Grandpa Pete

in a Ronsardian Ode

Grandpa Pete looked to sky and wondered when
the rain would come.
For years, he fought this dusty regimen
as mission's drum
kept driving him to work the arid field.
In fervent prayer, to God he appealed
for some relief
in his belief
the land could bring a worthy yield.

Last year, he finally gave up his stance
and passed away,
concluding perennial spirit dance
he had each day
with dilapidated barn, its roof caved in.
The rotting walls remain through thick and thin
for all to see
in memory
of Grandpa and his steadfast grin.

Notes ▶︎

1. The Ronsardian Ode is a nine line stanza form created by the French poet Pierre de Ronsard (1524-1585) containing a specific pattern of rhyme and line structure, as described and demonstrated in the following links:

https://www.poetrymagnumopus.com/topic/695-ronsardian-ode/

https://randomwriterlythoughts.blogspot.com/2010/09/?m=0

https://poetscollective.org/poetryforms/ronsarian-ode/

This poem contains two stanzas = 18 lines.

2. Written for the "Invalid Item"  contest, using the prompt: Write a poem about the following image: An old, dilapidated barn with a caved-in roof and rotting walls. 16 - 24 lines.

3. Additional inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOp_EW-Mirs .

4.

Prompt: Find a form of poetry you've never written before and both describe it and write an example.

Written for "The Whatever Contest." "The Whatever Contest -- Closed for Now" 

Word/Line Count: 18 lines