Best Navigating Poems
Life has many highways, one needs to travel them all. One highway took me by an old Victorian house, I did hardly recognized her was she really me. Weather~tattered~worn, was I looking into a mirror. As I have gotten older, I think of my body as an old Victorian house. Once pretty and lively, filled with happiness and joy. This old Victorian body now needs repairs: a new roof~new hair do, fresh paint and shutters~lose some weight, the lights need to be turned back on~put more joy into what I do, fix the yard up and get rid of the weeds~some new pretty clothes. My old Victorian house has a new look you see, looking like she did when she was twenty-three.
Date Written: 1/20/2023
4 Place
Categories:
navigating, fun, house, humor, life,
Form:
Dramatic Monologue
Hurdled is life’s highway to every milestone:
Detours, traffic woes~ impediments to goal,
Perturbing in hindrances that endlessly groan
Searching exit ramp to soothe anguished soul.
Though memories of yore, of pain bemoan,
Benevolence of today vows to mold morrow,
Prodding fate of future~ opaque, unknown,
Defying grievous intents in ill-will of sorrow.
Wished for earnestly, life is a cherished dream,
An exuberance of spring, of burbling stream,
A meaningful exploration of endearing theme;
Mystical, phenomenal, halo of mirthful gleam.
Life is a fleeting dot on scale of eternal time,
A journey of courage, yet harbinger of fears;
Gracefully revering the echoes of lifetime,
Whether reveling in joy or lamenting in tears.
Rejoice in life’s sunset, rejoice in life’s sunrise,
Greet charming smiles, yet ignore not its sighs,
Celebrate spring’s birth, mourn autumn’s demise,
Cheer life’s welcome, dwell not in goodbyes.
January 26, 2023
Placed 1st: Pick-A-Title, Vol 34 - Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Edward Ibeh
Categories:
navigating, life,
Form:
Rhyme
My boat glides,
upon silvery waters,
to the distant shore
and below the depths,
there are no limits or borders;
I won’t allow them in my dreams.
When I dream,
images glide
with no frames or borders;
across my dreamtime waters.
I know what hides in those depths
and how far I am from the safety of the shore.
Upon the shore
I safely sleep and dream.
I do not fear the abysmal depths.
I just, smoothly glide
across those waters;
without limits or borders.
Self-limiting borders,
unlike the shore,
foul the dreamtime waters
of my dreams.
They make, unstable…the glide;
calling dark, dismal images up from the depths.
There are many depths,
within the minds borders.
As I glide
to the safety of dreamtime’s shore;
I pass through many dark dreams,
within those waters.
The great collector…water,
hides many secrets in its depths.
In my dreams,
I allow no limits or borders;
just a beckoning shore,
toward which, I glide.
A soul glides, upon etheric waters.
Traveling to distant shores; it fathoms dreamtime depths.
No borders are there; there’s no place for them,
in my dreams.
Categories:
navigating, dream, poems, poetry, spiritual,
Form:
Sestina
Where do you want to be,
Right here right now, today,
What do you choose to see,
Are you afraid to say,
When will you take the chance,
To take your bow, dance,
Among with the wannabe’s
Or the unjust who seek peace
Maybe to the lost and found,
Where nothingness abounds,
Go to find billionaires,
Floating with millionaires
In cyber space,
Want to begin the race
Buy away boredom,
Confused is this freedom,
Do you envy this,
To be hers or his,
What, might just as well,
Go to hell,
Re-adjust your chains,
Let go of all the pain,
Find what you need to do,
Does that mean poor,
Poor of what, finance
Spirit or soul,
Are you of many,or few,
Who lay on the floor,
And suffer not knowing why
Trying to sleep but cry,
Find the celestial sky,
For you must do or die,
Try not to be a part
Of either,
Both poles are far apart
Of longing to be,
Afraid to seek or see.
Categories:
navigating, day,
Form:
Free verse
School Rules: signed permission to stay after for the game.
Jake sits on the stairs a'wond'ring if he'll take the blame.
You see Jake had no note, and because he made no fuss,
I sent this kindergartner home alone on the bus.
Mom with her boyfriend live upstairs at 409 Heath;
Dad and his second wife reside downstairs underneath.
Four kids under ten, four adults under twenty-five
navigate the outside stairs; trying to stay alive.
Brother forged his note and now he's at school with the key;
Dad's at work and Mom never gets off before three.
Thank God for caring neighbors who keep watch on the stairs,
they drove Jake back to school and then stayed to watch the Bears.
If only I had known that this fam'ly had no rules;
if only they had cared to find out about the school's.
Mom was angry with me. "I want Jake out of her class!"
I was mad too, envisioning mutiny en masse.
I paid a visit to 409 Heath just to see
what was the real issue and why she was blaming me.
Climbing up those same stairs, sensing a terrible ache -
I chose to say the words, "Sorry, it was my mistake."
The door flung open, just because I admitted fault
and because I let it go, she felt free to talk.
I learned about her "rules" as I listened to her cares,
taking just the right steps, we navigated the stairs.
Categories:
navigating, journey, people, sorry,
Form:
Narrative
Volition, orientation familiarization aahing
and oohing within restrictive paradigm molding
inviolable honorable gentility -
flagrantly, desirously, clearly boyz abandoning
willfully skirting, panting (heavily)
forfeiting abominably, (no Joe King) abiding
chomping at bit, damning delineated, or obscure
parameters, between one acceding
Earthlinked selfish living
psychosexual pining human bing,
and another ardently avowedly ambitious
altruistic agent provocateur (lol)
at first blush hinting Moulin Rouge adulation
under dim (witted) lighting accenting
individual randy salient
traits savoring tête-à-tête
tasty hors d'oeuvres accentuating
nuances highlighting flirtatious countenance
initially unconditionally stubbornly accepting
dire hormonal straits
as prickly fledgling acquaintanceship
quivers, negotiates, kickstarts abolishing
inchoate biochemical protracted coupling
conveniently interpreting accessing
breeching, catapulting Dickensian estuary,
non verbal communication nsync abridging
painstakingly erecting complex edifice
suavely, urbanely, wittily accessorising
tried and truevalue tricks acclaiming
debonair heroic manliness princely
qualities dutifully dominate directing
demure damsel in distress absconding
convincing, foreplaying, jimmying,
rollicking readily acclimatizing
challenges thrust up gracefully parlaying
most savvy serious similarly sophisticated
totally tubular testosterone tactics
versatile repartee accomplishing
dynamics cultivating atavistic romantic ballet
on duh poe whit tick abutting
metaphorical foot accoutering
trappings adorned since mythological
Adam and Eve accrediting
latter, sans virile unavoidable temptation
savoir faire verboten fruit, accelerating
action whereby unsuspecting, slithering,
lurking serpent teen accounting
rattle unheard by apse cent church fathers
subsequently excoriating, condemning, accusing,
nonetheless indomitable transcendence achieving
pinnacle of prostrate poignancy
inexpressible ecstasy acquiescing
nonpareil acquisition adulation activating
ascendence assaying administering
amorousness activating. aching.
Categories:
navigating, friendship, hyperbole, joy, love,
Form:
Free verse
Just what are these things inside?
Dear muse can you tell me?
Where am I being led ..
on this new ride?
I thought I could feel before,
But it wasn’t true,
Not as compared to now,
while opens this new door.
I wish I had the talent
of few poets I know,
to explain this new era,
of possible spiritual ascent.
A hopeful graduation..?
Perhaps an evil temptation.
I asked Him this morning.
So far…no explanation.
The garden is without,
If it’s not within.
These uncharted spaces,
silently they shout.
Categories:
navigating, adventure, confusion, introspection,
Form:
Free verse
her hope
slipping like bare tires
on wet roadways
she can't navigate
through the curves
of this crazy life
she's spinning
out of control
an emotional wreck
unable to break free
she is somber
like these winter days
raining down on her
her tears
gather together
in a stream of pain
as muddied as the puddles
on these roads
she travels
alone
Categories:
navigating, emotions, rain, winter,
Form:
Free verse
Lush, mossy greens cling to rock mountains
looming at shore edges like guarding towers
blotting out the sun beyond them.
The boat I ride navigate around this landscape
not really looking for a hideaway from life
nor to let the gloom beneath consume me.
There is no wind shrieking into the stillness
All is calm, and so my life should be
but why this debilitating sense of euphoria?
This feeling clings to me with such tenacity
lurks under the surface of my own landscape
it's hopeless to blend into its vagaries.
Everything I touch is mere papery veneer
that turns grey as I age not so gracefully
every corner I turn brings me to a cul-de-sac.
I carry around a montage of jumbled thoughts
like chains it bogs me down and so I search for
other landscapes to bring me scraps of hope.
@jjote 02/17/2017
Categories:
navigating, beach, boat, journey, perspective,
Form:
Free verse
Across the wandering life’s changing dynamic landscape,
the tortuous highway through the undulating topography
winded with the wheel of time to hazy future taking shape,
I was to traverse following the unseen footprints of destiny.
Many streams in spate I had swam across in somber squall,
buds of nascent hope clutched close to heart lest they sink.
Chasing butterflies in the verdant valley’s blooming sprawl,
my dreams flying through rainbow archway found precinct.
Drifting with the rhythm of the whistling wind in the forest,
radiant rays from the sunburst sky wrapped me with ecstasy.
Navigating wasteland path at night I found your arms to rest,
at dawn in my meadow the glow of love on dew I could see.
The senile sun sinking at the edge of twilight leaves me alone,
at the life’s travelled highway I look back content for a while.
In the journey to the final abode beyond the horizon unknown,
I don’t count the remaining footsteps while walking the last mile.
_______________
January 24, 2023
Title chosen : Navigating Through Life's Highway
Contest : Pick-A-Title Vol. 34
Sponsored by : Edward Ibeh
Categories:
navigating, analogy, feelings, journey, life,
Form:
Rhyme
Navigating Through Life’s High Way
Truth, honesty, diligence, discipline
and righteousness
are bubbling in my blood.
I am knocked, hit, hurt on way of life.
Yet I run fast non stop
through deceit, ingratitude, failure, hate, malice, betrayal.
When I access success,
I feel proud but never be loud
but proceed and progress
on modest step.
I endure failure
but overcome despondency
and rise above it.
Ripples in river of romance giggle.
Grief of lost love to sigh.
Yet I honour my ardent amour
whether in glamour or to die.
I watch, appreciate, criticize my own journey,
being unbiased indifferent to myself.
I am a lone fighter holding no complaint.
I navigate my life in highway with open mind.
01/ 28/23
This or That Vol.
Third place
Contest by Edward Ibeh.
Brian Strand contest no. 1178
Categories:
navigating, appreciation, life,
Form:
Free verse
"And though scars are the roadmap of my life,
I drink from the deep blue cup of sky."
Quote _ by Constance
My path has been,
navigating through life's highway;
with landscapes dark and some a happy scene,
ever seeking my true north gateway !
A map of places and people on this journey and quest,
for within this earthly realm- I am but a guest;
with all my experiences compressed,
often, I ponder life and death always seeking the serene !
Looked into the abyss,
navigating through life's highway;
whispering farewell to the dead with a kiss,
ever seeking my true north gateway !
My life thus far reads like a traveller's journey,
with my gift of words- nothing is kept internal;
perhaps, my words will last eternal,
and this life though it has darkness can be sweet bliss !
_________________________
January 26, 2023
Poetry/Rhyme/Navigating Through Life's Highway
Copyright Protected, ID 01-1520-340-26
All Rights Rewards, 2023, Constance La France
Written for the Standard contest, Pick-A-Title, Vol. 34 (Title chosen #3)
sponsor, Edward Ibeh, 01/30/2023
Second Place
Categories:
navigating, introspection, life,
Form:
Rhyme
In life’s highway of God’s direction
I’m wondrously ushered while driving
midst wondrous twists and turns
maneuvered by the Almighty
designed with sovereign plan
toward triumphant fulfillment
my heart earnestly thanks for...
First, I was welcomed to babyhood
beaming with radiant hope
that commences journey*
marked by prayerful starting point
since my parents readied themselves
to watch momentous steps of mine
along family care and home’s serenity bliss…
Advancing in my childhood’s breakthroughs
I experienced growing up pains
along mirth-filled adventures
bracing leaps of adolescent period
driven to curiosity-peaked pursuits
optimizing freedom for schooling exploits
aided by teachers with their cautions and warnings.
Then propelled to keep on going
upon spiritual ignition of divine power-charge
my adulthood keeps oozing with grace
for service-impact and kindness-influence glow
in sharing achievements with great blessings
whether on soul-replenishing stop-overs
or sojourning moments in communion trip havens…
Anticipating for jubilant departure
I trust the Saviour Jesus Christ with faith
assuredly bringing me to my final destination
where He Himself reigns eternally
as legacy is prayed-for to remain
verily endowed well, begetting another life
to navigate through existence-highway victoriously.
*Deuteronomy 10:11 And the LORD said unto me, Arise, take thy journey before the people, that they may go in and possess the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give unto them.
January 25, 2023
1st place, "Pick-A-Title, Vol 34" Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Edward Ibeh; judged on 1/30/2023.
Categories:
navigating, blessing, christian, faith, god,
Form:
Narrative
If there were a diagram of my life's journey,
it would begin in The Southern United States;
and crossing the mighty Mississippi River,
proceed North and slightly East for about 600
miles.
After some 5 years, it would then point further
North but slightly west for about 100 miles.
One year later, career circumstances would then
force a return to the point from which it last came.
After another year, the lines would then portray a Southern
turn back to the point where my life began. Another 4
years would pass, and the line would then point straight
West for some 2000 miles to the Pacific Ocean.
After a stint of 8 years there, the diagram would proceed North
and slightly East for about 100 miles. After a long duration
of 36 years there, the line would about-face and show a
return all the way back to my Southern roots. Who knew?
This navigational diagram had no prior dream of pursuing
such a course, but life happened and a Divine Plan unfolded.
I went along for the ride. There were some difficult navigational
twists and turns, high tides, and troubled seas. There were good
times and bad times, fires, quakes, flooding, and perfect storms.
But what could be a final landing has proven to be a God encounter.
Through the journey on life's highway, I have learned the truth
of God's word which says, "In their hearts, humans plan their
course, but the LORD establishes their steps". *
012523PSCtest, Pick-A-Title, Vol 34. Edward Ibeh
Title choice: Navigating Through Life's Highway.
*Proverbs 16:9. NIV
Categories:
navigating, destiny, journey,
Form:
Narrative
Birth
The respiratory process has begun.
There are numerous contests to be won.
Off to elementary school we go to gain knowledge.
A degree is earned after we graduate from college.
We find either a husband or wife.
If we are lucky, he or she stays for life.
That better half had better be true and not phony.
Lawyers and court costs are high for child support and alimony.
We try like hell to maintain employment.
Pounding the streets often leads to disappointment.
There are illnesses to endure, and bills to pay.
We hope to retire in comfort someday.
There are children and grandchildren who never come around.
In a box, or on a pyre we will soon be found.
Death
Categories:
navigating, birth, death, life,
Form:
Rhyme