Our Thursday prompt comes from Lillian at dversepoets.com and the form is a Shadorma, a phantom poem, origin unknown. Lines are 3-5-3-3-7-5, one or more verses, a fun challenge. The pretty ethereal watercolor below is by Whidbey Island artist, Judi Nyerges Art, and was my inspiration.
Stars Tremble
In concert with choirs
of angels, stars tremble,
welcoming into high heaven his soul.
Beyond the cobalt blue,
light streams through
the panorama of
stained glass windows.
Ivy climbs gilded stairs
There he sits at a table
for highest tea.
He explored life's
beguiling mysteries,
relativity, all
laid before him
in Earth’s fog
and time log.
Awaiting him,
a physicist's dream
only imagined before,
a kingdom of answers to
eternal queries.
Freed from his twisted body,
his empowered mind free,
he's handed the keys to unlock the secrets of the universe.
At his fingertips,
billions of galaxies,
black holes, space travel.
Honored by his presence,
we were privileged.
For his shimmering legacy
and elegant equations,
we thank him for his
curiosity. Still with us but
light years away.
Everything about this tribute poem is so touching, Kathy. The watercolor, the release of a soul, the love and gratitude. How wondrous especially are your final two lines, equating his life's work to the very stars themselves, as if they twinkle a bit brighter because of his attention for them. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYes – the chance to really find out all those mysteries he sought to solve. That would surely be Heaven for him!
ReplyDeleteLove the conclusion with the lightyears of beauty... it penetrates everything
ReplyDeleteWhat a lively, well-deserved tribute, Kathy.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday and best wishes on your coming book. I've been looking at Kindle Direct Publishing for one recently as well.
ReplyDeleteFrank, you may have meant this comment for someone else as I have no book coming out and my birthday is Mar. 31.
DeleteVery nice write!
ReplyDeleteThis is a stirring tribute to Stephen Hawking.
ReplyDeleteI loved all of it, and the first stanza is probably one of the strongest examples of the shadorma form I've seen yet.
words paired lovingly with the painting!
ReplyDelete