Hope Deferred

Again I shield my eyes from ocean's spray
While lifting eyes of hope to search the sea
But seas and skies are endless, troubled grey

My hope deferred; how often must it be?
I'd give my life to see him safely home
And all once more his windswept face to see

"And what," I ask, "compels my love to roam?"
But only wind blows keenly on my ear
While here I stand -- forsaken for the foam

My hope deferred gives way to tho'ts of fear
A ship alone, perhaps not still afloat
Yet still I wait, and hope he cometh near

A sail I see! and greet with hopeful smile
But hope deferred - must wait for yet a while



Based on Brition Riviere's painting, "Hope Deferred".

http://www.wikigallery.org/wiki/painting_319027/Briton-Rivi%E8re/Hope-Deferred
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

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

Guzzi Avatar
January 23, 2014 at 4:46 PM
would you like to work on a Crown of Sonnets with us? read my blog please. Light & Love
De Paz Avatar
October 21, 2013 at 11:28 AM
This poem is perfectly rhymed in ten syllable verses. I compare this rhyming with italian eleven syllable verses I usually compose and I see that english language too sounds very well. The description of the painting is effective, but I believe that deeper thoughts might have been considered to transform such a beautyful way of rhyming in a masterpiece. Isaiah, you are certainly able to do!
Deschler Avatar
September 6, 2013 at 4:03 PM
Wonderful work! I loved this poem! Thank you for suggesting it....And, I see what you mean about this poem...Thank you for all of the constructive criticism on my poem, "Mystic Moon" You are amazing at that! How are you able to see all of that?...I appreciate it, nevertheless! :)
Anderson-Throop Avatar
August 12, 2013 at 8:19 PM
Lovely and romantic--the idea of waiting behind while one's loved one roams--makes a good romantic theme well done.
Morgan Avatar
August 12, 2013 at 6:41 PM
Congrats on your winning poem!
Anglesey Avatar
August 12, 2013 at 6:33 PM
Outstanding poem and congratulations on a well deserved wind. Your poetry is just fabulous and classic. Have a splendid evening...:)
Kendrick Avatar
August 11, 2013 at 1:26 PM
Enjoyed reading your winning entry...Congrats...I enjoyed viewing Briton Riviere's paintings..Sara
Muzzey Avatar
August 10, 2013 at 12:28 PM
Congratulations in placing 1st in the contest Isaiah, with this wonderful write. I enjoyed the read~ Caryl
Johnson Avatar
August 9, 2013 at 8:21 PM
Excellent writing Isaiah. Congratulations on a big win. Love, Joyce
A  Avatar
August 9, 2013 at 7:01 PM
Congratulations Isaiah, take care ~ SKAT ~
May Avatar
August 9, 2013 at 4:47 PM
congrats on a great win
Dietrich Avatar
August 9, 2013 at 4:13 PM
hey, the one I FAVED has won. YAYYYY, Craig has good taste! Congrats.
Mckenzie Avatar
July 24, 2013 at 2:24 PM
A wonderful description of that painting! Laura :)
Richards Avatar
July 18, 2013 at 7:07 PM
I'm back again, Isaiah, to say another big thank you for my placement in your contest! You are the best at writing for your own contest ideas ! this is proof of that!! Thanks again!
Otoole Avatar
July 18, 2013 at 6:46 PM
Nicely written
Koven Avatar
July 18, 2013 at 9:56 AM
Beautifully written.
Ober Avatar
July 18, 2013 at 8:30 AM
Brilliant! I'm a sucker for the ocean, so I loved this right away. This form is NOT easy, yet you managed to nail the meter, rhyme, and "turning point" that Craig described in his contest details. You are the king of iambic pentametre. There's always something to learn from your poetry!
Dietrich Avatar
July 17, 2013 at 2:33 PM
My gosh, Isaiah, this is amazing. How did I not see it before. FAVE!!!
Richards Avatar
July 16, 2013 at 3:41 PM
Your poems based on these paintings, are wonderful......we are able to see it with our mind's eye ! :)
Chircop Avatar
July 15, 2013 at 3:45 PM
Glad to see you posting again..I love the story in your poem about someone so dear whose lost at sea..but the ending is full of hope cause a sail afar you see.Wonderful poem..and Im not going to ask you to kiss and hug rossetta again..Maybe bittercup? : )
Merryman Avatar
July 15, 2013 at 2:58 PM
You are a gifted writer, Isaiah. Every form you try comes out well. Best wishes in the contest. Love, Kim
Gabriella Avatar
July 15, 2013 at 2:32 PM
What a lovely wonderful poem! Very nicely done. :)
Van Breda Avatar
July 15, 2013 at 9:01 AM
This is an exceptional write.. so many hidden meanings. The visuals make the reader accurately aware of the oceans vast mystery-- hope and deferred hope.
Gorelick Avatar
July 14, 2013 at 7:46 PM
This is really good..I find this form difficult..but you got it just right. BG
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