If each does a little, the earth will renew. (Form: Strambatto) |
Cleansing Tears Spring's gentle rain washes winter away. I watch through the drops on my window pane as the earth is reborn as a colored bouquet. I suffer sadness that's hard to explain, a subtle sense of death and decay, caused by our silence and seeming disdain for the unthinking harm that we perpetrate. It's time that we stop, before it's too late. The rain continues, heaven's cleansing tears. As nature tries to heal the land, I see the struggle and recognize that o'er the years she's tried to protect each flower and tree. It's time to stop hiding behind our fears and help her restore her vitality. If each does a little, the earth will renew. If not now, then when? If not you, then who? An entry for "The Earth Day Challenge" Prompt: Earth Day. Convention: Emphasis on Alliteration Form: Strambotto ~ This was an early form of Italian poetry that was set to music by composers of the frottola and madrigals of the 16th century. The poetry is set into very strict stanzas of eight lines of eleven syllables. This type of stanza is known as rispetto or ottava rima. The musical rispetto was usualy dedicated to a lady love. There are 3 variations, based on rhyme scheme. Siciliano (a. b. a. b. a. b. a. b.), Toscano (a. b. a. b. a. b. c. c.), and Romagnuolo (a. b. a. b. c. c. d. d.) Line Count: 16 Word Count: 126 Thank you for taking the time to read my poem. Please, as long as you're here, leave a comment. Criticisms, thoughts, reactions, yes – even words of encouragement or praise – are all equally welcome and thank you Kate for your help |