Best Both Poems
Live Or Die, You Couldn't Do Both
Upon that dark ground, life was bloody and blue
all dark mists brought more than was due.
Dusty storms, blew about with black hands of Fate
lost as hurt seemed to escalate.
Within hidden shrouds, nights ate sad, dying souls
you cried within odd rhythmic rolls.
Never again, never again, your sworn oath
live or die, you couldn't do both.
Crying for rest on that spirit-eating ground
dancing along but with no sound.
Whenever that rare day's gleaming sun did shine
you grabbed it fierce, saying its mine.
Greatest of dreams was life would find saving lights
hope shown, banishing blackest nights.
Robert J. Lindley, 11-13-2016
Sonnet form, Lin 11, 8 ...
Poem Syllable Counter Results
Syllables Per Line: 11 8 11 8 0 11 8 11 8 0 11 8 11 8 0 11 8
Total # Syllables: 133
Total # Lines: 17 (Including empty lines)
Words with (syllables) counted programmatically: N/A
Total # Words: 102
Categories:
both, art, creation, dark, death,
Form:
Sonnet
The look of pity on the saleswoman's face said it all
my paint spattered clothing, however the jeans fit
just didn't have that panache, chic pizazz, tongue hanging
inspiration for desire a young woman out to have.
The car dealer took one look at me, led me to the far
corner of the lot, showed me the used hot rods
the beater four doors, the budget cutters like I'd rode
but I wanted glossy black, silver hood ornament, brand new.
Paint is supposed to sit on top of your nails, but underneath
is advantageous when compared to oil, to muck, to dirty guts
so I was a step on the ladder of the working man,
I could even afford to buy hose, which I still don't wear.
There's something to be said for the over glasses, safety
glasses look, white paper coat, something comical
one supposes, but the purple overalls worn for skiing
which suddenly I could afford, made me my nephews joke.
At times I waited for a date who preferred the bar
called and said maybe later, because passion rumbled
between us when we kissed but I didn't want a flit,
disease, broken promise, I wanted to be embraced
Cozy now, body motion are promises and content
passion is beyond me, the bar on the patio in back
the hand I always hold a missing app that answers
more lonely than any mistaken wish that he'd be the one.
Stars, too, I climbed to them in my dream, climbed
the Space Needle and found my self with no safety net
I always avoided those climbs the dreams more nightmare
even though I do what I am told, to reach, to soar.
Sometimes now I wear black on gold dresses which fit
to the nth inch, so I can barely sit, hold champagne
to watch golden bubbles float against the elegant
white linen against starry night event, that's rich, success.
Dump it gladly for a romp on the beach, the missing
something like threads through a woven maze,
like an angel's hope. When I dump it all and seek
there's grace lying on the shores between the rocks
a pooled place where deer come to lick minerals,
boulders come unglued and sail down river
and think, maybe I could do that. Maybe I could
unglue all the expectations and rearrange the world.
Categories:
both, absence, adventure, dream, fun,
Form:
Quatrain
There is something about the cuddle of mist
that washes the pain of love's farewell
like a damp of healing elixir,
so softly touching my navel
to ignite back the glaze
within my marrow;
and breaths sing with playful twilight
about fresh enchantment blessed...
Now i greet the flowering of joy
with unopened gifts,
knowing goodbye is a beautiful wound
as one star plays night keeper of reflective hours
humming a new tune, dainty yet unknown,
that in the solace born from ache and joy,
I welcome it all-- the fire, wonder, and sighs.
Thomas Martin:Romantic Fools Contest
Categories:
both, farewell, how i feel,
Form:
Free verse
Let me
lend a hand
I can’t sit
when you
have to stand
When you
can’t do it all
together we can
It’s not
a woman thing
It’s more than
just gender roles
boy girl lady or man
I can change diapers
and wash that pan
I’m a participant
not a fan
Bit by bit
we can get to it
It will go faster
if I don’t sit
Put this here
that there
when we work share
everything will easily fit
Finishing faster
we both benefit
In the end
on each other
we can depend
Together lifting life’s burdens
our backs bend
There are dishes to do
laundry and socks to mend
Then family functions to attend
Life to be lived
with you
my partner
lover and friend.
Categories:
both, care, thank you,
Form:
Rhyme
,,,,,,,,,,~.~.~.~,,,,,,,,,,,
if ever i had two hours with you… or three,
the vacancy of this quaint café and barren
shores would be refilled with the pouring
of pink- frosted air on our glass-window’s past;
the multitude of disheveled suns ripping
arms of surrender; raged midnights ending
into carmine mornings; swallowed inches of stars
turning into lyrics replayed. and what splendor to
infect the whiteness or redness of seasons’
fingers wearing the pains and gains of many
a porcelain days. then,
to recall the sevens and nines of time’s scalpel
cutting our names into crumpled paper: a departure
of hearts traveling in different territories.
we inched away,
not because of lack for vows marked in deepest
sands. but… by fate’s desire to cart you in
a faraway land, while i.. i burned telephone lines
hiding beneath the long distance of regrets…
yearning for your comeback instead
of stamped letters thousands of miles so
removed from alleys where our arms used to walk,
we side-tracked along with stooping songs
that gently genuflected…
if and when we meet again, two or three hours
by time's grace, oh the fluttering of a thousand
thoughts would not be enough to say you were
the trunk that got away, and i was your last rose
that lost its stem.
all rights reserved
©
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
love lost from long distance relationship
For Frank Herrera's Contest
By: nette onclaud
Categories:
both, dedication, lost lovelost, lost,
Form:
Lyric
They In Love, Both Sought To Teach
They in love both sought to teach
hearts melded together each to each
Spritely wind in each blowing sail
both wished same, coin in the well
Standing determined hand in hand
weathering every storm in this land
She feeling deeply his every fall
he racing to her every beck and call
Old age found them together strong
walking side by side right on along
She turned to help him as he slowed
he kissed her hand, her smile glowed
They in love both sought to teach
hearts melded together each to each
Failing wind now in each blowing sail
both wished same, coin in the well
One Spring day neither rose from bed
his arm around her, both lay quite dead
Robert J. Lindley, 03-18-2015
Categories:
both, beautiful, celebration, devotion, first
Form:
Rhyme
Spring's Rebirth, Heals Both Heart And Waiting Lands
Upon dawn's golden rays, soft breeze floats its songs
Songs of new beginnings beneath rainbow wings;
Winging through forest lush and its hidden throngs
Are rare and beautiful gems only Nature brings.
Should my soul, feast upon such wondrous art
Firmly embrace the dreams that are thus born;
Savor this food, and more Nature freely imparts,
Treasured fair, that heals those lonely and forlorn.
There within radiance, its thrilling lights ablaze
Spring's new hunger- In seeded soils after fresh rain,
Emerge new Life- blessings that gift and amaze
Bringing forth, Love and new Hopes hard to explain.
In that moment- Earth, Sky and Heaven's wondrous Arts
Birth new aspirations that heal even broken hearts!
Robert J. Lindley,
April 15th, 1987
Sonnet, ( Spring That Births New Hope)
Categories:
both, art, beauty, heaven, hope,
Form:
Sonnet
Once Lived Life As Both Fox And Chasing Hound
Once lived life as both fox and chasing hound
each one thinking, they were true, honor bound.
As the fox, took great pride in being shrewd
failed often to see my actions were crude.
When fleeing forth in life at lightning pace
taking too much as I ran, a disgrace.
Never worried about deep and high costs
figured each cold Winter brought killing frosts.
When chasing old fox, my mind went astray
swearing to catch and eat him every day.
With each new dawn, my hunger more intense
I failed to see myself being so dense.
One sad dawn, I caught that shifty ole fox
his words showed me my big, dark prison box.
Blessed reprieve for him, I did not eat
His wisest move and both our greatest feat.
Once lived life as both fox and chasing hound
each one thinking, they were true, honor bound.
As the fox, took great pride in being shrewd
failed often to see my actions, were crude.
Robert J. Lindley, 3-25-2017
Syllables Per Line:
10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10
Total # Syllables: 200
Total # Words: 164
Note- Inspired by Tim Smith's free verse poem--titled the
-- The Fox And The Hound.--
https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/the_fox_and_the_hound_884102
As I do not do free verse very well, methinks, I went with personification in rhyme and ten syllable verses.
Thank you my friend Tim Smith, for the great inspiration.. your free verse poem and its creativity
and depth inspired this effort by me , written in a much different poetry form.
I hope this poem written this morn, may honor your poem well, as an inspired tribute to it.
Categories:
both, art, creation, growing up,
Form:
Personification
When Thy Heart And Soul Have Both Been Fleeced
When thy heart and soul have both been fleeced
world shattered, thy hidden demons released,
canyons of whirling circles in night dreams
dark rules, no saving light left that redeems.
Life raped, your sanctuary invaded,
joy for epic pains were thus dark-traded
truth is, Hope has yet to be defeated,
shall not be, if Love is not ill-treated.
Look up! Bright sun still shines upon thy head
Spring is golden, gleaming roses are red,
world kicked hard but races on as before
lift thy head, open eyes, walk through that door.
When all is said and done, know this reward
greater that gift when life faced was so hard.
Robert J. Lindley, 9-15- 1979
Sonnet, ( Tough Nut To Crack, When Has Been Fire Tested)
Categories:
both, character, conflict, growth, inspirational,
Form:
Sonnet
I remember the way you made feel,
My darling our love was so very real.
You brought me comfort when I
needed comfort,
Baby it was me and you against the
world ,you were my constant support.
As time went by you started to slip
away,
When we got the news I cried and cried
on that life altering day.
I love you today as much as I did yesterday.
Even though you don't know who I am,
you don't even recognize me,
I don't have the time to ask God why.
Because I see you, I still see that twinkle
in your eye.
Although you may appear to be a shell of
a man,
I see beyond what's on the outside, I am
and will always be your biggest fan.
I going to stand by you in sickness and in
health,
With you I experienced a love like I never
I felt.
My strong and courageous husband you
have my solemn oath,
The things in which you can' t remember I'll
remember for us both.
Alexis Y.
Categories:
both, first love, how i
Form:
Free verse
But Honey, Such Sweet Lies That We Both Told
It was a meandering dirty road,
Ah but honey- such sweet lies that were told
About the gold castle upon the hill
And how love always gives sensual thrills
Nary a word about hideous beast
Hiding, awaiting its promised feast
But such you knew, covered with a smile
Hiding so well, your venom and dark guile.
I hear sad tales of your sorrowing woes.
That do not mention your grievous struck blows.
I see, youthful lad with an eager heart
On that winding road, with its cool start
Sailing on seas of romantic delights
Long before the dark truth- endless fights
O' yes, your beauty such a stunning gift
And those ravenous nights - sexual gifts
Even in that dark- pleasures abundant
Do I cry more, such being redundant?
I hear sad tales of your sorrowing woes.
That do not mention your grievous struck blows.
Life in its blazing glory, onward flows
Into that mysterious cloud it goes
You, once a goddess so far out of reach
Before dark world sat us down, both to teach.
R.J. Lindley, first composed in 1979,
Edited 9-09-2021
Categories:
both, art, lost love, poetry,
Form:
Rhyme
MY ADDED VERSUS:
Bows on solemn flower blooms
and scented layers of flared perfume
flow down rows of headstones and tombs.
I've looked at death that way.
But now I tend to ask God why
people visit and freshly cry.
We all know when loved ones die
they rise on His stairway.
I've looked at death from both sides now
from heart to soul and creased my brow.
It's cemeteries I recall.
I really don't know death at all.
Babes and Moms know love far beyond
the reasons seasoning their bond.
Loving a child is blessing dawned.
I've looked at fair that way.
But I live with maternal pain.
My childhood baby dreams met stain.
Now I'm thunder in my son's rain.
Won't give my sadness sway.
I've looked at fair from both sides now
from deep held faith and still somehow
it's his special needs I recall.
I really don't know fair at all.
Categories:
both, baby, cry, death, emotions,
Form:
Lyric
Love Weighs Souls, Says Both Hearts And God Above
They say that the human soul has no weight
They that have not felt heavy hand of fate
Shouting man is born but a fleshly shell
And there is no heaven, there is no Hell
The soul once broken sets a heavy load
As many a crushed heart has showed
We are more than what we see- skin and bones
More than our chatter on our telephones!
Soul in mourning bears the weight of the world
Crushed by weight of boulders Fate hurled
Within man rests that which cannot be seen
Infinite depths not shown on any screen
An invisible link- soul, heart and mind
A unique force- a most passionate kind
A seed sprouting in the soul to emerge
That which becomes a very human urge!
Look at life, the in-between set by Fate
Soul connection, that lovers can relate
Far more than a mere desire or a spell
A power thus born- oft nothing can quell
Yes, the invisible soul does have weight
Its great power is it can alter Fate
I should know that well, it did so with mine
Freed both hearts, gave us love on which to dine
Proof is in the pudding, or so they say
We both have sworn love until our dying day
As dawn's breath each golden beam brings anew
That dearest paradise found by we two
I thank God and willing soul when I pray
With the sincerest words a man can say
For that blessing of life and her sweet love
Love weighs souls, says our hearts and God above.
Robert J. Lindley, 12-18-2020
Rhyme, ( Of The Light Found And Proof In The Pudding )
Categories:
both, art, creation, life, love,
Form:
Rhyme
I am he ..your lord above
I gift you life...and give you love.
And just as easy I can take away
In deaths arriving your lifestyle decay.
But I am he....the God of sin
And I can steal your deepest thoughts within.
For instance am he the devil too
But also God of heavensilence skies so blue
So my warning to you with words of vision
I let you into the my secrets of the life ro you ive given.
Be kind and true to yourself and others
And take example from the earth's being lyrics mothers
Whom nurture care and give there very all
To their gifted children kept within the hearts high wall.
The challenges faced in lifes anot uphill struggle
To see how you cope with circumstances Inot the life you juggle
So be the best you can to all
Don't be a badNess in your downfall
Treat others as you'd like to be treated
And rewards will come when evil sins been cheated
Remember dearly those words I've spoken
If you stand a chance in deaths departing to be forgiven
And with these words I say to you
I wish you wealth and happiness in the paths you pursue
BY ANNA SABRINA TATE 09TH OCTOBER 2019.
Categories:
both, angel, blessing, courage, creation,
Form:
Blank verse
I have my leaders
I have my followers
I am both
Categories:
both, confusion, leadership, life,
Form:
Haiku