Best Upholds Poems
A tribute to young daffodils
may grace the poet's page:
new grass, full streams, or nesting larks,
as Spring takes center stage.
To write of faith feels natural
when pondering creation -
to render praise in poetry
with words of exaltation.
When wisdom is attained in life
not cheap or lightly earned,
and life throws shadows on our path,
we share what we have learned.
A little romance warms the heart
to reminisce of youth,
though tales we weave of loves long past
might quaintly stretch the truth.
A word or two of elegy
while contemplating death,
lamenting those we've dearly loved
who've drawn their final breath.
From time to time one must admit
it does the heart some good
to set one's sense of humor free
to lighten up the mood.
Yet other times a sharp protest
upholds the poet's creed
to fight injustice, hatred, war,
or poverty or greed.
The common thread that drives a soul
to take up pen and ink -
is being human to the core:
to love, to feel, to think.
written 29 April 2023
Azure-accentuated ambiance awaits aspiring artists
Baby’s birth brings blessings, blowing boredom-blues
Cool calmness charms circumspect chefs to create cuisine cravings
Daybreak dos and don’ts discipline drivers from direction-dazzles
Enlightenment-exercise empowers engineers in their endeavors...
Fiery fluorescent fearlessness fuels firefighters’ faith-fortitude’s fervor
Glowing grace of God gears guardians for guiding governance
Hope highlights health-helpers’ handlings midst heightened heaviness
Illumined instructors inspire with their influence-iridescence
Justice-jubilation juxtaposed with jurisprudence-judgment joins jury...
Kaleidoscopic kindness-keys keep kinship’s knot kindling
Light’s luster leads liberation-lovers to lift the lamenting and lowly
Morning’s majestic magnificence moves mothers with mercies'* might
Nourishing nurses’ nurture and nature negates night’s negligence
Overwhelming opportunities open officials for output-optimization...
Peace-packed period pulls prayer-partners into Providence presence
Quality quotes quiet the querulous' qualms and quixotics' questions
Redolent reflections refocus reviewers against regretful reveries
Spiritual songs by soprano soloists shut silence-stillness
Triumphant thanksgiving tops tight timetable of tenacious teachers...
Ultimate urgency upholds undaunted umpires unto usefulness
Verses vanquish vanities vying against vision of the victors
Watchfulness warmth wakes the weary to welcome words of wisdom
X rays of ‘xpertise ‘xamination x-out ‘xpectations for a Xanadu
Yes-yells yearn for youth yielded yeah-yowls from yesterdays’ yets
Zion's zephyr zooms the zealously zestful to zenith of prize-zillions!!!
*Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning:
great is thy faithfulness.
Abecedarian and alliteration forms
July 28, 2018
Edited on May 19, 2022
1st place, "ABCEDARIAN POEM" Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Caren Krutsinger; judged on 6/4/2022.
Written: January 06, 2023
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Nighttime hypnotic dreams flow
a starry heart swirls
heavenly sequins sparkle,
gold moonlight reflects off crystal seas
an evening full of wonder
an exquisite tapestry, a secret story,
pure opal-colored mist
as you moonwalk, be astounded.
A whispered melody carries
the allure of a summer night
pearly moonlight falls on trees,
a gleaming breeze-kissed track
lucid, synchronized star trails
floating akin to a precious gem
origami nebulae with avid care,
sparks seldom appear quiet
dwarf firefly with jewel-like lights
fliers soar through the night,
exuberant filigree wings
their gentle glow soothes Void.
Amidst the mayhem, we have visions
a global canvas upholds hope
vivid acrylics fit well with warm ochres,
creativity abounds as the sun sets
the glow of a fantasy is stellar
a soft glow leads the way
glitter and dance are in sync,
Incredible for everybody
night gradually awakens
this grand adventure fuels dreams,
fireflies are lighting up our path
woods and meadows hide secrets
light reveals verdant grass.
altering the location.
In my heart always lingers Dad’s last sigh
Never in oblivion could I bury
Such upholds my hope for heavenly high
Leaving me with adieu of victory*.
With his legacy of love and faith’s zest
In my heart always lingers Dad’s last sigh
Testifying God’s blessings of great best
Marked by thanksgiving no one can deny.
His infirmities propped my trust to fly
As I begged for miracle health's fullness…
In my heart always lingers Dad’s last sigh
Since divine will is eternal wellness.
Midst reminiscence of fatherhood bliss
Valuing heritage money can’t buy
So that next generation will not miss…
In my heart always lingers Dad’s last sigh.
*Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces…
September 1, 2021
3rd place, "This or That, Vol. 6" Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Edward Ibeh; judged on 9/8/2021.
When worried about my security's steadfastness
since I see not the future,
I trust the guiding Light… my God – the omniscient Supreme One
Who knows my tomorrow; and can brighten my eternity!
When frustrated by spiritual crises
and groping for hope’s radiance,
I follow the guiding Light… my God – the sovereign Ruler
Who revives my soul; and can make me triumphant!
When wallowing in discontentment
while lingering in envy’s dimness,
I seek for the guiding Light… my God – the satisfaction Source
Who fills my heart with His goodness; and can nourish my well-being!
When blinded with unbelief
being tormented with doubts,
I cry to the guiding Light… my God – the perfect Teacher
Who restores my faith’s sight; and can empower me with His truth!
When pulled toward worldliness’ obscurity
against pressures of choosing what’s right,
I abide in the guiding Light*… my God – the wise Counselor
Who upholds my life; and can direct my steps to blessed service!
*Psalm 118:27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light.
October 4, 2018
October 6, 2018 Poem Of The Day
1st Place, Premier Contest, "Soap Opera Titles" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Janis Thompson; judged on 11/8/2018.
B-rave and faithful servant
I-s fighting against the lies;
E-arly June twenty-seventh,
N-o fear is found in his eyes.
M-oving on toward the crown,
A-ll he upholds is God's truth;
C-limbing up every ladder,
A-s he wants the labor's fruit.
L-ove, faith, and hope
I-ntensify his being valiant;
N-othing can twist the mind
O-f the faithful servant.
Bouncing up with gratitude
my heart leaps midst jubilant beat
rising to praise God* for His blessings
overtaking me this New Year.
Propelled by the Holy Ghost
my faith strides steadfastly
ascending along trust’s push
to triumph midst obstacles.
Advancing the Saviour’s kingdom
my spirit promotes righteousness
surmounting hatred with His forgiveness
gripped by love’s transforming drive.
Plunging in prayer to overcome gripping selfishness
my soul serves the Lord with His might
reaching-out to others in compassion
lifting the needy, propped by care’s zest.
Vanquishing skeptic doubts
my mind hurls negative thoughts
to prevail through Scriptures’ assurance
and zoom toward worship bliss.
Empowered by Christ Who leads
my life accelerates in His control
since He upholds me by His grace
hoisting me from sin-downfall.
*Psalm 86:12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
January 3, 2020
Honorable Mention, "Jump" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Sheri Fresonke Harper; judged on 1/24/2020.
Delight - a high degree of gratification or pleasure
If the Lord D E L I G H T S
in a man’s way, he makes
his steps firm;
though he stumble,
he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him
with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 NIV
The Lord has me pondering on this word delight. It has popped up in too many numerous ways to be ignored. God can delight in us and we can likewise delight in Him. When our eyes are fixed on Him, when we have a heart after him, the way King David did, God delights in us. He may frown on our sin, but he can still delight in us when our meditation and habits are grounded in Him. He called out David when He had an adulterous affair and positioned Bathsheba’s husband on the front line of war, for certain death. God didn’t ignore David’s sin. But as David grieved his sin, he had his eyes fixed on God.
Don’t give the devil more attention, but none. The Lord will remove the stinger after the bee has stung. So much can be accomplished with your eyes on the King of kings. Nothing on this earth will do. And if death comes, your deliverance is nigh.
We can delight in God as we read scripture, pray, seek God’s will, when all our senses are alert. Poets especially experience the inner and outer sensations of life. When God is our center, we delight in Him. We will
fall but God will hold us up. How delightful that God and man can both
delight in one another. No movie or rock star, nor any human on this earth can compare to the Creator Himself. Let us delight in our Savior.
God I thank for His love midst grace bounty
along mercy of sweet serenity…
His bestowed existence-breath’s verity
daily propels blest productivity…
His gift of life throughout eternity
assures me wondrous redemption surety…
His granted trust-propped faith-gripped faculty
brings forgiveness when confessed as guilty…
His endowed jubilation’s purity
cheers my soul, vanquishing anxiety…
His steadfast truth and precepts’ certainty
proves the Scriptures’ immutability…
His promises bracing security
guard me against skeptic doubt’s vanity…
His wisdom of guidance tenacity
gears toward stewardship capacity…
His power in worshipful praise beauty
enables service opportunity…
His presence ensuring peaceful safety
upholds my prayer to the Almighty.
1Timothy 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.
March 17, 2021
2nd place, "List With A Twist" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Charles Messina; judged on 4/17/2021.
All mankind is weak at heart
we are helpless and hopeless to a tee
our sin wraps us around its finger
tripping us up always so very easily
But there is a way to escape
there's one who we can pursue
all power and grace belong to him
out of His perfect love all things He can do
Pursue this God who is eternal
be passionately pursuing His person
cling closely for He is able
to bless you indeed His will be done
Make your soul be close to God
for His right hand to you will uphold
what greater security can you have?
the Lord God more precious than gold
(Psalm 63:8 New International Version (NIV)
I cling to you;
your right hand upholds me.)
February 4 Faith in God Bible Meditations Based on Leviticus 11-13
Key Verse – Leviticus 11:44 For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy…
FAITH IN GOD WHO SANCTIFIES US
God sanctifies us from sin-leprosy
By His mercy healing our plague’s persistency…
We thank Him for the power of His clemency
That transforms us by faith along His love’s fervency.
God sanctifies us from flesh-filthiness
By His holiness melting our lustfulness…
We thank Him for the brightness of His righteousness
That radiates around us by faith midst worldliness.
God sanctifies us from pride-inflammation
By His meekness smiting our arrogant reaction…
We thank Him for the clarity of His instruction
That propels us by faith toward growth’s function.
God sanctifies us from vice-defilement
By His purification vanquishing our addiction impairment…
We thank Him for His grace of restoration-replenishment
That upholds us by faith against evil allurement.
God sanctifies us from trespass-infirmity
By His forgiveness correcting our iniquity…
We thank Him for His pardon of acquitting quality
That makes us by faith to enjoy eternal life’s security.
God sanctifies us from command-disobedience
By His discipline conquering our rebellion-resurgence…
We thank Him for His Word of steadfast diligence
That enables us by faith to win against carnal expedience.
God sanctifies us from transgression-pest
By His purity cleansing our errors to the fullest…
We thank Him for His kindness of compassionate zest
That blesses us while we do by faith our utmost best.
February 4, 2025
World encircles the name game
Its upholds an identity for one
Keeping nicknames are no fun
To introduce Sneha is my name...
Love it each time i hear it called
It means pure and intense love
Theming to spread message of dove
Ocassions have my name enthralled
A symbol of my parents commitment
Holding unsaid promises and duty
Not derived from any famous beauty
It holds deeply woven sentiments
Whats in name is asked by many
It does tell lot about person’s nature
My name describes my behaviour
Embracing life with love phase be any
My name is a gift from my parents
To make me my own world of truth
It means sweeter like nature’s fruit
Carries many unsaid expectations
SNEHA-Simply nurturing each human always
Means more than what i can here express
As its not just about a name to impress
Its fulfilling the unsaid bonds in pain or solace...
Do you know what mothers hold?
They held and hold they shape and mold.
From birth until our lives are old.
They scold, they mend, they wash and fold
They care for all within the fold.
Her worth beyond a world of gold.
Forever blessed, by mother’s hold.
She gives and sacrifice unfolds;
Selflessly she serves tenfold.
The needs of mine before her own
No book can tell the stories told
Of how our mothers make us whole.
Eternal wealth, a mom bestows.
Forever blessed, by mother’s hold.
A Mother mirrors Mary’s role;
A humble girl turned marigold.
A vibrant gift, a beautiful soul
Since mother’s touch is manifold.
In diverse ways it lifts, upholds
Though pierced of heart, she onward rolls.
Forever blessed, by mother’s hold.
God is the cardinal creator
He is the generous giver
He can rise a dead to life, being the grantor
He can create a thing that existed never
He gave what you have
He knows whatever you know
Your deeds drive Him to decide what to give
As you deserve, He does sow
From you, He has nothing to get
He may test you before giving
To test your devotion, test He may set
To adjudge your faith and to ordain your living
Divine dream driven to sacrifice his dearest son
Candid command relates, not to a materialistic thing
One that can’t be a supplant or substitute being beyond season
Rather very well one, from his own being
Being the one and only son,
who was born of the Spirit, by the will of God
for a centenarian father, with a divine reason
as Abraham always adored Allah, for the overall good
Yet his faith on God as the Judge of the universe, was not weaken
Nor he took it as the biggest bitter pill to swallow
His trust over Allah was not shaken
Bewildering but bemused Abraham chose his dream to follow
His wife too accepted the sacrifice, with pleasure
She knows him as a man of noble character and an ‘apostle of Allah’
He was obedient to Allah and upright by nature
He never knows then, he too shall stay in history as messiah
Farewell kiss in the forehead of son, she gave
Son too set forward amusingly unto the altar
Execution was about to happen but Allah intervened to save
To proclaim the faith of Abraham as an ever shining star
This a terrific trial to test the deepness of devotion
Act of Abraham is an exemplary example of selfless surrender
Upholds the unity and understanding of a family, with a mention
Obedience to God opens gates of riches, grace, kindness and wonder!
His firm faith is famed as the holy ‘Muslim festival of sacrifice’
Eid-ul-Adha ever confirms that God unfailingly rewards those who do right
Faithful obedience to God like Hazrat Abraham, is suffice!
Even in dark and dungeon, God shall give you then, hope and sight!!
Above Poem is adapted from the eBook "BIRD OF PARADISE AND OTHER POEMS" by Mr.V.MUTHU MANICKAM. Copyrights reserved.
Each form is a form of His form
Both form and formless are His norm
He chooses form as well formless, to get you to reform
He yields to a form even when a form gets deform
With such creation of forms, He does perform
With such ease, one may design Him in free-form
With various forms, He upholds a message to inform
With all such forms, His form is uniform
He is the only One to have the omniform
Though He is also of multiform
To realize Him, all religions are platform
Fact can be realized with a brainstorm
He cares for each being, even smaller than a tiny worm
To drive you towards formless, He takes form like cruciform
He is the form of formless, ultimately one may conform
From form to formless is the ultimate, one may transform!
NOTES: the state or quality of having every form. — omniform, adj.
Characterized by an unconventional or variable form: their own freeform teaching methods.
Cruciform = Shaped like a cross; cruciate.
Above poem is adapted from the eBook “ENOUGH TO FLY AND PLAY AND A COLLECTION OF POEMS” by Mr.V.MUTHU MANICKAM. Copyrights reserved.