Best Engagements Poems
not a dim voice in the back of your head
not wisdom and words from those who are dead
not just some long forgotten equation
not a bandage over an abrasion
not a blessing bestowed on the masses
not sweet talk meant for much sweeter lasses
not idle chatter in small sleepy towns
not the sounds of footsteps making their rounds
not thunder and lightning rolling on high
not the sound of a small child asking why
random unhurried changing arrangements
the constant flow of human engagements
momentary matters none of which last
all become echoes of that which is past
Gracious engagements we now insist
Healthy bonding for friendship’s wealth gain
Allowing welfare’s peace to persist
Midst loving bliss and respect that reign.
Healthy bonding for friendship’s wealth gain
We do learn from each other’s wisdom
Midst loving bliss and respect that reign
Devoid of pride that stains good will’s freedom.
We do learn from each other’s wisdom
By partnership along helping mirth
Devoid of pride that stains good will’s freedom
Fulfilling God's aim for us in this earth.
By partnership along helping mirth
We accommodate varied delights
Fulfilling God's aim for us in this earth
While appreciating unique traits’ sights.
We accommodate varied delights
Aware of wondrous differences
While appreciating unique traits’ sights
In closeness where love* indeed blesses.
Aware of wondrous differences
Allowing welfare’s peace to persist
In closeness where love* indeed blesses
Gracious engagements we now insist.
*1John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
May 10, 2020
3rd place, "Pantoum Rhyme and Personification" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Eve Roper; judged on 6/13/2020.
Edited on June 14, 2020
My heart was pounding,
My breath catching,
I saw you sitting there.
You looked my way,
Our eyes kissed,
I was already falling.
You took me home,
You gave me roses,
The smell of your cologne.
My perfume,
Permiating our senses,
The warmth I felt.
Our lips met,
My mouth smiled,
I was sure .
I showed you patience,
You showed me love,
We were falling.
You told me first,
I said it back to you,
The moon was full.
We had many dates,
In days ahead,
That numbered ninety- eight.
You were quick to ask,
Under the stars,
I said "yes".
We enjoyed the winter,
The nights were blustery and cold,
The fires burned down deep inside.
We had our first disagreement,
Words were exchanged,
My diamond dulled.
I found out you had lied,
I wanted to go,
You cried.
Your finger poking my thigh,
Trying,
Trying to convince me.
To stay.
But I knew, I had to go,
It would never,
Be the same.
The door,
The good-byes,
The tears, as I looked back.
A heart so fulfilled,
Sleeps under the stars,
Lighting my bittersweet sorrows.
My love has stayed,
Beneath your sky,
That's black as night.
The horses sigh,
Under the moon,
That's full and bright.
If you look,
To the stars,
On a clear evening,
You'll see.
A beautiful black horse,
Running,
She's wild,
But she's never really free.
part 2 of 2
“How’s school going?” Annick asked later, moving some of my fly-away hair out of my face - a trace of the maternal in her solicitous fussing - but I liked it.
“Easy peasy,” I said, the lie warming me like an ember or black magic.
There’s no real sibling rivalry between us. Imagine you’re Beyoncé’s sister, what are the odds that you’ll eclipse Beyoncé? Yeah, it’s ZERO.
“Ha!” she laughs, “you are such a little fibber.”
“I am NOT,” I hotly say, but my defense is ruined by my laugh. “I’m doing ok - but it’s a lot,” I say, to erase the fib.
They’re ENGAGED!
I tried not to act stunned but I doubt I was very convincing. The news thumped me like a gust of wind. Suddenly, I knew. Our yesterdays were no more substantial than a story we’d read together growing up, that you can mourn and rejoice at the same time.
Otherwise it was a family lunch, although at first I was a bit nervous around Gerard. At one point Annick says, “What are you doing?” as the table gently quivered.
I smiled wincingly, “Making circles with my ankles,” I said.
Annick smiled knowingly.
part 1 of 2
Annick (my 28 year old sister) came down to NYC, from Boston, for a day visit. It was one of those warm, cerulean days between Christmas and New Years. Annick’s in a surgical residence, in a pandemic, but still somehow, she got away.
We’re dining on a shaded, outdoor, sundeck - I arrived first, by a moment but then the elevator opened and Annick emerged, looking like a model - familiar but I don’t know - more completely adult - more than ever like my mom. It was all I could do not to weep for happiness when we hugged.
After that long hug, Annick gave my clothes a slow, censorious looking-over. When my mom and I shopped for “school clothes” last year, in Paris, I bought some stunning designer (Anna Molinari) clothes - only to find out they were completely out of place at Yale. Now they’re sentenced to a trunk under my bed and my replacement clothes are from FatFace and Patagonia.
I’ve been dressing to disappear but I wanted her to see a “new me.” How I’ve survived in a rough, academic country - not just survived - but thrived. I also wanted her to think her sister was beautiful and hoped I didn’t seem too strange. She cupped my chin - just like my mom does - “You look wonderful,” she said.
Annick mentioned we’d have company for lunch but she was alone - then this tall, fair-haired, man was with us. He slipped his arm around Annick’s waist and they smiled, together. I’d never met one of Annick's boyfriends before so this was a little disconcerting - part of me wanted to pull her away and say, “MINE!”
Annick made the introductions, “Anais, this is Gerard - Gerard, Anais.” Gerard leaned into la bise then half hugged me, patting me bearishly on the back. I decided he was too tall and too handsome and began to examine him for flaws.
He wore a dark-charcoal-gray cashmere suit with a light-gray oxford-cloth shirt. “Are you always so dapper?” I asked? “I wanted to look substantial,” he said, with a very slight French accent. He held me at arm’s length. “You’re definitely sisters,” he said, smiling.
We settled in. At first we were a little stilted with each other, uncertain how to best introduce ourselves. Annick said that Gerard is a “Child Neurologist.” “Funny,” I said, “you look older.” and he laughed. I was warming to him.
The day of two superpowers
Passing white clouds amidst blue skies
Heaven's sprinkling blesseth showers
Turquoise blue lagoon compromise
Surface inviting raindrop scours
Lush influence by butterflies
Delicate petals of flowers
Redolent coercion complies
Defining times Happiest Hours
The mother of the bride still cries
The bride end days of wallflower's
The daddy's sentimentalize
The proud bridegroom man of the hour
Exchanging vows and sharing eyes
The rings, kiss, bell tolls church tower
Engagement ends and new arise
Family, balance of power
Garter and bouquet caught, surprise
Then culminating, zero hour.