Dinner Party

[Hawkman]

Gathering to wine and dine
The glitterati, sparkling,
Shine their beaming smiles across the table.

What matter that the conversation’s
Brittle words are dancing
Like reflections from a crystal chandelier.

Good cheer, unforced, is warming
To the ageing soul, and youth
Blooming in a smile, delights tired eyes.

In transatlantic accents,
Arizona blends with New York State
And from Sheffield, an English rose,

Whose discourse is both free
And indirect, adds a touch
Of the old-fashioned to the modern,

Along with those whose greying locks
Cap more seasoned faces;
Grained like oak—too many winters seen,

Recording this as one more
Joy, another party where they’ve
Been and mingled, shared, explored.

All too brief, this evening.
The company disbands and guests
Depart, trailing wisps of memory

With breath a mist in air,
Chilled by rain and winter.
Now there are no stars—only the night.

[AuntShecky]

Glad to hear you've had a chance to get out of the house.

[Hawkman]

Oh, that was last year :D Thanks for reading Auntie.

Live and be well - H

[DieterM]

Very thouroughly enjoyed, dear Hawkie! I especially loved the expression "glitterati".
There are just some minor comma errors (see below), and I only mention them so as to express at least one quibble ;-) A very vidid poem indeed. Have I said I liked it? Well, I say it again. Very much so!

"Gathering to wine and dine
The glitterati, sparkling,
Shine their beaming smiles across the table.

What matter that the conversation’s
Brittle words are dancing
Like reflections from a crystal chandelier.

Good cheer, unforced, is warming
To the ageing soul, and youth,
Blooming in a smile, delights tired eyes.

In transatlantic accents,
Arizona blends with New York State,
And from Sheffield, an English rose,

Whose discourse is both free
And indirect, adds a touch
Of the old-fashioned to the modern,

Along with those whose greying locks
Cap more seasoned faces;
Grained like oak—too many winters seen,

Recording this as one more
Joy, another party where they’ve
Been and mingled, shared, explored.

All too brief, this evening.
The company disbands, and guests
Depart, trailing wisps of memory

With breath a mist in air,
Chilled by rain and winter.
Now there are no stars—only the night."

[108 fountains]

I really enjoyed everything in this poem. It knits together a story, a mood, and personalities in a way that is both powerful and subtle. I liked the unusual subject, the imagery, the rhythm, the mood, the way each stanza built on the preceding one, and the intense and somehow dsiturbing ending.

[Hawkman]

Hi Dieter and thanks for reading. As far as I can see you've only added one comma, and though it fits in well enough, I'm not sure that it's actually essential :D Still, I'm very glad you enjoyed the poem. It's been rather a while since I wrote anything which wasn't an academic essay and if I hadn't squeezed out at least one piece I think I'd have burst.

108f: Thanks to you too. Delighted to have pleased you.

Live and be well - H

[Snowqueen]

Hi Hawk, read your poem and enjoyed it a lot as I always do. I didn't find it depressing to be honest. Just be careful with the use of commas next time!
I hope everything is getting back to normal at your end.

[Longbottom]

What a wonderful piece! "Brittle words" is a superb way of describing exchanges at a party like this. I look forward to reading more!

[Haunted]

Good to see you back Hawk, this time bringing us a delightful dinner party. It's wonderfully depicted, the guests and the warmth of the evening. "Glitterati" adds even more character :cornut:

[Hawkman]

Hi Snowy, and thanks for gracing this poem with the feather-light touch of your eye :D It is immensly satisfying to be the source of your enjoyment and not to have depressed you ;) As for normality - a change is as good as a rest as they say! Thanks again for reading and being so gracious as to let me know that you have.

Longbottom: Thank you too for stopping by and enjoying this one. Not sure when I'll be posting the next but feel free to peruse my back catalogue :D

Milady Haunted: Good to see you flitting through. Thanks for reading and appreciating; a complementary word from from you always gives me a lift ;) May your garden always be bathed in sunshine :)

Live and be well - H

[prendrelemick]

Just to echo what has been said, I like the flow between the verses. "Glitterati" and" Brittle" soften into genuine warmth as the evening passes. That'll be the wine!

[Hawkman]

Yes, A metaphor for life in a dinner party - start fast then slow down until the lights go out :D Many thanks for reading pm and for your generous comments.

Live and be well - H