Best Toney Poems
"September, beautiful month of my birth, is nigh, but I cannot feel glad."
September, drifting in with glow of moon,
you stifle Summer’s ardor. . . and she grieves.
In guise of fire, the Fall comes all too soon.
Your breath grows cool. You’ll blow and loosen leaves.
The hills and woodlands will reflect new hues.
You stifle Summer’s ardor. . . and she grieves.
In Autumn’s chill, the colors are a ruse!
You're passing on, and trees are set ablaze.
The hills and woodlands then reflect new hues.
Though warmth may linger through your final days,
old Sun is waning, yet he still seems strong!
You're passing on, and trees are set ablaze.
September, you’re a melancholy song.
Though time be short, you paint a brilliant dusk!
Old sun is waning, yet he still seems strong.
October looms. . . Your ending will be brusque.
September, drifting in with glow of moon,
though time be short, you paint a brilliant dusk.
In guise of fire, the Fall comes all too soon.
8/29/11
for the '2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 7' Poetry Contest of Mark Toney
A Poet’s Abode
A poet’s peaceful abode surpasses bliss
Depicting imagery beheld by eyes.
Dreams revealed go beyond the great abyss
Of space with stars that fill our cobalt skies.
The elements alone express such truth
That sun needs balance of the rain to grow
Sprout varied seedlings that begin in youth
Then we reap our harvest by autumn’s glow.
The beauty of a rainbow through the rain,
The way the sunrise colors us in shades,
How beating hearts behold our joy or pain.
A poet captures hues as twilight fades.
When quill releases ink and does not miss
A poet’s peaceful abode surpasses bliss.
7-21-22
~Premiere Contest N/A~
2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 9 Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Mark Toney
5-28-22
~Poem of the Day May 30, 2022~
Thank you Poetry Soup Team
~Fifth Place Premiere Contest~
Orphan Sonnet Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Emile Pinet
A Brian Strand PREMIERE~N/A~
Contest Judged: 5/30/2022 9:54:00 PM
Sponsored by: Brian Strand
Orphan Sonnet
Created by: Dale Gregory Cozart with a rhyme scheme of Abab - cdcd - efef - aA, (I0 syllables per line) in three quatrains, and a final couplet with the last line repeating the opening line.
Used:
https://www.howmanysyllables.com/syllable_counter/
Photo by: https://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/06-21-16-have-you-got-a-favorite-poem-let-the-city-of-houston-know-right-now/
"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
Grim fog, I praise the shelter of your drear,
the sundown ghost morose not grandiose,
I walk alone - but, no -- with my despair;
a bittern bids a bitter adiós.
The breakers so in agony they gnash
and gnaw the strand with thrash of foamy green,
the tempest witch brings ironfisted lash
alas, the eye-of-storm epiphany unseen.
Free, free! The tern who flies in Gemini
above beloved peak and shore and wave,
sun-painted wings, away you went -- so spry,
so fierce! Bluebird pierced and buried in your grave,
..and the stars understand; a fateful fall into the sea --
Damn the deep! It’s jostle docile.. my scream to meet the scree!
Susan Ashley
June 29, 2021
~ Fourth Place ~
Premiere Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mille 11
Sponsor: Mark Toney
~ First Place ~
Premiere Contest: Contemporary Sonnet
Sponsor: Charlotte Puddifoot
*bittern: any of several tawny brown herons
*scree: an accumulation of weathered rock fragments at the foot of a cliff
*a Modern / Contemporary Sonnet is a poem of 14 lines addressing any theme of the poet's choosing. It does not need to adhere to any set rhyme scheme, syllable count or meter, nor does it need to include a volta. The only true requirement of a modern sonnet is that it consists of 14 lines*
I wonder about her
as I shave suet and place thistle seed down -
once again
she reveals herself to the corner of my eye
a slight movement caught in the slant of a sunray
just enough to separate her shy form
from leaf litter camouflage
I turn to look at her
demure and just out of reach - yet
she seems to know I feel for her..
I regard her presence for a handful of heartbeats
before she hastens away in a certain way
head moving forward first then feet catching up
..rustling the earthy rust of gold;
fallen maple stars strewn beneath an arborvitae row..
a wing hanging down by her side
like a gate with a broken hinge
her gateway to freedom gone
she’s become a body bound to soft soil -
flesh and bones destined to feed the trees of life
soon her feathers - like thistle down - will animate aloft
weightless in soulful breaths of a swirled November wind..
pearls of muted beauty lost in innocence
given back to the skies
I wonder about the tender fragility of a tomorrow
in an air where mourning coos
are watered down by whimsical tears of gods
and stirred by a mortal’s yearn for return to natural flight
I commiserate with her silently —
for I am broken too
Susan Ashley
November 17, 2020
~ First Place ~
Premiere Contest: Brian Strand No 1175
Sponsor: Brian Strand
~ Second Place ~
Premiere Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 17
Sponsor: Mark Toney
The worldliness within the sphere
reflecting morning light,
as poignant as a single tear
idea bright is crystal clear
and frames the heavens in her sight
though soft the fall through night.
Settled 'pon a leaf flirtation
awakens dreamy mist,
sow the sweetest need sensation
clings a kiss in wild elation,
and though short-lived the earthy tryst
a reason to exist.
But rendezvous a bitter binge
though gentle loves cajole,
for soon the feel of daystar’s singe
O lifting dew from leafy fringe
no matter of the kiss they stole
the cosmos in her soul.
Deep the tender-hearted flower
whose muse elusive dew,
look how she shines this golden hour
evanescence is her power
as rays do make such moments few
alas, the mourners coo.
Susan Ashley
June 18, 2022
~ Fourth Place ~
Premiere Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 7
Sponsor: Mark Toney
~ Third Place ~
Premiere Contest: Dewdrops
Sponsor: Angel L. Villanueva
*Required rhyme scheme: ABAABB CDCCDD EFEEFF GHGGHH
*Required syllable count: 868886
*rhymes checked: rhymezone
*syllables checked: howmanysyllables
*idea: 3 syllables per howmanysyllables*
Grace-full is the lily born of virtue’s milk
Inspiring me with petals pure in my hour of need -
Vow and vim of passion vivid and empowering as I
Imagine the strength of soulful surrender while three
Nails were driven into a suffering so great -- selflessly You
Gave Your mortal life so I may live despite thorns and thirst
Grateful is my blossom watered with Your blood and tears
Opened with a faith unfurled by Light I venerate
Devotions trumpet from a callous soul once solus - jubilant the
Lifeless root that stood futile in fertile remorse before I
Yielded my yoke to the hands of merciful Love; please Lord
Grant me the fortitude to face my sorrow - Your
Resurrection reminds me of the sacred sacrifice endured
Accepted with the courage I strive to possess -- though I
Cannot conceive.. I believe in the circle of contentment; the
Essence and embrace of God’s white whorl of salvation
Susan Ashley
June 1, 2021
~ N/A ~
Premiere Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 16
Sponsor: Mark Toney
~ Tenth Place ~
Premiere Contest: Giving Godly Grace
Sponsor: Regina McIntosh
In swoon ‘neath golden moon and sable sweep
let bathe with hues upon my canvas soak
romance a mingle, brush and pigment sweet,
enrapture me your passion’s hungry stroke
explore an aura, fluid colors blur
imbue the skies of empty eyes a soul,
in deepest purple daubs a midnight stir
as lover weaves a dream to make me whole
caress the edge to fuse desire and shapes
lay a layer one atop the other
a throb of contrast, feelings free to traipse,
smoothing over yearnings with a flutter
starlit glaze and silky graze artistic
awaken chroma crave for drama shades,
mood’s aglow, aroused and optimistic
before the painter’s lusty palette fades.
Susan Ashley
April 7, 2020
~ First Place ~
Premiere Contest: Brian Strand No 1165 Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Brian Strand
~ Third Place ~
Premiere Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 5
Sponsor: Mark Toney
~ First Place ~
Standard Contest: Your Fave Poem 2020 Not Written For A Contest
Sponsor: John Hamilton
Evergreen flavored mantras
did nothing to purge bitter bile from my lips
nor slake the smoldering thirst for a Rosary remedy.
Tick-tock petals unfurled one by one
as your poppy shed its last sepal
releasing a scarlet sigh across sunset skies
whilst I placed a tender kiss upon your twilight.
If but for your gossamer bloom in persimmon perfection,
I would not hunger for your ambrosial whispers
nor rue the earthly drought of undying nectar.
I stray, a waif lost with my armful of loss,
blind behind the tear-rusted folds
of a weeping veil’s eclipse.
My psyche a pauper
rich in the poverty of penniless promises,
empty as echoes in hollow holes
ringing with wringing reverberations.
In the grasp of atheist fingers I clasp Holy beads
tilling cries and whys.
Every tear a sorrow sown in brambles,
whose sloe fails to ripen sweet redemption
in the fertile sham and barren sand of my humanity;
crushed by the tusk of this damnable dusk.
Susan Ashley
April 13, 2020
~ First Place ~
February 5, 2023
2022 Poetry Marathon Qualifiers' FINAL Placement Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Mark Toney
~ First Place ~
Premiere Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 9
Sponsor: Mark Toney
~ Third Place ~
Premiere Contest: Your Best Poem Ever
Sponsor: John Hamilton
~ Seventh Place ~
Premiere Contest: Crushed
Sponsor: Anthony Biaanco
~ First Place ~
Standard Contest: Your Best Free Verse 2020
Sponsor: John Hamilton
Oceana
Oceana flings her sequined petticoats
Upon the sands as if to toss the seaweed
From the swirling edges
While she dances with the wind
With each turn she swings her skirts
In thunder
As she passes – faster, faster -
Until her laughter foams upon the waves
And in the early midnight dawns
She turns to cover up
Her turquoise evening gown
With capes of fog so thick
The soaring gulls seem to carry
This her summer train
To quickly change into a dress of silver satin,
Bound with trims of frothy sprays,
Rising and swelling,
When morning reaches for windy afternoons,
She teases sudden lightning outbursts
Leaving behind upon the outstretched strands
A foaming lace of pearls
That decorate her new rippling dress
Of brilliant sapphire blue
Drawing it around the world in flowing currents
To follow, ever follow, the lilting music
Of her lover moon,
Softly singing enchanted melodies,
Ever beckoning his earthbound bride unto himself
To watch her gaily waltz upon the rolling seas
Circling to his rune.
8-22-25
3rd - Rob Carmack Premiere VIII
6-29-22 - N/A
Contest: Marathon Mile Five
Sponsor: Mark Toney
8-13-22 -
5th - Poetry Marathon Mile 12
Sponsor: Mark Toney
6/20/19
On Top 100 All Time Poems list
1st - Trophy Win - Juliet Lingon
1st - Julia Ward 11/29/20
1st - Brian Strand 1/14/20
Featured Poem 5/2/21
Included in Poetry Soup Anthology #2 - It's Still Poetry
Included in CWC Anthology - First Prize Winner Independent Publishers Award
Indie Press Awards
I walked in darkness along the shore
seeking only solitude and nothing more
Thunder drummed from somewhere far away
like foreboding timpani as clouds began to play
They competed with the roar of bally waves
crashing to the beach in rhythmic laves
Everything was out of reach for me
the moon, the stars, the depth of the sea
Echoes of a nocturne were swirling in my head
Lyrics left unsung, but spoken instead
My soprano continued; the falsetto stopped
Too weak to stand, on my knees I dropped
My footprints had been erased by an ebbing tide
No longer able to run. I chose not to hide
Blind in the darkness, my loneliness daunting
a flash of lightning, then another more taunting
I lifted my eyes to the sky, to the falling rain
its sting delivered in a medley, staccatos of pain
On the edge of the sea, I waited for the end of me
My tears an ensemble, an elegy in requiem plea
I ignored the orchestra when I heard the ocean call
louder than kettle drums or the storm's howling squall
No encore would this night be able to reprise
When the flowing tide encroached, I closed weary eyes
A chorus of waves crashed like cymbals in concerto
stealing the baton from the hand of the Maestro
The moon and stars were out of reach for me
I wept as I was swept into the depth of the sea
August 28, 2022
2022 Marathon Mile 13 Contest
Sponsored by Mark Toney
Ocean Whispers
I sit on shore by windswept seas
and feel the vibrant ocean breeze
As waves cascade upon the sand
in breathless wonders of this land.
I bask in balmy salty air
and feel the moistness in my hair.
Luna begins her lofty climb,
her silver beams are quite sublime.
While in the distance boat lights glow
and sparkle like a starlit show.
Ocean magic enchants tonight
to my romantic heart's delight.
To skinny-dip, I soon undress
in ocean swells with sweet caress
Secluded on this private shore
just waves and me that I adore.
8-28-22
2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 13 Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Mark Toney
___________________________________________
8-9-19
A STRAND (1047) Poetry Contest N/A
Sponsor Brian Strand
Devotion to Ocean Poetry Contest ~First Place~
Sponsored by: Chantelle Anne Cooke
Eventide’s misty winds gently oscillate
Colorful clusters of crepe-myrtle flowers
Crowning atop rows of elegant tree-trunks
Blooms lavender, pink, red, and purple
Hanging in air from tips of twigs slender
Bowing to earth, donning green foliage
Arrayed in symmetrical flower-bouquets.
On a summer stroll, my hand you hold,
Gazing rhythms tilting back and forth
Swaying gracefully symphony of colors
As synchronized whispers merrily rustle
Echoing intentions of doting twilight sun
Beholden to season's gift of blossoms.
Gales now swirl, petite petals disperse,
Whirling confetti, drifting dances aerial,
Sprinkling fine motifs of tinted splendor
Twisting, turning, in eve’s amber passion
Flying all over, as we gaze, wooing love,
Where violet-sky above artfully evokes
Opaline glimpses of dreams ephemeral
Inscribed in spectrum on crimson horizon.
Written: March 13, 2021
Placed 6th: Submitted on October 14, 2022 to:
2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 17 Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Mark Toney
Poem of the day on March 15, 2021
Placed 1st: Flower or flowers in imagism form poetry contest
Sponsor: Constance La France
Placed 1st: All yours (March 17) by Brian Strand
Like a gazelle springing from left to right
Your prayers come winging through perilous night
Making swift haste to my ill beating heart.
I was amazed at how many took part,
So deeply moved, there are tears in my eyes.
Dark thunderous clouds have moved to clear skies.
My gratitude floods to poetry friends
I’m humbled by your love as my heart mends.
7-2-22
*Dedicated to my loving poetry friends
~10th Place Premiere Contest~
2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 7 Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Mark Toney
Hope is a song of bird
Reassuring forlorn dawn,
The nightmare is banished
And the dream is still alive
Hope is a Lotus flower
Drowning in the night
Yet, rising through mud
With ebullient sunrise
Hope is an autumn leaf
Gamboge on brown
That curls up and dies,
Only to bud again with
Spring’s verdant vibes
Hope is a glint of smile
On the face of despair
When helping hand arrives
Trekking by its side
Hope is a concert
Of euphoric hatchlings
Yearning first flight
Flexing freedom wings
It’s the elixir of living
Priceless for everyone
And everything for some~
Hope’s their only means
Hope is a prayer
Tolling of benevolence
In places of worship
Seeking in earnest
Triumphs over tragedies
Written: February 3, 2022
Submitted on November 2, 2022 to:
2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 19 Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Mark Toney
Placed 1st: A Strand 1074 contest
Placed 1st: Hope Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Mohan Chutani