My entry for the World Poetry Day (March 21) Challenge — A poem by Adam Cartwright.
Summary: The choices a man makes in his youth may be called into question over time.
Rating K 221 words
To the One
In the verdant dawn of springtime
I think of you and wonder
If May is still your favorite month
And if you still remember
The time I brought you daisies
And you wore them in your hair.
In the shimmered haze of summer
I think of you and wonder
Where Life’s path has led you
And whether Love has found you
Do you have children at your knee?
And are their eyes as blue?
In the golden glow of autumn
I think of you and wonder
Which books you might be reading now
And how many you have written
Do you still take your tea with cream?
Have all your dreams come true?
In the purple shades of winter
I think of you and wonder
If time has slowed your lively step
And turned your hair to silver
Do you recall me fondly, dear?
Or think of me at all?
When I view my final sunset
I’ll think once more and ponder
The life I might have had
If you and I had never parted
My lofty goals so long achieved,
Were they worth the cost?
In the vastness of forever
I’ll have no cause to wonder
Endless sleep holds no regret
For things that might have been;
And if there is a Heaven
I won’t miss you anymore.
Adam Cartwright, 1885
Tags: Adam Cartwright, Angst
This was a very nice poem by Adam Cartwright. Done Just the Adam would write it. Thanks
Hello, Hope! Thanks for reading this one. Poetry is mostly overlooked, and I appreciate your comment. 🙂
Votre poème est une pure merveille. En français nous disons “amour courtois”, est ce possible de le traduire en anglais ?
Les mots sont si tendres, ils reflètent bien le romantisme d’Adam et des poètes qui, dans ses lectures lui ont donné cette inspiration.
Le poète est en vous et près de nous. Merci, pour moi, la plus belle lecture depuis que je passe un peux de temps sur ce site.
Your poem is a pure wonder. In French we say “amour courtois”, is it possible to translate it into English? The words are so tender, they reflect well the romanticism of Adam and the poets who, in his readings, gave him this inspiration. The poet is in you and near us. Thank you, for me, the most beautiful reading since I spend a little time on this site.
Monika, merci pour l’un des plus beaux compliments littéraires que j’ai jamais reçus. Je ne serai jamais un artiste, mais pour moi la poésie, c’est peindre avec des mots. Ce qui m’intéresse, c’est votre utilisation du terme « amour courtois » qui semble correspondre à ce poème particulier. Pour Adam, c’est un amour inassouvi et donc idéalisé, perfectionné dans la mémoire. Le titre fait référence à une expression anglaise « celui qui s’est échappé » – une personne souvent associée à l’amour jeune et le souvenir affectueux qui conduit à se demander « ce qui aurait pu être ». 🙂
Monika, thank you for one of the loveliest literary compliments I have ever received. I will never be an artist, but for me poetry is painting with words. Interesting to me, your use of the term “amour courtois” which seems to fit this particular poem. For Adam, this is an unfulfilled and therefore idealized love, perfected in memory. The title references an English expression “the one that got away” — a person often associated with young love and the fond remembrance that leads one to wonder “what might have been.” 🙂
En France, aussi en Europe et l’Angleterre cela parle d’amour pour des Dames que l’on n’épousera jamais. C’est parfois plus compliqué.
Etrangement, en France c’est, Adam De La Halle, dont il reste des écrits qui est en principe le premier à avoir écrit sur le thème de l’amour courtois.
C’est étrange n’est ce pas. Je me dit toujours qu’un ange veille sur nous Adam / Pernell.
In France, also in Europe and England it speaks of love for ladies that we will never marry. Sometimes it’s more complicated.
Strangely, in France it is Adam De La Halle, whose writings remain, who is in principle the first to have written on the theme of courtly love.
It’s strange isn’t it. I always tell myself that an angel is watching over us Adam / Pernell.
Je ne connaissais pas Adam de la Halle, mais le lien est intéressant. Notre Adam Cartwright avait certainement de la musique en lui ainsi que l’âme d’un poète.
I was not familiar with Adam de la Halle, but the connection is interesting. Our Adam Cartwright certainly had music in him as well as the soul of a poet. 🙂
“Courtly love” = “Amour courtois”
This is superb! Thanks for sharing your talent with us!
Thanks for the gift of your time, Hart. 🙂
Love the form and flow and ‘most everything about it. Well done!
Thank you, Puchi. Very kind of you to leave a comment.
You and Adam should write more poetry together. That was a beautiful journey through time and asked some deep questions.
Thank you! I have to confess, I do enjoy collaborating with Adam. He makes me think. 🙂
JC, it’s beautiful. Very well writing. It’s very touching. (indiana)
I’m touched by your comments, indiana. Thank you. 🙂
Beautiful images, sad and poignant.
Thank you for the compliment, jojay. A poem is essentially a painting with words. I’m glad you could see my vision. 🙂
Sad and lovely. Well done!
Thank you, Betty.
Adam is a wonderful poet, a romantic at heart. Beautiful verses to show the depths of his heart.
On behalf of Adam, I thank you. 🙂
So beautiful and poignant. Truly shows the depth of his tender, gentle side. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Sue Ellen. You truly are a gracious lady. 🙂
Such a great poem! It evokes so many scenes and emotions. I can definitely see Adam pondering over all these questions.
I love getting in Adam’s head. 🙂 Thanks for leaving your thoughts, rmk!
The images in this poem are very vivid. The voice sounds as if Adam is reading it to me.
That’s because he IS reading to you, Chavel. 😉 Thanks for leaving a review!