Best Quick As A Wink Poems
Away up north where it’s snowing they say
the elves are preparing for Christmas day.
Big elves little elves, busier than bees
All building toys, for under Christmas trees.
Some work with hammers others building bikes,
some riding through the room on brand new trikes.
Tiny elf voices ringing loud and clear,
everyone’s full of love and Christmas cheer.
Suddenly the chatter stops; all are still,
Santa walked in the room with book and quill.
Looking down at his book, Santa Clause stared,
then lifted his eyebrows as he declared,
Today I looked inside my books
and I found that we are ahead,
and thought because you worked so hard
we shall all go outside instead.
Misses Claus made lots of sweet treats
so let’s all eat and be hearty,
for today here at the North Pole
all elves shall have a snow party.
Quick as a wink the elves they disappeared,
Santa just smiled as he tugged at his beard.
Laughing he watched his little friends scatter
and soon the mountains echoed with laughter.
Snowballs were flying, snowmen taking form,
and hot chocolate kept little elves warm.
They were sledding, skiing, skating all day,
see, elves aren’t simply, all work and no play.
Written by Brenda Meier-Hans
11.29.2014
Contest: Children’s Christmas or Holiday Tale
1st place
There once was a fox, as wise as can be,
He lived in the hollow of an old oak tree.
Not so very far from an ol’ Farmer’s Farm;
A farmer he knew would do him great harm.
Also, on that farm lived a lively young goose,
And he caused the fox’s dry mouth to juice.
Without a care, the goose gandered about,
Causing the fox great apprehension, no doubt.
One day they met at the edge of the farm:
The goose knew, for sure, the fox meant him harm.
Mr. Fox, I know you can eat me, he said,
But, I know a better way you can be fed.
The farmer has many an egg you can eat,
and they are more juicy than feathery meat.
I’ll tell you just how to gain your supply;
as quick as a wink, or the blink of an eye.
The farmer is rich and he doesn’t have need
for all of his wealth, and all of his greed.
We poor of the earth, he cares not about:
We should take eggs from the lecherous lout.
Sure, he feeds us, and quite well in fact,
But he profits from the sweat of our back.
We animals are brothers, and should take heed
About each others wants and each others need.
You can sneak around by the ol’ mill gate,
while I distract the hound, down by the lake.
His threat to you I shall circumvent,
and you can then eat to your hearts content.
The sly ol’ fox, he surmised this odd tale:
Hen’s eggs were delicious, he knew quite well.
Oh, this we will do, he quickly agreed:
Eggs, he knew, were quite delicious indeed.
So, the goose set off, the hound to distract,
And also the fox, to the mill gate out back.
But, the goose had another plan in his mind;
A problem solution of a far different kind.
He enlisted the hound in his subversive trick,
To solve the fox dilemma finally and quick.
He sent the hound round to the ol’ mill gate,
Leaving himself to just piddle and wait.
Then suddenly upon him with claw and tooth
Pounced the fox, ‘fore he could honk or hoot.
In this moral lesson we all can deduce,
Why no-one says: “he’s as sly as a goose”.
The SLY fox knew: “If the goose would betray
the farmer that feeds him, he will betray me too.”
Lionel
“Abandon ship and from her flee
Better her than all be lost to sea.”
“First Mate, be rendered silent,” is the captain’s plea
“Dear crew, I beg, depart not, stay along with me.”
But Admiral calls from ships numbered three.
“Leave Elpida alone, and Captain, for drowning.”
Then company vanished, quick as a wink.
Left small, untested sailboat to sink.
Night reached down on vast ocean’s face,
And soon sea’s swells were by darkness embraced
Light blazed cross the sky, wind roared from the heat.
The blue’s anger and rage against terrified vessel did beat.
More and most fiercely Elpida battled the deep.
Up ‘til the moment Earth sunk in her teeth.
The storm screamed on, endless as the heavens are deep.
And for half a score years, the sun, from Captain's eyes, night did keep.
For two times for every five, did the captain despair
Lost upon foreign soil, abandon by fleet out there.
To stumble upon natives, fate had it be.
An amiable bunch, again the odd number three.
To restore broken vessel labored the four
Sew up the hull, repair ruptured floors.
And for time, two times, and three times more
Toiled this group ’til there was work no more.
And the sun, as, of course, it would be
Broke the horizon and bore new day on the sea.
Set the deserted again to conquer the deep.
No armada to accompany, but lone Captain, no fleet.
And now, even now, sails Elpida Berregin.
Meeting new worlds by way of the sea.
In all her travels she met again her former fleet,
But Captain did not the Admiral re-meet.
For they had become galleys of ghosts;
Galleys to whom the dead were tending.
Offering up a prayer, Captain took his leave,
And having left, returned to journeying.
“Abandon ship and from her flee.”
Perhaps they, but never me.
Elpida Berregin, mighty galleon proved by sea,
A crew member, forever yours, will I be,
And will serve your Captain most faithfully.
Nearby my lovely rosebush, a surprise
I got, as I approached my house one day.
From out of nowhere – right before my eyes -
a hummingbird appeared, but did not stay.
It hovered for one second -such a sweet
and splendid tiny bird in front of me,
but then it flew away. For a repeat
performance I was hoping! Would I see
that fairy bird with wings so fast again?
A short time later, I was at my sink
and looking out my kitchen window when
that same bird came, then left - quick as a wink.
My chance encounter with it was so nice,
for in one day it visited me twice!
July 11, 2020 for the BIRD Poetry Contest of Constance La France
In the Beginning was the Word
Just a sound really
A somber echo into the abyss
that kickstarted the whole universe
(was the noise beautiful? was it ugly?
who's to say for sure...
...it was the First)
But it did its job
It filled the eternal silence
Before the wonder and the chaos
(before the peace and the violence)
And the Word was with God
But who was He? (or was it She?)
When did IT step up to the plate
to flip on the Switch
and kiss monotony goodbye?
And pronouns aside...
(we got bigger fish to fry,
believe you me)
...stick all the Hows and Whatifs
where the sun don't shine
I wanna know WHY
WHY it's all here instead of not
WHY instead of infinite space
I see nothing but Your Face:
a world full of splendor,
a world full of ugly
(you have a schedule to keep,
but before you leave,
I just wanna know)
WHY you created me
to long for what I couldn't
to do the things I shouldn't
Odds are equally as good
I could have been anyone else
(that's just not the way
the cookie crumbled)
But I guess I could be grateful
(instead of full of pride ... humbled)
(after all) I'm the only Me
that'll ever be around
(and WHY am I writing this now?)
I should be getting into bed,
instead I let unaswerables fill my head
I should have dreams to chase,
roses to smell,
instead I willingly get tangled in the weeds:
forget about the present,
dabble in the past,
fuss about what hasn't happened yet
I can't see the forest for the trees
(don't know the purpose of You
nor the purpose of Me)
Yet I tear open the Bible
with words to read,
and somehow comfortingly
they come back to Thee
The Word became Flesh
And the Flesh started to speak
syllables
... then seeds
Hims, Hers, Wes
And You and Me
sentences
... then sinew
And quick as a wink, wouldn't you know?
A whole human grew...
..cutting the world in two
No longer just Dark and Light, Day and Night
Now we have what's False
Now we have what's True
...and dwelt among us
giving His Blood
He took your broken-pitiful-self
and said,
"It is Enough."
I've heard about the arrival of fanciful fushia strangers
but I've no fear of them and not worried about dangers.
They seem a bit nonsensical; funny the way they speak
To me, everything they say comes out sounding like Greek!
Maybe on their planet, peaches have three turquoise eyes
Could they be humans, just wearing an alien disguise?
I've never heard the haloed moon referred to as mother Mary,
nor of opulent opal oceans and a three humped dromedary.
I call them fluff nuggets; an accurate description, I think
Their gibberish makes me shake with laughter, quick as a wink
Life forms like these AI are manipulated by puppet strings
They're infringing upon planet Earth, inhabited by Earthlings.
*These are my thoughts and words, but if you take umbrage with
any of the lines, I'll throw Jan under the bus, cuz she started it.
“How long has he been here?” said the other voice which Dumpty could see now that the dawn light started to grow, belonged to a largish Owl perched on a tree branch, near the sleeping cat. “Oh, I dragged him in just the other day” replied Dumpty, “the poor thing he was holding onto that large green flagon over there, could hardly get a word out of him he just nodded most times, and he has a glazed look in his eyes, I would say he has been deeply traumatized.” “How is he normally?” “‘Oh he is a most cheerful soul, full of energy, helpful to others and so
on; and he can be quite brave, I can remember when the clog-dancing Dutch mouse, fell down the stair.. she had to have bed rest for 2 weeks, well he volunteered to look after her kids and he did! As it so happens Siegfried and Roy were touring, well one of their panthers got into the backyard of the mouse family’s home and he was there pegging out some washing you know one of those young mice came down the back steps and the panther headed toward it... well this guy here he sorta made every hair on his body stand out stiff he looked over twice his size, and then quick as a wink he jumped on that bad ole panther, he jumped on his head and got his claws up its nose, he hung on like glue while I flew off to raise the alarm, poor old puss here took some punishment but he saved that young mouse alright, and that old panther looked really the worse for wear when he was recaptured” well I can see he does not like bullies observed Dumpty with a note of admiration in his voice, I do so hope he gets well I
would like to get to know him..!
©JOE MAVERICK 1-3-2014
MY QUEST
I lost my heart. Where can it be? There is sadness and despair.
If I were to search for all eternity, I may never find it anywhere.
I've delved beneath oceans deep, on beaches when tides are low.
In canyon crevices, I did sweep; into giant forests I dared to go.
I've combed deserts made of sand. Where else should I scour?
Ancient ruins and palaces grand, I've searched them all for hours.
Quest over. No where else to look. How do I live without my heart?
No answer I find in a book. For my heart is lost and I'm torn apart.
THE END OF MY QUEST
For many months I traveled, in search of my heart, I thought lost,
Upon return the mystery unraveled, in great fury my temper tossed.
In all the months I'd spent away, my heart had remained at home.
Stolen by my swain who'd gone astray; his libido decided to roam.
I want my heart back! I said in a huff. No longer will you hurt me!
You've had it long enough. You said you don't want it, so set it free.
You shot me down; the act of a friend? You should've used a gun.
This is where our dreams end. Face reality. It's over, and I'm done.
When I walk out on you for good, I wonder if you'll miss me at all.
I wasn't sure I could, but you've given me reasons to make the call.
You don't always say what you think. You like being a vague mystery.
You change moods quick as a wink. You're such a frustration to me.
You talk in circles and go nowhere. It's just so much idle chatter.
Frankly, it's more than I can bear. It's your actions that matter.
I've always known where my heart has been. Given to you long ago.
I searched like the man of tin; I needed a brain like the scarecrow.
I'm taking my heart back today. It's broken and in need of repair.
You never wanted it anyway, stop pretending that you really care.
No warranty comes with a heart. I know what's wrong with it; I do.
But I've no spare part, because the part I need lies deep inside of you.
I'm taking my heart back! I need it to live. I'm tired of trying to cope.
I've nothing left to give. I'm putting an end to my foolish false hope.
No more excuses for the way I was treated. I've heard them all before.
Quest over. I'm defeated, but I have my heart and I'm closing the door.
Written: September 2006
Interview – 3-21-24 For Paddy Ch. Quick as a Wink 6/26/2010 – 3/8/24 www.poetrysoup.com › poem › interview_with_the_irish
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Interview With the Irish Wind
Wind from the heart of Eire, come abide with me for a moment
before you toss your swirling hair across your ancient friend
for I feel your breath rising inside me - a banshee’s howl.
Are you here to carry my Irish rascal’s spirit on the breath of emerald breezes,
his soft and silky coat waving like fields of golden wheat,
to new hallowed hills of green?
Will you set his soft paws on sunlit winding lanes
rising up to meet him
when he crosses a mystical bridge misted in rainbows?
Will you escort him to that sacred hollow of sunny glens
where he ever runs free embraced in the sparkle of the Daystar,
twinkling with delight like etched crystal -
quick as an Irish wink!
Tell me, wind of Erin, does the beat of his steadfast heart
pulse in your throbbing cadence like the bodrain and Kerry drums,
his bright brown eyes dancing like jigs and reels -
a new star in Eire’s eternal sky?
Wind from the Irish sea, do you ruffle his soft grey ears
with the touch of angel’s breath
sung as a lullaby as he sits upon his Creator’s feet
feeling life surge within him again – a newborn wind?
O Celtic child,
Grieving heart, let your heart rest in the hollow of the Creator’s hand
where shamrocks never close,
forever blooming in eternal light.
Hear the music he left in your heart – a soft breeze across the Shannon,
know his task now finished, blessed, like fine spring rain – consummated by grace –
eternal grace so pleased.
And, when you hear the pipes know in ways he never leaves
but sings the music shared by your hearts
sung from his forever home.
And now that he has been through the fire
out of that dark and cold space
you will bring him home again.
Beannactai!
The Legend of the Laughing Skeleton
By Elton Camp
The real estate agent didn’t want to show the place
“The old farmhouse and barn are both a disgrace.”
“Since nobody has lived there since way back when
It isn’t going to be fit ever to be inhabited again.”
We insisted that we wanted to look at just the same
And then the agent’s reluctance we couldn’t blame
The fields and grounds were overgrown head high
To salvage the house and barns would be a hard try
But in the barn was an old tractor ready to ride
And the house was filled with furniture inside
A pile of unwashed dishes lay in the kitchen sink
Taken by surprise, we didn’t know what to think
So to the realtor we looked with shock and said,
“It looks like the family living here suddenly fled.”
He flushed, squirmed a bit and loosened up his tie
“I can explain, but you will doubtless say it’s a lie.”
The agent related how all of them were found dead
And that the farm had become a horrid place of dread
“Neighbors claim to see lights and hear a tractor roar.
But whenever I check, all is exactly as it was before.
Trying to sell this place is a major nuisance to me
So make any offer, no matter how small it may be.”
Then we made a lowball offer on the real estate deal
To get it at the price we offered would sure be a steal
The heirs didn’t even take a single day to think
But accepted the proposal just as quick as a wink
The next day, after the transaction was all closed out
We visited the farm with delight and a loud shout
Suddenly, from the old barn, we heard an engine roar
A laughing skeleton on a tractor crashed thru the door
“Ever since I saw you come here to look one day,
I knew that you would be coming back to stay.
Move right on in, as that will give me quite a thrill
For now I will have yet another family I can kill.”
We jumped into our car and took off up the drive
Reaching the town, we were very glad to be alive
Our frightening experience on that October morn
Is how the legend of the laughing skeleton was born
It hangs outside my window on
the big shepherd hook.
Filled with food for all those who
comes to eat from it.
Many scavengers land on the brim.
Eating the seeds left there for them.
So many colors, shapes and sizes are
visit the feeder daily.
As they come and go seeds fall
to the ground below.
Squirrels, are waiting patiently to
gobble down the seeds.
Inside sits 3 kitties watching
through the windows making their
soft music tails swishing back and
forth.
The outside visitors pay them no
mind and keep eating.
Than it happens quick as a wink
Louie takes a leap against the glass.
He looks over at me with such a look.
Mommy, why didn't you warn me about
the glass begin there?
His pride wounded he jumps down.
The show is over now they all jump
down and curl up dreaming that
tomorrow they will have bird soup
for dinner.
I'm usually known for my silly stuff
But once in a while I surprise
Drooling all over my keyboard and yours
With mushy stuff I fantasize
It's true I sometimes wear more than one hat
Contrary to what you may think
Can be sillier than the silliest damn jester
Then switch as quick as a wink
Become all gushy and mushy and stuff
Talk of flowers and eternal love
Then sure as shootin' it's back to the sillies
Giving your giggler a shove
This back and forth stuff is really quite dizzying
Imagine if I wrote about dying
Some are obsessed with negative things
If I said that was me I'd be lying
It's not for me, that tear jerky stuff
Guess my life's been too bloody happy
Sure not complaining I'm a perky old geezer
Maybe a better word is slaphappy
© Jack Ellison 2015
Once there was a very tiny mouse.
Who came to live in a very large house.
He made a nest inside the wall.
And had lots of fun running up and down the hall.
There came a time when he smelled some cheese,
And he climbed the table and was very pleased.
For sitting there in the middle, was a big plate of Swiss.
And he made a dive and couldn't hardly miss.
He was enjoying himself and had had his fill.
When a lady came in and started to squeal.
She was very tall and very slim,
She reached for the cheese plate to try to catch him.
He was quick as a wink and flew out of her reach.
Jumped into a fruit bowl and onto a peach.
The peach was so fuzzy, he let out a squeek.
Then trying to hide was quite a big feat.
The lady kept looking but it was in vain.
For the mouse was now hidden behind a glass pane.
She finally gave up and went back to her work.
But once in a while you could see her head jerk.
For out of the corner of her eye she was spying,
to get a glimpse of any movement trying.
He tiptoed so quietly back into the hall.
And the lady never noticed and soon left for the mall.
He knew from now on, he would have to be cautious.
and not do anything that would make people nautious.
He kept himself clean, that is, clean as a mouse could.
He didn't leave droppings as he knew other mice would.
He kept to himself until one Christmas Eve.
When he heard what he thought was a message to leave.
Dear Santa had stopped by this large house so fine.
And had been ask by this lady to dine.
The mouse knew who Santa was and saw his big pack.
And decided to hide in it before Santa came back.
He found a nice place, inside of a shoe.
And fell fast asleep before he even knew.
Adventure was his on that magical night.
Dear Santa took him on a marvelous flight.
And when it was over, he decided to stay.
With dear Santa, who carried him home with him, that day.
For Anything Goes contest by Constance La France
I'm usually known for my silly stuff
But once in a while I surprise
Drooling all over my keyboard and yours
With mushy stuff I fantasize
It's true I sometimes wear more than one hat
Contrary to what you may think
Can be sillier than the silliest damn jester
Then switch as quick as a wink
Become all gushy and mushy and stuff
Talk of pretty flowers and love
Then sure as shootin' it's back to the sillies
Giving your giggler a shove
This back and forth stuff is really dizzying
Imagine if I wrote about dying
Some are obsessed with negative things
If I said that was me I'd be lying
It's not for me that tear jerky stuff
Guess my life's been too damn happy
Not complaining I'm a perky old geezer
Maybe a better word is slaphappy
© Jack Ellison 2012
Queenly, graceful movements
Quality is superb
Quick as a wink to calls
Qualified to herd cows
Quintessential dog
Quietly she loves me
About Queenie our Collie..
Contest closed so too late to enter..