Best Safeguarded Poems
The music of the fifties…well, what can I say…
was heaven here on earth compared with that today.
Romantic, lovely sentiments of heart and soul,
with poems set to music to advise, console.
Mid-fifties music era rendered lovely songs
safeguarded in my heart these many years, belong
forever to remember, matter not how old.
These gems, mid-fifties' songs, hold memories untold.
Too many to recall, but I can single one,
the song played at our wedding never was outdone.
The Platters’ hit song “Only You,” so touched our hearts,
its words hold true today, and here is how it starts:
“Only you can make this world seem right
Only you can make the darkness bright
Only you and you alone can thrill me like you do
And fill my heart with love for only you
Only you can make this change in me
For it's true, you are my destiny
When you hold my hand, I understand the magic that you do
You're my dream come true, my one and only you….”
Romantic, lovely sentiments of heart and soul,
with poems set to music to advise, console,
was heaven here on earth compared with those today.
The music of the fifties…well, what can I say…
In Nineteen ninety-six, our son and wife, Majors
In US Army, moved to Izmir, their new base.
As usual, whatever place they were assigned,
We flew to visit them as well as dear grandkids.
So off we went to spend two weeks in Turkey, this
Outstanding country we had never been before.
So much to see at Ephesus—Metropolis
Of Antique Age; The Stadium, the Harbor Bath,
Basilica, the Marble Road, Heracles Gate—
All ruins now. Were sad to see these wondrous works
Of art and architecture now in disarray
And strewn about on fields on which they proudly stood.
Of varied striking sites in Pergamon, we saw
The City Walls, the Aqueducts, Acropolis,
The Temple Dionysus, that of Trajan too.
So many ages, periods had ruled this place,
Artistic wonders, structures turned to ruins—works
Of Persian, Greek, Roman and more, in pieces lay.
Besides the many ancient ruins visited,
We were amazed that many locals spoke our tongue.
They did their best to make us feel so much at ease,
Were gracious in combined Mid-Eastern/Euro style
Of hospitality and types of food they ate
And served, like cheese, tomatoes, olives of all kinds.
Izmir, a city mixed with culture old and new,
Like modern shops and open markets, outdoor stands
With fish and meats on ice, yet weighed on modern scales.
And women with fine bread on plates held up on heads,
Who walked the streets in morning, dressed in peasant garb;
Yet working business women wore more modern dress.
We ventured to the famous city, Istanbul,
Surprised to see the many high-rise buildings there,
And streets so overcrowded with their vehicles;
Large offices and business centers everywhere—
Ladies with fashion boots, purses and western dress;
Big contrast with those living back in country hills.
Such history surrounds this ancient, distant land;
So many varied cultures ruled their sacred world.
Museums filled with artifacts from centuries,
Safeguarded and in view to honor and behold.
This trip shall always hold such special, vivid thoughts
For us to cherish and remember for all time.
Of course, this one-time trip was many years ago;
We're happy we had ventured then instead of now,
For times have changed; such unrest grows within our world.
Sandra M. Haight
~1st Place~
Contest: Memorable Vacations
Sponsor: Shadow Hamilton
Judged: May 8, 2015
Iambic Hexameter
There are no shape walls
to bridle one's emotions
creativity is properly ventilated
unbound by meter or syllable count
embracing nakedness
yanked naked in its virginity
The binding belt of chastity
given over to lyrical lovers
Sleeping quietly in the meadows
a pristine area free of squatters
fighting for their rights
with sonnet-crafted homes
and hamlets defined by literature.
Straying away from the norm
acolytes watch as castles are built,
that worships orderly expression
poetic masterpieces,
safeguarded and preserved at all times
metaphors align into a specific subset
pictures look like works of art,
there is a distinct realm
for those unfit to fly in their confines.
Outside of the norm
is a vast nebulous
growing quill flowers from seeds sown
the power of smell to evoke memories,
which one's brain may elect to ignore
when settling at a location of a specific form
is what one's words must imply.
On this trip, there are no rules,
only that burning desire inside
strive to harass the page,
fire getting into the core
from telling someone a mystery,
till the key bares the chest
where other ideas demand rebirth.
1st Place Contest Winner
Written: August 28, 2022
Free Verse - Old Or New Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Joseph May
5th Place Contest Winner
A BRIAN STRAND PREMIERE CHOICE Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Brian Strand
A dauntless dachshund was my darling dog.
He was charmed to chase the cavorting frog.
He always ran and romped with great agility ,
For sniffing and smelling mice, he had a special ability.
He was rock black in shade and was very bold.
He stayed loyal and lively and never grew old.
His swaddling gait and swiveling move,
Brought much joy. From life, all boredom he did remove.
Safeguarded and shielded our home with a surveilling eye.
Lazily loitered with us under the lulling evening sky.
His sparkling starry eyes shone with joyful delight.
He sought snuggles and cuddles as if they were his right.
Sad, one day, our darling dachshund for ever departed.
Dropping his doggy duties, from us, he silently parted.
The memory of the magical moments he gave, merrily stays.
A faithful friend who gave us funny and festive days!
educated dalit, working in office elite,
his journey from rags to riches,
hardly matters for high caste there,
safeguarded through religious care,
see the dalit with crucifying glare,
wonder how could a dalit dare,
to overcome his sordid tale,
of breaking away his caste jail,
for them its not his education,
but simply unearned reservation,
well, they prefer to stay ignorant,
rather than be observant and agree,
to their sly ancestors religious vagary,
of keeping majority of population,
religiously away from education,
widely making negative propagation,
low caste deserve condemnation,
now in era of globalization,
they provide legal justification,
by granting on paper certain reservation,
but see the anarchy of socialization,
majority of dalit population,
struggling for handful reservation,
while minority ruling population
gets the rest as gratification,
the educated dalit wonder,
there are many like him who thunder,
for the dalit rights to be consider,
and its time to learn from past blunder,
individuals fight and meek surrender,
unless someone like dr. ambedkar,
been true dalit caretaker,
gather the courage again,
to teach the dalits how to gain,
social rights lost in vain,
perceiving false political fame.
...rAHHUL
Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist
Constitute the Sacraments of Christian Initiation
Whose unity must be safeguarded
Accordance with the Lord’s will
It is necessary for salvation
04052014
I have her nineteen fifties' Trifari
fine costume jewelry, which I hold dear,
since my sweet mom bequeathed it all to me;
when worn or touched, I feel her presence near.
The ritzy, sparkling rhinestone matching sets
showcased in satin-lined, faux leather case,
were treasured as high fashion; no regrets
when given as a gift of style and grace.
And too, are pearls embedded in bright gold
with settings of such intricate design.
I love to look at them, to fondle, hold
these precious pieces treasured now as mine.
I wear my mother's gems from time to time
and feel her basking in the lovely glow
that once adorned her beauty in its prime
and graced her loveliness in stylish show.
So I devotedly take tender care
of these Trifari gifts passed on to me;
her treasures shine with special love we share,
safeguarded through her cherished jewelry.
Sandra M. Haight
~1st Place~
Contest: Old Jewelry or Just Old Things
Sponsor: Broken Wings
Judged: 11/06/2016
Since the1920s, Trifari has been one of the most respected and admired producers of costume jewelry in the United States. Founded in the1910s by Gustavo Trifari, the Italian-immigrant son of a Napoli goldsmith, the company has designed jewelry that’s been worn by countless high-profile clients, from Mamie Eisenhower to Madonna. Trifari costume jewelry is highly collectible today.
All hail,
The brave soldier
Who stands firm
Like the fickle shell of a snail
Before the oncoming foot of titans
All hail,
The brave soldier,
A ferocious bee
Who strikes his stinger into the enemy
Comforted by fleeting thoughts of heroism
-a safeguarded hive
Thoughts that flit away in the wind
Like windswept Pollen ambushed by desert
-as the bee falls for the cause
All Hail,
The brave invader
Who fells foe for his country
All hail murderer,
Comforted by a noble cause
Sent out on wings of glory to cut down fanged tigers
Purging threats, safeguarding life
-the hive
All Hail,
Misguided killer
For all tigers are fanged
All people threats
-All people life
All Hail,
The weary soldier
-sacrificial lamb
Joined out of a desperate cause
A squalling infant, a taunting belly
And the weary soldier
Gives his sacrifice to the gods of the Hive
And prays for rain.
trapped,
safeguarded,
each appendage
secured in amber,
some Jurassic specimen
created for your gaze
you regard me
with a quizzical eye,
comb your notes carefully
for collected data
on my anomalies
how to straighten this limb,
shape this abdomen,
bend this thorax
to fashion the perfect
exemplar of your
scientific prowess
no manufactured artifice
will satisfy you
you deftly maneuver
and rearrange,
cut and reassemble,
manipulating your scalpel
and forceps
until you have your prize,
flawless and complete,
but for the glue
leaking from the seams
Ere becoming pets we were wolves
Roaming chainless, hunting hares
Hadn't signed the bond of serfdom yet
Nor had learnt to fawn
Then mortgaged freedom for crumbs
Wore dog collar, the slavery-symbol
To earn accolades, learnt snobbishly
The art of detecting thefts and nabbing crime
But despite our serving him
Man was bent on our dimunitive downfall
He rejoiced to see us as bonsai poodles
And portable pocket pups. Yet he feared
In us one untamed heredity trait
The dormant volcano- the Rabies virus
Eventually that too he conquered inventing
A vaccine. Shrewd indeed shrewd! He inculcated
The virtue of loyalty in us just to
Safeguarded it from becoming extinct
What a glorious sight as you flit about on your gossamer wings!
You visit me each day and, Oh!, what pleasure to me it brings!
Welcome to my humble abode, please make yourself at home,
As you sample sweet nectar from my flowers and visit my garden gnome!
You wintered in sunny Mexico and I envy you for that my dear friend,
While I suffered blizzards in Colorado of which there seemed no end!
'Tis awesome that you flew so many miles to return to your favorite haunt,
Guided by The Master Compass Who safeguarded you during your jaunt.
What a sensation of angelic breath you impart when upon my hand you light!
Thank you for the beauty you add to His Creation for my and others' delight!
Godspeed as you begin your journey south, you've brought me so much cheer,
And I pray that you or one of your offspring will visit me again next year!
your silhouette lingers into a soft verse;
ebony etched ethereal aura engrained on age old canvas-
like a chrysalis your affection encompasses me in comfort
~safeguarded from fear forevermore~
for you shield me from persistent weathered seasons;
defend me against the lassitude of grievances i somehow call
forth when i am finally happy…
hands once ached, now solaced;
tears once shed, now dried-
fear erased like a pencil's mishap,
satchel of passion prevails...dignified
enchanted by epiphanies of alluring nights,
where touch remains intimate;
sheets of satin lining my curves-
eyes catch like the first and you whisper…
“i’m still so madly in love with you”-
you devour me whole - bad seeds and all;
(you always did see my scars as beautiful)
i am left unscathed in your arms
kept safe by love’s renown shield-
you are the magic holding the
heavens up in the sky...
thank God i am FOREVER yours
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Your Best Free Verse From 2019
Date - November 5, 2019
Sponsor - John Hamilton
Grateful to God, the Source of all gifts
My heart praises HIM with worshipful bliss
For innumerable blessings from His heart of love
Indeed perfect, timely, custom-made for me; thus best.
The Lord’s presence* keeps me blest midst gladness-glow
Since my soul He assures with redemption’s security
To vanquish angst brought by condemning guilt
Making last year surely triumphant.
Safeguarded in the Creator's gentle hands
Along His omnipotent truth- guidance against harm
My steps are propelled to tread toward righteousness-paths
Directed well, though allured by glistening ephemeral stardom.
Led through the omniscient wisdom of the Sovereign Master
My mind wins over qualms that uncertainties pose
Since He knows my all including future stature
Even health and well-being He sustains.
With the Saviour’s protective-seal
Conquering attacks of crises-filled strain
My faith is strengthened for prayer fervency
As I abound in gratitude midst stewardship fruitfulness.
Thankful for the Saviour’s light that illumines against doubts
My spirit basks around His forgiveness’ embrace
Resting in serene mercy that settles unbelief
For vibrant sharing of wondrous hope.
Endowed with role-fulfillment privileges
My commitment is empowered by the Lord
To serve by His offered partnership settlement
Conquering temptation, upholding vow of devotion.
In the Almighty’s compassion-fortress, verily shielded
I remain joyously blest among family and friends
While reaching-out for mission pursuits
Extending blessings to multiply.
*Psalm 16:11 - Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
November 23, 2022
5th place, "Best Blessing" Free Verse Poetry Writing Premiere Contest
Sponsored by Regina McIntosh; judged on 11/30/2022.
Biblical animal of excellence
Exemplifying meekness’ verity
The sheep champions benevolence-sweetness
Epitomized by Christ, “the Lamb of God*.”
Testifying about the good Shepherd**
Who leads toward abundant green pastures
Ushering near refreshing clear waters
The sheep*** is kept in His compassion’s care.
Midst confusion and distraction distress
The sheep, discerning well the Shepherd’s voice
Indeed follows, takes heed obediently
Safeguarded inside sheepfold’s warm haven.
Contributing much to the society
Sheep provides products like meat, dairy, wool
Granting great economic benefits
Along science and medicine support.
The sheep is wondrous creature, a precious gift
Functional; though once was sacrificial
My fave animal: to others, blessing
staying close to the Shepherd; such I yearn.
*John 1:36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
**Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
***John10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
December 12, 2019
3rd place, "STRAND SELECT 8 ,any form ,any theme" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Brian Strand; judged on 1/10/2020.
Into what wisp of cloud or clod did my poem flee?
Into what minuscular pinch of diaphanous, free-floating empyreal, stratospheric air did my figurative furled parchment disappear?
Where are those poignant yet comic, yet weird and allusive and furtive and outrageous and oddly touching and haunting and charming and outlandish and wonderfully lame words that I wrote?
Why did I not, as I wilt with this, assay to make some few or sundry copies of them?
Why did not my cursor flick and flit over them, and my highlighter underscore and envelop them in its oddly circumvallatory way?
Why did I not behave upon these things, to actuate them, to do my bidding-
The only way I might have safeguarded and given due survival to these, my "children"? Children of an oddly misshapen, half-formed sort, but lovable all the same: Loved with the authorial yet kindly and parental love of the writer,
The poet, the author...
They are missing, they are gone-and who but I, in my callow, thoughtless reckless irresponsibility; who but I mourns them?
I, who unwittingly made their death happen?
(Yet, 'twasn't another, other than me, another agency, also blameworthy and complicit in these "deaths" and disappearances? In these inverse deletions and erasures? Wasn't some draconian governing body passing equally draconian and abstruse, unknown and unknowable, laws...were they not also to blame?
Where is the justice and the mercy and the forgiveness and the pity for the ignorant? For, in this case, myself? I, who almost was a victim, myself?)