Best Commended Poems
Only Soldiers
They are thanked for their service
by those who never served.
Commended for their bravery
by those who never donned
the colors of the country
the red, the white, the blue.
They are left alone with demons
that only they can name
seek the silent comfort
of those who know the same,
they limp alone in honor
of the men they used to be
slowly turn invisible to
the people they keep free.
In silent nod and gesture
they salute in passing pain
bathed in thanks for service,
awash in tearless rain,
not heroes, only soldiers,
in the shadows without name.
11/10/2013
submitted to – Being Invisible – poetry contest
sponsor – SKAT A
Act One: the stage and scenery are set
I was told the play, I'd not soon forget
But if truth were to be told
More like the game, whack-a-mole
I needed a hammer, not a lorgnette
Thespians were vying for the limelight
Popping up everywhere, ready to fight
Sarcastic words ill spoken
The golden rule was broken
A princess rudely slandered by a knight
Act Two: the actors wrote their own stage play
A long soliloquy to have their say
The audience booed and hissed
"Put that one on the blacklist!
Kick that charlatan out," they did convey.
Someone had to quickly close the curtain
'fore the crowd decided they'd be hurtin'
the actor they were jeering
with sidelong looks of leering
meaning, "Fit for a role by Tim Burton!"
Act Three: Then Queenie tried to take control
Each part played, she admitted that she stole
Just another know it all
Boring with each scribbled scrawl
Showing up everywhere like whack-a-mole
Bad actors can't write plays worth a ripe fig
But criticize others to make a dig.
Negative comments given
Are they jealousy driven?
Wantin' to make the rules like a bigwig
The play, though not very well attended
is being recast with those commended
who are never rude and crude
and have a kind attitude
Instead of those whose words have offended
The next play is about a new dog breed
I heard it's called a boghound with a need
to chew on a bone until
its nibbling has caused ill will
and seats are all empty; audience freed.
I was Second Lieutenant of the Army Nurse Corps,
At Pearl Harbour when it was attacked and bombed;
I was in my room at the nurses’ quarters, a store,
Near Tripler Army Hospital, six miles from le monde.
At about 8:20am the on-call nurse called me,
Said Pearl Harbor was being attacked, grave concern,
She looked out and said something was strange, really,
“There is an awful smell…a lot of noise,” we did discern.
So I decided to walk to the hospital, ten minutes flat,
Bt as I stepped out the quarters, had an awful feeling,
No gardenias or hibiscus to sent my nose in a bat,
Just the odour of sulphur and burning oil, and buzzing.
Upon reaching the hospital, I saw twenty stretchers,
All with injured men, lined up, each with bloody wounds,
Some with an M on their foreheads for morphine, etchers:
I was an anaesthetist, and was commended at the sounds.
The chief of surgery turned to me and he did say,
“Madelyn, if we are hit, I want to say to you that,
It is a pleasure to have worked with you,” hey, hey,
“You are a good anaesthetist”, and I accepted that.
But I just replied, “I know God knows we did nothing,
To deserve this, I am putting my trust in him”;
And caring for the wounded took days, also the dying,
And our emergency rooms were schools and a kitchen.
We were very short of bandages, medicines for repair,
Totally unprepared for the hundreds of casualties,
But we did the best we could do with our work and fare,
And blood was donated day and night, no apologies.
She was a shy girl
Few words spoken from her
When out in the world.
She was unsure of who she was
Living in her shell
Not unlike that of a prison cell.
Refrain
But dancing set her spirit free
Gone was her fear
Whether in class or on stage
Gone was her cage
The beauty inside unfurled
A smart, happy, controlled girl emerged.
Afraid to say something wrong
Afraid to do something wrong
She did not wish to upset anyone
She was not so smart
So her mother said many times
Often cross with her she didn’t know why.
Refrain
But dancing set her spirit free
Gone was her fear
Whether in class or on stage
Gone was her cage
The beauty inside unfurled
A smart, happy, controlled girl emerged.
When she was back in the world
Where shattered had been her trust
The shy, unsure girl returned
She wanted to be liked
She knew there was much to give inside
Few people knew the real person inside.
Refrain
But dancing set her spirit free
Gone was her fear
Whether in class or on stage
Gone was her cage
The beauty inside her unfurled
A smart, happy, controlled girl emerged.
She had a smile that could light up a room
She was kind and had compassion for others
She knew how to listen to others
Why didn’t she feel free
To express her mind
Why couldn’t she shine?
Refrain
But dancing set her spirit free
Gone was her fear
Whether in class or on stage
Gone was her cage
The beauty inside her unfurled
A smart, happy, controlled girl emerged.
One day she left her home
And made her own
She made many friends
And her work was commended
Others listened to her words
She found she made a difference.
Refrain
Dancing had set her spirit free
Gone was her fear
Whether in class or on stage
Gone was her cage
The beauty inside her unfurled
A smart, happy, controlled girl emerged.
By CarolineCécile
© April 6, 2006.
Mother, you’re a precious treasure
A gracious gift from God indeed
Your wondrous love, I can’t measure…
Mother, you’re a precious treasure
Along your memories’ pleasure
Of care attending to my need…
Mother, you’re a precious treasure
Commended for virtuous* deed!
*Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
May 6, 2019
5th place, "Celebrate May with a Triolet" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Andrea Dietrich; judged on 5/15/2019.
“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” ~ C.S. Lewis
heart breathing light
across my moments,
restoring my hope,
igniting my joy
soul kindling love
beyond life’s wonder,
freeing me from hurt,
saying I’m worthy
spirit singing grace
into my praises,
laughing, inspiring,
coloring me in harmony
heart, soul and spirit
remembering the seas of wonder
found with you beside me, enlightening
pouring out closeness that survives the darkness,
relationship, a bond of hope and faith
strewn, like the stars, with love and grace…
this is a friendship that will forever amaze
this is a connection that leaves me astounded,
blessed and commended by such an alliance,
Thank you, dear Friend – your heart is just perfect!
With you beside me, compassion is a side effect.
With you, I’m more alive than I can project.
With you beside me, I know how it feels to truly connect.
I love you always and believe you’re the friend I always dreamed about!
Jesus saith unto him. I am the truth, the way and the life. No man come unto
the Father but by me.
John 14:6
Enter The Lord Jesus Christ…
He bled for us.
Through the hours,
in the night.
On two pieces of wood,
one up, one across.
An ultimate sacrifice,
no matter what the cost.
He walked across the desert,
to show man how to love.
And stepped outside of Himself,
to open the Heavens above.
He preached the gospel,
at all and any cost.
As He saw the future,
that our souls might not be lost.
He fought off temptation,
as He walked through hell.
And crushed the evil serpent,
the greatest story ever to tell.
He Sacrificed His body,
so that we may live.
And nailed sin to The Cross,
so our Father would forgive.
He commended his spirit,
and rose from the grave.
Then ascended into Heaven,
so that we might be saved.
He left us with His word,
that He would be our greatest friend.
Until with His Mighty Angels,
He will surely come again.
Enter The Lord Jesus Christ…….
He wept for us.
In the hours,
through the night
Two pieces of wood,
one up, one across.
The ultimate sacrifice,
To die for us on The Cross!
Meanwhile Doctor Kaunda reminded young
people in the country ascending the rung
of success they have a big role to play
with trappings of pride slung
in weaving together unity among unsung
swiftly tailored heroes, as sowers
reaping luxe fabrics of peace among
divinity, integrity, magnanimity,
and unity for this country.
He has however commended President
Edgar Lungu for his efforts in uniting recent
dichotomy, sans the various people in the country,
And speaking at the same event,
National Guidance and reminescent
Religious Affairs Minister
Reverend Godfridah
Sumaili sought riches for indigent -
says national unity and urgent
peace critical for development
of the geographical extent
spanning entire country
Reverend Sumaili says difficult
no matter how fervent
for Zambia to develop
if no unity among Zambians.
And earlier in his speech, Commodores
Vision Ambassador to Zambia
Chairperson Misheck Kombe yours
truly expressed concern to jumpstart
solution regarding regionalism and tribalism at heart
tearing Zambia apart, like inures
reflux resignation of meal,
thus Mr. Kombe underscores
how important each and every shores
Zambian to join the crusade complacent
against tribalism and regionalism
because it retards development for s'mores!
Conscious mind
is limited;
sub-conscience mind
delimited,
superconscious mind
unlimited—
veiled realm that
touches and enshrouds,
mass of knowledge:
infinite…pervasive…absolute.
What has been,
is now
or yet to be
lies here,
commended by
eternity’s blessing.
Cannot be seen,
yet watches.
Cannot be touched,
but feels.
Cannot be heard,
but listens.
Though pervasive,
yet is glimpsed by few.
And still,
presumption
that our senses
will attune to
this exalted realm,
we lift our pens
and sit to write
a masterpiece.
Into thy hands, I commend my fate, not heart
Only from my heart I can preserve my pride.
Into thy hands, only fate, not all of me part
My one and only precious heart is where I ride.
Into thy hands, my commended fate flourishes, rests
But my sole heart stays, blooms in my soul that nests.
Destiny is not fate without life's purpose
Purpose grows in heart and soul, fate sires purpose.
Condemned king to death by Pirate, scourged and crowned with thorns
Flesh torn in payment for our sins, Jesus took up His cross
Falling for the first time drained by weight upon his shoulders
Surrounded by hate, his mother's presence lighted his face
Footsteps began faltering Simon helps carry his cross
Veronica wiped man's cruelty from our Saviour's face
Falling a second time his strength failed dwindling to the ground
Kind women weep not for for me but yourself and children's sake
He fell a third time dragged then prodded to move forward
Stripped of his garments my merciless executioners
Nailed unto a cross hands and feet until his cruel end
He commended his soul to the Father's love then breathed his last
Taken down placed onto our blessed mother's loving arms
His body wrapped and anointed with spices placed in the tomb
I quickly joined the Navy on June the 4th, 1943,
As soon as I graduated at 17, life was definitely to be;
I received boot training in the state of Maryland,
At Bainbridge, became a navigator noble and grand.
I was sent to Amphibious Training wet, phew wee,
At Little Creek in Virginia, where I got my crew,
Of different ranks including machinists as gunners,
The craft was 56-foot, our rations made us stunners.
But I was separated from my crew, went to Plymouth,
In England, placed on a Liberty ship used to house,
Replacement cargo for artillery that got destroyed,
Which was so much longer than the crafts deployed.
In Fahnouth England, I memorised Normandy maps,
Prepared and used a Reflectoscope to turn on the taps;
We were scared of poison gas when we hit Omaha,
I was quarantined on June 1st of ’44, needed mama.
We saved many from the crafts using cargo nets sublime,
But they were difficult to climb in the rough seas, crime,
A craft almost mounted the ship ‘cos of a high wave,
And always we had to be steely and very, very brave.
The bombs from the Nazi’s were the size of footballs,
And we painstakingly recovered many bodies, stalls,
From the water which had just beaten them cruelly,
And that first D-Day morning we were losing brutally.
The Germans hedgehogs, or bombs for the landing crafts,
Fired on us from a pillbox, but in my case American staff,
Took my attacking pillbox out, and I was just so grateful,
‘Cos it was causing me havoc ‘cos I almost felt too awful.
Luckily that night two German planes simply just avoided us,
After a few days we did hydrographic 3D printing work, suss,
For which I was commended, I contributed to today’s 3D printing
Then I lead the invasion of southern France, which was amazing.
The Panama Canal saw me on a rocket ship headed for Japan,
But the A-Bomb ended the war, and we went state-side to tan,
My Honourable Discharge was in March of ’46, and I was quick,
To get back to my peacetime activities, but never forgot the sick.
I can remember that day…like it was just yesterday. The pain inside, was too much to
bear. As they lowered you in the ground, my world came a crashing down. No more
would I ever see your radiant smile. That day is still a blur…as I drank the night away.
Hoping it was all just a dream? But, reality came around and my emotions broke me
down…and it all came a crashing down. It took me by surprise as those tears filled my
eyes. My drink became a salty river of tears…I can still hear the Reverends last words
as he commended your body to the earth. I was around town feeling sorry for myself,
my emotions were coming down…I could still he his words as he commended you to the
earth, but my heart couldn’t let you go. As they held me back from jumping in your
grave…the emotions started to fill my soul, I was around town feeling so sorry for
myself. Try to drown my pain with whiskey and beer…but those emotions came a
tumbling down. As my drink became a salty river of tears, no more…no more…would I
ever hear your laughter, that seemed as though it could fill the ever after. Later that
night as I lay down to sleep, I reached over to that empty spot where you use to be…I
swear I could almost hear you say, “ Dry your tears, someday we will be back together
as we laugh together in this life here after…so weep no more. I’ll see you on the other
side.” As I closed my eyes, the pain began to subside…I knew one day soon I’d get to
see your radiant smile and hear your laughter.
I've commended your name to the Lord Jesus Christ
It's the safest place a I could find.
I know His Spirit will watch over you
and that gives me great peace of mind.
I've place your life in the hands of my God
I could think of no better place.
I trust in His Spirit to work in your heart
so you will find mercy and Grace.
Now I will steward with diligent prayer
and trust in God's spirit to guide.
He'll turn your heart back to Him again,
once more He will walk by your side.
We Must Make Good Use of Our Riches
LK 16:1-13
Then he also said to his disciples"A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property.
He summoned him and said, 'What is this I hear about you?
Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.
' The steward said to himself,
'What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me?
I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.'
He called in his master's debtors one by one. To the first he said, 'How much do you owe my master?'
He replied, 'One hundred measures of olive oil.' He said to him
'Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.'
And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently...
The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones;
the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones.
No servant can serve two masters.
He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Taken from LK 16:1-6, 8, 10, 13)