Paul Callus Poet Jueju

Fire Poppies

Spring delights with nature’s song
But then summer comes along
With intention to compete
And excel with bouts of heat.

Stifling air by day and night 
Dazzling sun ablaze, too bright
Layered roads buckle and melt
Wildfires make their presence felt.

Searing tongues flicker and roll
Woodland burns out of control
Hungry beast won’t be denied
Till at last the flames subside.

Devastation, tears and pain
Cling to hope and autumn rain
To arrive, replace the gloom
With amazing super bloom…

Golden flowers orange, red
Hide the ashes and instead
Inflorescence soothes the heart
With the gift of nature’s art.

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A Jueju~Qijue Poetry Contest 
Sponsored by Emile Pinet
© 16th May 2023

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Jack Horne September 16, 2023 at 2:38 PM love this one, Paul - had to read it twice

Brian Sambourne July 4, 2023 at 6:51 AM As a student, I remember well seeing fields of red poppies in France. Your poem, Paul, beautifully combines flowers, summer heat, even the ash from wildfires. Fire poppies indeed. "Nature's art" still soothes. Your poem is a winner in every way. Cheers Brian Paul Callus July 4, 2023 at 11:23 AM Thank you for contributing to this poem with your lovely feedback, Brian. Nature has a way by which to heal its own scars. ~ Regards // paul

Robert Lindley June 19, 2023 at 1:19 PM I have no knowledge of the poetry form but your poem was indeed a very fine one! Closing stanza brilliant too. A fav... A gem . God bless. Paul Callus June 19, 2023 at 11:11 PM Thank you on all counts, Robert, including the fav. Your generosity is truly appreciated, my friend. Regards // paul

Nancy Kaufman June 19, 2023 at 12:17 PM Hi Paul, this is an outstanding descriptive poem. I hope you do well in this contest as it is most deserving. Paul Callus June 19, 2023 at 1:11 PM Thank you for the complimentary comments, Nancy. The results are already out and this poem found a place on the winners' list (so your wish has come true:)) ~ Regards // paul

Jack Horne June 5, 2023 at 5:50 AM this is beautiful, my friend. I hope you are doing well Paul Callus June 11, 2023 at 1:44 AM Thank you, Jack. So far life is being kind :) Best regards // paul

Kim Rodrigues June 3, 2023 at 8:37 AM Imagery impeccable! Paul Callus June 6, 2023 at 9:49 AM Thank you so much, Kim! Glad you enjoyed. Regards // paul

Susan Ashley June 2, 2023 at 6:41 PM Dear Paul, I enjoyed the cascade of vibrant imagery bringing me to where the “fire poppies” bloom. I especially adore the vivid imagery of your last stanza.. the poppies against the ash.. such a striking contrast. Your poetic artistry touches the senses and the imagination with textured finesse. A belated congrats to you for your wonderful win in Emile’s contest. Warmest wishes and hugs, my friend.. ~Susan Paul Callus June 21, 2023 at 2:08 AM Thank you, Susan, for the gift of words which adorns not only your poetry, but also the sincere comments that you post. Your support and encouragement will always be truly appreciated and cherished. ~ Warm regards & Hugs dear friend. // paul

Jennifer Proxenos May 29, 2023 at 7:00 AM Autumn is my very best season of the year, what a relaxing, nurturing, richly painted few months of natures colors caress and soothe our souls. Beautiful Jeuju Paul. Warm regards, hugs and blessings, Jennifer. Paul Callus June 21, 2023 at 1:48 AM Hi Jenny! I love spring, but I also enjoy the Maltese autumn when the weather is still warm enough to go swimming. Warm regards & Hugs, my friend. // paul

Brandy Nicole May 28, 2023 at 1:26 PM Even though these beauties feel the intense heat, my heart smiles knowing they "cling to hope and autumn rain." Nature showers us with a beautiful art show, and you have created a masterpiece with your words. Beautiful in every way, my sweet friend. Many wonderful blessings to you. :) Hugs, Brandy Paul Callus June 19, 2023 at 1:38 PM Excuse my somewhat late reply, dear Brandy! I was under the impression that I had already reacted to your lovely feedback. Thank you for your visits, friendship and support. Warm regards & Hugs // paul

Eve Roper May 25, 2023 at 9:33 PM They are so pretty written in your words. Blessings my friend Paul Callus May 26, 2023 at 1:08 AM Thank you for stopping by, my friend; your words are much appreciated. Hugs // paul [soupmail on the way]

Sara Kendrick May 24, 2023 at 7:26 AM Congratulations on this winning work in Emile's contest. Way to go. Creative work for sure. Sara Paul Callus May 24, 2023 at 2:45 PM Glad you liked it, Sara....thank you. Regards // paul

Andrea Dietrich May 23, 2023 at 2:56 PM Very nicely done, Paul. I am glad to see you got a win here! Paul Callus May 24, 2023 at 2:16 PM Thank you, Andrea. I notice that nowadays not many people turn up at the Soup kitchen :) Regards // paul

Anne-Lise Andresen May 23, 2023 at 10:32 AM - Spring is always a wonderful time ... a new start after a long winter - No scorching heat in the summer in Norway ... we keep cool all year round :) - A beautiful poem, Paul :) - hugs Paul Callus May 24, 2023 at 2:27 PM Thank you for reading and liking, Anne-Lise. Here it can get pretty hot at times, but we are lucky to be surrounded by sea and are able to go swimming any time we feel like it. ~ Hugs // paul

Bill Baker May 23, 2023 at 6:27 AM Wonderful form, Jueju. Congrats on placing well in the contest, Paul. Your poem was accurate and the good and bad of the season well descriped with explicite imagery. I especially like the ending, the last to lines ... "Inflorescence soothes the heart With the gift of nature’s art. Very soothing, thank you for sharing your poetic gift with us. :-) Cheers, Bill Paul Callus May 23, 2023 at 9:50 AM Thank you for the complimentary and insightful comments, Bill. Best regards // paul

Emile Pinet May 22, 2023 at 11:03 AM Congratulations Paul! Your poem “Fire Poppies” earned a distinguished place in my Jueju-Qijue contest; well done, my friend, Emile. Paul Callus May 23, 2023 at 5:57 AM Thank you, Emile. I am somewhat late for the party!! Let me go and read the winning poems. Best regards // paul

Susan Lawrence May 17, 2023 at 1:54 PM Dear Paul , I can see nature’s art that you have painted beautifully with your words ! Golden flowers of orange and red covering the ashes below . Super blooms are a welcome gift indeed ! The heat keeps going up and fires are everywhere. Big hugs my friend . Sending all good wishes . Susan :) Paul Callus May 23, 2023 at 5:48 AM Hiii dear Susan. [I am still savouring the beauty of your latest poem, which I read a while ago. It was worth waiting for!] Thank you for your lovely visit and the delightful feedback...much appreciated :) Warm regards & Hugs, my friend // paul

Darlene De Beaulieu May 16, 2023 at 3:14 PM Hello Paul, I enjoyed this poem of nature. Nature hs its beauty. Also ugliest when something goes wrong. Enjoy your evening my friend. /Darlene\ Darlene De Beaulieu May 23, 2023 at 3:10 PM Hello Paul, Yes i excuse the late reply. We are allbusy doing something that needs to be done, Before the computer time. Regards\ Darlene/ Paul Callus May 23, 2023 at 5:41 AM Thank you, Darlene for visiting, reading and commenting...and pls excuse the late reply, my friend. Regards // paul