Tribute For a Commendable Soul

All across these scattered shining isles,
Framed inside a bright clasp of sapphire sea,
A softly persuasive wind that so beguiles,
Reaching gently out, thusly prevails unto me.
And in that wind that so insistently blows...
I hear tenderest words only my heart knows.

And high over, behind secluded wooded hills,
Beyond the cacophony of cascading falls 
Where the crystalline stream steadily spills,
Rising up to meet the cloudless crumbling tors,
Are gathered the ghosts of the ancient tribes;
Here, secured in their breath...his resting sighs.

Far above, come the clearing velvet night,
Where wheeling Firmaments fiercely blaze,
I catch a glimpse, within those lights,
Of that patient, knowing, steadfast gaze;
The fleeting, glistening twinkle in the eye...
That loving glance that could not belie.

Now at every new dawn that quietly breaks,
Upon brushing wings of long-drawn geese,
Upon waking chorus-song of birds to mates,
My soaring Spirit bounds up -- and leaps!
An enduring love that keeps me whole....
An eternal love that binds my Soul.

And on the faces of our children's children,
I again see a likeness in their happy visage.
Amidst their laughter, as they play and run,
Counting my blessings as I can count the stars,
When holding close his memory all the while...
To find sweetest ALOHA! in joyful smiles.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Edmonds  Avatar
September 8, 2022 at 6:00 PM
A truly beautiful tribute poem you have written John for Connie and her late husband, a treasure to keep forever… Belle
M  Avatar
January 14, 2022 at 6:47 PM
Hi John a beautiful poem that truly touched my heart! Debx
Dillenbeck Avatar
May 6, 2021 at 6:00 AM
Liking the yin and yang of life and death, win and lose, health and pathology, regeneration and degeneration, spring strength reviving and autumn's flow toward winter's surviving.
Horsman Avatar
May 5, 2021 at 2:23 AM
An amazing tribute poem, John. Such a classic feel about your words as they flow along in rhyme and rhythm. Yes a three way aspect here, 'A beautiful poem for a wonderful poet by a caring one...Love it John. Harry.
Lamoureux Avatar
May 4, 2021 at 12:25 PM
What a lovely tribute. I’m glad I stopped by to read it. Thanks as well for your thoughtful visit and comment on my latest poem.
Mcconnell Avatar
May 3, 2021 at 1:46 PM
Really touching piece so well penned John, such a lovely tribute indeed. Take care, Gordon
Y. Avatar
May 2, 2021 at 7:23 PM
Hi John, What a well-written lovely, and touching poem. It's filled with great content, rhymes, and imagery. You held my attention from start to finish. Excellent job. Connie is a wonderful person; it was nice of you to dedicate this poem to her and her late husband. Have a great evening-Alexis
Callus Avatar
May 2, 2021 at 2:29 PM
What a beautiful and touching poem this is, John! I have read it more than once, and each time it sounds even better! ~ Best regards // paul
Ellis Avatar
May 2, 2021 at 1:05 PM
You had me at the first stanza...What I like most about this poem is its liquidity...You could pour it in a strainer and every word and syllable would go through..The poem is cohesive from beginning to end..This is rare. I hear violins when I read this..I hear breezes. If I can be biased Stanza four (geese) is my favorite. Amazing imagery
Marcum Wong Avatar
May 2, 2021 at 1:01 PM
Oh my John. I am truly touched and humbled by this very beautiful poem honoring me and my late husband. Your poetry has always inspired me. I will print this out to keep and of course I will Fave this gift that comes as a lovely birthday present. You are a dear friend. Thank you (Mahalo) so very much. I am doing much better and my muse is finally visiting me now and again. Love (Aloha) Connie
Fleming Avatar
May 2, 2021 at 4:55 PM
This is your poem, Connie...yours and your beloved...and yours to share alone. Happy birthday dearest poet! Your friend always. :) john
Poet Avatar
May 2, 2021 at 9:11 AM
Meticulously well-executed tribute: well-composed words with a wide range of symbolism and meaningful heartfelt thoughts. Blessing and regards, John
Turner Avatar
May 2, 2021 at 9:02 AM
John, this is such a beautiful poem from the heart. She is indeed all that you describe. She has encouraged me to reach way beyond my self imposed capabilities and tomorrow is her birthday. I applaud your friendship and love for a terrific lady.
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