Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Just Like Romeo & Juliet




I grabbed a few of my Shakespeare props and had a little birthday cup of tea for the Bard accompanied by one of the first blooms from my son's little rose garden. Naturally, I turned to some of my Shakespeare and D. S. Pearson lines. D.S. is sort of my poetry portmanteau. We can have a discussion on a poem or a poet that lasts months.

Here is yet another of his creations ...a new take on one of Shakespeare's stories...



Quantum Shakespeare


say the universe explodes

or implodes

or is ripped apart

because

star-crossed

sub-atomic particles

dare

to

profess their love...



d.s. pearson

'09



"I can see him renting a room, destitute, working on a scarred desk, and writing with a quill. He probably wanted a bath, but wrote instead," said D.S. of writing this next poem.




Bard of Avon


Words

I reverentially consume


first

flowed from a quill


dipped into an inkwell


in a

rented room


beside a river




d.s. pearson

'09

Tonight as we discussed how we continue to be held in awe and inspired and always moved by his language, we wondered if the people of Shakespeare's time understood the loss when he died on April 23, 1616. I have heard the following lines used at weddings and funerals. But for this anniversary of his birth and his death, and to think "reverentially" on the writer who continues to eclipse all others, these lines we give back to the writer himself: He -- the Romeo....we --the Juliet....



Give me my Romeo; and when he shall die


Take him and cut him out in little stars


And he will make the face of heaven so fine


That all the world will be in love with night


And pay no worship to the garish sun.




from Romeo & Juliet Act III scene ii

12 comments:

Michael said...

Such wonderful poetry M, from DS and the Bard. Lets raise a glass to the Swan of Avon.....

Rowan said...

It's good to know that Will Shakespeare is remembered on both sides of the pond. I'm not sure that he spent much of his time destitute though, he came from a good middle class family and certainly died as a wealthy man. I'm certainly happy to raise a glass to his memory....

Unknown said...

Hello Firelight,

You have chosen my favourite Shakespeare quote!

I also like Pearson's 'Bard of Avon'. Perhaps we enjoy the romantic image of struggling writers in draughty garrets but, like Rowan, I would prefer to think that Mr S didn't suffer much!

FireLight said...

Michael, "To the Bard!"

Rowan, he and I talked about that word...and he intends the destitute spirit that sometimes visits an artist before a burst of creativity.
Rest assured, Americans love their Shakespeare.

Tess Kincaid said...

I'm raising my cup of tea, as well! Happy Birthday, Mr. Shakespeare!

FireLight said...

Derrick, no he did not suffer financially, but I think the pain of the death of an eleven year old son would never leave a father. Just because deaths were more common does not mean they were less devastating. No amount of money or fame could wash away that kind of grief.

Many passages from Shakespeare move me in ways
even I do not fathom, but this one just sprang forward after I read "Bard of Avon" yesterday.

Lyn said...

Dear Will--
Good night sweet prince! The world will always be in love with your night..
Also, quantumly speaking, sub-atomic particles are in love when we will it!

Unknown said...

Hello again FireLight,

If you should choose to accept, there is an award waiting for you over at my place!

FireLight said...

Michael, it is always so good to see you here. Thanks for celebrating with me!

Lyn, I like your brand of physics, dear.

Willow, you are such a fine drinking buddy! And here's a 'cuppa tea' to you, Lady of the Manor.

Derrick, I can't wait to get to Melrose Musings. I am on my way!!

Unknown said...

I see Derrick has passed along a much deserved award, congratulations firelight1
From a new follower,
Jane

Virginia said...

What a gift you have. I am in awe.
V

Cait O'Connor said...

That was a lovely tribute to Will.

About Me

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Recreational scholar, former high school and junior college English teacher. Animal lover (especially horses, dogs, and people), lives in the South, sometimes poet and essayist... "Ireland, Scotland, Britain, and Wales...I can hear those ancient voices calling..." Van Morrison from Celtic Heartbeat