Best In Contest Poems
Voice: Jason Williams
***
I danced!
Whirling air around me, particles of sundust
in tornadoes and hurricanes following me in awe
I danced.
Each night I wake and feel my legs
The ones that once carried me and jumped so high
The ones that took me away from a world I didn't want to be in
Creating a dream,
I danced.
The music colouring a world with brushes and pencils
With moves and muscle, practice and pirouette
A world I thought no one could take away
I danced.
When my eyes are closed I dance
My mind paints my body whole and healed
A unicorn, a world of faeries, a galloping horse
A world of dreams, veiled and away from hurt
I live again
I live
I don't dance anymore
But I write. My words, my lines, they carry me now
My legs are useless, my arms and emotions
Carry me
So....
I dance again, in words
I dance.
***
1st Place in contest: Practiced Passion
Sponsor: Frank Herrera
November 9, 2016
I look and ponder, watch you grow in haste
Explore with wonder, new experience taste
No fear encountered as you learn the ropes
Your sails adjusting, full with winds of hope.
But there are moments when the seeds of doubt
Without much warning spread and start to sprout
Then you need guidance, words which shed some light
Advice and promptings which once more excite.
I weigh my options when the waves rise high,
Stay in the background, tactful, on standby,
Not interfering, yet with cautious eye
Give needed help should threats intensify.
I am a lighthouse built on sound terrain
In times of darkness, you won’t call in vain.
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This poem has been published in a PoetrySoup Anthology:
“Radiant Verses” Nov 2024 (print)
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Placed 1st in Contest 540 Hosted by Brian Strand in Jan 2019.
Lighthouse Poetry Contest Sponsored by Eve Roper Placed joint first POTD on 24th Dec 2018 © 22nd December 2018.
Note: This is a poem dear to me, as the title would suggest, so receiving a POTD award undoubtedly brought added satisfaction.
While walking amongst an angry crowd,
trying to escape the turmoil surrounding me,
Hope appeared. I took her arm;
She guided me through the chaos.
In the sea of mayhem, we were separated, I lost sight of her.
Frantic and overwhelmed; dizzy with the shifting of the crowd,
a small opening appeared; I maneuvered my way towards it.
As I stumbled, the opening changed direction;
an exit pattern laid out before me.
Focusing on the exit, I realized I had not lost Hope,
she was clearing the way for me.
With the roar of the crowd behind me,
Hope and Peace stood before me.
Originally written: June 2016 for Paula Dyer after the tragic loss of her husband, John Dyer.
Date: Jan. 7, 2022 entered in Brian Strand Poetry Contest
Placed 1st in contest
Date: Feb. 3, 2022 entered in Hope Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Mohan Chutani
Placed 3rd in contest
When fleeting storm said goodbye
The darkened sky detected a lie
Besting clouds her thoughts host
Drenching doubts that block riposte.
As the cobalt sky and ocean meet
On the sapphire arc revelers greet
The changing season's vibrant theme
In golden attire of autumn's dream.
The sound of wind whirls in trees
Musical tones of rustling leaves
And the falling foliage flies with ease
Orange hues in autumn's breeze.
As the sepia tones enchant her eye
The gilded leaves of autumn sigh
On buoyant horizon drifting high
Where crimson vistas touch the sky.
Vivid vibes spell a brand new start
As blazing colors awaken her heart
And amber passions begin to reveal
Tinges of magenta in love's appeal.
September 2, 2018
Placed first in One in five (II) poetry contest by Joseph May
Placed first in contest #560 by Brian Strand
When my time is done and I am finally laid to rest
I don’t want to be recalled as one who lived life depressed
So as I wrote my will, I chose to leave an instruction
That laughing gas be inhaled by all those at the function
No mournful eulogies will a pastor have to invent
For my funeral will be held under a circus tent
When dozens of clowns emerge from the tiny Volkswagen
Reams of my silly limericks Bozo will be dragin’
And as they’re read aloud, family and friends who knew me best
Will say, “She had a sense of humor, this we can attest.”
Mimes will mimic me trying to write the world’s best novel
As my corpse hangs from the trapeze, surely they will marvel
Laughter will ensue as they shoot me from the cannon
Flying high in my demise across the great Grand Canyon
All the children will smile and there’ll be no tears allowed
So no one will ever remember me as a “dark cloud”
There are people who seem to take life way too seriously
When I meet my Maker, don’t view this as a tragedy
Dad called me his “happy girl,” so let me go out that way
I want to leave them laughing as I reach my judgment day
Date: Written March 26, 2011, entered in contest December 11, 2018
Contest Name: Make Me Actually LOL Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Nina Parmenter
))
(( Depression
Afraid ))
Anxiety Panic
(( Depression Anxiety
Tired Panic ))
(( Afraid
))
Words that we do not like
Everyone has known these feelings
They are not a sign of weakness
We struggle with feelings and will always be so strong
Strong ..... do we always need to be so strong
Say it loud ....Today I have really a bad day
The heart beat a little faster ..... You might have a little panic or anxiety
Depression comes like a creeping dark carpet - You are afraid
You are not a weak human - you are a normal human being with feelings
04.05.2013
A-L Andresen :)
(Second place in contest)
Though she holds his hands, he feels all alone
As moonlit desires sense his dissonant vibes
Emanating from pulses beating in discord
Plundering away ambiance to vacant thoughts
When a cogent conversation becomes a task.
Silence he placates discarding her prompts
Preferring the dark over company of stars
As a lone-bird sits forlorn on a leafless branch
Awaiting for daybreak to build a new nest.
Steadfastly she holds on to her view of galaxy
Undeterred by forces of invisible black holes
Comforting his woes till he rejects her call,
Deciding resolutely to abandon her place
When the lone-bird flees before daybreak.
November 5, 2018
Placed first in contest #520 by Brian Strand
You must teach me to be humble
For love is the reason you died
The lamb is so clean, white and holy
A newborn Lamb of God who makes new life begin
The Lamb gentleness is evident for all
Take away my sinful thoughts and lies
Worthy is the Lamb that carries your words
I'm no angel, but I know they exist
You paid with your blood for the salvation of men
Love abundance is where you are found
Contest Name:HOLY IS THE LAMB...
Sponsor:Verlena S. Walker
Deadline:10/11/2014
05.10.2014
A-L Andresen :)
Copyright © All Rights Reserved
- Thank you for my 2nd place in contest :) -
There is a bridge, it crosses over deserts
It cements oceans, binds the icy seas
Flies over fiery vulcans, sings melodious
Breathes over you a cooling welcome song
A bridge that binds where first was separation
Oblivious to race, beliefs, or sex.
Does not care for timidity, bravado
And all it sees is sheer humanity
This bridge is art, its splendor shines in silence
Its poetry is love, its words seduce
This bridges arms wrap tightly 'round who needs it
And on this bridge we feast in harmony
Let's fill a glass, cheers to fraternization
To poetry as art that builds this bridge
'Tween worlds and people, far away and near
To friendship, love, and friends so very dear.
***
Blank Verse Iambic Pentameter
8th place in contest: Blank Verse Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Janice Canerdi
You lost my life.
Sharp as a knife...
You lost a lot of things.
Your memory in my heart
Still sings...
Today I gave you my secrets,
All of them, the ones from Egypt,
And those from Europe, slow motion
Swimming away across the Ocean.
I whispered in your ear
All you didn't want to hear.
And...
I forgive you,
I forgive you.
The secrets of the life stolen
While you screech, eyes swollen
With tears of loss.
Both of us kneeling on moss;
I am not cruel, only want your love,
That one word you get so sick of.
But...
I will always forgive you,
I will always forgive you.
Buried so deep inside,
Almost a stone I tried to hide.
I'll always be that seeking child
That wants to be reconciled.
I lost you before I was born.
Before I even opened my eyes
I was forlorn.
***
April 8, 2017
N/A in contest: Open Poetry Contest 2
Sponsored by: Charlotte Jade Puddifoot
This song, it is for you
Because my heart is singing
All that I feel is true
The happiness you’re bringing
Because my heart is singing
The sun is burning bright
The happiness you’re bringing
Chases away the night
The sun is burning bright
And though the nightmare lingers
Chases away the night
With friendly fiery fingers
And though the nightmare lingers
I shiver in your arms
With friendly fiery fingers
You keep me safe and warm
I shiver in your arms
You whisper in my ear
You keep me safe and warm
I want you always near
You whisper in my ear
The words that live within me
I want you always near
Two hearts, eternally
The words that live within me
All that I feel is true
Two hearts, eternally
This song, it is for you
***
1st place in contest Pantoum Poem,
Judged October 16, 2016
Moon is still behind glum clouds
Sullen is the garb of a silent sky
So much like how he feels tonight
Anxious in the night laden in dark
Stars are opaquely hanging listless
Like the glimmer of her grieved vibes
Dimming in saddened teary eyes
Refusing to proffer a happy smile
A chatter heard from birds’ nest
Breaks their muffled silence
Quivering pulse of anguished feelings
Rattling summer’s lavender dreams
Drifting away in coral winds
From fragrant garden’s ruby appeal
A lone bird now leaves its abode
And sits close by, staring at him
Ambivalent of travails it heard
Unsure to yield, unwilling to leave
Bawl of strife’s persistent despair
Slowly fades in decaying night
As moon is starting to pierce dark,
So are the twinkles of distant stars
Waning in purple of rising dawn
Glinting on blush of the tinted arc
Seeing the lone bird sprinting above
Spanning wings in blazing speed
Fleeing emptiness of vacant scene
Much like him… way ahead of him
July 12, 2020
July Na Or Hm Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Constance La France
Hm received in contest judged on 7/14/2020
Contest Name: Completely New (9) Any Form Any Theme
In the silence; haunting echoes I can hear
A choir of angels soft and sweet,
Gently, I wipe your mournful tears.
Eternity beckons, drawing you near,
Strains of harmonious refrains that repeat,
In the silence; haunting echoes I can hear.
Worries and regrets no longer will appear,
Heaven has prepared an eternal royal seat,
Gently, I wipe your mournful tears.
Rest my dear, put aside your doubt and fear,
Though shadows fall, you rise and claim your feat,
In the silence; haunting echoes I can hear.
Regret no more, the lonely years,
You will be home, an eternal place, replete,
Gently, I wipe your mournful tears.
A vision shrouds the room and it appears
There is a table being prepared, a blessed fete,
In the silence; haunting echoes I can hear,
Gently, I wipe your mournful tears.
Date: March 1, 2022
For: Original Villanelle Contest Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: L. Milton Hankins
Placed 10th in contest
Was the Poem of the Day (POTD)on March 3rd, 2022
Written: March 12, 2024 For Constance La france Contest
N/A in Contest: No 1294
Rumi Quote: "The garden of love is green without limit and yields many fruits other than sorrow or joy. Love is beyond either condition: without spring, without autumn, it is always fresh".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beneath a deep blue, clear sky
With wonder, I watch the stars explode
Moon sings gently in wonder
Clouds bear the rainbow icons,
Savor timeless appeal of the night sky
My soul dutifully obeys its hypnotic call
White blooms and gentle azure sky
A scent of musk rose fills the air
The location is truly captivating.
Crystals gleam alone, pair at daybreak
An onyx sky gleams deep and ethereal
As loneliness becomes habitual, I weep
A bond surpassing the brightest galaxies
Clusters of sunken astral bodies fit finely
A deep clay soil, a dark void of apathy
Enthralled, my soul begins to reveal
The soul sparkles on a sunny day
A divine place as souls carries on to play.
Alarming and true, in the ominous bay
I greet the vulnerable and delight in joy
A starry crestfallen drifts ever near
Alone, sipping solace, words
I found comfort in a blissful rhapsody
My heart is graced with night beauty
Stars above drift on and on
To a tranquil spot for solitary spirits,
I feel a presence in this divine place
A sturdy refuge from life's perils
Caught by weak hold, in joyful frenzy,
I check my faded stars, sliding into night.
I find solace in this verse at night
The sky is my canvas,
Stars are my beacons of light
Amidst this tranquil oasis
I drift to quiet beaches
A spot where the sky is magnificent
Fills my heart with awe and joy
Into the deepest midnight blue
A link is true, and the spell is cast
Stars glisten in the azure sky
Their stellar flight captivates me
Shooting stars are truly marvelous
Bathed in the moon gentle glow
Clouds display a rainbow of colors,
I find myself in this enchanting realm.
I am a coward with open sores.
I write and wonder who it bores.
I hear my heart and mind argue repeatedly.
I see others carrying out my dreams;
that’s what’s defeated me.
I am a coward with open sores.
I pretend open doors are closed, and walk the other way.
I touch base with the fear in my heart, tearing me apart,
leaving nothing to say...
I worry the world will leave me.
I cry because no one believes in me.
I am a coward with open sores.
I understand nothing comes easy.
I say I’m happy, but even I don’t believe me.
I dream I am healed and brave.
I try to overcome my weaknesses before I’m in my grave.
I hope you hear me.
I’m on all fours.
I am a coward with open sores.
© 2011 ~JSLaM
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* 1st PLACE in Contest "MARCH MADNESS" Sponsored by C. Devonshire 2011
* 1st PLACE in Contest "ONE OFF" Sponsored by Brian Strand 5/11/2011
* 1st PLACE in Contest "BEST EVER" Sponsored by P.D. 2011