Lin Lane Poet Rubaiyat

Notes About The Poem

Poet In Recluse

I relinquish my pen before the storm
of her tears falling upon my bare arm
her gentle whispering breathed in my ear
Muse of mine, adieu to your wit and charm

With piqued reasons I have come to deduce
It's time to say fond farewell to my muse
She should seek a new poet and lay claim
for my words have grown utterly abstruse

Spare me sullen eyes, from cries in refrain
I shall not weep in sadness nor disdain
Bitterness does not become a recluse
My poet's heart weakens, I dare not feign

Time's drawn the shades in darkness of night
No candle flame shall glimmer enough light
in which I may be tempted before morn
to doubt seclusion and attempt to write

Cloistered without pen, I shall ever be
From thinking in rhyme I shall be set free
Poems half written on bits of scrap paper
I shall lock away and then toss the key

My hand has retired, this last poem now penned
No more idyll thoughts of mind will transcend
Bereft of rhymes and abandoned of verse
This poet knows her time has reached an end

Ink no longer flows through my tunneled veins
Expressed emotions in poetry wanes
And when interred, on my stone I shall read,
"Reclusive poet" over my remains

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Pascal Borg August 25, 2026 at 6:42 AM In response to a recent comment you made about one of my poems, I responded with: "Don't belive everything a poet says." It seems that you wrote this gem nearly a decade ago. Thank God that my saying is true, for where would we be in a world where you do not exist? There would be chaos in our hearts if you stopped loving us, your readers. To say I favour this one would be untrue, I favour all that I have read from you. Lin Lane August 25, 2026 at 10:12 AM Yes, it was written for a themed contes nearly a decade ago and is one of my faves, but not THE one I like best. You are delightfully kind in your praise of my poetry and for that I am sincerely grateful. I doubt I could ever lay down my pen. Merci!

Dorothy Gibbons August 8, 2026 at 3:48 PM Just read this one and the painting is miraculous please tell me you painted it... Thank God u never stopped the ink or id never met u n had u in my life to inspire me . Thank u for being wonderful talanted you. Shear inspiration to my scottish heart 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️🫂 fav this one too ✍️ Lin Lane August 13, 2026 at 9:32 AM I wish I had painted this one, Dotti, but it's not mine Thanks for your loyal support.💕

Daniel Henry Rodgers May 1, 2025 at 11:29 AM Dearest Lin, I went back to find this little gem from 2017 and it still echoes with haunting beauty and truth. I feel your ache in every line, the ache of a heart retreating from the light of its own gift. I am fortunate that you are still writing, even if your pen rests one day, your artistic legacy breathes. Your words haven’t aged—they’ve deepened. Thank you for sharing this soulful poem. I see you. I honor you. Always With deep respect! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel Lin Lane May 1, 2025 at 11:52 AM Oh, my gosh, Daniel. I'm not sure I have the words that I'm feeling after reading your concept of this poem. Literal goose flesh. It's more than just an honor that you've gone back to read something I wrote almost 8 years ago. What a lovely thought you've offered... "Your words haven't aged-- they've deepened." I think I'll hold on to that for some time. I thank you for your generous compliments.

Rowe Weiss January 26, 2024 at 12:11 PM Despite your "artist block" claim, you still write so beautifully. Imagine if you're inspired. Unfortunately, creative juices flow more when we are sad, heartbroken and or forlorn. Lin Lane January 26, 2024 at 12:42 PM That's the absolute truth. Our hearts are willing to lay themselves bare when they are on the verge of breaking. Thanks for reading me. There was no artist block... I'm never at a loss for lack of an imagination.

John Gondolf January 18, 2024 at 6:55 PM Congrats your podium placement, Lin. I can really relate to the words of your poem, it seems that I have lost some of the fire I had for writing. John Lin Lane January 18, 2024 at 7:15 PM Thank you, John but get that spark back… soon.

Andrea Dietrich January 18, 2024 at 1:23 PM wow, way to go, Lin. BIG congrats on a podium win. Lin Lane January 18, 2024 at 1:32 PM Thank you, Andrea.

Julia Ward January 18, 2024 at 10:17 AM A thoughtful poem deserving of the high win in my contest, "Most Viewed", Lin. Well done! Lin Lane January 18, 2024 at 1:31 PM Thank you for finding it deserving, Julia.

Susan Ashley December 14, 2023 at 7:41 AM Dear Lin, it's a joy for me to return to re-read your exquisite poem.. the one that kickstarted our side-by-side marathon run :) Congratulations for your excellent win in Ink Empress's contest. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan Susan Ashley December 14, 2023 at 9:08 AM oh, how wonderful for you and for your granddaughters.. precious time spent on making cherished memories Lin Lane December 14, 2023 at 8:27 AM Hi Susan, Thank you. I knew I'd entered it in Mark's marathon but not that it was the first. Although it has received more views than any other of my poems, it's not my favorite. I appreciate your congratulations and did notice you were high on the winner's list, but I haven't yet written my congrats to the other winners. I will rectify that today... hopefully. I've been babysitting my granddaughters... no complaints about that!

Ink Empress December 13, 2023 at 8:27 AM Dear Lin lane, this poem resonates with me on so many levels, sometimes i feel this way and you’ve expressed in such an eloquent manner with flawless word weaving and with so many moving lines that truly would touch any readers soul. Personally i felt like this poem defines me. Thank you for your support. Congratulations on your well deserved win Lin Lane December 14, 2023 at 3:11 AM Thank you, Ink, not just for a placement in your contest but also for your kind thoughts in relation to your feelings on what my poems express.

Marshall Iftekhar Ahmed October 12, 2023 at 8:00 AM Such a beautiful read! Excellent. Lin Lane October 12, 2023 at 9:58 AM You've found my most read creation. Again, thank you for the compliments you've left for me.

Kim Stone October 5, 2023 at 4:15 AM Hopefully you will continue to write past the loss of your muse. Only the world will lose. If you forget the rhymes in your mind. Lin Lane May 1, 2025 at 11:43 AM Thank you, Kim. I don't think I could ever stop writing.

Paghunda Zahid July 26, 2022 at 11:30 PM Congratulations on your win Lin Lane July 27, 2022 at 7:09 AM Thank you very much, Paghunda.

John Watt July 26, 2022 at 9:21 PM Lin, so many remarkable phrases in this last write of the recluse (so glad it is fictional): "with piqued reasons", "time's drawn the shades in darkness", "idyll thoughts of mind", "ink no longer flows through my tunneled veins", "cloistered without pen" are favorites, but the quality and intensity remains steady through the entire piece. Amazing from start to finish, a fav for me. Congrats on your winning placement! I echo Susan's hope that you will continue to enter the marathon. More opportunities for people to experience and appreciate your fabulous poetry ~ John Lin Lane July 27, 2022 at 7:09 AM Hi there, John. This is an oldie, and I'm happy that you've read it and left so many wonderful comments in support of my poem. I've always appreciated your visits. I've written for the current mile and will give thought to continuing to run the race. It's not a chore, since we can enter previously written poetry. So, what's to lose? You and Susan make terrific cheerleaders! Thanks for your encouragement and good luck to you in the marathon.

Connie Marcum Wong July 20, 2022 at 11:35 PM I do think once the poetry bug bites it is in the blood forever. I would hate to see you stop writing Lin. This winning poem is amazing. Congratulations on your podium win. Blessings xxoo Lin Lane July 22, 2022 at 5:17 AM It's definitely in the blood, Connie. I couldn't throw away my pen if I tried. Thank you for your congratulations.

Valsa George July 20, 2022 at 9:19 PM The hands that penned this moving verse can never retire ! Lin, it is not yet time to reliquish your pen ! Though you take this poem as your swan song, we don't consider it so ! Keep penning beautiful songs ! Much enjoyed and Congratulations on your prestigious win! Lin Lane July 22, 2022 at 5:16 AM No swan song for me yet, Valsa. Thanks for your sincere interest.

Christuraj Alex July 20, 2022 at 8:09 PM "Cloistered without pen" - One could imagine the situation. Beautiful writing. Congratulations! Lin Lane July 22, 2022 at 5:15 AM Thank you, Chris. It would be an awfully sad experience.

Susan Ashley July 20, 2022 at 7:52 PM Dear Lin, how very sad it would be if you were forevermore “cloistered without pen / bereft of rhymes and abandoned of verse”. What a loss it would be for all who embrace breathtaking poetry. Your amazing intellect and stunning artistry is framed perfectly within the beauty of the rubaiyat. Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark’s contest. It’s wonderful to share the podium with you. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan Susan Ashley July 21, 2022 at 10:10 AM I am humbled and honored by your beautiful thoughts, Lin. I don’t think it’s too late to join in the race. There are so many more “miles” to go and no one has a lock on it. Though you would be a gifted and highly accomplished opponent in the contests, very stiff competition indeed, I would relish the poetic experience and the camaraderie of “running the race” with you.. please reconsider, my friend Lin Lane July 20, 2022 at 7:57 PM Hi, Susan. Your delectable comments have not lost a bit of their sincere eloquence. I am very grateful for the gracious kudos you've given my poetry. Coming from the hand of a master poem weaver, I take your words as the epitome of praise. Thank you ever so much for them. I've just become aware of the marathon, but I think I've dallied too long before entering. If you needed luck to run the miles I'd offer it, but I've no doubt you've no need for luck.

Mark Toney July 20, 2022 at 4:49 PM Wow, Lin! The poet recluse does refuse her muse! "Muse of mine, adieu to your wit and charm ... she should seek a new poet and lay claim ..." Your rubaiyat is fascinating and brilliantly written. A Fave for me. Congratulations on your podium finish on Mile 8 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 9 has already started! Mark Toney July 22, 2022 at 10:33 AM It’s interesting to note, in my 2019 Poetry Marathon, there was one poet who didn't place until Mile 16. That poet had only 5 placements in the entire 2019 Poetry Marathon, but still placed in the top 15 at the finish line! Lin Lane July 20, 2022 at 7:48 PM I appreciate you giving credit to my Rubaiyat with your encouraging comments, Mark. I'm afraid I've arrived too late to the party.

Bill Baker July 16, 2022 at 11:31 PM Reading from the top 100 list. found this poem of yours that touched my soul. Glad it was for a contest. Glad you've written more so I could meet you and read your poetry. A poet friend in Texas, Bill Lin Lane July 17, 2022 at 5:23 AM Thank you for reading more of my poetry, Bill. Your comments are appreciated.

Darlene De Beaulieu December 30, 2019 at 1:39 PM Hello Lin Lang, yes this poem is from the heart you created. Sometimes it is hard to create a oem when our muse runs dry. i hope you get first place with this poem. Have a nice day my friend. Lin Lane January 12, 2020 at 5:24 AM Thank you very much, Darlene. The judge thought it only good enough for the winner's list, but not 1st place.

Gregory Richard Barden September 9, 2019 at 1:07 AM It's fascinating to me the phases we "sensitive" types go through - one day creating at a fevered pitch, the next at our wits end, (and too ragged from our soul-scraping efforts to e'er consider more) ... this speaks to something most of us go through, I think, and In such a powerful way - superb write! I miss your positive presence here, Lin, (though I've nearly left a dozen times since you left). I pray you are finding success and joy at AllPoetry, and that life is blessing you in all ways. Lin Lane January 12, 2020 at 5:21 AM I'm revisiting my older poems and just now seeing several comments. Many thanks for your glowing thoughts, Greg.

Line Gauthier June 15, 2019 at 9:44 PM Wow Lin. This is an awesome poem. Lin Lane January 12, 2020 at 5:20 AM Thank you very much, Line.

John Gondolf January 23, 2018 at 7:17 AM Wow, Lin, I just found this poem while browsing this morning. What a gem... John Lin Lane January 23, 2018 at 7:36 AM I appreciate your compliment as well as the little digging you did to find this one, John.

Jerry T Curtis October 24, 2017 at 6:59 AM "A Masterpiece" Need I say more? Lin Lane October 24, 2017 at 7:05 AM Thank you for the kindest compliment, Jerry. I truly appreciate your thoughts.

White Wolf August 17, 2017 at 9:03 PM I hope this got 1st, Lin! It's one of my favourite poems Lin Lane August 17, 2017 at 9:18 PM The judge thought it only good enough for 3rd, but I'm happy it's one of your favorites, Rick. Thank you.

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