Mark Toney Poet Sonnet

Notes About The Poem

7/2/2026

 

Inspired by "Tribute- To A PoetrySoup Poet Who Has Passed or A Missing Poet Poetry Contest," sponsored by Constance La France. This 14-line sonnet fell short of the 15-line minimum requirement, so it wasn't submitted to the contest.

 

Thank you, Constance, for the inspiration!

 

Tribute to an Unknown Poet

“Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air.”
— Thomas Gray, Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard


Well known or not, we write our poetry
Our inner souls reflected in our ink
Also influenced by our family tree
We every now and then cause some to think

The years pass by and then away we go
Well known are some, but others not so much
‘Tis easier to honor those we know
While unknowns by the wayside fall as such

Each unknown poet lived a real life too
Their love of verse sprang from their dear hearts’ wells
Their memory forgotten, but still true
For remembrance and respect we ring the bells

This tribute to an unknown poet’s life 
Shows that we care and mitigates our strife

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Constance La France August 2, 2026 at 1:24 PM Mark, your tribute is so beautiful, I was very moved by your words. So well written, a FAV 🦋 Mark Toney August 2, 2026 at 4:02 PM I’m so happy that you liked it, Constance. You’ve made my day! ☺️☀️

Jim Doute July 4, 2026 at 8:37 AM You seemed to be writing about me. Beautiful poem with deep meaning. I love it Mark Toney July 4, 2026 at 9:54 AM Thank you for your gracious comment, Jim. :)

Alison A Smith July 2, 2026 at 5:58 PM Nice tribute to those poets who enter our poetic world leave a mark then slowly disappear into the dark again. Mark Toney July 2, 2026 at 7:15 PM Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Alison.

Paula Goldsmith July 2, 2026 at 1:15 PM WOW!!! I love what you did here. Fav for me... Many unknown poets have great works that have been missed out on. "Good Luck" I did, "Tribute To Carolyn Devonshire." I Have been off Soup for 2 weeks. I needed an Ink Transfusion. Hahaha!!! Now back and ready to go/Write Away... Hope you have a fun day writing away............. Mark Toney July 2, 2026 at 4:19 PM Thank you, Paula, for brightening my day!