Mark Woods Poet Rhyme

Escaping Humanity

Feeling the desolation, of smothering air
Hemmed in by crowds; the obliqueness of fear
Throng of the city and no sight of the sun
Incessant noise and the desire to just run.
And I drive.

Arterial routes clogged by metal and wheels  
Schizophrenic drivers living others ideals
Neon and lights sizzling the sides of the streets
Marketing signage, greed’s consumer receipts.
And I drive.

White picket fences, roses, and manicured lawns
Ridiculous box housing, erected for ludicrous pawns
Playgrounds, big supermarkets, cafes and parks
Sprawling suburbia with its pools built by sharks.
And I drive

Warehouses dispensing the needs of the hordes
Industrious factories like cash castles of lords.
Sawmills busily feeding more desecration of land
Refuse collection sites completely sterile and bland.
And I drive.

Ten-acre barons on frivolous bundles of dirt
Escaping urbanity in the unproductive outskirts.
Postage stamp fields supporting ponies and kids
While toffee nose parents sit in ultra posh digs.
And I drive

Paddocks of cattle dispersed through productive farmland
Shiny new tractors with men toughened and tanned
Marshmallow hay bales pimple the face of the ground
Irrigators urinate on earth until drowned.
And I drive.

Magnificent mountains covered in beckoning trees
Clear running streams and whispering breeze
Wild flowers gently waving as robins flit all around
Radiant true colours and smoothing calm sounds.
And yes I am home.

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Becca Teagan October 31, 2017 at 8:28 AM ahhhh it's like a sigh of relief, arriving home, where we can breathe again. Home sounds so lovely. I love all your descriptions. Thank you for mentioning this one, I'm saving this to my favorites. Hugs Mark Woods November 1, 2017 at 7:10 AM Thank you Becca. It's a different poem to some of my others. I wrote it as a "fast" poem (narrative wise) and it literally poured out. Maybe it's me and that's why I like it so much.

Connie Marcum Wong October 29, 2017 at 1:08 PM I think this magnificent poem is one of your best Mark! I have spent a lot of time in New Zealand. It is very beautiful and a bit like parts of Hawaii. I too feel suffocated by crowds of the city and I live on a hill away from the never ending tourists. I appreciate them for the sake of our economy but need that haven where it is quiet and calm as in your last stanza. You are a gifted poet and this poem is a fine example of your talent. A Fave for me! Congrats on your win! Aloha, Connie Mark Woods October 30, 2017 at 3:43 AM I see on your profile that you obviously flew quite often to New Zealand and Australia. I'm guessing either a pilot of air hostess? I'm a great believer in spending time in the outdoors it seriously recharges the batteries. Take Care Connie your support is always valued. : )

Silent One October 29, 2017 at 6:54 AM This is a powerful poem Mark and so true.. Another excellent write.. Mark Woods October 30, 2017 at 3:45 AM S1 you are undoubtedly one of the worlds finest treasures. Your encouragement, support of poetry and own artistic ability is second to none. Thank you

Kim Merryman July 17, 2016 at 7:59 PM Your descriptive imagery is outstanding and the smooth flow of the lines is great also. Very well-written, Mark! Congrats on your placement in Broken Wings' contest! Mark Woods July 18, 2016 at 5:42 PM Thank you Kim, at the time I was having a bit of writers block but it came out alright in the end

Paul Schneiter January 31, 2016 at 10:19 AM The imagery and flow alone mark this as an exceptionally fine poem. I thoroughly enjoyed every line. Very fine work, Mark. Mark Woods February 14, 2016 at 10:43 PM Cheers Paul, it's not typical of the poems I have submitted here, but it is similar to the language I have used in my earlier poems. I really appreciate the feed back. : )

Scott Thirtyseven January 18, 2016 at 6:34 AM I've only recently returned to Oz, after 14 years in NZ. I once wrote a poem while in Wellington, sounds similar to how you start this one (Where the City Folk Live). I'm in my dry, brown, dusty homeland again now. Oh how you make me wish for the green lush mountains. Beautiful poem for a breath taking place. Mark Woods January 18, 2016 at 10:50 AM Gudday Scott, I'm just north of Christchurch but Wellington is undoubtedly my favourite city. That journey towards the Rimutakas and Tararuas is a rewarding one, however that drive thru the Hutt has way to much traffic for my liking.

Franklin Price January 14, 2016 at 11:49 AM OUTSTANDING!!!! I fully enjoyed and pictured the entire drive. I also believe it's true. I live 20 miles from home. Spindale, NC Franklin Price January 15, 2016 at 9:57 AM would have never thought you were in New Zealand. Now I'm really impressed Mark Woods January 14, 2016 at 2:43 PM I'm in New Zealand, we only have a population 4.5 million and I still have a problem with the crowds! Get me on a hill with native bush and I'm in my element.

CayCay Godwin January 10, 2016 at 10:35 AM Oh, Mark - words fail me, how can I ever adequately tell you how moving, touching and GREAT this write is? Should be a song, POTD, POTW and published. I am almost jealous that it wasn't me who captured this feeling, in this way ... I love, "And I drive" at the end of the stanzas until, poetically you are home. This is the writing of Woodsy, I fell in love with months ago. Your muse is shining this year. Another 7 and fav - it is great! CayCay Mark Woods January 10, 2016 at 11:41 PM A heavy metal sort of song? ; ) I'm half thinking of changing my name here to Mr Woodsie, it might be a goer? Your enthusiastic response is most lovely. In fact I'm bloody near blushing, thank you petal : )

Lindsay Laurie January 8, 2016 at 6:51 PM Hello Mark... you have what it takes to make a great writer. Observing your surroundings and being able to write it for us to picture it - great - Lindsay Mark Woods January 8, 2016 at 10:53 PM That's a lovely compliment Lindsay. At the moment I'm a dabbler still trying to discover what to write and how. I don't even know if I have a style yet lol.

Dalia Shahein January 8, 2016 at 5:07 PM This contains so much powerful emotions and it's well expressed , this is very great write my friend , hugs / / :) dalia Mark Woods January 8, 2016 at 11:19 PM Cheers Dalia, I described driving out of my local city. I think the population is 350 000. Don't think I'd handle a million plus size city!

Nette Onclaud January 8, 2016 at 2:36 PM ohh, enjoyed your poetic ride; so finely expressed with mixed moods,mark... greeat stuff!..huggs Mark Woods January 8, 2016 at 2:39 PM Thank you Nette. An attempt to kick my muse back into gear, so I decided to take a mental drive out of the city.