Like them, don't like them, share your thoughts, offer critiques but really just remember that these are for pleasure and fun. I enjoy poetry immensely, but I never take it too seriously. If it brings out some kind of reaction from me, good or bad, then I feel it has served a purpose. The poems I will share on these Poetry Posts are either written by me or come from a poet whom I admire or because the poem is one I enjoyed enough to remember.
My favorite poem of all time is The Lady of the Lake by Sir Walter Scott. Below is one of my favorite stanzas.
Do you have a favorite poet? A favorite poem?
The Lady of the Lake
Canto Third - The Gathering
II.
The Summer dawn's reflected hue To purple changed Loch Katrine blue; Mildly and soft the western breeze Just kissed the lake, just stirred the trees, And the pleased lake, like maiden coy, Trembled but dimpled not for joy The mountain-shadows on her breast Were neither broken nor at rest; In bright uncertainty they lie, Like future joys to Fancy's eye. The water-lily to the light Her chalice reared of silver bright; The doe awoke, and to the lawn, Begemmed with dew-drops, led her fawn; The gray mist left the mountain-side, The torrent showed its glistening pride; Invisible in flecked sky The lark sent clown her revelry: The blackbird and the speckled thrush Good-morrow gave from brake and bush; In answer cooed the cushat dove Her notes of peace and rest and love.
For such an historic poem, I must say I was a bit disappointed to discover that The Lady of the Lake was available on Kindle. My copy is from the 19th century and even with a few torn pages and years of wearing, it's still my favorite copy. I do not believe Scott would have approved of a digital version, but no matter. It is available for free online through the Gutenberg Project, but if you'd like to read this wonderful narrative poem (which I highly recommend), then you can find Lady of the Lake on Amazon. It's only $0.99 (a deal if ever there was one).
Image of Loch Katrine (inspiration for Lady of the Lake): http://www.planetware.com/picture/trossachs-loch-katrine-sco-sco168.htm
Nice post. My favorite poem is One of Shelley's
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