this is part of a project for class where we had to use poetry from one of three poets and make our own found poetry after Robert strong came to speak in our class.

This was my attempt, based in about 3/4 Longfellow poems:

Be Not a Long Fellow

Half my life is gone.

I’ve stilled these restless passions,

These aspirations of my youth.

Sights and sounds of Past fall behind me,

As challenging Death thunders far ahead.

Onward through life I roam,

Toiling – Rejoicing – Sorrowing.

But I may accomplish yet.

Make not the grave Life’s goal,

Let not the soul slumber.

And in my hope, my youth returns,

With murmurs and whispers

Of a strange and beautiful song.

Shipwrecked soul, take heart!

Act in the living present.

Things are not what they seem.

They are real. They are earnest.

And our hearts are beating strong.