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Gleam by Any Means

The poem that I seek to write, the piece with flair and form,
Which raises spirits high as clouds on zephyr breezes warm,
Or states a truth in such a way that brings a tear to the eye
Remains, for now, elusive as a mist from summer sky.

There may be time to write it if the phrases come to mind
Sufficient in their quantity, before my days unwind,
And words are found to place with care within each flowing line
As room for thoughts to linger like the aftertaste of wine.

I catch a possibility when autumn brings to ground
A host of gold and scarlet leaves accompanied by the sound
Of wind that seems to offer words, yet carries them away
To where I have no chance to hear—perhaps another day!

And where the line of darkness meets the rising light of morn
I swear that universal truths are lurking in the dawn.
But as the light expands it leaves the shadow world concealed,
Denying latent images that might have been revealed.

Perhaps I ought to rest beside a lilting mountain stream
To catch the falling rhythms ere they vanish like a dream,
And watch the waters drifting by to places lost from view,
Where seeds of thought may find fresh ground to germinate anew.

Ah! give me any means to mine a language rich as seams
Of gold that must be alchemized until it truly gleams;
And if the muse makes presence felt through mindfulness, or fate,
I’ll write a worthy artifact before it is too late!

.

.

David Watt is a writer from Canberra, the “Bush Capital” of Australia. He has contributed regularly to Collections of Poetry and Prose by Robin Barratt. When not working for IP (Intellectual Property) Australia, he finds time to appreciate the intrinsic beauty of traditional rhyming poetry.

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17 Responses

  1. Susan Jarvis Bryant

    David, thank you for this gleaming dream of a poem! It’s a beautiful antidote to all the mayhem and misery in today’s world. I love it all, but especially like the closing stanza and only wish I had written; “Ah! give me any means to mine a language rich as seams / Of gold that must be alchemized until it truly gleams” – golden lines if ever I heard them! Wonderful stuff!

    Reply
    • David Watt

      Thank you so much Susan. In regards to alchemy, your own verse never fails to achieve the gold. Yes, with all this mayhem and misery we need some brightening rays.

      Reply
  2. Sally Cook

    Don’t we all hope for this? Thanks for expressing the dream so beautifully David.

    Reply
    • David Watt

      Thank you Sally. We’re fortunate to have the richness of the English language to work with when chasing the dream.

      Reply
  3. Brian Yapko

    This is a very beautiful poem, David, which I think achieves that “elusive” goal you reference on line 4. It’s nice to be reminded that there are still beautiful things in this world and that there are “universal truths lurking in the dawn.”

    Reply
    • David Watt

      I’m so glad you enjoyed this piece Brian. Thanks for your most positive response.

      Reply
  4. Paul Freeman

    I am ensconced on a zephyr breeze after reading your poem, David.

    Reply
  5. Allegra Silberstein

    You have captured the mist of summer sky and written a beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  6. Jeff Eardley

    Great to read David and hope the muse will pay you another visit soon. With bated breath, we are all waiting.

    Reply
    • David Watt

      I’m sure I’ll find some inspiration soon Jeff. Thanks for your support.

      Reply
  7. Roy E. Peterson

    David, You spoke directly to my heart, since I identify with the desire for writing that at least one special poem that transcends all others. Yours is wonderful presentation of thoughts often in my own mind. I think it is great!

    Reply
    • David Watt

      Yes Roy, the desire to write a truly memorable piece is a worthy aim. I’m glad we share a motivation common to many poets.

      Reply
  8. C.B. Anderson

    I was mesmerized, David, from beginning to end, which, it seems to me, is the best way to enjoy a poem. This is not to say that everything was perfect, but a feast of clams is well worth the inconvenience of a few inedible shells.

    Reply
    • David Watt

      C.B., if I managed to mesmerize you, then I have achieved a large part of my intention. Thanks for your encouraging comment.

      Reply
  9. Margaret Coats

    David, I think you’ve done it!

    “Here words are found to place with care
    within each flowing line
    As room for thoughts to linger like
    the aftertaste of wine.”

    Your wistful wishes, mixed in with lovingly selected images, speak not only to practicing poets, but to everyone who wants to make the very best use of the great human treasure of language.

    Reply
    • David Watt

      Thanks for your lovely comment Margaret. If more people sought to make the best use of language society would be the winner.

      Reply

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