Best Marveled Poems
One leaf fell from a tall, tall tree
and subtly kissed gnarled roots beneath;
a lover’s kiss below sunned-sheath
of greenest leaves, a jubilee.
One spiraling leaf brought playful mirth
to sullen earth of trodden dirt.
A flight of hopeful shades of spring,
for hard, hard ground, an offering
One leaf dressed in a sparkling jade
glided with grace to green grass blades
and rested near a bubbling brook,
then waited for warm breeze that shook
its flirty skirt on green, green glade.
An arc of bright green canopy
warmed my heart in bluest mood,
and one leaf blew a kiss from you.
It twirled and pranced and floated by,
then with a touch it came to lie
green in my hand, a dear surprise.
Like emerald hills of Irish tales,
I marveled at how one leaf sailed
green In my hand that blue, blue day,
a kiss from you on Patty’s Day -
The gray clouds parted shining green,
a beauty like I’d never seen.
for Francine's Show Me the Green Contest, 3/18/15
Categories:
marveled, color, green, holiday, imagery,
Form:
Verse
Somewhere in a dream,
Serene and blissful from the start
It comes to me again
The two of us in love, and eagerly alone
Breathlessly naive', and blissfully assured
that we would be as one
...that nothing in the world outside, could ever be compared
Two bikes took rest against a tree
We climbed the nearest hill,
Through foxtails, deep and thickets, high
Along a creek bed, far and wide,
wading through warm granite stones
Slick and wet, with velvet moss
littered deep with autumn leaves, and the urgent tender years
My darling...do you remember...?
We were like children, we marveled and swooned
at the shapes of the clouds in the lavender sky
changing their forms in a wink of the eye
We were wild with love, that stirred the stones
Discovering firsts, and thirsts unknown
Layers of years, now whisper here,
Imprisoned in this hidden place, with every breath of air
Not a fluent time that bends or moves
...but time fully reasoned, with ancient eyes
Unwound of it's youthful eyes and loves
Where dulcet words plucked out of space
Have not been tinged by autumn's breath
And innocence is scattered like leaves upon the breeze
And lingers, ...with a sweet wistful sigh
We who once made love, ...a thousand skies ago
Have slept with tossing shadows and lilting cries
Still tremble with the memory
Oh, ...I know the subtle ways of empty dreams
And I shall go by silent lanes and leave this day....and you....
....timeless here
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Categories:
marveled,
Form:
Free verse
Through the years they worked their spells
From drawers and cupboards, taking things
That through them, thus, were given wings
And changed to sweetness meant for kings
With warm and wafting scrumptious smells
My Nana's hands ...
Countless times we'd strolled to town
To shop for what she'd need that eve
(First taking stock before we'd leave)
A shopping list tucked up her sleeve
My wee lad's fingers, safe and sound
In Nana's hands ...
The way back home was twice as long
Our arms filled plump with paper sacks
The makings and some special snacks
Oh, how the groceries bent our backs
Yet even then, I held on tight ...
To Nana's hands ...
Still it was always worth the chores
To watch her mix and bake and cook
While dancing to-and-from her nook
And glancing, sometimes, in a book
Oh, how I marveled and adored ...
My Nana's hands ...
But sometimes they were hard to hold
Curled with arthritis, wracked with pain
She oft' times had to stretch and strain
Though NEVER did she ONCE complain
Through rheumatism's stranglehold ...
On Nana's hands ...
See ...
Those bent old hands in disrepair
Worked twice as hard so we could eat
Thus each night's meal and every treat
Was that much more divine and sweet
All from the love and tender care ...
Of Nana's hands ...
And still, my fingers long to share ...
My Nana's
Gentle ...
Hands.
- by Gregory R Barden
~ 2nd Place ~ in the "Cornucopia Cooking" Poetry Contest, Chantelle Anne Cooke, Judge & Sponsor.
Categories:
marveled, appreciation, food, grandchild, grandmother,
Form:
Rhyme
You were sly with your wanton stare
How you seduced me with only a look
Neither classic nor found in any book
Unique to you it was somewhat unfair
While I was naked just standing there
The strokes so quick we barely...met
I do not know how the pallet had felt
But I feared my whiskers would melt
As I kissed the canvas, us two a duet
A miracle occurred as the paints...set
I the paint brush marveled at your smile
You - The Mona Lisa the epitome of style
01~13~2015
Sponsor: Rick Parise
Inspired By The Mona Lisa
Painted By Leonardo da Vinci
Categories:
marveled, art,
Form:
Ekphrasis
I flew over Bryce Canyon my wings fully spread in a gentle glide
as I marveled at the view below. It wasn't the first time but it always
felt like it. I flapped my wings to ascend even further and consume
even more of the landscape. The weather chiseled rock that always
reminded me of sandcastles children sculpted at the seashore.
I loved the fragrance of the pine trees that neatly grew amongst the
rocks and the white and golden blend of colors that jutted here and there
against an ever changing sky. I suppose if they could see me - humans
would gasp at the sight of an Angel and me well I still gasp at all that
God created for the pleasure of mankind.
22~12~2014
With Love
Maurice Yvonne
Categories:
marveled, giving,
Form:
Prose
I dreamt of blue birds
and buzzing bumble bees.
I roamed with the bison herds,
prayed with mantis on our knees,
and butterflies in the breeze.
I greeted the cheery chickadees,
dragonflies, and snowy owls.
I marveled at graceful manatees.
raucous sounds of guinea fowls,
and warblers’ velvet vowels.
I raved at ravens
dancing on a fertile field.
Mice sought havens,
safe shelters that red ants build
in hopes from spiders to shield.
I spotted rain-drenched
autumn leaves in tapestries,
their beauty strangely entrenched.
Purple hues imbued in varying degrees,
of gladiolas and sweet peas.
So many perfect pleasures,
many another than these.
All of God’s treasures,
created with love to please,
arranged to calm my world with ease.
Categories:
marveled, animal, bird, dream, environment,
Form:
Rhyme
I held an angel in my arms today,
A precious babe snuggled against my breast.
And my heart was overwhelmed with so much love,
As she lay contentedly at rest.
I watched her as she slept so soundly,
Gazed at her cherub face in sweet repose.
I marveled at her tiny features,
Like her dainty shell-like ears and button nose.
I brushed my lips against her downy head,
Her skin like velvet to my touch.
I gave thanks to God above for His priceless blessing
Of this little angel girl I love so much.
The birth of my first grandchild has awakened,
A joy that my soul cannot contain.
From day one my heart's been captured by her,
Firmly caught and held by love's strong chain.
8/9/13
Entered in Shadow Hamilton's "Your Favorite Old Poem" contest
Categories:
marveled, baby, granddaughter, joy, love,
Form:
Quatrain
I walked up to the bunkhouse, beneath a cloudless sky,
searching to find the Christmas star, still shining there on high.
The bunkhouse was warm but lonesome with no other cowboys there.
They had all gone home for Christmas. I pretended not to care.
Christmas carols on the radio brought back thoughts of the star
that had shown down on those pastures in that Eastern land so far.
Taking off my vest and Sunday shirt, I threw them on the trunk.
I stripped down to my underwear and crawled into my bunk.
My day had started early. I had worked hard with the crew,
so they could start their Christmas fun, when all the chores were through.
With no wife nor kids to need me, I had told the rest I'd stay
and watch out for the cattle. They could have their Christmas Day.
The warm room made me sleepy and I started into doze.
Right there before my astounded eyes, the Christmas Star arose.
I was a lonely shepherd in that land so far away,
who had been left to guard the sheep until the break of day.
I heard the angels singing and saw the moving star.
I marveled at the beauty and glory from afar.
The bright star beckoned to me and angels led the way
to where the future king of all lay in a mound of hay.
I wanted so to follow them but I had pledged my word.
I had to turn a deaf ear to the messages I heard.
I knew my solemn duty lay in guarding helpless sheep.
I prayed the Lord's forgiveness but the vigil I must keep.
The star reflected in the eyes of creatures all around,
waiting for the lonely stray or any sheep they found.
I could not shirk my duty to seek Him out that night,
but I knew I never would forget that glorious, wondrous sight.
I had that dream some years ago, but should that star reappear,
I've hung my rope and saddle up. I can follow with no fear.
Posted: 12/1/14 For "One of your best" contest
Categories:
marveled, christmas, star,
Form:
Cowboy Poetry
Its wings were double fronds of gauzy green,
its fragile form a long and tapered flair—
this fallen dragonfly I had not seen
before, when I had walked out on my stair.
I bent and saw that it was not alive,
its body crushed, its wings ravaged and torn.
Yet something of its beauty still survived—
a remnant of the luster it had borne.
I marveled at such elegance in death,
a noble creature, still, upon my stair.
A wave of melancholy took my breath,
and eyes welled for a thing so fine and rare.
I put the grief away and dried my eyes.
Such is the way of tears and dragonflies.
Categories:
marveled, sad,
Form:
Elegy
I dreamt last night of you and me,
your lips so soft I kissed
We floated on a silken cloud,
drew rainbows on the mist
Then counted daisies in a field
and when your smile appeared
I gathered up a sweet bouquet
that whispered in your ear
Made love upon a mountain top,
the snow was pure and white
Then marveled at a hummingbird
its tiny wings a’ flight
We rode inside a trolley car
up hills and over dales
Setting forth to distant shores
with paisley colored sails
Caught moonbeams in a Mason jar,
and poured them on our skin
Then there neath jealous fireflies
we made sweet love again
Set dominoes in a straight line
and laughed as they did fall
Your evening gown and brand new shoes
were perfect for the ball
We caught a flight to someplace near,
yet is was also far
For when we landed once again
we stood upon a star
That’s when I heard from listening
to someone passing by
This evening now came to an end
I thought that I might cry
But when my eyes did open to
your beauty as my view
It mattered not what I had dreamt,
my dreams had all come true
Categories:
marveled, beauty, dream, love, ,
Form:
Rhyme
I laid out on my porch last night
Listening to coyotes rage a fight
I watched the moon with her bright, full face
Place a blanket of shadows o’er the landscape
Tree frogs croaked a lullaby
I saw night critters scamper by
I breathed in the cool, fresh night air
As my body gave up its daytime cares
Inside the house everyone was asleep
After praying the Lord their souls to keep
I simply marveled at this nighttime world
Watching Mother Nature play like a little girl
Stars were twinkling in the midnight sky
Even saw a satellite passing by
My mind was clear of whos, whats, whens and whys
The tear that fell was from a happy cry
I laid out on my porch last night
Refueling my soul for the coming light
Categories:
marveled, life, nature, night, night,
Form:
Rhyme
Tonight, I marveled at a magnificent full moon hanging in the Colorado sky!
It spread its mellow glow upon snow-capped Pikes Peak, so pleasing to the eye!
Contemplating its beauty as I gazed heavenward in awe,
It occurred to me that this was the very same moon that Jesus saw!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
Categories:
marveled, beautiful, moon,
Form:
Couplet
Quote:
"Ambedo- a kind of melancholic trance in which
you become completely absorbed in vivid sensory
details- which leads to a dawning awareness
of the fragility of life." — J. Koenig
I saw a large round anthill in the dirt
and marveled at the intricate design
of what they were about. My heart was sad,
and yet, without a thought, I moved away
to let the grader push ahead- right through
their little world; at once they disappeared.
What purpose to it all? They worked so hard
to have it end like that- never knowing
the what, how, when, or why? I brushed a tear
beneath my eyes- my eyes, which saw no line,
between these tiny ants and us; between-
this simple grader leveling the ground,
with such destructive, unexpected force-
and seismic tragedies- or cosmic shifts-
destroying this, our world- from time to time.
Categories:
marveled, death, life, metaphor,
Form:
Blank verse
Before reading this one read part one, the story will make more sense.
I felt safe amongst the colorful pages of the comic books wrapped around me. I could hear the little boy say bye to his grampa Cliff, his Grandpa said goodbye Ricky. There was a wonderful bouncing feeling as Ricky skipped out the door to his father's waiting car. As we started driving away Ricky pulled me out of the bag and I could see his mom, dad, sister and brother. As we drove along I learned the other boy was Roy and the little girl was Teresa. His parents simply were mom and dad.
I quite enjoyed the ride, Ricky's dadio had a need for speed and it was exciting passing the slower cars. In this world it seemed all of the other cars were slower. The first town we came to was Larder lake, if blinking had been possible I would have missed it. As Ricky looked through me I marveled at both the color of his eyes and the rugged landscape. Pine trees, poplar trees and beautiful lakes. I loved how the road was carved through sections of rock. The next small town I noticed was King Kirkland, it seemed rather little to be a King. It wasn't very long and we entered our destination which was Kirkland Lake.
Kirkland Lake was much bigger than where we had come from. I enjoyed watching the people as we traveled down Government Road West. I remember driving past restaurants and stores, Dadio slowed down to point out a diner called the Coffee Cup. He told us he had a Barber Shop at the back of the Diner, I was more interested in the theatre across the street. The theatre was called the Strand and I liked the flashing lights on the billboard. Just then Ricky placed me back in the paper bag with his comics so I slept for a while.
Orange Crush III to follow.
Categories:
marveled, adventure, childhood, crush, education,
Form:
Personification
With your cruelty
You turned my heart to stone
Then with skillful hands
You crafted it with your chisel
Chipping away small pieces
Sculpting life like wings
Providing the illusion of magnificence
How the world marveled at your masterpiece
Envied my perceived trancendence
Yet sadly my heart would never be able to fly!
Categories:
marveled, beauty, love hurts,
Form:
Free verse