Best Scragg Poems
"I wandered lonely as a cloud." William Wordsworth
I wandered lonely as a boat
a shallow dingy left behind,
alone in marsh of reeds remote
my paint now faint so unrefined,
my only hope the next high tide
on brackish water then I’ll ride,
in aimless drift left up to fate
the wind and wave upon the bay
on rhythmic swells, I’ll grow sedate
with naught to see through mists of gray…
on ripples pale so soft so free
my destination out to sea;
that distant place where lay the sun
across the sunset waters west,
the ambiance of cirrus spun
to brush with colors every crest
where I can bathe in shades so bold
of melting solar marigold.
Yet — let go I must of wishful dreams!
My lifeline dispossessed I strayed
and followed streams with other schemes —
now lofty tide cannot be swayed,
a rustic wreck in reeds reposed
their wind-song whispers I’m imposed.
There’s no escape their soldiers’ lance,
the blades of green so tall and crisp,
with waves they undulate in dance
and breezes ruffle tassels’ wisp,
though swans find beauty mid the reeds
—a wistful coward’s bitter weeds.
Susan Ashley
January 14, 2023
~ Second Place ~
Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 25
Sponsor: Mark Toney
~ Poem Of The day ~
January 16, 2023
Poet’s note: this poem was inspired by, but not written for, the contest: “I Wandered Lonely As… Challenge”, sponsored by Natasha Scragg and judged on September 24, 2022. Thank you, Natasha, for the beautiful William Wordsworth quote and for the poetic inspiration.
Photo: gettyimages; Jay Fleming
Inspired by "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," by William Wordsworth
I wandered lonely as a leaf that falls,
unmourned, to the distant ground
I paused when I heard a far bird's calls
Magic I'd missed looking down--
royal Autumn leaves danced in gold and red.
This must be where my lonely heart has led.
Opened my eyes to this spellbound place,
and breathed air perfumed by pine.
Then sat near blossom with smiling face,
feeling thoughts and heart align.
I watched grass spinning beneath a tall oak;
heard whispered promises breeze softly spoke.
Head full of dreams, I wandered along
paths worn by many steps before.
Mountain larks welcomed me with a song,
I spied lilacs, bluebells, and more.
Around each corner, surprises await.
I feel my loneliness start to abate.
I happen upon a wayward creek,
sit and watch her bouncing spray,
Bubbling with laughter, just what I seek--
hidden by an oak overlay.
Untethered nature met unquiet heart.
Now I burst with song; can't tell us apart!
September 18,2022
for "I Wandered Lonely As A..." contest
by Natasha L. Scragg
Third Place
Poem of the Week
With a fresh cup of coffee, I stepped outside to have a peek.
It was another peaceful morning, in the valley around Soup Creek.
I caught the glint of a Winchester, a model ninety-four.
It was across the lap of Jenna, just outside the saloon door.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Jan sneaking to the loo.
I could hear her spurs were jingling as she went to take a poo.
In the saloon I heard some laughter, it was Milt just having fun.
At a table dealing stud, a gamblers game is never done.
At the other end of the street, there stood Tania with watchful eyes.
With a pistol on each hip, she was ready for any surprise.
Down by the livery stable was a Texas ranger by the name of Dave.
He was looking for our mayor, who he thought was digging a grave.
There was a rumor of riders coming, and the Creek might be in a bind.
He searched both high and low, but sir Tom he could not find.
Ten miles south of town, with graves dug all around.
Tom had stopped these riders and saved our hallowed ground.
Start Sleuthing Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Natasha L Scragg
8/21/22
"I wandered lonely as a cloud"
William Wordsworth.
I wandered lonely as a wave.
slowly, upon the ocean's tide.
O'er depths of a watery grave
alone, in current's wake I ride.
Always moving, I cannot stop
I rise and fall then curl and drop.
I've ebbed and flowed on foreign shores.
Splashed on boats with their sails unfurled.
From tropic isles to the Azores,
welcomed surfers around the world
and tried my best to settle down
in the port city of Cape Town.
My wandering days will not end.
I'm diluted from time to time,
still a wave but with a new blend
depending on the ocean's clime.
I like lapping on a sandy beach,
keeping just out of human reach.
Dolphins swim within my deep swells,
but I don't belong to their pod
and I cannot befriend seashells,
halibut, squid, lobster or cod.
I'm destined to wander and roam.
It's quite lonely without a home.
September 20, 2022
I Wandered Lonely As... Challenge Contest
Sponsored by Natasha L Scragg
I love pink rose flowers Kept safe by thorns on the flowers Big smiling sunflowers Wide face opening up to the red sun, flowers Ruffled white carnation flowers petticoats worn beneath the flowers Many colors of lily flowers Their cups make the perfect rain catching flowers Beautiful purple lilac flowers Each bud comes to make it's own flowers Daffodils known as buttercup flowers Beautiful little yellow spring flowers Big or small orchid flowers The smell from one fills the room like a bouquet of flowers The yard is filled with dandelion flowers Make a tea-make a salad flowers Yellow or white petals from daisy flowers He loves me-he loves me not flowers
Date Written: 8/6/2021
8/8/2021 Poem of the Day Winner "Beautiful Flowers"
"And"
2 Place
9/1/2021 The Marmite Poem Contest Judged: 9/1/2021
Sponsored by: Natasha L Scragg
"I wandered lonely as a cloud"--- By William Wordsworth
I wandered lonely as a tramp,
Far, far away from all human habitats
Away from all prying eyes
Following the bent
Of my vagrant inclination;
Into Nature’s sylvan pockets
To places studded with trees
To the tranquil bosom of the woods
Onto the heights of bald headed hills
Where shrubs struggle to strike root
From the cleft of rocks and ledges
Where in hollows, wild bushes grow in clusters
To watch the shreds of hovering mist
To gaze upon piles of sailing clouds
To shout loud and whistle long
And to listen to the hills
Mimicking my own sound
There I will hop and jump,
Like a sprightly forest fawn,
As I don’t fear
Either the silently gliding streams,
Or the clump of swaying trees,
The host of wild flowers,
Or the monstrous mossy rocks,
Either the birds or the beasts
Never will they watch my cranky pranks
And call me a loony
As here my own men might do!
September 19, 2022
Written for the contest, I Wandered Lonely As _ Challenge
Sponsor, Natasha L Scragg
Judged on 9/24/2022
"I wandered lonely as a cloud."
Quote by _ William Wordsworth
Wish I was a butterfly free
to just float and glide on breezes,
and each day I had bliss and glee:
just going where my soul pleases,
I would glide- a beauty lonely;
dreaming of bright flowers only.
Lonely . . . can be a lovely thing
finding how to renew my soul,
as I flutter- and on blooms cling:
always on sweet nectar patrol,
so, my days are solitary;
as I drift alone and airy.
__________________
September 19, 2022
Poetry/Rhyme/I Wandered Lonely As a Butterfly
Copyright Protected, ID-09-1489-208-19
All Rights Reserved, 2022, Constance La France
Written for the Premiere contest, I Wandered Lonely As _ Challenge
sponsor, Natasha L Scragg, Judged 09/24/2022
Sixth Place
Gifts of stuffed toys make my special child
delight vibrantly in freedom bliss
as he cuddles them joyously
to create magical time of beautiful wonders
transforming his bed into marvelous haven.
Awesome bonding moments
grasp him around fellowship with his friends:
soft monkey, furry ape, smooth dog,
huggable bear, silky dinosaur
bringing sheer laughter of amazement-joy.
With sign language and gestures of care
he attends to them in his relaxation time
midst roll-call they understand
as he lines them up in his organized manner
expecting for their presence.
In his mirth-filled grin
he picks them up one by one
conscious of their responses
heartfully warming him therapeutically
never defying his touches and embraces.
As he prays and gives thanks to God
my special child asks blessings for his stuffed toys
midst utterances they all comprehend
expressing his affection toward them
like how his Mom loves him so dearly.
Before he drifts to sleep
he covers them with his own blanket
assuring their safety around his protection
while he allows my hands to extend toward them
since for him, "we are a family."
Yes, his stuffed toys understand his quirks
as they play with him with their flexible compliance
keeping him company of significant worth
enabling his individuality to exude compassion-manners
while enhancing his kindness-deeds.
More than soft toys, they are my special boy's treasures...
...gifts from people who love him --- whom he values likewise
as both recipients and benefactors of care, comfort, and cheer
... since they exemplify God's grace, goodness and generosity
while radiating hope, peace, and triumph for their functionality
though, of course, they can never and must not be....
... substitutes for a loving home.*
*Psalm 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.
September 16, 2025
1st place, "More Than A Soft Toy" Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Natasha L Scragg; judged on 9/26/2025.
10th place, "2025 Poetry Marathon Mile 20" Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Mark Toney; judged on 10/8/2025
***
In this humble little purse.
Contains God's word and holy verse.
It is more precious than silver or gold.
It is the food to feed your soul.
So, if you're in need of a word from the Lord.
Just open this up and find your reward.
~ The Holy Bible ~
On May 3, 1999, I wrote this verse.
This was the first poem I ever wrote.
My Bible case now has it printed on it.
(The cover of my Bible is seen above.)
The Throwback Challenge Poetry Contest
Hosted by Natasha L Scragg
~~ 2nd ~~
Written: September 08, 2023
Sunsets Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Natasha L Scragg
_____________________________________________________________
In September golden day, so glorious and beamy,
As twilight stains the sky, a cynosure so dreamy.
Dusk abides, effulgent hues ignite the land,
And felicity abounds as we bask in daylight's sleek hand.
Penumbra kisses the horizon, casting a mellifluous spell,
Fugacious twinkles, as erstwhile avian dwell.
A demesne of pastures, comely and calm,
Where halcyon trees sway to the riparian psalm.
Harbingers of sunset, sunburnt and diaphanous,
Serenade the land with their soothing lullaby chorus.
Vesper whispers skid, such an elixir so tall,
Glamour and silence embrace, as the trees do enthrall.
In this bucolic scene, dulcet and radiant,
The purple hues paint a landscape so vibrant.
Slumber approaches, as the red heat fades
Epiphany dawns, a dramatic parade.
The horizon ablaze with refulgent light,
Lurid flames of passion, inflamed and bright.
Beaming through the breeze, the sundown delight,
A spectacular event, incandescence ignites the night.
As the gloaming swings to night, a symphony unfolds,
A dance of shades and emotions, stories yet untold.
In the afterglow, the world retreats,
To a striking melody, where each note meets.
Splendiferous sunset, resplendent and grand,
The nighttime sky bestirs, a resounding band.
Evenfall descends, with its dark flame,
A splendid display, a sight to acclaim.
The striking hues, such a painting divine,
Illuminate the darkness, with a radiant shine.
The nighttime sky, a tapestry of wonder and delight,
A symphony of colors, painting the night.
The evenfall whispers a tale so sweet,
As the moon rises, the night's heartbeat.
A symphony of silence, embraced by the dark,
A peaceful retreat, where dreams embark.
Upon the ground
(To be sung to the tune of “As Time Goes By” from the movie “Casablanca”)
In this October mist
I know you must insist
The leaves will fall around
In colors right before your eyes
Upon the ground
The temperature will chill
These sunny days so still
A pumpkin patch you will be found
They grow along a vine of green
Upon the ground
Pine cones and scarecrows
Wreathes upon the gate
Warm sugar cookies
Resting on a plate
Scarves plaid and woolen, oh we cannot wait
For autumn’s wondrous sound
The gardens now are bare
Though still a smile we share
This season always does astound
Our footprints as we walk we leave
Upon the ground
For the: Change the Record Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Natasha L. Scragg
My three-year-old put his hand on his chin
like he was mulling over something troubling
I said, "Son, look at this place; what a mess!"
“But, Papa,” he moaned, “I pway wifh these!”
His room was cluttered from wall to wall--
books and crayons, even an old football,
an old sippy cup, its contents long dried up,
cars, trucks strewn about from a huge pileup,
game pieces and his Christmas roller skates,
and things I’d long forgotten he even owned.
“Straighten it up, now!” I commanded.
He began to pout. “It’s myyyy wooom, Papa.”
Stifling a tear of my own, I nodded, agreeing,
“But YOUR room is in MY house,” I explained.
When I stepped out and closed the door,
I heard stuff being tossed hither and yon,
So, I stood there for a good long while, and,
this is what I heard: “Otay, I queen up my woom,
but next year for Quissmas....” then, loudly,
“I WANT A HOUSE OF MY OWN, OTAY!”
Loud enough for him to hear, I replied,
“SO, WHEN NEXT CHRISTMAS COMES, SON,
I’LL SEE WHAT I CAN DO!”
Submitted to "2022 Marathon Mile No. 12" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Mark Toney
August 12, 2022
FIRST PLACE WINNER
Submitted to "'Funny Memories'" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Natasha L Scragg
January 16, 2022
Written 3/24/2021 (edited slightly 3/27/2021)
Submitted to: "Look At This Place!" Contest
Sponsored by Matt Caliri
BRONZE WINNER
"Anything Children" Contest - All Poetry
September 3, 2021
Age six- I remember outside
I saw something great I could ride
We just had moved in
Can still feel my grin
When this big surprise I had eyed!
Beside the barn building it stood
I knew that my future looked good
Considered the fun
How fast it would run
And take me 'round my neighborhood!
Intentions to race down the lane
Were greater than I could explain
Asked daddy of course
Could I ride that horse
He laughed and said that's a Great Dane!
March 2, 2018
~1st Place~
Contest: Funny Memories Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Natasha L Scragg
Judged: 01/28/2022
~1st Place~
Contest: All Yours (Jun 19)
Sponsor: Brian Strand
Judged: o6/20/2021
~6th Place~
Contest: Eight-Word Challenge
Sponsor: Robert Haigh
Judged: 03/18/2018
Required words used in order of appearance:
remember outside building future
consider intentions greater horse
(This really happened! It was about 150' from our house,
a solid dark tan, and it was huge!)
9-21-22
Contest: I Wandered Lonely as a…Challenge
Sponsor: Natasha Scragg
11-4-22
Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 19
Sponsor: Mark Toney
"I wandered lonely as cloud." Daffodil by William Wordsworth
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I Wandered Lonely as a Teardrop
I wandered lonely as a teardrop
In a sea of sand,
A tempest in one glistening drop,
Ruthless riptides of demands
Rush through a narrow neck of outlet
Turned upside down in midnight vignettes.
Cold specks of numb and ancient stone
Deaf to remorse of a single sigh
Tumble past my burn scar so alone
That weeps with solitude's clouded eye
No time to stop for struggling strangers
To get involved - a diffident danger.
A writhing sea of rushing crowds
Parts around my stifled sob
Roaring indifference shouted out loud
Guarded pain in my teardrop throbs
The shape of quivering unheard laments
Empathy drown and mercy absent.
My colorless grief weeps without end
In oceans like a shipwrecked nomad
Blocked from the warm fount of a friend
Heartbroken by a lost comrade
One teardrop cries to understand
The maddened surge in a sea of sand.
Good morning, Mr. Elmer Fudd
Can you tell me, do you still have your habit
Of telling Bugs to say his pwayers?
When you're hunting for...that silwy wabbit
Hewwo sir, yes...but be vewy vewy quiet
I'm wooking for some wabbit twacks...
And I'm wooking for that qwacky Donald Duck
So, wisten for his qwacky qwacks
Hey Elmer, can you tell me a dirty joke...
And do you know a joke that's funny?
And do you know a dirty joke...
That's about your friend Bugs Bunny
Yes, sir- A silwy wabbit fell in the mud
He was fwilthy all about
Then, another silwy wabbit fell in the mud
But, oh my, thwee silwy wabbits...came out
(From the Bugs Bunny Cartoon Show)
A Conversation with a Fictional Character Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Natasha L Scragg
2/4/2022