still fight
despite
a world of tears
still fight
invest in light
detach from fears
despite
human tends to fright
of looking into mirrors
still fight
soul’s blight
against vampyrs
despite
dearth of bright
heart bruised by cavalier
still fight
with grace-infused might
with faith in mercy’s seer
despite
still fight
I loosely modeled this after Henley’s poem, “Invictus.” Also Maya Angelou’s, “Still I Rise.”
Dora is today’s host of dVerse’ Poetics. Dora says:
The challenge: What I’d like you to do is write a poem on any theme that the “despite … still” dynamic evokes. As the above poems and art prove, the setting can be the holidays or any occasion, or a mood or fancy, your choice. Or you can choose to pull a Yeats and turn the “despite…still” dynamic on its head. Let the muse be your guide!
Tao Talk 
Li, This took my breath away, the call to fight against the forces of darkness rings clear, rings true, and sincere. Loved every word.
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Dora, thank you. It was written from the soul. Thank you again for the thought-provoking prompt and examples.
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You’re welcome, Li. Merry Christmas!
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I like the shape and rhyme scheme of your poem, Lisa, the repetition of ‘still fight’, and the lines:
‘invest in light
detach from fears’
and
‘dearth of bright
heart bruised by cavalier’.
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Thanks, Kim. It’s the first time I tried to write a villanelle this way. I saw Kerfe do it before and liked the results of hers.
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Yes… to resist and to fight. it is the importance of it all.
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We’ve got so much to lose
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I recognise this street poetry of yours…no sitting in an ivory tower for you, I see you there, in the middle of the front line, battle after battle. As I commented once, this form is a personal favourite of mine, and one of the reasons poetry is so important I feel. Lovely stuff
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Thank you for the lovely comment. Who is this?? (comes through as Someone)
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Takes my breath away, Li. Wow!
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Nolcha, thanks much.
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“with grace-infused might
with faith in mercy’s seer”
Of utmost importance.
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YES.
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Still fight, is the heart beating. Lisa your poem instils that fight against the darkness that is around us at the moment.
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Di, I’m glad that is your takeaway from the poem <3
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OMG. this is my favourite of the season
much❤️💚love
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Gillena I’m pleased as Christmas Punch <3
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A lovely prompt, Lisa 💚
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Yes, Dora outdid herself on this prompt. It has inspired some fantastic poems. Thank you, Robbie <3
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Your poem is wonderful. I will write but won’t post as I’m in Japan so responding to comments is difficult.
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Awesome on Japan! I watch a youtube channel of a Canadian guy who lives in Japan and travels around. You actually get to go there :)
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It was a fortunate opportunity
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Great messages of encouragement for hose struggling, Lisa. Thank you.
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Steve, everywhere I look people are struggling. If it can give them one watt of light, I’ll be happy.
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Unfortunately it seems the same everywhere. And similar to what you say, it’s a gift to be able to bring a little lightness into someone’s life.
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Steve.
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You’re welcome, Lisa.
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The fight for survival …an urgent message to the world.
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Truedessa, I agree <3
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The call to ‘never give up!’, Lisa. Poignant and personal. Love it!
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<3 glad you do. "One foot in front of the other." a Bjorn quote (I think.)
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Thats what we have to do all through life…always a fight.
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Rules of the jungle I guess :(
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Rules of life…yep…grab a helmet and good luck
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I love the message of strength and hope. As we move or fight through adversity or challenge, our light and the light we see outside grows if we let it.💛
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Well said Rosanna.
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So beautiful and profound Li. Well done my friend
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Thank you <3
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Most welcome dear friend
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Wonderful Lisa. Fighting with Light, calling darkness into question, does not require guns and bombs!
Great video as well.
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Dwight, thank you and you’re so right.
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You are welcome, Lisa.
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I could hear echoes of Dylan Thomas, as well . :-)
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:)
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Li, these words from your heart, went straight to my heart. Beautiful. ❤️
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So happy they did <3
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Stunning, Lisa!
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<3 thanks, Sara
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I like the animated image. 🤓
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:)
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