Beneath the velvet shroud of night,
where shadows weep,
I weave a melody of sorrow,
secrets I must keep.

No malice meant, no cruel design,
just longing’s sting,
To paint your smile on moonlit clouds,
a song my heart would sing.

In every sigh, a nocturne’s grace,
a cosmic ballet spun,
Where pain and beauty waltz as one,
by whispers of the sun.
My canvas bleeds with indigo,
a symphony’s command,
To chase away the shadows there,
and hold your laughing hand.

Oh, let the lyre of dawn ignite,
on strings of memory,
A dance of souls,
where past and present weave tapestry.
In echoes born of wind and tide,
where moonbeams softly gleam,
I yearn to see you pirouette,
a radiant, joyful dream.

No merchant’s bargain binds this art,
no currency of fame,
Just whispers on the starlight’s breath,
a whispered lover’s name.
Across the cosmic canvas vast,
where galaxies convene,
My brush seeks only your delight,
your laughter bathed in sheen.

So let the purple rain descend,
a curtain for our stage,
Where every drop, a crystal kiss,
turns grief to gilded page.
For in this symphony of woe,
where hope’s last ember glows,
My heart finds solace, finding you,
where laughter overflows.

:: 01.15.2024 ::

Poet’s Comments:

This poem, titled “ARE WE DID OR ALIVE,” reflects a profound exploration of emotions, blending elements of melancholy and longing with a sense of cosmic beauty. I have attempted to display a mastery of language and a keen sensitivity to the interplay of emotions.

The use of vivid imagery is striking, such as “Beneath the velvet shroud of night, where shadows weep,” creating a visual and emotional atmosphere. The recurring theme of night, shadows, and moonlit clouds establishes a poetic setting that allows for the expression of deeper emotions.

I employed a musical metaphor, referring to a “melody of sorrow” and a “nocturne’s grace,” adding a layer of complexity to the emotional landscape. This musicality extends to the cosmic imagery, where “pain and beauty waltz as one” and the poet’s canvas bleeds with indigo, capturing the cosmic ballet of emotions.

The yearning expressed in the lines “To paint your smile on moonlit clouds, a song my heart would sing” and “I yearn to see you pirouette, a radiant, joyful dream” conveys a deep emotional connection, perhaps with a distant or lost love. The intertwining of past and present in a dance of souls adds a temporal dimension to the poem, enhancing its depth.

The poem also touches on the theme of artistic creation, emphasizing the purity of the poet’s intentions. The lines “No merchant’s bargain binds this art, no currency of fame” suggest a devotion to art for its own sake, free from external influences.

The use of natural elements, such as wind, tide, moonbeams, and purple rain, contributes to the cosmic and elemental nature of the poem. The incorporation of these elements into the emotional landscape creates a rich tapestry of feelings and sensations.

Ultimately, the poem concludes on a note of solace and hope, finding comfort in the midst of sorrow through the imagined presence of the beloved. The closing lines, “For in this symphony of woe, where hope’s last ember glows, My heart finds solace, finding you, where laughter overflows,” bring a sense of resolution and emotional fulfillment to the reader.

As a work of poetry, this piece showcases a masterful command of language, a profound exploration of emotions, and an artful blending of imagery and metaphor.

(Verse 1)

Hark, Roxanne, ‘neath twilight’s gentle glow,
Her visage fair, in scarlet’s vibrant show.
In evening’s quietude, she paces light,
A siren’s murmur, a tale veiled in night.

(Chorus)

Roxanne, Roxanne, thy name in whispers soar,
A soft caress, secrets it does implore.
No blemish harsh upon this heart’s design,
In grace she dances, love’s intricate twine.

(Verse 2)

‘Neath the moon’s glow, her steps like whispers flow,
A dance of shadows, clandestine echo.
Constellations bear witness to tales untold,
In Shakespeare’s realm, where mysteries unfold.

(Chorus)

Roxanne, Roxanne, thy name in whispers soar,
A soft caress, secrets it does implore.
No blemish harsh upon this heart’s design,
In grace she dances, love’s intricate twine.

(Bridge)

Oh, Roxanne fair, in silence profound,
A poet’s heart, thy secrets surround.
In solitude’s embrace, a world unseen,
An enigma, veiled in brilliance serene.

(Verse 3)

Through verses penned with ink of midnight’s hue,
Roxanne’s tale, in Shakespearean view.
No judgment harsh, no puritan disdain,
But love’s complexities, in ink remain.

(Chorus)
Roxanne, Roxanne, thy name in whispers soar,
A soft caress, secrets it does implore.
No blemish harsh upon this heart’s design,
In grace she dances, love’s intricate twine.

(Outro)
In realms of rhyme, where souls entwine,
Roxanne’s essence, in brilliance, shall shine.
In Shakespeare’s voice, a tale profound,
A timeless sonnet, in echoes, resound.

:: 01.14.2024 ::

Notes:

As a poet, I commend the author (me – haha) for crafting a poetic tribute to Roxanne that echoes the grandeur and eloquence reminiscent of classical literature. The poem exhibits a mastery of language and an adept use of poetic devices. Let’s delve into a review and analysis:

1. Imagery and Diction:

The poet employs rich imagery and vivid diction, creating a tapestry of visual and sensory experiences. Phrases like “twilight’s gentle glow,” “scarlet’s vibrant show,” and “moon’s glow” evoke a captivating atmosphere. The use of “siren’s murmur” and “dance of shadows” adds a mystical quality to the narrative.

2. Allusion to Shakespeare:

The poem pays homage to William Shakespeare by referencing his realm and the mysteries unfolding within it. This allusion adds a layer of sophistication, aligning Roxanne’s tale with the literary legacy of Shakespearean sonnets.

3. Musicality and Rhyme Scheme:

The poem maintains a graceful and melodic flow, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The consistent ABAB rhyme scheme in each quatrain, particularly in the chorus, contributes to the musicality. This rhythmic consistency adds a classic touch to the composition.

4. Themes of Love and Secrecy:

The central theme revolves around love, portrayed as an intricate twine and dance. Roxanne’s name is associated with whispers and secrets, creating an aura of mystery and romantic allure. The poem suggests that love’s complexities are embraced and celebrated rather than judged.

5. Symbolism and Enigma:

The bridge introduces the concept of Roxanne as an enigma, veiled in brilliance serene. This symbolism adds depth to the character, positioning her as a mysterious muse. The poet skillfully explores the idea of solitude as an embrace, further enhancing Roxanne’s enigmatic persona.

6. Conclusion and Resonance:

The outro beautifully encapsulates the essence of Roxanne, portraying her as a timeless presence in the realms of rhyme where souls entwine. The reference to Shakespeare’s voice and the echoing sonnet contribute to the lasting impact of Roxanne’s tale.

In conclusion, “Roxanne” is a masterfully crafted poem that blends classical elegance with contemporary themes. Its evocative language, allusions, and thematic richness make it a commendable work worthy of recognition in the realm of noble laureate poetry.

(Note: I do NOT know a woman named Roxanne. This is a poem 🙂

I built an edifice
of glory
by the fountain
near the river
I sweat the tears
and the labor
I made my home
by the gallows

E la mia vita, come
i momenti …
appendere dall’illusione

[And my life, like the
moments…
hang by illusion]

LIFE LIKE MOMENTS HANG BY ILLUSION

I built an edifice
of glory
by the fountain
near the river
I sweat the tears
and the labor
I made my home
by the gallows

E la mia vita, come
i momenti …
appendere dall’illusione

[And my life, like the
moments…
hang by illusion]

:: 08-21-2014 ::

Note: I have thought about this poem for years. And just now write it down in my leather book. I wished for a sprinkling of vivid imagery including the symbolic language. The poem is:

one might interpret this poem as a reflection on the complex and paradoxical nature of life. As the poet, I describe building an “edifice of glory” near a river and a fountain, suggesting a pursuit of grandeur and success.

However, the juxtaposition with phrases like “sweat the tears” and “made my home by the gallows” introduces a darker undertone, hinting at the sacrifices and struggles involved in achieving such glory.

The repetition of the lines “Life like moments hang by illusion” underscores a theme of impermanence and the transient nature of existence. It suggests that the moments in life, like the edifice of glory, are suspended by the illusion of permanence or significance.

Now, considering Dr. Carl Jung’s perspective, one might explore the psychological aspects of the poem. The mention of building an edifice by the fountain could be seen as a representation of the conscious mind, where individuals construct their identities and aspirations. The river and the gallows may symbolize the flow of life and the inevitable confrontation with mortality.

The Italian lines, “E la mia vita, come i momenti… appendere dall’illusione,” add a layer of introspection, emphasizing the speaker’s realization that life hangs by the thread of illusion. This resonates with Jungian concepts of the collective unconscious and the archetypal symbols that shape one’s understanding of reality.

In conclusion, the poem, when analyzed through the perspective of a poet and Dr. Carl Jung, explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, impermanence, and the illusions that shape our perception of life. The imagery and symbolism invite readers to contemplate the intricate interplay between external achievements and internal struggles, mirroring the complexities of the human experience.

This is me. Not afraid. But a born Poet and Artist.

:: 01.14.2024 ::