playing with a variation of pantoum, on gratitude found in favorite sounds
When I listen, I can hear
the sound of gratitude
in the rattle of summer’s last cicada, clinging
and crystal tones of children, singing
The sound of gratitude—
in the distance, church bells ringing
and crystal tones of children, singing
then at your voice, my heartstrings quiver
In the distance, church bells ringing
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
then at your voice, my heartstrings quiver
one last “I love you” before retiring
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
—when I listen, I can hear
one last “I love you” before retiring
in the rattle of summer’s last cicada, clinging.
*******
Cicadas are ancient symbols of renewal, rebirth, transformation, change, resurrection, immortality, spiritual realization. Socrates linked the cicada song with divine inspiration in religion, poetry, art, and love.
Thanks to Ruth at SOS: Magic in a Blog for the sounds of gratitude inspiration & to Susan Bruck for hosting Poetry Friday Roundup at Soul Blossom Living.
Photo: Listen. Artists Rick & Brenda Beerhorst. CC BY
lit bits and pieces 
Oh, wow! How beautiful! What a great idea, the sounds of gratitude–and then such a varied description in all the different lines. The repetition serves this poem well. I love those church bells and children’s crystal voices. Lovely.
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I struggled terribly with the form but it seemed to be the singular one called for in expressing gratitude in sounds, these sounds, that make my spirit sing with gladness for being alive. Thanks so much, Linda.
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Thank you for teaching me about cicadas! I have always been drawn to their raspy songs, but now I love them even more for all they represent!
Your poem is filled with such joy.
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That cicada rattle goes back to childhood summers spent at my grandparents’ country home – my heart swells with the sound, and my spirit soars … so glad to share that love, Mary Lee. Thank you!
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A lovely prayer of gratitude. Pantoum is a tough form to do well. You’ve woven in the sounds of one of my favorite hymns and favorite sounds, children singing. Year ago I taught in an Episcopal school. My favorite time of day was chapel, hearing the voices of children. The communication between poet and reader here was profound. Thanks.
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It was terribly hard to write, for its simplicity – but that echoing seemed to be the form for capturing and conveying gratitude on sound. Standing back from it (also hard for a writer to do), I recognize holiness as a sound – how the heart desires it.
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What a wonderful pantoum, Fran. The repetition feels like a prayer or a meditation. Perfect! Interesting mix of natural and human sounds–and I didn’t know that about cicadas!
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This is like a hug today, Fran. I’m glad you wrote & then told about cicadas. I didn’t know their meaning & love how you included them in your poem, a needed message for this time. Thank you!
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This is a wonderful poem. I love how you included Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring! It is one of my favorite pieces of music! I was a flutist (eons ago) and actually got to play the piece in church one Sunday. It was also played at my wedding! Thanks for a trip down memory lane. I still need to try this type of poetry! Thanks for the reminder!
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The sound of gratitude in a poetic form – what a beautiful idea and result.
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Such an inspiring poem–I love the repetition of lines in this poem (and this poetic form) and how they weave into a comforting blanket. One more thing for me to be grateful for. Thanks!
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This is so beautiful! That last stanza especially is incredible.
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Thanks so much, Julie – many poets might say a true pantoum would have the first line as the last line, but I saw many examples where lines were switched up. I really wanted this last line, so… poetic license.
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This is gorgeous, Fran. The cicadas always indicate an ending for me not only of summer but of having my husband (a teacher) home for the summer. I love their constant song in late summer but sort of dread it, too. 🙂 Beautiful poem!
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There are sounds of gratitude I will be listening for based on your poem of thanksgiving. There is so much poetic goodness here, Fran. You wove a beautiful pantoum that blends nature with religion and love. Well done.
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How poignant and lovely!
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Oh, Fran this is beautiful and so deeply moving. I’m always amazed by how profound repetition and a cycling refrain can be when wielded masterfully, as you’ve done here. The focus on the sounds of gratitude was a wonderful starting point. The use of gerunds at the ends of lines–that singing, clinging–was brilliant. Thank you for sharing this lovely, rich and beautifully crafted poem.
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Thank you, Molly – your response makes my heart sing today!
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wow. what a beautiful creation. seems so simple, but i imagine the thinking and crafting that went into it seeming so simple was actually quite complex. thanks for all of that!
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Thank you so much and that’s too true – simple isn’t always easy!
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