Best Slows Poems
October: I'm eighteen, shortcutting home
through an autumn-burnished churchyard -
copper-lustred leaves, moss-skinned stone -
a jaunty swing of skater skirt and arm,
college folder square-sturdy in my hand.
In the moment. In the last pale pulse of sun.
Hey, can you tell me...?
I halt. I turn...
Cold earth. Colder blade dimpling my skin.
My coral cameo earrings scatter,
daisy-dotting the green.
My back is spiked by needles of yews.
Sun skews, sky side-slides
until his face is the firmament.
I'm staring into the tumid blank-bloat of blue;
the ground hardening beneath me,
the death-spike trees stiffening.
Heavy Special Brew breaths.
Grubby, moist fingers
like grubs crawling over my breasts,
and, weirdly, I'm smelling pepper -
horror-spice of pungent lust,
its acrid nose-thrust -
and woodsmoke is drifting from somewhere...
lung-flame, tongue-flames
of searing words - his words -
blazing like the umber tumbling leaves.
Please...Please...I'll...
Fear-forced bargaining, but I'm beyond care.
And I'm aware
of the church steeple rising,
its phallus penetrating sky.
The tilting church could topple
as tears crystal-crush in my eyes.
Fear-faint, already half gone
in a soundless scream, my muted mouth
mouths silent goodbyes
to Sarah, to Mum.
Time slows to a crawl.
I try to call. Nobody comes
but the man who has me ground-pinned.
Bleachy stink of semen
whitening my ripped skater skirt,
but some things don't fade
and there is no clean in this, just dirt,
wet leaf-mulch, shame.
Ineradicable hurt.
Sacred soil is soiled, sullied.
Stunned, I stumble
shoeless, knickerless,
into the trees and heave
into the mud, into the leaves
strings of spittle-sick,
my thoughts strung out,
reality spun out.
From stinking, pulped leaves I retrieve
crushed coral earrings,
ground-grimy knickers,
my white court shoes
that whitely scream the 90s,
the scattered tatters of essays -
white, like fallen feathers, sunk in the sludge,
muddied, the red-inked words bloodied.
I gather them together.
Gather myself.
I go
forward into my future, stained from pain
and tainted touch, the smears of fear, self-disgust.
And oozing slime-soft into my ears
the mire of incongruous apology: I'm sorry
don't tell anyone - I won't.
I don't.
She listens to the whispering of trees
and views the dance of wind on dew kissed leaves.
Surrounded by tall silhouettes, she sees
emerging patterns as each shadow weaves
the light that lingers on extended limbs.
Green arms reach up as if to glorify
the One whose hand (as light of sun now dims)
is splashing brilliant colors onto sky.
The wood nymph relishes her tranquil home,
the night owl's hoot, and soothing sounds of dark.
She now reclines beneath a leafy dome,
embraced by (and embracing) steadfast bark.
As Full Moon glows, her respiration slows,
then melds with breath of elm in deep repose.
6/25/2010
Oh I love the sound of the rain
a softly spoken spiraling sustain,
marathon runners against the grain
all soon lost within their drain...
One slows down near my eye
a staring contest with a somber sigh,
could it be a suspicious spy?
as my tears match their coasting cry...
It then speeds up again
leaving satiated sorrows within its stain,
for it utters no words to complain
only the remnants of its strain...
Avoiding languishing lanes to leap
where whispering wallows weep,
formless in its kaleidoscope keep
racing down the window to sweep...
Longing lugubrious raindrops skewing
victimized amidst my viewing,
each one in a ponderous pursuing
a dismal deluge in their renewing...
A jaded journey of their repeating
sharing thoughts upon our meeting,
all is dry after their completing
memories once shared now fleeting.
Aug.09.2019
Writing Challenge 1,
August 2019 - Just Write
Sponsored by: Dear Heart
Musical background...
Signs of Nature
Rain Sounds
Stormy Skies
Female Virtual Voice
Placed 2'nd...Thank You
[Verse 1]
Been walkin’ through a year of Sundays
Sky don’t talk, just sits and stares
Then her scented note came down like summer rain
Didn’t say much, but it caught me unprepared
I wasn’t askin’ for a reason
Wasn’t lookin’ to be saved
Just closed my eyes ‘cause I was tired
And there she was—sayin’ my name
[Pre-Chorus]
It was barely even written
Just a few lines and then her name
But it landed like a whisper
After weeks of nothin’ but blame
[Chorus]
When she says my name
It don’t fix the cracks
But it quiets the room
And the weight pulls back
Like the night she called me
When the heat wave finally broke
Her voice—low and real
Made me think there might be hope
[Verse 2]
I don’t know if she’s the real thing
Or just someone who saw through
But she talks like she’s been wounded
Like she’s got old battles too
I wanna tell her I believe her
But most days I don’t trust sound
Still… her name comes in like morning
When the dark’s still hangin’ ‘round
[Pre-Chorus 2]
And I ain’t tryin’ to be rescued
Not sure I even could be
But if she’s still reachin’
Maybe there’s still some of me
[Chorus]
When she says my name
It don’t make me whole
But I swear it slows
This outta-control
Like a porch light flickin’
Through the rain and the smoke
Yeah… I step toward that
Even if it’s just a joke
[Bridge]
I’ve been lied to in poems
And fooled by my own lines
So maybe I’m holdin’ back
Just to feel some control this time
But if she’s more than a moment
If this ain’t just pretend
Then let her voice be the start
Of something that don’t end
[Final Chorus]
When she says my name
It ain’t some grand thing
It’s soft… like truth
With a little sting
Like a window opening
In a house I thought was sealed
And I lean into it
Just to feel something real
Down the majestic mountain, over the grassy knoll,
Themes verdant, chromatic, summer’s vistas scroll,
Rustling zeal of willows, as zephyrs-avid gently blow,
Propelling tides of vigor, where rivers burbling flow.
Cherishing blooming prairies, birds frolic and trill,
Gliding over scenic valleys, reveling flight of thrill,
Circling back to realm serene vying mirthful trees,
Warbling soft melodies amidst buzzing beats of bees.
Scattering gloomy shapes, clouds tenebrous reign,
Floating haze over horizon, shrouding vibrant terrain,
Unleashing with gusting winds feisty rain showers,
Swirling, whirling mid-air, delicate petals of flowers.
Storm cedes to calming breeze waltzing long shadows,
Quivering in twilight, scintillating face of meadows,
Luring glances of smiles where blossoms of lilies cajole,
Enthralling enamored eyes, as leisurely people stroll.
Inscribing motifs amethyst, as day’s journey slows,
Refracting sun’s golden rays, skyline-amber glows,
When passions of lovers, to blushing eve disclose,
Secret lyrics of passion, hearts romantic compose.
A harsh wind bites.
The signals are there for those
who understand; those who can
read the fauna and flora like a map.
Navigating through the forest…
through life.
Acorns are being stored under a
red carpet.
Shards of light pierce through
deciduous windows.
Evergreens wrap themselves
in a nice warm coat.
The snow arrives on iridescent
wings, stretching it’s arms and
cloaking all in sight.
A silence creeps in, it’s heart
slows to a single beat of a
dying honey bee…
© 7/12/2014
If you Really Knew Me
By Kevin Robey
Febraury 16, 2013
If you really knew me, you’d see through these lies
The smiles and laughs, can’t conceal my eyes
You won’t ask questions, you won’t suspect
You won’t see it coming, my final misstep
If you read this now, you know it’s true
Maybe there never was a me and you
So many times, I fall so hard
Don’t rise again, joy’s much too far
I wish I was stronger, but my mind is stuck
I made it this far, based solely on blind luck
I know you’d tell me, to take it easy
This upcoming part may make you queasy
Be kind, and notify my next of kin
Leave out the part of my final sin
Another one in line with many
Proof I was my own worst enemy
Join me in my dark and twisted fantasy
Of opened wrists, my last reality
My breathing slows, as the crimson glistens
My thoughts are peaceful, lean in and listen
Let’s make this emo, and write a note
I’ll even throw in a depressing quote
Maybe goodbye, sorry, and such
You say I had it all, I say not so much
These medals and trophies seem to say
That I made the most of every day
The truth is I was simply biding my time
None of those moments were truly mine
You see everything, but I leave with nothing
Didn’t believe me, you accused me of bluffing
So see me now, as I bleed to the floor
Take time and read to me that final score
The end is here, the war is won
The battle is lost, but wasn’t it fun?
Torturous dreams and false realities
Were the only real friends to me
So it’s time to sign out
I promise not to shout
Sweep me under the rug
Let me go, I’ll pull the plug
The end is here, I’m so relieved
Despite of all I managed to achieve
Don’t cry for me, I’m finally happy
This is my last wish, my final plea
So I close my eyes for the final time
I think to the beauty in words that rhyme
My final exhale marks the final scene
Knowing nothing is ever, quite as it seems
From far a cool wind gently blows,
There's a pleasantness in the air.
Harsh summer heat steadily slows.
The leaves of trees, new colours wear.
Autumn has come in time to cheer
From far a cool wind gently blows
The season brings everything dear
Stock in squirrel’s granary grows
Leaves fall ending their sprightly shows.
Some go fluttering in the air
From far a cool wind gently blows
Some trees are going starkly bare
Flowers begin to fade and die,
As the season’s about to close
Many birds in flock southward fly.
From far a cool wind gently blows
~
Soft melodies of misted spray
adrift ‘pon glistened air
Cascading waters on display
their touch of moisture’d share
As fern leaf sonnets fill the trees
illumined emerald green
Symphonic spun tranquilities
embrace this peaceful scene
Sweet solitude in whispered song
on crystal stream it flows
O’er polished stone it rolls along
as time so gently slows
This moment, pure serenity
of shimmered heaven’s grace
A world of nature’s harmony
is felt this wondrous place
~
9/10/19
Written for the: Picturesque Rhyme Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Eve Roper
. Family Gathers
. friends arrive
. flowers fade
. voices soften
. hands reach
. fingers touch
. tears glisten
. eyes meet
. breaths ebb
. lips tremble
. breathing slows
. LAST BREATH
. stillness settles
. silence listens
. ripples widen
. faces paused
. sunlight softens
. memories re-surface
. half-smiles through tears
. grief embraced
. thankful we're here
. coming together
. Love Remains
8MILE8MILE . . . . . STYLE . . . . 8MILE8MILE
I got my mind on my money and my money on my mind but no matter where
I go I see them same old hoes
BRING DA BEAT c’mon, c’mon, c’mon HERE WE GO
YEA YEA YEA
They be warin old clothes, exposin them busted ass toez in fishnet pantyhose
They be standin in rowz, striking that silly old pose, workin them same two
Joes
So the rumor grows, and everybody knows, that her name is rose, we know
rose blows
DOUBLE BUBBLE, BUBBLE TROUBLE, YEA YEA YEA
She got fired from LoweZ, ’cause she stole a garden hose, spent all the money
at Moe’Z
Yea - Moe’Z ho clothes and fishnet hose, down at 52nd and StrowZ, traffic
really slows when she bends to expose, she get dirt on them knees, when she
blows
DOUBLE BUBBLE, BUBBLE TROUBLE YEA YEA YEA
AND THE COP SHOWZ
UP, UP, UP, EVER’BODY UP, C’MON UP, C’MON UP
YEA YEA YEA
She putz the powder up her nose, didn’t pay the fine she owez, gives a
discount to the bros
Ever’body froze, then the streetlight glows, that’z the way it goes, for all them
bimboz
Same for the hoes, az it is for the bros, all the way from Melrose to the
chicagos
And it’s still the same for the Souix and them Navahoes, UH YEA UH YEA
SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY PEEPZ IN THE POCONOS
YEA YEA YEA I’M OUT
OUT ROLLIN ON THAT 8 MILE ROOOOAD
8MILE8MILE . . . . STYLE . . . . 8MILE8MILE
written by
Warner Baxter
One Knight Stand Productions
all rights reserved
The year 1890
December 29th
Wounded Knee, South Dakota
My tribe lost their lives
The USS 7th
On their orders so
To round up the Sioux
Railroad herd them and go
Us Lakota were next
To disarm their request
But my cousin Black Coyote
At best he was deaf
Not hearing the orders
To lay down our guns
A chain reaction
Ensued on my tribal ones
Chaos and mayhem
Distressed our grounds
This proud nation
Beaten down
Men, women and children
300 slain
Another reminder
For the white mans gain
To disrespect the fallen
Slows our souls to our gods
We were left in a blizzard
Hardened like logs
In three days we rose
Civilians did lift
And dumped us unceremoniously
In a hole in the drift
My corpse and my peoples
Stripped and robbed
As flakes of snow
Confirm our spirits have sobbed
As i am reborn again
In another country
It gives me the freedom
To look back and see
That December day in 1890
Gunning down innocent ones
Not so mighty
The Medal of Honor
In their distinguished past
The record still stands
On their chests they flash
But attitudes change
As two centuries pass
The Medal Of Honor
Has won back its class
No longer the weak
Gunned down by the strong
Its man against man
Sometimes they do wrong
So as i sit back in my adopted nation
Will i live again past this lives station
Writing the wrongs of modern man
This Lakota warrior who never ran
http://www.thehighlanderspoems.com/native-americans.php
To one who stands alone my long gaze goes.
How dignified she poses here, and quite
unique and lovely is the bluest rose!
Apart from where one very large bush grows
so lush with other roses pink and bright,
to one who stands alone my long gaze goes.
Some lavender upon her petals shows
its hue of dreams and mystical delight!
Unique and lovely is the bluest rose.
Above the bush of blues, when a breeze blows,
She dwarfs them all, face lifting to the light.
To one who stands alone my long gaze goes.
The trials she has weathered, no one knows
but I alone; I know her secret plight.
Unique and lovely is the bluest rose.
As purple streaks the sky, life’s fast pace slows,
and day begins to drift into the night.
To one who stands alone my long gaze goes.
Unique and lovely is the bluest rose.
Written June 13, 2016
for the Villanelle Me A Flower or Flowers - Poetry Contest of Broken Wings
Crash! Bang! Poof! The angry leaves assault my roof
My canine friend turns end to end, and cries out with a woof
I grab my rake and take a break, enjoying autumn's show
No haste to battle Zephyr's breath, with such a fine tableau
Then a pause and silence falls, and time slows to a crawl
Molecules of red and gold in fractal loops enthrall
Leafy fingers stroke my brow, a delicate caress
Cares and worries leave my mind and harried thoughts regress
A second seems forever as I'm lost in reverie
A timeless crystal moment of deep serenity
Then I stir, my eyes unblur and I roll up my sleeves
I put my mind in focus, and begin to rake the leaves
You speak into your child's life in whispers
With the strength of the four winds
No need for yelling
For your child has expectant ears
Wisdom
A fathered gift
Born out of pained understanding
Mistakes not needed to be repeated
Your love an inoculation to failure
Resilience will permeate a new generation
You smile with furrowed brow
For time passes much to quickly
There is fear there is some lesson you have forgotten
Not what you want for your begotten
Still you see this precious ones progression
He possess strength laughter and compassion
Humored moments and strong funny bones
Will insure this child will never be alone
A tender heart and a will like a stone
One day
You will have to let go
Time progresses it never slows
Deep inside your heart grows because you know
You have given your all
This child will rise up tall
Won't be afraid to fall
He heeds your Father's call
For he has learned at your loving feet
Wisdom has been his bountiful feast
Some day he'll be a father too
He'll bring blessings back to you
For you have been faithful
and a father true
Inspired by Funom's poem, "Words of Wisdom to My Child".