Breakfast

golden

       i     r
   c           c
       e    l
   
  d
  r    
  o
  p
  s

to  floor ... quickly eaten by dog

Catch Me If You Can

slowly creeps towards heaven's lights
moon's smile is filled with her delight
shinning now so full and bright
love's in the night, love's in the night

at his lovely wife Darcy gazed
beauty, character he's amazed
on stone sitting at entrance's maze
catches her gaze, catches her gaze

off of the bench she starts to rise
Helen looks into amber eyes
small blush, devotion amplifies
with love she sighs, with love she sighs

lifting dress, then running with grace
laughing now he begins to chase
catching up, their bodies embrace
hedges encase, hedges encase

2014

[stretching, greet dawn]

stretching, greet dawn
with great yawn rise
the lawn to weed
and plant seed tree
next knead bread and brew some tea


YaDu, 2013

In the Glass

Grapes on the vine
Innocent wine
Until refined
A drink to be

Rice in the field
Innocent yield
A drink revealed
A wine to see

2011

In the Woods

While on a Hike
sweet, sharp is the smell
cool, crisp taste upon my tongue
wild in the woods, peppermint


"The Young Prince is Born"
shimmering through trees
wind reveals in shadows lay
newborn fawn by doe

2013

Young Lovers

Among the summer woodlands wide
Anew she roams, no more alone                                                                               (Alfred Austin, Agatha)
And the white mist curling and hesitating
Like a bashful lover about your knees                                                      (Richard Aldington, The Poplar)
She walks in beauty, like the night 
A heart whose love is innocent                                                             (Lord Byron, She Walks In Beauty)

Chequer'd with woven shadows as I lay
Among the grass, blinking the watery gleam                     (William Allingham, A Day-Dream's Reflection)
I try to think of some one lovely gift
No lover yet in all the world has found                                                           (Richard Aldington, Prelude)
A sunset's mounded cloud
A diamond evening-star                                                                              (William Allingham, An Evening)

I saw the sweetest flower wild nature yields                      (John Keats, To a Friend Who Sent Me Some Roses)
It was a little budding rose
But sweet was the slight and spicy smell                                         (Emily Bronte, A Little Budding Rose)
Plucked I for my love's delight.                                                                       (Rudyard Kipling, Blue Roses)
 
‘Mid song of birds, and insects murmuring;                       (Wordsworth, The Stars Are Mansions Built By Nature's Hand)
Of coloured season and the whirling sphere                                                 (William Allingham, A Singer)
I told my love, I told my love
I told her all my heart                                                                                        (William Blake, Love’s Secret)

Arise from out the dewy grass                                              (William Blake, Songs Of Experience: Introduction)
So much grace, and so approve her,
That for everything I love her.                                                                                   (William Browne, Song)
All thoughts, all passions, all delights
Whatever stirs this mortal frame
All are but ministers of Love                                                                                    (Samuel Coleridge, Love)

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise
I love thee with the passion put to use                                                             (E. B. Browning, Sonnet 43)
Yet, love, mere love, is beautiful indeed                                                            (E. B. Browning, Sonnet 10)


In secret we met—                                                                                  (Lord Byron, When We Two Parted)
Beneath such dreamy weather                                               (Lewis Carroll, All In The Golden Afternoon)
The long grass now
Waves dreamily in the evening wind                                                          (Emily Bronte, The Sun Has Set)
A flower was offered to me
Such a flower as May never bore                                                        (William Blake, My Pretty Rose Tree)

In movement, in dancing                                                         (Raymond A Foss, In Movement, in Dancing)
flowing, spinning
twirling, to the dance of love                                                                               (Raymond A Foss, Dancing)
surrendering to his leading                                                                      (Raymond A Foss, Dancing Today)
To be fond of dancing was a certain
step towards falling in love                                                    (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, chapter 3)
 
A shudder comes o'er me—                                                                     (Lord Byron, When We Two Parted)
Whereat the lips, moved with delight and pleasure
Through a sweet smile unlock'd their pearly treasure                                 (Thomas Carew, Lips and Eyes)
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth                                                                  (Song of Songs 1:1)
First time he kissed me, he but only kissed                                                         (E. B. Browning Sonnet 38)

Why, when I gaze on Phaon's beauteous eyes,
Why does each thought in wild disorder stray?                     (Mary Darby Robinson, Why, When I Gaze)

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise
I love thee with the passion put to use                                                              (E. B. Browning, Sonnet 43)
Yet, love, mere love, is beautiful indeed                                                             (E. B. Browning, Sonnet 10)

She's Not That Kind of Girl

It was half past noon,
when he walked into my shop.
He looked nervous,
wide-eyed at so many choices.
I'd have bet that he was expecting
nothing more than a few roses:
red / white /pink / yellow,
maybe a lily or two,
certainly not the plethora of choices
laid before him.

Walking up with I smile,
I asked the gentleman,
what type of arrangement he was looking for.
He couldn't have been a day over nineteen,
but he looked serious as he said,
I'm looking for something special.
Not roses, she's not that of girl--
I'm not sure what her favorite flower is,
but I know that she loves summer
and waking up to see the sun rise.
She helps tutor kids
and on Saturday she volunteers at the shelter.
I know they say red roses express love,
but she's not that kind of girl.
She watches the classics, but really loves action films.
She enjoys swimming, but hates the beach.
I know she stays up late sometimes,
but rarely is she up past nine.
When she smiles, her dimples show,
and she cries at Disney movies.
I know she's a wonderful girl,
and I haven't bought her flowers before,
this is our first date, you see--
we've been friends for awhile,
but could you please help me?

Heart touched by his thoughtfulness,
Said, I have just the thing.
A small bouquet yet beautiful
sounds like what you need.
Sunflowers stretching towards the sky
with smaller ones intertwined
filled with heather pure as snow
and lilac dances down below.
Looking at it a moment or two,
he said it's perfect;
it's just her style.

Wrapped up in lace
and tied with a card:
I waved goodbye,
and wondered about the girl
whom he loved.

 

 

 

2013

Sunflowers were first grown in Central and South America, and were grown more for their usefulness (providing oil and food) than beauty. They are a unique combination of usefulness and beauty and are generally seen to represent the sun, warmth, and happiness.

Heather, native to Europe and North America, were traditionally used in everyday household items: brooms, roofs, rope, blankets, and in tea. It is usually seen as "admiration." The heather used in my poem is white.

Lilacs are native to Eastern Europe and have two meanings, depending on the colour. Purple lilacs symbolize the first emotions of love, while white lilacs represent youthful innocence. I have chosen to use purple in this bouquet.

With my toes in the water

Upon white sands do I reside
Staring into deep blue
With toes dipping into the tide
Beautiful view, tis true
Beside the sea is where I sit
Thinking about the night moonlit
Beside the sea
Beside the sea
Where water reflects sky starlit

Upon white sands do I reside
Content with fate's dealt hand
Watching the waves and beach collide
This is my wonderland
Beside the sea, I watch fish wade
Watch lovers sail, sunrise fade
Beside the sea
Beside the sea
Children dance where mist is sprayed

Upon white sands do I reside
Breathing salt, feeling wind
Touching waters, traveled worldwide
It's like my soul has grinned
Beside the sea, completely free
Here I sit under a palm tree
Beside the sea
Beside the sea
This is where I discover me


 2013
Trijan Refrain

Masquerade

A skeleton in my closet resides;
thinking of him makes me sigh.
I want not the world to know he exists,
but eventually they will persists;
and know the secrets of everyone:
from hated truth, I'll not be undone.
So before they are given the chance,
I take him out, teach him to dance:
learn foxtrot, tango, Viennese waltz.
Polite conversation, he will exalt.
He'll learn to stand in the limelight;
once I'm done he'll be a sight
to behold that's filled with glory.
Oh when I'm done they'll tell a story,
but not of my misdeeds, oh no.
This one they'll love, never let go;
a perfect gentleman for all to see,
soon they'll be jealous he's dancing with me.


WWI image by Dutch cartoonist Louis Raemaekers, "The German Tango"

"If you can't get rid of the skeleton in your closet, you'd best take it out and teach it to dance." - George Bernard Shaw

2013

imaginings

Snuggled in for the night
my face is filled with delight
as I dream the most wondrous things.
I'm running and playing in my little blue box,
there's a land filled with neither foxes nor hawks.
Snuggled with my teddy, all warm in my bed
begin to think of tomorrow: cheese and sweet bread.


2013
Picture prompt: http://allpoetry.com/contest/2621815-ME-AND-MY-TEDDY--Animal-picture-prompt-

Never Enough

Just one, brief look.
How bad could that possibly be?
Just one, brief look.
It couldn't change my life's outlook;
don't have to open door to see,
as tempting as that though may be:
Just one, brief look.


“Temptation is the devil looking through the keyhole. Yielding is opening the door and inviting him in.” ― Billy Sunday.

2013

The Mask She Wears

Bare  skin--
no makeup covers her face
when she wakes first thing in the morn.

Her blue eyes sparkle as she blinks back sleep
and heads towards the bathroom.

Pulling out her makeup--
foundation, powder, eyeliner and shadow, blush,
         mascara and lipstick--
with care she applies each one.

Will she every feel, know
that she is beautiful just the way she is?
That she looks her best
          not covered in camouflage,
but just the way she was created?


2013

Java

Oh, Coffee!
Thou art liquid gold flowing in my veins:
The only thing keeping me awake
          on these many college nights.
Muse of many test and papers,
Your song rings sweetly in my ears.

2013

Searching

Soul transcends heavenly sky, seeking perfect match, reuniting in life or death.

Holiday Wishes

Toddler climbs on Santa's lap
to whisper in his ear
wishes and gifts sought after
for this Christmas year.

2013

Icy Mountain

Mountains,
Serene terrain:
Pines, rivers, slabs of snow; a
Giant yells...Avalanche's commin'
Better run!

2013

2013 Haiki

Autumn

a squirrel scampers
amidst the falling leaves--
nearby, a crow caws

Cawing Crows

black birds sit on stone
mother singing with her young--
cast iron silhouettes 

Summer Night
song fills the air as
crickets sweetly sing nearby--
fireflies flicker

Forest Winter
Pack in snowy woods
baying at cold, distant moon--
Rabbit is hiding

The Huntress

snowy panther prints--
hunter lying nearby to
catch dinner for cubs

The Weaver
glistening silk threads--
patiently waiting spider
captures helpless prey
 

Luna's Light
stars hung in heaven
gently illuminate night--
Moon sighs lovingly

Girl's Night In
microwave turning
cooking a movie night snack--
pop-pop-pop-popcorn

Candlelight

Setting sun lights the sky's candles:
Red, Purple, Orange, Yellow, Blue.
Each one lit, illuminates the sky
In a warm wash of colorful joy.
Flicking beauty fills the heavens
As softly twilight falls.
Lit flames shine in darkened sky--
Stars.

2013

Accidentally Abstract

Sitting by her window
a young woman is
painting a flowered vase,
which sat upon the
table by the salon wall.

Brothers running outside,
playing baseball--
CRASH

Hand rushing to heart
as the ball flies by,
knocking over paints
onto the canvas.


based on Autumn Rain by  five year old abstract artist Aelita Andre.
2013

The Inner Light

Hopeful
strength
transcending
humanity,
ascending
inspiration--
essential
lifeline:
guiding
spirit-filled
substance
creating
brilliant,
imaginative
personalities.

2013

The New Arrival

Iron shackles bind wrists
to a cold, wet stone wall.
Moans echo down the hall
while chains clank in the night.

Fire flickers on the sconces
lining the corridor walls.

Footsteps draw near.
Someone is walking down the
hallway. The guards speak
of a new prisoner's arrival.

What time shall he arrive?
Where will he be kept?

Someone important--
that's what one said.
Confusion abounds at
this stranger's fate.

This place was built not for
political prisoners to be taken to.

The rest of us forgotten,
the small meal is lost.
Hunger gnarls within:
no food will come this eve.


Written in 2013

The Journey

Caesar had called for a census; my master, Joseph, had talked of almost nothing else before we had set out six days ago. I'm not really sure what a census is, but it's requiring him and Mary, who is soon to be Joseph's wife, to travel for several days. Bethlehem: that's where he said we're going. Normally the journey would take about four days, but because Mary's about to have a baby, we're traveling slower than normal. This is where I come in handy; you see, my name is Asher and, I'm a donkey. My job is to carry Mary and her baby; I was chosen because I am old, so Joesph knew I would be easier for her to ride.

     Joseph motioned for me to stop as the leader of the caravan we are traveling with called out that dusk will come soon and they needed to make camp for the night. He helped Mary slide from my back, then he began to unload Boaz, who is several years younger than I am, while Mary went to help the other women prepare the evening meal. After feeding us, the caravan settled down for the night. A warm breeze began to blow, and as I drifted off, I remembered Mary saying there was something special about her baby.

     Dawn would soon glow over the earth when I was awoken by Mary's laughter. She was with the other women again, and the morning meal was being prepared. The men were rolling up their pallets and loading Boaz and the other donkeys. They quickly ate and Joseph helped Mary onto my back as we started the day's walk. It was after midday when we could finally see Bethlehem in the distance. We reached the city just before dark and as the members of the caravan began to part ways, we went in search of the inn.

     By the time we arrived, the inn was overflowing with guest. Joseph had gone inside to speak with the owner. I could overhear part of their conversation, and began to feel worried for Mary as the innkeeper apologized and told Joseph that they had no room. When Joseph replied that Mary was pregnant, the innkeeper hesitated for a moment before telling him again that there was no more room in the inn,  but that if they didn't mind the animals, there was a cave near the back of the inn which was kept very clean and they were welcome to take shelter there for the night.

     Joseph came back outside and, with some sadness in his voice, told Mary about the small stable. I could hear a soft smile in her reply, telling Joseph that it would be fine, and that the Lord had provided shelter for them for the night. Smiling back, my master replied that He had taken care of them and would continue to do so. Joseph led Boaz and I around the back of the building, where another donkey and two lambs were housed.

     Everything was calm as we settled in for the night until Mary gasped. "What is wrong?" Joseph asked. "It's the baby," Mary replied, "He's coming." Surprised, Joseph rushed back to the inn for help. When he returned a few minutes later, the innkeeper's wife--I think she was called Shiphrah--was with him, carrying a bucket of water and clean cloths. Looking at Joseph, she stated, "You wait outside with my husband, I'll take care of your wife."

     Several hours later a baby's cry could be heard, and Joseph stopped pacing at the entrance to the stable. The innkeeper's wife came out and motioned Joseph to come inside, saying, "It's a boy." Awe filled his face as Joseph knelt down beside Mary who was wrapping the tiny baby in swaddling cloth. "Jesus," he said, "His name is Jesus." "He's perfect," Mary smiled. Looking at the three of them, Shiphrah said, "I'll bring food in the morning, and let us know if there is anything else we can do to help. I'm sorry that there was no room available." "Thank you," Joseph replied, and then she left.

     My ears perked up as I heard in the distance the most beautiful sound. There were voices proclaiming, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” I gazed at the newly born child and once again wondered what was different about him. Mary was placing him in a small manger, filled with fresh, sweet hay. She looked up at Joseph and said, "Can you imagine a more perfect place for the son of God to lay for his the first night here?" Taking her hands in his, Joseph replied that God must have wanted for all of creation to witness His son's birth."

     The son of God? How could that be? Lost in thought, I puzzled over what this meant, how special this small child truly was, and I was startled when shepherds arrived to see the baby. They told of the most wondrous sight, of angels in the heavens announcing the arrival of their savior. I noticed Mary and Joseph glace at each other in amazement before inviting the visitors closer. "His name is Jesus," Joseph told them, "He is Immanuel."

     Kneeling before his crib, the shepherds wept tears of joy. "Our Messiah has come," one proclaimed. "God truly is with us this night."




Asher means "happy"; Boaz means "swiftness"
Shiphrah means "beautiful" and was the name of one of the midwives who feared God in Exodus 1

Written Christmas 2013

Winter Morn

glancing out the window,
cold slumbers on the ground
illuminated by morning's glow

alabaster trees--
hidden secrets lie within
this silent world


2013

Sounds of the Forest

Forest:
silent until
one truly listens to God’s
plan…then, sound burst through…and one hears
Nature

2013

A Prayer

                                             Father, forgive
                                             them,” are the
                                            words You cried,
                                             while nailed to
                                            the cross which
                                            should have been
                                            mine. At Calvary,
                                             You conquered
                                          death and covered
all of my sin, so that I may enter heaven and spend eternity with You.
“Why do you love me?” I ask, most every time I pray. I am not worthy
of Your love, but freely You give it anyway. I mess up time and again,
yet you forgive it all. I’ll never fully understand, at least not while I am
still here upon this earth, and even then, after ten thousand years, I’m
                                          not sure I will. Yet
                                        continually I’ll praise
                                        You, and thank You
                                          for each new day.
                                          For all of  the joys
                                          in my life, and for
                                          the suffering too.
                                          Every trail in this
                                        life you have given
                                          to me is a way to
                                        praise who You are.
                                        It’s a way to rely on
                                        You day by day, to
                                        think of others first.
                                        And every blessing
                                         You pour out is a
                                         gift to share with
                                        all of your children.

As the title says, this is actually a written prayer, and just reading it has helped me. God has blessed your day in so many ways, even the ones we don't see as blessings may be gifts in disguise from Him. Please take the time to pray to Him, to remember that He is the One in control and that He loves you no matter what.

 Written in 2011

Falling Rain

Mist begins to form
Thunder rumbles overhead
I feel my lips smile

Moment by moment
The sun's rays cannot peak through
I walk through the storm

Droplets fall on me
Lightning flashes overhead
Wind flows spiraled path

Rejoice in this brief
Sporadic moment of peace
From the light's harsh glare

Twirling in the rain
Simple pleasures of the past
To be a child again

Continual pour
Lasting longer that I thought
Day is nearly gone

Dancing by the moon
In the quiet of the night
Gentle rain falling


Written in 2011

Nyx's Dream

I take this journey every night so bold
That precious time let mind uncoil, in sleep
In sweet unconsciousness I keep
Create, destroy: a story being told
Mirages upon the fog begin to creep
To traipse along the worlds’ fold

The twists and turns at midnight’s crest,
These concrete images beating down on me
Never freedom comes I foresee
As I sink deeper into twilight’s quest
I’m searching through my mind’s debris
Attempting to make sense of this reality

"Sleep my friend and you will see, the dream is my reality" -Metallica's Sanitarium

Nyx is the Greek goddess of the night, the daughter of Chaos and the mother of Hypnos. 

Written in 2011

Colours of the Sky

When asked, "What colour is the sky?"
Most people answer, "Blue."
But I have a challenge
That I must ask of you:

Next time the sun is setting
Or's about to rise,
Look up, I ask of you,
Look up into the sky;

Tell me of the colours
Of the purple, red, and gold,
Floating in the wind,
In the sky so very bold.

Next time some mentions,
That the sky is blue,
Remember there are more colours
Which can inspire you



written in 2011