A Letter To John Keats

Dear John, A unique Epitaph you, yourself, penned so well “Here lies one whose name was writ in water” Though many have misunderstood your epitaph. Which means “ Fame and indeed life is fleeting” Surely your fame was fleeting during your life-time. Even Shakespeare confirms the true meaning In Henry VIII, through Griffith who observes “Men’s evil manner live in brass; their virtues We write in waters” So many misunderstood your genius writings That is why The review called you a disciple of “Cockney Poetry” And a severe comments on Endymion “Go back to the apothecary shop Mr. John Keats…..” Unluckily they did not read your magnificent Odes Swinburne considered The Ode to a Nightingale “The final masterpiece of human work for all ages” Critic Helen calls the Odes, Ultimate embodiment. Like me, the poets all around our globe get inspired by “If poetry comes not as naturally as the leaves to a tree It had better not come at all” Your words like leaves are still on the tips of every tongue There isn’t a single moment People don’t quote you, write about you, speak about you. I repeat your epitaph ““Here lies one whose name was writ in water” Only all that was mortal your grave contains Your name and fame exist everywhere like Zephyr. +++++++ +++++++ May 30, 2014 Form: Free Verse Eighth Place Win Contest: Letter to a poet by Monterey Sirak