“Sotto Voce,” a poem by Russell MacClaren

September 2nd, 2016

 

 

 

SOTTO VOCE

 

Long ago

in quiet caverns,

summer breezes

wrought with song

brought secrets

of the forest–

shared earth songs

nurtured through

the ages,

passed along

from first life’s

ancient dreamings.

 

Now,

harvest moons

of molten gold

dip close to dust

the snow that shrouds

deep shadow mountains

and whisper down

to ancient caves

new questions–

that seek answers

hidden deep

and long ago…

 

 

_____

russ

 

Russell MacClaren grew up in New Orleans where he participated in every activity healthy young men can pursue. He majored in English literature at SLC in Hammond, Louisiana where his education was interrupted in his senior year by a tour of duty in Vietnam, where he served honorably in the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

After his tour, Russell returned to school, served as a Scoutmaster, baseball and soccer coach, then went on the road for years as a journeyman electrician, teaching in the electrical apprenticeship program at Wake Tech in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. Now retired, he has become a dedicated writer and poet, overseeing poetry workshops, reading on public television in North Carolina and working with several writer’s groups after his return to New Orleans.

His poetry has been published in numerous small presses and anthologies. His third personal volume of poetry, Hand in Hand—a book of love poetry, is about to be released, soon available through Amazon and Authorhouse books in black and white, color and e-book versions.

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18 comments on ““Sotto Voce,” a poem by Russell MacClaren”

  1. What beautiful poetry! It speaks to the soul. The image with it could not be more perfect for the poem. Thank you for sharing.

  2. What beautiful poetry! It speaks to the soul. The image with it could not be more perfect for the poem. Thank you for sharing.

  3. A poem which is not just words, it has the scents of the earth, the atmosphere of deep caverns, the majesty of mountains – and so much more. No, not just words, but, feelings, emotions brought thoughtfully to life, stirring the soul.

  4. A poem which is not just words, it has the scents of the earth, the atmosphere of deep caverns, the majesty of mountains – and so much more. No, not just words, but, feelings, emotions brought thoughtfully to life, stirring the soul.

  5. I didn’t expect the snow reference as was imagining summer breezes and molten gold of dusk. Enjoyable poem….

  6. I didn’t expect the snow reference as was imagining summer breezes and molten gold of dusk. Enjoyable poem….

  7. Thoughtful and romantic “look-back” to the origins of the music we love. Another introspective read from a very good poet…

  8. Thoughtful and romantic “look-back” to the origins of the music we love. Another introspective read from a very good poet…

  9. Such a beautiful poem. it really was composed from the heart. Check also his book hand in hand available in Amazon.com. you will be inlove with his masterpiece. 5stars to this lovely author

  10. Such a beautiful poem. it really was composed from the heart. Check also his book hand in hand available in Amazon.com. you will be inlove with his masterpiece. 5stars to this lovely author

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