Best Movies Poems
The line of people out the door.
The queue that snaked around the floor.
The building's sleek art deco style.
The carpets' faded plush red pile.
The "Coming Soon" in convex frames.
The "Showing Now" and big star names.
The James Bond pose in poster shots.
The tickets from the kiosk slots.
The heavy doors that often creaked.
The seats on springs that always squeaked.
The fan shaped lights along the side.
The screen that stretched up high and wide.
The smoke that swirled inside the beam.
The shapes and sounds of Pearl And Dean.
The adverts that had overrun.
The trailers for the films to come.
The feature that would come on first.
The sudden pangs of extreme thirst.
The usherette's cool ice cream stint.
The fancy names like Midnight Mint.
The expectations in the place.
The action of the opening chase.
The talking scenes that went nowhere.
The plastic cup beneath my chair.
The glance at watches in poor light.
The stunts and guns and final fight.
The seats that sprung as credits rolled.
The exit doors and night time cold.
This rhyme may seem strange but each word's truly equal
Now Beetle's tale's done no need for a sequel.
They'd chat by the teazel of matters so lethal
Of sequels and prequels and justice so penal.
In fields green and fetal past signs with a decal
He'd meet Sheetal the Beadle who spoke of things fecal.
With eyes prehensile he'd spot every weevil
And warn all the people of dangers so evil.
This Beetle was legal though far from regal
He'd wheedle and wheeze with his diesel-powered treacle.
He found a gold needle a prize for his easel
And painted a weasel avoiding the measles.
Again there once was a beetle so feeble and small
Who lived in a steeple with people so tall^-^
And painted a weasel avoiding the measles
He found a gold needle a prize for his easel.
This Dung Beetle was again legal though far from regal
He'd wheedle and wheeze with his diesel-powered treacle
And warn all the people of dangers so evil
With eyes prehensile he'd spot every weevil
Again, he'd meet Sheetal the Beadle who spoke of more things fecal
In more fields green and fetal past signs with even more decals
Of sequels and prequels and justice so penal
They'd chat by the teazel of matters so lethal
NOW Beetle's tale's ended again no need for……….a sequel
His adventures were splendid each moment so……….regal.
This rhyme may seem strange but each word's truly equal
A lesson in language both _^_ playful and………. legal
The Dung Beetle though small had a heart brave and true
Proving size doesn't matter in all that we do.
I visited a garage sale. And had a
surprised look on my face.
I noticed that some things
were "out of place."
To my right... Was a shelf filled with books..
And Christian ones too.
To my left... Was a sign that read;
"I have adult movies for you."
I wondered and thought with
some kind of amazement.
"Does this person read these books.
And watch this "entertainment?"
This is common in many Christian homes...
Often... People cross God's
"boundaries" and "safety zones."
Anyone can go to church.
Pray, sing and "shed a tear."
Not realizing that sin's temptation
is drawing ever so near.
Do you seek God's holiness and the
power of Jesus' name?
But each night... Before bedtime...
Things aren't quite the same...
Have you opened up your heart
and mind... And live life unfulfilled?
Is this the way you ought to live?
Is this what God has willed?
He desires to live inside of you.
And help you to discover.
With any stronghold in life. He'll help you to recover!
Are things in life "out of place?"
And need to be put back together?
Allow God's word to guide you!
His promises are forever!
Everything will be where it should be...
With Jesus In control!
Only he can defeat the enemy that
seeks to destroy your soul!
By Jim Pemberton
When I was young, sometimes I’d get to go
to our town’s theater, where I would see
a curtain open up, then a long show
much better than the ones on my tv!
The seats inside this place were plush and red,
and there were lots of them row after row!
Small stars were on the ceiling overhead.
I felt enchanted by their magic glow.
With tales like “Sparticus,” so mesmerized
I’d sit and savor every movie plot.
Were movies a religion, I’d get baptized.
I love all types and I love them a lot!
I left for college. Foreign films I saw
with subtitles, and those I saw for free.
The themes were deep and filled my soul with awe.
The greatest film buff I had come to be.
Some forty years ago, I started to
see at least one movie every week
at a theater when they’re brand new.
And dramas most unusual I seek.
TGIF was on my license plate -
“Thank God It’s Friday” because I live for
my Friday matinees, and I can’t wait
to write reviews of movies I adore.
For years I have reviewed the films I’ve seen
on Facebook and at one time with my own
column in a poetry magazine!
And by the way, most shows I see alone.
My spouse hates going out and is not free
to go with me when I have days off, so
I’ll ask a movie buddy. Usually
she’s busy, but I’m fine just going solo!
I have other passions such as poetry,
e-mailing friends and striving for good health.
But once a week the “big screen” I must see.
Of movie plots, my brain contains a wealth!
Dec. 19, 2017 for the Meraki Contest of Silent One
Being with family is oh so comforting
Much like a familiar old blanket
Or your favourite ragged worn out old sweater
With holes in the elbows
One that has seen much better days
But one that you just can't throw away
Watching old black and white movies
Thinking to yourself
The dialogue and acting left much to be desired
By today's standards
But that was part of their charm
Familiar things that your sister use to say
Like when there was a lull in the conversation
She used to be uncomfortable with the silence
And would utter “Anyway...”
Know what... she still says it to this day
My brother-in-law and his coughing fits
Who has had asthma since he was six
My dear sister was warned by our Dad
When she announced their engagement
“You must realize, he may not live a long life!”
My dear Dad passed away at sixty-seven
My brother-in-law is now ninety years old!
To reminisce with them about the good old days
Is just like an old black and white movie!
Oh such sweet treasured memories!
The birthday party, a surprise,
Had lots of things to tantalize –
A lovely house, delicious food,
A friendly host to set the mood…
Some dialogue with friends and kin,
The birthday gal’s elated grin
When, from the car, she looked about
As all of us let out a shout.
My favorite part, though, was to see,
Transcribed to view on a TV,
Home movies of the honored guest,
The past revived at our behest.
Most partygoers knew her then
And lived those mem’ries once again
But we don’t go back quite as far
So watching really raised the bar:
An eighth grade trip, a P.J. bash,
A backyard pool, with hose and splash,
The senior prom (and she the queen!),
A high school graduation scene.
To see my friend so very young
Gave background to the praises sung
And piled so high upon her plate
By all who came to celebrate.
As pals and family reminisced,
I saw a bit of what I’d missed
But I was thrilled to recognize
My younger friend, a sweet surprise.
If I was Auntie Mame, I would be excited about everything.
Kicking up fun wherever I am invited.
Even places I’m not, but everywhere being the zing.
Bringing people together, making them united.
I would be like giant puppies, leaping into lap places,
Sure I am welcome, not aware if I am not.
Knowing they are thrilled I am licking their faces.
I would throw up my hands, and dance around the lot.
I would be insanely, gloriously, uncommonly happy.
Unaware of disapproval or disdain in any way.
Oblivious to others’ discomfort, I would be loud and snappy.
Thinking their laughter is for me, I would continue to play!
Because I am the party, I do not want anyone to sleep.
Let the party begin! Bring out the chips and bar stools.
Take a chance, open that door, come out, and take the leap!
It is me, and if you have read the script, Auntie Mame rules!
Killer
Thriller
Written for Brian Strand's contest.
CLASSIC MOVIES
it is surprising
how fine black and white can be
one listens better
one notices more
each word clear as a bell
folks keep their clothes on
blood flow minimum
black and white blood not so gross
favorites are great –
clark, cary, spenser.
katherine, audry, ginger
to love without lust
as I get older,
caring not for violence,
i watch more and more
Along Came Polly and Final Countdown
are the two movies I have seen the most
both movies make me smile without a frown
I don’t watch movies that have any ghost
Along Came Polly is underrated
I think it’s funny and it’s really good
my two top movies are unrelated
and both of those movies I understood
The Final Countdown brings back memories
of a time when I was a younger man
when I’m watching that I relive glories
most memories I’ve tossed in the can
one’s a comedy the other’s sci-fi
nobody ever have to ask me why
i closed my eyes
and heres what i saw:
a horse being burned
by other horses
they all had the same owner
they all lived in the same place
but the burning horse was different
or as the others called him:
odd and EVIL
i opened my eyes
as i sat in the pew next to you
i covered my ears
and heres what i heard:
seven voices singing in unison
six of them were VILE
they cursed
and swore their blasphemous lips until they bled
and the last one
was so beautiful
it killed me
i started to listen
and realized today was your weekly Christian day
i closed my mouth
and heres what i tasted:
this sweet poison
intoxicating me
it seemed so perfect
(it wore a VEIL)
so i married it and consumed it
i felt fine at first
but the poison did me in
it burned and tore my flesh slowly
all because i chose the wrong goblet
i vomited
and never went to you again
i closed my heart to you
and this is how i died:
i emptied my soul
into your bloody rivers
i demolished myself
and made me you
i shredded my heart
so you could repair it
i died in their church
so you could show them
that you never told us to die
but:
''because of my son, you LIVE"
and there my story ends
and you have no part in it
evil, vile, veil, and live
are all spelled the same
(when coming from your pen)
but you are not the author
nor editor of my life
you are but a simple match
striking yourself upon me
with the hope to consume me in YOUR flame
just so you can feel better about yourself
feel better about you
feel better
please...
Lucille (“Lucy”) Ball
Her desire for show biz fame is anything but small
Plays the wife of Ricky the Cuban drummer
How she goes about it could not be funnier.
Desi (“Ricky”) Arnaz
A full-time job reining in his kooky wife he has
Loves Lucy with all his heart
And his conniving Lucy is extremely smart!
FIRST PLACE WINNER
written September 29, 2021
especially for "Clerihew 2" poetry contest
sponsored by Joseph May
Special Drive-in Movies
By Franklin Price
1/15/2015
There were special drive-in movies, when with no money for a date
Guys would pool the cash we had and test our drive-in fate
One would be the driver to keep us from the funk
Was in the car all himself the rest were in the trunk
Drove up to the ticket booth and paid for only one
The rest of us kept quiet; to be caught would be no fun
He parked behind the snack bar, it was darkest there by far
Then he opened up the crowded trunk and we all got in the car
The drive-in north of Cocoa offered some variety
Surrounded by a grove of trees no fencing there to see
The driver paid, the rest of us hid among the trees and grass
Ran from the trees, dove in the back, as he came rolling past
First we landed on the seat then rolled onto the floor
To make room for the next one; there were always several more.
I know just what you're thinking; was the trunk not there to use?
Of course it was but this was fun, provided more ways we could lose
The adrenaline was flowing; there was excitement in the air
If anyone had caught us, would say we did it on a dare
I don't have to tell you; teenage boys think they are king.
Think they are invulnerable and can conquer anything.
No one ever caught us; it was always more than fun
I thought it was a challenge; and was not the only one
Didn't think it was a big deal, just a stupid teenage prank
None of us were bad guys; and with you I'm being frank.
Being with family is oh so comfortable
Much like a familiar old blanket
Or your favourite ragged worn out old sweater
With holes in the elbows
One that has seen much better days
But one that you just can't throw away
Watching old black and white movies
Thinking to yourself
The dialogue and acting left much to be desired
By today's standards
But that was part of their charm
Familiar things that your sister use to say
As when there was a lull in the conversation
She used to be uncomfortable with the silence
And she would utter “Anyway”
Know what... she still says it to this day
My brother-in-law and his coughing fits
Who has had asthma since he was six
My dear sister was warned by our dear Dad
When she announced their engagement
“You must realize, he may not live a long life!”
My dear Dad passed away at sixty-seven
My dear brother-in-law is now eighty-six years old!
To reminisce with them about the good old days
Is just like an old black and white movie!
Oh such sweet treasured memories
© Jack Ellison 2014
ALONE TO THE MOVIES*
I went alone to the movies
for the first time in my life,
that was without a date
or without a wife.
And as I watched the film go by
I really felt no need to cry.
For I am still alive
to do as I might,
during any day or any night.
I must enjoy my remaining time
Be it movies or shows
or just things sublime.
So I will, by golly,
be happy and jolly
wherever I go and
whomever I see;
alone or not I will always be me.
* I didn't go to the movies alone until months after my wife passed away. When I finally did go I had to write a poem about the experience.