Best Traversed Poems
How does it feel?
It's hard to tell
Sad when I pause
Taking moments to dwell
It's the pearl that is lost
It's the half-empty shell
It's the un-told story
It's the water-less well
How does it feel?
Deep emotion stirs
Where the long goodbye
Has now lifted it's curse
And the shadowy valley
At last is traversed
So the heavenly moonlight
Guides the soul, now immersed
To the traveller's rest
Angel bells welcome in
As adventure concludes
Ending all earthly din
Yet, we cheer and we shout
For a presence so full
Not a moment's regret
Nothing mundane or dull
The poet and lover
Of life and it's pasture
Your memory rich
While you journey to rapture
Though a vacancy sign
Is erected below you
As we move to conclude
Let our words rise to show you..
This love legacy, bright
It will sparkle forever
For you taught us of hope
As you bound us together
It's a beautiful tether
That will never be broken
Your legacy, strong
And of you, highly spoken
As our eyes may be teary
As these words are no measure
For the gold in our hearts
Is your love's lasting treasure
I shore up my doubt, behind a loosely bound hope
Which in turn is propped up without foundation
Cynical of a life, at the mercy of luck
Collateral damage feeds my reservation
I shore up my tomorrow with what I see today
Without conspiracy or investigation
I place trust in all that’s completely unfettered
For fear, I’m left to this present resignation
I shore up my life with whatever came before
Not hindsight or academic education
The oblivion traversed until I was born
Strings along primal echoes of information
I shore up my conscious with bliss and ignorance
Interspersed with indifference on occasion
It’s not I don’t care about suffering and death
Rather, I’m desensitised by their pervasion
I shore up my denial with an open mind
Which is nothing except raw interpretation
This planet spins correctly, even though tilted
Not by wishful thinking, but strange gravitation
I shore up my boredom, trying to fall asleep
When really tired, will attempt hibernation
Anything to forget this human condition
After remembering, I’m long past salvation
I shore up my heaven, by creating a hell
Balance looks more appealing, in an equation
Gaze upon purgatory, and share what I see
Not because I’m kind, it’s more my destination
I shore up this poem by claiming it’s my own
But in truth, it’s an open collaboration
I conspire with the musings of all that’s unclear
They dwell inside me, in flawless aberration
- - - - - - -
(And as the sky darkened I heard these words)
better to face hell alone ~ than bring the whole world along for the ride
said the moon eclipsing the sun ~ who replied son I’m right behind you
Strangely bent this journey extends
Surreal at times, yet so real at ends
Each end confronts with a hardship of choices
With an abrupt passing, or an eternity of voices...
You and I, once on similar trends
Like brothers, we traversed all evil impends
The wheels then turned, unleashed worst of fears
We parted asunder on an ocean of tears
Through fallen decades, aggrieved heart sustained
I found my calling, forgot I was pained
Just when the going got peaceful and boring
Gales of anguish, and war started pouring
Again, I was forced to extinguish my wills
Left home for those in need of my skills
Forced to welcome the worst of thrills
A reward for one with the highest kills?
As we splattered blood on uncertain causes
Strode down the road of victories and losses
A vessel, merely, I was as I killed
Of sons, of husbands, of fathers, I spilled
In the heat of the battle, as I charged through
When my craving eyes met the eyes of you
That instant, that second, that moment, I knew
Neither decades nor ages could help subdue
My faltering sword could no longer fight
For whom I now behold in my sight
And I question my vow, having vowed despite
Whether or not my cause was right
Yet again, I stand on the recurring hill
In the midst of havoc, at a standstill
A piece of land that I swore to defend
Is it worth the life of a brother, a friend?
.
****
** **
** **
** **
Furious with Zeus, a vengeful Hera searched the world
Until she discovered the most amazing young girl
~~A Native American with hair dark as the night
Atop a white steed she traversed mountains snowy white~~
“Let there be stardust,” the Goddess proclaimed with force
And the woman was stunned, soaring on a flying horse
“Let there be rain,” Hera chose to give her power
The girl rode above clouds, below her rain did shower
Forever Rain on Stardust would travel through the sky
With the powers of a Goddess as she rode on high
To shower blessings of rain on villages so dry
Rain sees the past and future, though she does not know why
The outcome surely not as Hera had intended
Zeus became enamored of Rain’s presence so splendid
He kissed the sky beneath her with bright rainbow arches
Today you still see them wherever Stardust marches
A Goddess rides now, but sweet Rain was once just human
And she remains bewildered by her own acumen
Olympian rulers outdone by their creation
For Rain and Stardust yet win human acclamation
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*By Carolyn Devonshire
Entry for “Rain, the Story”
A contest sponsored by Constance La France ~ A Rambling Poet ~
I shore up my doubt, behind a loosely bound hope
Which in turn is propped up without foundation
Cynical of a life, at the mercy of luck
Collateral damage feeds my reservation
I shore my up tomorrow with what I see today
Without conspiracy or investigation
I place trust in all that’s completely unfettered
For fear, I’m left to this present resignation
I shore up my life with whatever came before
Not hindsight or academic education
The oblivion traversed until I was born
Strings along primal echoes of information
I shore up my conscious with bliss and ignorance
Interspersed with indifference on occasion
It’s not I don’t care about suffering and death
Rather, I’m desensitised by their pervasion
I shore up my denial with an open mind
Which is nothing except raw interpretation
This planet spins correctly, even though tilted
Not by wishful thinking, but strange gravitation
I shore up my boredom, trying to fall asleep
When really tired, will attempt hibernation
Anything to forget this human condition
After remembering, I’m long past salvation
I shore up my heaven, by creating a hell
Balance looks more appealing, in an equation
Gaze upon purgatory, and share what I see
Not because I’m kind, it’s more my destination
I shore up my poem by claiming it’s my own
But in truth, it’s an open collaboration
I conspire with the musings of all that’s unclear
They dwell inside me, in flawless aberration
- - - - - - -
(And as the sky darkened I heard these words)
better to face hell alone ~ than bring the whole world along for the ride
said the moon eclipsing the sun ~ who replied son I’m right behind you
By
David Kavanagh
Quite far we have traversed, in pursuit of goals we chose,
Through troubles and trepidations of seasons in throes;
Sometimes reveling sunshine, sometime in glum of shadows,
Always together~ on barren terrains, or verdant meadows.
In albums of yore, we ruminate now, turning pages of life,
Banishing anguish of feelings-forlorn, fuming in strife;
Reminiscing in moments passionate, of love sublime,
Treasured in memories-beloved, accumulated over time.
Harboring wisdom, inlaid in life’s waning phase, as we age,
In realms of reflections, insights-sapient, now we engage;
Learning from knowledge gained, from choices we made,
Accepting with grace, laments of secrets, as yet unsaid.
Regrets unmitigated, voice remorse of unuttered sigh,
Seeking empathy from goodwill of repentant goodbye;
As life tallies good versus bad, that introspections confide,
Eying a tranquil state of mind, devoid of hate and pride.
It’s time to reflect, it’s time to mend, it’s time to befriend,
As journey of life, beaming content, approaches its end;
Living final days in covenants revered, humbly we penned,
Elevating self, in peace of bliss, to heavens we shall ascend.
Written: May 3rd, 2024
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We twirled amidst the falling rain,
Flowing locks, dripping with freedom.
A gentle touch, our hands entwined,
As we traversed the highways of our lives,
it vanished from view as our eyes met
smiled and gently kissed our worries away.
leaving our reflections
behind
Listen to the rain's gentle song tonight
Feel the tears, they're mine,
Whispering gently on your rooftop.
unrestrained.
I envy those living as part of the wild
For I too, once heeded its call
A smoldering ember since I was a child
Urge, and belonging all part of the thrall.
I’ve enjoyed the fresh taste of a sparkling stream
Felt the tremble as you push through your fear
Stood high on a peak admiring Gods scheme
Felt both delight and remorse for taking a deer.
I’ve walked for weeks through valleys and trees
Traversed mountains with lush native grass
Felt the warmth and the cold of high country breeze
Navigated tussock, forests and high country pass.
I’ve smelt autumn rain as it mingles with dirt
Enjoyed the isolation of me and my views
Valued crude shelter while nature unleashes its hurt
Watched forest birds doing their best to amuse
But I’m now destined to be one of societies slaves
In a world where worth is measured by cash
Where worry and stress are delivered in waves
Where those without are regarded as trash.
I felt most alive in the middle of nowhere
Now dead when hemmed by city and streets
Nothing compares with fresh mountain air
Living free, no money, bills, or receipts.
When doves on evenings, calm and still, call out a hollow tone,
They rouse a medley, old as time, so few have ever known.
The whispered lines of its refrains resound of yesterday,
In ancient tales and bygone trails that man cannot portray.
I’ve rode and worked along a trail throughout my many years.
I’ve heard the tales the sages tell of raging Longhorn steers,
Of soldiers marching single file or mounted days on end,
Of Indians, conquistadors and Rangers tracking men.
Mackenzie Trail is not well known for time obscures its fame,
But high regard is placed on it by those who know its name.
Its story’s scribed in black and white, its remnants etched in stone,
Its way was marked by sweat and blood, by grave and bleaching bone.
The broad frontier that it traversed had yet to be surveyed
And danger seemed to lie in wait at every turn and grade.
From Fort Clark Springs to forts on north, it led Mackenzie’s men
To risk their lives out on the trail, then brought them home again.
A mound lies near Mackenzie Lake, where horse thieves met despair,
For Rangers tracked their hurried trail and hung them then and there.
And near a barn not far away, in Live Oaks’ blissful shade,
The remnants of a camp still lie where soldiers often laid.
I’ve rode the trail and damned the rock that cost my horse a shoe.
I’ve crossed its draws that filled with rain and made my lips turn blue.
Its rugged paths have tested me and all who’ve come this way,
Yet, it remains my trail through time, my bond with yesterday.
Mackenzie Trail will long survive, a monument to will,
That I recall when I ride near on evenings, calm and still;
When doves exclaim in harmony, their lonely, hollow tone
And rouse the medley, old as time, so few have ever known.
Cobwebs of thoughts dangle in forlorn corner
Spun by emotions that surrendered long ago
Still hanging out, anguished, in grip of throes
Engrossed in silence while gazing night skies
Admiring how they once painted astral designs
Brush stroking delight by sheer hint of eyes
Until the silken threads of lives ripped apart,
Each filament eagerly tearing webs of hearts.
Regrets of passion buzzed roiling wistful lives
When placid frontiers encountered stormy tides
Sailing smooth surfs that callously turned wild
On oceans unfamiliar to the benevolent minds
Beckoned by allure of prairies shamrock green
Thinking out there grew a garden of paradise~~
Abundance of blossoms their lives couldn’t have,
Squandering foolishly bond of love they had.
Yet, the darkened nights they traversed all alone
Heard repertoire of enchanting mirthful tone
Wooing love, having crossed thousands of miles,
Reminding them~ you don’t just abandon life,
Trilling tunes of affection in imploring oratory
Teaching humans secrets of romantic allegory
When the dawning on horizon gleams lapis lazuli
And a doting nightingale sings of dawn’s glory.
Promise of hopeful day glimmered their insights
Spurring their spirits to revisit places of delight,
Those they painted once by sheer hint of eyes,
Reassembling the filaments torn apart by time
Proceeding soon mindfully to rebuild their nest
Excited once again to hear chirps of hatchlings
When the dawning on horizon gleams lapis lazuli
And a doting nightingale sings of dawn’s glory.
June 7, 2021
Placed 1st: This or that, vol 3 poetry contest
Sponsor: Edward Ibeh
Title chosen: A nightingale sings of dawn’s glory
Inside such dreams of never lasting days
We traversed such wanting thoughts in emotional astray
On that December night, to our cottage on the hill
Where on many a moonlit walk, we allowed our thoughts to spill
Our footprints of life we took in threaded tread we walked
When one was about to talk, in confusion abound, we baulked
Snowflakes we often talked about, turned to emotional rain
Drowning your wisps of auburn, natures moistness becomes our drain
Such memories of our past, where the rains graced your clover
And I your beloved, once graced your body over
No longer shall I sense your breath so warm against my chest
As you delightfully grace my lobes, my internal heart now stressed
Your kisses I still feel, their once touch of tender brush
Like tumble-weed they now drift, my lips in different crush
On warm white sheets we used to lay, we called them our clouds of heaven
No longer shall crease, not one day out of seven
No longer shall our fingers dance over undulations of we
Or will our torso's mingle, like the ivy graces the tree
The losing of you is massive, our peripheral declares it a shame
Beloved to each other we're not, it's life, no ones to blame.....
With just one glance her enchanting smile won
Cadence of his heart crooning: she was the one
And fairy-tale of sweethearts had thus begun
Stealing stealthily the missives of alluring eyes
Gawking sundown on ebullient magenta skies
Welcoming newfound tempo passions bestow
In temple of his soul where halos of love glow.
Tethered to that moment strums song of yore
Serenading love, lauding memories sublime,
Extolling moment divine, firmly etched in time,
Never conquered since, nor tendered before,
Pulsing strings of hearts its rhythms now implore
Gilded autumns of fervor to forever blaze ardor
As melodies romantic soar, warbling evermore.
Years have traversed, yet, he treasures that smile
Eloquent in her style, as sensuous eyes beguile,
While tolling bells of fate blissful hymns chime:
Oh! how one sweet moment became a lifetime,
Neither shall it wither, nor fade from its prime;
This moment divine, now memorialized in time~
Tethered to it journeys, his blessed life sublime.
August 30, 2021
Poem of the week on September 5, 2021
Placed 1st: This or That, Vol 6 Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Edward Ibeh
Title chosen: Tethered To A Moment
SONNET PATHETIQUE
So sad Peter Ilyich; such anguished strife!
What is the tragic loss for which you grieve
An unforgot dark chapter in your life
So you must wear your heart upon your sleeve
That noble face that should exult your art
Betrays a tortured soul unversed with joy
In music, minor key takes greater part
D’you fear that signs of happiness would cloy
Yet oft, light breaks the gloom of dark dimension
Penumbra, pierced by ray of bliss, dispersed
And we discern the soul of your invention
Who bless the days you o’er this world traversed
That in our hearts it should have given gladness
For such sublime, exquisite, beauteous sadness
Night revolves in stillness,
reaching for the dawn.
Orion, Taurus and the Dogs,
yield to Deneb and the Swan.
And there in deep south rising,
a blood-tinged, pulsing heart,
Antares, stinger and the claws:
celestial works of art.
But now comes an intruder
amid Scorpius’ vivid stars,
for Antares is but mere rival
to the dazzling orb of Mars.
In dreams I've often wandered
and traversed empty space—
through darkest matter I have roamed,
yet yearned for just one place.
Its icy poles I’ve glimpsed from earth—
winds and saffron dust—
iron from exploded suns
gathered there as rust.
I’m sure I’d miss the color green—
long for skies of blue.
But brand new memories I’d espouse
forgetting hues I knew.
Alas, I'm tethered to the earth—
can’t travel into space.
So in twenty, maybe thirty years,
won’t you please go in my place?
1st Place, Mars Contest
Human ingenuity leapfrogs beyond ordinary
Buoying upon wings of intellectual curiosity
Sustaining innovation, creative imagination,
Breaking barriers once thought impenetrable,
Daring to conquer the arduous, unknown~
Resistant to understanding, inert to inquiry.
Unfathomable is force of scientific curiosity
That opened doors to discoveries, inventions:
Telescopes that explore the origin of universe,
Space flights landing on Moon and Mars,
Defying gravity, exceeding the speed of sound;
Telephones, electricity, computers, automobiles,
Untold preventive medicines, therapeutics,
Vaccines holding in check reign of pandemics,
Treatments for diseases, cure for hepatitis,
Nuclear fusion searching new source of energy
Reducing emissions to sustain life on earth.
Curiosity is the flame of wisdom, inspiration,
Lifeline for mortality pursuing life and liberty;
Promise of yesterday, today, and tomorrow,
For explicating phenomena less understood,
For guiding aspirations of cognitive intellect,
For directing journey on roads not traversed.
January 8, 2023
Placed 1st: This or That, Vol 15 Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Edward Ibeh