Sunday, April 26, 2015

Weeping Willow Walk (for Lainey)

.
.

Weeping Willow Walk (for Lainey)


You are attracted to the moon when full,
in whole splendor, grandest scheme display,
holding at bay, where rolling tides will pull,
securing all grandeur it might allay.

Not my way to be so bold, to assuage;
I would manage to gauge, measure esteem.
The slightest sliver completes my collage,
complimenting my reveal, night sky gleam.

No need to diverge, or be crestfallen,
dawn's consent orchestrates resolve in weight;
shade and shadow emerge in tandem, twin;
our world scene in order; it's a clean slate.

So much to say, a perfect time to talk,
hand in hand, on a weeping willow walk.

Michael Todd  (2015)
Posted by at

84 comments:

  1. NissmechApril 26, 2015 at 1:53 PM

    This is awesome! I enjoyed the flow, the sentiments, the images and I noticed the internal rhyme in the first two lines of the second stanza; I like finding internal rhyming! :) I love the fact that it is dedicated to Lainey; also!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 1:57 PM

      Thanks, Dave... I was stuck for something to write this month, so I asked Lainey for some directives. She came back with "It's a clean slate."
      From there, the poem pretty much wrote itself, once I got started.

      Oh, and... Nice FRISTING !!!

      Delete
  2. AnonymousApril 26, 2015 at 2:26 PM

    really good Michael - nice to have your ink flowing .... peter K

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 2:30 PM

      Thanks, Mr. Kelly... Great to hear from The Man of The Isle of Man. :)

      Delete
  3. Colleen Keller BreuningApril 26, 2015 at 2:35 PM

    Beautiful....this weeping willow walk was perfect for this gorgeous spring day. Thank you for the lovely words and the smiles, and please say hello to the gorgeous Lainey for me! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 2:44 PM

      Really happy you found the chosen path appealing, Colleen. Thanks!

      Delete
  4. Dahlia RamoneApril 26, 2015 at 2:35 PM

    This is so beautiful, and Lainey so deserving of such a poem. No one writes love sonnets like you do. I would take that walk with you anytime <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 2:48 PM

      Thanks, Lisa... I would rather write a sonnet, when writing a short poem, than any other form. The first one I wrote was for Lainey, in a Charlapalooza challenge... Talk about pressure to get it write... oh, my.

      Glad you enjoyed this, and for your very kinds words... just too nice.

      Delete
  5. Karen O'LearyApril 26, 2015 at 2:56 PM

    Dear Michael,

    You start off with a wonderful title and kept my interest throughout the poem. Wonderful use of imagery, my friend. You are so good at sonnets. This one was a delight to read.

    Blessings,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 3:13 PM

      Thanks so much, Karen, especially for liking the title. Historically, I have had issues with coming up with a good title. This time, there was never a second choice to enter my mind.

      Delete
  6. Another Government EmployeeApril 26, 2015 at 4:02 PM

    Lovely, lovely ink...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 4:23 PM

      I really appreciate that, Christopher. Thanks for visiting.

      Delete
  7. Chuck SteffenApril 26, 2015 at 4:22 PM

    wow, this is totally excellent , and a poem for Lainey too, double bonus points!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 4:25 PM

      Thanks, Chuck, for doubling down here today. :)

      Delete
  8. deidreApril 26, 2015 at 5:05 PM

    Weeping willows are a favorite, and I understand this walk. Thank you for letting me know this was here. I love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 5:08 PM

      Thanks, Deidre... Lovely to see you here... Where you find a weeping willow, you will find water. Where you find water, there is even a remote chance you might find an oasis... After that, no reason to keep searching. :)

      Delete
  9. AnonymousApril 26, 2015 at 5:07 PM

    Wonder walk and sentiment here
    Stormy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 5:11 PM

      Thank you very much, Stormy Gail... I am all kinds of sentimental these days, sort of my comfort zone, so to speak... Life it good.

      Delete
  10. UnknownApril 26, 2015 at 5:21 PM

    so very beautiful , glad to see you are feeling better and back to writing, love your poems

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 5:37 PM

      Thanks, Linda... Still swimming on solid ground, but doing better. You get used to hanging, if you hang long enough. :)

      Delete
  11. AnonymousApril 26, 2015 at 5:22 PM

    You made me want to see that place and take the walk myself. Beautiful piece, dear sir.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 5:46 PM

      It is the grandest path to walk, and if we take our time, it can go on, seemingly, forever... Thanks so much for coming by, Alba Leigh.

      Delete
  12. AnonymousApril 26, 2015 at 5:28 PM

    Love this Myke...so many vivid images that evoke true emotion in this. Lovely :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 5:41 PM

      Love your overview, Christine... and, yes, this was an emotional ride.

      Delete
  13. AnonymousApril 26, 2015 at 5:28 PM

    That is lovely Michael. <3

    ReplyDelete
  14. Melissa StuddardApril 26, 2015 at 5:32 PM

    This is great. I love the sounds!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 5:43 PM

      Thank you, Melissa... Fantastic to see you in the house.

      Delete
  15. AnonymousApril 26, 2015 at 6:36 PM

    Michael, this is certainly a wonderful sonnet. I love your two characters. They are kindred spirits, living in tandem and so peacefully during one of their lives' many sweet and gentle moments. A song of friendship and serenity, this is. It made this weeping willow smile. Eliza Anne Jones

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 6:59 PM

      Eliza Anne... You just described, in perfect detail, exactly what this poem was written about. Wow... This is so cool... Thank you!

      Delete
  16. Divinia Nightfire ©April 26, 2015 at 6:46 PM

    There are some things in life that you will always be bound to, You can't have a shadow without light, . It's beautifully written Mike, Im so glad you sent me here. xxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 7:01 PM

      Splendid overview and analogy, Teresa... Talk to me about the ties that bind and you will hold my attention, endlessly.

      Delete
  17. soberflightApril 26, 2015 at 7:04 PM

    Thanks for alerting me to your post! I would have hated to miss this gem. I can almost see the moon shining through the willow branches as you walk in the shadows.Bravo!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 7:11 PM

      Thank you, Sandra...Your visual makes this all the more special for me.

      Delete
  18. AnonymousApril 26, 2015 at 7:21 PM

    Such a beautiful poem! Perfect for our lovely, Lainey. :)

    Irene

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 7:34 PM

      Thank you so much, Irene. She is all kinds of awesome.

      Delete
  19. Stephany BordersApril 26, 2015 at 7:49 PM

    ts a beautiful piece Myke. To be content with the moment that is available, the hand in hand walk is more than an acceptance of fate or what the world has to offer. It is being at peace at what is and an in depth appreciation of what is there. Love this piece Myke. I can read it over and over. A real true fairy tale in life. <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 7:56 PM

      Stephy, you have just blown me away... Everything you say is tried and true, and I understand it to the fullest, and I cannot imagine it said any better.

      Thank you so very much.

      Delete
  20. AnonymousApril 26, 2015 at 8:33 PM

    These words slow down a speeding commuter train into a leisurely spring stroll. Well done, Sir Myke! :)

    -slj

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 8:58 PM

      That is nice to know, Stephen... Always happy to keep you company on a morning train ride... Have a great Monday, Sir.

      Delete
  21. ElaineApril 26, 2015 at 10:40 PM

    Second attempt at a comment. Perfection!!! And the walk about willow trees forever serene!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 26, 2015 at 10:46 PM

      Willow trees are a great place to congregate, Ellie. They are just fun. Thanks for staying with me here, and getting it done. That makes your visit extra special.

      Delete
    2. ElaineApril 26, 2015 at 10:52 PM

      Always loved the willow tree. We had one on our property up in Lake Don Pedro. I love the weave of the words. Thanks Michael

      Delete
  22. lana deym campbellApril 27, 2015 at 9:03 AM

    Loved the subtle images, the way it harmonized on many levels, lingering beauty and deeply moving! Excellent!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 27, 2015 at 1:05 PM

      Love the tiered levels of your observations here, Lana... Thanks for spending time with us.

      Delete
  23. DebraApril 27, 2015 at 1:09 PM

    A perfect picture of love and beauty - well done, Michael! Lainey must be delighted!

    ReplyDelete
  24. SigersonApril 27, 2015 at 1:36 PM

    .... and here I've been asking myself if people still wrote sonnets the old-fashioned way. Found a satisfactory and pleasing answer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 27, 2015 at 1:52 PM

      Thank you very much, Brother Sigerson. Coming from you, Sir, that is high praise indeed, and greatly appreciated.

      Delete
  25. AnonymousApril 27, 2015 at 1:40 PM

    Beautiful, something magical about a weeping willow, and I imagine Lainey would make any walk a more beautiful adventure. -Dave Raider

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 27, 2015 at 1:54 PM

      Dave, I have to see this as a perfect combination. And, a big weeping willow offers a great opportunity to house a tree swing, and tree swings are important... Thanks for visiting, Sir.

      Delete
  26. Linda ColeApril 27, 2015 at 2:34 PM

    What a beauty of a write Mike. The Weeping Willow Tree being my favorite tree since I was a small child. I always associate romance, love, family and play within the branches. Nothing better than being able to take a walk and being able to forget the world and it's troubles. This one for our beautiful Lainey and I can picture her there in that lovely setting you wrote about.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 27, 2015 at 2:48 PM

      So good to hear from you, Linda... You paint a far more appealing and panoramic image here than I could even imagine, but seeing it though your eyes, makes me appreciate the possibilities even more.

      Thanks so much for spending time with us. :)

      Delete
  27. AnonymousApril 28, 2015 at 1:10 AM

    So nice Michael and your closing two lines just reminded me of a walk Andrea and I took just yesterday afternoon long the lake...gorgeous, sunny, warm. We didn't have the moonlight by walking hand in hand and eventually settling for a time on a lakeside bench and just talking and watching people and boats go by. It was so nice to get out and just enjoy life in the moment as we so often do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 28, 2015 at 1:53 AM

      You know, Don... This poem is just about doing every day stuff, and appreciating the opportunities afforded us. Just, as you described your activities... Thanks, as always, for stopping by.

      Delete
  28. Carol CassaraApril 28, 2015 at 6:47 AM

    "A weeping willow walk..." Ahhh...lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  29. UnknownApril 28, 2015 at 1:10 PM

    Such sweet beauty. One could enjoy walks such as this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 28, 2015 at 1:16 PM

      Thanks, Morgan... Do you have in willow trees on your street?

      Delete
    2. UnknownApril 28, 2015 at 1:31 PM

      Ni willows, but we do have a bunch of oaks...

      Delete
    3. Michael ToddApril 28, 2015 at 1:37 PM

      I love oak tress... Nature's lightning rods. We have them, too!

      Delete
    4. UnknownApril 29, 2015 at 4:48 AM

      They do have some great shade when it's hot outside.

      Delete
  30. Joleene NaylorApril 28, 2015 at 3:26 PM

    Beautiful :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. AnonymousApril 28, 2015 at 4:23 PM

    Grand, utterly grand - southern without the gothic

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 28, 2015 at 4:29 PM

      Thanks immensely... Light is bound to shine on this scene, no matter what.

      Delete
  32. Si PhilbrookApril 29, 2015 at 12:17 AM

    Beautiful sonnet

    ReplyDelete
  33. MosaicMariaApril 29, 2015 at 6:40 PM

    Really beautiful Sonnet writting Mike I love how you used the weeping willow as a metephor to pull together emotions in this write and the close is lovely, Peace N love

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 29, 2015 at 7:42 PM

      Thanks, Maria... The willow is the glue here. It always was and always will be, in a perfect world. :)

      Delete
  34. UnknownApril 30, 2015 at 8:36 AM

    And it's gorgeous! Thanks so much, Myke, for letting me know. I love this. Touching my heart as I read this morning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 30, 2015 at 11:38 AM

      Very happy this resonated so well with you, Barbi-Kay... Thanks!

      Delete
  35. UnknownApril 30, 2015 at 9:18 PM

    Beautifully written, I love it and it speaks to me - Please give Lainey my love, always

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddApril 30, 2015 at 10:55 PM

      Thanks so much, Shauna. I will be sure to give Lainey your message the next time we talk.

      Delete
  36. Debbie D. May 1, 2015 at 6:08 PM

    Another beautiful poem, Michael. ☺ Lainey is a lucky lady!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddMay 1, 2015 at 6:42 PM

      Thanks bunches, Debbie. I love hearing from True North here.

      And, she really is. :)

      Delete
  37. UnknownMay 2, 2015 at 8:23 PM

    Loved this and very happy to read another Michael Todd sonnet :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddMay 3, 2015 at 3:19 AM

      Thank you, Laura... I was really happy to be able to write one more. I feel it will be a while before another comes around.

      Delete
  38. elly stornebrinkMay 4, 2015 at 5:10 PM

    A weeping willow walk and a full moon is a great reason to enjoy both! You have captured it well! :) <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddMay 5, 2015 at 2:46 AM

      Thank you so much, Elly. I must admit to being captivated by my surroundings, and I am altogether fine with it. :)

      Delete
  39. brendaMay 6, 2015 at 9:12 PM

    Beautiful, simply lovely, Myke. You're a word savant.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddMay 6, 2015 at 9:31 PM

      Brenda, you will have me smiling all evening over that assessment. Thank you. :)

      Delete
  40. soberflightMay 16, 2015 at 7:15 AM

    Beautiful imagery...I can almost smell the damp night air. You are a true romantic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael ToddMay 17, 2015 at 10:11 AM

      Sandra... You always say the nicest things.

      Thank you. :)

      Delete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)