Image Credit: Walden Pond in Winter
Within the circuit of this plodding life
I think awhile of love, and while I think
I am a parcel of vain strivings tied.
Where frosted knots and bows entwine; collide
a prayer is had for me, that I may sink
within the circuit of this plodding life.
No greater lessons learned than those from strife
and of their wealth and knowledge I shall drink.
I am a parcel of vain strivings tied
where future visions help me to decide.
I know my love will teeter on its brink
within the circuit of this plodding life.
So many riches gained for us are rife
in gifts returned with every passing blink.
I am a parcel of vain strivings tied.
And Oh, what wealth am I to feel inside
as I am blessed to know and feel such link!
Within the circuit of this plodding life,
I am a parcel of vain strivings tied.
Author notes
I have written my collaboration with the one and only,
Old Poet, Henry David Thoreau - 1817-1862
Cento Notes:
1. Within the circuit of this plodding life
Winter Memories
2. I think awhile of Love, and while I think
Friendship
3. I am a parcel of vain strivings tied.
I Am A Parcel Of Vain Strivings Tied
Before the change in contest specs, I opted for the near rhyme of "life" and "tied" to present my Villanelle with a line from three separate poems. As a result, I was able to keep within strict syllable count and uniform meter throughout. This was such an amazing challenge and I adored every moment of it.
In a list
A contest entry
- Collab with a Great Poet by Peteskid.
2300 points, ended October 5, 2008, 10 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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Lovely how you blended the lines here.
Nice work Pamela, as well the choice of lines.
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Excellent, contemplative voice throughout.
There's not a flaw to note in this visual reflection
as one would expect with your works and how you
love to encompass higher challenges within them.
Blue
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what a wealth indeed to have love entwined in life... to have that link.
your writing always makes me sigh, or drop my jaw... sometimes both
this was a sighing piece for me, giving me hope to see that love should never be taken forgranted, or given up on.
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Very well done, an excellent choice for collaborator and line choice as well. A beautiful Villanelle for this contest. Best of luck...Scott
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This was a collaboration made in heaven for your graceful writing is often reminiscent of Thoreau. One who did not know the contest parameters would be hard pressed to tell where Thoreau's words end and yours begin. This poem ends on an upbeat note and we are all blessed to read your work. Good luck in this contest. Peace, Liz
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Beautifully crafted, with deep insight and lovely lines. I really enjoyed this collab!
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You made a perfect choice! Your style of writing and thought process goes hand in hand with Thoreau. Life is about vain strivings as we plod toward our ultimate end.
These lines are so meaningful.."No greater lessons learned than those from strife
and of their wealth and knowledge I shall drink"
We are enriched by every attempt to deal with life in day to day conflict, it makes us who we are. Excellent!
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First I note that this collaboration used the stricter rules and greater difficulty, near rhyme is wonderful since all rhyme is ultimately in the ear for enjoyment; There is a sense of humility in this poem that is so appealing; refreshing, an honest wide eyed wonder. There is wonderful flow in the verses and the Cento skills are so evident as the blending of the collaboration verses is seamless. A slightly classic style in word choices, but also a natural voice and wonderful use of imagery. A marvellous collaboration. Thank you for this fine entry into the contest and best of luck in the judging...PK
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