Truth, - Wyleian Sonnet CCXXV
As naked Truth, I stand alone my mirror held aloft.
No force of arms nor power of throne can alter my decree.
By envy, ignorance and falsehood oft’ my word is scoffed
yet, in my day, will I gainsay all lies and calumny.
My qualities are faith, fidelity and loyalty,
sincerity, veracity, especially honesty;
combining always in agreement with reality.
Thus, frequently, validity’s most difficult to see.
Cruel History may distort the facts according to the whim
of those who register men’s acts to bolster human pride;
the victor taking precedent perspective over him
whose contrary opinions, vanquished, thus are set aside.
Though oft’ obscure and never sure if I am foe or friend
yet, I endure and will ensure I triumph in the end.
Hugh Wyles, August 30th.2008.
Oil on Canvas by Jules Joseph Lefebvre (1836-1911)
Author notes
Jules Joseph Lefebvre (1836-1911) was a French figure painter, an instructor at the Academie Julian in Paris and professor at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. His paintings are usually single figures of beautiful women but he was also noted for his many fine portraits of prominent contemporary figures. He was a Commander of the Legion of Honour and a member of the Institut de France. He was a close collaborator of both William Bouguereau and Alexandre Cabanel.
I dedicate this 225th Wyleian Sonnet to Angelica with love.
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Comments
1 - 11 of 11
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I am not a student of fine art nor of sonnets...loving them but not able to appreciate them as you do so well, therefore I will not even try to offer a critique...all I can offer on this new sonnet of yours is to say...well done...
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Dear dad, you are doing such a great work with those poems!
This one has a wonderful theme, and what a great dedication to Joan. Such a precious and true friendship
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"Cruel History may distort the facts according to the whim
of those who register men’s acts to bolster human pride;"
That is outstanding...been reading a lot of biographies and such lately and the various stories are often contradictory, causing me to crave for veracity more than I usually have a thought to....
I'm guessing Angelica fits these principles for you, we all need friends (and hopefully family) who fit these attributes...would be nice if a politician or two fit them also...just following Auesthete2000's subtle calumny of the political right with a somewhat more general vituperative comment of my own.
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Thankyou Yem,
History, when compiled by the victors, can be very cruel to the losers.
You guessed right. Angelica is a true friend who has visited us three times in Christchurch and is planning a fourth visit next year. I would not so welcome a visit from a politician! LOL.
Regards, Hugh.
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Thankyou Margaret,
Believe me, there was little facility in the writing of this sonnet which, for my Muse and I, was a longdrawn gestation but I believe the result does not disgrace the splendid painting.
Love and hugs, XXX Hugh.
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Truth holds up a mirror that shines light into our darkest places - that is a fine allegorical painting, and your sonnet does it justice. The facility with which you find difficult and apt internal rhymes is impressive. This is a masterpiece.
The truth is gentle and persistent, as is our dear Joan. This is a wonderful dedication.
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Thankyou M-C.
We too have politicians who seem to be strangers to Truth which, when it is revealed, is more foe to them than friend.
Love and hugs, XXX Hugh.
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A truly moving piece.
"...Though oft’ obscure and never sure if I am foe or friend
yet, I endure and will ensure I triumph in the end."
Your closing words break thru the duplicitous mode
of happenings brought to me via my TV screen, as
it is the Republican Convention, and truth seems
so far away from it. But, ah, I vent, here on your beautiful page.
A true honor for Angelica, indeed.
M-C
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Dear Hugh,
This my friend to me has to be one of my most favourite Sonnets that you've written.
I have enjoyed everyone of your poems on the famous paintings. I feel as though we're walking around the art galleries and you're showing me all these beautiful paintings and explaining the history of each one as we walk side by side.
Thankyou my dear friend for the pleasure of reading about these beautiful paintings and the dedication to me. I am thrilled.
Love Bea
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Dear Bea,
I have dedicated this newborn child of mine (which I consider the best sonnet I have written so far) to you because you are a true friend who is endowed with the qualities listed in my second verse,
Love, Hugh.
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Thankyou Hugh for your wonderful words, I am deeply honoured and humbled by your praise.
I remember my first visit when you and I visited the Art Gallery in Christchurch and we walking around together looking at all the paintings, one in particular we sat on the seat and took it all in, you know the one with the funeral, the name escapes me and we took Sharon to show her as well, just the three of us sitting there. It was so surreal.
Sharon and I look forward to her second visit and my fourth in October 2009 to visit you and Edna and your beautiful city of Christchurch once again. Like me, my Daughter has fallen in love with New Zealand and is looking forward to returning.
Love Bea
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