Best Thing Poems
We all arrive alone naked and vulnerable,
crying our eyes out, not knowing -
this is the first day of the rest of our life.
I guess the saddest thing in life is we have to grow up.
As children we live in a bubble,
gazing at lost stars - wondering which one is ours.
Not realising the impact of our childhood,
until we are adults and it is too late.
We jump in puddles, laughing at splashing sounds,
some even learn to place their coats over them.
Some swim within shark infested waters,
but only a few learn how to build bridges over them.
I have embraced the power of silence,
but some have succumb to it.
I guess it is all about the quality of it,
especially for those who struggle to listen.
There has been many a rose that has bloomed,
but every single one crumbled into dust.
Even the one whose thorns pierced lacerations
through hearts of stone - yet the heart healed.
Many birds arrived echoing sweet symphonies,
yet there have been those that flew away in silence.
Especially the silent nightingale who sat in solitude,
whose lyrics my heart still yearns to feel.
I've seen many a ship arrive at my shore,
but each one unloaded and sailed away.
It was me who removed their anchor
and smiled as they sailed into the distance.
As tumours poison our existence - I ponder;
will the human race survive earth's demise?
When death arrives we all leave alone empty handed,
not knowing that was the last day of our life.
I recall Freddie Mercury's famous lyrics...
Who wants to live forever.... Anyway.
Silent One
Simple Musings
19 June 2018
A funny thing happened on the way to my hanging
Couldn't sleep the night before my head was banging
I was innocent of a crime that I did not commit
But they roughed me up and got me to admit.
The face on the wanted posters said it was me
Anyone seeing those posters would be inclined to agree
I was in a horse drawn prison wagon with bars down the side
Thinking to myself, it will be my last ever ride.
Heading for the gallows then onto Boot hill
To pay for shooting a bank teller that I didn't kill
Two miles from the town all hell did break loose
Unbeknownst to me I'd be dodging the noose.
For ten desperados' brought the wagon to stop
Then ordered the guards, their weapons they drop
Some gang members got me out and they set me free
The gang leader approached and he looked just like me.
He said " in this life you look out for your own "
Then he told me something that I hadn't known
" We were Separated at birth and we had the same mother "
And that this mean desperado was in fact my twin brother .
" We heard that you'd been framed for our crime spree
But you are my brother and that's why we've set you free.
The teller had died because he went for his gun
We grabbed all the money and went on the run ".
He gave me some money and said " start a new life "
Told me head south, settle down and find a good wife
There was so much I wanted to ask him and so much to say
My brother said " some other time, best be on your way " .
Written on 4th July 2018.
For a funny thing happened on the way to...poetry contest, sponsored by Robert Haigh.
POTD 19 September 2017
Apprehensively I tramp with my lamp - through a path shrouded in gloom
Silvery shafts of light entwine and fight through foliage as they creep
Gnarled branches twist as I resist their sinister outstretched grabbing reach
With a hushed bated breath I move in stealth - to allow the restless spirits sleep
I have heard and have feared the ancient Mystical stories that are told
Of a fabled cave of age where these immortal spirits abide
A sacred and elated reverie this questing soul with them seeks
To allow ‘The Oracles’ now - to show where my elusive love hides
I have heard it expressed in a blessed rapturous appellation
This glowing love from above that eludes this restless yearning child
A bliss infused kiss that Celestial Beings have been heard to applaud
A connection of perfection that would make Heaven look down and smile
In my quest to find the nest of undying unconditional love
I search alone to find my throne in the mighty caverns of the sphere
May the spirits guide until I find my bride in barren breaths of cold
And now I see in this mystic cavity an apparition does appear
In a gentle voice I do rejoice and hold captive in their chambers
My son are you the one seeking lasting love in our golden grotto
I say yes and will you bless my jaded journey thus far I have made
We’re beings of infinity descending divinity as above so below
I fall to my knees as they say with ease - Feel the vibes of the stone
Before you embark look within your heart - Love explodes there and beyond
I shed a tear with a cavernous cheer and find where I have failed
My soul anew now I'm due for my love to be Spiritually spawned
Acknowledgement from Maria (Down Under) -
To my very dear friend and Poet Extraordinaire`-The illustrious (((Winged Warrior)), for producing this collaboration together with me. It is no surprise at the effortless speed of this production - virtually overnight (because of the time difference), and then another night with the sprucing up. It was good fun and we must do it again WW.
POTD 19 September 2017
Music by Yakuro – ‘Through The Galaxy’ - Published on Mar 22, 2016
Copyright – Maria Williams and Winged Warrior – September 2017
=================================
A thing of beauty on her wrist
was confiscated by a nurse
who looked for items soldiers missed
in places (and by means) much worse.
They branded her inside the camp,
a thing of beauty on her wrist
replaced by Hitler's horrid stamp,
a stinging band below her fist.
With teeming glee, Frau nurse had hissed,
"Thank me that you won't see the baths"
A thing of beauty on HER wrist
the gleaming fee of psychopaths
Now, she who bears the mark of war
lives free and wears her scar not with
remorse. It's more, at eighty-four,
a thing of beauty on her wrist...
========================
The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,
Was to say I’m through with you.
Well, of course,
It was pretty hard when you refused to go to the funeral after my Father died,
And I’d hate for this relationship to end in a lie, so…
The second hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,
Was to say I’m through with you.
But, to come to think of it,
It was probably harder when I had to give Skippy away.
You know, when you made us move to Florida because you hated the cold,
I’ll never forget that day.
The third hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,
Was to say I’m through with you.
Well, not quite as hard as it was when I had that little operation,
And you decided still to take your vacation,
And left me alone in the hospital with no visitation.
That was hard.
The fourth hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,
Was to say I’m through with you.
You know, I did take it pretty hard when I proposed to you
And you said if I couldn’t buy you a bigger ring we’d be through
And I had to sell my car and hock my guitar
To get you a ring as big as a star.
That was pretty hard.
The fifth hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,
Was to say I’m through with you.
Well darn it, no!
It was hard going to school at nights and working all day
Because you didn’t want to get a job and wanted me to earn more pay.
What exactly did you do with yourself all day!?
The sixth hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,
Was to say I’m through with you.
No, its time to admit it,
I saw you with Tom that night,
And Bob the time before that,
And Tim and George, Harry and Frank.
That was hard on me and I’ve got you to thank.
The seventh hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,
Was to say I’m through with you.
Now just wait a minute!
This is not hard.
In fact this is rather easy.
The hard part was living with you,
Placating you,
Pretending to love you,
Pretending that you loved me,
Heck, this is easy!
The easiest thing I’ve ever had to do,
Was to say I’m through with you!
Boy that was easy!
Now I feel much better.
A response written after reading
"You've changed my life completely"
by Jadazzle United
For Jan and Darren
(Soulmates sint rara et mirabile)
Love is such a fragile thing,
Softer than a butterflies wing.
The gentle entwining of mind and soul,
A linking of passions that makes one whole.
It can rise and fall just as the tide,
And link two people across oceans wide
It brings forth such joy and pure delight
Creates a bond that holds them tight
Love is such a fragile thing,
As beautiful as Angels sing.
It will lift you so high above the earth,
And give your heart a soothing berth.
It fills your senses your thoughts as well,
Your entire being resonates like a bell.
Promises exchanged sweet words spoken,
To last an eternity and never be broken.
Love is such a fragile thing,
Passion it enflames desire it does bring.
Lost to the world in ardour and delight,
All else fades from the lovers sight.
Ensconced in a world of poetic diction,
Wrapped up in each other as if in a fiction.
Still even love sometimes can go awry,
But in the end true love can never die.
Freedom of thought and expression could lead one astray.
Always there exists the temptation to tread on dangerous ground.
Ingrained ideas and habits become lax.
Therefore, ever careful one must be.
Happiness cannot be found only in material things.
Interpretation of facts has to be honest.
Sincerity must guide every step made in life.
Away from temptation the path should lead.
Prophets of deceit abound and doubt is sown.
Only those who possess strength of spirit will survive.
Watchful eyes will avert dangers, snares and pitfalls.
Easy it is to fall prey to false beauty and bright allure.
Rivers attract, but the currents can be strong, overpowering.
Fulfilment depends on knowledge.
Ultimately, it is trust and confidence that lead to spiritual growth.
Love of the Almighty provides enlightenment.
That is why a strong will and courage are needed.
He who perseveres builds a personal understanding with God.
It is through grace and obedience that faith flourishes.
Never is faith a step in the dark for it leads to the light.
God is forever available to all those who believe.
----------------------------------------------
Contest: Faith Is a Powerful Thing (2014)
Sponsor: Mystic Rose
Placed: 2nd
Dedicated to a fine poet on soup, Lin Lane
-------------------------------------------------
I shook hands with my brother and bade him farewell
Then set off on my journey away from this hell
Mexico I’d head for and buy a small farm
Meanwhile back in town the guards raised the alarm.
A posse they assembled to help track me down
But saw some Apaches and hightailed it back to town
It was far from over, the Pinkertons were brought in
Determined they were, to carry out the hanging.
After three days riding my horse became lame
It slowed down my escape that made me fair game
Sold my horse at Santa Fe and boarded a train
Vowed I’d never come back to America again.
Two whole years went by and I was living free
Thought they’ve given up now, they’ll never find me
Bought a farm, met a girl, a beautiful senorita
Had two children both girls, Anna and Conchita.
One day I went to town to buy some supplies
The Pinkertons were there, I couldn’t believe my eyes
They arrested me at gunpoint and they took me to jail
I strongly protested my innocence but to no avail.
Spent a week in the jail while they sorted deportation
Paperwork completed, headed for the railroad station
After a long journey we arrived back in Colorado
They had the noose ready, they were raring to go.
All over the state the news was all about me
The Pinkertons just loved their new found glory
The night before the hanging I heard guns blazing
What happened after that was truly amazing.
About a hundred desperado's invaded the town
Burst into the jail and told me to lie down
The sound was deafening as they shot at the lock
The Pinkertons stood speechless, they were in shock.
I went out into the street and a voice said to me
“We only found out because of the publicity”
Then out of the shadows came a face I knew well
My twin brother once more had rescued me from hell.
He said “join our gang and we’ll ride far away”
I said “crimes not for me and one day you’ll pay”
Rode back to Mexico to round up my family
Then headed to Brazil where I now live and I’m free.
Lin suggested a part deux so I was inspired to write a sequel, thanks Lin.
Smile today ~ everything's gonna be OK
Whether it's Sunshine or Skies of gray
Things will get better ~ 'cause Nothing really lasts forever
So Smile today ~ free your heart to play
What's yours no one can take ~ things must get brighter
Surely love will find a way ~ Smile today
Faithful days and restful nights, he lived through storm and drought.
A promise fulfilled, the Lord gave him love and salvation.
I watched him each day pray, worship and serve others devout,
Taking the hand of Jesus, he walked in light of redemption.
Happily, he would share God’s love with all who would listen.
In dark of midnight hour, he felt the warmth of a rising sun.
Standing at his heart’s door, the light of the Lord’s love glistened,
And turning the knob, a gift to give, his battle had been won.
Problems soon came, illness threatened, from the Lord, away he turned.
Often he would raise his fists, shouting in blame with trembling rage.
Where light once glowed bright from within, now his anger burned,
Echoing thoughts of his loss, his weak body on fallen stage.
Restless were his nights and bitter the endless days of grief.
Forgiveness would take a miracle, so I prayed for a new start.
Unwavering was my diligence, I knew his earthly days were brief.
Like lightning to the tallest tree, the greatest love at last pierced his heart.
To the cross, he was carried where Jesus paid the ultimate price.
He surrendered, remembering he was never forsaken.
I felt the peace with his last breath and steadfast love suffice.
Never to be burdened by this world’s sickness, sorrow and sin.
Given gift of heavenly light, one day I’ll see him again.
For Mystic Rose's Faith Is A Powerful Thing Contest, 1/10/15
*a work of fiction, but the faith and feelings are true.
grit
i n f l a m e s
narrative
valor
e m b o s o m s
hardship
sorrow
e m b o s s e s
soul
oyster
c r e a t e s
pearl
Susan Ashley
November 24, 2020
*poetry form: Brevette*
~ Honorable Mention ~
Contest: Un-Rhy-Me
Sponsor: Brian Strand
Poet’s note: the pearl is symbolic of perfection and incorruptibility.
It don’t mean a thing
When there’s no bling, bling, bling
No gold adornment or diamond ring.
A brother buying Rolex
In clothes starched and well pressed
Never notices the sister
Selling jewelry to eat.
Yet,
Praise God for the sons of Adam
Made in the image divine
Say “bones of my bones, flesh of my flesh”
My beloved, I’ll know you are mine
I told you I saw Him in long locks
Which made Him even more fine
A looker with an air about Him
I think I’ll give Him some time.
Yes, for water I’m searching,
sneaking noon day at the well.
Yes, dream -married to many
wonderfully wed in my head.
He said He knew my story
men in and out the door.
My history speaks of plenty
desperate quest for grand amour.
Bitter tears and snot I’ve tasted.
You have counted every drop?
Truth will free the captive.
The come and go will stop.
My heart was often
Overjoyed
By a son of Adam’s nod.
Falling prostrate on a rug
Pleading favor, this one, God.
Now, I think back on everything
Smile inside myself,
cause,
It don’t mean a thing.
Father, Bless the sons of Adam
Some who “know not what they do”
Presenting themselves in a fashion thereof
To other women when they’re through.
We love them for their maleness,
blackness, strength and form.
Forgiving flaws and shortcomings
Help their victims to move on.
I tell you in this song I sing
All the heartbreak
Loss and grief
Disappointed dreams and failed belief,
Wishes for a wedding ring
Joy, honeymoon, bling, bling, bling?
I look back on everything.
Laugh like Sarai on the sly.
Angels, hear me cry,
Cause
It don’t mean a thing.
7/28/2022
I drown you in wine, the goddamn squatter
who lives in me. Flow, Lethe, dark and deep!
But even through a drunken dreamless sleep,
like a nude drowned man in see-through water,
the memory is seen… That very sunny
day on the river, tender girlish hands
doing my back with sunscreen, lots of plans
for future, reckless air, easy money,
the coolness of the depth… All of a sudden
a spasm! a cramp!
a zigzag
lightning
pain!
that lit up something? someone? I would fain
forget but the remembrance, mixed with blood in
my veins, with coldest sweat in my nightmares,
stayed in for good… The rescue team did well:
I’m still alive but, tell me, why the hell
I often feel like going downstairs
to river beach, undressing, diving deeper
under the water and taking a breath?
The habitant inside of me shrugs: “Death
is quite familiar to every sleeper
and swimmer. Death is, so to speak, a river
which flows from the future to the past,
a metaphor of time. Don’t look aghast
at this phenomenon but you should quiver
in fear just thinking of the one you saw
down there, at the bottom of your soul.
Who could this be? Don’t look through the keyhole
of the imaginary but real door
between realities”…
Or I just think
he says it, and the truth is I did sink
long time ago.
the mind
flees
any prison
that traps
the body,
for it is
f r e e...
no tether
can keep it
tied down.
it can never be
fenced in
or caged
within four walls.
it has feathers
that can't be plucked
it's free to roam
to soar
with sturdy wings
that can't be clipped;
freer than
any bird that can fly!
it goes places
they can't follow.
it's so free...
like wind
blowing
every which way
Hate is a consuming thing
And it makes the emotions king
Body and soul bound by evil
In a constant state of upheaval
And I fell into a whole lot of hate
At my mind, soul, and spirit it ate
And it burned, burned, burned~~
that evil
And it burned, burned, burned,
and stirred upheaval
Now I've had a taste of love
Sent to me from above
And its power reveals
and its strength does heal
Hate is a consuming thing
And it makes the emotions king
Body and soul bound by evil
In a constant state
Of upheaval
And I fell into a whole lot of hate
At my mind, soul and spirit it ate
And it burned, burned, burned~~
That evil
That evil
Think about Johnny Cash's song, "A Ring Of Fire" ..I did not get rights to associate this with his family so don't use it outside of here.