Best Intents Poems
what is that ... there ... in the darkness?
what is that hollow creature, cold and callous
that shrouds its image in the deep, remorseless black?
careless, the coal-red glint in its eye ...
ragged-edged teeth to tear truth and sensibilities -
to rip the flesh of loving and kind intent,
imbibe its worth, and spatter the dregs into my face, sodden
I can see it moving there ...
squirming and slithering in the frigid gloom
its skin pulled taut over bones like a painted skeleton ...
broken, twisted fingers of conscience scratching at the dirt floor
tearing at its own eyes for the sake of regret
bleakly consecrated, relishing the pain, exquisite -
an anguish of introspection, suffused.
it trembles there ... innocent, wan ...
it shivers in the crepuscular quiet
the agony of alienation and loss dripping thick from its hide.
what is that monster, there?
I fear I know it, and IT knows me ...
yet I shall not give it a crumb of satisfaction or satiation -
better that it lurks there in the dim and dank
rather than give it identity.
let it wallow in its own waste
and feed on the scraps of disappointment
regret and realization lapped cold from the floor …
let it starve for want of my better aspirations and intents
I shall hold no heed nor pay no pity
else it will surely devour me ...
happy to taste the metallic tang of my lifeblood
sharp on its sordid and duplicitous tongue -
quick to digest all that I had meant for worth
and all that I had given to benefit and blessing ...
and belief.
oh, what is that ... there ...
in the tenebrous depths??
who is that hollow hellion ...
who wears my face?
~ 1st Place ~ in the "Strand Select H Any Form Any Theme" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Judge & Sponsor.
~ 1st Place ~ in the "Hallucination" Poetry Contest, Brendan J. Simons, Judge & Sponsor.
~ 7th Place ~ in the "Loss Of An Innocent Mind" Poetry Contest, Kai Michael Neumann, Judge & Sponsor.
Hurdled is life’s highway to every milestone:
Detours, traffic woes~ impediments to goal,
Perturbing in hindrances that endlessly groan
Searching exit ramp to soothe anguished soul.
Though memories of yore, of pain bemoan,
Benevolence of today vows to mold morrow,
Prodding fate of future~ opaque, unknown,
Defying grievous intents in ill-will of sorrow.
Wished for earnestly, life is a cherished dream,
An exuberance of spring, of burbling stream,
A meaningful exploration of endearing theme;
Mystical, phenomenal, halo of mirthful gleam.
Life is a fleeting dot on scale of eternal time,
A journey of courage, yet harbinger of fears;
Gracefully revering the echoes of lifetime,
Whether reveling in joy or lamenting in tears.
Rejoice in life’s sunset, rejoice in life’s sunrise,
Greet charming smiles, yet ignore not its sighs,
Celebrate spring’s birth, mourn autumn’s demise,
Cheer life’s welcome, dwell not in goodbyes.
January 26, 2023
Placed 1st: Pick-A-Title, Vol 34 - Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Edward Ibeh
We grow* in the knowledge of God, the lover of our soul
Truly giving Himself with devotion’s pureness-whole
Indeed securing our salvation by His compassion’s role
Always keeping us in His mind for His best goal.
We bloom in the knowledge of God, the discerner of every heart
Truly revealing our motives, checking intents right from the start
Indeed caring for us with His mercies that never depart
Always safeguarding us from deception dart.
We thrive in the knowledge of God, the source of bountiful grace
Truly helping us strive toward holiness along life’s race
Indeed enabling us to do good works for His praise
Always leading us to do His will by His truth’s brace.
We blossom in the knowledge of God, the church’s supreme Authority
Truly instructing us for His kingdom’s priority
Indeed exhorting us with view of eternity
Always anchoring us by His Word’s immutability.
We bear fruit in the knowledge of God, the strength of our divine engagement
Truly teaching us by the Bible’s inspiration to enjoy ministry involvement
Indeed fortifying us while we labour in His work with earnest commitment
Always blessing our sacrificial giving and service fulfillment.
We prosper in the knowledge of God, the upholder of our faith so precious
Truly propelling us to trust Him Who is constantly gracious
Indeed comforting us when we become anxious
Always delighting us with His miracles, making us spiritually conscious.
We multiply in the knowledge of God, the Commander of the Great Commission
Truly directing us toward soulwinning-action
Indeed empowering us for discipleship function
Always assuring us triumph in our utmost dedication.
*2Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
February 14, 2021
As human beings, we are set a trust
Dominion over all such lesser things
Yet it's axiomatic that we turn to dust
The best of what our erudition brings
We take a fertile clay in hand to mold
The asseveration of our bright intents
To throw upon life's wheel and thus behold
The magic that our work and will relents
But much of what we strive for falls away
Our altruistic hopes and aims devoured
By all that glitters gold with glut and pay
The milk of our accomplishment so soured
Perhaps if we'd first taste that bitter cream
We'd shape a world more fit ... our childrens' dream.
~ 2nd Place ~ in the "Late April Standard Any Form" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Sponsor.
~ 2nd Place ~ in the "Triple A Challenge - 14 Lines Maximum" Poetry Contest, Robert Haigh, Sponsor.
LIFE’s INTENTIONS
Across the field in wild proliferation
A multiplicity of forms abound
Not broad brush daubed impressionist collation
But gathering of beings, each one crowned
Every leaf each blade of grass with purpose showing
A will that shall maintain the form alive
From golden flower clock the seeds are blowing
All strive to bring persistence and survive
I see life spark contained within each one
Or is it mere organic chemistry
Or hand of God that draws a thread as spun
And weaves the cloth of every destiny
Explanations are profuse as man’s invention
Nonetheless I’ll not deny a clear intention
WHEREAS
Whereas I see no doubt of life’s intents
All forms self driven to perpetuate
Yet there’s another motive that I sense
That drives those entities to close relate
Each seen to be supportive of another
Although one instinct drives them to compete
While in their interaction as a brother
Contribute to conception more complete
Within a seemed consensual existence
Where help is given willingly or no
In endless reciprocity assistance
Our world proliferates, thus to bestow
The spectrum of creation, whence assigned
Bringing light and satisfaction to my mind
Had I not witnessed with my eyes
The massive throng of empty dreams,
I would have fallen for the guise
That all is better than it seems.
The awful truth that lies within,
Its harsh intents I shan’t forgive.
How cruel, alas, deceit has been;
To make me think that all dreams live.
And on that fateful night I met
The shepherd’s twin on timber sitting.
He was collecting in his net
Some empty thoughts, and meekly knitting.
“Woolgatherer, woolgatherer.”
I said with eager dreamer’s tongue.
He had the look of wanderers,
That many deaths have dwelt among.
“How many dreamers have there been
Who’s dreams on solid grounds were crushed?”
“To tell the truth, I can’t begin.”
He spun his words at me, quite rushed.
“The broken dreams…” I said to him,
“What will happen to the pieces?
Will they run, or fly, or swim,
Or simply die? (Their life ceases)”
What he said I won’t forget,
His flabbergasting scheme:
“I’ll pluck the fragments with my net
And build a better dream.”
There you're alone
Gazing blue waters
In emerald splendor
Embedded within
A romantic landscape.
Visions of sundown
Peeking through blossoms
Bow down to greet you
And caress in love
Hints of my message.
You look elsewhere
At script on horizon
Setting sun engraves
Upon twilight tender
In vermillion intents,
As it dips beneath
Dreams of hushed river;
And scatters its rays
In marigold spray
On magenta fabric
Embroidered purple.
Too late my love
To turn and face me--
I’m no longer there,
When the sun set
So did your shadow.
February 22, 2020
Placed 3rd: Strand #690 contest by Brian Strand
GOD be praised and thanked for His Word*
We acknowledge as Spirit’s sword
declaring “Thus saith the Lord…
The Bible --- Scriptures of grace-ford!
Assuring soul's great salvation
God's Word anchors our redemption
As well as sanctification
Enabling our transformation!
Always at work in fellowship
With the Lord's truth-braced leadership
Gearing our faithful stewardship
And triumphant praise-filled worship!
Indeed working for reaching-out
While sharing Gospel without doubt
Illumining for heaven's route
Midst joyous hallelujah shout!
*Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
December 27, 2021
Edited on December 7, 2023
The voluntary gardeners
Placed signs along the fence
Announcing that they’d given up,
Despite their best intents.
“We can’t maintain this lawn because,
Though signage says No Pets,
The owners let their dogs run wild,
Displaying no regrets.”
Perhaps these words have hit the mark
As those in charge have dealt
A reprimand that’s harsh enough
For guilt to have been felt.
For lately, there have not been any
Pets upon that lawn,
Though it may be too late for any
Grass to grow upon.
I Corinthians 16:14 - "Let all that you do be done in love"
~
Of all the dear intents that I'm shaped of,
No grand pursuit's more critical than love -
While all the world about me comes apart,
I'm but the soil for Heaven's hope, above.
This life has pushed me, often, to a seam,
The fringe of hell, to see a gloried scheme,
And though it oft' was of my own device,
God used each conflict to define a dream ...
That tho' life's issues have a varied range,
And some may press the definition, strange,
The truest resolution, through God's grace -
It's love ALONE, accomplishes true change.
Tho' it might seem too simple at the start,
The scripture that defines me, does impart
One single truth has been, and yet shall be -
'Tis LOVE, the seed God's sowing in my heart.
~ 1st Place ~ in the "All Yours (Jan 22)" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Judge & Sponsor.
~ 4th Place ~ in the "Favorite Scripture" Poetry Contest, Chantelle Anne Cooke, Judge & Sponsor.
So, who says it takes ten years to become a poet?
I’ve read incredible lines from second graders --
Some may write for sixty years, you’d never know it
For all some have become are mediocre shaders!
Do you consider it “good” poetry to criticize others
When you’ve not developed a modicum of expertise?
Your propensity for negative thoughts only smothers
While most Poetry-Soupers skills steadily increase.
So, be careful how you turn your venom on Soupers
Whose work is far superior to what you are showing
Open your Comments for those you call “poopers”
And we’ll share our true thoughts, not so glowing!
I hope when you read this poem, you do take offense*
For we are tired of being the butt of your nasty intents.
#55 on Best New Poems List
Written November 29, 2021
*for your information, this is a classical form put
to good use, in this case, since you criticized us
for using classical forms!
God has declared through His inspired word
all that He is and all He can do
this word is living powerful and so sharp
more than two-edged sword this is true
This God is all-powerful indeed
there's nothing outwith His control
for sovereign, He is over everything
yes even you and every living soul
All that you know in your grey matter
as well as all that's in your sinful heart
fully none of it is hidden from God
all are naked before Him every single part
This God is eternal always shall be
our righteousness is like filthy rags
in His eyes detestable and obnoxious
we're without hope nothing to brag
Jesus came to our rescue
to save us and make us fit
to stand in God's holy presence
knowing in Christ we needn't quit
For all will stand before Him
there we must give account
if not in Christ we've no hope
but in Him, we have a living fount
("For the word of God is living and powerful, and
sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." )
Hebrews 4:12-13
I built my pillars
My foundations, in sand
Thusly, my confidence suffered
Anon-and-gone, I struggled to fill the boxes
Those blank cubes on the checklist of your needs
Oh, I did it, eventually, only to hear your recreant farewell
I once thought I was not worthy of your love
For I am a bumbling fool at so many things in life
Wearing my heart for all to see, (and make assumptions of)
But I am sure to my marrow and coursings
That NO ONE else can EVER love you as completely as I do
As deeply as I do, and as unfailingly true as I do
That is the ONLY thing that can make ANYone
Worthy of your love ...
And deserving of your intents
I didn't see that ... then
YOU didn't see it, and you can't see it now
THAT is what makes you
Unworthy of ME ...
But thanks.
~ 1st Place ~ in the "Standard Contest 170 Any Form, Any Theme" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Judge & Sponsor.
It was a day of chaos
The day the pensioners struck,
Massed Mobility Scooters moving
Forward like a Rugby Union ruck,
Blocking all the streets
In the centre of town,
To all intents and purposes
Closing the city down.
The police were very tolerant,
Withdrawing their attack
After more than one officer suffered
From a wielded walking stick's whack.
The atmosphere changed
Soon after that
Lots of bonhomie
Banter and chit chat.
The action was called offi
Promptly at five to three
Thus allowing each
To be home in time for tea.
The action wasn't called
For any cause or good:
No it was carried out
Just to show they could.
Massed Mobility Scooters moving
Forward like a Rugby Union ruck.
It was a day of chaos
The day the pensioners struck.
A cacophony of cheers
Sand sprays like fireworks
From feet, hands, ball, hair.
Four women, two-a-side,
In a battle for the ages.
A motion of fluidity and a
Knowledge brought forth
From years in the fray.
Sun, rain, the elements,
Just more adversaries
In a long procession of
Combatants put asunder
By their clear dominance
Of a gritty game of volleys.
The Americans had few
Times met with struggle
Along their long journey
Toward the gilded yellow
Badge of Olympic honor,
But this night the glint in
The eye, the coordinate
Movements of limbs and
Lengths and deliberations,
The perfection of intents
And wiles and exertions,
Would not birth triumph,
But instead place a bitter
Pill flat on their tongues.
But such is the bare truth
Of warfare, and such is
The coming of wisdom ...
For without that sour taste
And constricting swallow,
We have no estimation
Of the finer, sweeter things
That the battlements of
Life hold within their walls.
Gold knows no favorite,
Nor does it gleam in the
Eyes of the fortunate only.
Momentum true is the key
And this night it flowed
For the sake of those
Whose feet knew this
Beach as their own ...
Who felt their home and
Peoples and affinities all
In the grainy coursing of
Cold granules underfoot,
And sometimes, when
The heart has the peace
Of its OWN around it, that's
All the difference needed.
But character outshines
The most precious ores,
And in that bold and true
Respect, our wonderfully
Beautiful and courageous
Girls of Stars and Stripes,
Shall ALWAYS stand at
The top of the podium,
And the anthem of our
Appreciation and pride
Will always play in their
Ears ...
We love you, Kerri
Walsh Jennings and April
Ross, and you are, without
Question or argument,
The very BEST.