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Why I Love Opera

Born in New York of Italian descent, From my childhood and beyond through the years, Deep in my soul live the sounds of lament— The drama of romance, fear, death and tears. The power, the movements, fill up my soul Like thunder that clashes in dark of night; So vibrant and flowing, lost in the role, I listen, to grasp each note with delight. The voices, emotions strike at my heart, I'm filled with a depth I cannot explain— The beauty, the sadness in every part Bring stories to life that stir inner pain. Yes, opera I speak of—so part of me; My favorites played again and again— Puccini, Bizet and those of Verdi; Of Tosca, Carmen, and best, La Boheme. Each opera a drama of life and death— The singers stir feelings with every word; Strong voices mingle to deepen my breath. Emotions rise with great arias heard. Born in New York of Italian descent With family that loved and nurtured this art; Played records at home and many times went To the Met where opera thrilled my heart. ~1st Place~ Contest: That's why I love (insert your subject) Sponsor: Lewis Raynes Judged: 06/06/2016 ~1st Place~ Contest: Favorite Music Type Sponsor: Nayda Ivette Negron Judged: 10/26/2015

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Henrietta Flinn

Date: 10/29/2022 1:05:00 AM

My aunt, Isobel FLINN, has recently died in Manchester UK. She had an international career in the world of music, and opera in particular, see https://www.clonter.org/farewell-to-isobel-flinn/. Would you allow a friend to read your poem on my behalf as I cannot attend her funeral in Manchester on 17 November 2022?

Sandra Haight
Date: 10/29/2022 7:03:00 AM

Dear Henrietta, I am so sorry your dear Aunt has passed. I did go to the website to read about her and her great accomplishments in the world of music. I am honored that you wish to honor her by your friend reading my poem about my love for opera, of course, with credit given to me as the author. Thank you so much for choosing my poem to be read at her funeral. Sandra

Teddy Kimathi

Date: 6/8/2016 10:13:00 AM

Greetings Sandra. Congrats for your top placement in the contest, with this splendid piece!! *^_^*

Sandra Haight
Date: 6/12/2016 8:59:00 AM

Thank you very much, Teddy. Sandra

Janis Thompson

Date: 6/7/2016 8:34:00 PM

I'm sure you are a lover of Verdi's Aida, my favorite. Congratulations on your win....

Sandra Haight
Date: 6/7/2016 8:47:00 PM

Thank you, Janis. Yes, I love Verdi's Aida too! Pleased to hear that you are a fan! Hugs, sandra

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 6/7/2016 11:02:00 AM

Sandra, I cannot listen to Nessun Dorma without shedding tears. My mother had an operetic voice, but ended up with a family instead of a career. She often regreted her loss of fulfilling her dreams. Opera inspires me to write poetry as I am sure it does you. It is lovely to see this in first place! Congratulations on your well deserved win! #7 ; )

Sandra Haight
Date: 6/7/2016 11:15:00 AM

Hi, Connie. I am so pleased to learn that you enjoy opera too, and it is such a shame your dear mother did not pursue her talent. Yes, the music is very emotional, and together with the almost always tragic stories, does make tears flow! Thank your for your nice comments and congrats. Hugs, Sandra

Sara Chansarkar

Date: 6/7/2016 9:38:00 AM

Congratulations Sandra, I have to watch an opera now!

Sandra Haight
Date: 6/7/2016 11:09:00 AM

"Thank you for your positive comment and congrats, Sara. Yes, if you know the story behind the music, opera is very captivating. Hugs, Sandra"

Balveen Cheema

Date: 6/7/2016 9:29:00 AM

Congrats Sandra! Seen operas only in movies or video clips. You made it sound so lovely!

Sandra Haight
Date: 6/7/2016 11:10:00 AM

Thank you very much, Balveen. Opera is very dramatic and tragic with the stories behind them. It helps to read that story before you every see one in order to 'feel' the music match the emotions. Thank you for your support and congrats! Hugs, Sandra

Ravindra Nayak

Date: 6/6/2016 8:26:00 PM

Congratulation on your win

Sandra Haight
Date: 6/7/2016 11:12:00 AM

Thank you very much, Ravindra! Sandra

Caycay Jennings

Date: 6/6/2016 7:46:00 PM

I have never thrilled to Opera, primarily because I have no idea what they are saying; but, I have thrilled to poems and this is a beaut. Love it. One could, for the most part, substitute anything they love in this poem for you described 'thrill' in a universal way. Love it, Sandra, and congrats! CayCay

Sandra Haight
Date: 6/7/2016 11:32:00 AM

Dear CayCay, thank you so much for your uplifting comments and congrats. One really has to read the story behind the music to feel the emotions, and then it all comes together. Thanks again for your nice visit and support. Hugs, Sandra

Lu Loo

Date: 6/6/2016 7:36:00 PM

Sandra, a beautiful poem...congrats on your well deserved top placement! :)-luloo

Sandra Haight
Date: 6/7/2016 11:30:00 AM

Thank you very much, Luloo! Hugs, Sandra

Lewis Raynes

Date: 6/6/2016 7:35:00 PM

Congratulations Sandra. Your poem struck me as to why people love opera, the feelings you invoked are addictive... I've never been to an opera. Your words shared a truth I love, that's why I placed you first, Your poetic friend, Lewis.

Sandra Haight
Date: 6/7/2016 11:30:00 AM

Thank you, Lewis, for a great contest and for my wonderful placement on your winner's list. I hope you get to experience an opera one day. It is best to read the tragic story behind the music first, however. Thanks again, Sandra

Skat A

Date: 10/29/2015 8:53:00 PM

Sandra, Congrats! :)SKAT

Caycay Jennings

Date: 10/26/2015 9:17:00 PM

Truly an excellent poem, Sandra - so well written and enjoyable. Congratulations! CayCay

Sandra Haight
Date: 10/27/2015 8:07:00 AM

Thank you so much, CayCay. I always appreciate your visits and supportive comments. Hugs, Sandra

Judy Konos

Date: 10/26/2015 12:05:00 PM

Congratulations back at ya....big number won

Nayda Ivette Negron Flores

Date: 10/26/2015 10:12:00 AM

Congratulations in your win Sandra.

Sandra Haight
Date: 10/27/2015 8:05:00 AM

Thank you so much, Nayda, for offering the music theme for your contest. I enjoyed participating, and I appreciate the nice placement! Hugs, Sandra

Constance La France

Date: 10/12/2015 2:22:00 PM

Sandra, I love this 7, do you know as a little girl in an attic room, I used to listen to opera, I was so attracted to the deep voices, now my love is classical, best of luck in the contest and thanks for visiting my poem, beloved sister ...

Sandra Haight
Date: 10/14/2015 8:24:00 AM

Thank you for your support, BW...Much appreciated! Hugs, Sandra

Sara Kendrick

Date: 10/12/2015 1:29:00 PM

Wonderful contest entry..I enjoyed reading this one..Reads like a winner to me..Thanks for dropping by..Sara

Sandra Haight
Date: 10/14/2015 8:24:00 AM

Thank you so much, Sara. I appreciate your nice comments and support. Hugs, Sandra

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/11/2015 4:13:00 PM

I am pure rock and roll, but I sure enjoy seeing what music everyone else likes. Opera, huh? I saw just one and it was in Paris so not in Italian! Great description of your childhood delight!

Sandra Haight
Date: 10/14/2015 8:15:00 AM

Thank you, Andrea. It was my childhood delight and it still is today. Thankfully, my husband loves it too and we enjoy it together at home and on the stage. Sandra

Boygene Rabura

Date: 10/11/2015 9:20:00 AM

nice work,nice poem, nice words... keep up.

Jan Allison

Date: 10/10/2015 6:28:00 PM

I love many different forms of music but opera is so so powerful and I love the stories they tell - beautifully penned Sandra - good luck:-) hugs jan xx

Sandra Haight
Date: 10/14/2015 8:23:00 AM

Thanks, Jan. All music is lovely, but as you said, opera is powerful and the stories are usually tragic and stir emotions. Hugs, Sandra