Behind the Veil (11/20/87)

William Goresko 1951 (Philadelphia, PA) – 2008 (Willow Grove, PA)



Like some great tree in the twilight
Of the year, I have been stripped of all
My finery, and left standing naked in
The cold of winter, ravaged by the elements,
Yet I shall endure to the end.

I am that tree, outwardly mute and
Inexpressive, perhaps nearly lifeless,
While within rises a passion that,
Freed, would fill the air with music
And set the night ablaze.

As what appears to be one thing
Is really another, so behind this
Veil is the strength to survive
The harsh forces of winter bringing
Forth new and vigorous life.

I stand proud, bending yet unbroken
By icy winds of long winter nights
Slowly gathering strength so when the air
Is warm and sweet I will burst forth
Showering the earth with joy.
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Submitted by cuwoodford on May 31, 2021

Modified on March 05, 2023

39 sec read
4

Quick analysis:

Scheme XXXXX XXXXX AXXAX XXXXX
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 688
Words 130
Stanzas 4
Stanza Lengths 5, 5, 5, 5

William Goresko

William Goresko was an avid landscape photographer, a lover of backpacking and the outdoors, a voracious reader of classical literature and ardent fan of classical music as well as 60s rock and folk music. He also loved cooking and watching Sixers basketball games. He was a floor sander by trade. In 1984 at age 32 he was rendered quadriplegic in a car accident and lived for 24 more years. He retained his love of life and had a strong will to live. All poems were written a few years after the accident, typed one letter at a time, using a sip and puff device. Poems were submitted by his wife Cheryl. more…

All William Goresko poems | William Goresko Books

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