Best Past Or Present Poems
Toward my golden years, I’m moving fast
As recollections cherished in my heart
Pass through my mind, those bright threads from my past,
Entwining with the present. It is art!
Such lovely images comprise this fine
Tapestry I’ve woven over time -
Reflecting past or present in each line;
Years coming will complete a life sublime.
from 8/1/2012
Used for Theme 2: Tapestry
Entered Nov. 7, 2021 in the '''T'' Contest, New or Old' Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Constance La France
With Presidents Day coming up this Monday, I submit my tribute to the president born Feb. 12, 1809:
Ode to My Hero: Dear Abe
At many things, Abe Lincoln was the best.
From boyhood to manhood, how he shone.
Foreordained to lead, dear Abe was blessed.
I picture him a farm lad poorly dressed -
kind soul and working so hard all alone.
Foreordained to lead, dear Abe was blessed.
Entertaining, Lincoln liked to jest.
Tall and strong was he when fully grown.
Foreordained to lead, dear Abe was blessed.
Great intellect and talents he possessed.
Many things he learned all on his own!
Foreordained to lead, dear Abe was blessed.
He led a nation facing great unrest,
for slavery dear Abe could not condone.
Foreordained to lead, dear Abe was blessed.
Feb. 15, 2020 for Sheri Fresonke Harper's
Ode To A President Or Politician Or Leader Past Or Present Poetry Contest
Her name is Seren
Yes the proud welsh girl, not foe, hopefully a fren
The number of contest she entered, maybe a million
On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d give her a billion
She has passionately stated her favorite color is green
She talked about more shades than I think I’ve seen
My vision isn’t great, but good thing I’m not color blind too
Then I’d be like those Greeks, with one word for green and blue
She also has a pooch named Tilly
If that’s a variation of Teal then she’s green silly
Maybe instead of silly I better choose a synonym
Lest emerald becomes jade and I sing a new hymn
Yes of PD, I could write clerihews day and night
However, whatever I may or might write, it’s never in spite
She loves alliteration, writing recklessly reaping rich reward
Of ailing alliteration, I’m alienated, not even a steady steward
I think my friend PD thinks I’m the meanie
With my clerihew about seeds, I think she dubbed me weenie
I am sorry Linda, I was going to remove it from the site
But too many others found some delight
Last but not least ThePhilosopher, yeah that’s me
The one that always seems to be lost at sea
You would think either past or present I was a sailor
However on life’s quest I’ve been quite the delayer
My name is Wayland, no not the first nor the third
I am the second and sometimes I mention a bird
Speaking of the bird, I look at the top 100 poems list
And obviously there is something that I missed
When I speak of the top 100’s list, I mean for two weeks
Some post almost two hundred, yes 200, they aren’t meek
I wonder how it’s possible and then I read their verse
Many times I’m often left to curse
But since when did ThePhilosopher, become the judger of prose
His clerihews always talking about these, thou, and those
I should change my name to King James
But my buddy is already King of the Quatrains
Oh yes My buddy Jack will be the last
The subjects he writes about are vast
Too many to remember with all his pretty words
When I think of his poems I don’t think of birds
I recently read his poem titled bums unite
He said he gave them money at times, it probably felt right
He said someday they may even get a ten spot
If someone gives me a ten spot, then I’m yelling JACKPOT!
*these are always done if fun, hahaha another random rhyme
Leader of the home with virtuous height
Bracing up family with grand posture
Governing prudently by great faith’s might
He’s our Daddy in his godly gesture.
Daddy dearest is our human fortress.
He loves us as he trusts the Lord* Who’s great.
Assertively pointing truths he does stress
Guiding with values of excellent rate.
His humor’s sense speaks of prudence-fervour
While wholesome jokes call for analyses
His boyish looks, before, earned Mom’s favour
With wise perspective in facing crises.
A champion in his home-roles’ fulfillment
Dad exemplifies “genuine provider"
Propelled by his faithfulness’ commitment
A paragon of steadfast life-builder.
Showing verily servant-leadership
Our father’s a hero in word and deed
How we thank his marvelous guardianship
We praise God for Dad’s legacy indeed.
*Psalm 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
February 15, 2020
2nd place, "Ode to a President or Leader Past or Present" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Sheri Fresonke Harper; judged on 3/2/2020.
have I the right
to think all things are
products of conditions
past or present
in which direction
does the real self lie
how much of what
we create will be
our descendants' must-haves
ever seeking
meaning and purpose
will it be worth the price
change will make us
we will produce change
which will be the most true
My DNA was planted at a crime scene
in an apartment that I truthfully have never been.
My fingerprints were found on the murder weapon,
a Bowie knife that was a gift from a long lost friend.
Buried in storage for decades is where that knife had been.
Until now, for me that Bowie knife was long forgotten.
I don't know nor have I ever known the victim
or any of the victim's past or present relations.
I'm now the prime suspect in this investigation
and I don't have a very good alibi to give them.
"Where were you at the time this murder happened?"
the detective asked me during my interrigation.
"I was at home alone," I answered, "as I often am."
The detective then asked me the following question,
"Can your presence at that time be substantiated by anyone?"
"None that I can think of presently," I responded feeling broken.
I was read my Miranda rights and I'm now in the system,
but I swear, I've been framed. I Am Innocent."
*
The above hasn't really happened to me,
but one day it did occur to me
that due to my lifestyle which I live very solitary,
that I could be a sociopath's perfect patsie,
since very few ever eye witness that I truly may be
at my home all alone with just my cats for company,
and my felines can't attest to my presence unfortunately.
*
My heart skips a beat I lose my breath
When I think of his life of sacrifice
And his crusade for human rights
Leading the revolution against apartheid
With rare tenacity and might
A lawyer by trade a pacifist by nature
Standing for truth and reconciliation
Just him and his ideals for god-given rights
Standing and never wavering
Giving voice to the speechless and the persecuted
Refusing to be silent in the face of injustice
Determined to annihilate tyranny and racist oppression
An icon of democracy and social justice
Never to be forgotten
A statue erected where Mandela
Was released from 27 years in prison
A simple man bigger than life itself
With dreams of emancipation
One philanthropist who would change
The world no matter what the cost
Read on air by invitation ~ April 28, 2021 'WORDS & MUSIC'
AP: 1st place 2021, Honorable Mention 2022
Submitted on January 25, 2020 for contest ODE TO A PRESIDENT OR POLITICIAN OR LEADER PAST OR PRESENT sponsored by SHERI FRESONKE HARPER - RANKED 5TH
When I think of you, I cry and smile,
you are such a good friend to me,
So thoughtful, so warm and compassionate,
with you by my side, life has meaning to me.
We share so many of life's hardships,
no two, were ever so much alike and apart.
We are sisters, endless friends, eternally,
Like a rose, our friendship slow to start.
Then, like the perfect rose it bloomed,
it is a beautiful thing of time, like fine art.
No matter where life takes us,
you will always and forever be part of my heart.
When I think of you, I erase miles that separate,
yet you are near to me, my mirror reflection.
Constantly creative, we share ideas so similar,
happiness and joy, you give, my heart protection.
Strength and determination, you enhance golden tomorrows,
as rose petals intertwine, you soothe sorrows and tears.
Our collaborations grace many blank pages,
true friends, we will remain throughout the years.
A gentle voice, a graceful heart, we both suffered thorns,
a gifted spirit, who understands my soul.
you are the essence of a beautiful friend for life,
beyond a sister, who has taken my half and made it whole.
___________________
September 04, 2012
Poetry/Lyric/You Are A Rose In My Bouquet
Copyright Protected, ID 09-418-323 04
All Rights reserved, 2012, Constance La France
In collaboration with Linda-Marie, Sweetheart
(I wrote the first three verses, Linda-Marie wrote the last three)
Written for the Standard contest, When I think of you, (Collab)
Sponsor, Tracie Edwards, Judged 10/11/2012
First Place
Submitted to the Standard contest, Do-It (Duets), Past or Present
sponsor, James Edward Lee Sr, Judged 02/18/2022
First Place
Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau,
was born on Christmas night, I think under a star;
and became the 23rd Prime Minister of Canada,
and leader of the Liberal party;
son of former Prime Minister, Pierre Elliot Trudeau.
Justin is a kind, polite, fun loving man,
he was a snowboarding instructor, night club bouncer;
was a teacher, a boxer when younger,
and legalized marijuana in Canada to shut down illegal sales;
he wrote his memoir in 2014, a bit early Justin.
As Prime Minister, he apologized on behalf of Canada,
to the Indigenous People for wrong doings through history;
and also to other communities for transgressions of the past,
he has no fear to stand up to the USA President, any leader;
during his election campaign he always remained the gentleman.
Some, may find him too passive- I see his inner strength,
he is a wonderful representative for Canada;
with his movie star good looks, easy smile and laugh,
I love his upbeat personality and positive attitude;
and I am proud to call him my leader, my Prime Minister.
______________________________
February 5, 2020
Poetry/Ode/To Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Copyright Protected, ID 20-1223-268-03
All Rights Reserved, 2020, Constance La France
Written for the contest, Ode To A President, or Politician or Leader,
Past or Present, sponsor, Sheri Fresonke Harper
Fourth Place
Imagine studying by firelight
Mastering lessons till late at night
Trudging through deep Illinois snow
No matter how cold, to school he’d go
Rising up as the best leaders do
To promoting equality, he stayed true
Debating Douglas in 1858
Defeating the incumbent on that date
Running for president to free each slave
Charting even then, the path to his grave
A noble quest for one born poor
Never a chance to sip life’s grandeur
He fought for his goal and he won
But sealed his fate; it was done
Assassin’s bullet claimed Lincoln’s life
Leaving a nation in sadness rife
But the equality he sought
To a healing nation, he brought
It’s said our best are doomed to die young
But his achievements have not gone unsung
January 27, 2020
Sponsor: Sheri Fresonke Harper
Contest: Ode to a President, Politician or Leader, Past or Present
He watched his mother, his mentor and three of his best friends
die right before his eyes.
His mother died of TB very slowly,
and when she slipped away he was there at her bedside.
John Tunstall, his mentor, employer and very close friend,
was riddled with bullets by a gang of corrupt lawmen,
right in front of him.
His pals Dick Brewer, Tom O'Folliard and Charlie Bowdre,
were all murdered in the presence of his company,
and yet despite all of the violence and all of his tragedy,
his outlook on life was always cheery.
Never dwelling in his dark past or present miserably,
always looking towards his future joyously living life fully.
How the hell did you do that William H Bonney?
I have suffered far less than he,
and yet I'm a miserable SOB who avoids everybody.
I wish I knew your secret William H Bonney.
As much as I admire you, I also sometimes feel envy.
Fragrant new petals pirouette
On stairways of blazed winds, rosette
Meadows become a stage…
As small ballerinas saunter
Enchanting moonlight to linger,
Ruffling on ferns arranged...
For Susan's Contest :Your Favorite
Tail Rhyme,Past or Present
* New Poem*
Mama's here, little one.
Even when she's not.
Her arms are wrapped around you,
She loves you a lot.
Mama's always by your side,
Even when she can't talk.
When you're at your best.
And even when you're at your worst.
Kai loves you.
Mama loves you.
Nothing could be more true,
Than the words I speak when I'm with you.
I want to be there for you.
I want to lift you up.
Someday, we'll meet.
Someday, I will.
I'll press butterfly kisses all over your face.
I'll sqwoosh your cheeks and hug you close.
I'll cuddle with you all the time.
I'll never ever leave your side.
One day, we'll meet.
Then, you'll see.
Mama's here. Mama's with you.
She'll never ever leave.
When Tigger can't bounce,
And Pooh hates honey.
When Peter Pan can't fly,
And Mater isn't funny.
That's when I'll stop loving you,
That's when I'll move on.
When Patton can't smile,
And Roman drops his sword and runs.
When Logan can't find a solution,
And doesn't even try.
When Virgil gives up on the others,
And becomes the bad guy.
That's when I'll leave you.
When the world ends.
Only then,
Will I not be your friend.
I may not be good at everything,
Or even good for you.
But I swear on my life,
I could never stop loving you.
Not you.
Not Alex.
Not Al or Kat.
Not Kayden.
Not Katie.
Not Rory or Batts.
Not Megan.
Not Joan.
Not Cassie or Jen.
Not Marie.
Not Zoe.
Not Olivia or Em.
Not Emma.
Not Beet.
Not Caelum or Kali.
Not Cas.
Mot Gabby.
Not Serena or Bailey.
Not Xavier.
Not Rihanna.
Not Natasha or Mac.
Not even Malaya.
Not even Sonnae.
Not even if there isn't a person that loves me back.
I could never stop loving,
All the people in my life.
Past or present,
Even if they weren't nice.
Mama always loves you.
She'll never move on.
Mama won't ever stop loving,
Even if everyone else is gone.
Mama loves you.
Your highs and your lows.
Kai loves you.
They'll protect you from all your foes.
Mama's always here, little one.
Even when she's not.
Her arms are wrapped around you.
She loves you a lot.
The Ginko's golden leaves rustle
Tickled by easterly bustle
Flounce upon the straight limbs
So like a flirty lady dressed
In her long golden gown her best
Permanence or fun her whims
Sponsor: Black Eyed Susan
Contest: Your Favorite Tail Rhyme, Past or Present
Written: Friday November 16, 2012
The Four Horsemen
War - So much of it that goes on in the world, effecting numerous economies just to gain power and luxury trying to take over other territories even their own colonies.
Death - In the past or present times millions of people continue to die, whether in Foreign or American soil why does so much blood tend to boil, it even occurs amongst each other due to crimes of hate or heated turmoil.
Strife - Angered individuals from adolescent to adult figures trying to make the life of others miserable infecting them with the disease that also makes them bitter, Never had a chance to rise so you want to see others fail and fall even for no reasons all you'll yell out loud kill them all.
Famine - Hundreds to Thousands of people tend to go hungry even in third world countries exist malnourished societies, hundreds of food corporations with many different chains will try to do good deeds but plenty of food still manages to go to waste.
If things continue to go wrong nothing in this planet will last for long, Why not work together to end War Death Strife and Famine before these entities bring upon an apocalypse worst than you could ever imagine. ©
By: Shawn Muñoz