SAIL ON TO DISCOVERY

This is a poem that my mom wrote in 1972, when I was a senior in high school. Mom never graduated from high school, her mother made her drop out and go to work. But Mom was self-educated. This is a Shakespearean sonnet, a very difficult and technical poetry form.

The reason I include this here is to illustrate her dementia. When I graduated from college three weeks ago, we all went out for dinner. Mom could quote this poem verbatim. But, she couldn't remember that we had just gone to my graduation, or that she lives in Largo, FL or even how old she is. So much of her day-to-day stuff is gone, but she can remember these beautiful words that she wrote.

In all, Mom has written nearly 100 poems and many stories, as well. I am in the process of editing and publishing that work for her. I'll include ordering information when it is ready. In the mean time, here is a sample of her poetry.


SAIL ON TO DISCOVERY,
A SONNET

When I despair of all I cannot be,

Since limits set by time and space and man,

Compels me take each passing day to see,

Beyond the dark to life's more noble plan.

Aside from pain and struggling that began,

Would I but in perfection strive to be;

The tuning fork whereon harmonies stand;

As music flows, the ebbing of the sea.

Resound upon my searching mind and heart!

Awaken then , my soul, to rise and rove

from toilsome chores and never-ending strife,

Becoming yet, an integrated part,

Of vessel held, not in the sheltered cove

But one that sails the rugged sea of life!

© By Margaret Reynolds Trapp
August 7, 1972