Best Sauntering Poems
What flowers do we most cherish?
Ones with such aroma they consume our senses,
as sweet purfumed, honeysuckle clad fences,
or those of brilliant hues springing boldly from the ground,
holding our eyes captive, as do pictures in clouds?
Which clouds do we most welcome?
Dreamy, soft ones of contrasting white,
sauntering seductively across baby blue skies,
or those billowing dark, mocking tidal waves at sea,
pouring life sustaining liquid to desert Joshua trees?
What trees are we most thankful for?
Bearers of fruit, so succulent and sweet;
releasing bundles of manna right at our feet,
or those with strong arms stretched over the dust,
lending cool somber shade; a resting haven for us?
Whish of us is the most beautiful?
Ones with perfect features to gaze upon,
as earthly angels dancing round kings thrones,
or those who cherish friends, and have learned life's lessons;
welcomed opportunities to give, and been thankful for blessings?
Categories:
sauntering, appreciation, beauty, thanks,
Form:
Verse
Sunless days under artic charred skies
frozen rain pelting, making me cry
harsh north winds, chill to the bone
why do I even call this place home?
Dreams of paradise have begun
Endless sunsets over clear cobalt seas
Pure white sands blanketing a quiescent cove
as a warm zephyr floats across my bronzing tan
and then I see her
that smooth Mediterranean toned skin
sauntering slowly through the gentle tide
playful splashes glimmering off her sun kissed lips
her dark sunglasses and colourful hat attempting to hide her beauty
but I know
I can see it in her graceful gait
in her sensuous sway
the way she lightly kicks the water
and definitely in her smile
oh how she flashed it my way
when she saw my stare
when I walked up
and she flipped that hair
an angel rising from the sea
my missing olive tree
I knew
I knew she was for me
we walked the beach and talked
she took my hand
my heart went a flutter
as our lovelorn lips locked
I was home
Categories:
sauntering, love, paradise,
Form:
Free verse
Angelica
curiously peering over a cloud
Angelica stepped a bit too far
wings fluttered and disappeared
stolen by jealous demons below
angel flying too close to the ground
leaving the harmony of heaven
sensing a need to save a ravaged planet
landing gracefully on soft soil
Angelica hears the bulldozers
weapons of environmental destruction
sauntering through Earth’s rainforests
curiosity beckons as water reflects her image
her lost wings still reflect in the pond
seen as ripples from her pink, silk gown
orchid floral tiara crowns her long auburn hair
even water lilies envy her beauty
captivated by this pool lit with filtered sun
immersed in an image of herself
in God’s light all angels appear the same
bright beams to welcome new souls
fly again she will
bubbles of hope spring forth
Earthbound for but a brief time
cherished cherub sent as nature’s guardian
halo of comfort surrounds
Angelica leans forth to feel the coolness
sparkling water caresses warm lips
her kiss renews Earth’s freshness
other angels transparent in sunlight
bestow a new set of wings
mission accomplished, they escort her home
once again she revels in heaven’s light
For the “Reflection” contest, sponsored by Constance La France ~ a Rambling Poet ~
By Carolyn Devonshire
Categories:
sauntering, faith, hope, naturewater, water,
Form:
Free verse
With shining eyes, the prettiest
advances leading all the rest.
She skips with glee beneath blue skies,
the prettiest with shining eyes.
The second, with a warming smile,
comes dressed in lace, and all the while
she lithely romps beneath the sun
with warming smile, the second one.
And woebegone, the daughter third,
walks, scowling, speaking not a word.
She trudges slowly on and on -
the daughter third and woebegone.
Now comes along a steadfast son
whose sauntering seems never done.
He perseveres though winds be strong.
A steadfast son now comes along.
The second boy along the trail
has charity, which does not fail.
He renders aid and brings sweet joy
along the trail, the second boy.
Another son, now onward pressed,
endures although fatigued and stressed.
He's labored much and cannot run,
now onward pressed, another son.
At course's end, a daughter fair
who rests - lets down her golden hair.
Most cheerful, tender, gracious friend,
the daughter at the course's end.
Inspired by the nursery rhyme "Monday's Child"
Categories:
sauntering, children, daughter, time,
Form:
Personification
My strides left shallow imprints 'pon a sandy shore
Gulls cried out in alarm and swarmed cornflower skies
My thoughts turned to Avalon of King Arthur's lore
while dawn broke as an amber yoke in morn's sunrise
I shielded my eyes from the sea's shimmering waves
sauntering restlessly with a sorrowful soul
mourning my aggrieved heart, a heart that love enslaves
My grief spills in the shallows of this rocky shoal
Salty breeze, please chase away my tears of despair
Tell me how to heal or in anguish I shall die
Wounded by pillaged love, my emotions laid bare
I walk this shore, begging my ache to mollify
My footprints 'pon the sand and hope submerged in doubt
I plead for a flood of faith to end passion's drought
October 1, 2022
2022 Marathon Mile 15
Sponsored by Mark Toney
Categories:
sauntering, lost love,
Form:
Sonnet
Snowflakes adorn blurry morn, gently, gently trickling down
As salted streets are turning brown across this weary town
While tilting trees blow wheeze of breeze in throe of snow
In aerial dance of wintry woe, as tips of twigs sun rays glow.
Driving slowly, traffic is moving, blinkers brightly turning on
As somber day, bearing yawn, is awakening bleak and drawn
When kids thrilled, frolic and build, a snowman on their lawn
Celebrating school closings on this messy, dampened dawn.
Peering scenes tinted gold, hushed romantic gazes behold
Fixating on meadows bold, where pristine paintings unfold
Delighting in the glowing blaze that brightens daze of malaise
Appealing to zeal of morning, blushing haze in emergent rays.
A deer ambles besides her fawn, exiting her quiet hideout
Curious to scout how leisurely strollers are sauntering about,
Ruminating sunshine while darkened clouds are phasing out
As bluing skies, sparkle eyes, illuminating zest of astral clout.
Beyond foothills, tall cliffs sigh, scintillating in sapphire sky
When far from here, climbing up high, cerulean motifs vie
As cobalt imprints horizons amplify, where birds merrily fly
Announcing to the receding storm: it’s time to say goodbye.
When daylight quivers on melting mound of thawing ground
Amidst whispers swirling around, muffled wind’s hissing sound;
Golden glints thrill, glistening hill, tinting the landscapes blue
Refracting puddles in ornate view of glinted beams’ opal hue.
November 16, 2020
Poem of the day on November 18, 2020
Placed 1st: In rhymes sublime poetry contest--by Joseph May
Categories:
sauntering, morning, nature, snow,
Form:
Rhyme
alone now
I roam through memories
recalling treasures of the past
journeying back to seaside treks with my husband
riding to the city to see Broadway shows
reliving nights of romance
even visiting John’s grave
in the best of times
memories carry me to ocean jetties
where vows of love were exchanged
as waves lapped gently against rocks
if only we could feel these sensations again
family outings at the beach
building sandcastles
burying Dad’s feet in sand
sauntering along the festive boardwalk
hiking through woodlands with friends who have passed
wanting to hug them again
feeling the weight of concrete
preventing my spirit from moving on
as I reach out to heaven
seeking a sign
praying for guidance
hoping past joy will be restored
confined by sadness
I roam through memories
alone now
For Drake’s “I Roam” contest
4/23/11
Categories:
sauntering, introspection, nostalgia
Form:
Free verse
An angel, he appeared one afternoon -
amazing, amorous, and alluring.
Beguiling her with beautiful ballads,
how splendidly he bewitched her!
Long languorous summer days they lazed
in a field of daffodils
as she lay blissfully in his brawny bronzed arms
looking lovingly into his eyes -
those baby blues with long lush lashes.
Seventeen were they. Their first love it was -
a lovely flirtatious and fabulous first love.
Suddenly, it all just stopped.
Sent away to serve in war,
her sweetheart sadly disappeared with barely a Sayonara.
Several seasons swept away
like brown leaves in September’s breezes.
Studying at school, sometimes she recalled
with longing - the love of her young life
and the boyish glee in his bright blue long-lashed eyes.
Unbeknownst to her, her lost boyfriend
was back from his lonesome barracks
and the bloody battlefields of an awful World War.
Back was he, though limping from a bullet to his leg
and looking for the love of HIS young life.
Seventy-seven years later,
see them sauntering together
in a field of daffodils
situated by a house he built for her -
two lone centenarians
with grown twin sons and seven grand-kids.
Their lasting love was lost but only for a blink
of their long lifetime -
a lifetime of lovely marital bliss
that envelopes them still with bountiful blessings.
March 31, 2022
for My Lost And Found Love Poetry Contest
Sponsor: JCB Brul
Categories:
sauntering, love,
Form:
Alliteration
Gandhi
What principle stimulated or stirred this Guy
Which Doctrine or what Teaching did he buy?
Sauntering on sandals and wrapt on his robe
Miles that he treaded traversed entire Globe.
He taught of pure Love- Peace did he teach
Violence did he spurn- Tolerance did he preach.
Vision in his keen Eyes, wouldn’t we enact
Pain or Punishment which couldn’t detract?
Thin, sturdy legs of Master of tireless trudges
Preacher of Peace who was averse to grudges;
Of all his strengths; non surpassed his Heart
Which Wickedness had reasons to thwart!
Pivot of all Races, and a hub to every Creed-
Afford Tree he planted to bear Fruit and Seed!
***For those who hold as sacrosanct Teachings of this Great Teacher, Leader, Lawyer & Philosopher in his immortalised quest for Non-violence and Tolerance in Politics & Religion and to those who are prepared to die for it!
JM
12th Nov’ 2013
Categories:
sauntering,
Form:
Couplet
~
A broken torpedo got wedged in my eye,
making me squint out some tea
Laughed at a submarine sauntering by,
hoagies afloat on the sea
Gathering minnows from dams ‘bout to break,
opening flood gates again
Stood midst a puddle dressed up like a lake,
watching a red herring trend
Drove to the village where parrots can sing,
lyrics in cracker crumb chords
Clarinet solos encrusted with bling,
blended with Chevys or Fords
Fell off the wagon as drunk as a dog,
staggering, swaggering tail
Some call it beer but to me it’s called grog,
others will shout out, “it’s ale”
Snuck through the door where the hairdresser sleeps,
fondled her comb and her brush
Searched for the broom that her half-sister keeps,
swept but there wasn’t a rush
Gather your hopes in a jar on the sill,
pay past-due taxes on time
Ignore this verse, it is meant as a fill,
another stanza of rhyme
So here we have it, whatever you find,
words I decided to write
Merely a world that exists in my mind,
keeping me up late at night
Hoping for meanings as words start to dance,
all to a random request
Not even this has the faintest of chance,
I think it’s time for a rest
~
Categories:
sauntering, fun,
Form:
Rhyme
Walking slow on a forest path
Gentles the soul with still repose
Beneath shadows of the sun’s wrath
Breathing wonders beyond meadows
Destined to silence, so pleasing
Erasing the dark with dawn’s dew
Kissing away the doubt, easing
Sorrows and worries, fetching new
Mercies each morning, heart dances
Birds sing in harmony, enjoy
Their chorus of nature's glances
Troubles fade as trees nod with joy
Sauntering along with the breeze
Sunrays pouring into the core
As day breaks, woody smells do please
Empowering musings galore.
First two stanzas by Regina and Second two stanzas by Joanna Daniel
Collaborate With Me Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Joanna Daniel
Theme: Nature
Syllable Count: 8 syllables
Rhyme scheme: abab
March 24, 2023
Categories:
sauntering, appreciation, beautiful, blessing, inspiration,
Form:
Rhyme
Listen to the billowing wind
The cool oak tree’s shadow
Renew while sauntering in
And gaze about the meadow
Watch the daisies dancing
Birds and bees romancing
Radiant sun enhancing
Beauty about the meadow
Oh how it warms your heart
Soothing and healing you start
Pondering that you are a part
Of the bliss about the meadow
Jumping, skipping, frolicking free
Laughing and rejoicing that you see
That soon you are about to be
Wandering about the meadow
Suddenly dark clouds appear
Rumbling thunder and lightning you hear
Startling you as rain draws near
Trouble about the meadow
Off to the barn you run and hide
It’s cold, damp and musty inside
Patiently there you wait beside
The storm about the meadow
An hour later the rain stopped
You wonder, has the storm dropped?
You opened the door and out it popped
The sun about the meadow
Oh, lovely and fresh the smell
The ambience makes your heart swell
Capturing your heart that’s dying to tell
Your adventure about the meadow
Categories:
sauntering, nature,
Form:
Rhyme
Yup, here they come
hippies, yuppies, kiddies and Millenials, generation X on the run
they gather at the restaurants and malls
ten or twelve six feet apart walk along the walls
casually strolling pass the limited entry stores
no longer able to stay at home, so tired and so bored.
There's Old Joe and John, laughing as they wave their hands
to Sue and Lynn, Morgan and Zoe in the corner stand
masks upon their face, sauntering with grace
hoping to find a sale within this space,
but security is riding on their segway racers
courting those who appear displacers.
There are no flash mobs here
all the people hold back their fears
these once avid partygoers
are now streamlined floaters
longing, aching, wishful thinking of party times
when they all danced and drank alcoholic wines.
Categories:
sauntering, absence, today,
Form:
Rhyme
it is was on my morning stroll
i first noticed that common
white house dress, pearl buttons
busy in her garden
sauntering on, a most common sight
on subsequent passings
my evaluations were she was
not of any particular beauty
yet, there was a numen
behind that simple picket fence
one that many times held me
in a strange fascination
her beauty was in a simplicity
that left my inductive mind
in a madhouse to understand
so, i began, to steal my moments
with her as an opportunity provided
lost in the study of some neighbor's oak
i became the ornithologist
i was to take on many rolls
no avenue was to be denied
later i was to realize
it was the grasp of that numen
as Odysseus sirens
i was born to succumb
this ship would not pass in the night
in the red sunset, a harbor found
Benedick is ready to surrender
and so my wish within did find a line
to be man enough to balance a motorcycle
and wear the dress of Emily
a metaphor for abandoning the leather vest
but if we must deal with the truth
give freedom to dreams
indeed i would forsake all the world
could bestow on me, wealth, honor
as with each line i dwell with her
to turn back all of time
and be the man that won the heart
of Emily Dickinson
OKC 5/22
Categories:
sauntering, devotion, fantasy,
Form:
Romanticism
Slow drawn, steeping tea bags, in an etched glass pitcher,
Lazily infuse its Oriental musk into the sun warmed brew.
My ice crackles along with the thunder over the great Mississippi
As the ewers’ spout releases the torrents of Southern comfort
Into the tall, foggy, frost laden glass; I await my fill.
A frigid sip chafes my lips and briefly deadens my longing,
Only momentarily, as the turgid air, again, envelops my throat.
The chills grip my spine, even in this oppressive heat.
Sauntering droplets roam slowly down my bare skinned back
And puddle where my hips widen at the curve of my waist.
Hope is lost for those of us who float through purgatory.
The weight of two centuries of sorrow hangs heavily on our skin.
The burden is at its worst to bear just before autumn,
When slave ships broken by storms washed up on the river.
Airlessness provides no clemency for those gasping for pardon.
Sorrow lies heavily in the lungs of the poor souls of August.
Heat, fetid and damp, feverishly enables man’s basest passion,
To be disguised as music, that wails from the saloons in the Quarter.
Deep, boiling, fermented tales of sorrow are turned into song,
Melodic tales spun of sorcery, savagery blue and untethered souls,
Forged metals and the scat of primitive voices, break the fugue.
Echoes of blasphemy wrought suffocating havoc and destruction,
As hot jazz blows cool through the streets of the Ninth Ward.
Categories:
sauntering, introspection, music, places,
Form:
Free verse