navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #6 » Epitaph Of An Obscure Poet
Open Poetry #6
Post A Reply Post New Topic Epitaph Of An Obscure Poet Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California

0 posted 2000-03-16 07:48 PM


EPITAPH OF AN OBSCURE POET


Here lies he who on this day died.
Who held his pen as he held pride.
In ink letting emotion go,
Not confounded by rules of flow.

The critics came, the critics saw,
Pointed out each and every flaw.
The meter here, the rhyme scheme there,
The obscurities everywhere.

But never would this poet give.
‘Er writing dead that soul may live.
His gift for those who understood,
More than enough to call it good.

No fame sought there, nor perfection.
Just tokens of the heart's reflection.
Shared among his closest friends
In memory that never ends.

Lesson given for all of you,
To thine own poetry be true.
For though Death call us each the same,
At least this marker bears a name.

Michael R. Anderson


< !signature-->

 For all behind was dark and drear,
And all before was night and fear.
How many hours of night or day
In those suspended pangs I lay,
I could not tell; I scarcely knew
If this were human breath I drew.

Lord Byron






[This message has been edited by Michael (edited 03-16-2000).]

© Copyright 2000 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved
LoveBug
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-01-08
Posts 4697

1 posted 2000-03-16 07:52 PM


Wow, this is a wonderful, heart-felt poem, although it may be a little early to be writing a epitaph...

 "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." -Oscar Wilde

Mistikman
Senior Member
since 2000-01-10
Posts 682
San Jose, CA, USA
3 posted 2000-03-16 07:56 PM


Indeed, the only person who needs to understand your poetry is you. Also, better to be too obscure then too obvious, IMO  
Excellent as always Michael

X Angel
Senior Member
since 1999-11-07
Posts 1521
Oregon
4 posted 2000-03-16 08:01 PM


incredibly true.

~X~

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
5 posted 2000-03-16 08:36 PM


Micheal,
You are on a roll, your last two poems were incredibly good. Bravo my friend.

Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
6 posted 2000-03-16 08:37 PM


Michael, they're both incredibly good...
Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

7 posted 2000-03-16 09:15 PM


But never would this poet give.
‘Er writing dead that soul may live.
His gift for those who understood,
More than enough to call it good.

No fame sought there, nor perfection.
Just tokens of the heart's reflection.
Shared among his closest friends
In memory that never ends.
--------------
M, these two Epitaph poems are absolute brillance...and this one says so much to me...yes, write for our selves...for the emotions we need to express, for the healing it allows us and for the freedom and forgiveness that accompanies the healing.
as always, in awe of you
janet marie

 Now for me some words come easy
But I know that they don't mean that much
Compared with the things that are said when lovers touch
You never knew what I loved in you
I don't know what you loved in me
Maybe the picture of somebody you were hoping I might be
jackson browne



Marilyn
Member Elite
since 1999-09-26
Posts 2621
Ontario, Canada
8 posted 2000-03-16 10:53 PM


umm Michael. Where do you find the stamina? I replied in verse to the last one but I can not keep up with you, my friend.  

There is nothing left unsaid in this piece so I shant try to respond in verse.  

jbowie
Member
since 2000-02-18
Posts 135
BANGOR (that OR) ME
9 posted 2000-03-16 11:10 PM


hmmm.. and obscure zinger lays in here. I very much enjoyed this, and the inherent message for those who need to understand the nature of poetry rather than the form it takes
hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
10 posted 2000-03-17 12:13 PM


Excellent verse my friend  
devina
Member Elite
since 1999-10-28
Posts 3539
Cali
11 posted 2000-03-17 12:21 PM


This is so true...alot of times some really good poets stray by worrying over format...or because critics push them to it...won't go to that subject though...he he

This was a great follow up Michael...We all know that your heart lies within each line you write...tis why it's so special!!!

 Open arms can be the most fragile in the world...


Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
12 posted 2000-03-17 12:10 PM


LoveBug, truth be known it's probably a little late.... LOL

X-Angel, you're incredible.    

Marilyn, It's not stamina, I just never sleep.

jbowie, Indeed.

devina, Yeah the critic thingee's been quite a touchy subject of late, hasn't it...LOL  Your heart is very special to me too, dear.    


Thank you all for the kind replies.


Michael




[This message has been edited by Michael (edited 03-17-2000).]

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #6 » Epitaph Of An Obscure Poet

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary