Notes About The Poem

A Chorus Sang Its Last Concerto

I walked in darkness along the shore
seeking only solitude and nothing more
Thunder drummed from somewhere far away
like foreboding timpani as clouds began to play
They competed with the roar of bally waves
crashing to the beach in rhythmic laves
Everything was out of reach for me
the moon, the stars, the depth of the sea

Echoes of a nocturne were swirling in my head
Lyrics left unsung, but spoken instead
My soprano continued; the falsetto stopped
Too weak to stand, on my knees I dropped
My footprints had been erased by an ebbing tide
No longer able to run. I chose not to hide

Blind in the darkness, my loneliness daunting
a flash of lightning, then another more taunting
I lifted my eyes to the sky, to the falling rain
its sting delivered in a medley, staccatos of pain
On the edge of the sea, I waited for the end of me
My tears an ensemble, an elegy in requiem plea

I ignored the orchestra when I heard the ocean call
louder than kettle drums or the storm's howling squall
No encore would this night be able to reprise
When the flowing tide encroached, I closed weary eyes
A chorus of waves crashed like cymbals in concerto
stealing the baton from the hand of the Maestro

The moon and stars were out of reach for me
I wept as I was swept into the depth of the sea


August 28, 2022
2022 Marathon Mile 13 Contest
Sponsored by Mark Toney
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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12
Kendrick Avatar
November 14, 2023 at 1:06 PM
Congratulations on this winning work in Robert's contest. Way to go. Thanks for sharing it with us, Sara K
Ahmed Avatar
October 12, 2023 at 8:04 AM
My soprano continued; the falsetto stopped! - ah! beautiful... A dark night by the shore orchestrated with words - amazing poetic capacity!!
Lane Avatar
October 12, 2023 at 9:57 AM
Hello, Marshall. Thank you for reaching back to read this one and leaving me your thoughtful comments.
Ashley Avatar
September 12, 2022 at 11:50 AM
Dear Lin, I was captivated by the edgy aching dark emotions of your exquisite poem. A metaphorical beauty of depth and poetic finesse. Your vivid last line (with the accent of internal rhyme) is a fantastic finale to a passion-filled piece. Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark’s contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Lane Avatar
September 13, 2022 at 5:51 AM
Susan, we could trade accolades with each other for days, and I'd still feel I owe you more. Thank you for your wonderful reviews of my poetry.
La France Avatar
September 12, 2022 at 10:03 AM
Lin, wow, what a great poem and congratulations on your win in the contest, blessings ~
Lane Avatar
September 13, 2022 at 5:50 AM
Thank you, Constance.
Toney Avatar
September 11, 2022 at 8:35 PM
Lin, your poetry is superb and your metaphors extraordinary. How sad that your subject sought "only solitude and nothing more", and ends up being "swept into the depth of the sea". A Fav for me. Congratulations on your win on Mile 13 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 14 has already started!
Lane Avatar
September 13, 2022 at 5:49 AM
Thank you, Mark.
Alex Avatar
September 11, 2022 at 8:28 PM
Great drowning effect - physically and psychologically. Such a obscure scenes, yet realities. Beautiful. Congratulations!
Lane Avatar
September 13, 2022 at 5:49 AM
Thanks, Chris.
Seeker Avatar
September 11, 2022 at 8:26 PM
Dark yet compelling ~ a fave. Masterfully crafted, Lin. Warmest congratulations on your win!
Lane Avatar
September 13, 2022 at 5:49 AM
Thank you very much.
Horsman Avatar
September 11, 2022 at 7:33 PM
Awful subject, Lin. yet one we have to face, fight and win the battle. Your poetry superb as usual. Congratulation in the Marathon Contest. I'm going to fav this...Harry
Tsitsikroni Avatar
October 3, 2017 at 7:48 AM
Awesome write as usual. Well done Lin. "Blind in the darkness, loneliness daunting a lightning flash, then another, taunting"
Lane Avatar
October 12, 2017 at 4:13 PM
Hi Klio, and thanks ever so much for liking this one.
Evans Avatar
September 26, 2017 at 7:35 PM
"Everything seemed out of reach to me the moon, the stars, the depth of the sea." Love those lines. Thanks for sharing..............peace!
Lane Avatar
October 12, 2017 at 4:12 PM
Thank you very much for the kind comments, Richard.
Allison Avatar
September 24, 2017 at 3:26 AM
I'm saddened this gem has received such few comments since being awarded POTW people usually flock to comment on such work Lin:-( hugs jan xx
Lane Avatar
September 24, 2017 at 5:31 AM
Jan, you are so kind to leave this sweet note, but you're not to worry about the lack of comments. I know it's been read by many who'd never want me to know they have, but what makes me smile is that I see the names of those poets here who are most dear to me. Thank you for being a loving friend. ;-)
Lindley Avatar
September 20, 2017 at 4:08 PM
Congratulations on this jewel being chosen as POTW my friend. Just more proof that you are an amazingly talented poet... A fav.....
Lane Avatar
September 21, 2017 at 3:01 PM
Thank you so very much for your kind remarks, Robert.
Hamilton Avatar
September 19, 2017 at 8:47 PM
Bravo,bravo,Lin I enjoy all of your writes but this one is special. Of course a big fave! Congrats on POTW belated but heartfelt.
Lane Avatar
September 21, 2017 at 3:00 PM
Thank you, John. I know for sure all your comments are sincere and they're greatly appreciated.
Michael Avatar
September 19, 2017 at 11:25 AM
This is a masterpiece. Very good...Enjoyed it all...Have a nice day
Lane Avatar
September 19, 2017 at 12:04 PM
This poem was not preconceived, wasn't prompted by a contest, but it just seemed to take on life by itself as it progressed. Thank you for the grand comments, Arturo.
Allison Avatar
September 17, 2017 at 12:55 PM
Wow Lin you deserve a standing ovation for this musical masterpiece. Many congrats on POTW:-) hugs jan xx
Lane Avatar
September 17, 2017 at 7:50 PM
I can hear you applauding...lol Thanks, Jan.
Wanter Avatar
September 17, 2017 at 10:47 AM
It's just the best! Congratulations!
Lane Avatar
September 17, 2017 at 7:50 PM
Thanks ever so much.
Cozart Avatar
September 17, 2017 at 9:48 AM
Congrats on POTW, Lin!
Lane Avatar
September 17, 2017 at 10:11 AM
Thanks a lot, Dale.
Smith Avatar
September 17, 2017 at 7:39 AM
Congrats Lin on POTW
Lane Avatar
September 17, 2017 at 8:50 AM
Well, thanks for the info and congrats, Tim.
Daniel Avatar
September 15, 2017 at 7:03 AM
Such mindblowing concert deserves more than a standing applause, dear Lin:) I'm awestruck:)
Lane Avatar
September 15, 2017 at 9:38 AM
Thanks so very much, Jo. Your comments are awesome.
Barden Avatar
September 14, 2017 at 10:01 PM
This is just wonderful - sublimely musical and with a rhythm exquisite ... I am a musician, first-and-foremost, and I must fav this one! I have read it three times, and need to again - that is unusual for me. Gorgeous! Blessings, Lin. <3
Lane Avatar
September 15, 2017 at 9:37 AM
I know your dedication to music, Greg. So I'm truly honored that you've read this one so many times. Thank you for adding it to your favorites.
Warrior Avatar
September 14, 2017 at 10:15 AM
I'd like to have the menu(program) for this 'Concerto' lol...a musical masterpiece Lin...best wishes...^WW^
Lane Avatar
September 14, 2017 at 10:30 AM
Thanks, WW. If you find the fallen baton, would you let me know?
Krampe Avatar
September 13, 2017 at 8:26 PM
There is music in your poem, Lin.
Lane Avatar
September 14, 2017 at 10:29 AM
How sweet is your comment, Agnes...thanks very much.
Bauer Avatar
September 13, 2017 at 8:17 PM
such beautiful language, lin! masterful!
Lane Avatar
September 14, 2017 at 10:29 AM
I always appreciate your visits and comments, Ilene. Thanks so much.
Sivey Avatar
September 13, 2017 at 6:02 PM
Wow, what a concerto my friend, a masterful write! I surely loved reading this illustrious poem this evening! You have written a timeless piece with your beautiful quill my friend! What a gorgeous piece, Great work!!
Lane Avatar
September 14, 2017 at 10:28 AM
Thanks very much, Russell. I hope you're mending nicely.
Andresen Avatar
September 13, 2017 at 2:04 PM
- Lin, FANTASTIC !!! - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Lane Avatar
September 14, 2017 at 10:28 AM
MERCI, Anne-Lise.
12
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