Best Rousing Poems
Mirabelle orb ascends,
under clementine and pomegranate skies.
Absent,
in delight of daylight.
Eyes set adrift in dawning daydreams.
Calm heart is an oceanic concerto,
flowing along sapphire tones.
Deep breaths walk upon water,
caressed by Poseidon's piano keys.
Pulsating palpitations beat eloquent echoes,
rousing freely along rhythmical ripples.
Searching for symphonic serenity -
composition of waves, amicably,
pave a path towards destiny.
Hope vibrates like Apollos's lyre and lute strings,
as winds whistle lost tunes from Athena's flute.
Melodies of the silent sea summon torpid tides,
as desire merges in harmony with the harbour -
passionately embracing barren shores.
Aroma of dusk's dew cools in night's velvet sheen,
as sinking sun is submerged into the deep blue sea.
Sprinkling of pearls appear - their reflection
shimmering upon watery midnight blue stillness.
In silent clarity of blackness,
flowing footfalls of fate purify -
awakening mind from its reverie.
The Silent One
6 September 2020
Mirabelle - a plum, also known as mirabelle prune or cherry plum, is a cultivar group of plum trees of the genus Prunus. It is believed that the plum was cultivated from a wild fruit grown in Anatolia.
Poseidon, in ancient Greek religion, god of the sea (and of water generally), earthquakes, and horses.
Apollo has been recognized as a god of archery, music and dance, truth and prophecy, healing and diseases, the Sun and light, poetry, and more. His two musical instruments were the lute and the lyre.
Athena was a talented flute player, as she created it, but others ridiculed her when she played due to her cheeks. In disgust, she threw away the flute and said whoever picked it up and played it would be severely punished.
Categories:
rousing, assonance, destiny, dream, fate,
Form:
Free verse
Perfumed breaths of rosy breeze
In lyrical refrain of redolent winds
Enamoring your pulse of longing
Compose harmonies euphonic
Strumming verses of heartbeats;
When nightingale sings song of eve
As buoyant river rushes to sea,
Giggling stream, greening prairies,
Voicing passions of iridescent spring.
But it is the moon on opal skies
That seduces your dream of dreams,
Proffering aura of esoteric smile
In covert hints of amorous night,
Lauding quest of allure romantic;
Hypnotizing your zealous soul
Ecstatic in my infatuating words
From song of heart rousing passion,
Crooning tender tunes of love
Tiptoeing to become your world.
Categories:
rousing, romantic, sensual,
Form:
Verse
Across the dance floor, your soft sashaying gown flew
with its bright waving gleams of silver dust and blue;
within that blessed gaze, lonesome heart jumped a beat
seeing those golden slippers on your dainty feet,
feeling love's welcomed arrows shot by Cupid's bow
knowing that most treasured gift would forever grow!
That cool June night we walked under golden moon's beams
with your heart and soul gifting love that so redeems;
this man that had lost heart and walked a blind path
death long ago condemned this soul to darkest wrath,
torn asunder joy in life that had been a gift
chained this spirit upon a black-ship set adrift!
Loss of my beloved I once lived blind despair
wading through this evil world's black pits without care;
her sweet love reminding me of Hope that was lost,
found anew when your destined path with mine was crossed.
I saw the world with open eyes but could not see
Faith, till sight was laid upon fair beauty of thee...
Your rosy warmth danced with grace thawing my cold heart,
seduced by rousing rhythm never would we part.
My heart began to waltz and pallid pulse did race
as I saw charmed moonlight caress your angel’s face,
I longed forevermore to tilt your chin and kiss
your promising sunrise lips of heavenly bliss.
That early summer’s eve I took a leap of faith
willing to let go of my haunting lost love wraith,
I found with you the heart to fall in love once more
and glissade you in my arms ‘cross life’s ballroom floor.
Alone in love’s spotlight of golden moon beam’s glow
you have my whole attention for you stole the show.
Robert Lindley and Susan Ashley
(a collaboration)
June 27, 2018
Poet’s note: Yet again, it was my tremendous honor and privilege to collaborate with with you, Robert. There is an abundance of beautiful poetry overflowing the banks of your heart and soul, my talented friend, and I wade in the lovely flow of your poetic words.. Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of being your writing partner and for generously sharing with me in these wondrous poems of love, romance and hope; always hope - the common golden thread that runs victoriously through the weave of our writes.. With appreciation, thank you for another exquisite poetic and artistic experience, my dear friend.
Categories:
rousing, emotions, hope, romantic love,
Form:
Rhyme
You are the rich color in my cheeks
The brilliance in my ecstatic smile
The elation in my expression of joy
The sincerity in my sweetest hope
You are the glory that sighs when I sing
A song of love that lives deep within
Where you have colored my world
In hues of inspirational truths
You are the balance of black and white
The realization that God is so alive
The gentle grasp of pleasure that ignites
The purest peace filling up my insides
You are the rousing splendor that excites
Beckoning me with so much insight
Welcoming my heart to know your truth
And dance with a jubilant fire that burns for you
You are the whisper of encouraging prose
The anchor that holds me through every storm
The imagination that keeps me inspired with verse
The creativity that winds its way through my spirit
You are the gentle touch that embraces my faith
A sensitivity that brings me friendship and elation
Reflections of promise to bring serenity and peace
Echoes of hope that soothe my weary anxiety
You are the one who makes my world complete
With you, I know God answers prayers for those
Who simply believe – He brings two together
Completing their search for that miracle that is
A union of souls – two hearts becoming one!
2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 2 Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Mark Toney
Entered June 15, 2022
Categories:
rousing, heart, inspirational, love, relationship,
Form:
Free verse
Wishing Well by Juke55 @ Deviant Art
I circle from pale to shade,
countless steps
around the abandoned well.
Wasted wishes rest
in dried-up depths,
we perish
in its hollows.
Promises break
but wishes will wait
to be retrieved,
granted,
cherished.
When you were the promise,
you washed over me,
permeating sacred spaces,
shrouding my soul.
I searched your changing face
for symmetry and solvency,
longing for stability.
In wrung-out wrappings,
I chilled in your deception
as I clung to the warmth
of our inception.
I trusted you.
It was easy.
You promised. I believed.
I wished the same wish everyday
that love would last.
Now, I reel in my resistance to love,
an outcast of wreckage from your ravine.
Will I ever love again?
I want to reach in to divulge a deluge
of brokenness and betrayal.
I retrace your words between
the yesterdays.
They start as whispers
then wail in echoes
off impervious walls.
Each sanguine syllable a lie,
projecting sound into a chasm of darkness.
From the depths of the wishing well,
vows reverberate from my own lips,
gently rumbling then rousing
feelings of love turned to loneliness.
If one drop of water remains
to reflect only one recollected wish,
I may find my own eyes
not yours looking back,
and in the end,
I may learn to forgive.
Maybe I will love again.
written 6/2/20 for Silent One's
Promise Contest
Categories:
rousing, betrayal, feelings, heartbroken, trust,
Form:
Free verse
Love Was Sent, Treasure That Healed Two Crushed Hearts,
A Collaboration with Susan Ashley
Life shattered, soul crushed, another one has perished
once gone from this world was all she ever cherished
No amazing and joyful tales to tell the kids
just naked silence, from raging of black rapids
From heavens above, truest of gifts handed down
romance sent, from He that wears faith's eternal crown.
In that gloom and doom came our Spring's resplendent morn
Love, joyful sound of Living, thus we were reborn
Love, its Lights flamed, happiness needs no explaining
summer warmth came from darkness rapidly waning
O' what glory, shall your heart forever hold mine
our sweet blessing, came from angelic hands divine
Within nights, kisses that sated our hot desires
came oaths of eternal love that never expires.
In that gloom and doom came our Spring's resplendent morn
Love, joyful sound of Living, thus we were reborn
Our soaring passions’ pure as nightingale’s song
enrapturing seduction righted what was wrong
upon our heartstrings’ twilight music we did fly
as supernova lusts did unfurl ‘cross the sky -
scintillating stardust showered us with magic
our souls’ kissed in sparkling bliss since events tragic.
In that gloom and doom came our Spring's resplendent morn
Love, joyful sound of Living, thus we were reborn
Dreamy nectar - ripened wine, whetted revival
as I sipped upon your essence for survival
rousing the wild-honey luscious look in your eyes
behind ambrosial mist passionate beauty lies
on thirsty tongues of fire we burned ‘till morning’s light
melting past the pain in moonflower swirls of night
In that gloom and doom came our Spring's resplendent morn
Love, joyful sound of Living, thus we were reborn
Robert J. Lindley and Susan Ashley
(a collaboration), April 24, 2019
Poet’s note: My dear friend, it always a great honor for me to be able to collaborate with you and truly enjoy your inspirational verses! Such a blessing is to me a very precious gift you give me and my appreciation is sincere and honest in this my admiration for both your great friendship and your magnificent poetry talents!
Categories:
rousing, beautiful, blessing, happiness, longing,
Form:
Rhyme
The Medieval era
was filled with wars and strife
between the French and English
at cost of limb and life.
The French became disheartened;
their victories were rare,
a humbling situation
which was too hard to bear.
A peasant girl heard voices
and visions she could see.
A maid who had a mission,
young Joan from Domrémy.
The King and other nobles
put all their faith in her.
This maid of calm composure
had dreams which they could share.
Entrusted with an army
she rode the horse she had
with banner and sword wielding,
in shining armour clad.
The English looked in wonder;
there were bewildered scenes
as Joan and soldiers entered
the city of Orleans.
With rousing words and courage
her men to battle led.
The English were defeated;
in disarray they fled.
More victories then followed,
her fame spread far and wide,
but when the voices ended
she lost the gift to guide.
In battle she was captured,
for sorcery was tried.
Condemned to death by burning
to wooden stake was tied.
The hungry flames devoured
the maid’s unblemished skin.
She called the name of Jesus;
found strength from deep within.
She died. It was all over
this heroine’s ordeal.
She was proclaimed not guilty
years later, on appeal.
A martyr, now respected,
who paid a costly price.
A victim of politics;
a saint in people’s eyes.
-------------------------------------
Contest: Joan of Arc
Sponsor: Isaiah Zerbst
*Joan of Arc admitted that she never used her sword to kill anyone.
To her, strategy was more important than the sword.
Categories:
rousing, hero, war,
Form:
Quatrain
Solitary sun in sapphire skies,
beams its rays upon Earth's radiance.
A tepid breeze flows between
daffodils and bluebells, gently rocking.
Spring is in the air,
yet streets remain silent.
Masked men in green suits,
bearing arms, patrol -
perturbed by unsought peace.
Anticipating unauthorised motions,
they wander past eerie emptiness -
sleeping theatres, picture less cinemas,
sober bars, childless schools and unfit gyms.
Silence is disrupted by military vehicles
occasionally startling their comrades.
Echoes of continuous coughs,
hidden behind closed curtains,
prevent even the obstinate ones,
admiring scents from rousing roses -
whose petals are not idle in isolation.
Industry of death is thriving -
undertakers undertaking, grave diggers digging.
Crematoriums fighting coffin carpenters -
whose sympathies are disguised by greed.
As humanity evolves into ashes.
In the midst of clean air,
mother nature smiles,
bathing in tranquil purity of serenity
the only fire burning is the sun.
Silent One
Simple Musing
22 March 2020
Categories:
rousing, angst, environment, hope, spring,
Form:
Alliteration
A mother’s ears - fine tuned
will pick up on her infant whimpering
in the middle of the night.
Whether the baby’s cries are soft
or even if the mother herself is deep in restful sleep,
her child’s distress will prick her ears
rousing her from even her sweetest dreams.
A mother’s arms will cradle her small son,
wrapping him in a loving warmth
that will abide with him to his dying day.
Her cooing voice will ease his unnamed fears;
her gentle eyes will instill in his developing mind
an image of devotion, which reinforced through time,
will compel him to seek a mate
who will look at him one day
in that same adoring way
A mother’s ears will hear at last
her child breathing deeply.
Then the mother’s heart will swell with quiet delight
knowing she has comforted her son.
For Richard Lamoureux's Applicable Not Applicable Contests Poetry Contest
Why I think this poem deserves to be read: When I first wrote this one, I could feel it unfolding very naturally in a style I do not often use. I can't recall if the contest asked specifically for free verse, but I felt that I had done a nice job with that form. That is why I was surprised when I got an N/A. More surprising to me is that I got two other N/A's when I entered it into other contests based on mothers (using old or new poems). I had hoped for this one to get more attention because it's one of my better tributes to mothers and entails my strong feelings on how important a mother is in the development of her children, particularly in the emotional development of her son(s). Sorry it is not a humorous story. I know I have a good funny one somewhere that got an N/A, but I can't remember its title any more or how to find it! Also, I have N/A poems better than this, but I do not feel comfortable using a poem that has N/A in one contest but a win in another, so that is another reason why I decided on this one. To my knowledge it has all N/A's.
Categories:
rousing, mother,
Form:
Free verse
Two swans in a pond
In symphonic dance
Bowing to each other
Submissive obeisance
Meditating romance
On rippled vows
Rousing feathers
In flirting advance
Exchanging affections
In a wordless song
Courting seduction
In dignified stance
A sensuous replay
Between stimulus
And response
Floating on arousal
Sanctifying foreplay
July 22, 2018
NOTE: Poem based on the video clip.
Categories:
rousing, romance,
Form:
Free verse
I blame you, moon, for bringing thoughts of love
in night to charm my eyes in slumber deep.
Dreams drift bewildered in my head above
til’ morning seizes passion’s grip from sleep.
The moon shines careless on this lonely soul
and beckons prey to seek the hunter’s fang.
As dark expands in shadows to console,
they slice the skin releasing bitter pain.
In dreams, I feel a heart beating with mine,
a stranger once becomes now all I know.
Familiar taste upon my lips like wine
flows perfectly from starry tide aglow.
How do I live in sunlight’s looming grave,
deadened by numbing rays of ruthless sun?
How do I live without the arms I crave,
amongst the crowds until the day is done?
I blame you, moon, for rousing dreams within
to taunt me with a lover’s longing smile.
Beneath closed lids, I’m lost in timeless spin.
Winds whisper, moon, please let her sleep awhile.
for Gautami Phookan's Waking Dreams Contest, 12/1/14
Categories:
rousing, dream, longing, moon,
Form:
Quatrain
The Beauty And Essence Of A Pretty Cowgirl
Although she wraps herself in soft leather,
Wearing her pointy-toed cowboy boots,
She delights in darkest stormy weather
And banging sounds her fast six-shooter shoots;
But hurt her and she just barely whimpers,
She is a lovely cowgirl through and through
Best to flee fast if rousing her temper
For she may stomp and beat you black and blue.
Yet gently hold her hand and give a kiss
You she may then gift a romantic night
You shall next wake unto heavenly bliss
But lord man, don't you ever pick a fight!
Although she wraps herself in soft leather,
She delights in darkest stormy weather.
R. J. Lindley, June 26th 1979
Sonnet, ( That ravishing beauty wearing cowboy boots )
Note: 7- 02- 1979
Met a cowgirl at the club, she was absolutely gorgeous.
We rode together all weekend. No saddle needed.
She left me that Monday morn, saying- "maybe again next year"..
Note: 3-11-2021
There truly are some that are totally unforgettable..
Categories:
rousing, appreciation, art, beauty, desire,
Form:
Sonnet
Dumplings
As I walk into the kitchen, for a snack,
my mother, her apron, night black hair, and jade bracelet,
makes me dumplings.
She combines the mixture of monotonous ingredients
into something extraordinary.
The water, like a youthful spring, rejuvenated the frozen, faltering fruits of nature,
Mixing the Yangtzee, Hei Long Jiang, and Chang Jiang into a savory paste of veal and kiwi green scallions and chives.
The distinct sound of chopping drowned my thoughts, easing my stress, and bringing a unique rhythm into my mind.
The dough, seeping under her fingers, was firm yet malleable
as if she was molding
the future.
The clicking of the gas stove, rumbling of the pot, flattening of the dumpling skins, the clinking of bowls and chopsticks, the scrubbing noises in the sink.
A rousing prelude to an intoxicating fugue…
Dinner
Categories:
rousing, 10th grade, food, mom,
Form:
Free verse
Allow The Dawn To Wake Us
I would write words for you, dipped in beauty and gold
my heart would burst for you, if it were just that bold;
with you, our romance cries out, for an eight day week
with you, I have found the truest of deep love I seek.
Walk with me, to paradise its bright singing birds
Talk to me, your voice sends golden, beautiful words;
stay this night, let our two souls and pure hearts entwine
allow dawn to wake us, let our loving hours shine.
Love does flow with heat for you from my melted heart
honey dipped allure your ambrosia does impart,
time together precious as racing pulse does chime
in amaranthine night of purple passion prime.
Basking in our luscious love lush and heaven-sent
rousing first blush bathes us embraced in our content;
sunrise spreads ardent reds blessing our love story
dawning dew thrills the bloom of our morning glory.
Robert J. Lindley and Susan Ashley
(a collaboration)
July 17,2018
My poet's note: Yet again my dear friend Susan, it is an honor and delightful pleasure to discuss with and write this collaborative, inspiring creation with you.
Your poetic heart and soul is evident in the depths and beauty of the verses you always contribute to our poetry. To have you as a dear friend and then also be so very blessed as to be gifted your time, insight and talent in composing poetry together is a fantastic revelation of your kindness, generosity and high standing character.
Susan's poet’s note: My dear friend Robert, thank you for your gracious invitation to collaborate with you on this luminous piece of poetry. It is my honor to unite our poetic voices once again and a joy to be inspired by your golden verses of rich romance and ardent love. Our collaborations, and your wonderful talent and kindhearted friendship are treasured and I cherish our shared passion for creating poetry.. I truly enjoyed this exquisite poetic and artistic experience with you my dear friend.
Categories:
rousing, beautiful, creation, desire, love,
Form:
Rhyme
On a monotone Monday,
under grey skies with perpetual rain,
I became a devotee to your magnificence.
A poetic pilgrim wandering upon a path,
which would lead me to your embrace.
Intoxicated with your romantic reflection,
my ink is seduced in your rumination.
My passion is like the raging sea,
come feel my love, come satisfy me.
Oceans apart, I swim in sensual shores,
that would bring me to your door,
but alone, I drown in shallow streams.
I've become jealous of departing birds,
craving for the clouds to carry me
from lilac dusks to scarlet dawns,
so I can ascend like sunrise,
descend upon you like sunset.
You are the essence of nature,
I, a mighty tree bowing to it's mistress,
desiring your heart and soul,
not just your earthly existence,
Your love strengthens my roots,
as they spread rapidly to reach you.
My hands have become lonely,
without your fingers interlocked in-between.
Your aroma intoxicates my senses,
your persona like perfumed petals,
weaves poetry inside my mind,
which flows upon a seedless garden,
patiently waiting for soothing blossoms.
There is no remedy for my syndrome,
as each day without you,
I relapse,
without your rehabilitative scarlet lips.
Kiss me like poetry,
before I suffocate,
drain me into a steamy silence,
where there is no need for verses,
so we can merge in carnal mists.
Lust is an infatuated captive animal,
a starved beast frustratingly caged.
Set me free...
For you hold the key.
Time cries for you, reluctantly moving,
with each beat of our hearts.
In darkness I supplicate with the stars,
with your name on the tip of my tongue.
Devotion is a unity of parts,
only we can piece it together.
With you I want Sunday mornings,
where our eyes meet in rousing raptures
with your lips as my nourishing nutrient.
Love is not just an emotion,
it's a whimsical fluctuating journey -
and you are my final resting place.
Categories:
rousing, romance,
Form:
Romanticism