A Sonnet On a Could-Have-Been

Iberia, I long to breathe you in
as long ago I did. . . and then exhale
sangria nights with lace against my skin!
Sweet temptress draped in beauty, you unveil
Flamenco’s soul, exhuming history -
impressions left by ancients on your face -
from Roman glory’s remnants by the sea
to Moorish structures’ arcs of ageless grace.
Oh, how could I retreat with more to learn,
to make no sacrifice, nor question why
I had to keep my plans and not return
to your broad plains beneath Castilian sky?
Time stole my youth; I can’t go back again.
You could have been my home, belovèd Spain.

Feb 6, 2020 
for John Hamilton's "Your Best Sonnet 2020" contest 
(my best one that was not at least a previous winner in one of your own sonnet contests this year, John.)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

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12
Goldsmith Avatar
January 5, 2021 at 8:05 AM
Congratulations on the win. So beautiful. One can feel your love for Spain. Maybe one day you will get back. Enjoy your win. Today, have joy/blessings.....................
Fowler Avatar
January 4, 2021 at 2:44 PM
This is delightful Andrea. I love how you write about interesting places.:) Congratulations on the win! Linda
Hamilton Avatar
January 4, 2021 at 8:52 AM
Another win with this wonderful sonnet, congrats Andrea!
Watt Avatar
June 27, 2020 at 7:32 PM
Came back to read one of my personal favorites of yours. If you are curious why, send me a soupie! I do love this one, on several levels. Enjoy your weekend, my friend.
Radhakrishna Avatar
February 18, 2020 at 12:05 PM
Very nice sonnet. I am taking notes on how to write a good one! Thanks!
Marcum Wong Avatar
February 14, 2020 at 12:26 AM
Yay! A podium win for you Andrea. It is beautiful! I am back to Congratulate you! xxoo
Krampe Avatar
February 12, 2020 at 6:55 AM
Congrats on your win, Andrea. I'd love to go to Spain some day
Ligon Avatar
February 9, 2020 at 3:08 PM
I love how you constructed this sonnet. The sense of longing is apparent.
One Avatar
February 9, 2020 at 11:01 AM
A well constructed sonnet... Flows well with nice choice of words for imagery...
Wigley Avatar
February 9, 2020 at 8:04 AM
Lovely, Andrea, I'm almost there. Viv x
Theraven Avatar
February 9, 2020 at 12:49 AM
Andrea, Don't you long for Barcelona's Tapas? This Sonnet called it to mind. It will always be there waiting for you. One so gifted and true. -Richard
Dietrich Avatar
February 9, 2020 at 11:10 AM
Interesting. That was the one area I did not get to visit while there. The weekend my group visited Barcelona, I stayed in Madrid. I did not have the funds from home that month to make that trip. I missed out on when they went to Germany as well, but got to see other beautiful cities outside Spain: Lisbon, Paris, Rome, Athens, London and all of Israel! (tip of Africa too)
May Avatar
February 8, 2020 at 9:21 PM
Beautiful sonnet Andrea, best wishes
Blodgett Avatar
February 8, 2020 at 1:42 PM
I so enjoyed this. You truly know how to reminisce! Lonna
Dome Avatar
February 8, 2020 at 12:48 PM
Wonderful. Just love Spain. My niece lives on the island of Menorca. Hope you won the content great write. X
Gondolf Avatar
February 8, 2020 at 7:52 AM
This is such a beautiful sonnet, Andrea, congrats on your win. Hugs, John
Marcum Wong Avatar
February 7, 2020 at 5:34 PM
I can feel your love for Spain in every line Andrea. This is a beautiful tribute to a lovely colorful country. xxoo
Laurie Avatar
February 7, 2020 at 5:25 PM
Hello Andrea … I keep saying this time and time again; you write such wonderful sonnets and this one is no exception - thank you Andrea - Lindsay
Roper Avatar
February 7, 2020 at 3:18 PM
back with congratulations !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Watt Avatar
February 7, 2020 at 1:53 PM
"Oh, how could I retreat with more to learn, / to make no sacrifice, nor question why" describes many a regret in life. Great job mining the exotic and historic jewels of a long-missed land. Well-deserved in your high placement in Emile's contest; whatever you do, don't ever stop writing sonnets! Hugs ~ John
Adams Avatar
February 7, 2020 at 11:45 AM
this is beautiful Andrea congrats on your win :) hugs
Devonshire Avatar
February 7, 2020 at 11:30 AM
You wrote beautifully and skillfully about the time you spent in Spain decades ago, Andrea. Your descriptions are compelling and they make the reader wish they could visit the country with you. Congratulations on your win in Emile's contest! Hugs, Carolyn
Pinet Avatar
February 7, 2020 at 11:21 AM
Congratulations Andrea! Your remarkable poem earned “Third” place in my contest. This contest was very tough to judge but your poem caught my attention right off my friend, well done , Emile.
Pandit Avatar
February 7, 2020 at 6:38 AM
You really loved the place--always a joy to reminisce--a splendid write, Andrea.
Cunningham Avatar
February 7, 2020 at 3:03 AM
Beautiful country Andrea, been many times, you brought back happy memories. Good luck. Tom
Proxenos Avatar
February 6, 2020 at 11:17 PM
A terrific poem Andrea, a lost love and a chance lost to live in Spain. - Very romantic and sad that it didn't happen that way. but God has a plan for all of us, our destiny will be fulfilled no matter what. Love, love this write. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
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