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My Poetess, My Teacher

When poetry arrived, in search of me;
that flowing river, beneath boughs of thought.
I saw the source of those boughs were a tree
and without that tree … I’d have come to naught.

The strength of that tree, I’ve come to admire,
as she shades the stream where notions disperse.
She bends with the breeze of thoughts that inspire
immersed in the depths of that river of verse.

The tree allows me to cling to her skirts,
as she gently guides my wavering soul.
She holds me afloat when the river diverts;
I thank you my friend; your words I extol.

So in praise to her, whose love is impartial,
I bless the tree, I love Marie Marshall.

 

 

 

Author notes

If you haven't read Mairi bheag yet, I believe she is one of the best poets of this decade; her AP page is here - her web site is here.

My favorite poem by Mairi is here.

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Comments

1 - 36 of 36

  • PerVirtuous
    July 20
    Edit | Reply
    "Not bad."




    Genius in fact.


  • Peripatetic gold member
    July 19

    Edit | Reply
    For those with a passing familiarity with their work, the poem reflects as well on the author as on the tribute subject. Both are poets of tremendous talent, not given to false modesty, but with honest humility which allows them to take advantage of instruction where they find it. The metaphor of the tree is used to develop the content of the poem throughout, and in Mairi we see positive attributes of a tree which may provide sustenance, shade, a mooring, and perhaps even a landmark. Amera has discovered and taken advantage of these, and with this poem she would share the blessing.

    The sonnet structure of quatrains and couplet with Shakespearean rhyme scheme departs from the usual iambic pentameter of the form. The predominantly decasyllable lines (except 8, 11 & 13) are more rhythmically isosyllabic rather than purely metrical. This lends a sense of spontaneity to the poem, and the ebullient tone of the poem is supported by this. Where reliance on constricted meter might have said to us "Look at me, look at me," this poem's more natural rhythm directs us to the subject of its content, not its author.


    • Amera gold member
      July 19

      Edit | Reply
      One of the most amazing and well educated comments I have ever received on my poetry. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my work so thoroughly.


      • Peripatetic gold member
        July 19
        Edit | Reply
        Well, it's only right that I put forth the effort in commenting when a work is prompted by a suggestion I have made. A writer may appear to be so prolific that poems just flow as naturally and often as breath from her, but we know that is not the case. A poet's diligent effort is worth at least as much diligence in preparing a comment.

  • This is really good. Very nice work writing this piece. keep up your amazing work. Thank you so much for your comment on my poem! Best of luck.

    TwiztidMaggot

  • Truly a great tribute you have penned and congrats on being married and finding a life in that aspect of your being.

    I too am married getting close to 20 years now and it has been one hell of a ride, there were times when I thought the train would stop and we would here the all too embaressing TERMINUS every off chime.

  • Papagallo
    July 8

    Edit | Reply
    I will look the poet you mentioned in your verse up. I enjoyed reading your verse, it had a great flow. One is better than none. By the way aren't you getting married?


    • Amera gold member
      July 8
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you! I am married! That's why I'm not on-line as much, I finally have a life.


  • BearWoman gold member
    July 4

    Edit | Reply
    This is wonderful. Lovely imagery.

    One possible tweak, to Line 12: "I thank you my friend;" (add comma before "my friend")


  • Cookie Jam
    July 4
    Edit | Reply
    WOOT! I love it sooooo much

  • What a lovely dedication for a lovely poetess Your third stanza was so beautiful and loving that it was almost mothering. So gentle and heartfelt! Beautiful write!


  • Desire gold member
    July 2

    Edit | Reply

    Gorgeous~

    Oh My Word this is a Treat and in Beautiful form
    I imagine she will smile and smile~ smile some more

    Wow~ Wow
    I could not help but want to read more-
    this flowed with Love from within~
    Bravo Precious One~
    Thank You for sharing Your Heart
    Best wishes in the contest
    with love & light~ Desire~*~


  • Peteskid gold member
    July 2
    Edit | Reply
    very creative and clever, filled with praise for someone, i agree, is an exceptional writer...PK


  • JinSays gold member
    July 2

    Edit | Reply
    here here and here.
    I love the fact that you start out with such a clever image...yes, it DOES find US, doesn't it?
    (mine mostly hides under the chair and holds her breath until the damage has been estimated...}
    Dreamy, lovely, and sweet. I think you're sincere, which makes this even better.
    love,
    jin


  • Dalaney gold member
    July 1

    Edit | Reply
    I had to read this poem to find out Mairi's last name

    Amera, you know how I feel about Mairi, and you know how I feel about this poem. I don't think I need to tell you...so will a hug suffice? She is indeed the best by far on this site...we all know it, and love her for it. An amazing tribute, Darling....xoxox

    Love, Lane


  • blueyez
    June 30
    Edit | Reply
    I will read her, and funny... this is how I feel about you!


  • Haygood gold member
    June 30

    Edit | Reply

    What an awsome tribute...

    as always in prefect form. A tree planted beside the rivers of life who brings forth her fruit in season...Psm 1   Great illustration.

  • silverfish
    June 30

    Edit | Reply

    tribute

    well. going back and forth, i've lost track of who is the grasshopper and who is the master. just a view from the thrushes. -silverphish

  • A beautifully written tribute to an awesome poetess. An honorable read, thank you.

    ~Kristin~


  • pranj
    June 30
    Edit | Reply
    A Wonderful tribute ! Amazingly rhymed words! Just great!


  • Pure Thought silver member
    June 29
    Edit | Reply

    I could not agree more!!!

    Wonderful dedication to a supreme poet.


  • Blushfulmoon silver member
    June 29

    Edit | Reply

    excellent~

    An excellent sonnet to a friend and poet
    Loved it and enjoyed the read
    Best of luck in the contest
    I just posted a new one too Late Summer Storm
    Hope you come visit me
    Hugs
    Susan~~~


  • JohnnyD gold member
    June 29

    Edit | Reply
    If Mairi is the tree than you are my roots Amera-
    also my back watcher,
    back scratcher, Best bed in the grass circle maker,
    and just all round cool Cubbie.

    Love ya

    Dad

  • Wonderful...

    Blessed are those that can understand the beauty of gratitude.

    When a dew of respect flows from a leaf of love and touches the tree of sublimity, fruits of wonder grow, gratitude flows, justice flourishes; and a true Poet’s Quill flies to honor fraternity etching words of friendship on a Scroll of grace.

    "My Poetess, My Teacher" is a poetic flower – whose petals feed the bees and the hummingbirds of the forest of the readers’ minds.

    Much gratitude to the author of "My Poetess, My Teacher", and for the introduction of
    Poet Marie Marshall.

    In respect and admiration,

    Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU


  • nordicsky silver member
    June 29

    Edit | Reply
    The Poetess who taught you poetry must be amazing; I will go in search of her work.

    I liked the idea of a river as a metaphor for poetry.
    Sometimes it's placid calm and thoughtful and at others it's a raging torrent. I picture you clinging for dear life to your tree branch to save yourself from being swept away on a flood of poetry.

    Thanks for posting this.
    Love, Peter


  • Rose Angel gold member
    June 29

    Edit | Reply
    Amera...this is such a dedication to a poet friend and mentor..Your metaphor on the tree is beautiful.So glad to have visited once again...and I must read Mairi's work...aunt


  • Rovingone gold member
    June 29

    Edit | Reply
    Well, that was a loving tribute. I really want to read this one. If you think she is so good, she must certainly be.


  • poeticweaver gold member
    June 29

    Edit | Reply
    A wonderfully inscribed piece my friend to your teach, and that person that has brought inspiration to your life and many more. I know you have done that with me before, and each time I read you, those thoughts of passionate inspiration spring anew.

    Much love teach, Peace, Timothy


  • cricketjeff gold member
    June 29

    Edit | Reply
    Superb, a masterpiece for a mistress poet!

    Delicious reflection of her themes in your own, a wonderful tribute.

    I may as well withdraw!

    Jeff


  • maralisa silver member
    June 29

    Edit | Reply
    aw a wonderful dedicational write amera good luck inthe contest maralisa

  • Purrsanthema
    June 29

    Edit | Reply
    What an appropriate and eloquent tribute! I love the fact that you use the metaphor "tree" to evoke her "Leaves".

    • Amera gold member
      June 29
      Edit | Reply
      Thank you so much! I love the fact that you know her Leaf poems.


  • Cup-a-Joe
    June 29

    Edit | Reply
    If I could write one line as good as her, or you, I would be so proud of it. Instead i write "stuff: lol
    A wonderful poem by a very sweet person.

    joe


  • Mairi bheag gold member
    June 29

    Edit | Reply
    Sis, that is absolutely the first time EVER I have been rhymed with "impartial". Words fail me, and my cheeks are like a stop sign!


  • DesolatELifE
    June 29
    Edit | Reply
    That's a very lovely thing to write about someone


  • Swangrnv gold member
    June 29

    Edit | Reply

    WOW

    Stunningly beautiful dedication my friend, so eloquent and filled with admiration and love..another top fav! and yes, the lady M can write..

1 - 36 of 36