Do you remember when we spoke of swans?
The seasons pass so quickly,
While age passes by so slow,
It seems like only yesterday -
That I was there.
I can still see the colours
Of the sunshine on the lake,
I can still see the white cob,
As he rose into the air.
'Do you remember when we spoke of swans?'
(Now I'm talking to myself,
That's a sure and certain sign of getting old)
I told you that they loved just once,
And when their partner died,
They were destined to live on the lake alone.
You thought that was so very sad,
And I, at the time agreed,
Not knowing all those years ago -
I was talking about me.
**********
Rainbow
It appeared as if by magic
a carousel of light
stretching across a sky
that threatened rain.
A mirage of colours
rising from the west
then settling on a field
just near my home.
What did the ancient people think
when it first appeared
a prelude of a message
from the Gods?
A rainbow bridge
that led them to another world beyond?
an omen from a loved one
that had gone?
In my day I believed that's where leprechauns
hid their pots of gold
on the very spot where it came to land.
But although I rushed
and searched the field
it always seemed to be the next
until it just grew tired of my silly game -
slowly faded and was gone.
© John Anthony Fingleton (Löst Viking)
Review:
John Anthony Fingleton's poem, "Do you remember when we spoke of swans?" resonates deeply with themes of time passing, loneliness, and reflection on life's fleeting moments. The imagery of swans, symbolizing love and loss, is poignant and evokes a sense of melancholy. The contrast between the swift passage of seasons and the slow march of age beautifully captures the bittersweet essence of growing older.
The poem's structure, with its conversational tone and introspective musings, invites readers to contemplate their own experiences of love, loss and the passage of time. The vivid description of the sunshine on the lake and the image of the solitary swan rising into the air creates a vivid scene that stays with the reader long after reading.
In conclusion, "Do you remember when we spoke of swans?" is a heartfelt reflection on the inevitability of change and the enduring power of memories. It touches on universal emotions with a gentle yet profound voice, making it a compelling piece that speaks to the human condition.
"Rainbow" by John Anthony Fingleton, complements "Do you remember when we spoke of swans?" with its contemplative tone and exploration of natural wonder. The poem vividly describes the appearance of a rainbow, likening it to a "carousel of light" amidst threatening rain. This imagery immediately draws the reader into a scene where the mundane meets the magical.
Similar to the first poem, "Rainbow" contemplates the perceptions of ancient peoples and personal childhood beliefs. It suggests that rainbows might have been seen as mystical bridges or omens, connecting the ordinary world with something transcendent or spiritual. The mention of leprechauns and pots of gold adds a touch of whimsy, contrasting with the deeper reflections on human curiosity and the fleeting nature of wonder.
Both poems share a common thread of nostalgia and introspection, reflecting on how perceptions evolve with age and experience. While "Do you remember when we spoke of swans?" focuses on the passage of time and solitude, "Rainbow" explores the intersection of reality and imagination, suggesting that even as we grow older, elements of magic and wonder continue to shape our perceptions of the world.
Together, these poems invite readers to reflect on the intersection of memory, nature, and human imagination, offering a poignant glimpse into the complexities of the human experience across different stages of life.
Reviewed by: Concetta Pipia ILA Magazine Contributing Editor/Reviewer
*** John Anthony Fingleton Bio:
John Anthony Fingleton was born in Cork City, Republic of Ireland, and has lived in various countries including the UK, France, Mexico, and has completed six tours in different African states with the French Armed Forces. Currently residing in Paraguay, Latin America, Fingleton's poetry has been published in journals and anthologies across Ireland, the UK, USA, India, and France. His work has been featured on Irish and American radio, as well as in Spanish on Latin American broadcasts. He has contributed to several books of poetry for children and had his poems included in numerous national and international journals, blogs, reviews, and anthologies.
Fingleton's accolades include being named Poet of the Year (2016) by Destiny Poets International Community, Poet of the Month (March 2019) by Our Poetry Archive, and Poet of the Month (April 2019) by The League of Poets. He was also recognized as Author of the Month by Spillwords in December 2020 and was nominated for Author of the Year by Spillwords in 2020. His poems have been selected for anthologies in India, South America, the UK, and the USA, some translated into local languages.
Additionally, Fingleton's words from two Viking poems were arranged and recorded by the group Valkrym in May 2024. He is the author of several anthologies, including 'Poems from the Shadowlands' (November 2017), 'Words That Found Me' (December 2019), 'Poems From The Banks' (January 2020), 'Poems from a Restricted Place' (April 2020), 'Secret Fjords' (May 2020), 'A Gathering Of Words' (June 2020), 'Lost Places Other Poems' (January 2021), and 'Late Snows and other Facebook Poems' (October 2022).
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