Best Inward Poems
If a man is blessed with outward beauty but lacks the beauty of the soul
Never he, true happiness would find!
However,
If a man lacks outward beauty but is blessed with the fairness of the soul
Never he, unhappiness would know!
© Demetrios Trifiatis
28 February 2023
_
As always, I would like to share the honor of the POTW with all of you my friends that stood by me all these years. I also thank the officials of PoetrySoup. Blessings.
-
the Covid 19 pandemic has changed
the entire world ... and me personally
I am a different person now
have found a serenity and tranquility
I never had
with such depth and feeling
and weep for those who have died
and those struggling to live
~ I can find a stillness and beauty in small things
and I am able to forgive and reach out with peace and love
able to look inward ... and I like the new me~
in our third lockdown here and it is strict
we are told to stay home .. our borders are closed
but I have found joy in on-line shopping and zoom visiting
and I may never have to go out again ...
but as a former nurse I needed a routine
to follow ...
~ I have a time for writing poetry and a time for art
a time to read and a time for research
I have a time to ponder and a time to journal ... ~
my nest has never been so clean and tidy
oh yes, I have a routine in place for that too
I tend to dust a lot ... and talk to plants
have been looking at Mom's old cookbooks
found some great recipes to try
have decluttered my closets ... and my mind
and thank God for my sweet cat to snuggle up with
~ I have been an introvert all my life
always seeking silence- a need
like breathing air ... now, I let it wrap me in silent wings
after this pandemic quietude ... the butterfly in me
... will emerge ~
___________________
May 11, 2021
Poetry/Free Verse/looking inward
Copyright Protected, ID 05-1353-966-11
All Rights Reserved, 2021, Constance La France
Written for the Premier contest, Your
Philosophy During This Pandemic
sponsor, Chantelle Anne Cooke, Judged 05/14/2021
First Place
Light dances with the idea of love
the sharks circle at mere plight
of weakness but you cant kick out
a ballerina tiptoeing across rivers
red flowing with contemplation
and the final twin feather bed calling
Tomorrow's successes seduce
the captain's chair empty
he's gone out for air
backed up pickup but the limbs won't move
just need another reason for loving you
The walls are built by more than just an emperor
The chains are laced in verse of discrimination
but I'm building a bridge to you
just don't jump and leave us to clean up behind
and as the cock crows it's going to be alright
My shadow keeps me company
I’m friendly with the shade
It will never abandon me
Or let me be afraid
It conceals my feelings
And always lets me hide
Keeping in the thoughts
So nothing leaks outside
You might find it cold
The way I blankly stare
But I’m working through emotions
When it looks like I don’t care
If I get overwhelmed
I cast a safety net
And I fall with faith
In to the arms of my silhouette
** “The unexamined life is not worth living” – Socrates.**
Looking Inward, Asking For Serenity's Grace
Looking inward, a soul that so silently weeps
For the realization of dear dreams born in sleep
And cessation of wickedness in this dark world
Those unexpected strikes from lightning bolts hurled,
Deeper in that inner web, hiding there alone
A phantom- it's ice-cold, hard beating heart in hand
Magnitude of negatives, more than one can stand!
Looking inward, where heart its gasping whispers beat
As if constant traffic on golden bricked streets
Therein the winds of romance so quietly wait
Chance and the manipulations of hands of fate,
Sweeter in that inner web, hiding there alone
A valiant knight, armor clad and steely eyed
Holding true to the hope on which millions relied!
Looking inward, asking for serenity's grace
Welcoming true light, demanding courage to face
The unknown and world's barbaric mercilessness
Yet brave enough to let love abundantly bless,
Chained in that inner web, hiding there alone
Those pleading for swifter rescue and hopes return
To lift them from bondage and flames set to burn!
Looking inward, a soul that so silently weeps
For the realization of dear dreams born in sleep
And cessation of wickedness in this dark world
Those unexpected strikes from lightning bolts hurled,
Deeper in that inner web, hiding there alone
A phantom- it's ice-cold, hard beating heart in hand
Magnitude of negatives, more than one can stand!
Robert J. Lindley, 6-09-2021
Rhyme,
( To Seek Wisdom To Break Out Of Inner Bondage )
Acquaintance
harmonize
praise
optimize
&aspire
serenity
convey
bestow
believe
&bolster
perceive
perform
poise
persuade
&persevere
aplomb
support
sensation
nurture
&cuddle
magnify
maintain
manage
mediate
&motivate
cogitate
handle
heave
hoist
&hone
select
alternative
celebrate
compete
&connect
vanquish
reconcile
venerate
graciously
&vouchsafe
chivalrously
weave
weep
whisper
&withstand
unbuckle
reveal
understand
to untangle
&utterly
1st place contest winner
Written: March 08, 2023
Strand Premier No 1096 Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Brian Strand
Leaving me in an inward spiral, did you call my name? ,
Chances are that me and you will not last forevermore,
I apologize for my indiscretions for I am the one to blame,
I caused you much pain as you caused me much before.
My undeserving forgiveness is asked on bended knee,
Leaving me in an inward spiral, did you call my name?,
I saved you from your hell when you were cruel to me,
But now I know that your love for me just isn’t the same.
Remember when our love was hot and I was your flame?
Please believe my plea as I recall your hurtful actions,
Leaving me in an inward spiral, did you call my name?
I am sorry for every word I said and that’s only a fraction.
I realize I put you through hell once and twice again,
But I feel it’s my turn now to receive the pardon the same,
I’ll never understand why your love you ever did pretend,
Leaving me in an inward spiral, did you call my name?
Date Written: June 7, 2016
The maze is
Inside.
Navigation here is like trying
To take a dump
After having too much
White rice.
You get further in
Only to pique
Frustrated
In cramps,
Un-amused.
Perhaps… after the cramps…
You find braces
A gawky smile,
Tightened pants,
A cisgender boy
Pinning your arms down.
Confusion.
You want it but you don’t.
You don’t want the label of “****.”
But you do want the experience.
He christens your lips with
saliva and old-tomato juice.
Unpleasant.
What’s more unpleasant are
His rough sausage hands.
Daggers for nails!
He tries to go in.
He fails.
“Maybe another day,” you exclaim.
Now he is but a ghost,
In the maze.
Years pass:
Minutes stretch.
Moments emanate nausea
And lack subtlety.
The second wind in the maze,
you begin to question.
Am I bi?
Am I gay?
Am I trans?
Am I neither…
Am I some…
Am I either…or?
You can’t think!
Temptations rattle
As beauties thrust themselves
In your direction
They say words
That act like Sirens.
Then,
Like sirens,
Your maze develops scars.
Scars turn to cancer.
Cancer turns to death.
A part of your maze
Is cursed.
Now you sit,
Inward.
Questioning,
Angry,
Wishing you hadn’t
said certain things.
Because those things
Have castrated your soul
Into something you wish you did not know.
“Gaslight.”
Looking inward more often lately
Is it a sign of age now that I'm over eighty
Dwelling on my life
Devoid of strive
Hope my departure won't be too hasty
Baptism Spirit and of Water
Tis an Inward-Outward Showings
Of whom you belong too
Cleansing you through and through
Preparing You.. to be whole
Sin Free.. As God Planned us to be
Baptism of the Spirit
Tis In-ward showing..
Manifest within Heart..
TenderHeart Of Glorious Love..
Compassion.. Caring
When you became born-again
Holy Spirit comes within
speaks unto you..
Closer Walk with Jesus
You can Hear... His Divine Voice
His words spoken
Spoken.. Unto your heart...
Love tis a Glorious token
You received Holy Spirit within
Within Your heart..
Eternal Flame began
Cleansing you through and through
From inside-of you
Within Your mind.. cleansing you
Will.. Emotions..
Giving you wisdom and understanding
Right from wrong... Knowing
Whom you belong too
Christ in You... Hope of Glory
Jesus in you--You in Jesus
Baptism by Water
Tis Cleansing you
Manifest in-ward to Out ward Showing
Whatever tis in-ward.. in your heart
Shall then manifest Out ward..
Showing all.. whom you belong to
Tis Manifest.. the Real You..
You within your heart
If you lie.. about what's inside.. your heart
Tis Shows.. when Your Baptized
Baptized in The Name of The Father The Son The Holy Ghost
What takes place
Replays that you died just like Jesus..
As you are Emerged under water..
Then when you come out of the Water
Tis Risen Just Like Christ..
You died and Risen.. Water Baptism
Then in Life.. Truth Shall Prevail
When you get Baptised..
Make sure You are Right with the Lord
That You sincerely asked for Forgiveness
For if your not..
Your life.. be such a mess
Be Right with the Lord
Sincere.. within Your heart
Come to Jesus
Form:
Baptism of Spirit and of Water
Tis an Inward-Outward Showings
Of whom you belong to
Cleansing you through and through
Preparing You.. to be whole
Sin Free.. As God Planned us to be
Baptism of the Spirit
Tis In-ward showing..
Manifest within Heart..
TenderHeart Of Glorious Love..
Compassion.. Caring
Given from above
When you became born-again
Holy Spirit comes within
speaks unto you..
Closer Walk with Jesus
You can Hear... His Divine Voice
His words spoken
Spoken.. within your heart...
Divine Love tis a Glorious token
You received Holy Spirit within
Within Your heart..
Eternal Flame begans
Cleansing you through and through
From inside-of you
Within You.. Your
Mind... Will.. Emotions..
Giving you wisdom and understanding
Right from wrong... Knowing
Whom you belong too
Christ in You... and the Hope of Glory
Jesus in you--You in Jesus
Baptism by Water
Tis Cleansing you
Manifest in-ward to Out ward Showing
Whatever tis in-ward.. inside your heart
Shall then manifest Out ward..
Showing all.. to whom you belong to
Tis Manifest.. the Real You..
You within your heart
If you lie.. about what's inside.. your heart
Tis Shows.. when Your Baptized
Baptized in The Name of The Father The Son The Holy Ghost
What takes place.. that you face
You died just like Jesus..
As you are Emerged under water..
Then when you come out of the Water
You.. tis Risen Just Like Christ..
You died and Risen.. Water Baptism
Then in Life.. Truth Shall Prevail
When you get Baptised..
Make sure You are Right with the Lord
That You sincerely asked for Forgiveness
For if your not..
Your life.. be such a mess
Be Right with the Lord
Sincere.. within Your heart
Then do what Jesus done
John the Baptist
Baptized Jesus.. God's Only Son
Heavens Opened Wide
Father Spoke "This is My Beloved Son"
"In Whom I am Well Pleased"
Come to Jesus
Be Baptized in the Spirit
Then be Baptized in the Water
Cleansed Through and Through
Preparing.. You and me
For Eternity
Form:
Had I the movements of the inward crane,
That darts in rhythm between the lunar tangle:
My patience would go amiss
For such ascension bound to the solar rays.
And the earthly shores
That utter contempt and fold back the might
Would hear the quiet, sweet inhale
Before they crumble away at the song of the flight.
I will rest myself by the ocean
And know the lulled lapping of water,
That is ever present in my ear;
Comes from the force of two majestic wings spreading breath.
Or the leaves that sway about my feet,
Are the feathers that come blissfully to greet.
Shined energy, vivid, radiant sky
Let your embrace bring forward this light.
For we still stilt as pained as statues
When you are yet to extend your arms
And soar above this stage
Into the ethereal sight.
Form:
A Look Inward
For all I ever once was
all I ever want to be,
fleeting mists singing
and rising fogs in morn
sunset views triumphant;
resting deep inside of me
shadows of a spirit
cold and stark in reality.
R. J. Lindley,
March 11, 1976
A Look Backward
For all I ever once did
and all my heart sees,
glowing memories
and loves beyond measure
days the sun stirs;
rainbows softly drifting
spirit patiently waiting
love's hopes sweetly livin'.
Robert J. Lindley, 10-04-2015
Found this old poem(very rare free verse from 39 years ago) and decided to give
a new and up to date answer/reply.
My dear mother, pray
remember us your children
in so many ways.
Silence, the mainstream
keeps us focused on Someone
God, our source of Life.
Why there is sadness,
joy, victory or failure.
They are part of Life.
Hail to Thee, our God!
Why there is sorrow
trust, triumph or pitfall.
They are part of Life.
Hail to Thee, our God!
hope and cause of existence.
To love and be loved.
beauty,
not the cherished gift
fated to be ravaged
by father time,
but the enduring kind
the naked eyes cannot see.
the beauty that resides
deep within the crevasse
of the soul
and shines out
like rays of the sun,
exploding like a supernova,
now and then;
that's the kind of beauty
that age can never diminish.
inward beauty
matters infinitely more
for it is so true, and lives on
beyond
the span of a lifetime.
Date written: 05/03/2023