Best Froward Poems
O’ to fade! To pass! To rest! To die!
To ponder, to listen
and not forebode -
you were as a thresher to the chaff
and the driven wind
that winnowed.
The thunderclap of Tawhiri raging
silence not a loving
fool’s complaint,
nor portend for whom the bell tolls
when the echoes
of time grow faint
My heart alas divided against itself
knows not what to say
or what to feel,
and with ponderous words recited
I return your resting
place to kneel.
Some final absolutions shared alone -
cold black rain upon
my brow and cuff.
Judge not a froward son - I am who
I am, and have
been judged enough
We are but the quick and the dead,
and just or unjust
no keeper of time.
O tell, what sin was imputed to you?
What concealed divine
law or crime?
And what burden so dark the lamps
of Heaven and Earth
burn less bright?
I ask do we in this realm find peace
or is death’s victory
our only respite?
Only in beds of posthumous sleep
will end my
unspoken confessions.
Nay, I no longer exhume the past -
it rebukes all my
searching questions.
From umbilical dawn to end of days
I failed you - I added
unto your woe.
In life and death there comes a time
when to hold on
and when to let go
May your life and times early passed
live on in the heart
that lives in me,
for in all the silent screams below
is my own howl
in my own vanity.
As I pen my verse the charcoal sky
again rumbles softly
over a distant knell.
No loss, no sorrow, no love unwept
can unring that
fearful tolling bell
Written: July 1991
Feeling faint
Focus
Focus on the feign feelings flowing feverishly, not the foremost flare of fear at first glance
Fated by the flux, fabricated (for once) in my favor and forever grateful
Fixated, her features and figure flashed like fortune in front of me
Fingering through her cerebral files, feeling her fortified front deemed a froward but flawless find
Fast-forward-at least five years
And still I flush from the sight of her freckles
Our faithfulness fell into fiction a few times; foolish fuel for feuding flames
Forecasting fights and frigid nights, but nothing fatal
For we are a formula, a tight fitting fixture
Fixing all fractures with forgiveness and finding ways to fathom and forget
Forsaking myself, my foundation; but further on
The fragile will flourish as we firmly fix our footing, fenced in by our family and fervent felines
Fake? No, this is fact
Have faith in the fire of love
No more frowns
Altogether unprofitable sentimental but no fool they call him an old sap The taste of knowledge to him is sweet to get more valuable than sap to a tree even more valuable than the gold that runs from seven hills prolongs the days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. The Lord does hate pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom with an expected end pure love as God gives the increase I have tasted the Lord is gracious A strong warning from the savior Jesus He is Lord whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire some may say the old sage is just saber rattling Essayage the shoe on the other foot walking a mile in someone else shoes who has two left feet and one leg longer truly your feet are bound to get sore circling around the mountain just assaying the metal who is your maker I know mine For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding eternal weight of glory I am not straining gnats just spitting out the the filthy camel Love the Lord God Jesus and every man your neighbor all the glory of man as the flower of grass like sagebrush God made foolish the wisdom of this world put your faith and hope in God and not in men though man's urban inflections change the Word of the Lord stands sure Everlasting superior are God's ways than man's momentary dullness
Faulty compass of drifting swain
Freelancing on arid, desert plain
Passion fires mind of careening train
Burning loins long each satin sheath to stain
Sculpted dunes seductive beauty do feign
Smooth, silky curves do the froward eye entertain
But the silted grains proffer momentary gain
Entrancing mirages with frothy water holes detain
Anon, overwhelming desires the burgeoning libido enchain
Strained limbs long the rite of passage to explain
Scrubby growth shrouds the perimeter of fragile domain
Pubescent psyche with confusing, hormonal signals overlain
The overheated circuits a disoriented path ordain
As eroding winds of doubt doth the surface disdain
Insecure conduits more and more inward shame drain
Seething shadow flutters in constantly changing terrain
Each step on serpentine course causes more growing pain
Until stumbling on rational plateau containing deep, emotive vein
Conquering the debilitating elements that immaturity did restrain
Trochaic Pentameter
Janus, Roman gate god, welcomes new year.
Looking both directions, backward, forward,
he doth see past time, your future's quite clear.
Whether times will be good, mayhaps froward,
guardsman know if you are brave or coward.
Celebrate this new beginning, make cheer,
take year by the throat, remember - no fear!
you followed closely behind me
out the corner of my eyes
I could only see your shadow looming
I clutched my books closer to my vest
losing a button at the light dashing
through the alley the sign read kennedy
my heart panting my penny loafer's
splashed about tainted oil spills
from auto mechanics mesh
dantily I walked backwards
backing into the irish stone building
reeking of fear I let out an infamous
sigh catering to my path
looking over my shoulder glancing
through my dark rimmed glasses
dropping my pencil I scurried off
in spite your awkward gestures
to take a peek at my drawings
suddenly i remembered you
when my pedal broke
while riding my mongoose
from thee oxford exchange
settling inside the soft nook
of pastel fabrics from Pakistan
anxious I was eagar to make it home
away from your froward eyes
wondering what could you want
dropping my notebook just in time
for a fire drill at st Theresa
school of arts dazzled I was
when father arrived holding
his lantern exposing your
dark expression so cleaverly
portrayed your blackness in snow
finally revealing the face of a crow
words waltz across the page
rhymed cadence binds froward hearts
silky threads caress
To give what you haven’t got is not keen.
Well, who would do such a ridiculous thing…?
So, then, I suppose that respect is thus learned…
Who gave it first, that we appreciate what's earned?
God so loved me first, that’s why “I respect his word.”
Transformed by such Light, some still think me absurd!
If truth acts a barrier of light, driving darkness back,
The envious projects defensive boasts, for what they lack.
Thus I quite agree with Mark Rickerby.
We will always get just what we give…
But what’s the standard for life’s blueprint…
When others don’t conform to right and are bent?
Respect is learned perhaps, but also must be earned.
To show respect for a fool is folly that should be scorned.
I believe in “guilty by association,” not approving of strife.
Am I disrespectful when I’m so passionate for what’s life?
Biblically, even God shows himself froward with the froward!
I’ll give my foes a hardy ‘thank-you,’ keeping my pride lowered.
Respecting, in life, there is duality of balances that we learn.
Many use their roles to control; I’ll not give ’em power to burn!
Galaxies of glory
Strikes me vigorously
Stars do shine
Like turning wine
You are mine like guitar strings
You're my serpentine swine (holding unto someone that's stubborn)
I am like a butterfly without wings
Darkness will not veil His illumination
Galaxies of glory is our passionate destination
Illusions of delusional delight
Is seen in your eyes that ignite
Arising agony is spiritual suffering
In the black hole of obscurity
Left unnoticed...envy glows and grows in a hurry
Wondering if you guys
Can wander off like dragon flies
Vines of vibrant, never-ending vivaciousness
Crawl...in my veins
Authentic radiance reduces me to this universe mess
Go drive in your lanes
Froward heart,
Listen please
Before you blast off
Into your rebellious space
Speechless,
I must confess
You're conveying a message of your eustress
Transforming hopes into distress...in large excess
Thorough thoughtfulness
Will delete your senselessness
Foolish fire devours my wisdom empire
Good luck, for I'm wishing upon His grace
You're my inspiration
And my motivation
Scoffer, mocker - who is the creator?
Isn't it His true desire?
Liar,
Listen to His truth and knowledge
Understand that I'm on edge...
Failures without a trace,
Give up your success and embrace
Galaxies of glories...galaxies of mere glories
And stop listening to bittersweet allegories
That is as adorable as rainbow cat purrs
And delectable, creative dandelion furs
Today is a wonderful day
Today shines bright when you say
You love me positively...
We're seeking ecstasy...
Next to sun-beaming sea
Today is going by slowly,
But my heart ain't beating with remorse or angstiety
Reluctantly,
I smile halfheartedly
Please don't stop the epic music
It's extremely therapeutic, it's so sick
I'm a true, genius writer
But, doubt slips into the heart of the poet...
I'm like a black widower -
Envy, gluttony and hatred left me with regret...
I have nothing to lose
You have to choose
The light side of me
Or the dark side of me...
Because you'll finally see...
That I'm not perfect, baby
There are times I'd like to find
A genie with a lamp inside
Three wishes would just be grand
Giving me a helping hand
To fix problems that I see
On this earth that shouldn't be
Happening cause its just wrong
And running on way too long
I would love to do this first
Put abusers on this earth
That take away the innocence
Of animals and small children
Into a whole so dark and deep
Covered so no air can seep
Into their dungeon of doom
Feeling the pain and gloom
They've caused other without seeing
They will be the ones soon grieving
My second wish could be toward
Moving this great motion froward
Making same sex marriage legal
So their free just like an eagle
Flying high with open wings
Someday this new law will bring
Hearts together joined as one
A new life will have begun
Acceptance will start to transform
Haters seeing the lovelorn
Can be any combination
Of sexual orientation
Third and last would certainly
Be the best wish I can see
No more bad sickness or hunger
We need poverty to go under
So everybody has enough
Medicine food and other stuff
Keeping them healthy and strong
They can live a life that's long
And not die before their time
We all need to try and find
A way to make sure this whole planet
Has enough supplies to grant it
These are things I really wish
Would come true--not be dismissed
A world of coming all together
Granting these wishes forever
Then magic would soon fill the air
Invading people everywhere
As their breathing it all in
A more loving world will soon begin
Seems King 'Enry The Eighth in 'is choice of wives wasn't all that judicious.
To 'Is Grace's regret they were either too ambitious, promiscuous or capricious!
'E solved such prickly matters for five of them by divorce or grisly be'eadation!
'E 'ad to protect 'is own somewhat dubious reputation as 'ead of the nation!
Anne Boleyn and Kate 'Oward lost their 'eads to the dreaded axe,
For being a tad froward with 'Enry and with morals somewhat lax!
Marriages to Anne of Cleves and Kate of Aragon were conveniently dissolved.
Jane Seymour did 'er duty giving 'im a male heir, then died - crisis solved!
Kate Parr was widowed when King 'Enry crossed that mysterious River Styx,
But 'is five other wives as 'istory records, were left in one 'ell of a fix!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(c) All Rights Reserved
Sparkling black eyes aglow with love's ember
Appending lashes; swabbed cinders caressing
Sleek dark hair rippling waves of splendor
Blue, silk ribbon her coiffed crown dressing
Ashen, pale face from decorous rim recessing
Elegant, powdered neck; regal grace extended
Carefully preened bosom; each, fertile fold cresting
Slender, undulating hips; each, sensuous move portended
Gilded ring with her noble birth appended
Silver monogrammed bracelet; familial license her style to sanction
Ornamental brooch, sentimental heirloom; fealty commended
Bridled love flowing freely with matrilineal unction
Mother's vicarious virtue strained into the vial of innocence
Blighting charm causing each froward step to be made with reticence
Feelings of despair dredged from the murky dephths of my past
Hoisted through my corroded conscience's porthole
Reconnoitering barge of restitution pushes despondent thoughts through my inner being
Then tows the shame and guilt of my depraved condition to mind's hatch
The murky dross of yesterday's sins seeps deep into my addled psche
The residual guilt oppresses my soul
The brackish bilge of cankerous jealousies trolls through my grieving spirit
My trembling hands grasp the anchor of remorse but slip into the deeper moor of penance
Earlier missteps have my struggling feet sinking ever deeper in the quicksand of hopelessness
The smokestack spews nautious fumes from the froward deeds of my virile youth
My shaky rudder teeters as the raw sewage of past debauchery overwhelms my senses
Sailing my sinking yacht to the edge of sanity and rational existence
Carried along by the unsettling currents of inconstancy and vacillation
Docking in the harbor of reclamation and recompense
Athwart Without Surcease — Edzel
Erelong the sphere was contrived,
intrinsically safe with His arms.
Born— soon derived,
and molded from His heart so warm.
Fain to live,
hight to be a no man in an island.
Sith ere He do forgive,
our sins be reprimand.
Teened with so many misdeed,
but He do acquit;
our men of courage didn't hid—
and but those hopeless did quit.
Meseems we're helpless,
souls are senseless;
Those who're lifeless,
can't be pulled out of darkness.
Hush.
The sleek fur of thy skull,
reamed out by duress.
Their zeal hastn't gone dull,
annihilation is devoutness.
Enow with termination,
ere the lands we owe—
lief be covered with wanion,
and eftsoons happiness alow.
Howbeit;
We grasped to fight,
ifsoever dictatorship swith enacted.
Humanity assimilates the light,
cast back not to be affrighted.
Assayed to be free,
thole is to be liberate.
We strife to flee,
‘tis to hearken the accouchement altercate.
The Livewright wanted us to fight aught,
may it be billows.
The end is nigh— we fought,
for we to bide tranquil in meadows.
Alas! Alack!
Beshrewed eftsoons,
ether evanescent.
Thy lay distuned,
and eyne dyed with torment.
Fooled ye’ll,
ill luck usward.
Certes— it rang, the dying bell,
avaunt, avaunt; froward.
Mayhap;
O’, living souls,
thou art the light—
Howbeit; the world was darkened by ghouls,
apparatuses caused blight.
Fatality somewither,
hypermedia is the root;
“We’d not be here forever,
but so my life could reboot.”
Form:
Strangers meeting in the dark, quiet night
Lonely paramours who could no longer their burning desires fight
Striving their languishing, tenuous relationships to slight
Two, opportunistic souls seeking infidelities' penalty to blight
An impromptu rendezvous their amorous natures to delight
A trite, chemical connection that shares no keen insight
Two shadows gleefully reproaching the availing light
A truant love that needs only a spark to ignite
Spright hearts that willfully unite and secretly spite
Froward minds ignoring their deviant course and diabolical plight
Carefree spirits quickly bond then take flight
Every fleeting stare, stealthy kiss pressing borrowed time with all
their might
Holpen hands lustily caress the moment, then callously wholesome
love requite
Writhing bodies cling tightly, then at dawn's first glint alight