google image
Ella's prompt at Poet's United's Thursday Think Tank this week is: Compass - where is your true north? I've learned a thing or two about that through the years.
The premise is that we are our own True North. I tried this as a pantoum, for fun. That's just how crazy/busy I am!
When you are paddling the river of your life,
wondering which way is best to go,
listen to your heart; allow the wind
to carry you where you are meant to flow.
Wondering which way is best to go,
don't push the river. Let it carry you,
carry you where you are meant to flow.
Your own True North resides inside of you.
Don't push the river. Let it carry you.
Your inner guide will nudge the paddle's reach.
Your own True North resides inside of you.
We find it soon or slowly, each to each.
Your inner guide will nudge the paddle's reach,
though smoke and mirrors confuse us as we go.
We find it soon or slowly, each to each,
for even when we think we don't, we Know.
Though smoke and mirrors confuse us as we go,
listen to your heart-wisdom, so rife,
for even when we think we don't, we Know,
when paddling the river of our life.
(I know. I had to cheat on one line, to make it rhyme:)
Wonderful message within this pantoum, Sherry. I like the idea of everyone finding their own True North and heading that way!! Hopefully there won't be a lot of 'muck' in that river as we paddle.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCheating is par for the course on something so complex as the pantoum. besides, I never even noticed it.Just thought it was very accomplished.
ReplyDeleteGreat words of advise! Impressive combination of prompts, Sherry.
ReplyDeleteAn inspiring message Sherry....your journey is a compass for others!! :-)
ReplyDeleteSherry,
ReplyDeleteA very effective style for your poem Sherry.
I think the words fit very well with your very own geographical location. Such a beautiful place, not only on the compass, but in images.
Best Wishes,
Eileen :)
Great pantoum containing a great message. I love "Your own True North resides inside of you"... something to remember and keep in mind. I've been trying to write a pantoum all week (it will be my first) but it isn't working well. You've inspired me to keep trying.
ReplyDeleteWell done. An excellent effort in a difficult art form.
ReplyDeleteI tried the pantoum too but its unrhymed..ha ~
ReplyDeleteI like that don't push the river, let it carry you, the North resides inside of you ~ Pearls of wisdom ~
Really lovely, Sherry!
ReplyDeleteSuch inspiration and I applaud you on the form. I have a hard enough time trying to rhyme. I won't be trying Phantoum ...:)
ReplyDeletekind of reminds me of Dorothy in the W of Oz... She had the magic to return home inside of her all the time. :)
ReplyDeleteDear dear Sherry,
ReplyDeleteAs you know the French pantoum originated from the Malay pantun. With your permission, I will try to translate this VERY LOVELY poem to Malay and maybe even French and send it back to you.
Would you like that?
Loves and hugs
Great form and awesome message, I have to try one of these pantoums someday, hopefully it will be nearly as good as yours ;^)
ReplyDeletecool Canadian poem - tough style too!
ReplyDeleteI know I loved what you did~ Great form, so lyrical, just like being on the river. The twist and turns the sounds...
ReplyDeleteI could feel it! Yes, we know...
Such a wonderful message in that river~ :D
Love that 'Don't push the river, let it carry you' :)
ReplyDeleteThat should be applied to all control freaks who simply have to have it all done 'their' way or else, they're not playing. lol
I didn't even attempt to do a pantoum, I find the repetition boring. You did really well with this Sherry, even if you did cheat a little ;) We won't tell anyone.
Lovely poem, Sherry. I think I'm just going to go with the flow of my own river from now on.
ReplyDeleteYou did a beautiful job Sherry! I wouldn't have noticed the "cheat " You really captured the rhythm of the river in your words too. Paddle on :-)
ReplyDelete