 |
| Earth's horizon as the Sun sets over the Pacific Ocean (NASA) |
I'm taking advantage of a lull in letter poems to share my first attempt at a pantoum. I was inspired to write one for two reasons: first and foremost, to honor my friend Jan Gars whose untimely death has left me shocked and saddened; and secondly, to participate in Laura Shovan's month-long challenge to write poetry based on sound clip prompts. For a full description of Laura's project and how to participate, please visit her blog, Author Amok. Laura was kind enough to include my recommendation of this video – a sampling of electromagnetic vibrations recorded by NASA Voyager:
Night Whispers
for Jan Gars
Whispers from the shadowed night
Lonely winds of time and space
One more poem yet to write
Trapped in gravity’s embrace
Lonely winds of time and space
Glowing embers, pulsing light
Trapped in gravity’s embrace
Before the blackness turns to white
Glowing embers, pulsing light,
Like eyes behind a clouded face
Before the blackness turns to white
Before you find your resting place
Like eyes behind a clouded face
There’s one more poem yet to write
Before you find your resting place
And whisper from the shadowed night.
© 2015 Michelle Heidenrich Barnes. All rights reserved.
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteThis is a remarkable poem that holds a haunting tale, "Whispers from the shadowed night-Lonely winds of time and space..." backed by the lingering, reverberating echoes of space. This amazing work is a perfect tribute to your friend and addition to Laura's sound poetry collection.
This is truly lovely, Michelle. The lines flow right into each other. A fine tribute for a poet friend.
ReplyDeleteReally well done, Michelle. My hat is off to you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful elegy, Michelle. The pantoum is a great choice -- you're able to capture the sense of the infinite, even as you mourn your friend's passing.
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely, Michelle.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, this is just beautiful, & considering what has just happened to your friend, so poignant. The images take my breath away, "trapped in gravity's embrace", just for a while, right? I imagine your friend Jan would have been in awe. To connect it up with the sounds, too, is lovely.
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute to your friend, Michelle. So sorry again for your loss...
ReplyDeleteThis sound clip was mesmerizing. I am in awe of your pantoum. It's a challenging form. You have written such a melancholic yet hopeful poem. "One more poem." Let's dance a little longer.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful poem and tribute, Michelle--I particularly love the opening/closing rhymes. I hope you share this with Jan's family.
ReplyDeleteA moving and spiritual homage to your friend Jan. I'm really taken by the rhythmic repeating lines akin to the circular movement in life.
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone! I'm grateful to each of you for your uplifting comments.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I'm speechless. Your dear friend clearly inspired (and inspires) you. This is truly beautiful, and the line "There's one more poem left to write" is one that will stay with me always. I'm so sorry for your loss, and so grateful for this poem.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your heartwarming words, Renée.
ReplyDeleteOh Michelle, this is wonderful. The haunting echo of the repeated lines is perfect for the subject of this poem. I have pantoum envy. Excellent work.
ReplyDeleteThere is more back story here. How did Jan Gars have a letter poem for you and die so unexpectedly? So sorry for your loss. So glad for your inspiration. This is a poem that I will remember. What a beautiful tribute.
That's the tragedy of it. He sent me the letter poems on Feb 10th and was gone on the 13th. :( All we can do is hug the ones we love and live with intention, right? Thanks for your kindness, Joy.
Delete