Get Your Premium Membership

The Stars and Beyond

Poet's Notes
(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Sandra Haight.


~4th Place~
Premiere Contest: Musings On Space
Sponsor: Unseeking Seeker
Judged: 01/17/2021

~4th Place~
Premiere Contest: The Cosmos
Judged: 12/14/2017
Sponsor: Thivia Shetle

~10th Place~
Premiere Contest: The Poet's Heart
Sponsor: Gregory Barden
Judged: 07/15/2017

~1st Place~
Contest: Star People
Sponsor: Anthony Slausen
Judged: 12/27/2015



Sestina: A highly structured form of poetry consisting of six six-line stanzas and ending with a three-line half-stanza (thirty-nine lines). The end words of the first stanza are repeated in strict order as the end words in the other stanzas.

The concluding half-stanza uses the same six words; 1,3 and 5 in the centers of each line, and 2, 4, and 6, at the ends.


 

As we speculate the clear evening sky Iridescent with gems, which we call stars, Alive in our hearts stir the endless dream To unwind and solve the puzzles of Earth- The unfathomed vastness of cosmic space. Since time began, this has been our great wish. Because of this strong and enduring wish Our minds are forever drawn to the sky, Where in the blankness of great timeless space Drift all the planets, our Sun, Moon, and stars. And amidst it all, our minuscule Earth- Seems lost in this cloudy, galactic dream. But humans will always anxiously dream Of someday achieving this inborn wish; Discovering answers about the Earth; Exploring the unknown realms of the sky To find our way among planets and stars, Erasing boundaries of time and space. What truths does it hold, this infinite space? Will answers always be- vague as a dream? Do other planets with suns as our stars Have beings like earthlings who hope and wish? Do they gaze at their vast eternal sky; Know of our galaxy, Sun, Moon, and Earth? Though we're secure on this great mammoth Earth, When we contemplate the vastness of space, We know we are only dust in the sky And our importance dissolves like a dream, For matter not how we wonder and wish We are naught amid the planets and stars. Gems on black velvet, our heaven of stars; So close they all seem to mortals of Earth; So often we stare at them- make a wish- Yet billions of light-years measure the space In between. When will we wake from our dream? Solve all the puzzles that darken our sky? Twinkle on, great sky, with your rhinestone stars- Continue, sweet dream, for beings of Earth! Eternal as space, is our hope and wish! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright © | Year Posted 2015




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

12
Date: 12/6/2023 6:40:00 AM
This form takes a while to write and it is a wonderful choice for the contest.. Congratulations on having your poem showcased..
Login to Reply
Haight Avatar
Sandra Haight
Date: 12/7/2023 5:14:00 PM
Thank you again, Silent One! I loved working on it- a real challenge. I appreciate being on your winner's list. Sandra
Date: 1/17/2021 8:26:00 AM
Our minds are forever drawn to the sky - amazing Sandra. Congratulations on the win! Linda
Login to Reply
Date: 1/17/2021 4:39:00 AM
Thank you for participating in the contest. Congratulations on your placement!
Login to Reply
Date: 5/15/2020 8:52:00 PM
Lovely imagery, Sandra. Well penned.
Login to Reply
Date: 5/8/2020 4:25:00 PM
Wow Sandra, this magnificent sestina is so impressive! Congratulations on all your wins that are so deserving. I am so happy to be led here from your latest contest poem. It takes great talent to write in this form and you have that in spades my dear! A Fave! xxoo
Login to Reply
Date: 6/7/2019 9:10:00 AM
Lovely Sandra-- congrats on your win.
Login to Reply
Haight Avatar
Sandra Haight
Date: 6/11/2019 3:51:00 PM
Thank you so much, L.J.! Sandra
Date: 6/5/2019 1:12:00 PM
Congrats on your win, Sandra. Beautifully crafted.
Login to Reply
Haight Avatar
Sandra Haight
Date: 6/11/2019 3:51:00 PM
Thank you so much, Line. I appreciate your visit, congrats, and positive comment. Hugs, Sandra
Date: 10/13/2017 8:48:00 AM
Congrats on your win, Sandra. I don't think I've ever seen a Sestina - what an intricate pattern! Beautifully done!
Login to Reply
Haight Avatar
Sandra Haight
Date: 10/13/2017 3:47:00 PM
Thank you, Agnes. Yes, it follows a strict pattern using iambic pentameter. I am pleased that you enjoyed it. Hugs, Sandra
Date: 10/13/2017 5:23:00 AM
Gorgeous write, Sandra, and full of lovely phrasing - love this! Congrats! :-) <3
Login to Reply
Haight Avatar
Sandra Haight
Date: 10/13/2017 3:47:00 PM
Thank you so much, Gregory, for the nice comment and congratulations. Sandra
Date: 10/12/2017 10:01:00 PM
Congratulations, Sandra on your fine win.
Login to Reply
Haight Avatar
Sandra Haight
Date: 10/13/2017 3:48:00 PM
Thank you very much, Subimal! Sandra
Date: 10/12/2017 9:46:00 PM
What a wonderful Sestina you have penned. Thank you for entering it in my contest and congrats on your placement!
Login to Reply
Haight Avatar
Sandra Haight
Date: 10/13/2017 3:49:00 PM
Thank you very much, Thvia, for your congratulations on supportive comment. Sandra
Date: 7/15/2017 3:38:00 PM
Well done Sandra, I always marvel at your skill, this is a classic write for the ages. Congrats on another win!
Login to Reply
Date: 7/15/2017 7:18:00 AM
There were SO many that I wanted to include in the top ten, but I HAD to go with this one, as it's such a dear subject matter to me, and was so wonderfully-crafted! You are such a talented writer, Sandra, and give such sublime honor to the Universe here. Something dear to me, but also requiring deft writing and phrasing as you have very well displayed. Congrats on TENTH PLACE, and thank you for entering my contest! :-)
Login to Reply
Date: 5/6/2016 11:12:00 AM
A great congratulation my lovely friend, bl
Login to Reply
Date: 5/5/2016 6:21:00 AM
An intricate weave... well done! The universe!!! Where our imaginations have no limits... Congratulatios on your win!!
Login to Reply
Date: 5/4/2016 9:12:00 PM
Sandra, you bring science and poetry in a vivid blend. A fascinating subject that has been on my mind as of late, and a very well done structure, this poem is a great example of your talent and I am pleased you have picked it as your pride and joy for my contest. Thanks for writing, you're out of this world :)
Login to Reply
Haight Avatar
Sandra Haight
Date: 5/4/2016 9:39:00 PM
Dear Casarah, thank you so much for your uplifting and supportive comment about my poem, and for the honor of the fine placement on your winner's list. I appreciate it so much! Thank you again. Hugs, Sandra
Date: 2/2/2016 12:25:00 PM
A well deserved first place finish! Peace and blessings to you and yours.
Login to Reply
Haight Avatar
Sandra Haight
Date: 2/3/2016 1:14:00 PM
Thank you so much, Steven. So nice of your to visit my poem and leave your uplifting comment, peace and blessing. Back to you likewise! Sandra
Date: 12/29/2015 8:21:00 PM
Swinging back to say - Congratulations, my friend for your top of the podium great win! Pandita
Login to Reply
Haight Avatar
Sandra Haight
Date: 2/3/2016 1:11:00 PM
Thank you so much, Pandita. So nice of you to visit with your uplifting comment. Much appreciated. Hugs, Sandra
Date: 12/28/2015 11:12:00 PM
well done. LINDA
Login to Reply
Haight Avatar
Sandra Haight
Date: 12/29/2015 5:22:00 PM
Thank you so much, Linda. I appreciate your visits and supportive comments. Hugs, Sandra
Date: 12/28/2015 10:27:00 PM
Congrats on your Star People poem win
Login to Reply
Haight Avatar
Sandra Haight
Date: 12/29/2015 5:22:00 PM
Hi Skat, thank you for your visit and congrats. It is much appreciated. Hugs, Sandra
Date: 12/28/2015 1:04:00 AM
Awesome poetry Sandra.. congrats on a much deserved first place win!
Login to Reply
Date: 12/27/2015 11:41:00 PM
A stunning poem. Wonderful connectivity throughout, not just because of the form but also the thoughts expressed. The fifth stanza really appeals to me. Congrats on a very well deserved first place win!
Login to Reply
Date: 12/27/2015 5:18:00 PM
Excellent Sestina! What talent and show of poetic skills! I love your work, Sandra! Congratulations on a top of the chart great win! Pandita
Login to Reply
Date: 12/27/2015 4:09:00 PM
Many congrats on your win Sandra I love the complicated form you chose with its repeated words:-) I am learning more and more every day:-) hugs Jan xx
Login to Reply
Haight Avatar
Sandra Haight
Date: 12/27/2015 4:45:00 PM
Thank you, Jan. I have only written two Sestinas. They are difficult but a worthy challenge. Thank you for your nice comment and congrats. Hugs, Sandra
Date: 12/27/2015 2:32:00 PM
CONGRATULATION on your #1 win!
Login to Reply
Haight Avatar
Sandra Haight
Date: 12/27/2015 4:07:00 PM
Thank you, Susan! Much appreciated. Hugs, Sandra
12

Book: Reflection on the Important Things