Home

+ 4TH POEMS: Thanks To George Sand For Events On And After July 10th, 1976

Great lady of Nohant, your mind, a forge,

changed base mettles to fictive artistry;

and, to your satisfaction, found a name

(or scholars might call it an appellation)

that your books raised to literary fame

(despite old prudes' cold words of degradation;

old prudes and haters---each one a life-botcher).

A month and two days more than a century

since you passed, you helped my identity

(too long battered by bullies' aggravation)

find shelter in the handle of Starwatcher,

which helped me on the path to Poetry.

I offer this poem's "Thank you" gratefully:

Great Lady of Nohant . . . Madame Sand . . . George.



Starward-Led

Author's Notes/Comments: 

The first and last lines of this sonnet have been in my mind since Autumn 1976, and my collegiate residence at 120 North Hall---through the corridors of which I was walking when the lines first entered my mind.


For some months, starting in early 1976, I had been reading, and re-reading, and ardently studying Curtis Cates' magnificent biography of George Sand.  She showed me that discontent with mundane identity could be escaped.  Although I disliked the waiting period, it was worth the trouble when, at dusk on Saturday, July 10, 1976, God allowed my First Beloved, BlueShift, to help me find my first handle, Starwatcher, which has evolved, at this late stage in my life, to Starward-Led.

View s74rw4rd-13d's Full Portfolio
  • Login to post comments
  • 91 reads

last updated 17 November 2025 - 2:56am
©5 April 2025 - 8:04pm — S74rw4rd-13d
14 April 2025 - 4:30am — patriciajj
patriciajj's picture

". . . your mind, a

". . . your mind, a forge,

changed base mettles to fictive artistry;”

 

I don't believe I've ever read such supreme poetic applause for any writer. Those coveted words are the highest praise, and for the best reason: The literary alchemist did more than brew works of gold. 

 

She transformed a life.

 

And what true “artistry” this real life story became in your voice: a blend of tangible emotion, poignant sincerity and evocative expression. She would have been proud to have read this and proud that she gave you a voice. And a name. 

 

I’m impressed by this unflinching, nonconformist, creative genius as well. It’s important to remember that no one remembers the names of her spineless contemporaries, but many, including one vital Poet, remembers her. 

 

Congratulations on this monumental sonnet! 

 
15 April 2025 - 12:21am — S74rw4rd-13d
S74rw4rd-13d's picture

I am overwhelmed by this

I am overwhelmed by this comment, and by your understanding of how much George Sand helped me that year, the centenary of her death at Nohant.  Your understanding, not only of the poem but also of my admittedly fractured soul.  I truly believe that you, as my friend, understand me better than I understand myself.  Only my high school mentor, and BlueShift, understood me as well.

Starward-Led [in Chrismation, Januarius]

15 April 2025 - 4:42am — patriciajj
patriciajj's picture

Thank you! It is an immense

Thank you! It is an immense blessing and a privilege to be so appreciated, and even more of a privilege to know you. May you be blessed as you've blessed others.