Best Last But Not Least Poems
O God of the universes of Creation as a whole
I raise my hands; and open my heart and soul.'
Prostrate I call upon your power, to bless my
Friends in these long dark hours' these days
Long abhorred stand now at their doors, I ask
You gird their spirits with strength; enlighten their
Minds that they drive hence' each evil time that
They may face, pray turn them into typhoons
That will remove each trace; those of fear, of doubt
and all false pride, beside them; I ask your power
Resides, of your angel throng assign to them
More than they ever need, these women and men.'
Andrea Deitrich Michael Tor Heidi sands Connie
Marcum Wong Judy Ball Bill Baker Robert Ligouri
Joseph May Harry Horseman Brother Jacob
Sally Eslinger Sara Kendrick Sam Kaufman Joe
Dimino Len Gasun Pangiota Romios James
Marshall Goff Billy the Kidster Vince Suzdail
Jnr Kim Rodriuges Beta Augustin Rob Carmac
Robert Lindley Brandy Nichole Laura Leiser
And last, but not least B J Legros Kelly '
Much Love to all.'
May they each put to flight any 5000 that come
Up against them in any honourable venture they
Embark upon, be that written spoken or intimated
May you be with them each one dear Lord in Jesus
Name with the Holy Spirit as witness.'
Another beautiful day has come to a close
putting on my royal blue silken pajamas
I call to my sweet one
come take hold of my outstretched hand.
We bow our heads and thank Him.
Lord thank you for another terrific day
for allowing the sun to rise up and shine
thank you for warm gentle breezes
that allowed us to fly our kites
bringing so many bubbly smiles on our children
Thank you dear Lord for the flowing stream
and the wildflowers we saw along the way
in our hunt for frogs and turtles.
Thank you Lord for the food that we ate
and the air that we breathed.
It was such an exhilarating day.
Thank you Lord for all the joy you bring
the song of love you allow me to sing
Thank you for bringing into my life
a most beautiful soul,
for gorgeous and happy children,
and for making our lives whole
So much to be grateful for dear Lord
but none of my humble words
are ever enough to praise you.
Dear Lord
It's my time to beg now
So dont go away just yet
I beg you for forgiveness
for any harm I might have caused
to my sister, or my brother
to my working colleagues or any other
I beg forgivness for all the times
I choose the pleasure of darkness
over what is really the bright side of life.
Dear Lord, make men better husbands
and make me a good wife.
Dear Lord I beg you
let not envy, power, success nor selfishness
steal the purpose of my living
and of what is right.
Make me a better person Lord
Help me choose You as my guide
Let me be a faitful being
to those who are in burden
Help me to do little things everyday
little things that make a difference
to those i love, and those who pass my way
Let me be a lending ear
Let my smile relieve some pain
Let me be at least one colour of the rainbow
in their loneliness, in tearful rain
Dear lord may those I meet in every street
recognize I am Your own, not from my words
but from my kindred deeds
Last but not least, fill my heart with blissful grace
as I share this serene night
with the one you chose for me
the one who has the most angelic face.
Together Lord we thank you
*Dedicated to Andrea Dietrich, Caleb Smith, Isaiah Zerbst, Anne Currin, and Eileen Ghali
I'll start with illustrious Andrea,
our talented sonneteer.
She peppers our poems with kindness,
with comments so bright and sincere.
Next, we have Mr. McCaleb,
our sweet gent from Arkansas
From KOs to boogers to nature,
he writes without limit or flaw.
Now, I must turn to Isaiah,
the master of meter and rhyme.
His poems are most reminiscent
of forgotten ages in time.
I cannot forget our Queen Anne,
who graces us all with her songs.
Her lyrics tug at our heartstrings,
yet she's upbeat, lovely, and strong.
Last but not least is Eileen,
the most spirited poetess.
She translates feeling to verse
and writes with such skill and finesse.
I was told...
A happy marriage is based on communication
A healthy marriage is based on
understanding each other's beliefs and differences
A fine marriage is based on
respect, trust, and love
For better or worse
In good times or bad times
Forever till death do us part
Perfection we crave
But... what perfect aliens are those
defying all odds
Then I learned... there is no such
perfection in our kind
Even a happy marriage can fall apart
when the important become second
Even a healthy marriage can
fall apart when stress arises
Even a fine marriage can fall apart
when the essence of trust slips into doubts
Yes I believe... it all comes down to HOW we
treat each other
So... for better NOT worse
Be in it because it's what your heart desires
NOT what your mind fools you to want
Be in love with each other with all your heart
and soul NOT you have no choice but stay
Need each other physically and emotionally
NOT just financially
And be in it because life would be meaningless
without each other
And last but not least... appreciate each other
Perfection is when you smile genuinely!
Akkina R Downing
4-26-17
Oh do move on, Summer - it's time for a change
I've so many seasonal chores to arrange!
Whilst you, my dear sister can laze in the sun,
For me there are serious tasks to be done.
I have to ensure that the hedgehogs remember
To stock up on food at the start of September.
Then trigger celestial cues as causation
For swallows' onset of long distance migration.
Blithe, frolicking squirrels must forfeit their play
To stash bereted nuts for the next rainy day.
And whilst I remember, the trees need a shake;
A gentle reminder their leaves to forsake.
A new coat of paint is applied in a rush,
A kiss from my lips makes the blackberries blush.
I’ll crisp up the air and leave everything stark,
Ensuring that nippy Jack Frost makes his mark.
Then tickle the prickles of sweet chestnut shells
Till, sides split with laughter, their treasure expels.
And last but not least, I've the pumpkins to swell
And harvest to gather, folk's hunger to quell.'
Flamboyant and frisky, in colourful dress
The glory of autumn can't fail to impress!
02/09/18
Early Sept 2018 Standard,Any Form,Any Theme,Upto A Max Of 20 Lines Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Brian Strand
'Colourful Fall' Sponsored by: Nayda Ivette Negron
15/09/18
Winter's Rose
white frost streaks her hair
smooth ice-sculpture skin of youth
stroked by cracks
wrinkles that have weathered life
skin once firmly packed sags
in the mirror a figure she doesn’t recognize
but she laughs
budding spring beauty
summer rose that danced through seemingly timeless evenings
restless rebellion came with fall
withering, yearning
but winter, sweet winter
fills her heart with warm memories
resignation, acceptance of a life well-lived
a spirit that will never die
winter’s rose smiles, prepares for eternal life
*Entry for Gail's "Inspirational" poems contest
by Carolyn Devonshire
I can't believe the wonderful contest idea I have been missing out on since I took my brief break from Soup this past weekend. I came back to find many posts of Carolyn Devonshire's most amazing work. And so it was my goal tonight before logging off, to look through my list of favorites and see which one I would choose to showcase.
Well, there were at least five of her poems that I just loved: "A Forgotten Box," the senryu set "Candlelight Passion," an adorable personification of flowers called "Flower Prom," the profound poem of imagination called "Unicorn," and last but not least, the one shown above here, "Winter's Rose." I decided on this one because earlier today in talking with Carolyn, she expressed to me that "Winter's Rose" happened to be one of her personal favorites. I was so pleased to discover that it was also one I had chosen to put into MY favorites list about a month ago!
"Winter's Rose" is a poet's look into her own soul. And she uses metaphors of the seasons, something I personally enjoy doing in my own poetry. I love when Carolyn writes this way and I agree with her, this is one of her very best free verse poems ever! I hope Carolyn will continue with her restless spirit well into the deepest of winters. She is an awesome friend and poet! (Carolyn, may your memories be happy ones always. And know that you have many friends here rooting for you. Luv, Andrea )
CHALLENGES
By Edmund Siejka
He faced a challenge
That forced him to use all his abilities
But doubt clouded his judgement
Caution gave way to uncertainty.
Needing help
He recalled these words:
1. Believe in yourself
Never bend your head
Hold it high
And look the world straight in the eye.
2. Smell the coffee.
3. Stand on your own two legs.
4. Life is in front of you.
5. Seize the day.
6. Get up and get moving.
7. Work smarter, not harder.
8. Save for a rainy day.
9. The tough get going when the going gets tough.
10. K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid.
11. Put a glide in your stride and a pep in your step.
12. Let’s get moving, we’re burning daylight.
13. Don’t deter from the main effort.
14. Every strike brings you closer to the next home run.
15. It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.
16. Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is.
17. A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.
18. Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, ‘I’m possible.’
19. The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
20. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
21. The mind is everything. What you think you become.
22. The road to success is always under construction.
23. Becoming is better than being.
24. Nothing is interesting if you’re not interested.
25. Look at a half empty glass as half full.
26. Ambition can’t wait.
27. Age is of no importance unless you’re a cheese.
And last, but not least:
28. Wake the hell up.
My mind a project of hesitation;
draw an oval maze of meditation.
Enter penciled lines, make them squiggly,
then paint it yellow for Mr. Wigley.
Squeeze a few lemons for it’s sometimes sour,
then let it dry for half an hour.
Stick here and there some golden stars,
before you inscribe my memoirs.
Use a hole punch or glue on swiss cheese;
for between my ears, sometimes a breeze.
Last, but not least, cover with cotton;
for the time it's fuzzy and things forgotten.
Then tear it all up, this art you’ve designed,
because suddenly Hon, I’ve changed my mind.
Written: 2/25/18
Contest: Mind the Wet Paint
Host: Viv Wigley
Joe Biden now rules our White House
Together with his 'doctor' spouse.
His blunders, for sure-
We have to endure;
To caring, he does not espouse.
Those mishaps, like names he misspoke-
For sure, were not meant as a joke.
But much worse by far
His failures that scar-
Appeasing the will of the woke'!
Day-one, he shut down the pipeline-
made our oil production decline.
Gas prices- despise!
While heating bills rise!
We now must import and consign!
Appalling- how he shut that door
To exit the long Afghan war!
Left our troops behind-
Their rescue declined
In spite of their sacrifice bore!
Our vast Southern border, exposed-
All previous rules- he opposed.
He let millions in
And, to our chagrin-
Come outlaws and drugs- unopposed!
Bad crimes multiply by the day;
The victims now feel cast away.
With no fines or bail,
Or time spent in jail-
No need that bad guys must obey!
Inflation's gone way off the chart;
We dread the time spent at the mart.
Less food we now choose
For his brainless ruse-
Just printing out money's not smart!
And, last but not least, Hunter's life!
This son and his dad cause us strife.
With Chinese, each deals-
While 'The Big Guy' steals;
Through quid pro quo- they become rife!
Our media hypes left-wing views-
So, therefore, presenting fake news;
When really, they should
Show bad with the good;
Lay out all the facts to peruse!
November 25, 2022
Contest: The Bidens Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Anthony Biaanco
JEEZ LOUISE I DIN'T THINK I'D WIN, I HAVEN'T GOT A THING WRITTEN ON PAPE
OH WAIT, I THINK I HAVE A FEW SQUARES OF TOILET PAPER IN MY SOCKY-NICK
YUP ! HERE IT GOES LADIES AND GERMS.
'I WISH TO THANK ALL MY FAMILY MEMBERS AND MY POETRY SOUP FACULTY
FOR THEIR LOYAL READS AND BRAVO ,BRAVO, GIVE ME MORE, PLEADS...
I WISH TO THANK MY ORGANIST WHO PLAYED WHILE I PIPPED OUT IN PRIDE
MY VIOLINIST AS HE HELD MY LITTLE BOW IN PLACE AS I SANG POOR ME
MY DJ CARLOS CUZ HE ALWAYS KEPT ME HAPPY AS I SANG THE OLD SONG
I WISH TO THANK MY EYELASH TINTER, MY HAIRDRESSER AND MY COVEN OF
WITCHES. WITHOUT THEIR BROOMSTICK POWER I'D BE STILL IN A COWER
JEEZE PELEASE NO CLAPS TODAY, IT MAY WRINKLE MY BEAUTIFUL HAIR.
OH AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST I'D LIKE TO THANK ARTHUR VASO FOR STARTING THIS FIASCO. HE IS THE MAN, FOR THE HUUPA HOORA TOORA TOORA LI SONG WE ARE POETS WE ARE STRONG.
I SHOULD KNOW CUZ WHEN IT COMES TO HUMOR, MY MY HE IS "KING" OK
NOW, ONTO REAL POETRY !!!
FROM YOUR BELOVED PIXIE
XOXO
Living with a heart that's warm...
Looking for a page not worn...
Lighting in a sky with no sound...
Lifting teardrops when a hearts not found...
Loving words that shout for miles...
Last but not least, a poet who can always make me smile...
Good morning ladies and gentlemen and welcome to beautiful Zurich Switzerland and the First Annual Poetry Soup Convention. Welcome poets, linguists, scribes, metrists and rhymers. Welcome poets from Canada, the UK, U.S.A., Australia and many other countries from around the world.
This convention is for all seasoned poets and young dilettantes. Our key speakers this week will be Will Shakespeare to talk about sonnets. Horace will discuss Latin odes. Homer will give a demonstration on epic poetry. Lewis Carroll will explain light poetry. And last but not least Edgar Poe will give a reading of Gothic poetry.
All poets are welcome to enter the First Annual Poetry Soup Convention Poetry Contest. The grand prize will be the title of Poet Laureate and honor on the Poetry Soup webpage. We will also be offering classes on prosody, onomatopoeia, enjambment and Lambic Pentameter. We will have booths set up in the main hall for help with grammar, syllable counting and rhyming tools.
So welcome all, enjoy all things poetic this week, make friends and have fun. One final reminder before we let you go is we are serving lunch promptly at twelve noon and we will be having Alphabet soup with sage, enjoy.
The First Annual Poetry Soup Convention Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Line Gauthier
3/7/19
In the deepest river caverns, in the furtherest chambers of my soul,
There are secrets hidden there that can ne'er be told.
Secrets of another life, another way, another time.
Secrets hidden for eons in the recesses of my mind.
Decades come and decades go but these secrets never dull or grow old.
I am ancient and flow with the tide but I'm still precious as new gold.
In days gone by, I couldn't be in the sun, so at night I would get out and run.
The moonlight gave me power to spin on the sockets in a gun.
When dawn would approach, I would hide in the caves on the moon.
Ere one would catch me asleep in a dune.
In the caves there are those whose lives helped to change me.
Toby so grand on his motorcycle riding and settling by a tree.
I guess maybe he might have been waiting for me??
Audrey a beauty who could write such beautiful verses
And could quote them superbly without any rehearsals.
There was Russ from across the moon at a far away prison gate,
He also forgot what it's like to be forgotten and counted by fate too late!
There's Carol, sweet Carol, who went through more than anyone will ever know.
And beautiful Linda, who always blew my mind away, but I ruined it with a big blow!
And of course Jimmy, who's so much like a son, and I hope as the ages go,
He will realize his importance in the changes in the caves that will show.
Last but not least nor most nor less is Ruben who has blessed all our lives.
Not just mine but everyone on the moon needs Rubin's touch. for he is so gentle so kind.
Even though the caves are getting larger and the secrets are getting deeper,
He will always defend the truth and on this large moon will be a just keeper.
For you see he keeps the soul secrets in the moon caves forever.
Praying and hoping that one day they can be revealed, but then again, maybe never!
I will be glad to help you through this.
Here is the key to my heart.
Feed me coconut cake.
Make sure it is the refrigerator every night.
Buy the groceries
Because I despise going to the grocery store.
Wash the clothes
If you want the best of the best of me
For laundry is not my thing
Tell me I am pretty
Cuddle me and hold me
Tell me I am smart and creative
If you want me to be your forever one
Last but not least, do not over-react
To anything I say or do, or even act like it is odd.
Treat me like a lady, not a princess, and apologize
For everything, even if it is not your fault.
Because there is a tiger, lion, and bear inside me
And when they are released, you will be running
Flat out, up into the hills. So buy that coconut cake
And let's get started, my forever ever man.
If I Were A Stone
If I were a stone…without a doubt I would be a lovely marbled granite…
the center of attention in a newly updated kitchen.
All eyes would be upon me…the first choice of decorators and would- be buyers everywhere. I would be a “must have” and a “deal breaker” for purchasers the world over. I would lord it over the mundane and dull kitchen cabinets no matter what the style. While their doors would be slammed shut a thousand times a day and scrubbed till they were sore…(ouch!)… I would be lovingly and carefully wiped down until they could almost see their reflection in me.
My island would be the gathering place and hub of the home…children would utilize me for their homework…my mistress would cheerfully hum a happy tune while rolling out delicious pies or cookies for dessert... my master would lay his briefcase down on me in order to hug the cook!
Unlike the living room rug (who thinks he’s king by the way.) I would not be stepped on, stomped on with dirty or muddy sneakers or roller skated on, (boys will be boys) or taken for granted in any way.
I would be the `piece de resistance` of the household and the most admired feature of the home.
And last …but not least…I would be carefully selected and carved, to serve as a towering memorial for loved ones to come and say a silent prayer for our nation’s fallen …and… bravest men!
I would be more than proud to be a granite stone!
For the "Stoned" contest.