Notes About The Poem

Pick a Title: Vol 46 Contest by Edward Ibeh  10/7/24

An Elegy for Innocence

She lived in an Edenic world, a paradise,
this child-like virgin of only sixteen years.
Moonlight glowed in her virtous blue eyes,
unaware that life could fill them with tears.

A budding beauty whose petals were tender,
and fragile were her wings, not yet able to fly.
Fallen from grace when she chose to surrender,
for the loss of her purity, she had reason to cry.

Robert Frost wrote, 'Nothing Gold can Stay.'
His metaphor for innocence is a poignant line.
Whether her naivete was given or taken away,
 it can never be restored. For it, she can only pine.

Child-like she will be no more; as a plucked flower
whose petals have fallen. Lost are her angelic wings.
No longer an innocent maiden kept in a castle tower.
'Oh, to be a child again,' the mournful song she sings.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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October 20, 2024 at 8:01 AM
Well done Lin, on your well deserved poetry contest win. did you notice my comment rhymed,if you never well that's fine. Xx
Lane Avatar
October 20, 2024 at 8:46 AM
lol John, I'm an editor AND a rhymer at heart. I noticed. Thanks
Carmack Avatar
October 17, 2024 at 3:27 PM
Congrats Lin. What we trade our innocence for, in the end, it is never worth it.
Lane Avatar
October 20, 2024 at 8:45 AM
Hi Rob. Sorry I didn't see this sooner. Lots of out of town family and lots of fun. Thank you for the comments, and your words are truth.
Ibeh Avatar
October 17, 2024 at 5:10 AM
Powerful and poignant poem, Lin. I love the "Nothing Gold Can Stay" reference by Robert Frost. It's one of my favorite poems of his! Amazing stuff. Heartiest congratulations on your top win in my contest!
Lane Avatar
October 17, 2024 at 8:48 AM
Thank you for finding it worthy of a place on your winning list, Edward. I look forward to your contests.
Beaufort Avatar
October 8, 2024 at 6:14 AM
Lin, this is something to mourn...this loss. While we only hope we can nourish the child within us by the way we deal with our memories and deal with things going forward, you capture this moment with very powerful sentiment and you capture this sadness. You're making me think about life and happiness in a profound way. This is a very potent poem and I shall make it a favorite to read it several times. The transition to adulthood is serious business.
Lane Avatar
October 8, 2024 at 6:36 AM
It's very serious. Thanks for the comments and the fave,
Baker Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 5:10 PM
So many first experiences create a loss of innocence, this one is one of the most sacred. Lovely presentation throughout this heart touching poem, Lin. Smiles ~ Blessings Bill
Lane Avatar
October 8, 2024 at 6:35 AM
Thanks for commenting, Bill.
Tor Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 2:20 PM
Such a story of a young girls innocence. It is sometimes heartbreaking and wishing to have held on for her everlasting mate. There is a sadness here. Thank you for sharing Lin..
Lane Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 2:26 PM
Yes, there is, Michael and I felt that way when I had the idea for what to write for this one. Thanks a bunch.
Kavanagh  Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 11:52 AM
I hope that innocence was given freely rather than taken away Lin, but of course that is not the point here, you capture the elegy of innocence quite poignantly and beautifully, oh to be a child again, perhaps just sometimes, cheers David
Lane Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 2:25 PM
I'm going to say it was given, since it's fiction but all too often true. That song came to mind when I was writing this one... seemed fitting. Thanks, David and so glad you're back.
Narain Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 10:35 AM
nice poem. great metaphor.
Lane Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 2:24 PM
Thank you.
Rodrigues Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 10:03 AM
So very sad. Love the Robert Frost metaphor and your thoughts about the loss of innocenc.
Lane Avatar
October 7, 2024 at 10:07 AM
Thank you very much, Kim.
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