Best November 1 Poems
red rooftops appear to glow in rainy-day haze
lost in memories of pre-war bliss
she looks up to watch them bleed
pain is its own reward sometimes
better than the numbness
she so desperately seeks to leave behind
tiny poodle escorts her on La Rue de la Paix
peace has come to Paris at last
but in her heart, agony lingers
she heard the Fuhrer took his own life
cyanide and a bullet, too merciful for a demon
how her sweet Emil must have suffered in the death camp
his last gift to her, a red umbrella to offer shelter
at a time when he so direly needed protection
from horrific torture, starvation, gas chambers
footsteps behind her; she pivots, her poodle barks
what’s this? is rain playing tricks on her eyes?
he presses his lips on hers and she knows
yes, yes, these are Emil’s lips
still clad in a prisoner’s striped uniform, he holds her
she feels his ribs as they embrace
autumn rain soaks the fashion district near their home
while a violinist in a nearby café plays Chant des Partisans
overwhelmed, she wonders, is this a dream or is he home to stay?
*Written November 1, 2018
N/A in The Red Umbrella Contest
Contest judged that 11/13/2018
Categories:
november 1, longing, war,
Form:
Free verse
Santa Barbara, Summer 2017
Monday
I walked on the bluffs above the sea.
Orange poppies bloom in the dunes.
I discovered
the labyrinth:
smooth stones spell the path.
Peaceful pilgrimage.
Tuesday
Walked on the beach and smelled:
Tar from the oil seeps,
fennel,
coastal sage,
eucalyptus.
And, of course, the sea.
Wednesday
Hiked in the foothills.
The grass is brittle and yellow;
the land sizzles.
Spiky shrubs, spiny scrub oak.
The chaparral is ready
to burst into flames.
Thursday
The eucalyptus trees
on Ellwood Mesa
are dying
from the drought.
Where will the butterfly sleep?
Friday
The sandpipers
hurry to the surf, neck forward,
to peck with long bills.
They scurry inland before the next wave
as if they are afraid
to get their feet wet.
Snowy plovers skitter
like cotton balls on wheels.
Saturday
The infinite ocean
under an infinite sky.
A white S among the reeds,
the egret can teach me
poise and patience.
Sunday
Found a piece of seaglass.
Translucent blue,
The edges smooth
Worn by water,
Sanded down.
Beauty from adversity.
I think I will write a poem about it.
November 1, 2017
For contest: From my Diary
Sponsored by Broken Wings
Categories:
november 1, nature, sea,
Form:
Free verse
Love that curves with curving roads
Emerges on to shining meadows
And looks back for the message it delivers
To the dawn of fragile tomorrow.
Love that sinks to deep valleys
Often remembers the mountain peaks
Uncertain of the crossings today
Reminiscing joy of ethereal yesterday.
A romance of champagne and roses
Aches for the meaning of excesses,
Having been to places of ardent treasure
Love yearns for unassuming pleasure.
A genuine love is never the glitter
That shallow feelings randomly flutter,
A true love eminently captivates
Sincere attraction of natural demeanor.
When a call of authenticity awakens
A musical echo reverberates the sound,
And the rhythm of melodic souls
Surrenders in embrace of tender hearts.
November 1, 2017
Poem of the day on 11/2/2017
Placed 2nd: Strand select W poetry contest by Brian Strand
Categories:
november 1, love,
Form:
Free verse
Sweet Talkers of the Devil
Reptiles in human suits are the true sweet talkers of the devil,
and are well known among the various societies in our world
as slick, sleek actors who fancy the breaking of common law
virtues by their actions in supporting ungodly acts of a real
form of reprehensible separatism that opposes all that is right
and true under God’s eyes in civilized human society.
These malefic actors are the perfect humanoid reptiles for
spreading their surreptitious message of greater autonomy
in the world as they seek to divide and conquer all people
in human societies with their notion and true intention of
setting back the real, hard-earned historical progress that
mankind has achieved over the centuries that have been
marked by war, strife, prejudice, tyranny, nonsense, and
utter debauchery.
What’s at stake you might ask? Think of the implications
of the negative actions proffered and foisted upon all
innocent people worldwide. Think about all the progress
mankind has achieved over the centuries while having to
confront and to defeat the uncanny forces of deception,
darkness, and true evil.
Beware of the Sweet Talkers of the Devil!
Gary Bateman and Liam McDaid
Copyright © All Rights Reserved
November 1, 2021 (Narrative)
Categories:
november 1, allegory, evil, extended metaphor,
Form:
Narrative
Whispers of Light color the Night in lifeless hues
Musical Notes arrayed in soft Quotes for a muse
Filling up Lives with captivating Archives in cues
For moments of Bliss, feels like a Kiss to bemuse
Gentle Insights soften our Sights with pure truth
Creating a Peace that will never Decrease its ruth
Embracing the Heart from the very Start of our youth
Echoing Hopes, finding moral who Copes with uncouth
From the Darkness comes a Starkness that sighs
Words within a Poem, so you Show him who tries
With passions Alive, burning to Strive so they rise
Above the Pains life sometimes Gains before one dies
Faith makes one Wise in another’s Eyes detect grace
That blinds the Soul who is Whole and cannot face
The past that Casts a bitter shadow that Lasts to chase
Black thoughts Around and finally Abound in this place
Loving feelings Abide deep Inside the one who feels
Alive with Compassion that leaves you Ashen from appeals
To be Appraised by those Amazed that love like this seals
The heart with Joy which will Destroy any corrupt ideals
In Rhymes Sublime Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Joseph May
November 1, 2020
Categories:
november 1, beautiful, faith, hope, inspiration,
Form:
Rhyme
It’s the time of the year to make a steaming hot soup
To remember some of the best in our poetry group*
When I make soup I throw in everything I have in stock
My hot poetry soup will consist of many from our flock.
I will begin with a large piece of prepared Cunningham
Into the pot, to which I’ll add broth of Balasubramanian
Next, I’ll add spices of Ellison, Allison, and Krutsinger
Cooking for awhile at a medium to hot temperature.
I toss in helpings of sweet McIntosh, Rodriguez, Canerdy,
Buehler, Weiss, Proxenos, and lots of bold Choudhury.
I let the soup come to a boil, adding Logan and Dietrich
Turning it down to simmer soon after adding Kendrick
I cover it over with Gentile, mixing in Flood and Pinet
I let it bubble gently, perhaps, for the entire day
By now, my soup has grown and I am feeling rashly
Because I failed to add in some La France and Ashley!
Uncovering, I’ll add them both to the wonderful fixings,
Quickly tossing Wolf, Jacob, and MRR into the mixings.
The “sweet smell of success” makes me break into song
For its perfectly clear with Poetry Soup, I can’t go Wong.
#39 on Top 100 Poems of the Month
Poetry Soup, November 3, 2021
written November 1, 2021
[*My sincerest apologies to the many
marvelous poets I could not fit into my soup!
Please forgive me!]
Categories:
november 1, love, poets, thank you,
Form:
Rhyme
The love I felt exists no more
I can’t believe we’re no more
Darling how can this even be
Don’t you even care and see
I sleep at night in such hopeless torment
My soul inside crying tears of sad lament
I once felt at the very pinnacle of my life
Now I hang my head only in fear and strife
The feeling, passion, and warmth are now all gone
We had such fun in love and life, now that’s gone
My hopes and emotions are awash in this strife
My desires and dreams are gone now in my life
I gave you all my love Darling straight from my heart
And you returned nothing Darling from the very start
My soul now cries so sadly in a most horrible hellish fire
Knowing my love remains unrequited and my soul on fire
The love I felt exists no more
I can’t believe we’re no more
Darling how can this even be
Don’t you even care and see
Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved,
November 1, 2014 (Rhymed Lyric)
Categories:
november 1, allegory, anger, betrayal, break
Form:
Lyric
Enticing sweet dreams you tiptoe
Charming passions memories spun
From days of our youth long ago
When quest of love had just begun
When in your heart I'm all alone
Enticing sweet dreams you tiptoe
Blazing desires we've felt and known
Kindled embers of romance glow
Musings endearing you well know
When our engaging souls impart
Enticing sweet dreams you tiptoe
Holding me captive of your heart
Oh! how our indulgent hearts woo
Flame of ardent past still aglow
Courting love beholden and true
Enticing sweet dreams you tiptoe
November 1, 2021
Quatern (eight syllables per line)
Placed 3rd: “S” Contest, New Poems Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Constance La France
Theme: Sweet
Categories:
november 1, dream, love, sweet,
Form:
Quatern
Fond memories of Halloween as a child,
and times spent with my own children
have me feeling nostalgic today.
I recall the excitement felt as the holiday grew near.
The anticipation of wearing a fun costume
and knocking on neighbor’s doors
who welcomed us with delightful goodies
and candy, lingered well after Halloween.
It is my favorite holiday because it is the special day
we celebrated my three children’s birthdays.
They were born on November 1,3, and 5.
There was not enough funds to have three birthday
parties so close together, but my children never minded.
They were delighted to celebrate all their
birthdays together on Halloween.
Planning what each child would wear as their personal
choice of costume was great fun and joy for me.
We usually made our own costumes and I enjoyed
the creative ideas they would come up with each year.
One year we had a pumpkin piñata that was a big hit
with all the kids in the neighborhood who
invited themselves to the party.
My son finally had to take off his blindfold and
beat the heck out of the pumpkin with a baseball bat
because it refused to give up its goodies after
everyone tried to break its sturdy sides.
Candy went flying everywhere out into our cul-de-sac
street and there was a mad scramble to see
who could pick up the most candy.
My son has passed away now, and this first year
of Halloween and his birthday without him
brings back smiles and tears of those happy times.
10-31-21
Happy Halloween Everyone!
Categories:
november 1, birthday, halloween, memory, nostalgia,
Form:
Narrative
His poetic voice rides across the sea
I could swear that Paul is speaking to me
With rhythm in his words, peace in his heart
I find Paul and I are not far apart
Collaboration takes little effort
Conflicts in tone we easily avert
In Malta he writes by soft candlelight
When I’m still blessed by generous daylight
Paul takes me to depths I have never known
I feel so blessed; as a poet I’ve grown
*November 1, 2016
For Andrea’s “Community Builders Free for All Tribute”
Categories:
november 1, friendship, tribute,
Form:
Rhyme
Hitched a ride on a reindeer last night
As Northern Lights painted the sky
On top of a manger below
The most heavenly star cast its glow
In the frosty air, voices I heard
The angelic choir spreading God’s word
“On this Christmas Morn, a Savior is born”
When the snow finally started to fall
I had visions of peace for us all
Every nation had faith, hope and joy
There was love for each girl and each boy
But when I woke, things were not as they’d seemed
Can we only find peace in our dreams
“There’ll be no crisis; no talk of ISIS
On this Christmas morn, a Savior is born”
*November 1, 2016
Categories:
november 1, peace,
Form:
Rhyme
Autumn's vibes dazzle blazing crimson dye
Luring thrilled visage of romantic sight
To passions scarlet whirling amber sigh
Waltzing leaves chromatic, as they alight,
Rousing sweethearts in autumnal delight
When rhythms quixotic lilt sepia breeze
As impulses moonlit crooning hearts seize
Strumming blushed desires of amorous themes
Eying glint canvas beneath gilded trees
Lauding nature's gift tantalizing dreams.
November 1, 2022
Placed 1st: Dizain Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Soto Poet
Theme: Autumn
Rhymes: ababbccdcd (Rhymezone)
Ten syllable per line (howmanysyllables.com)
Categories:
november 1, autumn, color,
Form:
Dizain
HELLO ; my voice faintly echoes back Hello
Is anyone there? Can anyone hear me?
I stare into the thick ebony chilly mist
Seeing nothing but the dance of Satan's Demons
Grotesque, disfigured lost souls living in their created darkness
Hell's home for all of mankinds lost sinners
As ghastly faces of the past and present pass through me
The haggard grim eyes of my youth pierce my black Heart
This sleleton of a endless Eternity embraces my soul
Come fly with me in the emptiness of Forever
Watch as you vacuously become a leader among us
We applaud how well you carry the sins of your life
You are a distinguished minion of all that is Evil
Grab Your heavy iron chains of sin and ascend to Your throne
I awake in my bed , in my cabin , my soul intact--- November 1
Happy Halloween to all my Soup Family
Categories:
november 1, imagination, science, science fictionlost,
Form:
Free verse
Sweet Angel ~ Poet's dozen
sweet angel of mine
when I look into her eyes
love is all I feel
Baby dolls ~ pony tails ~ then her first date
Slow down, Father Time. Would you please just wait?
In wedding gown and veil, she belongs to another.
My sweet angel, grown up, starting a new life.
My daughter has a sweet child of her own.
Her love cannot be disguised.
Soon he, too will be grown.
She'll sing no more lullabies.
Her sweet angel will always live in her eyes.
November 1st, 2015
Categories:
november 1, child, love,
Form:
Free verse
A LEAF WITH A WINDOW TO THE PAST
After lunch, I took a leisurely walk.
I came across a giant leaf, that
whispered, as only a leaf can do,
" Pick me up gently and take me
home with you!"
I did precisly as he requested, such
an autumnal treat, he was, so very
soft and colorful!
But then when in my kitchen, he
made a request,quite mournful.
"Get your scissors, and cut a heart-shaped
hole in the center of me."
I did as he requested, but was more than
sorrowful.
I washed him off with some gentle
soap from Crete.
He thanked me efficaciously and said he
had in mind for me, a special treat.
He ordered that we go on the deck, place
him on the wood and to hold my breath.
"Look in the heart,"I heard him say.
And you will see your love dancing in
San Francisco also known as 'Baghdad by the Bay."
"He will dancing in his Foustenella
and Greek costume complete.
When you first saw him performing
on Eddy Street!"
The leaf was not lying! I watched
my love jump and twirl!
As young as the day, I first saw him.
My heart was all a whirl.
The wonderful part for which I was
not ready!
Is that the street I met him on, as
well, as his grandson, are both
named EDDY!
The wind then blew and took my
leaf-friend with it.
I was so glad I befriended this leaf.
He reminded me that though we
get older, we need not let time of
our memories be a thief.
November 1, 2019
Entered in Chantelle Anne Cook's Contest. ."Anything You Want"
Categories:
november 1, dance, farewell, grandfather, imagery,
Form:
Dramatic Verse