Stretched on the grass, pillowed on a bed of flowers
You're my fondest memory of my youthful years
Not a moment misspent, not a word overdone
Two laughing schoolboys who of grief and cares had none
We rested in silence oft, and couldn't ask for more
But grew enlivened when filled with poetic lore
As the pastures are our witness as are the bees
Spenserian lines eloped from your lips with ease
We were dead to dark thoughts, for the whole world was good
Dwelled on humble esteem, that smoothed our brotherhood
Your eyes were fixed in poetic sleep as with zing
You chanted--I spun in circles like Saturn's ring
Shifting mighty winds took you away premature
Good night my dear young friend John--from this world adieu
Copyright © selmamartin
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“Here lies one whose name was writ in water.”
This is the epitaph that the poet John Keats prepared for himself.
John Keats – (Oct. 31st, 1795 – Feb. 23rd, 1821)
Charles Cowden Clarke – (Dec.15th, 1787 – March 13th, 1877)
Charles was the son of John Clarke, a schoolmaster, among
whose pupils was the poet John Keats.
The younger Clarke taught Keats his letters and
encouraged his love
of poetry.
This is the eulogy Charles wrote for his friend John Keats.
For the W3 prompt #123: Wea’ve Written Weekly posted on September 4, 2024
I. The prompt poem: ‘Seasons’, a quatern by Sally.
Congratulations, Sally. A delightful poem. And a great prompt. Thank you.
II. Sally’s prompt guidelines:
by Winslow Homer
PROMPT: Compose an ekphrastic poem inspired by Winslow Homer’s
(1836 – 1910) painting of ‘Boys in a Pasture’.
Approaches to ekphrastic poetry
- Write about the scene or subject being depicted in the artwork.
- Write in the voice of a person or object shown in the work of art.
- Write about your experience of looking at the art.
- Relate the work of art to something else it reminds you of.
- Imagine what was happening while the artist was creating the piece.
- Write in the voice of the artist.
- Write a dialogue among characters in a work of art.
- Speak directly to the artist or the subject(s) of the piece.
- Write in the voice of an object or person portrayed in the artwork.
- Imagine a story behind what you see depicted in the piece.
- Speculate about why the artist created this work.
III. Submit: Click on ‘Mister Linky’
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING.
BLESS YOU ALL.
- Homage to Dante: What Ails Thee, Trifler? - December 13, 2024
- Do The Southerlies Come For The Wicked Too? - December 12, 2024
- Dectina Refrain: Tinged Living Lessons - December 11, 2024
oh, wonderful, selma
😜 so pleased you liked it, Beth.
So beautiful written, nice photo.
The photo is beautiful. Made me think hard. Happy you liked what I wrote, Raj. Xo
This is a brilliant piece, love how you’ve worded it Selma. Beautifully done
Brilliant?! Aww. Thanks Sadje.
I like John Keats. 😘
You’re most welcome
Delightful piece, Selma❣️
Happy you were delighted dear Cindy. Bless you.
All better after that fall, I hope 🤞
Be well, please. Happy Friday.
Wow! Selma, this is an incredible poem in the style of John Keats! His poems are among my favourites and you have captured his unique and wonderful manner of writing here – a joy and treat if a poem and post! A special start to my day – off to read again! 😀❤️
Annika dear. Thank you. Yes, I like John Keats 🤷🏽♀️ I tried to copy his style with this one. So pleased you enjoyed it. Bless you friend. Always.
Wow, Selma. This is a wonderful, wonderful poem! I love it. 🌹
Thanks Leslie. Pleased you enjoyed it. Blessings
🩷
beautifully expressed, Selma…🤍🙏
Thanks, Destiny. Happy you liked it. Blessings.
Beautifully written, Selma! 🌺
I appreciate you saying, Lauren. Thanks so very much. Sending blessings. Forgive my absence; been so busy. I don’t think I’ll catch up anytime soon. I will come one day soon. Bless you. hugs.
Your creativity has no bounds. 🥰👏🏻 Thank you for sharing some poetic lore with us prolific poet, Selma. ✨🙏🏻
Thanks with all my heart, Michele Lee. xoxo
All my heart thanks you, sweet Selma. 🌼 xoxo
Selma this is outstanding!!! I love it beyond words!!!
aww, your beyond words comment is a first for me. Thanks most dearly. Bless you my friend. One never knows what will get on the page until it’s there. Thanks for appreciating, dear Val. ((hugs))
You’ve made the connection between them very vivid. (K)
I was reading Keats and then I thought why not. Happy you appreciated this, Kerfe. Blessings on your weekend.
I felt the embrace of love!
Aww, then my work is good. Happy you felt the embrace. Bless you, Annette. xoxo
What a wonderful form to choose, I really enjoyed this Selma – especially love ‘your eyes were fixed in poetic sleep…’
💞Suzanne
aww, thanks so dearly, dear Suzanne. xo
Oh my goodness! What an amazing poem! You captured the carefree times of youth.
And Keats. That epitaph — so perfect.
Thank you so much, Sally. thrilled you enjoyed it. blessings. I hope you like Keats.
I love Keats.
we’re good then (smile)
Oh my goodness, I was convinced it was Charles’ eulogy until I realised it was by you. It fits Homer’s painting so well and it captures such a warm yet melancholic and heart-warming love – absolutely perfect take, Selma ❤️
Thanks, Deepthy. You’re too kind. Gifted me a happy smile. 😀
I truly enjoyed your poem, Selma!
So pleased Heather dear. Blessings.
This just brilliant, Selma, both in technical execution (not easy!) and imagination! I love how you created this piece of historical fiction! Just wonderful! <3
~David
I appreciate the comment, dear David. It was a fun one. Thanks. 😊
hi, Selma 👋🏻
Just wanna let you know that this week’s W3, hosted by our beloved Lynn__ is now live:
https://skepticskaddish.com/2024/09/11/w3-prompt-124-weave-written-weekly/
Enjoy❣️
~David
Awesome. 😎
🤗