Best Franc Poems
Choked by the incense of poetic justice,
I volunteered to be slain for the betterment of humanity.
The paintings of my ink on white sheet were witnesses,
When in Abuja, I drew my poetic daggers,
Against a twin bomb blast that left separated Limbs of men bleed with acrimony.
Eyes wept with sympathy crawling down their cheeks
While our crown boast of a thousand solutions with no one in sight.
Poetic justice shall reign in Nigeria, I prayed
I handshake my communication god when it rang
And cling firmly my peripatetic poetic spirit,
To Didier's motherland, under the cloud of French stimulated Ivory,
I saw a goat-bearded-god mimic the suit of the stars and stripes.
And commands pagan's adoration of the sun upon his throne.
When scions of termites spit at the sight of our dead flesh.
I wept when hunger-lashed beggars’ union
Cling on my feet for one CFA franc.
Poetic justice shall reign in Ivory Coast, I prayed
Under strong loyalty to tyrannical whipping with merciless rod.
I saw my brothers drip blood from the scars of yesterday.
Should religious fundamentalists be blamed?
When a star, firmly crucified on a sickle moon,
Grind the 'holy cross' people of the south.
While the big brother stood akimbo and watch vultures poke our intestines.
The referendum at hand smells secession success on my screen.
I pray for poetic justice in Sudan, Africa and the whole world.
we were adopted on the same morning
my father loved us, a love adoring
my brothers shared a gene name, Cabernet
sisters noble parents based on hearsay
my dad built a strong house of fine French oak
we stayed there for months until the walls spoke
Sauvignon muscular and the strongest
Franc dark and lean and can stay the longest
Merlot is too shy and soft as satin
me, Petit Verdot, was told to fatten
we left that house for a place very small
this was a time of character for all
life a blend of love and time but real
dad says it’s a Bordeaux surreal appeal
-updated July 2016-
The Entrepreneur
I`m thinking of the man who was clearing land
He wanted to grow cabbage, a good idea especially
Since farmers get subsidies from EU for planting orange trees
The country drowning in orange twice a year
There many stones on the ground here and looks like
The extracted teeth of giants, so the man decided
To construct a pyramid for the untrained eye the mound
Of stones look like a heap of rocks, and it has also become
A Paradise for rabbits
The cabbages his soil produced were pathetic, so he gave
It up, he didn`t have the long view as a farmer needs.
He went to Franc instead and worked on a winery there.
He saved his money and began driving a Taxi I Paris but
Lost his licence for drinking wine on the job
WAKE UP CALL
Wake up Congolese, wake up
It is morning, the sun arises from the east
Open your eyes and wake up.
I am Kongolo Congo, born near the River Congo
Grew up in Congo Uvira, using the Congo franc
Now I am a Refugee in South Africa.
Wake up Congolese, wake up
Yesterday Congo was the private garden of the Belgium King,
It became the province of Belgium;
It became the land of Congolese.
Today it seems as the plantation of a Congolese leader with his overseers.
Think of the future faithful leaders, oh! Congolese.
Wake up Congolese, wake up
Congo is very rich than Belgium but Congolese are too poor
Congo is the ground of the wars because of spurious politic
Congo is belatedly because of the hypocrite and selfish leaders
Congolese starve to death while walking on the golds, diamonds, and cobalt.
Congolese die poor while sailing on the gas and petrol.
Wake up Congolese, wake up
Congo is the middle and motor of Africa
African leaders do you focus on Congo
Congo made Belgium beautiful place
Congo can make New Africa City than New York City
Congo is like the heart of hearts.
I have always known rejection and exclusion,
as a half-breed girl I heard the insult;
whispered, as a child it left me with confusion,
it still happens often as an adult;
I liked to be alone and seek deep seclusion.
Instead of playing in the school yard I read a book,
the library was my favorite place;
I could always find among the rows a cozy nook,
and in time- writing things I would embrace;
I would fill all the pages of my school notebook.
I like going into the coolness of a church,
the silence is like a warm cloak;
lighting a candle for answers- I search,
I like art especially paintings baroque;
and ever since I can remember I like research.
And because of all this I have become a writer,
with my grandma supporting me;
in my life, school, work, now- never an inciter,
quiet ... when writing for me is the key;
and in time- a computer replaced my old typewriter.
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September 12, 2021
Poetry/Quintain (Sicilian)/Rejection Can be Good
Copyright Protected, ID 09-1388-310-12
All Rights Reserved, 2021, Constance La Franc
Written for the Premier contest, Quintain (Sicilian)
sponsor, Emile Pinet, Judged 10/15/2021
Second Place
Dazzling and prismatic, the glittering vista, so,
majestic the regal angels beckoning on gossamer wings;
Heaven, a promise, a paradise waiting beyond life,
ethereal, sublime and divine the reverie of a Shangri-la haven.
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July 20, 2013
Poetry/Verse/Heaven a Promise
Copyright Protected, ID 07-493-813-20
All Rights Reserved, 2013, Constance La Franc
A Penny for your thoughts,
or a Quarter for your rhyme?
A Dollar for your compassion,
for a Dime to go back in time.
A Nickel for your honesty,
or a Ruble to speak your mind.
A Jackson for your patience,
and a Euro to feed the blind.
A Pound for your trouble –
a Dinar for your reprieve,
a Peso to cover the damages,
a Franc if you’d only believe.
In God We Trust authority,
yet not His spoken word –
It takes money, privilege and power,
for the voice of the Lord to be heard.
Our lives are merely a vapor –
don’t wait to be your best,
you may end up like the Pharisees,
in hell with all the rest.
The War Poets
The First World War wasn`t a world war but
a war of dominance in Europe chiefly by the Franc, British and Germany.
World War 2 included most country it was a nasty war
millions of people died, but strangely this war is partly forgotten.
It changed the map and brought forward Israel, which became a torn
for lasting peace in the Middle East.
But the war brought us great American writers like Theodore Dreiser,
Ezra Pound (poet)Ernst Hemingway and many others great writers.
The savagery of that world didn`t include so many poets as
the dispute in Europe also called a world war did,
the reason we remember it so well is thanks to Wilfred Owens and
his intimate friend Frederic Sassoon who ploughed deep furrows
in our mind and did away with flowering poetry, gritty realism
was and still is what poets should strive for.
"Respect Begets Respect."
Proverb
I look at all people with value and significance and respect,
it does not matter if they are a friend or a beggar on the street:
or a food charity person, no matter what, they are fellow humans,
I never consider them irrelevant, or not important, or a threat;
and would never talk down to them, demean, or belittle,
or be condescending, this is what God wants me to do!
I will never judge others for what has happened in their life,
for my own journey has not been easy so I understand:
there are pitfalls and detours, there is grief, sadness, illness,
fear and worry to overcome, I found the strength and courage;
to move forward and heal my life, I care not about a person's,
appearance, gender, race, age, this is what Gods wants of me!
I embrace the spirit of God and the human spirit each day,
and follow God's path of love in daily life, and of kindness:
to each person I interact with on my journey, its simple to do,
just treat each person with respect, it will make you happy;
your own life will be improved, as the old proverb says,
"Respect Begets Respect," this is what God wants me to do!
My unique way is with tranquility, serenity and calm,
I have taught myself to let go of judgement and anger:
my tools are prayers, meditation, intentions, commitments,
being thankful, mindful, and embracing that things change;
nothing stays the same, there is always hope for better days,
and if my words can change a life, then God has taught me well!
_____________________
January 09, 2023
Poetry/Verse/Respect and Kindness is the Way
Copyright Protected, ID 01-1515-440-09
All Rights Reserved, 2023, Constance La Franc
Written for the Premiere contest, The Way We Look
sponsor, Unseeker Seeker, Judged 01/10/2023
First Place
Kruel is certain that Polly deserves life than death,
even if Polly couldnever take a breath
She has more time to spend with friends
She has lots of good friends
Why would Polly give it all up now?
Answers won't resolve somehow
Did Polly really mean it,
when she accepted the gift?
Polly must be hiding something
Kruel knows how her process of thinking
She has traveled through the Laser Trail
Many times, back and forth to find a tale
Was this something to be honest with Master?
If Master heard this, it might end up in a disaster
She was fulfilled with curse
That's all Kruel knows about life of hers
Kruel was sneaky
She tried to be tricky
Polly would not fall for her prank
Kruel can't be franc
Polly has a scheme
She has a dream
That Kruel can be friendly
And can be gently
Polly's dream came true
Kruel changed out of the blue
She felt the way Polly wished to live
She wanted to give
The wish that Polly made
Make her tears fade
She was a friend
And she wanted to spend
The rest of life without
Master's business, Kruel doubt
But Polly smiles and Kruel believes that this is what friendship is
"Her smile to keep the Magical Universe from getting out of control," Kruel says
I watch with interest
as crows glide over a wheat field.
Such a fine sight under simmering sun.
Smiling at the occasional poppy
blazing red, such a contrast.
There is not one cornflower this year,
cannot help wondering why?
If I could edge closer,
would I spot a butterfly?
Last year they were absent,
another extinction event looming.
Momentarily distracted by screeching crows'
my questions go unanswered.
Instead savouring this moment
before threshers begin their work.
Repetitive cycle of life so precious,
not to be taken for granted.
How we would miss our ovens
filled with aroma of freshly baked bread.
Pixabay image by Franc-Comtois
Copper metal is a valuable wartime commodity.
Something new was needed for the cent in 1943.
A strange composition the United States Mint would reveal.
Lincoln’s profile appeared on a coin made of steel.
It was plated with zinc to reduce oxidation.
They were struck at all three mints in the nation.
The three cities were ones that most people would know.
They were Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
Here is an interesting little trivia tidbit:
This coin is the only one that can be drawn to a magnet.
However, zinc-coated cents were made for just one year.
Afterward, familiar bronze cents would reappear.
The mint made a move two years before that was similar.
They replaced the nickel in five-cent pieces with silver.
A large “P”, “D”, or “S”, appeared above Monticello.
This indicated a silver five-cent piece so you would know.
The following year, production of steel cents would cease.
The mint used the metal to make the Belgian two-franc piece.
Therefore, this is what the United States Mint did for the war.
After 1945, we did not have to worry about it anymore.
They argued about the ruble, the kyat, the gold cordoba too
More conversation about lira, Swiss franc, and Moldova Leu.
Discussion soon turned to the rupee, new peso and Brazilian real,
Money talk ceased as they lined up for their evening meal.
Art galleries are to me ...
a) like coming home as it always feels right
b) it is a place to let go of all tension
c) it inspires my mind in so many positive ways
d) and makes my mind wander to beautiful places
e) all of the above
Art galleries bring out my creativity ...
a) by viewing art I am left in awe
b) they provide me with a window into the past
c) I analyse the skill, brushstrokes and colors used by the artists
d) and I contemplate the scenes, mood and even the frames
e) all of the above
Art galleries give me great knowledge ...
a) I learn about artist from the past and the new artists of now
b) I develop by taking tours and learning the histories of the art
c) and I take advantage of special exhibits and workshops offered
d) and the daily lectures are very informative
e) all of the above
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February 09, 2023
Poetry/List/The Art Gallery Test
Copyright Protected, ID 02-1524-255-09
All Rights Reserved, 2023, Constance La Franc
Written for the Standard contest, Multiple Choice
sponsor, Suzanne Delaney, Judged 03/07/2023
Second Place
Trump
A week is a long time in politics it also a long time in an old man`s life
who knows it can end when he sleeps; I say that and think of suicide
watching the entertainment on Portuguese TV the utter banalities makes me
shake uncontrolled fall to the floor until she switches off the telly.
Ok I admit to being over the top, she have been away for a week with
TV off most of the time except when watching the news on Franc 24 and
counting their lies and the omissions I take a grim pleasure watching
the new reader speaking his lines not listening to what he is saying like
a human robot and now we have got Trump he is theatrical ok mind,
he only do one-dimensional figure and is unable to be someone else
as his ego is big as Mount Everest like it or not he is the best president ever.
Democrats are stunned they are used to the hypocrisy of politicians it
has become a norm …and now this vulgarian is in power, tells his truth
as he sees it some agree, he promised the working class people
EMPLOYMENT.
For the time being, we believe, the day will come when the smug liberals
string him up below the statue of Abe Lincoln