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And I ... Et in Arcadia Ego Fui - Thesis and Antithesis

Image:Nicolas Poussin 052.jpg 


Exacting wrinkled tribute line by line,
Time moulds the tale of each unfolding year,
Entrancing for a spell, til tumbling tear
Gouges ruts, cuts trembling Columbine.
Old age advances, hope must undermine.
Insubordinate to fard soon fears
Neath cold creams mushroom, one by one appear
As added sores when worries serpentine,
Respect refusing riches.  Cheques can’t sign
Contentment, winter chimney, summer cheer.
At last, with hoary beard and bitter bier.
Descendant is the star which proud would shine.
It is no tree of life that rings the earth,
And I in shadows walk, yet fear rebirth...

 

 

Entrance for a spell might also bring
Timeless memories, mind lights rebirth,
Enraged entrapment caged, as from paged berth

Guard lifted, sentry spurned, free soul shall spring
Over, above man's mortal limits, sing

Intuitive true joy, transmit from Earth
New song old garments dress with healing mirth.
Address hope's message spiting mortal sting. 
Rush counter clock, wise swirl, spiral, wing 
Climbing skywards, surfing, soaring, worth 
At last discover, mock apparent dearth,
Deride vain scoffer's coffer-coffin ring.

If life's tree be but mirage, still its leaves
Awake joy's book, whose leaves forget life grieves.
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author notes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Et_in_Arcadia_ego

Picture Nicolas Poussin 1594 - 1665
Et in Arcadia Ego Fui
Louvre, painted 1637-1638
see also Les Bergers de l'Arcardie


prompt Memory

birth has memory,
in hands cupped
and in stirring wind
of breath, left gasping;

in the rush of water--
cascading over flesh,
erasing nature's pain
with the delivery, of joy.

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Comments

1 - 5 of 5

  • BearWoman gold member
    June 27

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    I enjoyed the use of the same acrostic twice, with different flavors each time. I always enjoy your writes, even when I don't have enough intellect accessible to fully appreciate them.

    Thanks for being a part of AllPoetry.


  • Wolfdog silver member
    July 12, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Superb

    Wow, you never cease to amaze me with your writes; this is absolutely incredible and as a Senior Citizen the message within these lines truly appeals to me. As usual, imagery, rhythm and rhyme are just fine.


  • Cupcrazy
    June 12, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Beautiful piece and a wonderful take on the prompt. Thanks for the fine entry, hugs, Bunny


  • Room without doors gold member
    May 21, 2008

    Edit | Reply

    Outstanding

    The first sonnet is full of sadness representing age and darknessescendant is the star which proud would shine.
    The second sonnet finds a more positive message and is full of light and joy laughing at life's little set backs. I liked the contrast between the two and your choice of language. Best of luck in the contest.


  • Night Hope gold member
    May 21, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    "If life's tree be but mirage, still its leaves
    Awake joy's book, whose leaves forget life grieves."

    Lovely & profound penning, my Friend. I've always said that grief ebbs & flows, like the tide. Some days, the currents threaten to pull us under...other days, we relax & enjoy the warmth swirling around us immensely. This is a grand piece, Scribe. Wanda

1 - 5 of 5