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LITERARY NOOK
D.R.E.A.M.S.: Two appropriated poems
The two following poems containing appropriations were intended for April National Poetry Month. Computer problems and CCLV library closures due to COVID-19 prevented me from reaching out last month.
The poems are a conscious homage to two very short poems by Richard Barnfield (1574-1627) and Austin Clarke (1896-1974). Both poems left me wanting to read more and know more about what was suggested.
I subsequently wrote more using them to make new poems. I start each line with the original line of the original poem then put a slash to indicate where my words continue the poem. You wind up reading three separate poems: the original, my poem line by line and the two together, which form a completely different poem. Lines 9 through 14 in Counting Sheep – A Shepherds Lament are my own. They make the poem a complete 14 line sonnet.
So there are six poems here. Count your blessings instead of sheep before sleep.
My Flocks Feed Not, 8 lines by Richard Barnfield (1574-1627)
Counting Sheep A Shepherd’s Lament, by Joey Connolly
My flocks feed not/A new ram in the field
My ewes breed not/The ram runs ewes ragged
My rams speed not/They have their old favorites
All is amiss/Chaos by the creek
Love is dying/No sheep dogs for a week
Faith’s defying/Her sister’s eyes met mine
Heart’s denying/More doe like than lamb
Cause of this/ An innocent kiss.
Yes I fell asleep counting my blessings
Am falling in love with you I’m confessing
I give your kisses and hugs a thumbs up
Out here in these pastures of plenty
You just turned eighteen and I twenty
I wake up and drink from your loving cup.
The Jest, 6 lines by Austin Clarke (1896-1974)
No Rest, by Joey Connolly
Half Spirit, the older/Me not spritely
I am, the bolder/Sleeping lightly
Yet add for jest/Needing more rest
That you may think/Into Morpheus sink
Not beat your breast/Initiate a fest
Invisible ink/Since my poems stink.
Joey ‘Pepe Batbon’ Connolly (Special to the Saipan Tribune)
Joey aka Pepe Batbon is a retired educator who taught in the CNMI, NOLA, and LVNV. He is a sonnet practitioner who enjoys stargazing.
