Best Hastened Poems
You have raided my night again,
as the burst of a sudden storm,
sneaking into my loneliness,
at the most unexpected hour,
plunging me into swirls of pain
too deep for expression,
leaving me in utter disorientation.
I now drift aimless with muddled thoughts,
through the dingy avenues of the past,
never once able to sever the chord,
that binds me so tight to those memoirs,
exposing me to torrid heat
with my soul, burning down….
like a piece of smouldering coal.
Sleepless are my nights.
Dreamless are my days.
Like the sundown shadows growing bigger,
with every stride I take,
the farther I move, the closer you follow.
Can I convince you ever again,
I never meant any harm to you.
How wearily have I watched the flies,
lured by the dazzling light,
char into diminutive specks of black,
by the scorching tongues of flame.
Still, why did I let you burn,
in the flame of my accursed passion?
You were like a flower admired from afar,
afraid of even the gentle breeze coming near,
lest it might jolt the delicate frame,
and shake the petals down, sooner than due.
Yet vulnerable turned the moment,
when all of a sudden, it started to rain.
Like a child, eager to play in the puddles,
you ran out into the pouring rain.
All soaked through and through,
You came in…. awhile my gaze,
rested on the filmy fabric,
seductively clinging to your curves.
Then, that wild surge…. beat me down.
And Alas! Under a magnetic pull,
surrendered your fragile self with ease.
At that moment of self-abandonment
looted off all that you held chaste.
Never surmised, you were crying,
when I felt your cheeks, so wet.
Now I know, it was agony,
not ecstasy that I, then, beheld on your sentient face!
You refused to respond to my calls.
Unanswered went all my anxious queries.
Like a hibernating toad,
to some dark underground cave, you slid.
Abruptly, alerted on call,
by an alien sound, far from familiar
I hastened to the casualty ward,
and saw you lying limp,
with drops of blood, still dripping down
from your slashed wrist,
staring at me with an open mouth!
As I watched you lying still
with your eyes refusing to flutter,
I knew my world tottering below,
and my heart, set ablaze,
into a funeral pyre.
Categories:
hastened, angst, death, depression, farewell,
Form:
Free verse
Prometheus had erred and caused great ire
when stealing in stealth secrets of fire.
But Zeus could not forgive this deed.
The chieftain of gods punished his greed.
The lightning zigzagged across the sky,
in anger he let thunderbolts fly.
Instructions he gave to mould from earth
a woman endowed to prove her worth,
all humans to touch their lives and shift
the balance with her seductive gift.
Hephaestus was told what to create;
Pandora came forth through heaven’s gate.
Athena supplied her silver gown,
her head she adorned with ornate crown.
She hastened to guile the human race
her nature refined to tempt by grace
alluring deceit that knew no shame
her mission withstood distrust or blame.
Pandora’s torment flowed wide and far.
She carried with her an earthen jar.
Instructions were laid to be obeyed
to keep it enclosed and so it stayed
till yearning became hard to resist
temptation knew well how to insist.
Alone by herself beside a brook
she lifted the lid, a glancing look
that opened the flood to evil force
unhindered it spread and took its course.
She panicked and pushed with all her might;
the damage was done – eternal plight.
A trickle of hope was left inside
but hardly enough to turn the tide.
When laws are defied they cause much grief;
the pleasure derived is false and brief.
Temptation is what destroys the weak;
redemption is there for all to seek.
Forever in life it’s hard to cope.
Pandora we chase in search of hope.*
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* Pandora is chased for the only thing left in her jar – hope.
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Author: Paul Callus
Contest: Men Only #2
Sponsor: Kelly Deschler
Placed 1st
Categories:
hastened, hope,
Form:
Epic
Those designated raindrops
the sky must have saved for two
I kissed you in the daisy field
the rain soaked us through and through
Together we ran for shelter
moving quickly to the barn
I was thankful for those raindrops
as we hastened arm in arm
Sure the sky had coaxed us
to pleasure it opened the door
The sweet smell of hay around us
made me want you more and more
Those designated raindrops
pounded loudly on ancient wood
We removed all our wet clothing
I said we shouldn’t you said we should
As I gazed upon your beauty
my true passion became proof
Designated rain brought us together
Tap, tap, tapping on the roof.
Thanks to Elsa Rosee, her title “Designated Raindrops” inspired this piece.
Categories:
hastened, desire, passion,
Form:
Quatrain
Oh goldenrod how bright your blaze
though blooming sunrays bittersweet —
your tint the hint of crisper days
when dusk arrives on hastened feet
amidst the green tall grass you gleam
oh goldenrod how bright your blaze!
gold dust the stuff of Nature’s dream
rich sprays of flame the monarchs praise
a beacon’s beam in humid haze
a rocket flare in atmosphere
oh goldenrod how bright your blaze —
a torch for summer love to bear
as solstice fades no longer spry
and sun-dried skies brown manes of maize
beneath the aging daystar’s sigh
oh goldenrod how bright your blaze!
Susan Ashley
August 17, 2022
~ First Place ~
Writing Challenge - X'd Poems Second Chance Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Constance La France
*N/A (X'd)
*Contest: Hint of Autumn
*Date judged: September 3, 2022
Rhymes verified: Rhymezone
Syllables verified: howmanysyllables; 8 per line
Photo: Gardenia.net
Categories:
hastened, august, beauty, flower, happiness,
Form:
Quatern
To the one I love
Just because...
And to those who love life
And those who love love!
Through every cranny, every crack
In every nook of every room
It seeks to fill the empty space
And lift the shadowed shade of gloom
So be it hastened by the heart
Or blessed by universal source
Without it, life would simply cease
So never doubt its mighty force
And you, my sweet, on every day
Give freely of your precious gift
And fill this bleak and barren void
To shatter darkness, sure and swift
Yes, it is light of which I scribe
Of which each crack and cranny holds
No matter where and in my heart
I feel the love that it enfolds
Categories:
hastened, happiness, how i feel,
Form:
Rhyme
The Haunted House
‘Room to Let’ the signage read,
and though it looked run down,
I’d found no other place to stay
since I was new in town.
When I knocked upon the door,
a voice called out, “Please enter.”
“Hello,” I answered in reply.
“I’d like to be your renter.”
A lovely woman greeted me.
She had a toothy smile.
“It’s nice to have the company.
It’s been dead here for a while.”
Outside a wicked wind blew forth.
The front door slammed with a crash.
Just as quickly every window
fell down in their sash.
“I guess a storm’s a-brewing,” I said,
covered in bone-chilling sweat.
“Let me show you to your room.”
replied the shapely tall brunette.
“Some steps here may be rotten,” she warned.
“I urge you to beware.”
Moaning fell with every step
as we climbed the creaky stairs.
The room she showed me looked quite sparse.
Inside was just one coffin.
“Please excuse the dust,” she said,
“I don’t come in here often.”
She wiped away the cobwebs
once we got inside the room.
“It really is quite cozy here.”
Then pointed out the tomb.
“If you like the chamber,
I suggest we both get started.
No other soul will bother us,
They have all departed.”
I laid inside the casket.
It was a perfect fit.
“I believe I could be comfy here,”
I hastened to admit.
“No one here will vex you,”
She signaled with a wave.
“You will find this haunted house of mine
as silent as the grave.”
“I’ll need a small deposit,” she said.
Then, bent and bit my neck.
As she sipped away I asked,
“Do you take traveler’s checks?”
“I’ll take this as collateral.”
She said after she drank.
“There’s no need for money here,
I have my own blood bank.”
August 17, 2018
Sponsor- Dear Heart
Contest- The Haunted House
Title your poem - The Haunted House
Categories:
hastened, halloween, house, humorous,
Form:
Rhyme
I have been bruised, a wounded love,
trampled by uncaring wrong;
a joke, he laughs and turns away; his disgust
blatantly displayed. I offer God's shalom.
Neglected, a young wife disowned;
he the undisputed ruler of his realm.
His harsh commands hurled from his throne,
cutting and cruel. God grant him calm.
I dare not hate the bitter rod
he wields upon my shattered soul, nor react,
for it has hastened me toward God,
a mystery only experience can dissect.
I yield to providence, a jeweled grace,
that bids me kiss my persecutor's face.
Copyright, 9-2-2015
Faye Lanham Gibson
Categories:
hastened, abuse, forgiveness, marriage,
Form:
Sonnet
The winged god Zephyrus, handsome and graceful
gently flapped his wings, gliding across the meadows.
His eyes fell on naked youths splashing at play
in the sparkling water of a deep wide pool, sheltered
by willow trees, where fragrant flowers bloomed.
He slowed his flight and looked with lust and admiration.
On the green grass he espied a tender youth;
athletic and beautiful was this young Spartan prince,
scantily dressed, playing his flute with nimble touch.
Zephyrus’ heart fluttered and leapt; he could not help
falling deeply in love with beautiful Hyacinth.
Little did he know that he was already being
courted by Apollo! Out of sight he lay in wait
then made his move and sought him out at sunset.
He approached him and with golden words he tried
to tempt his heart, but all in vain. Though impressed,
Hyacinth remained firm and faithful to Apollo.
That night, Zephyrus many restless hours spent
alone, ignoring Chloris’s sexual charms.
Entangled thoughts engulfed his frenzied mind,
jealousy clawed at his heart, tore deep within.
Dawn arrived, and bleary eyed he hastened forth
towards the hills, in search of calm respite.
Alas, it was not meant to be; envy reared its head
with poisoned fangs that sent him reeling mad.
Emotions changed from red to green, and in despair
he flew high up, aimlessly circling in the sky.
Then all at once, upon a verdant field below,
he caught sight of Hyacinth and Apollo
playfully engaged in discus throwing.
The green-eyed monster lunged and with swift intent
Zephyrus blew a gust of wind that swerved the discus
from its route and it hit Hyacinth on the head
resulting in instant death. Jealousy prevailed.
Furious yet heartbroken, Apollo held Hyacinth
tightly in his arms, blood dripping from his temple;
and with one last act of love he changed that blood
into a most beautiful flower called Hyacinth.
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Contest: Epic Only
Sponsor: Skat A
Placed 3rd
Categories:
hastened, jealousy, love,
Form:
Epic
Somebody suggested I write the tale using the correctly spelled words because my story (below here in the Homophone contest) is simply too distracting to understand with homophones. Hope you will take a peek!!
When Harry Met Terry
Once upon a time in a wood, a very nice prince named Harry
met in the mist, high on the bough of a tree, a fairy named Terry.
The fairy felt low, for he was weak, and he was in need of some meat.
He bawled, “Woe is me. I can’t even stand here on my own two feet!
My poor heart is breaking, and I’m in pain. The last time that I ate
was days ago. You see, I’m in a haze and do not feel so great.”
I perish and long for wine and ham. Even better would be lamb!
But I would settle for a piece of bread with some sweet berry jam.”
Prince Harry knew he had some mints, some Tic Tacs that were in the pair
of new red jeans he wore. He took them out and waved them in the air.
“Licorice too I have right here!” Prince Harry told the fairy.
“It’s not much, but please do eat. Later on, we’ll dine and make merry.”
Prince Harry placed the fairy Terry on his pale white horse.
Then away the royal with the fairy hastened on his homeward course.
All day long they rode and rode. When the fairy started to groan.
Suddenly, from the horse, both the man and fairy were thrown.
Hungrily, they paced beneath the setting sun and through the night.
They pressed on until morning. Harry’s residence came into sight.
Prince Harry’s wife had supper ready, and she’d made a pie.
From utter happiness, the fairy thought that he might die.
She heated up their food for them. They both had grown so pale!
She listened as the fairy Terry told his tragic tale. . .
of how he’d lost his way and, for food, had not one crumb
until her dear spouse rescued him. At last, his prince had come!
Categories:
hastened, fantasy,
Form:
Couplet
In youth we shared a breath of time
I cherish yet today.
The plans we made for life ahead
Would soon be underway.
The dreams we shared, those lofty dreams,
Were all within our reach;
As we both planned to sail away
To learn what time could teach.
Then time took on a quickened pace,
It hastened more and more.
Our hopes and dreams became the wings
To lift our hearts and soar.
When they took flight they carried us
Away from all we knew,
And in a fleeting breath of time
I sailed away from you.
I drifted aimless out to sea,
Alone and cast aside,
While everything I’d ever known
Was swallowed by the tide.
I rode the waves, withstood the storms
And cursed the loathsome cost.
I thought I’d wander evermore
Without the love I lost.
Then time allowed another chance
That cold and stormy night,
When I returned to captured scenes
Of whence we first took flight.
To see us there, embraced by time,
In moments fond and dear,
Rekindled embers of the bond
That haunted me each year.
We cannot know the yet to be,
The yesterdays slipped by;
But we can grow in love and hope
And by our faith we’ll fly.
So take my hand and join me now,
Let’s learn what God has willed;
For in this fleeting breath of time
Our dreams can be fulfilled.
Categories:
hastened, faith, hope, lost love,
Form:
Ode
Great Spirit whispers on breathing breeze; 'It is time',
puce plume in saffron noon signals hunt's aborning,
ThunderBeasts' harrowing hooves erupt Great Plains grime,
soon will ail, widow's wail like a wild dove's mourning...
Ancient wisdom, ebony eyes, high cheekbones wide,
buffalo, he knows, mystical foes who fight back,
astride, he rides his Spanish horse with native pride,
his soul cleared, spiritual prayers 'fore the attack.
Timeworn trails, bison beaten by shaggy stampedes,
hunting grounds feared and revered, tribesmen o'er the brae,
power potent, cloven cloud, hastened heart proceeds,
ambush laid, panicked herd, embrace the bloody fray.
Casualty's chance, horseback dance, drum lethal hoof beats,
thunderous trample of ample prairie crocus,
Sioux and beasts' sacred throes, their crimson flows 'neath feet,
death has a way of bringing life into focus.
Susan Ashley
October, 24,2017
~ Third Place ~
Contest: Tribute To Native Culture
Sponsor: Line Gauthier
Categories:
hastened, death, native american, nature,
Form:
Rhyme
Fair Maybelle trode through the morning dew
She peered through the foggy haze
Her blue eyes saw what I tell you is true
For the fog did part and the sun did blaze
And a pure white unicorn met her gaze
Now it may well seem it would run away
Or perhaps she would rather shy
But against her nature she hastened to stay
And an unseen cord drew her nigh
Till Maybelle's feet she laid her by
So sweetly Maybelle stroked her hair
She longed for her touch once more
But Maybelle ceased, and she left her there
For what a *wight could see, that her heart was sore
Till she meet her love on the Highdown *Tor
So Maybelle walked o'er the far and near
And her one-horned friend followed light as a bird
And they travelled on without a sight of fear
With but one care and nary a word
That winsome twosome persevered
At the long last, Maybelle heard a pleasant sound
The sound of a rollicking song
And the butterflies danced in the air all around
Whilst her love held her dearly and long
If it could, could it be that she was the theme of his song?
So the three of them lived in the fairyland *wold
Where the sun slips off to the moonlight's glow
Where the wind blows warm and the streams flow cold
And the daffodils thrive in winter's snow
Now here is the end, as you surely know
* Wight: A person
* Tor: A high pointed hill
* Wold: A wood or forest
Written 4/2/2013
Categories:
hastened, animal, butterfly, devotion, girl,
Form:
Quintain (English)
~ Sailboat,
in
~~~ calm
weather
~~ you are wasted
but if the winds gust
and howl you are hastened.
~ So I too, through adversity,
~~ am as you are indeed.
For turbulence
pulls taut the slackened lines of apathy,
it fills torpid sails with purpose,
and impels me to proceed.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Categories:
hastened, change, sea, wind,
Form:
Shape
Of Passing Cloud
- Roger White
Unaware of the world below, a wispy cloud suspended between Heaven and Earth
drifts westward against an azure sky…
…blithely
As if coaxed by an unseen presence or hastened by a gentle call,
reaches the setting sun of the western horizon…
…quietly
Awash in hues of gold, beautiful and radiant,
delicate tendrils touch the night’s first stars…
…gently
A wispy cloud escapes the bonds of Earth,
ascends into the embrace of Heaven…
…peacefully
Categories:
hastened, 10th grade, 11th grade,
Form:
Free verse
My eyes wafted toward the edge of a thicket
Where briars and sage hastened to thrive
There amid brush and bramble, a delicate face
Peeped out from the dense shrubbery and pine
Lighting my heart and reassuring my senses
That life was about to start fresh this Spring
Laughed the hesitant blooms of a bunch of
Lemony yellow daffodils chuckling with joy
Brilliant creamy flowers on stems of emerald
Danced in the flickering sunlight that whispered
Through the wood and reminded me that life
Was about to start anew, fresh as these buds
Breathing through the whispers of delicious
Intimate caresses I chose a flower for my table
And grew more hungry for their flavors than
The food that tastes so delicious to the appetite
There will be brighter flowers, more vivid and lively
Swaying in the breeze, more lovely than moonlight dreams
But I don’t believe there will ever be a more beloved
Delicate smile from any Spring blush than the daffodil
The Most Beautiful Flowers You've Seen Blossoming This Spring So Far Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: M. L. Kiser
May 8, 2021
Categories:
hastened, blessing, flower, joy,
Form:
Free verse