‘Neath the Willow Tree
By Robert Hewett Sr.
I saw you sitting there, ‘neath the willow tree.
The still waters of the pond, like a mirror
in the sun, reflecting back in time
to happier days in your mind.
A book of poems was in your hands,
but your mind was in distant lands,
searching for words to ease your pain.
An image of a happy moment long ago
brings a smile and a twinkle in your eye.
Looking into the mirror in the pond
reflecting back in time to a younger day,
when love bloomed with flowers in the sun,
brought to life by the mirror in the pond.
If I could write words like the ones in your book
I would fill your heart with love and joy.
Songs of love never lost, new each day, and
there for you even at that distant sunset.
Reflections in the mirror in the pond
forming images of happier days and times.
If my words could make you turn each page,
with thoughts of love and contented ways,
I would be blessed and you know the rest.
Read, fair lady, and let your mind float.
In those pages never lost in time
find the words that fill your lonely mind.
with dreams of times gone by.
______________
From the editor--It is my pleasure to announce that Robert Hewett Sr. is April’s Poet of the Month. An award winning writer and book reviewer, his talent is evident. He has actively promoted Whispers, bringing new writers to our community. Robert collaborates with others in seamless poems that have been featured at Whispers. He has been encouraging to me and others, offering suggestions to make our online journal better. Robert deserves this honor!
______________
Thoughts on “‘Neath the Willow Tree”--I asked Robert to submit a poem, and I was immediately drawn to the relaxing style. The imagery blossoms, allowing the reader to experience what he is conveying. The emotion and longing to take away another’s pain is heartfelt and honest. This poem was awarded 2nd place in a North Carolina statewide contest--others’ have discovered it’s merit.
______________
Congratulations and thank you Robert! I appreciate all you do and have done for Whispers.
Sincerely,
Karen O’Leary, Editor
Karen, I am very honored to be named Poet of the Month on Whispers. Thank you for your wonderful work on this site and for recognizing those poets who contribute in a helpful way. Robert
ReplyDeleteDear Robert,
DeleteCongratulations on all the wonderful comments you have been getting! Thank you for all you do for Whispers. It was a pleasure to honor you in this way.
Blessings,
Karen
I am awed by the response, thank you again for honoring me and my work on Whispers, a truly wonderful place for writers to gather. Bob
DeleteCongrats, Robert! The honor is well-deserved! Karen's selection of this outstanding poem is amazing! This poem speaks volumes, not only of the one highlighted and defined, but it spills forth your own depth and empathy and if that is the wrong word choice then compassion and spiritual love come to mind. The imagery is incredibly clear and the poem in its entirety fill me up. So much so that perhaps I am gurgling over like a tea pot because my sense are stirred! Thank you Bob for being the wonderful and stellar person you are and thank you Karen for the wisdom in this selection! A wonderful, wonderful poem, Bob, it just may be one of the very best I have read of your work thus far. I am so proud to know you and to call you friend! Sheri
ReplyDeleteYou overwhelm me Sheri, but I love your accolades and your compassion and fervor for the poetic effort. That is one of the best, maybe the best, comment I have ever received. Thank you and Hugs for you my friend. Bob
ReplyDeleteRobert, congratulations on a well deserved honor. Karen sure knew what she was doing by choosing you. Every time I visit Whispers I am impressed with your many contributions.
ReplyDeleteNow as for your poem. It is not only a winner in the North Carolina state wide contest , but also a winner in my book of favorites. I am a romanticist at heart and this poem fills the bill. How gentle and lovely the words. It is such a very well written poem that I truly enjoyed reading. Thank you for sharing your talent not only for writing poetry but also caring enough to write such thoughtful comments on others poems and etc.
Charlene
Thank you Charlene, it gives me great pleasure to know that someone of your talent enjoys one of my poems. I love your heartfelt review comments. Bob
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Robert! Reading your poetry and imagining myself as the one "sitting 'neath the willow tree ... reflecting back in time ..." I could feel great comfort in your words which is full of love and care.
ReplyDeleteAsni,
A Walk In Haiku
You have read my poem as it was intended to be read, thank you for this super nice review comment. Robert
DeleteCongratulations, Robert!
ReplyDeleteI think the beauty of your poem lies in its utmost simplicity. It's like your pen just flows effortlessly, painting these images that are deeply etched in our minds. I loved the sense of loneliness, longing and solitude that is brought out through your verse. Enjoyed the concluding verse the most. :) Well done!
You have analyzed my poem very well, it was written in response to a photograph a fellow poet sent me. In her eyes I saw a deepseated memory of some wrong that happened in the past. I wrote this poem for her and she acknowledged the hurt that still lingered in her soul. I never knew what the hurt was, but it showed in her eyes. Thanks for your wonderful review comment.
DeleteWonderful poem, Robert... congratulations... Terry
ReplyDeleteThanks Terry, I appreciate your reading and comment. Bob
DeleteThank you, Isha Wagner, for the following comment--
ReplyDeleteThis poem flows like cream. When the possibility of romance has vanished with increasing years, the heart still has its place, the memories of distant lands, distant loves, distant heartaches, stays fresh as today and perhaps with a gladness that it cannot be recaptured and yet with wistfulness and nostalgia. How well Robert describes this person reading poems, caressing their mind with reminders of love.
What a nice touch to a review comment. Thank you Isha for this very much appreciated response to my poem. Robert
DeleteThank you, Joe Maverick, for the following comment--
ReplyDeleteDear Karen, can you pass on my congratulations to Robert Hewett at being chosen as poet of the month.
Thank you Joe for your message of congratulations. Robert
DeleteIn all the years I have known you Robert, you never cease to amaze me, as a poet, friend, author of the many wonderful stories about your life. Yet here I sit this evening reading this beautiful poem and I am in awe, for your gifted words of poetry touch the spirit within the heart and soul. Congratulations on being poet of the month. I have read many of your poems over the years but this is indeed a favourite. A wonderful choice dear Karen, Take care always, Lee
ReplyDeleteLee, my friend, what a joy to read your wonderful comment. You are indeed a special friend over the years. Bob
DeleteCongratulations on being the 'Poet of the Month'. I enjoyed reading your piece of work. It was a pleasure to read it before I hit the sack.
ReplyDeleteThank you Archana, I hope it helped you to sleep peacefully the whole night through. Robert
DeleteDear Robert,
ReplyDeleteHow I've come to cherish your poetry. Congratulations on being selected "Poet of the Month." Your poem creates feelings of both joy and sadness. Often we look back on the past and wish we could relive moments of happiness in our youth. As you conveyed, these moments can be captured like slides on our brains and can easily be brought forward. Indeed, books can help us when we are "searching for words to ease "our" pain. I'm so happy you were selected poet of the month! Congrats again, Robert. Love and blessings for a happy Easter, Carolyn
Carolyn you are such a delight to interact with on Whispers. you are very talented with big heart. If you would like to do a collaborative poem sometime, let me know. Robert
DeleteRobert,
ReplyDeleteI must say they choose the right person
Congratulations! I love your sweet soft gentle love poem's I picture you as a Cary Grant he was a romantic. Mary
Mary
Mary, i admire your poetry as well, it flows like a determined stream sure of its course. I might have a sense of humor similar to Cary Grant, but other than that he was way out of my league (grin)
DeleteDear Robert, to see you honored as Poet of the month brings me much joy. Congratulations to you and to you Karen, for recognizing his wonderful talent. As l read through this talented piece l found it revealed what a tender poetic soul you posess. You are always so kind and generous in replying to others and l can't think of a finer person to receive this award. I was deeply touched by the depth and understanding in this work of art! Blessings my friend, Connie
ReplyDeleteThis is a very touching review comment and I am very grateful for it. Thank you Connine for your most generous and kind words. Robert
DeleteHello Robert - what a delight to see you chosen for the 'April Poet of the Month' on 'Whispers...'. Your poetry is so soothing to the mind - giving a great visual and after thoughts for one to linger on later in the day. I know when I see your name upon the page, it is always a pleasure to stop a moment and read you. Congratulations dear poet - looking forward to reading more of you in the future...
ReplyDeleteRhoda Galgiani
Wow Rhoda, what nice review comment you have left for me. Thank you very much for seeing my poem as I intended for it to be read. Have a great Easter.
DeleteRobert
Thank you, Jack Horne, for the following comment--
ReplyDeleteplease give Robert Hewett my congrats.
Thanks Jack for your congratulatory message. Robert
DeleteThank you, Beth Winchcombe, for the following comment--
ReplyDeleteA reflective piece of poetry, in more ways than just the written word. The calming influence on the reader is infectious.
Beth Winchcombe.
Thank you Beth for this very nice and thoughtful comment. Robert
DeleteHi Robert. I want to say congratulations on being named the "Poet of the Month" for April. You are very deserving. Your work speaks for itself, just like your poem featured here. I can often draw reference to my childhood when I read your poetry. I am blessed whenever I read and meditate upon your work. Continued blessings, my friend!
ReplyDelete-Maurice J. Reynolds, Owner / Editor
TGBTG! Publications / Creative Inspirations
www.tgbtgpublictions.com
I do enjoy reading your comments on my poetry and reading your work as well.
DeleteThank you for stopping by to congratulate me. Robert
Firstly congratulations Robert for becoming poet of the month you richly deserve it and secondly how did this poem only achieve second place, the winner must have been more than awesome because this poem is beautifully written not only does the character lose herself in the poem but so does the reader I enjoyed reading every line
ReplyDeleteOnce again congratulations and well done
Write On You Write so well
God Bless
George
Thanks George for this wonderful comment on my poem and on my selection as poet of the month. I really appreciate your comment. Robert
ReplyDelete