Best Soto Poems
So long have I harped of regret,
For price of vice is not paid yet,
With rueful heart, Lord, now I pray;
O God, won't you show me the way.
Contrite in careless deeds of yore,
As mindless acts morals abhor,
I seek amends, and humbly say;
O God, won't you show me the way.
With remorse I sail for morrow,
Steer life’s ship through pain and sorrow,
And vow, all debts, I shall repay;
O God, won't you show me the way.
In lonesome past alone I moan,
For blunders made now I atone,
And pledge your edicts, I'll obey;
O God, won't you show me the way.
Though evil lurks, tries to cajole,
While, toll immoral, taxes soul,
From goodwill divine I won't stray;
O God, won't you show me the way.
Written: January 12, 2023
Placed 1st: Revealing Your Soul…Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Soto Poet
Form: Kyrielle (eight syllables per line)
Categories:
soto, forgiveness, introspection, prayer,
Form:
Kyrielle
Virtues of reverent past no longer rhyme
With sense of now rushing through time
As troubled voice shudders in forlorn sigh
While remnants of yore earnestly decry
Vigor of life passing by, smiles gone awry,
Powerless to console tribulations of outcry.
Bankrupt of morality, of goodwill sublime,
Arresting freedoms, restricting path of life,
Streets and communities riddled in crime,
Echo bawl of grief, wailing indignance rife,
Imposed on tranquility perturbed in strife,
Since bells, benevolent, ceased to chime.
Sadness and anguish relentlessly bemoan
In solitude of feelings ~ impassive, all alone,
Dwelling in remorse, as memories replay
Friendships and kinships now gone astray;
Searching explanation, struggling to cope,
Saying a prayer, longing blessings of hope.
February 10, 2023
Placed 1st: Acquaintance and Neighborhood Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Soto Poet
Categories:
soto, change,
Form:
Rhyme
Autumn's vibes dazzle blazing crimson dye
Luring thrilled visage of romantic sight
To passions scarlet whirling amber sigh
Waltzing leaves chromatic, as they alight,
Rousing sweethearts in autumnal delight
When rhythms quixotic lilt sepia breeze
As impulses moonlit crooning hearts seize
Strumming blushed desires of amorous themes
Eying glint canvas beneath gilded trees
Lauding nature's gift tantalizing dreams.
November 1, 2022
Placed 1st: Dizain Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Soto Poet
Theme: Autumn
Rhymes: ababbccdcd (Rhymezone)
Ten syllable per line (howmanysyllables.com)
Categories:
soto, autumn, color,
Form:
Dizain
The 60's
The look was penny loafers, bobby socks,
pleated skirts, button up shirts,
bell bottom pants and headbands
Flower children were also the era,
Stood for peace and love also political movement
Listen to the music of the Beatles, Monkeys, Rolling Stones plus many more.
My heart throbbed for John Lennon, so young and in love
In my private time I listen to Liberace on the radio
Danced the Twist, Jerk, Monkey, Mashed potato, and the Watusi
I love to dance at the school Sox Hop dances up on the bleachers
Swinging my long auburn hair to the waist, back and forth
My hips moved to the twist
While everyone else danced on the gym floor
Mom’s favorite hair style, the Beehive
Dad looks so good looking behind the wheel of his 1959 De Soto station wagon
A child’s joy jumping rope, hopscotch, jacks,
Rotating a Hula hoop around my waist
Playing marbles with the boys
My favorite, climbing trees but
It always came with a broken bone
Our 35th president was John F. Kennedy
I was sitting in a swing in the playground
When we all heard he had been fatally shot
I was only 12 then
Tears ran down my face when I heard
People weren’t being treated equal
He stood for Equal Rights
We lost great man was that day
Growing up in the 60s was fun, but also very sad
Contest Name: Decades The 60’s * 2nd Place
Sponsor: Kelly Deschler
Categories:
soto, dance, fashion, life, music,
Form:
Free verse
For weeks now the two young males had been watching,
waiting for their opportunity and now it was time.
They were now strong enough to take over the pride.
Signalling his intent to his brother Moto stood up
and started forward with Javier following behind.
As the reached the pride a battle royal ensued
The lionesses desperate to drive them off knowing
if they succeeded vast changes would occur.
Far in the distance Soto heard the roars and growls
as the take over ensued and rushed to protect them.
The fight was long and hard with some fatalities.
Soto received wounds that would take months to heal
as he was banished by the brothers, his life now as an outcast.
Luckily for him Zanidar joined him with her cubs of nearly a year old
She and they would keep him fed as he slowly healed.
Back at the pride the brothers set about their gruesome task
all the cubs were hunted down and killed without mercy.
Now the lionesses would soon be ready to mate again
and it would be their blood that the offspring would bear
perpetuating their line and increasing the size of the pride.
Life in the African Savannah was always cruel and hard
the brothers would face many challengers in their time.
Food always an issue once the migrating herds moved on.
Now a time of little the pride suffered and grew weaker.
The only saving grace was the buffalo not without their risks.
Valiant fighters who protected each other forming a ringed barrier
around the more vulnerable, ready to fight to the death.
With very young cubs the lionesses needed food to feed them
and desperation drove them on, finally they made a good kill
none would go hungry for a few days. In the distance the clouds
gathered rain falling far up country at last reaching them and
with the rain the vast herds once more returned and life teemed.
Now was a time of plenty and the pride recovered their health.
For seven years the brothers ruled supreme yet in the background
there were many waiting their own time. Two males in particular
Janto and Batso sons of Soto watched and waited eager to take over
until at last it was their time and turn to roust the pride males.
And so the never ending cycle started again until the next time.
Categories:
soto, africa, animal, nature, violence,
Form:
Epic
December 14, 2012
Little pink coat, Mommy holding
little pink hand, the firehouse
must have seemed a marathon away,
the longest run of their lives.
Skedaddle little pink coat,
miniature uggs flopping,
one size up so they’ll
fit next year.
Nametags sewn in elfin collars,
forever suspended mitten-
sleeved jackets
in a Sandy Hook cupboard.
Good morning Ms. Davino,
Good morning, Mrs. Hochsprung,
Good morning, Mrs. Murphy,
Good morning, Ms. Rousseau,
Good morning, Mrs. Sherlach,
Good morning, Ms. Soto.
Who knew you’d be so brave?
I remember my first grade teacher,
when the hallways were safe
and nuclear attack seemed so remote.
Mrs. Lanza, did Adam
say good morning, Mom,
or just get down to
business?
We are all so sorry.
©Kathryn McLoughlin Collins
December 18, 2012
These shootings occurred in my hometown.
Categories:
soto, death, people,
Form:
Free verse
Flower Glows, Fragrance Flows
Flowers grow and glow in Springtime Kingdom:
Peerless fairness with fantastic fragrance.
Enjoy gift of flora in full freedom.
Wonderful world wide display at random,
Flowery show in enchanting elegance.
Flowers grow and glow in Springtime Kingdom.
Hidden fruits and seeds in flowery wisdom,
Playing pretty role in love and romance.
Enjoy gift of flora in full freedom.
You can miss beauty of flower seldom.
Relish, cherish, cheers casting one glance.
Flowers grow and glow in Springtime Kingdom.
Diversity of blossoms: broad spectrum,
Colors and aroma, not mere by chance.
Enjoy gift of flora in full freedom.
Flowers bless all to bid bye to boredom:
Most charming and adorable to enhance.
Flowers grow and glow in Springtime Kingdom.
Enjoy gift of flora in full freedom.
06/13/16
Springtime Villanelle
Contest Soto Poet
'Strand
Categories:
soto, appreciation, beautiful, flower,
Form:
Villanelle
You and your sister are my greatest joy,
I am blessed that you both are in my life.
watching you two grow is what I enjoy,
I must say our home was not free of strife.
Our family loves each other so much,
we are not perfect at all, we fall short;
So, it’s crucial that we embrace God’s touch.
In times of conflict, we all showed support.
I'm grateful son, for you both every day,
you guys make me happy to be called mom.
A blessed and fruitful life is what I pray
for you and your sister; I recall your Prom.
My heart’s full as I pen this heartfelt write,
I fill in my soul that your futures look bright
05/19/23
Contest:
Sponsor: Soto Poet
Categories:
soto, children, family, love,
Form:
Sonnet
Sweetheart, you alone are my life,
And I am so happy to be your wife.
Take me in your arms without delay,
my darling I’m yours have your way.
Each day with you is time well spent,
I feel in my soul you were heaven-sent.
None of us are perfect free of flaws,
What we have I will always applause.
In your firm arms is my favorite place,
While I gaze at your handsome face.
Folk said that our union wouldn’t last,
We did and what we have is steadfast.
You are my lover and my very best friend,
when twilight is nigh, our love won’t end.
5/06/23
Contest: Couplet Poetry
Sponsor: Soto Poet
Categories:
soto, best friend, husband,
Form:
Couplet
Women in my family have to fight
Fight to live fight to die
One born premature with challenges
With a heart so pure settling the balances
She was a model name Tiffany
Like her name she was very pretty
Stayed sane despite the insanity
Cancer took her but not her virginity
She was a slave whose name is unknown
In a photo dress is full beige and long
She made a sacrifice for us to achieve
Named her baby my great grandmom Mary.
She was Mary and quite contrary
No nonsense with a hint of fairy
She made wonders from a wood stove
Raising grandchildren as she did so to vote
Her namesake Sister Mary
Would carry on this voting destiny
Fighting in life the man and her man
To make a life with Christ as American
And Wanda Jazmin Gail was soft spoken
Despite her challenging life she kept hope and
Beat cancer beat the odds of black in the south
Covid took her body but her spirit lives proud
And there is me the poetic strange type
I too persevere from many a fight
Fight to raise a black son in a hostile USA
Fight to the rights of Roe vs Wade
Fight to eat when food is so high
Except junk food which is cheap all kinds
Fight to enjoy land that I may never own
Fight of the nights molesting devils roam.
The women in my family would never write this
For they are too strong to need a word such as is
A poetic petition praying for perseverance
The women in my family are of courage and endurance.
7/2/2022
Written for The Women In My Family Poetry Contest
Sponsor Soto Poet
Categories:
soto, america, appreciation, beauty, black
Form:
Rhyme
Don't Judge, KARMA
CONSUMeS YOU!!!
God has no religion, don't judge
the book, it's not he, who
judges, nor should you...
SoTo Those who are blind, open
the pages of your heart called
soul, and release itself
conscience, to bare his
Fruit...
For Thee tree of life surrounds
you with great intro log, wise
up, the challenge is yours, so
don't judge me, unless, your
ready for the ride, Where
KARMA CONSUMeS YOU!!!
Carma Reed
01-15-13
Categories:
soto, adventure
Form:
Verse
Ongoing Generation
Human nature changing, hardening fast,
loosing emotions, always in hurry.
Affluence hits society in gust.
Future demands more and more luxury.
New generations challenged by ego,
rushing, running, leaving close attachments.
‘My life is mine’ ! All others to forego.
Self-centred aim, surpassing sentiments.
Civilisation in rapid progress.
on materialistic perspective.
Science and technology to impress.
Dealings dominate, feelings inactive.
‘High-living’ on ‘Plain -thinking’ in future.
Emotional bonding not to nurture.
05/18/23
Sonnet
First Place
Contest by Soto Poet
Categories:
soto, 12th grade, philosophy,
Form:
Sonnet
GRANDDAUGHTER
Little Angel, Lovely Princess !
Gift of God! Truly peerless.
So pure, so cute, so innocent,
a granddaughter has been sent.
Great attraction in my last phase,
recollecting the childhood days
of my daughter with much pleasure,
again preserving as treasure.
She laughs, talks, sings ,dances, prances
providing joyous instances.
Always restless, slightly naughty.
Cheerful charming, pretty-witty.
My best beloved Granddaughter,
bringing only love and laughter.
Grand feelings ! My Grand achievement !
Divine bliss on my fulfilment.
05/05/23
Couplet Contest
First Place
By Soto Poet
Categories:
soto, granddaughter,
Form:
Couplet
The storm becomes darker roaring like a lion,
Freezing the pieces that are left behind this broken heart,
Times up…
What we once knew isn't clear anymore,
Once lovers are now zombies chasing us in this apocalypse I call life,
Our haters that bully us become our worst nightmares,
But yet they give us fuel to keep going, not giving up half way there,
Stay strong, young one,
By the way is ok to be alone with no one by your side,
I stay away far away from everyone, for I do not trust society,
Not even my own shadow do I stand close to…
Among us are crowds of strangers,
Some happy...some down...
Others fuming in a terrorizing sound
And as I am surrounded,
Though I am positively crowded,
I am so desperately alone here
As if these strangers never existed..
As if existence itself is merely a dream,
A sleeping dragon's never-waking nightmare,
Withholding wisdom that a mere figment of the imagination
Could never DREAM to attain
Locked in this chamber of disdain
Oh how long have I waited
For some seaside rain
For the antidote that will heal all of these infected
To find true love resurrected
Don't be ashamed of this hope that clings on
Do not be torn by the majority that say you are wrong...
For within the depths of hate and darkness,
An indestructible strength will emerge
Immune from life's sickly, demented surge
A unique blood running through the body and soul
Creating in you depth, endurance...and control
Your heart will glisten in the tears all around
Because no matter what happens, you will always be moved
You will NEVER become a heart of stone
But a martyr fighting for what's right
In the hope that someday
Darkness will meet light
In a balance that will only generate
Smiles...and bountiful laughter
The storms will roar on in pursuit of our souls...
But their blows are so far behind us as we soar
Into an endless ocean-shimmering sky
Only love will drive us—and the rest that binds us—
Say goodbye
-A collab with my good friend Guillermo Soto!!! Thanks for writing to me, love!
Categories:
soto, adventure, blessing, encouraging, feelings,
Form:
Free verse
As I lay in a hammock ‘neath the stars
I marvel at God’s spectacular world
In this peaceful scene I’m free of loud cars;
I saw a oak leaf as it twirled and twirled
Then I noticed puffy clouds as they swirled
Next the restless wind brushed my eager cheek,
Feeling whole partaking of nature’s touch
When I’m here, I forgot about my week
It’s a serene space that I love so much
Here I let go things that may be a crutch
10-25-2022
Contest: Dizian Poetry
Sponsor:Soto Poet
Theme: Nature
Categories:
soto, nature,
Form:
Dizain