Best Circumspection Poems
Mindful
Startled out of nonchalant light,
Wakefulness stands at attention
Ignited flame from the eternal candle,
Energized vigil of the watchman
At the soul’s dawning daybreak
Tingling in the presence
Of every dappled infinite breath.
Rotating eye of illumination
Watchful, like a lighthouse beacon hovering,
Charts rocks and shoals through clear oceans insight,
Every nerve exposed in circumspection
Sometimes cringing in wary expose
Often basking in the light touch of satisfaction
As niggling prophecy finds confirmation in revelation
Throwing off the blinded penury of antonyms,
Embracing flashing synonyms of wisdom,
Tears of the heedful heart touch drab puzzles poverty
To polish with refinement’s shine burnished enthusiasm
For the incandescent dancing mindful
Then banish chary strobes of destitute indifference
Reaching beyond self-centered parentheses.
A lantern of thoughtfulness in floodlights
Of full harvest shared – no scattered crumbs of bread
Baked to stone in scathing flashes of the false
Eloquent vigilant splendor - never morning extinguished –
Torch to awaken lambent radiance of clarity’s joy,
Identity of the pilgrim heart, ejects sightless shades
Mindfulness blends the conscious scattered fragments
For Mosaics in clear lit portraits of charity's open hands
Throwing off the numb stalker branded carelessness
Born of intentional ignorance
Seeker’s actuated incentive to the attentive –
To hear! To see! To feel! To move in birth!
Action invigorated by accentuated humility of grace.
Date Written 6-10-21
Best #1 Poem - September 2021
1st place Trophy Win Poetry Contest - Mindful
Included in Poetry Soup Anthology - It's Still Poetry
For 15 years I have tolerated,
calculated, anticipated, sublimated workplace degradations, derisions,
subversions towards my character,
not today, no more,
yes, my pride has become livid, swollen like a bad bruise on the heart
and I apologize not for my self defense & righteous roil,
I will address you as the mean spirited scoundrels that you are,
no more 'boss - employee' boundry, just one human to another,
No fascade & title to prance behind, no longer above reproach from the lesser,
you are now entering the shock of the 'dead-fall' ,
buck you and your low wages, buck you and your perfect policies,
buck you and your work ethic 'mumbo jumbo',
buck you and the lame insults and false criticisms perpetrated
against my innocence and motivation,
buck you with your attempts to undermine my positive leadership,
buck you and your inconsistent hours
making a God damn yoyo out of me, buck you and your bonuses,
buck you and your preposterous training videos and ridiculous high school uniforms,
buck you and the belittling psychological questionniares connected to your applications,
buck you and your little managerial conclaves
which produce absurd machinations targeting the hourly employees
that make the place profitable,
wipe your cracks with your silly 'write ups' and legal circumspection bull-slit,
I am not your 'bro.' or 'buddy' , and I sure as shout am not your 'honey' ,
not today, not anymore
I will not allow you to treat me as a tool for your benefit,
I will no longer work faster so that you can save money & leave earlier,
you will no longer be permitted to laugh at me without redress,
you are now dealing with a Man, not just another employee number,
don't worry 'boss', I'll continue to work, I'm not gonna 'quit' ,
but I will not work for you, I am going to work with you,
today is a New Day -
J.A.B. Dedicated to all hard working Men and Women -
The sage green wall had worn a blank look
until, slightly askew, with a tilt to the left
dangling helplessly, without a complaint
is the pride of an artist, who lacked all constraints.
He dipped into his paints with no sense of restriction
hung it in place without hesitation
giving the viewer a crick of the neck.
It hangs precariously, for an eager assessment
without circumspection, neither yes's or no's...
No hemming or hawing just helter and skelter
Instead, a take me or leave me,... is the quick estimation
Conforming was no issue, just pure bold assumption
Excitement exploded from two eager hands
that thrust it in place, with assured restless haste,
hammered a nail with pride and conviction
and planted it there, with pure ardent fervor
Sharing a warmth of a seasonal decade....
this amateurish, yet delightful landscaped intrusion
sings in the sunshine, and smelling of springtime
shouting with color, and sprinkled with lavender
flavored with turpentine, and oil-painted rainbows
In the lower left corner, is an array of dahlias,
bursting with crimson, never changing or fading
never thirsty for water,
barren of a single, silent, dried up weed
and free of decay, dismay or mold
The amber was gold, the umber was bold,
rust to rust, dust to dust......ash to ash
With him he took all the pride that he found
...still holding the brush stroke of a satisfied smile
___________________________________
For Anthony's Contest: Favorite Artist
Dedicated to someone special in my life R.I.P.
4/16/14 Revised for Anthony's Contest
Not conscious of infinities blast Big Bang into reality our matter hurled
The Moira in our ancient past held us captive in this world
The blessings are the curses in every man’s situation
A profound secret and mystery to one another—the human condition
The secret suffering souls demand such solemn serious speculation
Yet the absurdity of LIFE in all its levity and evanescence calls for circumspection…
We create the stories and gods in hopes
And we assign such meaning to everything: stars, numbers, tea-leaves, and dates…
We create stories and gods to fill the voids find star- crossed loves and faith in the fates
In all the randomness—the beautiful randomness
We live, we love, we kiss, and we miss the beauty of chance
Kierkegaard a product of his time
his philosophical bent in line
had yet to be—to see—the reality—
of Camu or Sartre in thoughts evolution
one solution to counter mother Nature’s hostility or indifference,
We wield power over her mock her, scorn her, show her!
I am not the powerless weak little creature born to die at your whim—
No sin to go—my existence I control.
But halt! Oh! our Jungian collective-consciousness in the present soon awakens swooned by modern bards, agnostics and atheists even religious faith shaken
A light! A light! A revelation!
Because that which is unseen we know to exist
The unknown exists and because we don’t know it's purpose.. perhaps there is perhaps there is not one,
The horizon we see with our eyes does not exist in reality Physics concrete Science save us…
Our eyes set to betray us…
All this unknown doesn't mean we can't embrace the chaos
And we assign such meaning to everything: stars, numbers, tea-leaves, and dates…
Yet it all does exist with a beauty more lovely than any of Shakespeare's fates...
The river smells like damp cotton this morning,
the weather has been so complimentary to our exertions
frost invades the nights nicely and soft sunshine comforts our faces in daytime,
we have been averaging 26 miles per day for more than a week
which gives us fat optimism that we'll reach the he Mandan villages before November,
our sense of serenity and ease is abruptly shaken by a suspicious sight,
from the boats we notice , not far inland
a settlement abandoned to arid earth and the whispers of sullen fate,
with a detachment of 12 men
this broken place in paradise is searched
with the circumspection of armed archaeologists,
from wood and rock totems
we have surmised that this village belonged to the Arikaras,
evidently, they systematically left here, or were decimated by some terrible force,
a gutteral roar rips into my ears
as I see the most monstrous beast of my life,
it is the great grizzly bear, wicked in temper and simply petrifying in stature,
about 40 yards away Sheilds stumbles out of an Arikara sod lodge
as the grizzly emerges from it's liar, standing upright like a tower of terror
fangs in the air and claws ready to thrash
Sheilds buries a slug right into it's chest from 10 feet away
sounding like a large stone plunging deep into water
white panic stretches his face while the beast stammers for a moment,
there is no time for him to reload
and he starts running to the canoe faster than a fuse
several of us take aim and unleash a crossfire of lead
pegging the bear every which way halting it's chase
and with the speed of a two horse wagon it's running to the brush,
we forgo the hunt and evacuate to the canoes,
enough has been seen here,
J.A.B.
A good portion of the nation is living out loud
involuntarily, because of invasion of privacy,
Inquisitions prompted by religious affliliations
and racial discriminations,
Private living has become obsolete,
obliterated by accusations, and curiosities,
The American Dream no longer holds the
same meaning for everyone,
Foreigners' lives are plastered on every news edition,
from the products they use, to the foods they eat,
Quiet lives are no longer discreet,
such indignities and inhumane treatments have become
the norm, because spies come in all sizes, shapes and forms,
When will all the mistrust and circumspection end?
Remember, Terrrorists don't lay down roots and pretend to
be friends........,
They are only committed to appearances and ends.
Admonishing against arrogance and apathy
Building lives buttressed with leadership brace
Caring for his children, blending compassion and circumspection
Daddy* dearest is decisive, determined, diligent, dedicated, disciplinarian...
Empowering with his enabling encouragement
Fatherly figure, firming up family fortress by his faith-fortitude
Godly in gearing, guarding, governing, guiding along grace goodness
Hoisting us toward holiness-height, happiness’ health and heavenly hope...
Instructor was Dad: intelligent and inspiring
Jovial while being just; amidst job-stress, jubilant
Keen in his knowledge kingdom for kindling kindness
Leading us to love’s light along liberating lessons in life...
Man of mercy and might, managing meaningfully
Nurturing so well with Mom’s nursing nourishment
Offering and opening great opportunities for optimization
Prayerful Dad propelled us to perform with best for progress
Quitting not in doing best despite qualms to attain noble quests...
Reverberating Dad’s legacy, worth remembering
Surely serving as steadfast statutes of strength’s stamina
Truthful indeed against trying times toward triumphant tasks
Unwavering since he had them exemplified by the Lord’s uplift
Values he did instill is us verily make us victors, vanquishing vanity...
Wonderful Dad, you have made us today’s winners
‘Xample you are to us, a champion , a hero of ‘xcellence
Your memory* lives in our hearts forever; yes, beyond eternity’s yon
Zealous are we to thank you, and we praise the Lord for your virtues’ zest.
*Proverbs 10:7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
Daddy Roberto passed away on January 2, 2019, as he was called to be with the Lord forever. Dad, by the grace and power of the Lord, left us - his children and his grandchildren - with a great testimony of a blessed fulfilled life as a husband, father, brother, church member, community contributor; indeed a virtuous life-builder.
December 10, 2019
ABC form with alliteration
6th place, "Memorial of a Loved One" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Chantelle Anne Cooke; judged on 12/13/2019.
“To be or not to be: that is the question”*
Shakespeare’s wise words, worthy of introspection…
Such was first brought to my young mind’s discretion
During an English grammar class instruction
When teacher in her earnest presentation
Discussed “infinitives” to their full fruition.
In my high school poetry recitation
That line echoed with mirth’s retrospection
As it reigned along distinct elocution
In grand oratorical recognition
I gained despite stage-fright’s attack- affliction
For confident, convincing enunciation.
Its essence drove my being into action
Through productive student participation
Midst conflict confrontation and solution
Facing the opposition’s proposition
While defending with prudent circumspection
Attainment of triumphant culmination.
My college literature was no exemption
For its intellectual reverberation…
“To be or not to be: that is the question”*
Was voiced in dignified articulation
I took as valued leadership direction
Toward assured vision realization.
Now as lecturer in Communication
I’m called to project such with love’s devotion
Having been bestowed virtuous provision
By God’s grace, wisdom, power and compassion
Living well by faith that “to be ”** assertion
Abounding in gratitude’s satisfaction.
*Line from Hamlet of William Shakespeare
**1Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
February 1, 2020
2nd place, "Famous poetic lines that inspire" Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Silent One; judged on 2/2/2020.
Speak when spoken to was the law, when in age I was tender
Never answer adults back, independence was surrendered
Do this do that go here go there, and never question orders
Did they not know they parents were, and not bloody warders
I swore that when I had kids, I’d give them free expression
Leave them question everything, without fear of repression
I learned more than I taught them, in their years a growing
Subjects that made me blush, I wondered about their knowing
So now in the twilight of my years, I look back with reflection
On years of not speaking words, without using circumspection
Now my tongue tied words are free, please listen and construe
When I say what once I could only feel, that I really do love you
For Contest 'You Can Say It Now' : Paula Swanson
The affliction I have encountered has fastened my lips,
And I am at a loss for words therefore my feelings I cannot express.
However, as I dip the end of my quill into apprehension,
And with urgency of these accounts, I am compelled to...confess.
Yet me fear is that the paper shall not bear the weight...
Of the emotional agony that my heart has experienced of late.
It so happened, that my heart was fashioned amidst a floral bouquet,
And presented to a loved one who I thought may appreciate this fragile display.
It’s symbolic interpretation conveying the importance of love with marital intent,
When I learned of its acceptance, it brought feelings of sheer delight and a sense that it was well spent.
However, as the years ebbed away and love was an inconvenience that caused a rift,
Well my love stood firm but alas hers had gone adrift.
Her speech that was once nectar, now lacked the evocation of affection,
Her conduct boasts utter resentment and rejection.
She speech id flavoured with words of severing our connection,
A pretence to cover her affairs by avoid public circumspection.
My lips are conserved by love’s rebuff and mournful sorrow,
Even my pen fails to compose my hearts deepest tenderness and is considered a foe.
I have no alternative but to mend my broken heart and adorn it in an array,
To seek a true dwelling place next to one that appreciates it’s beauty and hope it will come one day.
Life, As I Know It
Life, as I know it goes through four seasons.
Fall, when autumn leaves fall, when problems come,
Struggles, obstacles and finding reasons,
Strength, courage to survive, to overcome.
Winter, the time for thorough reflection,
Savoring what had been done and thinking
Things to be done with high circumspection.
Spring, when opportunities are springing.
Learning, mentally growing, transforming.
Summer, season to celebrate, enjoy
Achievements, fulfillments and rewarding
The pinnacle of success with glee, joy.
Life goes on, as time keeps on a changing,
Keep evolving for life is engaging.
10/30/22 Marilene Evans
At the moment of our birth,
we begin a journey on earth,
knowing nothing of what awaits.
Being a one way uncharted road,
it’s where we’ll gather a disparate load
of indiscriminate likes, loves and hates.
Our road may be smooth or rough:
level and straight, or hilly and tough/
Hazardous or convoluted, the way
ahead is never predestined nor known.
Whilst the choice of road is ours alone,
it determines our each and every day.
With help from family and friends,
we become aware our future depends
on our accepting guidance and advice,
then, acting as our conscience dictates,
we can seize opportunities Life creates,
without resorting to avarice or vice.
Although the path we tread, be long or short,
it allows diversion, should we wish to abort
a wrong turn taken, when truth shows the way,
but should we choose to defy ethical morality,
then our chances of achieving immortality
are slim, if temptation induces us to stray!
It’s by applying experiences we acquire,
that we can face adversity, and aspire
to go forward, without looking back
or having sad regrets, whilst our reward,
judged on deeds - both good and untoward,
determines our end, with no going back!
With Life an unknown journey, for one and all,
it’s by personal decisions, we will rise or fall.
We can ascribe no blame, for errors we might make
nor is circumstance an excuse, for any misdirection.
Our span on earth, requires prudent circumspection
if we would leave a legacy, free from critical debate.
Rhymer. September 2nd, 2017
In the mirror of life, God shows* us His perfect will
Teaching us to trust Him while staying serene
So that His plan we can perform with zest
By His instruction, making us triumphant.
In the mirror of life, the Saviour radiates His compassion
Reminding us to depend on His generous abundance
So that His grace we can gratefully acknowledge
By His mercies ready to meet our needs.
In the mirror of life, the Creator exposes His kindness
Guiding us to rely on His great supreme sovereignty
So that His direction we can courageously follow
By His leadership, propelling us to prosper.
In the mirror of life, the Lord illumines through His functional wisdom
Instructing us to enjoy His granted blessed salvation-liberty
So that His advice we can apply with circumspection
By His counsel for love-driven service.
In the mirror of life, Jesus Christ reveals His nature thru the holy Word
Bracing us to live by faith, forgiving our confessed sins
So that His truth we can declare against deceit
By His precepts, upholding righteous stand.
In the mirror of life, the Almighty reflects His fellowship glow
Calling us to worship with honesty, honour and humility
So that His light we can manifest in our stewardship
By His partnership toward sharing-caring bliss.
Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
May 8, 2022
1st place, "In the Mirror of Life" Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Anoucheka Gangabissoon; judged on 5/13/2022.
Indeed, there are three sides to every story
multi-faceted, alerting us against fake news-misery
thus, wisdom is needed to unravel twists and mystery
along circumspection toward seeking truth's victory!
Here am I presenting a story
along my role in child-rearing ministry
facing challenges on how to handle information-delivery
yet staying calm, though reality-check makes me feel sorry.
One decade and five years ago,
our special child was diagnosed
with infantile spasm epilepsy
along global developmental delay…
Side 1 ~~~ Perspective of the doctor:
The pediatrician with her neurology expertise
explained the CT (computed tomography) scan
result of our child’s brain --- as having an atrophy.
Then she declared this prognosis:
“Your child will progress toward retrogression.”
Side 2 ~~~ My poetic viewpoint in ABC with alliteration:
Apprehension midst anxiety agitated my angst
Baby in our life-building bosom
Calls for compassionate care due to cerebral palsy condition
Diagnosed with debility, demanding diligent duty---
Enabled with endurance for extra-effort
Fervently facing feats for faith-fueling
Guided with God by His grace and goodness
Hope-filled to help our child, we are hoisted that his
Infantile spasm epilepsy should not be ignored…
Side 3 ~~~ The Omniscient vision of the Divine Almighty:
By faith in the Sovereign Supreme Creator Who knows
perfectly what’s best, I see His miraculous power in
our child who is now 15 years old…progressing
toward milestones, midst the Lord’s provision,
with our love, prayer and trust, testifying
“With God, nothing shall be impossible.*”
Indeed, there are three sides to every story
multi-faceted, alerting us against fake news-misery
thus, wisdom is needed to unravel twists and mystery
along circumspection toward seeking truth's victory!
Here I stand today along triumphant territory
winning over unbelief, skepticism and guilt's fury
learning that the Almighty can overrule man's story
since He knows everything, and such is proven in our history!
*Luke 1:37 "For with God nothing shall be impossible."
November 29, 2024
1st place, "Three sides to every story" Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Silent One; judged on 12/16/2024
Woods
In the green woods no path has direction
decay is a form of progress
and despite all the circumspection
'Getting there" wouldn't be understood.
It's true, ants industrialize, and squirrels very middle-class
bank on the prodigal oaks. But the fashion is baroque--tulips like venetian glass, birds ignite on every branch, each elm has Restoration sleeves,
and the bees and flowers are an old scandal.
The effort, what there is, doesn't show.
Flying must be fun, memories are short
and where nothing is remembered,
nothing is routine.
Everyone has a talent, nests seldom fail,
and what's spent is miraculously retained.
What they report of us we have only indignant noises
from which to judge--and then the quiet watching 'til we go.