I found this poem on the Public Domain Poetry website. The poet’s name is George Robert Sims. This is the only poem listed for him. If you would like to read more about him, here is his info on Wikipedia.
I really love this poem. It tells a story. A love story. From courting to marriage to having a baby and finally to sitting on the front porch watching your grandchildren. The parcel has a mystery to it. Who knows what could have been in the parcel? Even the author admits in the poem that he didn’t know what was in the package. I think that the parcel represents their love through the years and they pass on that love for each other on to their grandchildren by telling stories.
I took this poem as is and just made a short video with Clipchamp to read the poem to you. I put those words into Microsoft CoPilot’s AI feature to add a bridge and chorus. I used ChatGPT to help convert the song into a song for the Midnight Relics and make it into more of a love song for 1980’s rock. I will have that video available to listen to on my Youtube channel on Friday, but the country version is available now. I used my Suno persona of Mr. Crazy Rummagesale Man for that song. I hope you like it.
By Parcels Post, A Domestic Idyll
By George Robert Sims
I sent my love a parcel In the days when we were young, Or e'er by care and trouble Our heart-strings had been wrung. By parcels post I sent it, What 'twas I do not know, In the days when we were courting, A long time ago.
The spring-time waxed to summer, Then autumn leaves grew red, And in the sweet September My love and I were wed. But though the Church had blessed us, My little wife looked glum; I'd posted her a parcel, And the parcel hadn't come.
Ah, many moons came after, And then there was a voice, A little voice whose music Would make our hearts rejoice. And, singing to her baby, My dear one oft would say, "I wonder, baby darling, Will that parcel come to-day?"
The gold had changed to silver Upon her matron brow; The years were eight-and-twenty Since we breathed our marriage vow, And our grandchildren were playing Hunt-the-slipper on the floor, When they saw the postman standing By our open cottage door.
Then they ran with joy to greet him, For they knew he'd come at last; They had heard me tell the story Very often in the past. He handed them a parcel, And they brought it in to show, 'Twas the parcel I had posted Eight-and-twenty years ago.
Two songs, one heartbreak split three ways. *“One Piece of MY Heart”* (sung by Jimmy Lee) and *“You Broke My Heart into Three”* (sung by Lorelei Dean) tell the same story from opposite sides—his and mine. Different voices. Different truths. Because some breakups don’t just tear you in half—they scatter you.
Hi friends and welcome to my blog. I recently wrote 2 songs and I want to tell you about how they came into being.
The two new songs that come from a very personal place—“One Piece of MY Heart” and “You Broke My Heart into Three.” They’re connected, like two sides of a cracked mirror, and both trace back to something that happened when I was 18.
The first track, “One Piece of MY Heart,” is sung by Jimmy Lee of the Midnight Relics—who, fittingly, was my boyfriend back then. The boy who broke my heart. In the song, he sings it from his side, as if he’s finally reckoning with what went down, whether he means to or not.
The second track, “You Broke My Heart into Three,” is sung by Lorelei Dean, who represents me—or rather, the girl I was at 18. Young, raw, wide open. Her voice carries everything I felt but couldn’t say at the time.
The songs reflect each other lyrically—almost like musical letters tossed back and forth across the years—but with completely different takes on what happened, and who did what. It’s not just a conversation. It’s a reckoning.
Why Three Pieces?
Most people say a broken heart splits in two. But that’s not how it felt for me.
When Jimmy left, it wasn’t a clean break. It wasn’t two halves neatly pulled apart. It was worse.
One piece of my heart sank like a stone into the past—muddy, stuck, and unreachable. Another piece dried up and withered away—like it lost its purpose. And the last piece? The wind took it. Off into some other life I didn’t get to live.
That’s why I wrote “You Broke My Heart into Three.” Because some heartbreaks don’t just split you—they scatter you.
Why These Voices?
I chose the lead singer of the Midnight Relics to sing “One Piece of MY Heart” because there’s a certain weight in his voice that makes the song feel real. Almost confessional. Like maybe he didn’t know what he did until he heard it coming out of his own mouth.
And Lorelei Dean’s voice—it is that 18-year-old version of me. Emotional, unfiltered, unapologetically hurt. She doesn’t hold back, and she doesn’t sugarcoat. She just tells the truth.
These two songs are in conversation with each other, but they don’t reconcile. They’re not meant to. Some stories don’t wrap up neatly. Some feelings stay broken—and that’s okay.
I hope you’ll give them both a listen. Maybe you’ve had a heartbreak that didn’t split in two either. Maybe yours shattered a little differently. Either way, these songs are for you.
– Lisa
Here are the lyrics if you would like to read them as you listen to the music.
One Piece of My Heart
[Verse 1 – Rain Piece] I pulled off the highway where we once made a vow, That picture of us? It's just ashes now. Your eyes once lit up like sunrise on chrome, Now they just stare like I ain't comin' home.
[Chorus] One piece of my heart fell in a puddle of rain, With a snapshot of us, blurred out by pain. One piece of my heart withered like an old love note, Still folded up in your winter coat. And... One piece of my heart vanished into the breeze, Carvin’ your name in my lost memories. Oh Lorelei, Oh Lorelei Dean You torn my world down like a queen.
[Verse 2 – Shriveled Piece] You stopped askin’ how I was gettin’ through, Said nothin’ much, even when I needed you. I gave you my best, but you pulled away, Like love was a letter you threw away.
[Chorus repeat] One piece of my heart fell in a puddle of rain, With a snapshot of us, blurred out by pain. One piece of my heart withered like an old love note, Left unread in your winter coat. And... One piece of my heart vanished into the breeze, Carvin’ your name in my lost memories. Oh Lorelei, Oh Lorelei Dean You torn my world down like a queen.
[Verse 3 – Vanished Piece] You said forever with a voice made of silk, But forever ran dry like whiskey gone bitter with time. I waited in winds that never blew true, Just chasin’ shadows that looked like you.
[Final Chorus – slight variation for big emotional payoff] One piece fell in a puddle of rain, One piece withered like an old love note, One piece vanished into the breeze, Oh Lorelei, Oh Lorelei Dean... You turned my world... up side down...
You Broke My Heart into Three
Verse 1 – Rain Piece] I found his photo in the pocket of my coat, Soaked from the storm, like a lump in my throat My hands were shakin' as the cold wind blew Wonderin’ when I stopped loving you.
[Chorus] One piece of my heart fell in a puddle of rain, With a picture of us, all soaked with pain. One piece of my heart shriveled like a rose in July, Left too long under your cold goodbye. And one piece of my heart vanished into the wind, Whisperin’ lies that were all in my mind. Jimmy, Oh Jimmy Lee- You broke my heart into three.
[Verse 2 – Shriveled Piece] I cooked your meals, I prayed you’d stay, But your words turned colder every day. I reached for your hand and felt empty space, Like I’d been replaced, erased without a trace.
[Chorus repeat] One piece of my heart fell in a puddle of rain, With a picture of us, all soaked with pain. One piece of my heart shriveled like a rose in July, Left too long under your cold goodbye. And one piece of my heart vanished into the wind, Whisperin’ lies that were all in my mind. Jimmy, Oh Jimmy Lee- You broke my heart into three.
[Verse 3 – Vanished Piece] You said forever, but you whispered it low, Like you knew it was somethin’ you’d never show. I waited in winds that never brought you back, Just echoes and dust on a heart gone slack.
[Final Chorus – slight variation for big emotional payoff] Jimmy, Oh Jimmy Lee, You shattered the soul right outta me— One piece drowned in a puddle of rain, With a memory too soaked to explain. One piece shriveled like a rose in July, Faded away ‘neath your cold goodbye. And one piece vanished into the wind, Where love once lived… but won’t again.
I got to take part of Echo’s showcase. I hope you will watch, subscribe to her and tell her you found her through Married in Arkansas ~Lisa. I did get to play 2 song. One of my newest poetry music and my remix of my theme song.
This song is based on Elle Wheeler Wilcox’s poem called “Worth While”. I find that a lot of her poems are very much singable. They make great verses and tell a story. The added chorus just makes this song come alive.
My personal opinion about this poem is living life is worth while. Although this song does not have any reference to Jesus or religion what-so-ever, it still has religious undertones. I believe we are here on Earth for a reason and that reason is worth our while.
It is easy enough to be pleasant When life flows by like a song, But the man worth while is the one who will smile When everything goes dead wrong. For the test of the heart is trouble, And it always comes with the years, And the smile that is worth the praises of earth Is the smile that shines through tears.
Let the storms come—I'll go that extra mile, There’s a light ahead that makes it all worth while. Let the fire rage—with all of its trials, Time will prove that it was all worth while.
It is easy enough to be prudent When nothing tempts you to stray, When without or within no voice of sin Is luring your soul away; But it's only a negative virtue Until it is tried by fire, And the life that is worth the honor on earth Is the one that resists desire.
Let the storms come—I'll go that extra mile, There’s a light ahead that makes it all worth while. Let the fire rage—with all of its trials, Time will prove that it was all worth while.
By the cynic, the sad, the fallen, Who had no strength for the strife, The world's highway is cumbered to-day - They make up the sum of life; But the virtue that conquers passion, And the sorrow that hides in a smile - It is these that are worth the homage on earth, For we find them but once in a while.
Let the storms come—I'll go that extra mile, There’s a light ahead that makes it all worth while. Let the fire rage—with all of its trials, Time will prove that it was all worth while.
So when shadows fall, and you're walking alone, Hold on-your courage will carve out a throne. For hearts what endure with a tear and a smile... Will find in the end, It was all worth while. Yes, it will all be worth while.
Here is the second song that I had mentioned in my previous blog post. Obliviously this AI girl is not the one singing the song but she looks like she could be the singer. I did use ChatGPT to help with the chorus. I will post the full song below. The Verses are the poem itself and the chorus is AI.
[Verse 1] Do you remember that glorious June When we were lovers, you and I? Something there was in the robin's tune, Something there was in earth and sky, That was never before, and never since then. I wonder why.
[Chorus] I wonder why the winds still sigh, Like they remember you and I. The moon still climbs the same old sky— I wonder why… I wonder why.
[Verse 2] Do you remember the bridge we crossed, And lingered to see the ships go by, With snowy sails to the free winds tossed? I never pass that bridge but I sigh With a sense at my heart as of something lost. I wonder why.
[Chorus] I wonder why the winds still sigh, Like they remember you and I. The moon still climbs the same old sky— I wonder why… I wonder why.
[Verse 3] Do you remember the song we sung, Under the beautiful starlit sky? The world was bright, and our hearts were young - I cannot forget though I try and try. How you smiled in my eyes while the echoes rung. I wonder why.
[Chorus] I wonder why the winds still sigh, Like they remember you and I. The moon still climbs the same old sky— I wonder why… I wonder why.
[Verse 4] Do you remember how debonair The new moon shone when we said good-bye? How it listened and smiled when we parted there? I shall hate the new moon until I die - Hate it for ever, nor think it fair. I wonder why.
I have been creating songs from public domain poems. These songs focusing on Stephen Vincent Benet’s Campus Sonnets. They share personal interpretations of four sonnets reflecting college experiences: studying stress, friendship, the aftermath of a party, and an ominous dream of death. Links to the generated songs are provided for each sonnet. Please watch each one in order from 1 to 4.
As you may know, I have been creating song from poems on the public domain. I have been choosing different poets over the last couple of months for song creation in Suno ai music generator.
This time I chose Stephen Vincent Benet. According to Wikipedia . He lived from July 22, 1898 to March 13, 1943. He was an American poet and short story writer. He is probably most notable for “The Devin and Daniel Webster” in 1936, and he also wrote “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”
After looking at all his poems on the public domain, I came across these four sonnets. They are called the Campus Sonnets and they tell a story. Now I could go to ChatGPT and tell you what ChatGPT thinks but I think you may want to know what I think and not some AI computer. So here it goes – here is my interpretation for each sonnet and also links to the songs I created in Suno to tell the story. And after listening to them all, you may hear the same chorus. Each of them sung differently but I think the chorus ties all four sonnets together.
Campus Sonnet 1: Before An Examination
The little letters dance across the page, Flaunt and retire, and trick the tired eyes; Sick of the strain, the glaring light, I rise Yawning and stretching, full of empty rage At the dull maunderings of a long dead sage, Fling up the windows, fling aside his lies; Choosing to breathe, not stifle and be wise, And let the air pour in upon my cage.
The breeze blows cool and there are stars and stars Beyond the dark, soft masses of the elms That whisper things in windy tones and light. They seem to wheel for dim, celestial wars; And I -- I hear the clash of silver helms Ring icy-clear from the far deeps of night.
In this sonnet, Stephen Benet is speaking from the point of view of being a college student. I was a college student once so I can relate. He puts it into verses that reflect studying for an exam. It is about how hard it is to study. Pulling an all nighter. It is about trying to cram a whole semesters worth of information into six to eight hours before the final exam. I believe the pictures in the video for the song captures how it feels to study all night.
Campus Sonnet 2: Talk
Tobacco smoke drifts up to the dim ceiling From half a dozen pipes and cigarettes, Curling in endless shapes, in blue rings wheeling, As formless as our talk. Phil, drawling, bets Cornell will win the relay in a walk, While Bob and Mac discuss the Giants' chances; Deep in a morris-chair, Bill scowls at "Falk", John gives large views about the last few dances.
And so it goes -- an idle speech and aimless, A few chance phrases; yet I see behind The empty words the gleam of a beauty tameless, Friendship and peace and fire to strike men blind, Till the whole world seems small and bright to hold -- Of all our youth this hour is pure gold.
This sonnet is all about being social. It is about making memories with your friends. The discussions and friends make us happy and make the whole college experience worth it. Did I have this kind of experience? My answer is No. I was already married with a child so having late night conversations and shooting the bull was not something I was privy to.
Campus Sonnet 3: May Morning
I lie stretched out upon the window-seat And doze, and read a page or two, and doze, And feel the air like water on me close, Great waves of sunny air that lip and beat With a small noise, monotonous and sweet, Against the window -- and the scent of cool, Frail flowers by some brown and dew-drenched pool Possesses me from drowsy head to feet.
This is the time of all-sufficing laughter At idiotic things some one has done, And there is neither past nor vague hereafter. And all your body stretches in the sun And drinks the light in like a liquid thing; Filled with the divine languor of late spring.
These verses seem to me to relive a morning after studying all night. The first sonnet is about studying for the exams. The second sonnet is about taking a break from studying and being with friends, so this sonnet is about the morning after. I think it about the morning after partying. I want to say I can relate – but I won’t.
Campus Sonnet 4: Return – 1917
"The College will reopen Sept. --." `Catalogue'.
I was just aiming at the jagged hole Torn in the yellow sandbags of their trench, When something threw me sideways with a wrench, And the skies seemed to shrivel like a scroll And disappear... and propped against the bole Of a big elm I lay, and watched the clouds Float through the blue, deep sky in speckless crowds, And I was clean again, and young, and whole.
Lord, what a dream that was! And what a doze Waiting for Bill to come along to class! I've cut it now -- and he -- Oh, hello, Fred! Why, what's the matter? -- here -- don't be an ass, Sit down and tell me! -- What do you suppose? I dreamed I... AM I... wounded? "YOU ARE DEAD."
Okay, for this last poem, I did not put it verbatim in the song. I did not feel comfortable about using certain words, which you can read for yourself. I wanted to convey the same message and I used ChatGPT to make alternative verses. This sonnet is about an accident that happened during the summer. He dies before the next semester but doesn’t know it. So to me, this sonnet is not just a dream he had. It was an actual accident that killed him but he did not know it. I don’t know what happens after we die but if all the studying, all the time spent with friends and all those beautiful moments are all for nothing, then what is the point? I know that in sonnet 2 where he is talking with his friends, he refers to Bill and that Bill scowled at Falk. Who is Falk?
After a quick google search, there is a Stephen Falk but he couldn’t have been talking about him because he was born in 1972. These sonnets were written in the early 1900’s. He must have been talking about the book “Falk: A Reminiscence” by Joseph Conrad. It was published in 1903. I haven’t read Joseph Conrad so I’m not sure why he would scowl but because he mentioned Bill in sonnet 2 and sonnet 4, there must be some type of link. Maybe I am totally wrong, and he doesn’t die because of Bill. But I wonder why Bill would say to him “You are Dead” in all capital letters if it wasn’t true. So on that note, until I read Joseph Conrad, I will not know the link. If you know, would you kindly enlighten me? I would really like to know what my readers think.
Married in Arkansas 