Homework WE 7/5/18 - Penelope's Lament
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- Shelley Hansen
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Homework WE 7/5/18 - Penelope's Lament
A bit of a departure from Aussie verse (sorry about that) - but for some reason these prompts led me back to the legends of ancient Greece! There's no accounting for the journey of a poet's brain, is there?? Probably beyond the reach of modern science to explain!
PENELOPE'S LAMENT
(c) Shelley Hansen 4/5/18
The songs my mother taught me beat a bittersweet refrain.
I wonder – will I ever see your treasured face again?
I watch the sun rise endlessly above this ancient sea
and see it set without a sail to bring you back to me.
The suitors who would woo me are but shadows of your light.
The moon reflects my tears that fall as droplets, salt and bright,
while out there in the ether you face tests I cannot share –
and yet, my love, I feel each heavy burden you must bear.
You used to bring me roses in the summer’s golden glow,
but since you left their thorns draw blood. I cannot stem its flow.
Your kisses burn like searing fiery fingers on my lips
as day by day I watch to see your flag among the ships.
Odysseus, Odysseus, turn homeward to your land.
Do you still live, my darling? Can you hear or understand
the grief of your Penelope whose heart is doomed to yearn
for sweet and cherished memories, awaiting your return?
PENELOPE'S LAMENT
(c) Shelley Hansen 4/5/18
The songs my mother taught me beat a bittersweet refrain.
I wonder – will I ever see your treasured face again?
I watch the sun rise endlessly above this ancient sea
and see it set without a sail to bring you back to me.
The suitors who would woo me are but shadows of your light.
The moon reflects my tears that fall as droplets, salt and bright,
while out there in the ether you face tests I cannot share –
and yet, my love, I feel each heavy burden you must bear.
You used to bring me roses in the summer’s golden glow,
but since you left their thorns draw blood. I cannot stem its flow.
Your kisses burn like searing fiery fingers on my lips
as day by day I watch to see your flag among the ships.
Odysseus, Odysseus, turn homeward to your land.
Do you still live, my darling? Can you hear or understand
the grief of your Penelope whose heart is doomed to yearn
for sweet and cherished memories, awaiting your return?
Shelley Hansen
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com
"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com
"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")
- Maureen K Clifford
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Re: Homework WE 7/5/18 - Penelope's Lament
Nothing like a bit of romance in poetry - a lovely write Shelley and a very different setting as well - I hear the islands of Greece calling Well done.
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I may not always succeed in making a difference, but I will go to my grave knowing I at least tried.
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I may not always succeed in making a difference, but I will go to my grave knowing I at least tried.
- Shelley Hansen
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Re: Homework WE 7/5/18 - Penelope's Lament
Thank you Maureen! I'm sure it was the last thing on your mind when you set the prompts - but there you go!
Shelley Hansen
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com
"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com
"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")
- Catherine Lee
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Re: Homework WE 7/5/18 - Penelope's Lament
Excellent Shelley - a treat to read, and a most original use of the prompts!
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Re: Homework WE 7/5/18 - Penelope's Lament
Your kisses burn like searing fiery fingers on my lips. Wow M rated stuff.
Neville
" Prose is description, poetry is presence " Les Murray.
" Prose is description, poetry is presence " Les Murray.
- Shelley Hansen
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Re: Homework WE 7/5/18 - Penelope's Lament
Thanks Catherine ... you always say the nicest things
And you are so right Neville ... I’m expecting a business proposal from Mills & Boon any minute now, so watch this space!
Cheers Shelley
And you are so right Neville ... I’m expecting a business proposal from Mills & Boon any minute now, so watch this space!
Cheers Shelley
Shelley Hansen
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com
"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com
"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")
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Re: Homework WE 7/5/18 - Penelope's Lament
The burning fingers caught my eye too - well written Shelley.
It's good to let the mind at times to exercise the brain.
Terry
It's good to let the mind at times to exercise the brain.
Terry