as he took upon himself the hope of an age
and left days more buoyant on the lifting tides
in soft silver light upon curtained stage
words made freedom more than an empty adage
like the giants of legend in enormous strides
as he took upon himself the hope of an age
reached deep inside to resound echoes sage
that joys of life were for all, to none denied
in soft silver light upon curtained stage
a price paid for precious breath, an unturned page
of pasts and sunrises, of fates left to decide
as he took upon himself the hope of an age
firm face withered grace, stared on storming rage
and love of life was his most constant pride
in soft silver light upon curtained stage
when deep seas rumbled, evil unfolded to courage
faith by dark night where stars sail and glide
as he took upon himself the hope of an age
in soft silver light upon curtained stage
Author notes
JFK
In a list
A contest entry
- Lives of the Poets - II by Judith Chandler.
1600 points, ended October 25, 2008, 4 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
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Well, this really had the "feel" that it should for such a subject. You spoke of hope, freedom, sacrifice, turmoil, courage, etc... and all within the beautiful villanelle form. I was impressed with how many facets you worked into the lines. Nicely done.
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This is splendid poetry! For some reason I had JFK on my mind today. Maybe because I am writing a piece on the influence of the 60's in my life. This is a wonderful tribute, and a wonderfully written work of poetry. I wish you well in the challenge.
Much Love Always ♥
Renee
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Such a well done Villanelle! His story is so well known, and here I see you treated it with care and thoughts.
very good work!
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This is a beautifully worded villanelle, I didn't realize that it was about JFK until the author note. He graced the stage with his power, perhaps he was one of the best loved presidents, with his family in the spotlight, their lives doomed to tragedy.
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A beautiful villanelle. "soft silver light upon curtained stage" made me think it was about an actor, John Gielgud perhaps. But JFK is certainly a good choice and it's appropriate since Nov. 22 is coming up soon.
Thank you for this well worded write.
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