Best Shivered Poems
Out of the burrows and hedges and dreys
Heads began bobbing and eyes were agaze.
Rumours were twittered and grunted and squealed:
‘The combine is coming to harvest the field!’
The moles and the voles and the rabbits and hares
All hurried and scurried and scattered in pairs.
The hedgehogs and ladybirds, pheasants and shrews
Did all that they could to distribute the news.
Then all made a dash for old wise badger’s sett;
The only safe refuge in face of the threat.
There, in the deep hollow they felt the vibration
They shivered and shuddered in great trepidation.
The thrumming and thundering monster machine
Soon passed overhead... and then all was serene.
And out of the hollow came heads, tails and paws
Another day safe from the harvester’s jaws!
Most recently entered into 'Your Best Rhyme Poem That Is Trophy Worthy Contest 3 Poetry Contest' sponsored by Tania Kitchin - 05.10.19
I chose this poem because not only is it one of my personal favourites, but to this day, I've no idea where all these little creatures came from! Written early on in my poetic endeavours, it made me appreciate fully the amazing powers of the imagination!
'A rattling rhyme contest' sponsored by Nina Parmenter
12/08/18
04/12/18
'I cannot believe I wrote that Poetry contest' : sponsored by Nina Parmenter
Your Choice,Any Form,Any Theme Poetry Contest : sponsored by Brian Strand
Categories:
shivered, angst, animal, fear, freedom,
Form:
Rhyme
I must have encountered her on a hill,
Where scatterings of ferns deepened
Through insolent winds that shivered
While watching her carry a basket of daisies…
She is Loveliness, forlorn in a drowsy pathway,
More forlorn than languid endings
Or all that death can ever reach.
By trying to alienate myself from this image
A weariness brushed on a Dresden face so pale
That the luster in her eyes became stardust ,
While I designed a self-tumbling act as a ploy
To gaze at her closer , oh one divine mystery.
Just there, etches of beauty flatter her hair,
Like a dream capricious as twilight leaving
And in her almond eyes, the moon-flakes glimmer
How by chance, this silhouette found me breathless,
That I did gravitate through her bloom, weakening--
She, an air between death and forever… Loveliness on a hill.
'2019 Poetry Marathon Mile 5' Contest for Mark Toney
Re-submitted 12/18/2018
Categories:
shivered, beauty, mystery,
Form:
Free verse
As we rode through a fog, my father and I,
the car we were in, seemed to know its way home
Hands on the wheel, without eyes on the road
We were numb from the cold. No words left to say ....
We had prayed through the night in a hospital haze,
clinging to a hope, that had slipped far away
Until the end of the world came upon the new day
Arriving home in the car, unable to talk,
our hopes and our tears had nowhere to land.
If just one would escape, where would it go?
No shoulder, ...no dam. How would they stop?...
My Dad was in shock, as he stood by the gate,
a glaze in his eyes, ......and a million years old
My feet froze in place, and knees shivered cold
but as the sun rose, I reached out to hold
his hand in the dawn, and took the control
I took him inside, and with deliberate intrusion
I fed him some soup, and put him to bed
He was the child, and I the adult
Day after day, somehow by default
our roles were reversed, ...and I became strong
My childhood had ended,.....and his had begun
_______________________________________________________
Categories:
shivered, childhood, dad, death, family,
Form:
Narrative
Once, side by side, they walked the moonlit beach
in silence- each alone and incomplete
in disjoined worlds- linked only by the reach
of tiny, lapping waves upon their feet.
As silver beams of moonlight iced the ground
and blotted out the heat of sandy gold,
their warmth of humanness was hidden- bound
beneath blind souls that shivered in the cold.
Yet, on the sand, their shadows danced along-
a silhouetted couple synchronized
in motion- forms united clear and strong
against the blankness which the moon devised.
Dark shadow puppets sparked romantic light-
gave living souls new vision in their night.
December 18, 2014
Shadow Puppets
~8th Place~
Premiere Contest: Silhouette
Sponsor: Craig Cornish
Judged: 09/16/2017
Shadow Puppets
~7th Place~
Premiere Contest: Mid-June
Sponsor: Brian Strand
Judged: 06/15/2017
Categories:
shivered, beach, inspiration, love, moon,
Form:
Sonnet
I sat quietly and waited, making the noises he had come to know, calling him in his newly given name. His face would appear, cautiously calculating my intent, he would approach. The promise of food and gentle touch too much to deny. And so we did the “Little Prince’s” taming dance, each aware of the other and the possibility of betrayal.
cold eyes, empty heart
frost forming on life’s edges
winter’s numbing kiss
Our meetings continued, less cautious greetings, more welcome contact, minimal conversation. His coat was becoming more ragged in spite of attempts to keep it up, his gait slowing as our good-byes became short walks together. He could not leave his place, his home, even though it had left him – alone, to fend for himself.
hoarfrost in retreat
sunrise gently awakens
friendships warming blood
He withdrew – I would wait, quietly, whisper the name he had come to know, make the sounds that signaled “all clear”. I searched for him, stood silent and listened for his weakening call, shed tears in the cold rain of November. His last call, a feeble attempt at good-bye, led me to him. Alone, cold, hungry, he lay there, rolled his eyes as I cradled his cold and fading spirit. He shivered – and left.
winter’s cold cradle
ice encasing a friendship
a thawing of hearts
10/20/2015
submitted to – Creative Haibuns – Poetry Contest
sponsor – Charlotte Jade Puddifoot
Categories:
shivered, animal, death, friendship,
Form:
Haibun
I'd bloomed from the warm glow in his eyes.
He had been my sunlight when darkness loomed.
His arms protected me, for he was my safe haven,
but too soon, the light faded from his hazel eyes,
and his voice, a gasp when drawing a breath.
His life was pilfered by Death, the morbid thief.
Stolen from us were Utopian days of splendor.
The painful loss is a burden I must endure,
uncertain of how I will face tomorrow alone.
I wept in silence until the bronzed edge of twilight
chased prisms of light from pastel skies.
A shroud of gloom veiled the wound in my heart
as I felt the gatekeeper gently touch my arm.
Layers of cold black earth now separated us.
I still held the red rose I'd brought for his coffin.
Streaks of tears washed blush from my cheeks,
while I shivered in fear without his hand to hold.
I was years older since morning had dawned,
wilting like the spray of lilies, heads drooping.
They were withered and dying, their beauty lost.
Once vibrant and sweet, their fragrance fading,
they lie on a grave for which they were grown.
On alabaster marble, my finger traced his name,
wishing love's affliction could somehow be rescinded.
I was at the impasse where life and death collide.
I stood, but left my crushed red rose on the chair,
for unable was I to whisper 'goodbye.'
February 5, 2021
Break My Heart, Why Don't Cha Contest
Sponsored by Edward Ibeh
Categories:
shivered, death, lost love,
Form:
Free verse
I’ve been bruised and b a t t e r e d
all over this forsaken town,
there’s one thing for sure,
NOTHING IS GOING TO DRAG ME DOWN.
When the darkness prevailed
and the obscurity arrived,
is when I’d never been more
g r a t e f u l to be alive.
I shivered in regret and
remorse called my name,
I thought my life would end
and never be the same.
I was left out to dry in the rain
last these last seven years,
things that brought s o r r o w,
blame and tears.
The grim and dreary days
raced through me like a ghost,
but the l i g h t shined through
me when I needed it most.
I forgave myself and forgot
all my wrongful sins,
and found the majesty of f a i t h
hidden deep within.
I was conflicted and addicted
to shame and torment,
now I see the g o o d,
all the fear is dormant.
Freedom has called my name
and I’m no longer chained,
for I have found r e d e m p t i o n
as the darkness has refrained.
My happiness is contingent
upon my c o m p a s s i o n and hope,
nothing will ever get in the
way of me trying to cope.
The Lord has been my
light and my s a l v a t i o n,
and now I am grateful for
my life’s great creation.
My laughter has replaced
that awful dreaded frown---
I v o w e d to myself…
NOTHING IS EVER GOING TO DRAG ME DOWN!
Never Going to Drag Me Down Contest
October 15, 2017
Categories:
shivered, inspiration,
Form:
Rhyme
'Twas the night before Christmas and it started to snow
Santa Claus was getting ready to go, ho ho ho
To keep himself warm he drank Scotch whiskey from a keg
Then walked to get Rudolph, slipped on ice and broke a leg.
The elves rushed over and put Santa on a stretcher
He told the head elf, Mrs Claus you'd better fetch her
She came out of the house with a big smirk on her face
Santa said" the jokes on you, you'll have to take my place".
She started to protest saying " I don’t know the way"
Santa said "Rudolph does, you just sit back in the sleigh
When you get to the rooftops just slide down the chimney
Drop off the kids presents and put them under the tree".
Things went so well and all the presents got delivered
But temperatures were dropping and Mrs Claus shivered
She made it back to Lapland quite late on Christmas day
Santa was there to greet her and he had this to say.
"All the children of the world today are full of glee
Woke up this morning to find presents under their tree
If it was not for you children would have been so sad
That you stood in for me makes me feel proud and glad".
"A big roaring log fire I've prepared just for you"
Told the elves' to get her in cos she was turning blue
Said "first take her to the kitchen it's nice and warm there
She can start cooking dinner and other Christmas fayre".
Written 22nd November 2019
For The Night Before 2 Poetry Contest.
Sponsored By Joseph May.
Categories:
shivered, children, christmas, snow,
Form:
Rhyme
Tree branches bowed under the weight of the snow,
like penitents kneeling, as Christmas shoppers reveled
in the joy of the season. I left the house and struggled
through the snow-clogged streets to meet a man
I hadn't seen in years. He was the model of discretion,
a confidant. I could always count on his fidelity and trust.
I shivered, pulled the scarf more tightly round my neck,
and pushed my way through the milling crowds to await
his arrival. And there he was. The old familiar shambling gait,
the oft-worn brown fedora perched upon his head,
and suddenly I felt better.
I chose a dimly lighted tavern. We ordered drinks and dinner;
linguini and shrimp, a dish for which we shared a common relish.
Our conversation was tentative at first, until the effects
of the alcohol loosened our tongues, and we talked of Oxford,
days full of happy memories.
But later, as the evening wore on and the tavern's customers
left with errands of their own, we were left alone.
Silence descended. Thoughts of earlier in the day came crashing
down upon me. He sensed something was wrong, as he always did.
"She left me," I blurted out, sobbing uncontrollably.
He said nothing, and gently squeezed my hand.
Categories:
shivered, friendship,
Form:
Prose
Written with sorrowful memories of the war taking
place inside the one I loved ~ through his perspective
I spent time with a friend in a low place
but that friendly face become a blur
when the frown of Jesus stared back at me
from the bottom of an empty bottle
With head in tremblilng hands, I groaned
realizing my life was upside down
and that 'friend,' my wife, had left me all alone
Remembering that phone conversation
when I said, "You left me. I can't hold you any more."
I cringed when she replied,"You left me each time
you raised a bottle to your lips."
I couldn't argue with her. She was right.
I take the blame for this weakness I despise
Hate knowing I put the tears in her eyes.
It's not easy to always be misunderstood
but no one knows the dept of my darkness
So don't preach to me about what I've done wrong
I know the words. I used to sing that song.
I've weathered times when I was cold as ice
Been rained upon beneath darkened skies
Shivered while trying to find my way home
and swore I'd change the way I live my life
Then I surrendered to the thirst, in sacrifice
Drowning in an ocean, lost in waves of doubt
only fortifified in depths beyond the shallows
where I fill a bottle with hundred proof brine
It's the elixir I call 'My besotted self-defense'
I'm fighting a war within riddled thoughts
and it's already cost me the love in her heart
I'm hoping one day I'll find peace of mind
and lay down the shield of my armament
The weapon in a bottle that I can't live without
Categories:
shivered, sorrow,
Form:
Narrative
~
A blushing moonbeam whispers softly
words your heart does long to hear
Shimmering in stardust quivers
while my arms they hold you near
Midst the chill of autumn breezes
drifting slow across the hill
Evergreens in shivered branches
rest within this night so still
Shadows dance in found desires
as your eyes reflect the bliss
All alone in passion’s wonder
lost within your tender kiss
Here we lie, just east of heaven
where the leaves of pastel fall
There is nothing more we’re needing
with our love, we have it all
~
Categories:
shivered, good night, love,
Form:
Rhyme
I’d love to say that ‘Crusher’ Webb is one good mate of mine,
but old ‘Crusher’s’ temperamental and can act more like a swine,
and it don’t take much to set him off; that’s when we all show fear,
so we don’t know how to take him, ‘specially when he’s on the beer.
I’ve been there when he’s lost the plot and really gone to town,
and it’s taken more or less four blokes to try and hold him down,
when the trigger’s been so trivial, that most would put aside,
but not old ‘Crusher’, he goes mad, so the berth he’s given’s wide.
I hate to think how many nights that ‘Crusher’s’ spent in gaol,
from throttling blokes and busting pubs when he fell off the rail,
but the fear we have means nothing for he’s just part of our life,
so what must Deb be going through - his darling homely wife.
She’s just the nicest person, so it’s a bit like chalk and cheese,
the schizophrenic husband and his wife, who looks ill at ease.
It must be a living nightmare when old ‘Crusher’s’ at his best,
storming ‘round the family home with dirty water on his chest.
Thank God they don’t have children for this brute to terrorize.
It’s bad enough when he’s around to see the terror in our eyes,
but it was on a brief occasion when I spoke to Deb alone,
that I was shocked with what she said in quite a sombre tone.
Deb’s voice shivered lowly “These days I must be so alert,
that I don’t become child bearing” and my answer is quite pert,
“But didn’t ‘Crusher’ have the ‘snip’, so no ‘hiccup’ would apply?”
and Deb replied, “Oh yes he did, and that’s exactly why”.
Categories:
shivered, humor,
Form:
Rhyme
MAUNDY THURSDAY
The Upper Room was hushed that night,
As frightened friends supped their last as one.
Shoving back the morrow
When their leader would be gone.
This is my body—broken for you;
You are my beloved—take my blood, too.
Do this and as oft as you do it,
Do it in remembrance of me.
(A shipman shivered on a night-long watch
The night was warm, but he was not.
“There is a horror in the air breathed he.)
And for you I will go to the tree.
For you, I will give all of me.
(Outside somewhere across the world
A bird stopped singing, dropped its head,
And curled its wings under in a roosting pose.)
Did he know—did he really know
He would rise again and live
He has surely faithed it so!
And with body trembling but heart obedient.
He would go.
(And in the distance a cobbler nailing
Finished his last shoes for the day.)
My soul screams, He silent cries!
By what decree must it be
That I must lie upon a tree and nailed be,
Beaten by the throng—I have done no wrong!
Have You forsaken me—here in my Gethsemane?
(If you can listen, you can hear a
Mother’s lullaby song.)
Father, you chose me for this desperate task
That they may all know Love at last.
Thy will be done.
As We are One.
(The feverish earth turns, dances, sings, sails, nails,
Rocks without eyes – without ears – it spins on.)
Easter is not yet.
Categories:
shivered, death, easter, passion, ,
Form:
Dramatic Verse
In a new road,
Rain will fall,
Wind may blow,
Swifting our woe.
The road forever on and on,
Many paths to choose,
Many paths to take,
Home behind,
World ahead...
Through the shadows,
Through the night,
Clouds going by,
There we will lie,
Very deep,
Seeing shivered land,
Seeing the dead seas...
Through the edge,
Miles to go,
Singing by,
Darkness rising,
Vanishing light,
Hollow flourishing,
Going by,
World ahead,
Home behind...
Rain may fall,
Through the nightfall,
Through the twilight,
Through the dusk,
Through the dawn,
Beyond mountains,
Beyond stones,
Standing strong,
Wandering lost,
World ahead,
Home behind,
Paths on and on,
'Till the road comes along...
Categories:
shivered, adventure, art, confusion, dark,
Form:
Narrative
The sun was setting, as it usually does
The town a ghost town, the main street all but silenced
The wind blowing leaves and dreams to and fro
The tension in the air was palpable
The few souls about all peering out shuttered windows
When in from the west, came a storm
Her name was Serena Storm,
They shivered in her wake, the poetess of dead lovers
Then over to the east side, riding in slow and steady
The grim reaper or so it seemed, hollowed eyes
Dead soul and dark mind, his side arm at the ready
The greatest duel in history, right here
In the town of Nowhere
The setting sun reflected of her dark long coat
The last tear drop, falling to its death in the dust
She stared ahead, face blank
Daring, with a glare, shoot me, shoot me, try
He dismounted his horse, called Heartless Soul
His eyes slits, staring down the curvaceous storm pacing untoward
His hand inside his coat, slowly pulling out a mickey
He belted down a shot or three,
In the town of nowhere
They both paced, hands at their side
Closer and closer, the saloon keeper
Not quite sure his bottle would be paid in full
Then as quickly at the sun set……
Vaso drew first.
The finest long black quill one ever saw
His other hand dropped his bottle
Magically a writing pad appeared
Serena drew second, pen at her side
The color of blood, and for good reason
She too tablet in hand, putting ink to paper
As they both furiously wrote
In the town of Nowhere
Hearts were murdered
The meaning of life was hanged not long after
Love was beheaded
The main street a river of blood
A storm of tears washing away crimson desires
An empty vassal, Vaso’s insides already dead
Dropping his pen, he pulled out his sword of mourning
The duel to end, as he lopped off his own head
She dropped paper and pen to the ground
She faced down the grim reaper, and it’s he who is dead
The only one to know, his name was Arthur
King of the dark, ruler of lost dreams
In the town of Nowhere
The poetic duel of the century
Both won and lost
Long ago
Categories:
shivered, beauty, dream, gothic, writing,
Form:
Light Verse