What's Now Rather Than Then - Collaboration

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A Collaboration with Duke Beaufort


The youthful memories I have did grate
Upon my innermost self and I'd cry
For my depressed spirit which longed to die
And halt life tainted with anger and hate

Yet now in a manic marvelous state
Akin to alcohol’s euphoric high
My heart's core renewed, can soar to the sky
How this came to be, I’ll try to relate

I trapped thorny issues behind a gate
Forgiveness has become a great ally
Love found every day gives reason to fly
Like a balloon, unencumbered with weight

While able to breathe and greet each sunrise
Living and giving seem like the best prize

                         ****

Youth represents life with songs to be sung
Laughing out loud when memories are made
But you wept as your spirit became frayed
Though now you're wiser than when you were young

Having crossed the threshold of angst that clung
See how clover's nectar can be arrayed
Let your heart rejoice and not be afraid
As delight comes from strands of pearls restrung

The door's ajar—from the cage you've been sprung
Take wing knowing happiness will not fade
A heart's compassion will never abrade
Where you go now—no place is too far-flung

Revel in moonlight and dawn's painted skies
An attitude change has opened your eyes

                      
Duke, 
Thanks for making our partnering on these Sonnets such fun!

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Tom Cunningham

Date: 4/29/2025 10:30:00 AM

Life can be a roller-coaster of a ride with highs and lows but we battle on, we get wiser and worry less.. Brilliant collaboration Lin and Duke. A fave. Tom

Lin Lane
Date: 4/29/2025 12:58:00 PM

Much easier journey when there are more ups than downs. Those downs can be a train wreck. We've all had plenty of both. Thanks, Tom.

Ink Empress

Date: 4/29/2025 10:06:00 AM

Such poetic brilliance in your collaboration that flows so well together and highlights so many aspect of life and growing, and time, how we learn so much through experience from forgiving not just others but ourselves for angst and more that now seems locked away as thorns that arent welcome. I really love the lines "I trapped thorny issues behind a gate" and "See how clover's nectar can be arrayed" creative and soulfully moving and very sincere write! And your rhymes are sublime! Fave this is. Pleasure reading you both today! Sending you light dear linnersz and duke! Well done on your flawless collab

Lin Lane
Date: 4/29/2025 12:56:00 PM

Credit to Duke for the "thorny" line... long story. lol The other line you mentioned was a true collaboration. 7 words... needed to be edited by 2 people? Yes, and that was part of the fun. Thanks a bunch, Ink for your kudos.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 4/29/2025 8:16:00 AM

- You can't sit and wait for "the big lightning strike" the older you get, the more you know what you want in a partner ... - "While able to breathe and greet each sunrise Living and giving seem like the best prize" - A lovely collaboration Lin & Duke :) - hugs

Lin Lane
Date: 4/29/2025 9:06:00 AM

Hi, Anne-Lise. Looking at life from a new vantage point can have a positive influence, and getting by with a little help from our friends never hurts. Thanks a lot for your response. hugs