August 1 Poems

AS THE FLAG UNFURLS

AS THE FLAG UNFURLS*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
the flag unfurls,
its colors bold against the waking sky—
each star, each stripe a testament
to pride, honor, and patriotism.

pride, not a shield, is a bridge,
linking the stories of brave soldiers,
those who once fought in battlefields, 
their shadows etched in the soil,
their courage a whisper in the rustling leaves.

honor is a compass, etched in the hearts of the brave,
guiding us through the tempests of division,
reminding us that beneath our skin,
we share the same pulse, the same yearning 
for respect, freedom and belonging,

patriotism is a flame, flickering not in blind allegiance,
but in the radiant glow of courage
stoking the embers of hope,
lifting up each other,
an unwavering belief that together we are stronger.

pride, honor, and patriotism intertwine,
not as chains that bind us,
but as roots that anchor us deep,
in the fertile earth of understanding,
where we rise together like the dawn.

*Note: Poem originally published at Writer Monk, August 1, 2025. This is my original poem.

KILLICK

KILLICK 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am but a tiny boat, 
one built from dreams and fears,
adrift on a sea of choices. 
Yet, there you are—my killick, the heavy stone
that burrows deep into the sand,
keeping my boat afloat
in the face of the swell of uncertainty
and the pull of the tides.  

Every crashing wave, every brewing storm
reminds me of life’s untamed waters. 
I look within, 
to the depths where your whisper resides, 
realizing I’m not lost, 
but eternally anchored,
held fast by the unseen bonds 
of your guiding Light.

Poem written for “Killick Poetry Contest,” Craig Cornish, sponsor, August 1, 2025.

Children

Children will always remember the void,  
They will always recall the hands that couldn’t embrace them.  
They will always remember the troubles that nightfall brings,  
And the darkness that invades their slumber.  
They will always remember the stranger who masqueraded as a helper.  

Yet, children can sometimes bloom out of the gloom,  
They may open a door to a new day,  
With a slate wiped clean,  
Finding a meadow free of shadows,  
Children can sometimes start fresh on new pages.  

Children will still be the seeds of tomorrow,  
The stars that embellish the night sky,  
The glow of a summer field,  
The gateway to continuity;  
Children will still be the voices we teach them to express.  

Children can sometimes unearth the past,  
Piecing together fragments to demystify the strange.  
Their minds explore the vast field of existence,  
Searching for goodly pearls.  
Children will always desire to play,  
And the onus is ours to teach them how to balance the day.


August 1, 2025.

HUMIDITY IN MY COUNTRY

Foreigners in our humid country pray*
To smite heat with triumphant icy tray
Savoring popsicle sticks
Midst constant cold water-licks
As they are fired-up by bright Summer ray.

*Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

August 1, 2024
4th place, "A funny Summer Limerick" Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Tania Kitchin; judged on 8/18/2024

When Storms Come

Author Dana Redricks
August 1, 2023


When storm clouds hover above your head, and all you want is to stay in bed, just lift your eyes up to the divine, and bow your knees in prayer, align.

For in these moments of despair, God’s love and grace will always be there. He won’t let you down, my dear, He’ll wipe away each falling tear.

You are precious, a gem so rare, a soul that’s meant to soar and share. So wear your crown, hold your head high, let His light guide you through the sky.

In times of darkness, when all seems lost, remember, you’re never alone, at any cost. For God’s embrace is always near, to calm your heart, to ease your fear.

So when the world feels heavy and gray, and you’re unsure of the right way, just lift your voice, let your prayers resound, for in His love, true solace is found.

You are cherished, a masterpiece divine, a reflection of His love, so fine. So wear your crown, embrace your worth, for in His eyes, you’re heaven’s birth.

The Starry Night - Van Gogh

stars embellish the sky, estranged lovers sleepless night


August 1, 2023.

Murder of the Innkeeper

Do you remember the night the Innkeeper’s body
Was found in the pond behind his B & B, Sherlock?
Of course, how could you forget? We were
Meeting him that afternoon for his opening tea!

I recall how we were questioned like common thugs
Because we were on the property, thus suspect,
But I had suspects of my own, though I kept quiet,
The police, however, showed us guests no respect!

You and I had no motive, no weapon, no animosity
After all, we were only the afternoon company,
But we knew his wife knew he was sleeping around
And his chef was so jealous!...and so contrary.

Then, there was the note no one shared with us,
So the Innkeeper could’ve decided to do himself in
After all, I was told he had debt out the ying-yang
At least he didn’t shoot himself after drinking gin.

You know I did not do it, and I know you’re innocent
But I am suspicious of her wearing a bathing suit,
And I’m told she had his wallet, credit cards and all
Now, she has the B & B up for a quick sale, to boot!

EIGHTH PLACE WINNER
Written August 1, 2022
Submitted to "Start Sleuthing" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Natasha L. Scragg

The Pounding of My Heart

"The wind is the pounding of my heart.”
                       --Constance La France

Sound of the wind drifting through the trees
Softly, I hear it; it is the pounding of my heart
Keeping steady rhythm, while I am remembering
The times we made pulsing love ‘neath the elms,
Branches hovering over us like guardian angels
Waving goldish green banners, whispering low
Like the purring of your sighs after a long kiss,
Your sweet breath on my neck, the elms knew,
Trembling like wind in a slow-moving tremolo,
Its leaves gently playing nature’s marimba slow
Steadily matching my heart’s rhythmic cadence
Ah, how I remember well those fond embraces. 

FIRST PLACE WINNER
Written August 1, 2022
Submitted to "Let Your Muse Be Inspired - R Form" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Constance La France

I Sang a Song For You

I sang a song for you on your wedding day
It was an old tune from a musical long ago
It captured the spirit in a most poignant way,
Such a romantic piece, gentle and mellow.

As I sang, your mother was moving her lips
I surmised your choice was special to her
Like a stargazer is enraptured by an eclipse
A mother-of-the-bride is so easy to stir.

Then you appeared in white satin and lace
On the arm of your father glowing with pride
The happiest smile adorned your sweet face
For the man at the altar, the one at your side.

In those moments the song was forgotten
All eyes were focused on the beautiful bride
I could see your beloved, entirely besotten,
Ready to take those vows to forever provide.

But I knew when you looked back that way
As the years steadily absorbed your bliss,
You’d remember I sang for your wedding day,
Just as you would remember that special kiss.

Written August 1, 2022

Longingly Hankering

yearning 
              of ritual
      lethargic 
      in thunderstorm

      through 
     huge chasm 
   of window&
   watching 
   sky 
darkened &
drizzle 
dropping &
  gust 
howling 
 non-stop

yet stipulating
 coldness 
  within
  intimacy&
      a glimpse 
charming 
 longing 
for flowers 
blooming 
   rooting in 
    womb

 relishing 
drafting
  sun and moon

      elysian fields 
     of yesteryear
   & blue oceans
 crave 
scooting
 & 
alleging  
   obsession
    musings
    notification
  compelling

1St place contest winner

Written: August 1st, 2022

A Brian Strand Premiere Choice Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Brian Strand

NOTE:THIS IS AN OPEN(organic) FORM VERSE   using spaces&breaks without grammatical symbols ,the ' open' relies upon 'the one breath limitation' & so inherently requires the 'reader' (reciter) to input and responds thus making this enigmatic form a two way interplay & interpretatIon unique to the moment& changing according to mood is inherently variable.

Back To School

Some kids are dreading going back to school
They fear running into those who bullied them
Anxiety is heightened by puberty’s demands,
The feeling that no adult really understands.

While many are excited getting back to friends
Some kids are dreading going back to school,
Facing pressures from the unfamiliar routines
Such is the lot of today’s technical-savvy teens.

Feeling threatened in once a safe environment
Bludgeoned with peer pressure and new rules,
Some kids are dreading going back to school,
Concerned someone might label them a fool.

Not knowing exactly whom they can trust
Hoping to make a friend, someone to talk to
Who’ll have their back, who is incredibly cool,  
Some kids are dreading going back to school.

Written August 1, 2022

Cardio-Rehab

Cardio-Rehab is an exceptionally good thing to do
I keep up with machines better than walking with you
With the newfangled treadmills I can see the world
While I am getting nowhere fast, my sails unfurled,
Yesterday, I walked a gorgeous park in old Indonesia
Finished, I thought they should give me anesthesia,
For I was completely tuckered out and needed a nap
My blood pressure told them to give me another lap.
I so enjoy the camaraderie of the old fellows like me,
Who are exercising together instead of taking tea,
If I had equipment at home, I’d likely not touch it
It’s always so relaxing to grab a good book and sit,
But now, I look forward to our gang at the center
Working the machines until I’m forced to surrender!

Written August 1, 2022

Bridging Paradigms

i knew i had crossed the final bridge
when i stopped grieving what i had lost
and started treasuring what i'd been given



AP: 3rd place 2025, Honorable Mention 2022

Posted August 1, 2022

Good Morning, Love

in my heart of hearts
my sun rises with your voice



Published in my 24-page photo/anthology book ~LOVE BITS AND BITES~ 2023

AP: Honorable Mention 2022

Posted on August 1, 2022

What I Know

in a matter of days
my life is about to change
so is yours

nothing ever stays the same
at times I worry that 
i can’t see beyond the rise

all I know is that you are my future
and the details of the how
are insignificant



AP: 2nd place 2022

Posted on August 1, 2022

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