Carolyn Devonshire Poet Sonnet

A Penny For Your Thoughts

Inspired by the following quote:  "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." — Helen Keller


Why am I crying now; there must be a reason
Is there something my conscious mind’s trying to hide
Or could it simply be this humid, warm season
The torment of seeking answers can’t be denied

There are days when I wake with a smile on my face
Grateful for many blessings that have been bestowed
But after nightmares, I feel I’ve fallen from grace
Anomalies exist in my genetic code

Like my Mom, I struggle to break from depression
Never understanding why feelings overwhelm
Perhaps I pay for a forgotten transgression
Is it a smile or a frown today at the helm

Sometimes I have tendencies to internalize
But the causes of these I cannot analyze



*Written March 14, 2015, for Sara’s “A Penny for your Thoughts” contest.

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Edward Mccall July 4, 2017 at 10:39 AM What a well written piece Carolyn, I believe we've all been there at some point in time. I think it is I Who should be giving you the penny for those heartfelt thoughts that you just conveyed.

Andrea Dietrich December 18, 2016 at 5:59 PM Seeing this one for the first time, dear Carolyn. Add this to your other problems and I think you are most remarkable for holding up under so many trials. I hope this finds you well. Would love to hear from you again soon!!

Maurice Yvonne April 12, 2015 at 7:31 PM Congratulations Carolyn on your win!

Maurice Yvonne April 12, 2015 at 7:30 PM A masterfully written sonnet! I suffer from diagnosed depression. I am more than thankful for everything God has blessed me with. My illness however takes over the better of me and the dark keeps me in its hold! This is an important write! A Fav!

Sara Kendrick March 26, 2015 at 2:38 PM Carolyn, Thanks for participating in my contest..I especially like the quote from Helen Keller.She had to be a very strong person..Sara Carolyn Devonshire April 1, 2015 at 4:31 PM Indeed, Sara, I have always admired Helen Keller. As a young girl, I had a blind friend and she told me all about Helen. Then I saw "The Miracle Worker" and it made me cry to see how she had to struggle to communicate. Diane was much like Helen.

Debbie Guzzi March 25, 2015 at 7:50 PM Lovely Carolyn! Congratulations on your win. Light & Love

Connie Marcum Wong March 25, 2015 at 3:07 AM What a great lady you chose for inspiration Carolyn. Your poem is beautiful. Congratulations on your wonderful win! Just yesterday I was trying to teach my 3 yr. old g.daughter Carissa, to spell her name. She didn't want to listen and I captured her attention by showing her how Helen Keller learned to spell her name. Helen is truly an inspiration for us all.

Robert Lindley March 24, 2015 at 6:58 PM Congrats my friend on your win and your strong rhyming sonnet! I have one sister and three brothers that suffer due to depression as has our mother all her life. Great write and awesome sharing for others to read.. A7

Sandra Haight March 24, 2015 at 3:37 PM Thought provoking poem, Carolyn, which I can very much relate to also. Congratulations on your nice win. Sandra

Dr. Upma A. Sharma March 24, 2015 at 8:58 AM Beautifully penned my dear poetess! Congrats on big win!

Sasha Maharaj March 24, 2015 at 8:57 AM *hugs* Congrats Carolyn...

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser March 18, 2015 at 8:49 AM Dear Carolyn, I can relate with some of the lines here.... But i think on how we will cope on such that will be the bottomline. :) like the quote.. :)! hugs//olive eloisa

Paul Callus March 14, 2015 at 4:26 PM Your thoughts are worth more than a penny, Carolyn!! You deliver a lot in this lovely sonnet; the rhyming is delightful, too. Many are those who get bouts of depression, but it's only natural with all the problems that we have to face. It is how that depression is tackled that makes all the difference. Poetry is an ideal remedy! // Hugs ... paul Carolyn Devonshire March 15, 2015 at 1:48 AM Make that my father's genes in the last line :D Carolyn Devonshire March 15, 2015 at 1:47 AM Yes, Paul, writing about our feelings can help us deal with them better. I only feel sad on occasions; my mother battled depression daily. I'm lucky enough to have some of my mother's genes.

Joseph May March 14, 2015 at 3:41 PM Very deep write Carolyn..Many prople can relate to these feelings including me....keep smiling...hugs

Arthur Vaso March 14, 2015 at 3:14 PM Very sweet words, depression is a terrible thing that seems to inflict itself on beautiful souls.