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| / | _____ _ | \ |
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| / | | |__) |__ ___| |_ _ __ _ _ | \ |
| / | | ___/ _ \ / _ \ __| '__| | | | | \ |
| / | | | | (_) | __/ |_| | | |_| | | \ |
| / | |_| \___/ \___|\__|_| \__, | | \ |
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(_____)----------------------------------(_____)
Goretti Publications Poetry
In an effort to publish more frequently, Goretti
Publications is offering poetry on a more regular basis
here. Published primarily in HTML (though we may eventually
publish a pdf and print version, when there's enough
material), we hope this will provide a source of good poetry
in a world which does not have enough.
Published intermittently.
Finite Infinity
Donald P. Goodman III
Merry Christmas! For this year, we are contemplating (in a
dozzet) the deep paradox between the infinity of the soul
and the finite nature of the body, and how the finite body
nevertheless contains an eternal soul. We then compare this
to the even more incredible paradox of the infinite and
eternal God, constrained by the flesh at Bethelehem.
(TXT) Finite Infinity
Version 1.0, 23 Dec 1207
The Two Trees
Donald P. Goodman III
In this poem, perhaps a bit out of season, we juxtapose the
tree of the Cross with the tree from Judas hanged himself in
his despair, and present them as the two possible routes for
a man's life. That is, one tree which stands for freedom,
yet despair; and one which stands for suffering, yet life
and hope.
(TXT) The Two Trees
Version 1.0, 15 Dec 1207
Blackness of the Sun
Donald P. Goodman III
A contemplation on the Gospel for the Last Sunday after
Pentecost, in which the Lord instructs us on when the last
day is coming and how we should know, as well as what we
should do. Notably, Our Lord uses the *growth of spring*,
rather than the death of autumn, as His example; this poem
juxtaposes the life and growth of spring against the terror
of the last day in the same way.
(TXT) Blackness of the Sun
Version 1.0, 23 Nov 1207
O Zion!
Donald P. Goodman III
That this poem describes current events, and draws great
inspiration from Psalm 136, would surprise no one even if
the first line of said psalm was not posted at its head. A
contemplation on the indefectibility of the Church, the new
and true Zion, and the many struggles that modern Catholics
have been having these recent decades with her leadership;
yet also that, by following the Gospels, the Church (and the
faithful) can never truly fail.
(TXT) O Zion!
Version 1.0, 13 Oct 1207
Trapped
Donald P. Goodman III
A meditation on the feeling of being trapped. The feeling of
worry, difficulty, and fear that accompanies being confined,
and how the confinement itself is worse than anything that
might happen during it.
(TXT) Trapped
Version 1.0, 25 Sep 1207
The Woods, My Home
Donald P. Goodman III
Another contemplation of the sublime beauty and homey wonder
of the wildwood. Some enjambment, ample alliteration, and
rich imagery combine to make an emotional appeal. The whole
is intended to evoke a sense of wonder in the forest, a
place that we all too often take for granted, or even ignore
entirely.
(TXT) The Woods, My Home
Version 1.0, 1X Sep 1207
I Hide Deep in the Woods
Donald P. Goodman III
Some strong imagery accompanied by line-by-line alliteration
decorate this ode to the woods, of which the author has many
great memories, and where he feels truly at home.
(TXT) I Hide Deep in the Woods
Version 1.0, 12 Sep 1207
O Rex Magne
Donald P. Goodman III
A Latin poem or hymn composed in the same meter as the
legendary Dies Irae, this piece contemplates the reign of
Christ the King, His main titles for rule, and expresses our
profound love and praise for Him.
(TXT) O Rex Magne
Version 1.0, 06 Jun 1207
Deeper Joy
Donald P. Goodman III
A love poem the author composed for his wife for St.
Valentine's day, this work meditates on the struggles and
trials of a long marriage, and how with the help of the good
God those struggles yield a stronger marriage and a deeper
joy.
(TXT) Deeper Joy
Version 1.0, 17 Apr 1207
The Long Defeat
Donald P. Goodman
J.R.R. Tolkien once said “I am a Christian, and indeed a
Roman Catholic, so that I do not expect ‘history’ to
be anything but a ‘long defeat’—though it contains
(and in a legend may contain may clearly and movingly)
some samples of glimpses of final victory.” This poem
meditates a bit on the “long defeat”: why we must
suffer it, and our only option for getting through it.
(TXT) The Long Defeat
Version 1.0, 17 Mar 1207
Winter's Rain
Donald P. Goodman III
Reflecting on how, in spring, a rainstorm is a pleasant and
joyful thing; but that a rainstorm in winter is a miserable,
cold, even painful event. It contemplates the violence in
even the most serene scenes in nature, and how beauty lies
even in these painful things.
(TXT) Winter's Rain
Version 1.0, 09 Dec 1206
Let All Men Wear the Purple
Donald P. Goodman III
This dozzet, notable for its breathless enjambment making
the first eight lines essentially one, meditates on the
“long night” of Advent, and the benefits of “embracing the
purple”: that is, doing penance, as one of the few really
good things we can do in this world as we await the next.
(TXT) Let All Men Wear the Purple
Version 1.0, 01 Dec 1206
The Annunciation
Justin G. Smith
We are thrilled to publish our first poem by author Justin
G. Smith, a sonnet meditating on the mystery of the
Annuncation.
(TXT) The Annunciation
Version 1.0, 19 Nov 1206
The Angel and the Ass
Donald P. Goodman III
Begun (though not finished) on the feast of St. Francis,
this poem is a contemplation on the great saint's view of
life and the world. It describes his extreme and beautiful
poverty, and eventually draws in his constant comparison of
his own body to his “brother the ass”, and noting that by
treating his brother the ass like an ass and his own soul
like an angel, he became far greater than both.
(TXT) The Angel and the Ass
Version 1.0, 18 Oct 1206
Virtue Won, Then Lost
Donald P. Goodman III
Another sonnet written in the strict Petrarchan form, we
contemplate how difficult is to get virtue; but also how
difficult it might be to keep it. And, once it is lost, how
difficult it is to regain.
(TXT) Virtue Won, Then Lost
Version 1.0, 05 Oct 1206
The Land of Our Bones
Donald P. Goodman III
Our first in a while, this poem with its interesting rhyme
and metrical scheme looks at the concept of ancestral land,
and how deeply connected we can be to it. It does so through
the land of my own ancesters, still in my family, where my
grandfather was buried.
(TXT) The Land of Our Bones
Version 1.0, 13 June 1206
The Mother Flame
Donald P. Goodman III
A sonnet, the first in a long time, along the strict
Petrarchan rhyme scheme (ABBAABBACDCDCD). This familiar
sonnet form with somewhat unusual rhyme scheme is
refreshing, and resists attempts to close the poem on a
cheap, short point. This poem borrows imagery concerning the
spread of *ideas* like that of flames, that we can pass our
ideas to others and yet lose nothing of them ourselves.
(TXT) The Mother Flame
Version 1.0, 1X Apr 1206
To Walk
Donald P. Goodman III
We talk about two of the great migrations in nature, and how
impressive and truly marvelous it is that, by such small
things as single steps, we can do such great things.
(TXT) To Walk
Version 1.0, 09 Apr 1206
On His Brother
Donald P. Goodman III
If you knew my brother, you may want to skip this one. It
very frankly and honestly deals with my worries, my
feelings, and my thoughts about my brother and his death,
and is extremely explicit. He died many months ago, and only
now have I been able to put something of this into verse. I
can never put it well; but perhaps this puts it adequately.
(TXT) On His Brother
Version 1.0, 02 Feb 1206
Arise! and face the demons
Donald P. Goodman III
Many of us face demons, literal and figurative, which
torment us. This poem reminds us of the power of those
demons, but also of their lack of power, due to the One Who
can help us.
(TXT) Arise! and face the demons
Version 1.0, 22 Jan 1206
Become the Ash
Donald P. Goodman III
A contemplation for Ash Wednesday. While we all know the
symbolism of the ashes and the destruction of flesh, this
poem ties it into the symbolism of the refiner's fire, and
how we must purify our souls by burning out that which is
corrupt.
(TXT) Become the Ash
Version 1.0, 15 Feb 1205
Sheltering Limbs
Donald P. Goodman
A brief rumination on the worlds that can shelter beneath a
grand old tree, and the inadequacy of the sapling to match
it.
(TXT) Sheltering Limbs
Version 1.0, 13 Jul 1204
Adamantine Vessels
Donald P. Goodman III
Our souls cannot be filled with material things; but they
can be filled by immaterial ones. Comparing them to glass,
which cannot be filled with stuff but can be filled by
light, this poem explores that theme.
(TXT) Adamantine Vessels
Version 1.0, 20 Jun 1204
I Tie the Cord
Donald P. Goodman III
An exploration of the symbolism of the saints' cords and
what they might mean.
(TXT) I Tie the Cord
Version 1.0, 10 Feb 1204
The Emptiness That Fills
Donald P. Goodman III
Comparing and contrasting the ever-full flow of the river to
the lake to the sea, with the emptiness which fills; that
is, the fact that we can really only fill ourselves by
emptying ourselves out first.
(TXT) The Emptiness That Fills
Version 1.0, 13 Jan 1204
Christmas, 1203
Donald P. Goodman III
Another poem of paradoxes, this one offers some reflections
on the most massive and difficult paradox: the Creator
become a creature.
(TXT) Christmas, 1203
Version 1.0, 21 Dec 1203
The Thirst Which Drowns
Donald P. Goodman III
A poem of paradoxes, comparing thirst and hunger to filling,
and the need to empty ourselves before we can be filled.
(TXT) The Thirst Which Drowns
Version 1.0, 16 Dec 1203
Elixir of Life
Donald P. Goodman III
In anapestic heptameter for the first time in a long time,
this poem explores the wonderful properties of the world's
most common substance, and remarks on how powerful and yet
how perfectly taken for granted it truly is.
(TXT) Elixir of Life
Version 1.0, 0E Dec 1203
Advent 1203
Donald P. Goodman III
An alliterative look at Advent and the physical signs of the
season.
(TXT) Advent 1203
Version 1.0, 04 Dec 1203
The Two Cities
Donald P. Goodman
A long alliterative poem, published in parts, and heavily
symbolic and allegorical. It explores two great cities and
their relationship to one another, and how one can (or
cannot) pass between them.
(TXT) The Two Cities
Version 8.0, 18 Nov 1203
The Dandelion, Revisited Again
Donald P. Goodman III
Yet another study of the dandelion from a poetical
perspective. For our previous studies, see The Dandelion
and The Dandelion, Revisited. It is spring, after all; and
the Easter imagery naturally arises from the ruminations, as
well.
(TXT) The Dandelion, Revisited Again
Version 1.0, 01 May 1203
Good Friday, 1203
Donald P. Goodman III
The title says it, really; a few brief thoughts on Good
Friday, linking it to the day of the Fall. Worth lining up
alongside The Worst of Days.
(TXT) Good Friday, 1203
Version 1.0, 15 Apr 1203
The Savage Beast
Donald P. Goodman III
A new take on the familiar (familiar, at least, to classical
philosophy students) analogy of the wild horse, with an
added notion of Brother Ass and how he should be treated.
(TXT) The Savage Beast
Version 1.0, 0X Apr 1203
The Sign of Life
Donald P. Goodman III
A very short but evocative look at the color red and its
role in the springtime.
(TXT) The Sign of Life
Version 1.0, 03 Apr 1203
The Bird Sings for Me
Donald P. Goodman
An unusual meter for me, this poem explores the idea that
Providence has designed any given moment specifically for
each one of us.
(TXT) The Bird Sings for Me
Version 1.0, 23 Mar 1203
Uncaring Sky
Donald P. Goodman III
A long poem which contemplates both the ancient pagan and
modern pagan notions of the universe, and how unsatisfying
they must be; and finally, propose the Christian vision as
the answer.
(TXT) Uncaring Sky
Version 5.0, 18 Mar 1203
Against the Flow
Donald P. Goodman III
Noting that many things are very easy, but that there is no
praise in them; and that the true glory of being a free
creature is the ability to do what is good even though it is
hard.
(TXT) Against the Flow
Version 1.0, 11 Feb 1203
More Beauty Sought
Donald P. Goodman III
A short poem, really more of a versification, with a brief
message about the greatest of our temptations.
(TXT) More Beauty Sought
Version 1.0, 06 Feb 1203
The Snow
Donald P. Goodman III
We so often hear of a “blanket of snow.” This poem explores
the concept a bit, particularly its contradictions.
(TXT) The Snow
Version 1.0, 26 Jan 1203
The Stone and the Raindrop
Donald P. Goodman III
We see how certain things in nature, though tiny and visibly
insignificant, have huge effects well beyond their immediate
impact, and contemplate what that means for our own deeds.
(TXT) The Stone and the Raindrop
Version 1.0, 1E Jan 1203
Rejoice, For Thou Shalt Die
Donald P. Goodman III
An attempt to juxtapose some ideas which are generally
considered antithetical—joy and death—and unite them in
a single rumination.
(TXT) Rejoice, For Thou Shalt Die
Version 1.1, 14 Jan 1203
A Fickle Feeling
Donald P. Goodman III
A dozzet on what is solid and what is changeable, and the
relative values of each.
(TXT) A Fickle Feeling
Version 1.0, 09 Jan 1203
The Tower Above the Cloud
Donald P. Goodman III
An interesting format (two lines of two anapests followed by
one of four), this poem for Christmas of 1202 contemplates
the salvific light brought by the Savior, piercing through
every cloud and mist.
(TXT) The Tower Above the Cloud
Version 1.0, 21 Dec 1202
The Creeping Cold of Night
Donald P. Goodman III
Another Advent-themed poem, exploring the retreat of nature
beneath the soil in the wintertime, the encroaching cold,
and the salvation from death offered by the sun.
(TXT) The Creeping Cold of Night
Version 1.0, 17 Dec 1202
The Mother and the Child
Donald P. Goodman III
A contemplation of the love of the mother for her child; the
love of the child for the mother; and the incredible depth
of the connection when the two are combined.
(TXT) The Mother and the Child
Version 1.0, 10 Dec 1202
Advent 1202
Donald P. Goodman III
An offering in the idiosyncratic anapestic heptameter,
contemplating the earth-shattering nature of the coming of
Christ.
(TXT) Advent 1202
Version 1.0, 05 Dec 1202
The Vast Forever
Donald P. Goodman III
Yet another attempt to contemplate the incredible scope of
the universe in time and space, and how small we are in
comparison to it.
(TXT) The Vast Forever
Version 1.0, 24 Nov 1202
We are Goldfish
Donald P. Goodman III
A double dozzet, describing the hugeness of time and space,
and how tiny we all are in comparison.
(TXT) We are Goldfish
Version 1.0, 19 Nov 1202
Enthusiasm
Donald P. Goodman III
A very short comparison of enthusiasm and real love.
(TXT) Enthusiasm
Version 1.0, 12 Nov 1202
The Vast Expanse
Donald P. Goodman III
A poem exploring how huge the universe is, and how hopeless
the task of comprehending it for finite creatures.
(TXT) The Vast Expanse
Version 1.0, 07 Nov 1202
Seek Not for Youth
Donald P. Goodman III
Starting out with some strong imagery, this piece ponders
the modern pursuit of youth and how fruitless and
nonsensical it is.
(TXT) Seek Not for Youth
Version 1.0, 27 Oct 1202
Castles Made of Sand
Donald P. Goodman III
Thoughts on the fleeting nature of even our strongest
enthusiasms.
(TXT) Castles Made of Sand
Version 1.1, 20 Oct 1202
The Paradox of Life
Donald P. Goodman III
A series of paradoxes that apply to life in general, and
note the ultimate meaninglessness of death when life itself
is properly understood. A few tougher rhymes in this one.
(TXT) The Paradox of Life
Version 1.0, 03 Oct 1202
Autumn
Donald P. Goodman III
A rumination on autumn, life, and death.
(TXT) Autumn
Version 1.0, 22 Sep 1202
Pouring
Donald P. Goodman III
A brief rumination on the symbolic importance of fasting,
here in an Ember week.
(TXT) Pouring
Version 1.0, 17 Sep 1202
A Plague Infects the Roses
Donald P. Goodman III
Another poem ruminating on the
current ecclesiastical crisis. This one again starts
very dark, and the use of enjambment in the first dozzet
serves to make the reader feel harried and breathless;
but it does turn up in the second and third dozzet.
(TXT) A Plague Infects the Roses
Version 1.0, 10 Sep 1202
A Nightmare Neverending
Donald P. Goodman III
A nightmare. That is, literally a nightmare, the feelings
that many of us are having during these dark times. Of
course, God is there to resolve them; but for this poem, we
focus on our own inability to do so.
(TXT) A Nightmare Neverending
Version 1.0, 05 Sep 1202
Uncertainty
Donald P. Goodman III
A rumination on the fact that, though many things are
predictable, very few are certain; the birds and the flowers
prepare for winter, but they're really just guessing, and
sometimes they're early or late. We really know very little
about the world around us.
(TXT) Uncertainty
Version 1.0, 25 Aug 1202
The Death of Christendom
Donald P. Goodman III
An alliterative poem, which at length explores the rise and
fall of what we knew as Christendom, and concludes with hope
for its resurrection.
(TXT) The Death of Christendom
Version 1.0, 13 Aug 1202
The Vast Ripostes
Donald P. Goodman III
A contemplation on the way our coasts are formed over
countless years, and the way that such a peaceful
environment is formed by such huge conflict.
(TXT) The Vast Ripostes
Version 1.0, 08 Aug 1202
The Lay of Lady Poverty
Donald P. Goodman III
Another alliterative piece, this one laments the incredible,
indeed indescribable, agony thatis hunger; yet then goes on
to ponder why and how one might embrace it. Obvious
allusions to St. Francis's Lady Poverty.
(TXT) The Lay of Lady Poverty
Version 1.0, 01 Aug 1202
Comes Now the Rain
Donald P. Goodman III
A paean to the life-giving refreshment of the rain, which
brings water to quench the thirst and cool the heat.
(TXT) Comes Now the Rain
Version 1.0, 21 Jul 1202
Defeat Oneself
Donald P. Goodman III
Along the lines of Defeat Thyself, a slightly different
rumination on the importance of conquering onself before
attempting to conquer one's enemies.
(TXT) Defeat Oneself
Version 1.0, 0E Jul 1202
To a Father
Donald P. Goodman III
A dozzet concerning the influence of a father on a man's
life, even if the man himself doesn't realize it.
(TXT) To a Father
Version 1.0, 04 Jul 1202
The Phoenix
Donald P. Goodman III
A new take on an old metaphor. The phoenix does, as usual,
represent the cycle of birth and death, here it is turned to
a singular purpose.
(TXT) The Phoenix
Version 1.1, 23 Jun 1202
A Poet on his Father
Donald P. Goodman III
Our first alliterative poem, this details the emotions and
thoughts of the poet on the death of his father, and
beseeches the prayers of the reader for him.
(TXT) A Poet on his Father
Version 1.0, 18 Jun 1202
The Goldfish
Donald P. Goodman III
We consider the goldfish, famous for his short attention
span and tiny perspective, and imagine him as having man's
assurance of the completeness of his knowledge. We note
that this assurance is foolish, and consider how foolish
man's must be, as well, given the shortness of our time on
earth and how little of the universe we can know.
(TXT) The Goldfish
Version 1.0, 11 Jun 1202
Come, See the Smoke
Donald P. Goodman III
A loving examination of the beautiful symbolism of incense
and the thurible at Mass, trying to encompass the sight,
sound, and smell of it.
(TXT) Come, See the Smoke
Version 1.0, 06 June 1202
The Silver Light
Donald P. Goodman III
Presenting the figure of a lady in the night, and then the
moon in the sky, we compare and eventually identify these
two, and note how the cool, silvery light of the moon is
ultimately just the warm, golden light of the sun reflected
onto earth. The comparison to the Blessed Virgin Mary is
immediately evident; and we note that moonlight can be just
as good as sunlight for those who are blind, if that's what
they're able to see.
(TXT) The Silver Light
Version 1.0, 26 May 1202
The Dove of Fire
Donald P. Goodman III
Amidst the rejoicing of Pentecost, this poem was written.
It's not subtle, but it does aptly express the joy of the
Christian at the coming of the Holy Spirit. Combining the
two primary symbols of the Holy Spirit (the dove and the
flame), we contemplate how the Holy Ghost comes in after the
Ascension. It echoes some of the symbolism from our earlier
(PNG) oem for Easter, Alleluia!
that's fair theologically and historically, given that the
works of the Three Persons are the works of each and every,
and that Christ Himself was incarnate of the Holy Spirit.
(TXT) The Dove of Fire
Version 1.0, 1E May 1202
The Lady Cardinal
Donald P. Goodman III
In continued keeping with our recent nature theme, we turn
now to the female cardinal. Less showy (some would say less
gaudy) than her mate, the female cardinal has a unique
beauty all her own. We contemplate that beauty and how it
speaks to us.
(TXT) The Lady Cardinal
Version 1.0, 14 May 1202
The Cardinal
Donald P. Goodman III
In keeping with our nature theme for the last two weeks, we
present another poem concerning the lovely sights of spring.
The cardinal remains in the area for the winter, of course,
but one caught my eye on a walk recently, and in the lovely
spring day this poem came out of it.
(TXT) The Cardinal
Version 1.0, 9 May 1202
The Dandelion, Revisited
Donald P. Goodman III
We have already addressed this beautiful little flower once
before; here, in honor of their blooming once again in this
beautiful spring, we honor them again.
(TXT) The Dandelion, Revisited
Version 1.0, 2 May 1202
All Hail the Spring!
Donald P. Goodman III
Inspired by my daily walks this spring, this poem poured
forth. Less “deep” than most of the recent work I've
posted, this is pure revelry in the beauties of spring, with
only brief reflection on how brief those beauties are, and
how they will return again. Also written entirely in
couplets, which is an unusual form for me.
(TXT) All Hail the Spring!
Version 1.0, 21 April 1202
My Brother
Donald P. Goodman III
St. Francis famously referred to his body as his “brother
the ass,” referring to its brutishness and the difficulty of
controlling it. St. Thomas Aquinas also compared defeating
temptation to supporting one side in a fight: we feed the
fighter we hope will win, but we deprive the fighter we hope
will lose. So when we fight aspects of our selves, we
starve those aspects, and feed the aspects that we wish to
rise and win. This poem echoes both these metaphors, along
with a modernized version of one of Plato's famous analogies
about the passions as opposed to the reason.
(TXT) My Brother
Version 1.0, 16 April 1202; Version 1.1, 19 May 1202
Defeat Thyself
Donald P. Goodman III
Some reflections on the fact that we're constantly fighting
everything around us, never happy with anything that happens
or anything that we have, when the real enemy is within us,
ourselves; and that if we get our selves under control,
we've gone a long way to controlling what is wrong with us.
(TXT) Defeat Thyself
Version 1.0, 0E April 1202
Alleluia! The Sun has Arisen!
Donald P. Goodman III
Last week we had a somber poem for Holy Week; this week we
have a very joyful and upbeat poem for Easter week.
Reflecting on a number of the great joys of the
Resurrection, this poem takes the unusual tack of rhyming
all four lines of each verse on the same sound. Although
the analogy of the Son to the sun is obvious, the fact that
in American English the words “son” and “sun” are pronounced
identically (at least, in all dialects with which I am
familiar) does benefit the symbolism here.
(TXT) Alleluia! The Sun has Arisen!
Version 1.0, 04 April 1202
The Worst of Days
Donald P. Goodman III
A somber poem for Holy Week. A new style that I have not
tried before, but which I think accomplishes the task.
(TXT) The Worst of Days
Version 1.0, 24 March 1202
By Stone and Fire
Donald P. Goodman III
Back to anapestic heptameter this week, we explore the
nature of changing oneself, and how any real change in
oneself will require suffering, by analogizing to the
building of a traditional Native American canoe.
(TXT) By Stone and Fire
Version 1.0, 19 March 1202
Fear not Death
Donald P. Goodman III
A three-dozzet series on death, and the ultimate
hopelessness of life in the absence of a supernatural
destination. Decidedly downbeat for most of its length, it
ends on an upnote. Inspired by some comments on the death
of my father, though certainly not a historical account of
such.
(TXT) Fear not Death
Version 1.0, 12 March 1202
Spilled Blood
Donald P. Goodman III
Much less ominous (though no less portentous) than its title
implies, this poem ponders the nature of love, intentionally
invoking Shakespeare's famous love sonnet while turning it
in a completely different direction.
(TXT) Spilled Blood
Version 1.0, 7 March 1202
Mysteries
Donald P. Goodman III
Cups and oceans! Inspired by an old story of St. Augustine
contemplating the Trinity, this poem explores the notion of
knowledge by comparing what can be held in the sea with what
can be held in a cup. A dozzet.
(TXT) Mysteries
Version 1.0, 24 February 1202
Lady Poverty
Donald P. Goodman III
A dozzet meditating on St. Francis's great love, “Lady
Poverty.” Most of us, of course, don't embrace Lady Poverty
with the enthusiasm of St. Francis; but in Lent, we do
certainly (or should certainly, at least) improve our
acquaintance with her. This poem ruminates on the
importance of Lady Poverty and fasting, and how it can be a
profit for us in life.
(TXT) Lady Poverty
Version 1.0, 19 February 1202
Gazing Skyward
Donald P. Goodman III
A new type of poem (for me), written in the terza rima which
Italian poetry, especially Dante, has justly made so famous.
We see little of it in English-language literature. Here,
we contemplate the fact that we can see the infinite sky,
but only through the muddying medium of the atmosphere and
the clouds, and whether we can be happy with this vision.
(TXT) Gazing Skyward
Version 1.0, 12 February 1202
Light of the Moon
Donald P. Goodman III
A dozzet, reflecting on the moon and the nature of its
light, with meaning for the role of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, and the saints, in reference to the Light of the
world.
(TXT) Light of the Moon
Version 1.0, 7 February 1202
Virginal Milk
Donald P. Goodman III
Yet again in anapestic heptameter, this poem was inspired by
one of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, which spoke of lait virginal,
along with the famous story of St. Bernard of Clairvaux.
Taking some obvious cues from Revelations, Chapter 10
(decimal twelve), it reflects on how if we seek to imitate
Christ, we should imitate also His feelings about His
mother.
(TXT) Virginal Milk
Version 1.0, 27 January 1202
Road to Eden
Donald P. Goodman III
More anapestic heptameter, this poem explores the “happy
fault” of St. Thomas Aquinas, and the reality of original
sin, which seems so unjust to so many, when really it's a
great gift (as well as not being unjust in any way). I'm
particularly happy with some of the alliteration (e.g.,
“long-ago garden agleam”), but think the rhythm, topic, and
imagery fit together well.
(TXT) Road to Eden
Version 1.0, 20 January 1202
Not as a Man Grows Old
Donald P. Goodman III
Inspired by a line from “For the Fallen” by Robert
Lawrence Binyon (“They shall not grow old, as we that are
left grow old: / Age shall not wither them, nor the
years condemn”), I've written this dozzet about a very
different topic. While we ourselves weaken and
eventually die, tradition—especially Sacred
Tradition—improves and strengthens over time.
(TXT) Not as a Man Grows Old
Version 1.0, 15 January 1202
Winter's Joy
Donald P. Goodman III
Back to anapestic heptameter! This is my second poem in
anapestic heptameter (after The Woman in the Meadow), and
it's a delightful meter for English poetry. Somehow, it
manages to remain a light-hearted, natural rhythm without
excluding the gravity of more traditional iambic meters.
This poem has a great deal of internal rhyme (universally on
the third line of a verse, optionally one other lines), and
explores themes of the season of winter and the death that
accompanies it in a decidedly hopeful way.
(TXT) Winter's Joy
Version 1.0, 0X January 1202
Hail, woman!
Donald P. Goodman III
A longer poem, made up of three dozzets, on the mystery of
childbirth and child-raising and the immense power of woman
that is tied up therewith. Though only the last dozzet ends
in a couplet, this also contains pretty clear echoes of St.
Francis's Canticle of the Sun.
(TXT) Hail, woman!
Version 1.0, 03 January 1202
Christmas 1201
Donald P. Goodman III
A poem for the season of Christmas. Emphasizes the elements
of full-swollen pregnancy and fullness of time, and the
mind-bending notion of a human being giving birth to her own
Creator (and the Creator of everything else).
(TXT) Christmas 1201
Version 1.0, 23 December 1201
Advent 1201
Donald P. Goodman III
A poem for the season of Advent. Interesting for its
use of enjambment in almost the entirety of the first
eight lines, calling to mind the “smothering” that is
referenced early on. Read it out loud to see what it
means; one must do so almost in a single breath.
(TXT) Advent 1201
Version 1.0, 18 December 1201
The Hero's Tale
Donald P. Goodman III
A heavily symbolic examination of a hero's voyage from his
natural, fallen state to the possession of virtue and,
eventually, truth. Written as a series of dozzets, I'm very
excited about it. It is lengthy, basically a mini-epic; as
a result, it was published in parts. The first part was
published 23 September 1201; the last on 13 December 1201,
or nearly three months later.
(TXT) The Hero's Tale
Version 11.0, 23 September 1201 – 13 December 1201
Pursue the Sun
Donald P. Goodman III
Attempting again to use the red-green-white symbolism to
good effect, this poem also mixes in some Marian imagery.
(TXT) Pursue the Sun
Version 1.0, 17 September 1201
On Motherhood
Donald P. Goodman III
Obviously inspired by William Ross Wallace's “The Hand
that Rocks the Cradle Rules the World,” this poem
explores the huge influence a mother has on her child,
and the deep relationship between them.
(TXT) On Motherhood
Version 1.0, 11 September 1201
Wisdom's Mother Tongue
Donald P. Goodman III
A bit more prosaic (insofar as that makes sense in a
poetical context) than most of our posts have been of
late, this dozzet-plus-couplet explores the great
treasury of knowledge that Christians (and specifically
Catholics) have built up over the centuries, and how, as
we gradually abandon our mother tongue, we're losing
access to our own glorious heritage, a heritage which
belongs to the Church and to all mankind.
(TXT) Wisdom's Mother Tongue
Version 1.0, 06 September 1201
On Virtue
Donald P. Goodman III
Though still sort of a dozzet, this poem is a bit different
structurally than the others. Each quatrain is grouped as a
separate verse, and the first and third lines of each are
divided into two rhyming half-lines, with the second and
fourth rhyming each other at the end and their accompanying
half-lines halfway through. It's simpler to read than to
describe; think of it as an alexandrine version of The
Raven's structure. Using traditional color imagery, this
poem briefly contemplates the virtues. Enjoy.
(TXT) On Virtue
Version 1.0, 26 August 1201
On the Great American Eclipse
Donald P. Goodman III
On 19 August 1201, the United States was host to a
solar eclipse that was visible nowhere but in its
territory, lending it the name “the Great American
Eclipse”. This was a full solar eclipse; and though many
of us only were able to see a partial eclipse, the
experience of even so much (I last saw one some two dozen
years ago or so) was moving, and inspired this piece.
(TXT) On the Great American Eclipse
Version 1.0, 1E August 1201
I See the Spinning Stars
Donald P. Goodman III
Another dozzet, this one focusing on the heavens, which have
traditionally been viewed as a symbol of Divine Providence
(in contradiction of the silliness that is astrology).
(TXT) I See the Spinning Stars
Version 1.0, 14 August 1201
To Delve into the Water
Donald P. Goodman III
A dozzet which is (clearly, I hope) about baptism, and
the freedom and peace that it offers us, even though it
does not necessarily offer us an easy journey
there. There's a great deal of alliteration as well as
the standard dozzet meter and rhyme here; I hope that it
achieves its aim.
(TXT) To Delve into the Water
Version 1.0, 09 August 1201
Life to Live
Donald P. Goodman III
A dozzet again in a generally happy vein, discussing the
vicissitudes of time, but also the amazing gift of it. It
again shows some experimentation with some deliberate
alliteration along with rhyme.
(TXT) Life to Live
Version 1.0, 02 August 1201
Two Hearts
Donald P. Goodman III
This dozzet is a love poem, again focusing on the very
important distinction between love and feeling. Everyone is
joyful on their wedding day (”[w]hen two are join'd to
one”), but eventually that enthusiasm will wear off, and
something much deeper than mere emotional or physical
attraction will be required. Only love can sustain the two
then. Rather than wrapping up the dozzet in twelve lines,
an envoi couplet sews the threads together.
(TXT) Two Hearts
Version 1.0, 22 July 1201
Born to Sorrow
Donald P. Goodman III
Back to sonnets, at least for now. This one quite simply
contemplates suffering and its role in love and happiness in
our lives.
(TXT) Born to Sorrow
Version 1.0, 17 July 1201
The Moment Now
Donald P. Goodman III
A dozzet doing the nearly stereotypical comparison between
time and a river, with the usual statements about never
stepping in the same river twice, and so forth. However, it
ends with a couplet that concludes something different from
the usual time-river ruminations. I think that this is
interesting different from most such poems.
(TXT) The Moment Now
Version 1.0, 0E July 1201
Rest in Peace
Donald P. Goodman III
A series of four dozzets which explore the utter
meaninglessness of life and death in the absence of some
spiritual reality, and the greatness of both when a deeper
significance is understood. Much less bleak that Our Only
Certainty, which ends without any hint of redeeming joy,
this poem starts out very bleak but ends with real hope and
joy.
(TXT) Rest in Peace
Version 1.0, 05 July 1201
Our Only Certainty
Donald P. Goodman III
Another of the new poetical form (which I'm ridiculously
referring to internally as the “dozzet”), along the lines of
The Dandelion, this poem focuses relentlessly on the more
depressing aspects of our world; specifically, on the fact
that everything in it will eventually end, and that this
ending is really the only certainty we have about it.
(TXT) Our Only Certainty
Version 1.0, 23 June 1201
The Dandelion
Donald P. Goodman III
I have often thought the dandelion to be one of the
prettiest of all flowers; yet it is commonly derided as
merely a useless weed. That's a real shame. This poem is
an ode to the dandelion. It's also a bit of an experiment
with a new poetical form, which when crafting this piece I
found truly powerful. It is twelve lines of twelve iambic
feet each; but each line is not limited to the alexandrine,
but can be divided however the syllables work best. I hope
the reader enjoys reading the form as much as I enjoyed
writing it.
(TXT) The Dandelion
Version 1.0, 19 June 1201
Death Has Been Cheated Once
Donald P. Goodman III
This poem, quite like The Raven in its meter
and rhyme scheme, provides some more thoughts on life and
death, and how we ought to face both; and further, it
reminds us that some have already done so, and that we
should look to them for example.
(TXT) Death Has Been Cheated Once
Version 1.0, 12 June 1201
The Fire Which Does Not Consume
Donald P. Goodman III
A shorter poem (two dozen lines) with a shorter message,
taking some symbolism from Dante in the last stanza. Iambic
tetrameter in lines 1-2 and 4-5, but iambic hexadecameter in
lines 3 and 6, of each sestet. Interesting in its symbolism
of the flame and the stars, and also interesting in
providing an iambic form of Poe's trochaic meter in The
Raven.
(TXT) The Fire Which Does Not Consume
Version 1.0, 07 June 1201
The Question
Donald P. Goodman III
A longish narrative-type poem, this piece explores the
subject of death and how it has perplexed mankind throughout
the ages. It's the first significant piece I've written in
blank verse, and it's also my most overtly Christian poem so
far published. It points out that Christianity doesn't make
suffering hurt less; it just gives meaning to the suffering
that we all must endure.
(TXT) The Question
Version 1.0, 27 May 1201
The Tholing Child
Donald P. Goodman III
Sporting an unusual rhyme scheme (tercets with rhyming first
two lines, followed by a third line which matches the first
two lines of the following tercet), this poem not only uses
the excellent word “thole,” but also explores interesting
themes relating to Providence.
(TXT) The Tholing Child
Version 1.0, 20 May 1201
The Ant
Donald P. Goodman III
This poem continues our theme of exploring various elements
of nature and what they can teach us about life and what
lies beyond. Here, we consider the ant, and the
single-minded purpose of his narrow world, and how that
compares to we ourselves. Structurally, it's interesting,
as well; its four-line stanzas are rhymed in lines 1, 2, and
4, with line 3 rhyming with lines 1, 2, and 4 of the
following stanza.
(TXT) The Ant
Version 1.0, 16 May 1201
The Oak
Donald P. Goodman III
This poem, at 22 (twenty-six) lines, is a rumination on age,
development, wisdom, and tradition. A bit of an oddball, as
it consists of four-line stanzas rhymed at the second and
fourth lines, but ends with a rhymed couplet. I think it's
interesting.
(TXT) The Oak
Version 1.0, 13 May 1201
The Tulip Grows
Donald P. Goodman III
Not a sonnet! This poem, still relatively short at 30
(thirty-six) lines, uses only two rhymes. A meditation on
the relationship between suffering and love. Just as the
tulip blooms in the spring, but loses its bloom in summer
and must endure tremendous hardship in the fall and winter
in order to bloom again, so love is at first nothing but
color and joy, but eventually becomes difficult and hard.
But without these hardships, love just isn't love.
(TXT) The Tulip Grows
Version 1.1, 0E May 1201
As Rain and Field
Donald P. Goodman III
Another sonnet; but in a bit of change of pace, a
love poem. We contemplate a few of the many
analogies that poets have used for the lover pursuing his
beloved—the thirsty seeking water, the bee seeking
flowers, the plant seeking light—and observe that our
love for our beloved is of a very different, and much
more mutual, kind. It's also pretty unique in that it
uses only three rhymes in 12 (decimal fourteen)
lines, hopefully helping to give the lie to the notion
that rhyming poetry somehow “doesn't work” in English.
(TXT) As Rain and Field
Version 1.0, 08 May 1201
The Woman in the Meadow
Donald P. Goodman III
A longer poem (though still short, only 24 (that's
twenty-eight) lines), this piece is written in anapestic
heptameter, while nearly all my metered work is simple
iambic pentameter. A meditation on the limits of earthly
justice and deep in symbolism, I hope that the reader
will find it enlightening, or at least enjoyable.
(TXT) The Woman in the Meadow
Version 1.0, 03 May 1201
The Cave
Donald P. Goodman III
This little sonnet is essentially a meditation on Plato's
famous allegory of the cave. Another Petrarchan sonnet
(though modified in the sestet), like The Seed of Sorrow,
The Cave is particularly interesting for its use of
enjambment (informally called “run-on lines”), where the
meaning carries over multiple lines, especially in lines
3–5.
(TXT) The Cave
Version 1.0, 24 April 1201
The Seed of Sorrow
Donald P. Goodman III
The sonnet is an unfortunately much-neglected form these
days, and yet one of my favorites. Some of the best poetry
in the history of the modern English language has been
composed in this simple, unqua-two (fourteen) line format.
The Seed of Sorrow is Petrarchan in rhyme scheme, and
composed in the traditional iambic pentameter. Enjoy.
(TXT) The Seed of Sorrow
Version 1.0, 22 April 1201
The Red Disc
Donald P. Goodman III
Fans of (or at least readers of) Stephen Crane may remember
the imagery of the red disc of the sun in The Red Badge of
Courage. I've always found this to be a powerful image, but
sorely misused in that work. This poem describes a personal
journey (not my personal journey, merely that of some
person) where the red disc may still mean a wound, but not a
wound of some war between feuding factions; and which has
meaning far beyond such a small conflict.
(TXT) The Red Disc
Version 1.0, 17 April 1201
Thanatopsis: A Reply to William
Cullen Bryant
Donald P. Goodman III
William Cullen Bryant's classic poem Thanatopsis (“view of
death”) is still read in most American schools as an example
of early nineteenth-century American poetry, and it is a
fine example of that. Prior to Whitman, Bryant was likely
the most famous of American poets. However, Thanatopsis
provides what Christians would likely believe to be a very
simplistic and depressing view of death. This poem tries to
follow Bryant's lead while still giving a more enlightening
view of its topic.
(TXT) Thanatopsis: An Answer to William Cullen Bryant
Version 1.0, 10 April 1201