Three silver cliffs rose towering from the sea
In violet shadows, in bright azure waves,
Shrouding the sunken sites of ancient graves;
And all their stony voices, rising free
Meshed in a strange and mournful harmony -
Struck amber sand and echoed in the caves;
I stood transfixed near where the ocean laves,
Held captive by that haunting melody.
Yet all its notes seemed somehow like a friend:
A half-forgotten strain I'd heard before
Wrapping my heart in deep lamenting tones
That I did recognize - then came their end -
Those voices nothing more than crumbling bones
Where I remained upon that poignant shore.
Author notes
An idea I've had for a while that only just did what I wanted. . .sort of - I'm a little doubtful. . .was greatly inspired by Eusebius, as you might be able to tell. . . 
many thanks to him 
what do you think of it
Comments
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I can tell you're inspired by Eusebius.
I've read a couple of his sea pieces, as I have a great love for sea poetry. I love what you created in this sonnet. From what I have read of sonnets, this particular form is the least favored by sonnateers, but you captured this poet with the "haunting melody" washing ashore. Beautiful!!!
Don
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I love the Petrarchan sonnet and this one is beautifully written. Your talent keeps the reader captivated with the wonderful imagery and expression of emotion. This is a true keeper.
Love,
Amera♥
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ah, thank you! this one still needs a little revising (and I haven't gotten around to it yet ) but I'm glad you like it Elinor
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Wonderful! The wording is excellent and the turn in the sonnet works so well. I love all the imagery, especially of the first half. You can see it all. Perfect sonnet!
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Wow, very nice poem. Love the form. I always have trouble sticking to form. I admire your skills with it.
-Steve-
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Wonderful emotions in this one! The metaphors here are amazing! I love the tone here, that reminds me of a few things that I need to remember. Thanks.
Great job!
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aw, thanks! glad you liked it
Elinor
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A haunting and so very excellent Italian sonnet here! I especially loved:
And all their stony voices, rising free
Meshed in a strange and mournful harmony -
Just a wondeful and twice potent penning!
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hugs for thee, master poet!
thank you very much
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Beautiful write. The imagery here is vivid, and if I followed the metaphor you are hearing the voices of those who have passed on, set sail to a place beyond where you can go today (or want to go today.) Beautiful idea. (Please let me know if I misunderstood the metaphor.)
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thanks for your comment! I had barely posted it when I discovered it already had three applause. . . well, that could be one way of interpreting it - really, I am not really sure what I intended. . .it's supposed to be the cliffs themselves that are speaking, not human voices. . .I hope it doesn't sound too sentimental - I would hate if it did. . .
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Not too sentimental at all, I like the emotions that come across. I know what you mean about the cliffs. Listening to the winds blowing across the water and over the cliffs provides a "voice" of its own, and an enchanting one at that.
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