Premiere Contest WinnerBefore the Paling Stars: Poet's Pluck

Eleven titles plucked from the exquisite poetry of Christina Rossetti

For my sweet child, petite Maude Clare,
Before The Paling of The Stars, I grieve
for my infant with head of flaxen curls.
I pray, Lord, save this tiny Daughter of Eve.

Tears fill my red and swollen eyes when
her Daddy, asks, "Is It Well With The Child?"
God, protect one of Your Holy Innocents.
As her fever climbs, my racing heart runs wild.

From Sunset To Star Rise, I hold her near.
Her hand clasps one of my trembling fingers
while she clings to The Thread of Life.
Sleeping At Last, but the fever lingers.

She fitfully stirs in the crook of my arm.
My voice in lullaby, tearfully sings.
I press a kiss to her warm pink cheek,
her eyelids quiver, like little Fluttered Wings.

By morning, In The Willow Shade, we rest.
Fever broken and Maude is in Dream Land.
At my breast, she sleeps and all is well.
Thank You, dear God, for holding out Your hand.


February 10, 2017
The Poets Pluck 
contest of Mystic Rose
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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

Kendrick Avatar
March 10, 2017 at 6:37 AM
Congrats..Sara
Roberts Avatar
February 23, 2017 at 9:08 PM
Astounding!!!
Dietrich Avatar
February 23, 2017 at 6:06 PM
Congratulations, Marti, and HOW are you?
Stebbings Avatar
February 23, 2017 at 6:48 AM
Excellent, Marti. Well deserved top place, congratulations. // Barry
Daniel Avatar
February 22, 2017 at 11:04 PM
This is worthy of the win, dear Marti, touched the heart:) congratulations:)
Rodrigues Avatar
February 22, 2017 at 7:51 PM
Nice use of Christina Rosetti's titles! Congrats, Marti!
Godwin Avatar
February 22, 2017 at 2:44 PM
Long time, no read or even encounter you except in my wonderments. So happy to know that you and your talent are indeed still available to me and others. This touching poem was skillfully meshed with your chosen poem titles, and very moving. Congratulations to me for finding you, I mean for your great placement in the contest! Poetry hugs and love ... CayCay
Green Avatar
February 22, 2017 at 2:08 PM
Congrats on the winning poem, this was fantastic.
Smith Avatar
February 22, 2017 at 1:07 PM
great work Marti, congratulations, well deserved...
Krampe Avatar
February 22, 2017 at 12:55 PM
Congrats on your top win, Marti - what a wonderful poem! The titles seemlessly mesh with your narrative, well done!
Allison Avatar
February 22, 2017 at 12:37 PM
Many congrats Marti I am absolutely delighted for you:-) hugs Jan xx
Pett Avatar
February 22, 2017 at 12:35 PM
Absolutely brilliant Marti, congratulations on your well deserved win.
Dietrich Avatar
February 12, 2017 at 7:01 PM
wow, you did such an awesome job of this, Marti. It reminds me of how I did mine (not posted yet) I too used a lot of titles from a very great poet named Sara Teasdale. I sincerely hope this one wins and thanks for being a smart lady who understands what the dump trump is doing to our nation.
Turner Avatar
February 10, 2017 at 3:39 PM
Should have named a prayer of some sort, Marti. Just beautiful:)
Allison Avatar
February 10, 2017 at 3:05 PM
You wove the titles in so wonderfully Marti good luck in the contest - I could weave titles of my own poems into mine but I guess that's not gonna win lol:-) hugs jan xx
Allison Avatar
February 10, 2017 at 4:34 PM
ha ha ha infamous on poop poems lol:-) hugs Jan xx
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace