I Cannot Say

I cannot say how we'd have met
nor if we'd meet at all that day
except that in the creeping gray
of fall we'd speak of our regrets.
I cannot say upon first glance
what sable shadows would betray
nor how the pewter light might splay
that spelled the end of our romance.

I cannot say except to know
that while our eyes danced in ballet
on lapis lakes that tranquil lay
the way of flesh our love would go.
I'll never know what failed foray
we'd make to our love's sad decay. 




This is a Refrained Sonnet("Italian Sonnet with a Twist"), a form invented by Lisa Morris, who posts on AllPoetry under the name, Streambed.
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

Ravidas Avatar
April 25, 2019 at 5:15 AM
Terrific form in excellent shape. Congrats, Dale.
Cozart Avatar
April 25, 2019 at 9:12 AM
Thanks much, Kurt!
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 25, 2019 at 1:58 AM
Congratulations on your lovely poem winning First Place Dale. This is a wonderful form too! : )
Cozart Avatar
April 25, 2019 at 9:12 AM
Thank you, Connie!
Dietrich Avatar
December 14, 2017 at 8:30 PM
wow what beautiful writing AND form, Dale. I had not heard of this invented form before now. Did Lisa make it to have shorter lines? I invented one with six syllable lines. It's called HexSonnetta!! I did a contest years ago on it. Keep writing so beautifully as this!
Cozart Avatar
December 14, 2017 at 8:32 PM
She wrote in IP. I shortened it to octameter. Thanks so much!!
De Beaulieu Avatar
November 29, 2017 at 5:44 PM
That is a very sad love poem. I felt sad after I read this poem. Have a nice evening my friend.
S     Avatar
November 22, 2017 at 2:15 PM
Beautiful sonnet Dale! I love this form more and more reading your work. Best, Judy
Cozart Avatar
November 22, 2017 at 2:21 PM
Thanks so much, Judy!
Daniel Avatar
November 21, 2017 at 7:56 AM
Great poem on heartbreak, Dale, I guess they make good basis for writing..the best songs I've heard are those that are sad:)
Cozart Avatar
November 21, 2017 at 7:59 AM
Thanks, Jo!
Cresswell Avatar
November 20, 2017 at 11:22 AM
So sad set in such a time of melancholy. the words are like tiny darts inflicting each its own pain of parting.
Cozart Avatar
November 22, 2017 at 2:21 PM
Thanks, Patricia.
Allison Avatar
November 18, 2017 at 5:05 PM
I always enjoy your poems the imagery is so wonderful as is the use of colour - beautiful but sad and thanks for introducing the form to me:-) hugs jan xx
Cozart Avatar
November 18, 2017 at 7:33 PM
Thanks so much, Jan!
Marcum Wong Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 3:02 PM
The form has a very nice lyrical feel to it Dale. Very nicely done. What might have been but for circumstances! : )
Cozart Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 3:57 PM
Thanks so much, Connie! I always welcome your kind comments.
Gentile Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 12:37 PM
A sad portrayal, Great form. My favorite line - our eyes danced in ballet!!
Cozart Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 12:48 PM
Thanks so much, Mike!
Pandit Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 6:33 AM
Your rhymes and rhythm work well in this sonnet--words deliver as you intended!
Cozart Avatar
November 17, 2017 at 7:52 AM
Thanks, Vijay, glad it worked for you!
Ashley Avatar
November 16, 2017 at 8:54 PM
Superbly expressed Dale with your trademark of dazzling imagery and enticing content. A wondrous write!
Cozart Avatar
November 16, 2017 at 9:41 PM
Thanks, Susan!
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