Carolyn Devonshire Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Anne Frank

A Writer's Dream of Freedom

in a dusty old Amsterdam attic
Anne Frank finds refuge
outside the menacing Gestapo
seeks wordsmiths to persecute

Anne adds another page to her diary
memories of Frankfurt
blurred by pains of hunger and fear

her pursuits tempt Gestapo
if Anne played an instrument or sang opera
She’d be saved merely to entertain

fear makes her a prisoner of the pen
starving artists in hiding leaning on each other
seeking strength to continue
but Anne is alone

are more souls needed for the death camps
must writers trade pens for weapons

late is the hour as Anne's eyes strain to stay open
as she drifts off, the attic’s doorknob turns

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Thvia Shetley September 25, 2017 at 8:00 AM This piece really sets the mood of persecution and the effects of our species' inhumanity. Nicely done Carolyn x

John Loving Iii June 20, 2017 at 7:50 PM Funny, You can go to the store right now and she is on the cover of one of the magazines. Sometimes it's hard to imagine, What we endured as a people. I did not endure Slavery but I am a product of it's results. And I can imagine what Jews think of while reading her work. I'm glad I came to see my old friend. love john

Joanna Daniel April 10, 2017 at 10:21 AM Amazing poetry, Carolyn, couldn't beat this one:) loved that last line, a 7:)

Ravindra K Kapoor April 5, 2017 at 8:01 AM "fear of being caught, makes us prisoners of the pen, starving artists leaning on each other, seeking strength to continue" Great lines explaining the hidden agonies and pains of poets, which remains almost unheard everywhere. How are you dear friend Carolyn? I always miss my most elegant poet friends like you Carolyn even when I am not on PS and would continue to wish all the best for you and many other my ps friends. Love and best wishes always ...

Afolabi Muideen April 3, 2017 at 1:36 AM I must confess, your poem touches not the heart of Ann, but the heart of the readers........AM.

Charles Melody Lightning Ink March 31, 2017 at 4:56 PM Most worthy tribute. Ann must be proud of you where she is. As writers, we will starve any day we do not write or read. Thank u mum for this inspiration. It is simply rare.

Connie Marcum Wong March 30, 2017 at 8:16 PM This is such a lovely tribute to Anne, Carolyn! Her words had such an impact on so many. She would have never dreamed that possible. Easter blessings. Connie 7 ; )

Constance La France March 30, 2017 at 4:40 PM Carolyn absolutely amazing, I love love your wonderful poem ~

Daver Austin March 30, 2017 at 1:52 PM Yes. We tend to forget - kind of, "drifting off." How are you - feeling well I hope. God, another summer without football or, in my case, basketball. I could write another novel if it weren't for my eyes. I've lots of ideas, but little will to effort. Sending a hug, Love, Dave

Andrea Dietrich March 29, 2017 at 9:40 PM I think I am going with door number one. I already get plenty of solitude and if I could live nearby my sisters, I'd always be in door number two!!

Andrea Dietrich March 29, 2017 at 9:39 PM wow, Carolyn. you REALLY found a GREAT hook for this challenge. Ann Frank. She is the epitome of what that subject matter entails. Great job. I bet the judge loves it! (great ending line too)

Paul Callus March 29, 2017 at 2:49 PM Indeed, your muse has been unshackled, Carolyn! This is beautiful and creative, and the ending is superb. In my eyes this poem is definitely a winner! Hugs // paul Carolyn Devonshire March 29, 2017 at 3:25 PM For some reason, I couldn't get Anne Frank out of my mind when I read the topic of the contest. She was an amazing woman.

Joseph May March 29, 2017 at 9:51 AM The era in which you set your poem lends itself brilliantly to the theme ...A7 Carolyn Devonshire March 29, 2017 at 3:27 PM Thank you, Joseph. It means a lot coming from a talented writer like you.

Arthur Vaso March 28, 2017 at 10:37 PM I am at a loss for words, this is magical what you have done and I love the ending! So very creative! Carolyn Devonshire March 29, 2017 at 4:07 PM Thank you, Arthur. Your comments are very kind.

Tim Smith March 28, 2017 at 4:43 PM Oh how wonderful Carolyn...t like Chris said chilling ending...a fav Carolyn Devonshire March 29, 2017 at 4:08 PM Unfortunately, we all know what happened to Anne. I bet she never dreamed her work would live on after her death.

Chris Green March 28, 2017 at 4:34 PM Carolyn, what can I say but wow. This poem is heart touching knowing the story and how you placed another(yourself) in that attic with her was chilling and so well done. And that ending...powerful. Leaves me wanting to know so much more. This is an exceptional piece of writing. Good luck in the contest, this is a sure winner. Carolyn Devonshire March 29, 2017 at 4:06 PM You're so kind, Chris. Sometimes we labor over writing a poem for hours, but other times the poems just seem to write themselves. Perhaps a sequel is in order for this one.