Notes About The Poem

For the Haven Poetry Contest of Constance La France

Happy Family Four Playing Garden Water Stock Photo 1853535646 | Shutterstock

“Home, the spot of earth supremely blest, a dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest.” – Robert Montgomery

Haven

I miss the haven of my youth long past
when melancholy melted in the mirth
of sharing time with siblings. What a blast
we used to have. No memories are worth
as much as those when life was still carefree.
If there were worries, they were shouldered by
two parents who looked after family
and did their best to make sure to supply
their kids with the necessities to thrive.
We were not rich, but we were clothed and fed,
and from our parents, we learned how to strive
to meet our goals in future lives we led.
No home is perfect, but I can be glad
as havens go, a great one I sure had!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Poet Avatar
October 1, 2026 at 1:19 PM
Beautifully crafted poem with lovely metaphor layers throughout. Heartfelt congrats on your contest well-deserved contest win Andrea.
Smith  Avatar
October 1, 2026 at 5:21 AM
A warm, reflective Shakespearean sonnet that pairs a faithful ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme with a heartfelt tribute to family security and childhood joy. The closing couplet lands especially well, affirming gratitude without idealising the past: “as havens go, a great one I sure had!” Congratulations on your contest placement ❤️🌹
Kerr Avatar
October 1, 2026 at 4:36 AM
Andrea, I’m delighted for you on your outright winner status with this enchanted poem. Marvellous. Howard
Jones Avatar
October 1, 2026 at 4:15 AM
Nice write! Congratulations Andrea on another win!
Hind Avatar
September 29, 2026 at 7:57 PM
lovely Sonnet! <3
Young Avatar
September 25, 2026 at 12:33 PM
"We were not rich, but we were clothed and fed". This is my favorite line of your well penned poem. We seldom realize how fortunate we are, till we have no more! Beautiful sonnet Andrea. 💕
Dietrich Avatar
September 25, 2026 at 9:29 PM
Thank you, Simone
George Avatar
September 21, 2026 at 5:03 AM
Dear Andrea, this poem has taken me once again to my sweet childhood. I don't know if many had such a blissful childhood. The reason was our house would turn into an extended family on every vacation when with my first cousins we had a gala time.... a dozen of us almost of the same age. I understand that you too have such beautiful siblings and a happy home. Of course no family is perfect. A sweet write,
Dietrich Avatar
September 25, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Thanks. I can tell you had a joyous childhood
Borg Avatar
September 18, 2026 at 11:07 PM
For those that were born without a silver spoon in their mouths; for those that had loving caring parents; for those that are grateful for those memories. A sonnet that encapsulates all of these in a heavenly haven. It brings me memories of my childhood as well.
Dietrich Avatar
September 19, 2026 at 1:19 AM
It's strange, Pascal. We were actually more like a dysfunctional Brady Bunch because my mom married a man with 3 older kids when I was 8. She argued constantly with him, yet most of us kids got along pretty well and it's those memories I shared with them that I recall so fondly.
DiMino Avatar
September 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM
You've been very blessed. I know you must of had challenges, as most everyone does, but overall you had a good head-start on a positive life. So wonderful that you are aware and appreciative, giving to others I have gleaned by your presence, generous with your time and energy. Thank you for being here at soup. Have great writing day!!
Dietrich Avatar
September 18, 2026 at 9:58 PM
Thanks for your kind words . I only wish I could do more.
Singh Avatar
September 18, 2026 at 5:57 AM
The poem reminds us that a true Haven is not defined by wealth or perfection,but by love,care,shared memories,and the values passed down by parents.A touching tribute to family and the precious memories of youth.Liked it.
Dietrich Avatar
September 18, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Thank you!
Empress Avatar
September 18, 2026 at 5:37 AM
A grateful and thankful heart is blessed sweet Andrea. You have that in you, which I absolutely admire. Beautifully woven about your childhood and your haven which taught you so much Pleasure reading Best wishes Sending you light always You are the queen of Sonnets
Dietrich Avatar
September 18, 2026 at 9:59 PM
Thanks, Sweetie. Not one of my most artistic sonnets but it's heartfelt.
Andresen Avatar
September 18, 2026 at 4:46 AM
- The best place on earth, Andrea :) - Best wishes in the contest :) - hugs
Rodrigues Avatar
September 18, 2026 at 4:37 AM
We were not rich, but we were clothed and fed…that is the way I felt, too, as a kid. Life was simple, even in much of the decor, but I didn’t know any different. Richness came from family and being loved, those special times of celebration. Friends played with in the neighborhood. We know, sister! Big hugs!
Dietrich Avatar
September 18, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Yes. We were so lucky. I feel like we grew up in a lifetime like Dickens write of : it was the best of times. It was the worst of times. What I see on this earth today. . . Yikes
Rodgers Avatar
September 18, 2026 at 4:36 AM
Dear Andrea, such a wonderfully comforting, graceful warmth in how you honor the sanctuary of a secure childhood. Choosing the classic sonnet form creates a tight, protective container that beautifully mirrors the safety of the home you describe. Tender and heartfelt work, Andrea. Blessings, Daniel
Dietrich Avatar
September 18, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Thanks for your comment. I love what you said about sonnet form. I use it a lot for how it limits what I can say , so it forces the writer to use economy in the words.
Smith  Avatar
September 18, 2026 at 1:33 AM
A warm, heartfelt Shakespearean sonnet that honours the steady love and security of family life. The clear rhyme scheme and closing couplet give the reflection a satisfying sense of gratitude, while images of siblings, parental care, and modest provision make “haven” feel both personal and universal.❤️
Dietrich Avatar
September 18, 2026 at 10:04 PM
Thanks for your thoughtful remarks, Alison
Onclaud Avatar
September 17, 2026 at 10:46 PM
home is definitely a safe paradise for anyone growing up, andie...i feel the warmth!
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