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Minstrels and Bards

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ the minstrel tells stories singing ballad after ballad still he starves to death on keys and tones the bard tells tale after epic tale still he lies alone in an unmarked grave the stars above shine brightly above still indifferent to the origin stories

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Sotto Poet

Date: 4/30/2024 5:13:00 PM

Your great writing stresses how tough it is to make a living as an artist, when your heart and soul may not be enough to guarantee your success, dear Sara. In my opinion, the stark contrast between the exciting plot points and the tragic consequences of loneliness and malnutrition served to highlight the harsh truth that several artists have endured throughout time.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/30/2024 5:45:00 PM

I appreciate your insights into the creative life--one riddled with contrasts. My brother was one such enduring soul. He was musically creative, intelligent, and gifted. But the world 'wasn't meant for someone as beautiful as him and his soul.' He never felt validated or worthy and died poor in spirit. Don't know why I'm sharing that?? Anyway thanks for your visit and comments...have a wonderful evening, your poetess friend in Texas, Sara

Paige Hind

Date: 4/30/2024 10:30:00 AM

Such a shame... glad you wrote about it, our poets' early beginnings

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/30/2024 5:43:00 PM

I share your twinges of sadness...thanks for visiting & enjoy your evening, hugs, Sara

Silent One

Date: 4/30/2024 9:01:00 AM

Hey Sara, I felt the contrast between the vibrant storytelling and the bleak outcomes—starvation and loneliness—serves to highlight the harsh reality faced by many artists throughout history. It speaks to the inherent challenges of pursuing a creative path, where passion and talent do not always guarantee recognition or sustenance.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/30/2024 5:42:00 PM

grateful for your insightful comments about my poem. You grasped my message...the creative life is indeed a life of contrasts. We have to accept that reality. Wishing you a pleasant evening, Sara

Tom Cunningham

Date: 4/30/2024 12:28:00 AM

They brought so much pleasure to people in days gone by travelling from town to town. Tom

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/30/2024 4:53:00 AM

Yes, they did. People have always needed stories, entertainment, etc. And to think each of us in our own way are a part of that legacy. Have a pleasant day, Sara

Karen Jones

Date: 4/29/2024 9:57:00 PM

Like Mystic Rose Rose I believe through art we cheat death and live on in the spirit of our works! Great thoughts evokes by this poem!

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/30/2024 4:52:00 AM

wonderful comment, Karen...'cheating death' is a unique way to view our poetic works. You made my day. Have a splendid one! hugs, Sara

Shadow Hamilton

Date: 4/29/2024 8:36:00 PM

I think that every time a song tale or poem is read or recited that they live on through their work. take Coleridge. Walter de la Mare or Burns of which still lives every time we read or quote their words Well done Sara hugs Shadow

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/30/2024 4:51:00 AM

insightful comments, Shadow. Their words are alive as are their legacies. Isn't it great that each of us poets in our own way do the same thing? What a privilege. Have a great day, hugs, Sara

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 4/29/2024 8:35:00 PM

Singing and storytelling, both occurred from start of time. I like how this poem lands those who have given these to our culture.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/30/2024 4:50:00 AM

thank you for your visit and for your insightful comments, Hilda. Both activities carry culture forward while leading the past into the future. Well said. Enjoy your day, hugs, Sara

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 4/29/2024 6:28:00 PM

Still every time we read his stories and listen to his poems, he comes to life again I'm sure, nicely penned Sara have a wonderful evening

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/30/2024 4:49:00 AM

I agree...he was iconic, brilliant, and way ahead of his time. thanks for stopping by, dear Rose. Have a great day, hugs, Sara