Sonnet to Optimism

[Jerryk]

Sonnet to Optimism

At times, when fair poetic winds might fail
And leave me in the doldrums latitude
Without a breeze to fill a sonnet’s sail,
I simply save my sinking attitude
By taking Shakespeare’s quill. And so I write,
But still abstain from lines much brayed by mules
That whine about past loves, and themes so trite--
Their overuse has dulled these once sharp tools.
Of joyful things I’d rather write to you.
Let songs of cheerful spring and summertime
Replace the wintry owl’s “Tu-whit, tu-who”—
(I robbed “Love’s Labour’s Lost” to suit this rhyme).
When gladness fills a poet’s heart, then share;
Self-pity falls on ears that do not care.

[entwife]

this is one of the best poems I've read lately. superior job. Love the line "much brayed by mules" thanks for the morning uplift.

[Jerryk]

Thanks, Entwife;
being a bit of a mule, I needed to kick myself in the rump with that line. LOL. It works wonders. Glad I gave you that uplift. :)

[wsparks]

amen! I fear I've been guilty of dulling "once sharp tools" :)

[Philip16]

The rhythm and rhyme really seem spot on with this one, and you end it with a couplet that
leaves the reader with a very wise proverb. My poetic winds have been very inconsistent,
hmmmm, maybe I just need a better sail!

[Jerryk]

Hi there, wsparks;
a good sharpening stone will restore the once-sharp tool. Never use a super-fine razor as a hatchet, lol. Thanks, my friend, :)
Jerryk

[Jerryk]

Philip;
glad this sonnet works for you. Well, if for lack of wind the sail can't get you out of the doldrums, maybe an Evinrude outboard motor will do it, lol. Thanks Philip, much appreciated :)
Jerryk

[1freesoul]

Yes, so very true and yet we must Love through words, may I say I love your poem...

[Jerryk]

Yes, so very true and yet we must Love through words, may I say I love your poem...

1freesoul;
thank you for liking my post. Kind regards, and may fresh breezes always fill your sails, my friend. Jerry

[ramfire]

In times like these we need to break out the harmonica and give a lively tune. I sure like your last line: who cares about self pity

[Jerryk]

Hi Ram,
yes, the harmonica; I still love it, but I have graduated up to the Celtic harp by now. Presently, I'm looking for a wire fixture that will keep the harmonica to my mouth and my hands free for the harp. What's next, huh? Cello and snare drums? Lol. Thanks for reading, lol. Jerry

[Windsend]

Congratz on the spotlight JerryK. Great advice, I love the feeling when inspiration and determination bubbles up. I know myself, so am taking a bit of faith, and optimism from your lead, that I am not the only one. Helping to fill the void, or replacing the 'Phil' in philanthropy, with 'Pelli', to inspire others to participate is unfortunately not utilized by the great many poets today that have previously existed historically. To many video games, movies, and competition in todays world. This is a nostalgically great poem, and theme, that need to be a more common place, modern and retro theme, simultaneously. It is very nice to see another person expressing their motivation to help others, while loving what they do! Well deserved spotlight. Always a pleasure. Brad -

[Jerryk]

Thank you for the great comment, Windsend, good friend.
the truth is, I model my modest work after the utterances of our old poets, more or less, and therefore my signature "Verses from an old-fashioned bard; no ambiguities intended," although the words and messages they convey are mine. Perhaps I'm truly a throwback to the 19th Century, or an earlier one. I'm not sure that I would fit into a contemporary poetry writing class. Therefore, for better or worse, I do my own thing while keeping a weather-eye on the literary output of my fellow poets. Delighted at your comment. Thanks,
Jerry