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Lights On the Way (sonnet)



 

 

 

 We wonder what the gain could be in pain
embroiled so long in lives of trial and toil.
The answers grown in wisdom will be plain:
Ignited insight, granting grace to foil
the errors that proliferate in life,
becomes a torch for others on the Way
of self-discovery; amending strife
like darkness banished from a newborn day.
We are obliged, once privileged to See,
to share the understanding we have found
that keeps our spirits shining bright and free
and lets no ignorance nor hate confound.
Despite beliefs or creeds that we conceive,
no gift is given till one will receive

Author notes

This is my first sonnet (Shakespearean),
which would not have seen the light of day without the invaluable assistance & approval of

SusanL & MargaretG  

Thank you so much, ladies!
You are my 'Lights on the Way'

♦ Click the sunrise for music video of Grieg's "Morning Mood" from the Peer Gynt Suite ♦

Written January 4th, 2006

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Comments

1 - 87 of 87

  • AliceinPoetryLand gold member
    November 25
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    Yes a truly inspiring sonnet. Your create d this piece with such amazing words. An amazing sonnet!
    Gaylene


  • catz Moderators member
    November 24
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    An inspiring, lovely, sweet flowing Sonnet You did a super job in writing this piece and the thoughts, wisdom within are well spoken and insightful.

    Good job
    Dee


  • Lowercase Prelude gold member
    November 24
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    A great sonnet
    filled with knowledgeable insight, as it appears to be


  • suseann gold member
    November 24
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    I wholeheartedly concur with this mystic authoress's assessment of
    "no gift is given till one will receive". For one must be open to be gifted in wisdom. Not letting jaded via pain detract from the rise.

  • rbruce gold member
    November 24
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    One of the very few sonnets I have read recently where the technical construction and word choice makes the sonnet sing. Wonderful. Sonnets are supposed to sing.
    The words also give my mind a great deal to think about.
    Thank s million for posting this piece.


  • Sandra R Reynolds silver member
    November 23
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    Bandit United

    Very beautiful sonnet and full of wisdom.

  • nt84
    February 26

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    You are immense, Gen. As I approach the other shore in my lowly heathen bark I feel this wisdom. Equanimity has been my big practice these days; it enables me to remain "bright and free." Bodhicitta is the only compass I know as I sail through the Great Sea of Compassion... Tara makes a good Admiral. I feel like Horatio Hornblower in drag. Is there a threshing room floor on this thing?

    Metta.VG

  • Winklings Account gold member
    February 8

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    Perfect Elizabethan sonnet in its

    mechanics of rhyme scheme and iambic metre.
    The theme of the experiential gaining of wisdom, sharing and accepting that, but through grace of receiving, we are privileged in the gift of personal insight, spiritually.
    Lines three to eight of octet form a single sentence; beautifully managed with enjambment and punctuation.
    Logical progression is not found often at AP, especially in the sonnet. Wisdom, through ignited insight, finds the Way, importantly, of self-discovery. The premises are quite clear in this admirable didactic poem of spiritual power.


  • Wind Whisper
    July 29, 2007

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    i really enjoy this write. beautifully written. is one to make the reader slow his mind down and really think while he is reading, not only just to interpret, but of the lessons to be learned. love the way you did your picture also. it blends in beautifully.
    ............................................................................................

  • Heavenly Angel
    June 5, 2007

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    Wow! A truly awesome and wonderful piece this is!
    Breathtaking in its' beauty, my friend! I love this!
    Thank you so much for sharing and for adding this lovely piece into the contest!

  • Thatpoet
    March 28, 2007

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    Love the Sh. Sonnet Form on You!

    Wonderfully Poe like, reminiscent of Annabell Lee. Were you alliterating on purpose? Did you have a specific effect in mind with the syllables? I hope you will send me a message and answer my questions, but also, I want you to be complimented on such beautiful work! Thank you very much! ~S

    • Maatkara Moderators member
      March 28, 2007
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      Thank you for your kind comment, Stephanie! Yes, everything I write is intentional

  • lyme disease
    March 28, 2007

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    wow, i mean WOW..

    strike me down, pinch me and tell me if this was true..
    even from the first line it drew my eye right to the next line like gravity..
    very smooth flow, man i love it..add the rhyme scheme and the choice of words, perfect.

    the feeling after reading this is just priceless
    and im thankful for what i have, my life


  • Thatpoet
    January 30, 2007
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    I Wish I Could Share, but That....

    ...is up to you. I wrote something similar that I sicerely wish I could have your input on. This poem is so well done and I enjoyed it so much that I feel the need to have your say in my own work. Suffice it to say, that your work is perfectly done. I am glad that I can read it admire it and hope to learn from just my own study of it. I enjoy sonnets very well, but can only attempt a minor mastery whereas you are at the top of the totem pole! Thanks again, you're going on my favorites list! ~S


  • pen-inhand gold member
    January 23, 2007

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    This is so strickingly beautiful. Your words flow like music and I've had to read it several times because it touched my heart so. Your words stand out in a soft wave of truth, simply wonderful.


  • suseann gold member
    December 21, 2006
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    Relevence of Elephant Size

    Yeah,you can say that again! But thoses last two lines are the killer dillers!Wisdom born of pain,is instant recall I'm hearing. Striking an even keeled balance of peaceful calm if one can acheive such.Profoundly important piece of instruction.~~Suseann

  • atty-poet
    December 21, 2006
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    excellent

    I love to see this classic form tackled, and in a contemporary way. (Not easy, I know) Very nicely done, on your first brave attempt. Loved these lines the best:
    The answers grown in wisdom will be plain:
    Ignited insight, granting grace to foil
    the errors that proliferate in life,


  • johnny motfia
    December 21, 2006
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    i would like to start by saying that usually I am not much for rhyming poetry, i don't like to see people limit their creativity, however I do think that you have done a very nice job with this piece and I found it to be quite interesting
  • Eusebius
    December 21, 2006
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    Bravo!

    A very well done sonnet, indeed! An apt message for this time of the year certainly, extremely fine all around! Bravo! Bravo!


  • Odysseus2
    December 21, 2006
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    Found this poem very encouraging, filled with so much trut

  • NurseyPoo
    December 21, 2006
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    Thoughtful

    You make some very good points and your word usage was excellent. It was evident you put a lot of thought into your write.

  • wishintreeUK
    December 20, 2006

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    Rhyme scheme is perfect... for your first try, you have done exceptionally well. There is much wisdom in the lines you have penned here, I for one have truly appreciated your efforts, well done. If only mankind were willing and able to see and follow the wise counsel found in this write, then the world would I am sure be a much better place to live in. Well Done and thank you for a worthwhile read.

    ~Katie~


  • Allan Emery silver member
    December 20, 2006
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    I love sonnets!!!

    Excellent first effort!!!


  • El Pescador
    December 20, 2006

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    'Tis truly a sonnet

    You have done well with this. Good rhyme and flows through very well. I like the sonnet, and this is a good one. Iambic pentameter is a useful thing to master, for many of the forms.


  • Sau
    December 6, 2006

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    Full of Wisdom

    Your sonnet helps to look at life in a new way, to look at follies as sparks for self-improvement and realizaiton, to embrace reality with acceptance, and to appreciate each moment of life with its eternal worth. An excellently written sonnet.


  • Kram
    December 6, 2006
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    good

    ....becomes a torch to others..,thats true.
    Beautifullycarved.


  • Hekate gold member
    November 5, 2006
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    Deep

    This is wonderful! You've done very well and I love the picture with it..what you wrote really brings it to life.
    Thanks for sharing
    Kari

  • SmokinHotWhiteTiger
    October 31, 2006
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    Very well Penned!

    Most interesting yet very well penned poem here. I really liked the meanings within the poem and how it really flowed. excellent write all round best of luck to you in the contest. Sincerely, Judge Whitetiger1251

  • Blue Skies and Pain
    October 27, 2006
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    Excellent write! The rhymes and flow of this poem was virtually flawless. Powerful meaning as well. Great job.

  • Bryan K Johnson
    October 27, 2006
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    Learn frome your mistakes, and share the knowledge. Good write.
    judge-Bryan K Johnson

  • ma belle
    July 9, 2006
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    I cannot for the life of me believe that this was your first sonnet! I am a stickler for pentameter with this form (which many never seem to grasp), and you have managed to do this so perfectly! I see you had abled mentors assisting you! Also, the meat of the poem, so rich and profound.. not at all shallow. You express yourself beautifully in verse! I know this has been posted a while back but I came in on your collection series and thankful to find this little masterpiece. Thank you for being such a blessing. I do love the sonnet form when done this adeptly. Belle
    Edited on Jul 09, 3:55 p.m. because 'spell'.

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    June 30, 2006
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    Thank you, Richard! I'm so glad you liked it. Yes, you have understood it well, although the last couplet goes the other way as well - that we cannot receive anything if we are not open and ready to accept it.

    Gen

  • R S Adams Jr silver member
    June 30, 2006
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    magnificent

    I visited your poems because Lyndon mentioned you to me.

    I must tell you what this sonnet means to me. Why is life sometimes so painful? Because that is how we learn - 'Know Thyself'- and we become wiser. Becoming wiser, we are obligated to help others - all people- to share the insight we have gained. We must be prepared to receive before we can give. I hope that is what you meant in this beautiful poem.

    I enjoyed it with its rhyme and consistent metre. You are so clever. I try to do that but you have a music and a flow of words which I cannot achieve...yet. I will one day. Thank you for this poem....Richard
    Edited on Jun 30, 2:57 because 'typo'.

  • earthstar
    June 28, 2006
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    excellent

    do not know much about sonnets i am impress my the picture and the song do not know how you do it. it is very wonder and up lifting trully a gift you have with words. it is a very wonderful write it very honset and true from life thanks for sharing such a treat. look like you got such great comments take care very good

  • Hekate gold member
    June 25, 2006
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    Keep On Writing!

    this is very nice i loved it...made me stop and think about a few things...more so this part right here no gift is given till one will receive.
    Its true...and I've never thought about it like that before!
  • Poetic Fanatic
    June 13, 2006
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    Refreshingly REAL!

    Wow G,
    You sure have moved me! I'm impressed but moreso, I agree that wisdom comes from the pain of learning. One thing though, it becomes obvious to the true hearted searchers of the good in mankind, You have been the almost perfect friend so I'd hope your enlightenment is always good for the growth and purity of your own soul. No matter how large your insight gets, I have faith that you will always remember your debts. Thank you for reminding me with pain, there is some gain.

    Tommy
  • poetsoul
    June 3, 2006
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    It is true, a gift to discover to be able to use it in honest and true in life, to reach out every individual's heart. Thank You. May God Bless you richly in life journey.

  • EyeRaven
    May 18, 2006
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    Awesomly put and paintd in a true sonnet form,
    and the da-DUMS are so obvious and appearing with each word traced
    you are a witty poet,
    that's why i hope i fill in my sonnet for competing with poets like u,

    N.B if that's ur "baby" sonnet,
    i wonder what will be ur "mature" one.

    keep the pen to the paper,
    and i'll keep u on my list of favourites
    good luck.

  • Edna Sweetlove
    March 19, 2006
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    Hmm. It seems we share similar musical tastes. I'm a bit tired of being exhorted to listen to some hideous hard metal band of rocking defectives. A serious sonnet.

  • Basts Siren
    March 16, 2006
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    i love Gibran as well, but to be honest i haven't gotten to read as much of his work as i'd like... i'm only familiar with some quotes of his

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    March 16, 2006
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    Thank you, Tyger! I love Gibran, I hadn't read that before though - I'm familiar with his "The Prophet".

  • Basts Siren
    March 16, 2006
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    reminded me of the quote:
    "Pain and foolishness lead to great bliss and complete knowledge, for Eternal Wisdom created nothing under the sun in vain."
    -Kahlil Gibran, "The Voice of the Poet"
  • Eusebius
    March 10, 2006
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    Bravo!

    An excellently turned sonnet! a double bravo: Bravo! Bravo!
  • Dixie
    March 10, 2006
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    beautiful

    I love Shakespeare and I loved this poem, it has a beautiful
    melody and rhythm that just flowed. I don`t pretend to
    understand it fully but I am glad I found it and read it.


    Edited on Mar 11, 3:22 because ''.

  • Dienush Greeters member
    March 2, 2006
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    First I need to mention I loved the idea of posting that great picture right after the poem. In my point of view, sonnets tend to have something explanatory to them... I'm not a big fan of form poetry. However, I love the rhyming scheme and rhythm you have employed so naturally in this poem. Also, the word choice is good and I have noticed some nice alliterations. It is hard to say whether you improved since these forms require very different styles. But I think you have changed and improved. Thank you for your entries.
    ~Diana

  • February 24, 2006
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    I can't say more than anyone else has already said.

  • Raazi
    February 24, 2006
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    If this is your first, it'll be interesting to see you grow.
    Really well written, and amazing rhyming. It was very spontaneous with a very good flow.

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    February 22, 2006
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    Thank you, Kryspin! Haha, internal rhymes in every line? That might be a bit much, like too much garlic can spoil a dish

  • kryspin
    February 22, 2006
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    I really liked the internal external rhymes some of your versa featured, that's awesome. like the first line "broil" and then ends with "toil"

    too bad the whole poem wasn't doubly rhymed in every line. but good write none the less!
  • matthew144
    February 11, 2006
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    An excellent English Sonnet it is. The rhymnes are spot as well as the meter. The words seem to flow effortlessly and you've great imagery in this piece great job.

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    February 2, 2006
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    Thank you, Ron! Your assessment is accurate, it is didactic (though I hope not excessively ) which is my usual 'signature style' in much of my work... as you will no doubt discover

    ~Gen
    Edited on Feb 02, 6:43 p.m. because ''.

  • Winklings Account gold member
    February 2, 2006
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    Fine control

    This is a didactic sonnet in the strict Shakespearean mode. Gennelle, you have control over iambic pentameters and the perfecr rhyme scheme (abab cdcd efef gg ). Each quatrain provides its similar image: ignited insight; torch; spirit shining bright. The images are not as developed to unify each quatrain as firmly as Shakespeare crafted his, but they ARE there. The thoughts are beautifully conceived but the very didactic tone gives rise to abstractions rather than imagery working for you. This sonnet is worthy in itself. It could be reworked for imagery but that would be painful. You have a lovely poem. Ron.

  • StoneLion
    January 15, 2006
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    Wow! For a first sonnet this is great! Great job with the form and the words and meaning within the sonnet are gorgeous. Great job! I like the picture too, by the way!

  • ColinSJones
    January 8, 2006
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    perfect form and poetic truth

  • quietly burning
    January 7, 2006
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    as always, layered provocative and very thoughtful. also looking forward to coming back later to "click" on Peer Gynt
  • Eric Nunnally
    January 6, 2006
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    I regret I cannot fully comment on this wonderful piece as it seems to meddle with a myriad of messages I am currently in the process of analyzing and understanding. I must applaud the effort, the inspiration, and the blessing this piece communicates. Thank you.

  • Duana gold member
    January 6, 2006
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    wow- Maatkara- I am truly impressed! This is amazing! You have contributed more beauty to the world!

  • Lucian Valcor silver member
    January 5, 2006
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    I love it you have such talent, and a great way of expression, lovely work


    Oleander~"

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    January 5, 2006
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    Thank you, Terry! Having been in awe of your poetic abilty and formidable talent in this form, I'm extremely honoured by your blessings on my 'new babe'

    Stay well, dear lady!

    ~Gen

  • Terry-too silver member
    January 5, 2006
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    A classic it is, in so many ways! I will return to enjoy and probably won't be able to resist commenting more fully. It is a truly beautiful sonnet, not only flawless in its form, but deep in its meaning! Welcome to the safe harbour for Sonnet Writers!
    We love ya! Sorry to get here so late. Was sick for a week. Better now. And goodnight!

    Terry

  • Night Hope gold member
    January 5, 2006
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    'We wonder what the gain could be in pain embroiled so long in lives of trial and toil. The answers grown in wisdom will be plain: Ignited insight, granting grace to foil the errors that proliferate in life...' This is a wonderful sonnet, Gennelle...let alone your very first...Your form is flawless, verbiage is grand, imagery profound, flow is smooth as butter...& yet you managed to insert Wisdom, as well...A lovely effort on your part, my Friend...Thank you for entering & good luck... Wanda

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    January 5, 2006
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    Thank you so much, Mary! As you are so accomplished in this form, your approval is especially gratifying.
    It's Margaret's fault, I've been reading hers so long it's cast a spell I think

    ~Gen

  • Yemassee silver member
    January 5, 2006
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    I prefer to call it diplomacy


  • Sai Babas Lotus
    January 5, 2006
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    Truly Inspiring Sonnet

    Wow is all that can happen when three of the best AP poetesses' come together and that's proved most beautifully in this sonnet. What a precious insightful baby this is I don't know about the sonnet form(its something I wish to try this year). However, the content of the poem is certainly very nice. I love the alliteration in L4(also my favourite line). This sonnet makes the reader think, it really really resonates for me. If the first sonnet is so good, how awesome are the ones that follow going to be (smiles). Its truly a treat to read something that comes from a talented poet's pen!

    With all my best wishes,
    Charishma

  • M.A.King
    January 5, 2006
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    This is truly magnificent! The message is one of spiritual journey and the truth within is one I have finally embraced these past couple of years. All pain holds the hue of hope if we will accept and project. Wise insights.

    Your form is flawless. Meter like silk. It is hard to imagine that this is your first sonnet. Congratulations on the 'birth'; a beautiful baby.
    Edited on Jan 05, 9:23 because ''.

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    January 5, 2006
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    Hehehe! Isn't that a contradiction, my friend? You call us "wise" and then say you disagree

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    January 5, 2006
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    Thank you, -Fae! I'm so glad the sense comes through so clearly.

    ~Gen

  • Yemassee silver member
    January 5, 2006
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    Oh my, it sounds like Margaret. Well you are one of those scary talented people so Sonnets will just work their way into your fabric and become like your natural skin. No surprise there. But the tone, you two (Margaret)...as I have noticed, seem to have an understanding of the world that is not only wise but hopeful. Now, I disagree with much of what you guys write (being an Agnostic and cynical old fool, lol) but admire the talent and conviction and all that good stuff you possess.

    Just blabbing.
    Edited on Jan 05, 5:41 because ''.

  • fae
    January 5, 2006
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    Great poem you have here Gen! I especially love the message, as I am not one to break down forms when I am reading for pleasure. Your message of loving reciprocally despite hubris, fear and universal confusion is indeed what I personally believe and what keeps me going despite so many trials. I love the tone of taking responsbility for our own lives also. How once aware, we cannot take a step back but must endeavor not only to live our live's in honesty, faith and love, but to help other's acheive the same. Anyways, I really like this poem excellent work. I see you had some Chattoria ladies cheering you on whoot! You go girl And just for making me think so much [giggles]

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    January 5, 2006
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    Thank you, Mari! Maybe I should quit while I'm ahead, stay a 'one hit wonder'

  • MariGoes
    January 5, 2006
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    Congratulations with the birth of your first baby sonnet!

    The light isn't always evident, but what a joy when we finally find it!
    Loved the message, the way you passed it through and the special touch you gave with the background.
    Very nice work, looking forward to read a second one

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    January 4, 2006
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    Thank you, I knew you meant it to be positive

  • Lord Gegishov silver member
    January 4, 2006
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    Not in the negative sense, of course, but as concerns the width and grandeur of its scope, including the loveliness of the language-- yes, in that sense, at least for me, it is grandiloquent, even if the connotations for the word are not often positive.

  • suseann gold member
    January 4, 2006
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    What a trio this was! Anyone of you are artist in your own right.And in view of this,thanks for assistance to Maatkara.But this mystic shines a spectacular light unique to herself and it certainly shows in this piece.Beautiful work ladies!~~Suseann
    Edited on Jan 04, 10:28 p.m. because ''.

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    January 4, 2006
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    Thank you, Mikhail! I'm glad you enjoyed it.. But, oh my, I hope it didn't sound 'grandiloquent'

  • Lord Gegishov silver member
    January 4, 2006
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    This is certainly, in my opinion, one of the most expressive and airy pieces you have produced, dear Maatkara! It has been long since your voice has danced inside of me and overflowed in a deluge of the most graceful and replenishing liquid! This poem of yours-- this "baby sonnet," as you put it,-- is grandiloqunet and confoundingly beautiful! It is free of all constraints and, like a flwer in spring, is blossoming. This piece brings a million smiles to me!

  • SusanL
    January 4, 2006
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    I have faith!

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    January 4, 2006
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    Thank you, Susan!
    A couple of wording changes were Margaret's suggestion.. but, yes, my bouncing babe!
    I dunno if I can do this again... it's darn hard!

  • SusanL
    January 4, 2006
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    I second that. So little has changed from the first read, if anything it is better! Every change was your wording, we may have acted as midwife and attending, but lets face it you did all the pushing! As you said last night "All ten fingers and all ten toes!"
    Bravo - I think we got you now!
    Susan

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    January 4, 2006
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    Thank you, Margaret!
    I still bow to you, oh Mistress of Sonnets!


  • MargaretG silver member
    January 4, 2006
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    Dear Gen, the germ and the images of this sonnet are all your own, the form is just a container. Take your bow!
    I particularly like the sustained metaphor of "ignited insight... torch for others... darkness banished... spirits shining." Your couplet cools the metaphor with a stroke of reality, acceptance depends on the receiver. Very well done!
    Brava, dear lady, standing ovation.
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