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


Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

12
Date: 11/14/2023 1:06:00 PM
Congratulations on this winning work in Robert's contest. Way to go. Thanks for sharing it with us, Sara K
Login to Reply
Date: 10/12/2023 8:04:00 AM
My soprano continued; the falsetto stopped! - ah! beautiful... A dark night by the shore orchestrated with words - amazing poetic capacity!!
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 10/12/2023 9:57:00 AM
Hello, Marshall. Thank you for reaching back to read this one and leaving me your thoughtful comments.
Date: 9/12/2022 11:50:00 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
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/13/2022 5:51:00 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.
Date: 9/12/2022 10:03:00 AM
Lin, wow, what a great poem and congratulations on your win in the contest, blessings ~
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/13/2022 5:50:00 AM
Thank you, Constance.
Date: 9/11/2022 8:35:00 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!
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/13/2022 5:49:00 AM
Thank you, Mark.
Date: 9/11/2022 8:28:00 PM
Great drowning effect - physically and psychologically. Such a obscure scenes, yet realities. Beautiful. Congratulations!
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/13/2022 5:49:00 AM
Thanks, Chris.
Date: 9/11/2022 8:26:00 PM
Dark yet compelling ~ a fave. Masterfully crafted, Lin. Warmest congratulations on your win!
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/13/2022 5:49:00 AM
Thank you very much.
Date: 9/11/2022 7:33:00 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
Login to Reply
Date: 10/3/2017 7:48:00 AM
Awesome write as usual. Well done Lin. "Blind in the darkness, loneliness daunting a lightning flash, then another, taunting"
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 10/12/2017 4:13:00 PM
Hi Klio, and thanks ever so much for liking this one.
Date: 9/26/2017 7:35:00 PM
"Everything seemed out of reach to me the moon, the stars, the depth of the sea." Love those lines. Thanks for sharing..............peace!
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 10/12/2017 4:12:00 PM
Thank you very much for the kind comments, Richard.
Date: 9/24/2017 3:26:00 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
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/24/2017 5:31:00 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. ;-)
Date: 9/20/2017 4:08:00 PM
Congratulations on this jewel being chosen as POTW my friend. Just more proof that you are an amazingly talented poet... A fav.....
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/21/2017 3:01:00 PM
Thank you so very much for your kind remarks, Robert.
Date: 9/19/2017 8:47:00 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.
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/21/2017 3:00:00 PM
Thank you, John. I know for sure all your comments are sincere and they're greatly appreciated.
Date: 9/19/2017 11:25:00 AM
This is a masterpiece. Very good...Enjoyed it all...Have a nice day
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/19/2017 12:04:00 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.
Date: 9/17/2017 12:55:00 PM
Wow Lin you deserve a standing ovation for this musical masterpiece. Many congrats on POTW:-) hugs jan xx
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/17/2017 7:50:00 PM
I can hear you applauding...lol Thanks, Jan.
Date: 9/17/2017 10:47:00 AM
It's just the best! Congratulations!
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/17/2017 7:50:00 PM
Thanks ever so much.
Date: 9/17/2017 9:48:00 AM
Congrats on POTW, Lin!
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/17/2017 10:11:00 AM
Thanks a lot, Dale.
Date: 9/17/2017 7:39:00 AM
Congrats Lin on POTW
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/17/2017 8:50:00 AM
Well, thanks for the info and congrats, Tim.
Date: 9/15/2017 7:03:00 AM
Such mindblowing concert deserves more than a standing applause, dear Lin:) I'm awestruck:)
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/15/2017 9:38:00 AM
Thanks so very much, Jo. Your comments are awesome.
Date: 9/14/2017 10:01:00 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
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/15/2017 9:37:00 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.
Date: 9/14/2017 10:15:00 AM
I'd like to have the menu(program) for this 'Concerto' lol...a musical masterpiece Lin...best wishes...^WW^
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/14/2017 10:30:00 AM
Thanks, WW. If you find the fallen baton, would you let me know?
Date: 9/13/2017 8:26:00 PM
There is music in your poem, Lin.
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/14/2017 10:29:00 AM
How sweet is your comment, Agnes...thanks very much.
Date: 9/13/2017 8:17:00 PM
such beautiful language, lin! masterful!
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/14/2017 10:29:00 AM
I always appreciate your visits and comments, Ilene. Thanks so much.
Date: 9/13/2017 6:02:00 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!!
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/14/2017 10:28:00 AM
Thanks very much, Russell. I hope you're mending nicely.
Date: 9/13/2017 2:04:00 PM
- Lin, FANTASTIC !!! - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Login to Reply
Lane Avatar
Lin Lane
Date: 9/14/2017 10:28:00 AM
MERCI, Anne-Lise.
12
Get a Premium Membership
Get more exposure for your poetry and more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Reflection on the Important Things

Member Area

My Admin
Profile and Settings
Edit My Poems
Edit My Quotes
Edit My Short Stories
Edit My Articles
My Comments Inboxes
My Comments Outboxes
Soup Mail
Poetry Contests
Contest Results/Status
Followers
Poems of Poets I Follow
Friend Builder

Soup Social

Poetry Forum
New/Upcoming Features
The Wall
Soup Facebook Page
Who is Online
Link to Us

Member Poems

Poems - Top 100 New
Poems - Top 100 All-Time
Poems - Best
Poems - by Topic
Poems - New (All)
Poems - New (PM)
Poems - New by Poet
Poems - Read
Poems - Unread

Member Poets

Poets - Best New
Poets - New
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems Recent
Poets - Top 100 Community
Poets - Top 100 Contest

Famous Poems

Famous Poems - African American
Famous Poems - Best
Famous Poems - Classical
Famous Poems - English
Famous Poems - Haiku
Famous Poems - Love
Famous Poems - Short
Famous Poems - Top 100

Famous Poets

Famous Poets - Living
Famous Poets - Most Popular
Famous Poets - Top 100
Famous Poets - Best
Famous Poets - Women
Famous Poets - African American
Famous Poets - Beat
Famous Poets - Cinquain
Famous Poets - Classical
Famous Poets - English
Famous Poets - Haiku
Famous Poets - Hindi
Famous Poets - Jewish
Famous Poets - Love
Famous Poets - Metaphysical
Famous Poets - Modern
Famous Poets - Punjabi
Famous Poets - Romantic
Famous Poets - Spanish
Famous Poets - Suicidal
Famous Poets - Urdu
Famous Poets - War

Poetry Resources

Anagrams
Bible
Book Store
Character Counter
Cliché Finder
Poetry Clichés
Common Words
Copyright Information
Grammar
Grammar Checker
Homonym
Homophones
How to Write a Poem
Lyrics
Love Poem Generator
New Poetic Forms
Plagiarism Checker
Poetry Art
Publishing
Random Word Generator
Spell Checker
What is Good Poetry?
Word Counter