Sandra Haight Poet Rhyme

Why I Love Opera

Born in New York of Italian descent,
From my childhood and beyond through the years,
Deep in my soul live the sounds of lament—
The drama of romance, fear, death and tears.

The power, the movements, fill up my soul
Like thunder that clashes in dark of night;
So vibrant and flowing, lost in the role,
I listen, to grasp each note with delight.

The voices, emotions strike at my heart,
I'm filled with a depth I cannot explain—
The beauty, the sadness in every part
Bring stories to life that stir inner pain.

Yes, opera I speak of—so part of me;
My favorites played again and again—
Puccini, Bizet and those of Verdi;
Of Tosca, Carmen, and best, La Boheme.

Each opera a drama of life and death—
The singers stir feelings with every word;
Strong voices mingle to deepen my breath.
Emotions rise with great arias heard.

Born in New York of Italian descent
With family that loved and nurtured this art;
Played records at home and many times went
To the Met where opera thrilled my heart.

~1st Place~
Contest: That's why I love (insert your subject)
Sponsor: Lewis Raynes
Judged: 06/06/2016

~1st Place~
Contest: Favorite Music Type
Sponsor: Nayda Ivette Negron
Judged: 10/26/2015

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Henrietta Flinn October 29, 2022 at 1:05 AM My aunt, Isobel FLINN, has recently died in Manchester UK. She had an international career in the world of music, and opera in particular, see https://www.clonter.org/farewell-to-isobel-flinn/. Would you allow a friend to read your poem on my behalf as I cannot attend her funeral in Manchester on 17 November 2022? Sandra Haight October 29, 2022 at 7:03 AM Dear Henrietta, I am so sorry your dear Aunt has passed. I did go to the website to read about her and her great accomplishments in the world of music. I am honored that you wish to honor her by your friend reading my poem about my love for opera, of course, with credit given to me as the author. Thank you so much for choosing my poem to be read at her funeral. Sandra

Teddy Kimathi June 8, 2016 at 10:13 AM Greetings Sandra. Congrats for your top placement in the contest, with this splendid piece!! *^_^* Sandra Haight June 12, 2016 at 8:59 AM Thank you very much, Teddy. Sandra

Janis Medders Tobechi June 7, 2016 at 8:34 PM I'm sure you are a lover of Verdi's Aida, my favorite. Congratulations on your win.... Sandra Haight June 7, 2016 at 8:47 PM Thank you, Janis. Yes, I love Verdi's Aida too! Pleased to hear that you are a fan! Hugs, sandra

Connie Marcum Wong June 7, 2016 at 11:02 AM Sandra, I cannot listen to Nessun Dorma without shedding tears. My mother had an operetic voice, but ended up with a family instead of a career. She often regreted her loss of fulfilling her dreams. Opera inspires me to write poetry as I am sure it does you. It is lovely to see this in first place! Congratulations on your well deserved win! #7 ; ) Sandra Haight June 7, 2016 at 11:15 AM Hi, Connie. I am so pleased to learn that you enjoy opera too, and it is such a shame your dear mother did not pursue her talent. Yes, the music is very emotional, and together with the almost always tragic stories, does make tears flow! Thank your for your nice comments and congrats. Hugs, Sandra

Sara Chansarkar June 7, 2016 at 9:38 AM Congratulations Sandra, I have to watch an opera now! Sandra Haight June 7, 2016 at 11:09 AM "Thank you for your positive comment and congrats, Sara. Yes, if you know the story behind the music, opera is very captivating. Hugs, Sandra"

Balveen Cheema June 7, 2016 at 9:29 AM Congrats Sandra! Seen operas only in movies or video clips. You made it sound so lovely! Sandra Haight June 7, 2016 at 11:10 AM Thank you very much, Balveen. Opera is very dramatic and tragic with the stories behind them. It helps to read that story before you every see one in order to 'feel' the music match the emotions. Thank you for your support and congrats! Hugs, Sandra

Ravindra Nayak June 6, 2016 at 8:26 PM Congratulation on your win Sandra Haight June 7, 2016 at 11:12 AM Thank you very much, Ravindra! Sandra

CayCay Godwin June 6, 2016 at 7:46 PM I have never thrilled to Opera, primarily because I have no idea what they are saying; but, I have thrilled to poems and this is a beaut. Love it. One could, for the most part, substitute anything they love in this poem for you described 'thrill' in a universal way. Love it, Sandra, and congrats! CayCay Sandra Haight June 7, 2016 at 11:32 AM Dear CayCay, thank you so much for your uplifting comments and congrats. One really has to read the story behind the music to feel the emotions, and then it all comes together. Thanks again for your nice visit and support. Hugs, Sandra

Beautiful Scars June 6, 2016 at 7:36 PM Sandra, a beautiful poem...congrats on your well deserved top placement! :)-luloo Sandra Haight June 7, 2016 at 11:30 AM Thank you very much, Luloo! Hugs, Sandra

Lewis Raynes June 6, 2016 at 7:35 PM Congratulations Sandra. Your poem struck me as to why people love opera, the feelings you invoked are addictive... I've never been to an opera. Your words shared a truth I love, that's why I placed you first, Your poetic friend, Lewis. Sandra Haight June 7, 2016 at 11:30 AM Thank you, Lewis, for a great contest and for my wonderful placement on your winner's list. I hope you get to experience an opera one day. It is best to read the tragic story behind the music first, however. Thanks again, Sandra

Skat A October 29, 2015 at 8:53 PM Sandra, Congrats! :)SKAT

CayCay Godwin October 26, 2015 at 9:17 PM Truly an excellent poem, Sandra - so well written and enjoyable. Congratulations! CayCay Sandra Haight October 27, 2015 at 8:07 AM Thank you so much, CayCay. I always appreciate your visits and supportive comments. Hugs, Sandra

Judy Konos October 26, 2015 at 12:05 PM Congratulations back at ya....big number won

Nayda Ivette Negron Flores October 26, 2015 at 10:12 AM Congratulations in your win Sandra. Sandra Haight October 27, 2015 at 8:05 AM Thank you so much, Nayda, for offering the music theme for your contest. I enjoyed participating, and I appreciate the nice placement! Hugs, Sandra

Constance La France October 12, 2015 at 2:22 PM Sandra, I love this 7, do you know as a little girl in an attic room, I used to listen to opera, I was so attracted to the deep voices, now my love is classical, best of luck in the contest and thanks for visiting my poem, beloved sister ... Sandra Haight October 14, 2015 at 8:24 AM Thank you for your support, BW...Much appreciated! Hugs, Sandra

Sara Kendrick October 12, 2015 at 1:29 PM Wonderful contest entry..I enjoyed reading this one..Reads like a winner to me..Thanks for dropping by..Sara Sandra Haight October 14, 2015 at 8:24 AM Thank you so much, Sara. I appreciate your nice comments and support. Hugs, Sandra

Andrea Dietrich October 11, 2015 at 4:13 PM I am pure rock and roll, but I sure enjoy seeing what music everyone else likes. Opera, huh? I saw just one and it was in Paris so not in Italian! Great description of your childhood delight! Sandra Haight October 14, 2015 at 8:15 AM Thank you, Andrea. It was my childhood delight and it still is today. Thankfully, my husband loves it too and we enjoy it together at home and on the stage. Sandra

Boygene Rabura October 11, 2015 at 9:20 AM nice work,nice poem, nice words... keep up.

Jan Allison October 10, 2015 at 6:28 PM I love many different forms of music but opera is so so powerful and I love the stories they tell - beautifully penned Sandra - good luck:-) hugs jan xx Sandra Haight October 14, 2015 at 8:23 AM Thanks, Jan. All music is lovely, but as you said, opera is powerful and the stories are usually tragic and stir emotions. Hugs, Sandra