Ode to a Summer Song

--A tribute to John Keats, a lyrical poet whose short-lived career inspired so many writers in the past, present, and future to dream.

O’ nightingale,
Dryad of the street,
My heart aches
When you sing
Your summer song.

How is it,
O’ nightingale of yore,
You sing with sweet content
While they weep
Behind the neon lights?

With full-throated ease,
You’ve sung your very heart—
Yet, today, I fear,
Will be my final song.

Fade, O’ immortal one,
You were not born for death.
Fade and forget the perversity—
The insanity
Meant for the hands of men.

I’ve served these streets,
O’ nightingale,
And fought the good fight.
But now, O’ winged angel of yore,
I pray for one
Final song

Before I wake--
Before I sleep.

View rob2586's Full Portfolio
deepblue's picture

it's always great to see

classically written poetry - I know I tend to work in a different style but I enjoyed this completely. Continue to utilize your gift to its potential, great work

rob2586's picture

Thanks for the kinds words! I

Thanks for the kinds words! I look forward to reading your work as well!

poet610's picture

O’ nightingale,

Great write, love the style, enjoyed it very much
keep penning
610