soo smooooth. Excellent writing the imagery. This just plain good writting. Thank you for sharing.


  • z etoile
    May 22, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Oh I loved this so much!

    It is the future I dreamed about,
    though it belongs to someone's yesterday
    related to that comment how history repeats itself and sometimes we find we are the ones repeating it! Well done!

  • Lady Ireland gold member
    May 21, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    Hi Sis,
    this is great i like it, your flow is brilliant ans have to say the metaphor is also.
    love this poem, why is it that poetry seems to just flow from you? you make it all look easy.
    thanks for the pleasure.
    loves ya!

    Dolores. xxx

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      May 22, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you, Dolores!

      It's great to see you back online and reading poetry again!! How are you and your family doing? I hope to see more of your fantastic work soon, I've been missing it!!! Loves ya, Cyn

  • Rudolf
    May 21, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    dark and eerie, silenced old sails
    spirits and demons, battered by gales
    walking the plank, pirates entrails
    ghosts on the boat, historic details...
    rudolf

    • Cynthia Gaines gold member
      May 21, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      You're good...

      ... Thank you for stopping in today to read my work!! I look forward to reading more of your poetry here... Take care, Cyn


  • toomysterious
    May 20, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Very good indeed. The imagery is superb, and of course, your way of turning a word.

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