Summary: With such a well of inspiration from which to draw, one could imagine them putting pen to paper on occasion. Ben’s “Journey to the Sea” is an homage to his three wives; “Girl in the Moonlight” was composed by Adam.
Rating K+ (WC 290)
JOURNEY TO THE SEA
My love is a happy harbor
An Eden by the sea
With moorings deep and sturdy
She firmly anchors me
My love is a lighthouse beacon
To guide me in the storm
A lifeline to a sheltered port
Where I am safe and warm
My love is a rolling river
Disappearing ’round the bend
What lies beyond, a mystery
Whispered on the wind
My love is an endless ocean
Tempestuous and wild
Beneath the swell of crashing waves
I tremble like a child
Mercurial and fathomless
She holds me with her spell
Steals my breath with just one kiss
And drown I might as well
Then with a mother’s tenderness
She leads me to the shore
I see my future in her eyes
And I am home once more
Ben Cartwright , 1841
GIRL IN THE MOONLIGHT
There is a girl both young and fair
As sweet and lovely as can be
A rosebud on the brink of bloom
Wise in ways she cannot see
So brightly shines her tender light
It shames the stars from whence she came
Heaven’s gift, by Love and Grace
Where all the angels know her name
The moon falls softly on her face
And rings a halo ’round her hair
A moment, soon a memory
Would that I could keep her there
Her laughter is my soul’s delight
And at her smile my heart can break
Unknowingly, she passes by
Leaving stardust in her wake
Adam Cartwright, 1857
Tags: Adam Cartwright, Ben Cartwright
Nice poems. Thanks
Thanks for your time. 🙂
Beautiful poems! I can definitely see Ben and Adam in those words.
I’m glad you approve, Jojay. 🙂 Thanks for reading!
lovely poetry I can see them both keep journals, we know Ben did. I thinks it is some think they would write down. Not only do you write great stories, but you are also good at poetry
Thank you, Chris. You are always so kind to read and comment on my work. I appreciate you. 🙂
These are beautiful and visual, but there is more than that. Ben’s use of metaphor and Adam’s structure give one the genuine sense that these truly were written in the mid 19th century. They leave me wishing I were there with the poets themselves.
I tried to make them as authentic as possible, to reflect the influences these two men had on their lives. For Ben, it was definitely the sea, and for Adam, it was his love and knowledge of poetry itself. Adam’s poem first appeared in Ties That Bind, where the subject was a young lady for whom he had very tender feelings. 🙂 Thank you for the lovely compliment, Jan. The gift of your time and your comments are much appreciated!
Poetically, beautiful. I can imagine both having sat at a desk with a lamplight softly glowing, writing of the hearts.
BWF, that is precisely the image I had in my head. I’m glad you could see it too. 🙂
This is really lovely. I could see both of them writing poetry. Hoss and Joe … not so much! 🙂
Yes, pensive Adam, thoughtful Ben. They would certainly understand that poetry is more than just words that rhyme. Thanks for reading, Q. 🙂
Thank you, Belle. It’s nice to know there are people who appreciate poetry. I’m glad you enjoyed them. 🙂
Very nice! Yes, I can see both of them composing poetry — they have deep souls, those Cartwright men …
Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks so much for commenting, PSW. 🙂
Love these. Very descriptive.
I’m glad you enjoyed them, AHD. Thank you for taking time to read and comment. 🙂
What a wonderful concept. I agree that Ben and Adam would have entries like this in their journals. Beautifully written, JC.
Thank you for the lovely compliment, AC. 🙂
Lovely work, JC. I admire those who write beautiful poetry, and I really enjoyed these. Thanks for sharing them with us.