Daniel Turner Poet Sonnet

Notes About The Poem

The Fall

For most of us, we strive to do our best
Exceeding expectations earnestly
Our pinnacle is average at best
Which serves to satisfy our vanity

When lights come on, some move toward the light
Attracted like a moth drawn to a flame
We watch, amazed, the risk they take in flight
Admiring and bestowing them with fame

But when they burn and crash there is no net
We judge them from the cheap seats as they fall
The beauty of their greatness we forget
A falling star is all we can recall

For those of you who don't already know
Man's greatness is a peak not a plateau.


    by Daniel Turner

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Robert Lindley June 13, 2017 at 7:21 PM Rise high to briefly touch the sun, crash and burn are only options remaining. WHEN AT THE VERY TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN, ONLY WAY LEFT IS DOWN.. Tremendous sonnet, great message and so beautifully written.. A fav..

Mike Hauser June 7, 2017 at 8:10 AM Amen!

Pashang Salehi June 6, 2017 at 11:00 PM The higher you fly, the harder you fall.

Jean Murray June 6, 2017 at 5:25 PM I though it awful to witness the police video. Does he have no right to privacy at times like that? A great tribute to him and all fallible humans like him.

Carole Duet June 5, 2017 at 7:53 PM So true, Danny. When one reaches the peak the only way to go is straight or down. And, it's such a shame about Tiger Woods. It's hard to understand but one never knows what causes another person's tragic fall. As observers, we must not judge though. Mercy is the way. Great poem!

John Bertin June 5, 2017 at 7:45 AM I can't judge people who fall publicly, even Trump. What would I do if I were up there?

Supraja Kannan June 5, 2017 at 3:58 AM Beautifully written sonnet ... Loved it thoroughly... Great write... Thanks for sharing...

Anne-Lise Andresen June 4, 2017 at 7:04 AM - This is a poem of truth, Daniel - We judge without justice - Everyone is doing their best - A lovely poem - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Paul Callus June 4, 2017 at 3:47 AM The higher the rise, the harder the fall, but most of the time we are the ones in the driving seat, so...! Having said that, you have written a lovely sonnet, and it deserves full marks! Regards // paul

Andrea Dietrich June 3, 2017 at 8:28 PM OMG, Tiger Woods? I did not even recognize him without the familiar hat he always wears. I did an image search and also found that his luck has been horrible lately. It's great you found inspiration for this poem with stories like his.

Andrea Dietrich June 3, 2017 at 8:24 PM Daniel, I am seeing this one again , only at Soup this time, and I see it must be inspired by this man in the picture. I feel stupid not knowing who he is, but I am reading comments and seeing he was a mighty one who stumbled! You did your sonnet perfectly.

Joanna Daniel June 3, 2017 at 6:56 AM Yeah, agreed, DT:) beautiful sonnet:)

Probir Gupta June 3, 2017 at 6:33 AM Though I differ a little, nevertheless the sonnetry carrying a bold statement I do love and admire ...great ...

Lisa Ricci June 3, 2017 at 5:30 AM Good Morning Daniel. Please allow me to let your words stand. There is nothing I could add or change. You expressed and stated yourself marvelously and in a poetic fashion as well with your Sonnet. You allow the reader to look within. Well done entirely and completely including the title. Have a wonderful morning and day.

Frederic Parker June 2, 2017 at 4:07 PM we all have failed, the difference is when we do nobody cares enough to take a picture of it...then you have those who slow down to look at a wreck...for what purpose? "great sonnet, my friend"

Joseph May June 2, 2017 at 9:31 AM Great write Daniel, it was the prescription pills that made him wobbly, but his glory days have long since gone..

Darren White June 2, 2017 at 9:30 AM It's a peak indeed. It lasts a second in a lifetime, and then you have to live the rest of your life.... Very well written sonnet, with a wise lesson.

Connie Marcum Wong June 2, 2017 at 7:52 AM You have captured the essence of one who has enjoyed his celebrity only to stumble and have the news glorify his fall as much as they did his rise. Brilliant! : )

Tim Smith June 1, 2017 at 7:36 PM Living too long in the fast lane does crazy things to people.... Excellent DT

Akkina Downing June 1, 2017 at 7:33 PM Oh but so true. Too much judging not enough love in this trouble world... Great work, Danny :) xoxo

Ilene Bauer June 1, 2017 at 4:46 PM ah yes, the mighty do fall! great poem, daniel, with a wise and catchy ending...

Heidi Sands June 1, 2017 at 2:48 PM Interesting poem Daniel . I too, love the ending :)

Chris Green June 1, 2017 at 2:34 PM That last line really sew this up nicely Daniel. Well written my friend.