Best Mcginley Poems
A THIEF CALLED TIME
“Time is the thief you cannot banish”
Phyllis McGinley writer 1905-1978
All that live upon this earth
dwell on borrowed time,
for the human race every
single day that passes by
is a payment off an unsecured
loan, that gifted at birth.
While time can be a wondrous friend
beware when of one’s greatest enemy,
waiting for it sometimes an age
when running out, be afraid.
Centuries ago, time became
a science a complex measure
yet never tamed, only caged
as it ticks and tocks away,
when it calls, one’s life becomes
a hired boat sailing
certain to run aground.
But time never ceases
unlike the human body
in need of a good night’s sleep,
as it steals away one third
of everyone’s life time.
© Harry J Horsman 2020
Categories:
mcginley, life, time,
Form:
Free verse
"Time is the thief you cannot banish."
Phyllis McGinley, Writer, 1905 - 1978
the sands flow steadily through the hour glass
can't be stopped~slowed
drifts grain by
slow grain
drips
goes
until
the chosen
end, emptied out
where the soul goes is up to your choosing
Written: November 10, 2020
Contest: Writing Challenge_ Quote Inspired
Sponsor: Constance La France
Categories:
mcginley, life,
Form:
Tetractys
" Time is the thief you can not banish "
Phyllis McGinley, writer 1905-1978
In the silence found in a burning sunset, I count the years
which have passed filled with wondrous wonders
that endlessly reveal themselves
like trembling birds hidden in the gray ashes
of my mind's burnt fires from yesterdays
In the evening's calm, they begin to glide
with shaded wings, floating on a fleeting horizon
of tender memories above a mind's meadows
filled with shadowed images
moving away leaving imprints of fallen grass
which grow ever distant
Like a kite tethered to my passing years
they dance on memory's winds
twisting and turning while pulling away
to become a distant star of light remembered
found in the darkness of spent wishes and dreams
It's where a mirror slowly spins between the shadows
covered in every tear that has fallen
in search of life's laughter
now wrapped around the gray wrinkled skin of my flesh
woven into a coat worn by my soul
Alone, remembering yesterdays, I watch the sunset
before my darkness falls to bring silent eternal sleep
I wonder
if every memory was real or imagined
Knowing everything dies I whisper the words
" My God Life was Beautiful "
11/7/20 contest Writing-Challenge...Quote Inspired
sponsored by Constance La France
Categories:
mcginley, life,
Form:
Free verse
"Time is the thief you cannot banish."
Phyllis McGinley, Writer, 1905 - 1978
The end of my time will come in winter.
Or so I’ve been told.
The wind blows and rattles
the loose louvers of my windows.
Occasional thunder rumbles,
and rain floods my garden.
How quiet is the house today,
despite the crackles of burning wood.
I remember the past which exists no more.
The present is now solitude.
All is deadly silence,
a moment of peace.
So I sit alone and ponder.
Like a clock, life is ticking
towards my destiny.
I know too well about life.
It is not the here that is important,
but the eternal after.
And I am prepared for the journey.
Let winter do its infinite worst.
I fear it not.
10 November 2020
Placed 1
Writing Challenge - Quote Inspired - Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Constance La France
Categories:
mcginley, death, future, life,
Form:
Free verse
"Time is the thief you cannot banish."
~ Phyllis McGinley, Writer, 1905 - 1978
When I was young and felt so alive with joy
knowing that blessings abounded all around me
I welcomed the moments, striving to know more
than merely a moment, but hours and months
soon I would know that years held most truths
One truth that sought me out from my thoughts
is the knowledge that time surely is like a thief
it takes from the heart and spirit all the hope
for second chances to relive the present day
knowing that what comes next will be old age
Time takes the present and makes it into the past
reminds us that we’re going to dash through seasons
without ever sewing all the seeds we may need to
never obtaining the harvest that we so desire to see
from hearts who have known us throughout our history
Awakening in maturity, ripe from all the pains we’ve seen
there is soon to be a living will and all other things that reveal
the sad and painful truth that we will only be on this earth
for a brief moment, hurrying through on our way to eternity
where we meet with the One who holds the key to our fate
Whispers of faith resonate through our spirits and teach us
to listen to the silence and breathe prayers into the heavens
where the miracle of life brought us to this place in time
painting mysterious hues of azure skies with iridescent light
compassion flowing from the One who gave us this time
Writing Challenge - Quote Inspired - Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Constance La France
November 9, 2020
Categories:
mcginley, age, faith, god, happiness,
Form:
Free verse
(A Cento Poem) Title from Emily Dickinson
When swords were bright and steeds were prancing Miniver Cheevy
and the fire-wood glowed knife-edge Hart Crane
too burning and too quick to hold; Sara Teasdale
I saw the ruddy moon lean over a hedge, Ezra Pound
like the vagrant ghost of winter Hart Crane
and the smell of red clay after rain. Langston Hughes
My face burned and tickled with cobwebs Robert Frost
and my window looked upon the lane. Phyllis McGinley
Cliff took two glasses and filled one with wine Edward Arlington Robinson
for Maggie and Millie and Mollie and May. E. E. Cummings
Now the spoiler has come; does it care? Robinson Jeffer
We saw him, or thought we saw him, dim and gray. Robert Frost
I can hear them sing the tune without words, Emily Dickinson
and I can see them dance like a foggy song Stephen Vincent Benet
while I grow mad with gazing Amy Lovell
only to light a passion, blazing strong. May Sarton
It takes life to love life Edgar Lee Masters
down to the Puritan marrow of my bones, Elinor Wylie
in burnt out ends of smoky days T. S. Eliot
when blue plums lie open to boat-tail cones. Elinor Wylie
Categories:
mcginley, adventure,
Form:
Rhyme
"Time is the thief you cannot banish."
Phyllis McGinley, Writer, 1905 - 1978
Time always prepares for attacks,
when I believe I have plenty of time
trying to show me the dangers and the signs
challenging the thief, it takes my time
all are caught up in the web
more programmed than we like
the fear of mirrors and
one's own mirror image comes with age
Toad fright
a ticking clock
as a sledgehammer against concrete
a profound feeling
today's people love control
Mr. Time is a wise and old man
he makes his own tracks,
in its own rhythm
~~~
12.11.2020
Sun :) - A-L Andresen :)
Copyright © All Rights Reserved
- Writing Challenge - Quote Inspired -
Sponsored by: Constance La France
3rd place ithe contest
Categories:
mcginley, life, time,
Form:
Free verse
"Time is the thief you cannot banish."
Phyllis McGinley, Writer, 1905 - 1978
A most curious thing is time.
While you are enjoying it,
it’s up to its usual crime -
being the thief you can’t outwit!
When it’s bad, it’s so very bad.
A most curious thing is time,
and when you are feeling most glad,
it never will be more sublime.
Each day to the sky, sun will climb.
You’ll think to yourself – a new dawn!
A most curious thing is time.
In shadows, you’ll grieve that it’s gone.
It’s robbing us now! This we know
the more keenly as past our prime
into the “golden” years we go.
A most curious thing is time.
Nov. 10, 2020
For the Writing Challenge - Quote Inspired - Poetry Contest
of Constance La France
Categories:
mcginley, time,
Form:
Quatern
“Time is the thief you cannot banish.”
Phyllis McGinley,
Writer, 1905-1978
When I was a child I longed to be older
so I could be done with childish things
Why Time, did you move so slowly?
Then before I knew it,
you stole my childhood from me.
I never realized I was fair of face
until the lines of time appeared
My once strong features erased
I fought valiantly to reverse your effects
but no creams could stop your insidious advance
You deceived me into wasting you
work was what I gave you to.
In the process you stole what was precious
Now all I have is a “Cat in a Cradle” life
Even though I am aware of your cunning
I know I am unable to stop your advance
So I will receive from you what I can
stretch you out in the now of my days
I choose not to reside in my many regrets
I choose not to fear my to few tomorrows.
Those you steal away I will fondly remember
One day you will be arrested sad thief
and I will be gifted eternity
Yes my God will give a new you back to me.
For Constance La France Quote Contest
I almost ran out of time to enter your contest. ;0)
Categories:
mcginley, allusion, angst, art, betrayal,
Form:
Free verse
"Time is the thief you cannot banish."
Phyllis McGinley, Writer, 1905 - 1978
it steals the seconds from the day
and turns months into years
even centuries it will slay
and leave behind our yesterdays
time churns eons into eternity
as it basks in the glow of the present
it rules the kingdom of the past
its future kingdom is just as vast
it plays the role of both enemy and friend
and it will take us to the end
history carves out events in time
with perspectives to lend
on borrowed time we live this life
knowing we will pay the loan in full
but the months and years will not vanish
"Time is the thief you cannot banish"
11-12-2020
Writing Challenge Quote Inspired Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Constance La France
Categories:
mcginley, history, time,
Form:
Rhyme
"Time is the thief you cannot banish."
Phyllis McGinley, Writer, 1905 - 1978
Oh, thief of life- your robber name is Time;
you never blink or take a simple pause.
Through Spring and Summer, Fall, and Wintertime,
this endless movement has no glitches, flaws.
If only we could change your ticktock laws-
slow down warp speed to stretch our days and years;
extend each moment's joy before it veers.
The time from birth to death short-changes life;
take pity on your passengers' true fears.
Oh, thief of life- please let half-times run rife.
November 13, 2020
~1st Place~
Contest: All Yours (Jun 1)
Sponsor: Brian Strand
Judged: 06/01/2021
~1st Place~
Contest: Writing Challenge- Quote Inspired
Sponsor: Constance La France
Judged: 11/14/2020
10 Syllables Per Line
Rhyme: a b a b b c c d c d
Categories:
mcginley, life, time, voyage,
Form:
Dizain
"Time is the thief you cannot banish."
Phyllis McGinley, Writer, 1905 - 1978
as God’s gift to treasure along life you value
my essence is functionally worthwhile
granting meaning to every moment
substance midst hours’ impact
vitality for achievements daily
significance in annual reports
quality upon inventory pursuits…
bestowed to be your growth partner
my nature has witnessed you since birth
while the Creator blesses your advancement
midst my watchful calendars, diaries, journals
goading your steps--- forwarding … ascending
commending your milestones with enthusiasm bliss
prodding your spirit to keep on…
having seen you raced with me in beating deadlines
beholding you, praying to the Lord with faith for interventions
how I love to command my clocks and watches to stop
so as to accommodate your requests for “more time, please…”
yes, my heart favours your yearnings toward “perfect time”
believing that such is God’s will, the best for your triumph
never to hurt you; yes…. never…
now, that I’m convicted of a crime, which I’m not guilty of
…accordingly as a thief you can’t banish
to your discernment I appeal regarding these truisms:
culprit am I of aging for those who deny such reality
adversary to the slothful, indolent, as well as to the sluggard
accomplice to fatalists, and “que-sera, sera” fellows
friend to “Time is gold”-driven stewards maximizing my opportunities…
here am I, time*, confronting you; what have I stolen from you
yet, how about your misuse, and negligence to enjoy or optimize me?
*Ephesians 5:15-16 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
November 13, 2020
5th place, "Writing Challenge - Quote Inspired" Contest
Sponsored by Constance La France; judged on 11/14/2020.
Categories:
mcginley, character, christian, faith, god,
Form:
Personification
"Time is the thief you cannot banish."
Phyllis McGinley, Writer, 1905 - 1978
Time Passages
I drift midst some pleasant sensation~~from a morning mist,
that promptly parches within glowing ribbons~~where I sail lightly,
plucked anon afloat~~as my ramblings proceed aimlessly,
Presently skims a peacock sky~~fans out its righteous hue,
variously, ducks stapled in a pond~~quacks influences life,
views by ark's parts a motion~~equal to my emotions,
Channeling alterations that affect~~evolved futures,
preceptions are produced clearer~~like a hallway complete of doors,
whenever one is opened~~ventures varied responses,
I noted from moment to moment~~evoked fused answers,
harmonious so far~~whilst I perpetuate forward in thoughts,
mindful about yesterday's storm~~all in all, time will tell.
2020 November 13
*3rd Place*
Writing Challenge - Quote Inspired
~~Constance La France
Categories:
mcginley, time,
Form:
Sijo
"Time is the thief you cannot banish."
Phyllis McGinley, Writer, 1905 - 1978
Devastating news, it can’t be denied
terminal cancer… time’s not on our side
you whisper to me, please be my bride
In hospice you accept strong pain relief
we know that our union will be brief
both all too aware ‘time is a thief’
Staff organise for us to wed,
my dress isn’t white, its vivid red -
we exchange rings as you lay in bed
We wed in such sad circumstance
sip champagne, but there’s no first dance
nor honeymoon in Paris, France
I hold you close as you slip away ...
we were only married for half a day,
my broken heart is here to stay
Writing Challenge - Quote Inspired - Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Constance La France
11/12/20
Categories:
mcginley, cancer, death, wedding,
Form:
Monorhyme
“ Time is the thief you cannot banish” Phyllis Mcginley, Writer 1905 - 1978
a major character in the drama of life!
slowly making its entry, when unawares,
leaving the stage at a faster pace,
doesn't give much opportunity to applaud...
stop, please stop ..be kind ..
we require your presence - so many dreams unfulfilled,
slow down, please ...be gentle,
so many goals to accomplish.
spent youth being wild and merry,
drinking from the brimming cup of joy,
childhood and adolescence - endless pleasures and happiness,
the best and jubilant days don't return.
time spies on us ~ the clock ticks.
when we have slightest idea how every moment is passing by ~
engrossed with bits and pieces, fragments of life,
get stunned by sudden realization,
barely knowing,how every minute, every hour is meandering away...
noiseless, without an utterance ~
lose our grip, every second trickles down like grains of sand
through our fingers, nowhere to be found.
savour the moments - every moment is a blessing,
enjoy life understanding the fragility fully well,
time is a thief who knows when to act,
without making much of a fuss.
we want to exile him, but life has little meaning without this offender,
who is swift and all-encompassing.
November 11, 2020
First Place
For Writing Challenge - Quote Inspired - Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Constance La France
Categories:
mcginley, life, time,
Form:
Free verse