Endless Reprieve
If I were a cat, I do not believe
That there would be any reason to grieve.
Unfortunately, a cat I am not,
But maybe it’s something that can be taught:
To live with the poise of endless reprieve.
I love how they purr and gracefully weave,
The way that their speech will never deceive,
And boxes would always make a great spot,
If I were a cat.
Life can be simple, though hard to perceive
When so many things are tugging your sleeve,
But this can be learned when actively sought,
A balance between true living and thought,
And there are some things I’d never achieve
If I were a cat.
The Challenge
Instructions on writing a rondeau:
- There are 15 lines with 3 stanzas:
- A quintet with 5 lines,
- A quatrain with 4 lines,
- And a sestet with 6 lines.
- This is the rhyme scheme:
- aabba aabR aabbaR
- R refers to the refrain, which is a short phrase taken from the first line, found in lines 9 and 15.
- All other lines have the same number of syllables:
- either 8 syllables as in My Money Tree,
- or 10 syllables as in Endless Reprieve.
Next I will highlight the patterns.
If I were a cat, I do not believe
That there would be any reason to grieve.
Unfortunately, a cat I am not,
But maybe it’s something that can be taught:
To live with the poise of endless reprieve.
I love how they purr and gracefully weave,
The way that their speech will never deceive,
And boxes would always make a great spot,
If I were a cat.
Life can be simple, though hard to perceive
When so many things are tugging your sleeve,
But this can be learned when actively sought,
A balance between true living and thought,
And there are some things I’d never achieve
If I were a cat.
I found this form to be quite tricky, but it is an interesting form to work with. Now why don’t you give it a shot? Your poems will be added to the challenge post along with the links to your blog and poem.
If you like what you read, please follow the link in the title and “like” it there too. 🙂
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So long ago, it was a happy time.
My childhood days had seemed so sweet, sublime;
I couldn’t see the trials and troubles met,
The worries, woes, that made my parents fret.
I spent my days at play in warm sunshine.
I had been sheltered from a world of crime
And cities filled with sin and filth and grime.
My innocence had not been shattered yet
So long ago.
But I grew up, and change had come with time,
And playful days became a slow, hard, climb.
My heart became full of fear, shame, regret,
And disappointment from goals never met.
I keep looking back at my life defined
So long ago.
2013 © Soberflight
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When once you loved me, the sun it would shine
The moon it laughed gaily, the stars align
The blue birds and wrens sang our sweet love song
Butterflies giggled, and they danced along
Oh, yes, when I was yours and you were mine
I think of those days and hope for a sign
Being without sends a chill up my spine
Because nature and I could not be wrong
When once you loved me
I shall wait with the angels on cloud nine
I will lay there and think thoughts quite divine
Like how we shall talk and dream all day long
Knowing now our love is ever so strong
Tell me all we shared was not just a line
When once you loved me
2013 © Skye
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In variations, life is continued.
One’s trash is another’s pleasure imbued,
A head clearing, generating windmills,
Pies to elbows to books on windowsills,
Changing times and generations renewed.
Eternally our speech and hands are cued
To the soundtrack of the finest etude,
Of cells and bugs, of beast and man who kills
In variations.
In seasons revolving, a year is wooed,
In a heart of peace, a mind sets no feud,
By treaties and poems through pixels and quills,
Land and sea, in wake and sleep, if God wills,
Of bean and rose, of cat and man all-hued
In variations.
2013 © Shainbird
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We can’t change our heart’s choice when it is made
Feelings and emotions cannot be swayed
We cannot stop our heart when it desires
To deny such a love makes us liars
Whether or not to confess it is weighed
Would it change if our ardor was conveyed?
Should we live out our whole life so afraid?
Our yearning heart, it hopes and it conspires
We can’t change!
We share thoughts often with God, and we prayed
A chance meeting! Secret thoughts are betrayed
Love in our eyes, angels singing in choirs
In longing for love, the heart never tires
What joy and what bliss, our fondness we trade
We can’t change!
2013 © dflorack
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Who holds the Stars above? Who holds the Sea?
Who has thought of Time and Eternity?
Who makes the Flower dance after it blooms?
Who lets Us feel and fall in love too soon?
Who is the One to case a soul in peace?
I read the Bible enough to believe,
We humans always make foolhardy pleas
Of Him, Who in great Wisdom is consumed,
Who holds the Stars above. . . .
But I know He bears patience perfectly
So every night a silly pray’r I keep:
If He delegates the Suns and the Moons,
Why not ask to be your Bride, you my Groom?
—I like to request that of Elohim,
Who holds the Stars above.
2013 © Jashaél
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Still I strive to the call of ink,
To keep alive the thoughts I think,
But words don’t seem to like my mouth,
So they hide and don’t come out,
Except with a reluctant slink.
So to the page they fall and clink,
A sad excuse, and so they shrink,
It matters not what they’re about-
Still, I strive.
Would that my words could be in sync,
Could flow serene through time’s fine link,
But they lack grace, an ugly shout,
Or else they are a whimp’ring pout,
Without the weight they need to sink-
Still, I strive.
2013 © Megan E. Eddy
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Do you remember the soft summer breeze
The midnight rendezvous and ecstasies
Before the cold harsh winds of December
Reduced our passions to ash and ember
When once we loved with the greatest of ease
Care free in the days before our crises
We were crazies dancing among daisies
Before the fall of leaf in September
Do you remember?
There was a time when we would tempt and tease
And our feelings would bring us to our knees
Before our funeral in November
The chill air, the shiver and the tremor
Brought about by an emotional freeze
Do you remember?
2013 © T.J. Therien
___________________________________________________________________
When I look to the Lord and seek His face
Living to please myself becomes efface
Remembering the wonders He has done
And the sacrifice of His only Son
Safe I remain in His loving embrace
*
His heart and mine do become interlace
No longer do I suffer sin’s disgrace
And live to love with complete abandon
When I look to the Lord
*
Fears no longer overcome or displace
Cast out is the darkness without a trace
Dwelling in the love that compares to none
Basking in the glory of His crimson
Fearlessly proclaiming the truth of grace
When I look to the Lord.
*
Psalm 105:4 (NIV) Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.
2013 © awomansaved
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There, is my love—‘mid near-mute, shushing wave;
E’er close at heart, his mem’ry does enslave.
Dare I yield, now, to Heaven’s soonest call,
Might gold-blushed rays, reflecting, cease to fall?
Absent sky’s magic, sea would be mere grave.
Teal-sapphire hues can’t match his eyes, I crave—
Nor myst’ry’s depth–charmed smile to me, he gave.
Cold Present holds no fire; Tomorrow’s all—
There, is my love.
Midway to Paradise, the tides, I brave—
Entrust my soul to God, etern’lly save.
On violet crest, I glimpse far shadow, tall—
His youth preserved, Death cast no lasting pall.
‘Neath ocean foam, I’m bathed, reach coral cave—
There, is my love.
2013 © Caddo J Veil
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Wishing I Could Talk With the Bronte Sisters
What would you feel if I could but show you?
The world changing fast from all that you knew
Cars making fumes that the passers-by choke on
Plumbing bringing fresh water, I don’t con
Don’t turn away there’s much I can tell you
Medicines cure much so deaths can be few
Men travel in space, land on the moon too
Sorry to shock you, I tend to run on
I wish I could show you
The world’s changed much, yet I feel I know you
Stories you wrote, read by so many whom
Then visit your home, see how you had fun
See your letters and the desks you lent on
I wish I could show you
2013 © Fi Anderson
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‘Neath stormy skies, new yellows cringe – /
as icy raindrops chill each fringe /
and whitebeard brothers, grieving, yield /
with trembling fingers seeds that shield /
the aging heart from tempest’s twinge. /
Swift storms present those hurts that hinge /
on pain and pleasure: soothe and singe. /
And soon the rain each mask has peeled /
‘neath stormy skies. /
New yellows fear rain will impinge /
on ev’ry dream with death’s syringe. /
Remorseful whitebeards wish they’d wheeled /
and danced in sun ere hearts congealed. /
Regret scolds now with lurid tinge /
2013 © Jen Rosenberry
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It is about perspective, our world view,
Influencing what we accept as true,
Reality, child of our believing,
With passivity we adopt meaning,
Self-centered focus sets reason askew.
Without questioning data we accrue,
Falsity and deception may ensue,
We are hindered by not truly seeing,
It is about perspective.
Looking at your canvas, upon review,
You will see the colors chosen FOR you,
Will your world be painted while you’re dreaming,
Or with eyes open, your view be freeing?
Cognizance of our thoughts is overdue,
It is about perspective…
2013 © E.D. Allee
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I walked on a nightmare’s pathway,
After I’d been hasseled all day,
And went into a land of war,
With endless ships lining the shore!
I felt I had to get away.
In a city with skies of grey,
Miss Muffet ate her curds and whey.
No spider though just a street whore,
I walked on.
Miss Muffet sat in disarray,
“For sex I never ever pay!”
I started looking for a door
Found an entrance to a drug store
And so made good my get away…
I walked on.
2013 © Bastet
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She’s my cat the Diva Lily
so serious yet so silly
let’s me hold her when she chooses
and when I choose she refuses
in my home she reigns supremely
=^..^=
Her ways are regal not frilly
yet she cuddles when it’s nippy
with warmth my heart flows and oozes
the Diva Lily
=^..^=
When she plays she is so whimsy
has a walk that is a shimmy
watching her my heart amuses
as joyful laughter infuses
loving me tenderheartedly
the Diva Lily.
=^..^=
2013 © awomansaved
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Blog: The 48%
Those Who Build Walls; a Rondeau
“Those who build walls are their own prisoners.”
So Ursula K. Le Guin would tell us,
When I look at the world I see this truth
Where-ever our sense of freedom is skewed,
When our prejudice becomes our jailer,
Ramparts and barriers have hidden us;
We, captive creatures in a crazed circus
Slowly becoming that old spectacle;
Those who build walls,
We can, in large part, blame corrupt leaders
But, for their own power, they must heed us,
We’re our own saviours when we’ve got the gall
But we’re often both guards and criminals
Turning ourselves into the invaders;
Those who build walls.
2019 © Antonia Sara Zenkevitch
___________________________________________________________________
My heart is yours always, is that a crime?
Am I in exile till the end of time
I’m not here asking you to walk with me
But I’m here begging you to talk with me
I’m all alone, a line without a rhyme
I know I am the one who crossed the line
I was too late when you were right on time
Your smile lit up my dark life painfully
My heart is yours always
I took too long, and I ignored the signs
I thought I could leave you and him behind
How could I have taken so long to see
That you fit all my needs so perfectly
Now, he has your heart, but you still have mine
My heart is yours always
2019 © Nobbinmaug
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Reowr 
Yeah! Another challenge. You are a great teacher and this grasshopper is grateful for the schooling! Fun poem… I love kitties so much. Love the line “the way that thier speech will never deceive”
I’m so glad you enjoy these challenges! They force me to look for new forms to learn and teach, so it is a win-win. 🙂
Yes fortunate are those who are cats! I enjoyed the poem and can’t wait to try the prompt…but will have to for an hour or so at least 😦 Thanks for creating this!
No rush. These challenges are always ongoing for anyone at anytime. 🙂
Thanks very much…we’re at the end of the preparation for the exhibition…except for the cooking for the opening tomorrow evening…got a bit to do in that field yet.
You are so talented. Your awesomeness really shows in everything you write
Lol I think this awesomeness lies in the beholder. 😉
I look forward to reading your poems I always enjoy reading them. You have a talent. I think I will give this challenge a try at some point when I get time. 🙂
There is absolutely no pressure as these challenges do not have a time limit, so it is whenever you are ready and willing. I’m so happy you enjoy reading my work. 🙂
Yay! New challenge! It’s look so tricky, though, and it might take me a while. You did a great job (as usual) with yours!
Whenever you have time, no rush. I look forward to reading it when it’s written! 🙂
Reblogged this on Children Are Our Future Now!.
Reblogged this on Children Are Our Future Now!.
do not, taught and spot rhyme? I love the educational bit on your poem and I also like the poem. Great!
Yes, in Canadian English those words rhyme, like “plaid” and “had”. Glad you enjoyed this. 🙂
I didn’t know that not and taught rhymed in Canadian English. Well there’s a thing. I suppose not is pronounced naught.
I’m stumped as to how else “not” could be pronounced. If you don’t mind me asking, how is “not” pronounced where you live?
the same as knot as in rope.
lol that doesn’t help because “knot” also rhymes with “taught” and “spot” 🙂
“I love how they purr and gracefully weave,
The way that their speech will never deceive,
And boxes would always make a great spot,
If I were a cat.” – so lovely! There is more then one layer of depth in this gem of a poem and the challenge is a nice add as well, will definitely look into it when I am done with my vilanelle. 🙂
I am always amazed at how fascinated cats are with boxes. It’s like they are obsessed with them. I may go find a big box and sit in one just to see what it feels like. Glad you liked this. I look forward to reading your villanelle! 🙂
I love the pattern and the poem!
Thank you so much. 🙂
Another beautiful poem along with teaching the rhyming, the meter, and all the other good stuff we learned in college and then taught them to our students in college. However, the way you say it, is a lot more fun and doesn’t make you feel that someone is teaching you something so valuable in poetry. Thank you…
It is much more enjoyable to learn when one is not forced to do so, I think. Thank you so much for your lovely comments. 🙂
This seems a real challenge Cubby…..hmmm maybe I might try it over the weekend.Lovely poem of yours by the way.
Many thanks. Your words are very much appreciated. I hope you do give it a whirl. 🙂
I’ve always figured I’d like to be a cat if I had a choice in reincarnation! Here’s my Rondeau attempt:
http://soberflight.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=194&action=edit&message=6&postpost=v2
You write such beautiful poetry, and your “attempts” are always so wonderful to read. Simply amazing. 🙂
Reblogged this on Poetry Perfected and commented:
This is yet another wonderful post that teaches you how to write a poem – specifically, a Rondeau. Cubby is wonderful for putting these posts together. I hope she doesn’t get mad that I keep re-blogging her posts! 😉 Thanks, Cubby!
Not at all. The more the merrier! 🙂
“A balance between true living and thought,” – Yes. I like that.
I’m very pleased that you like that. 🙂
Lovely but you do it and I’ll just keep reading your work. It’s like a math word problem and then I would have to skip school. Write on dear poet, write on.
Lol that sounds like a fishy excuse to me but I will let you off the hook. You already do things so brilliantly in your own wonderful way. 🙂
I’m no good at these challenges, but I thoroughly enjoyed this poem of yours.
Well, if you ever change your mind to give it a go, the challenge will be waiting patiently for you. Glad you enjoyed the poem. 🙂
Well, now that you challenged. Lol
This was great, as always!!!
Ok….I tried it: http://thesanctuaryofmyheart.com/2013/10/04/when-once-you-loved-me/. Please let me know what you think. I value your opinion. I am not sure if we are supposed to post this somewhere special. Thank you for this challenge! It was fun!!
Posting it on your site and letting me know here works great. I’m so glad you had fun with the challenge. You did a remarkable job with it. Really enchanting. 🙂
I have actually never written a regular Rondeau…skipping to the Redouble of this form… I may have to throw my hat in the ring on this one…
I think you would have no problem with this form as you have a knack for adapting your writing to different styles. I look forward to seeing your Rondeau when it is written. 🙂
Oh I love cats sooo much. This was funny and intelligent, Cubby.
Anybody who loves cats must be a good person. 😉 Glad you enjoyed this! 🙂
What do you mean, ‘IF’? I thought you were. 😉 Lovely work. :)x
I have moments of confusion. This was one of them. 😉
Just moments? You’re lucky. Perpetual here. :)x
I’ve wandered along these same lines (of thinking to be a cat), but never managed to give in for the reason of your last lines: “And there are some things I’d never achieve, If I were a cat.” The refrain brings this around nicely! (But then again, if I were a cat, I would not think of achieving outside my realm, almost every cat I’ve seen and known looks like they are achieving) Wonderful wandering poem Cubby! 🙂 Great form, I will have to make time for this one!
So true. Cats do look incredibly accomplished and extremely pleased with themselves. I’m happy you enjoyed this. I thought the Rondeau you wrote was just brilliant. 🙂
Oh my goodness, you’re really gonna work us hard–and on a FRIDAY!!! You’re so very talented, that I must make an effort….but I’ll skip the whole cat thing, pardon mwawwrrr.
Lol you may skip the whole cat thing. You can do the challenge whenever you have time. No pressure. I would hate to think of it as homework on a Friday night! 🙂
Too funny–I do love that you’re “easy”, no homework “due by” date–those are the best challenges, and Friday nights are good (unless I zone out in front of the TV). If I get my 2nd wind, who knows what might happen!
Easygoing, that’s me alright…except when I’m looking for a sweet treat…then you better get out of my way or help me find some. 🙂
Here we go–I was avoiding bed (like a 6-yr old), so wrote this around 2am!
http://spumonicaddo.wordpress.com/2013/10/06/there-is-my-love/
Lol avoiding bed is one of the privileges of adulthood. Gorgeous rondeau! 🙂
It’s just SO strange–like I don’t have time to sleep, now that I’m 61! Strange, but in a good way, I mean.
This looks tricky indeed, Cubby, but you handle the challenge wonderfully! Great poem!
It was a challenge for me as I don’t like those little dangly things at the end of my stanzas, but this is me stepping out of my comfort zone lol. Thank you for your encouraging words Miranda! 🙂
I love this poem and my Bette does too,
not sure I’m up for the challenge
but will try some day soon.
Namaste and hugs 🙂
I’m happy you and Bette enjoyed the poem! The challenge will be here waiting for you whenever you are ready. 🙂
You are very talented =)
Aw, that is so kind of you. 🙂
No probs. How long have you been doing poetry?
Over 7 months now…3 months over 10 years ago and a little over 4 months recently since I started blogging.
I started blogging 4 days ago and I really enjoy it. I have done a bit of poetry http://draconinetynine.wordpress.com/2013/10/04/the-peacock-a-poem-by-me/
Here’s my post – http://heronthereeverywhere.us/2013/10/04/we-cant-change-a-rondeau/
Cubby, I can’t believe you have only been writing poetry for seven months, four of them just recently! It must feel so good to know, it would seem, you have a natural, wonderful talent for writing your poems. I love reading them as many others do, they make the day brighter!!
It warms my heart so much to know that my poems are enjoyed and appreciated. What talent I have I can only hope to grow and share with others and inspire others to grow their own talents. 🙂
And you do Cubby! In ways your can’t even imagine! I admire what you do and you sure do have a talent for both writing and teaching others. I have been saving the instructions you are posting and will try them!! Thank you so very much!!
You are most very welcome. 🙂
I’ve only been following you for a little bit, but these challenges are brilliant! (And Endless Reprieve made me think of the cat in Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle. Which is a brilliant book, and the cat is a brilliant character, just like your poem.) (I used brilliant far too many times just now…)
And i decided I’d do the challenge too. Sort of. I attempted it anyway…
http://journalofpoems.wordpress.com/2013/10/05/taking-up-the-challenge/
You did a smashing job! 🙂
Thanks. C=
Lol I’m glad you like the concept of these challenges and even happier you decided to give it a go! 🙂
magnificent show of poetry, clever, beautifully written, excellent!
Yes, I am so impressed with the Rondeaus brave bloggers have dared to bring to fruition. 🙂
Here is the Rondeau Challenge and tricky it was! Thanks for the challenge!
His Loving Embrace – A Rondeau — Inspired by Cubby’s Rondeau Challenge
When I look to the Lord and seek His face
Living to please myself becomes efface
Remembering the wonders He has done
And the sacrifice of His only Son
Safe I remain in His loving embrace
*
His heart and mine do become interlace
No longer do I suffer sin’s disgrace
And live to love with complete abandon
When I look to the Lord
*
Fears no longer overcome or displace
Cast out is the darkness without a trace
Dwelling in the love that compares to none
Basking in the glory of His crimson
Fearlessly proclaiming the truth of grace
When I look to the Lord.
*
Psalm 105:4 (NIV) Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.
My goodness! How wonderful! I hope I can find this tomorrow! Your Rondeau and challenge. I liked your poem. Much so.
Ellespeth
I’m so glad you like the challenge and poem. I hope you will take part in the challenge too! 🙂
Beautiful stuff, and you do it so effortlessly (or so it seems). Thanks for the lesson as well.
Thank you kindly. I’m so happy you enjoyed it. 🙂
Loved this exercise, Cubby, and the wonderful rondeau you wrote to encourage everyone. Is it too late to throw my hat in the ring, too? I’ve never written one … felt inspired to give it a shot. 🙂
It’s never too late for the challenges! They are always ongoing for anyone who wants to give them a try. 🙂
Thanks Cubby!
I’ll have to try them more often. They’re interesting and they’re great discipline!!!
Did I do this right and would you mind letting me know if it makes sense to you before I post it?????
It is about perspective, our world view
Influencing what we accept as true
Reality, child of our believing
With passivity we adopt meaning
Self-centered focus puts reason askew
Without questioning data we accrue
Falsity and deception may ensue
We are hindered by not truly seeing
It is about perspective
Looking at your canvas upon review
You will see the colors chosen FOR you
Will your world be painted while you’re dreaming
Or might another vantage be freeing
Cognizance of our thoughts is overdue
It is about perspective…
©E.D. Allee
That looks perfect! You did a totally awesome job here! 🙂
Thanks- made a few needed tweaks. This was a huge challenge for me! I think I tried to tackle too deep a concept in this style- I will have to lighten up and try again!
This looks hard. I must add it to my to do list!
I hope you give it a try! 🙂
I will do… Soon! I will try and do all of your challenges eventually.
Reblogged this on Bastet and Sekhmet's Library and commented:
Cubby’s Challenge has a fine list of participants to read…all together! Have a nice read!
Sonya these are all wonderful. I came here late but I will still try and write one! 🙂
It is better late than never! The challenges run indefinitely. 🙂
I wrote another one. =P I really like Rondeaus. They are a lot of fun. C=
http://journalofpoems.wordpress.com/2014/02/20/how-things-change/
Here’s another answer to another of your challenges. It took me a couple days but… better late than never? This one might be better never than late.
https://nobbinblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/22/rondeau-challenge-my-heart/
Love it. This one is definitely better late. 🙂
Thank you.
I think I sort of cheated on this one but here is a link to my offering: the48percent.life/2019/01/21/the-wall-builders-rondeau/
“Those who build walls are their own prisoners.”
So Ursula K. Le Guin would tell us,
When I look at the world I see this truth
Where-ever our sense of freedom is skewed,
When our prejudice becomes our jailer,
Ramparts and barriers have hidden us;
We, captive creatures in a crazed circus
Slowly becoming that old spectacle;
Those who build walls,
We can, in large part, blame corrupt leaders
But, for their own power, they must heed us,
We’re our own saviours when we’ve got the gall
But we’re often both guards and criminals
Turning ourselves into the invaders;
Those who build walls.
You’ve captured the spirit of the rondeau, which is the most important thing. The message was built up beautifully. 🙂