Best Cotton Wool Poems
The long years are harsh where the hot sun does burn
on the sand hills and plains when seasons won’t turn
where saltbush and samphire do somehow survive
and through these hot days there seems little alive.
But shade in the she-oaks can offer relief
for creatures surviving who still hold belief
the outback’s not dying though is tinder dry…
then cotton-wool clouds start to build in the sky.
And when it gets humid and balmy at night
the sunrise is red with the new dawning light
and leaves get up dancing and float on the breeze
ants start to scurry and thunder does tease.
There’s change on the way and a scent in the air
and storm birds are singing to make all aware
that drought may be over and soon there’ll be rain
the outback will flourish ‘til drought comes again.
Now pastel pink earth starts to darken to red
as it quenches it’s thirst on the deluge ahead
the creek beds awake from their slumber for years
and billabongs form behind quick rising weirs.
The pans and the lowlands are holding their fill
and outstation tanks are now starting to spill
so comes a new dawn from a heartbreaking scene
when almost like magic the land turns to green.
Where a land is vindictive and can be unkind
where water is life, and with man undermined
where vastness is changing from sleeping repose
the buds are now bursting and now they disclose…
…a rainbow that travels so long with the eye
in a landscape rebirth, to thanks from the sky
I’m taking a stroll through a live daisy chain
in a carpet of colour that follows the rain.
Drizzling, dazzling
splinters of diamond
Shards of crystal
or liquidized glass!
Transparent drops
from a translucent sky.
Ooh, that lucid lustre:
No wonder they say,
there's something sexy about the rain
Atleast it does seem to drive
dripping lovers insane.
And then as if frenzied, suddenly excited
the drizzle converts into a heavy downpour
as thunders bellow and thunders roar
as rivers swell and rivers soar.
Rain battering our rooftop
like needless war drums
or heedless bass drums
The heavens having opened
to announce a cloud burst
Till it's said to be raining cats and dogs
or more realistically, fishes and frogs!
O' God bless the nimbus
Those soaking cotton wool puffs in the sky
Those candy floss rainclouds sailing by.
RED-
Pillar boxes that stand open-mouthed
Waiting to be fed.
And plump ripe strawberries,
Dipped in sugar,
Smothered in cream.
Or just popped in your mouth
And squashed between your teeth
YELLOW-
Buttercups that shine under your chin
To give away your secrets.
And hot corn on the cob
That drips with butter
And smacks your lips.
PINK-
Candyfloss,like fluffy cotton wool
That glues to your fingers
And disappears in your mouth.
And gooey icing on the top
Of long sticky buns.
GREEN-
Grass that prickles your skin
When you run barefoot.
And unripe apples
Hanging from trees
That beg to be eaten
Till your tummy hurts!
ORANGE-
Fruit that juices your throat
And dribbles your chin.
And bonfire flames
Glowing and warm
That crackle and spit
And reach with poker fingers
If you get too near.
VIOLET-
Like the flowers, and the lilac
In blossom time.
And sweet smelling lavender
That crushes itself
On your hands
And reminds you of Grandma.
BLUE-
Sky on a clear sunny day
That dangles above your fingers
Just out of reach.
And the warm sea
That plunges you
Into its' playful waters
And wraps you up
In its' waves.
And then there are
Multi-coloured things,
Like ribbons,ballons and streamers.
Kites that play chase with the wind.
The wings of butterflies
And painted carnival faces.
And of course the rainbow
That appears bright and magical,
Soaring high above
Houses and tree tops
On to nowhere land,
Lighting up the sky
With its brilliance.
Then is gone,
Scattering itself
To be remembered
Among colour favourites.
I sit and pause, looking at the sky blue ceiling above me. White vapour cotton wool clouds
gently float like water lilies on an upside down pond. My humble seat, an igneous rock
from the Devonian period. A glaciation past has moulded this comfort to rest this weary
climber. I am in fortunate delight as this skyscraper of old can turn nasty with nature.
These marvels can unite and lure unsuspected hikers, and draw them into a weather world
they have never known. The gulley's and faces of this quite wonderful Munro hide
challenges and dangers for all who dare climb. Many have been lost as they become
disorientated, as natures weather closes in.
The ascent route to the summit on a day like today is quite wonderful. The beauty of the
glens, with their sporadic mix of andesite and basaltic lava mountains, rival many a range
on our fine planet. Many colours explode on the surrounding canvas. Greens and beige's,
greys mingling with red granite masses. Screes are in evidence, a sign of the range ageing
as natures seasons take their toll. Plant life carpets the slopes, where grasses of sorts
mingle with the purple and white heather. Ferns from a prehistoric age fan out catching
the breeze, like Sea´ ferns´ in the ocean.
As i climbed, at various intervals i would close my eyes and listen to the calls of the
wild. The sporadic bleating of sheep, as if echoing through the glens. Crows and their
hooded cousins fly sorties looking for carrion of such. Suddenly they scatter, as royalty
makes a welcomed appearance. As majestic as the King of the mountains can be, a Golden
Eagle glides on the thermals. His subjects looking on from a distance, for fear of
angering him. Rabbits, lizards and even sheep and lambs, bow down in whatever chambers of
safety allows them. As graceful as he arrived, he leaves. Slowly but slowly, the lookouts
of the species declare their haven a safe zone.
This climb has certainly given me a thirst, as the thinned mountain air leaves me tired.
Nearby a small stream offers a weary climber a much needed tonic. This pure fresh
translucent chemical substance quenches my crave, with a gentle splash over my sun beaten
face, i feel refreshed to a point.
http://www.thehighlanderspoems.com/scotland-3.php
The inspiration becomes a song
depending on an oceans verse
a seagull's cry calls upon the ancient mariner
Enchanting riches turns to dust moulded
Singing sunrise over horizon's mist
on the dark side of a moonbeam lost
Howling into an empty void
blood drips upon material planted
rays of light paints with hope dwells peace
From it's seed grows the apple bitten
once sewn deeply shades the blossoms pink
flowing rivers turning tides over
The seas part with death tolling time's reflection
watered by dewdrops sparkling green pastures growing
stronger for living pierced within daggers hurled by hate
Salted the remains of injured spiced injustices bring
perfumed inside regrets a living truth expelled nightmares
we all become haunted by ghosts of a past life
hunted by the wolves whom pack abuse unrelenting
We become the sheep
through eyes of forgiveness
held forever fragile within cotton wool
dancing away with the clouds
makes way for the sky to open your eyes
to colour through our optic nerves
one vision in words to complete
Are they whipped white milky cream
Sprinkled from heaven - or
Chunks of white cotton wool that
Reflect and gleam twilight rays
Ah! fluttering with fleecy wings
Through a shimmer of orange
Are they a host of graceful angels
In satin white frilled gowns
Hovering around shining bright
Drifting in delicate glide
Ah! fluttering with fleecy wings
In the bright serene sky
Are they a herd of white bunnies
Fluffy and soft, bobbing around
Scattering and wandering playfully
Scurrying and hurrying
Ah! fluttering with fleecy wings
Across the bold blue sky
Are they a colony of white and grey seagulls
Swooping and circling restlessly
At the looming of a storm
Whirling and swirling
Ah! fluttering with fleecy wings
In the dark blue overcast sky
Date: 05/12/2021
2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 15 Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Mark Toney
'Say It Again' Poetry Contest
Sponsor: William Kekaula
Amongst the oaks and the maples and shrubbery so green
Runs a translucent flow, a stream so pristine
It's meandering contours hugging the land
Takes me back to the day, we met unplanned
The sky was pale blue on this hot summers day
Cotton wool clouds in mesmerising display
It's as if you could reach out and brush with your hand
This candy floss coating ceiling our land
Many meadows I walked through capturing the sounds
Listening to her marvels in cinema surround
Technicolour rainbows so radiant to the eye
Such beauty in nature, understandably why
I reach the turn-style that leads to the forest walk
Listening to the breeze through the trees as if they talk
These pillars of stature, as old as grandfathers years
Many stories they could tell, that would bring you to many tears
As I stroll through the leafy lanes, mapped out over many years
Trampled underfoot by it's inhabitants, badgers and beautiful red deer
I now reach the stream as I follow it's meandering flow
To a pool at it's end where past maidens bathed in glow
My ears now pick up sounds of singing and a splashing
Resonating from the pool, a glimpse of pink now flashing
A lady stands before me, bathing in the stream
Scarlet clothing in sporadic lay, am I in some kind of dream
I call out to this beauty as she turns and looks at me
Towards the bank she walks, and invites me in with she
Knee deep in crystal waters our bodies close in touch
My clothing now drifts away, the two of us in clutch
Into our eyes we both now look as blood flows through my veins
Her touch is soft and gentle, my hands now stroke her mane
Deeper we edge out as she floats and hugs my waist
The two of us in join in this beautiful serene quiet place
Our emotion creates commotion as our undulations reach the shore
Ripples of joy they are as underwater hands explore
The coldness incites a reaction, in pert and firm caress
In delightful blend we release, two souls in loving press
Kissing we reach the bank, on her summer dress we lie
Sighing in breathless spoon, we stare at the green canopy sky
Many, many hours have passed, lying naked below the peeking sun
This is the day I met my scarlet woman, the day our lives began
http://www.thehighlanderspoems.com/love-11.php
I entered my dream amidst a lavender grassy plain
I realised looking up that the skies are not the same
Orange to yellow patterns as if in cotton wool collage
Blood red horizons in compass as I view my dreams mirage
A noise captures my ears as I turn to view from where
Upon an orangey maned zebra, what I see leaves me stare
She, with Tiger stripes and naked, breasted so heavenly
To the cotton clouds she looks, with a raven so beautifully
My mind now hears cloven hooves, as if beating on the ground
Now many approach from distance, floating, now I'm in surround
The skies begin to darken, blood red horizons seen before
So surreal amidst this lavender, through an alternate back door
Whilst the raven gently hovers she turns her eyes to me
In complexed look of amaze, I think what does she see
Written 7/27/2011 4:26:00 PM
On a dreary day, the sky hangs, like layers of grey cotton wool
As I am curled up warm and toasty next to a roaring fire
Across the armrest, my old throw casually lays
Favorite magazines leisurely tossed upon the floor
I am now restless; too cold for a walk and feeling melancholy
I proffer distant stares through wide expanse of window
Slipping into a welcome daydream, my coffee mug in my hand
Imaginings take forms as I look past the frosty panes
Like magic, I deeply inhale streams of moist, clean, fresh air
As warm, mellow sunshine slowly invades the gloom
I see the brave rose bush awakening, clad in young leaves of green
Her precious, new buds peering from sockets upon trimmed branches
There goes a busy hummingbird collecting nectar as she sings
And in my mind at that moment, in pure delight, I glimpse, spring!
~*~
Note: For Francine Roberts's, "Bring On Spring" Contest
The most beautiful elf
On a pink rose did she stand
With ladybirds and butterflies
In a wondrous land
With snow capped mountains
And fields of green
Cotton wool clouds
Like a delightful dream
The butterflies fluttered
And the ladybirds danced
The beauty of the elf
Left my heart entranced
Dressed in pinks
With roses in her hair
En capturing this highlander
In his delightful stare
The beauty of her pose
With mother nature's creatures
The complexion of her skin
And the most beautiful of features
What a joyous place to be
In this haven of elf's and flowers
Where butterflies and ladybirds
En capture me for hours
http://www.thehighlanderspoems.com/fantasy-5.php
“CAROUSELS AND CANDYFLOSS’
Childhood memories cherished and remote recollections
Emerging in magnified clarity encourage renewed perceptions
Open air big screen films referred to as “Drive-Ins”
A regular Saturday night treat -- family car, excitement within
After eating our packed picnic snack
Permission asked to play—promises to come back
Our greatest thrill sat under the huge white screen
Amusement ride—galloping flying horses-- enchanting scene
Carousel rotating- fairground organ—a musical ride
Merry-go-round- gilded Horse ballet dancing with pride
Some high on poles, interspersed benches—
These were placed for the less adventurous
Waiting patiently the ride slows down
Small minds choosing horses to call their own
Rushing to mount our fantasy up high
Small feet in stirrups, as wooden horses fly
The candy-floss man stands on the side
Inflated packets-- pale pink, blue and white divide
Cotton- wool sugary treats entice as we wait
Melt in the mouth moments to keep us awake
Kim van Breda—February 2013
I'm in the town called Tranquility absorbing the sun
Holidaying am I amidst the valley of said sins
Such joyous commotions viewing children's fun
Seeing happiness abound in wondrous spin
But it's the nature of being here, knowing it's begun
Cotton wool clouds caught by grayed demons be
It's just a matter of moments that they engulf all we
Next morning I awaken to skies of deadened grey
In the distance funnels of evil rotate their dread
Swirling spiral vortexes never shy in their display
Their ignorance now shared delivered imbed
Such her power no prisoners she now portrays
Overturned cars, houses adrift trees now stripped
If such were to be human on a drug fueled trip
God, build me some mountains to surround this plain
Allow said sins to be attracted to forever dissipate
Never to allow grief as such, these tremendous pains
Their height being there simply closes the vortex gate
Lets learn from said angers that they never will again
I'm in the town called Tranquility absorbing the sun
Holidaying where am I, seeing parasols in lightly spun
.
I couldn’t believe it when I woke up today
It had snowed and settled and blocked my driveway
A white blanket had covered the whole of my car
So I knew by then that I wouldn’t get far
It had been forecast but we didn’t expect
To get such a downfall like that just yet
It hasn’t snowed like this for some years
But for some it has caused a few tears
Everything stops when the snow is so thick
I was so glad I was off work sick
I wouldn’t have got off the drive today
The white blanket of snow had got in the way
It was years ago now since the snow fell this way
I haven’t seen as much snow as today
The buses stopped running and the trains stood still
I couldn’t get out coz I live up a hill
The snowflakes were falling like cotton wool balls
I looked out of my window as the snowflakes fall
I was going to build a snowman but I was too tired
After clearing the driveway my energy expired
The snow on the hills looked so wonderfully white
The sky was full and in the night it was still bright
It was just like a scene from a Christmas card
In the morning it was icy and the snow had gone hard
The roads have been gritted but only the main
They even forecast some more snow again
So although it looks like a picture out there
It would be much better if it was elsewhere
The time for that change has come to the fore,
When we put away stuff to make room for more.
Ornaments that all year had held sway,
Are now boxed up and safely hidden away.
Our Grandson is coming for a short holiday,
So the house is transformed just for his stay.
Christmas is early just for his delight,
While he is here we will enjoy Christmas night.
The cabinet in the corner goes down the hall,
To make room for the Christmas Tree so tall.
Fran starts to rub her hands with glee,
It's time to put up the Christmas Tree!
So out come the boxes of Christmas stuff,
Out come the tangles of Christmas Tree lights.
I built the tree and set the lights twinkling bright,
Fran moves in with her flair to make all look right.
Santa stands by with his sack of surprises in boxes,
Polar bears to the front on skis and squirrels aglow,
All standing in knee deep in cotton wool snow.
Christmas village and people are set and all lit,
Poinsettia all blooming on the table centre sit,
Now we are ready to share our delight,
With our daughter and grandson.
A Special Christmas Night.
A Very Happy & Blessed Christmas to All
© Dave Timperley. Christmas 2016
STAND BESIDE ME
I look beyond the here and now
The sides and in-between
The way we were, the way we are
The way we've always been
My soul mate stands before me
Your shadow steps into mine
I pour the nectar to the glass
Speak my mystic rhyme
Spellbound I had you from the start
Spellbound you'll ever be
Potions, spells and magic wands
Crystal ball that I may see
Disperse the smoke and clouds of grey
The cotton wool of life
I said back then as I say today
I love being your wife
You take the words from my mouth
Stole them by a kiss
Saying 'yes you have me spellbound
But the true chemistry was this...
I cast this spell we're bound to
It was me, with my magicians tricks
Unveiling a spell of magic you say..
I'll grant you one more wish
One more wish that I may ask of you
what more do I need?
My heart is so full of loving you
There's not room for it to breathe
There is something I'll ask of you
To fulfill that precious wish
You'll complete my soul implicitly
If for me you would do this...,
'Stand beside me sometimes
In-front of me when times get tough
Stand behind me when I'm confident
Beneath to lift me up
Lie beside me when I'm sleeping
Watch over me when I don't see
And on our Golden anniversary
Recite this back to me'
Our Love needs no spells or potions
The magic is always there
Two hearts that beat in unity
A lifetime we two share.