(In the following poem I used the Scottish stanza, a six-line unit rhyming aaabab popularized by Robert Burns. I composed this before reading any of Robert Burn’s poems using this form. I liked his format and would suggest that you read some of his: HOLY WILLIE’S PRAYER, EPISTLE TO JOHN LAPRAIK, TO A MOUSE, and TO A MOUNTAIN DAISY. You might prefer his format too.) Go to
http: //www.robertburns.org/works/ for his complete works. However, I couldn’t find “Epistle to John Lapraik” even though I found that poem in a literature book.
As long as there are memories, true love lives on
For all those people cherished, buried, mourned, and gone
By all those left behind who must still live on.
What pleasant memories will we then leave behind?
What storied legends will our passing hope to spawn?
What favorite remembered treasures will they find?
What we leave behind may be in just a tomb.
What we had we had in us e’en from the womb.
We see so many colors woven in a loom.
We know that at the start there isn’t much to see
And that a quarter moon has not yet met its doom,
That a life has more to give than just to be.
Time is always passing as we count the years.
In and out of season we grow with sorrow and tears.
With no hope and love our lives will fill with fears
As we meet the challenges that come our way,
And our motive to share swept away disappears
Unless we learn to love, forgive, and not betray.
How then are we to create such lasting memories?
How can we be as steady as the waves of the seas?
Believing, we must stand as strong as oaken trees.
Our deeds must rise from deep within a human core
Where love begins to bloom with soulful qualities
Just as surely as the waves will reach the shore.
- September 17,2009
this is well written dear ben, , great love always stay in memories..
Marvelous work! I admire your ability to maintain tone, direction and wealth of content within the limits of the strictest forms. Robert
truly a wonderful piece.. with tons of truth. There are so many forms out there and so many forms yet untried.. gosh... the task to do them all is daunting. I want to try as much as possible. Inclusive of this one. thanks sir.
To think about love in the past and based on memories is relaxing and healthy because it removed stress and you feel better. However, it is more relaxing when love is with you in the present tense. That I prefer. Well penned, there is honesty in this piece.10+
Ben this poem is truly lovely...I must try this format...You inspire me to write again. Dorothy A Poet Who Loves To Sing
We will not find in life what’s worthwhile to share, unless we learn to love, forgive, and not betray. Rachel Ann Butler
Our deeds must rise from deep within a human core where love begins to grow and finds its first release, just as surely as the waves will reach the shore. A beautiful piece Ben using a rather difficult rhyming format. The last stanza is exquisite...Thanks for this lovely poem...
A stunning poem Ben. There is so much wisdom and philosophy in this flowing poem and I am so glad Robert Burns introduced this wonderful rhyming scheme. Memories are so precious and you have succeeded so well within the confines of the rhyme. Thank you for introducing me to another interesting format. 10 love Karin
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
This truly is well done, and the form holds through all the way. well done, Ben!