Best Verified Poems
Oh, Nature’s spree, your artistic scene exceeds!
Quaint the plash of paints upon the frilly bloom
hued with sunrise splash in skies as night recedes,
lush your brush, alive with rays and pinkish plume.
Artsy petals feed her fashionista needs
draped in shades of goddess dawn, not moony gloom.
O, jealous moon, remember jasmine’s ardor.
Flaunt, rose of Sharon, posed beyond the arbor.
Susan Ashley
September 26, 2022
~ Second Place ~
Premiere Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 20
Sponsor: Mark Toney
~ First Place ~
Premiere Contest: Ottava Rima Poetry Contest
Sponsor: L Milton Hankins
*rhyme scheme: a-b-a-b-a-b-c-c
*syllables verified: PoetrySoup; 11 syllables per line
*rhymes verified: rhymezone.com
*plash: noun; a gentle splash, verb; to splash gently
*Photo: WilsonBrosGardens.com
Categories:
verified, art, autumn, beauty, flower,
Form:
Ottava rima
Cerulean lake flows beneath azure dome
Charming revelers in waters cobalt blue
Gazing into horizon where eagles roam
Greeting scenic pastures in aerial view.
Upon shamrock landscapes quiver golden rays
Crafting shadowy shapes, drawing zealous praise
Foretelling onset of twilight colors soon
Preparing the stage for ardent summer moon.
July 8, 2018
First Place in Mid July standard contest by Brian Strand
Placed 2nd in Summer Rispetto contest by Barry Stebbings
Rhyme: abab, ccdd. Eight lines, 11 syllables each;
Verified on howmanysyllables.com
Categories:
verified, nature, summer,
Form:
Rispetto
I spoke into the microphone, as tears interrupted my speech
The dread of public speaking, overcame me, like hearing a screech
Then I sort of rambled on, probably too fast for others to understand
In the background, the lake waves rolled in and lapped the land
The waves were easier to listen to, than my own words in the air
All the people in front of me standing in time, looking at me here
It is nice to be heard with significant things, but this is not my way
I’d rather have a pen in hand to be writing all that I have to say
Although, even with a speech with words stumbling and a few tears
It is to be remembered and was not nearly as bad as I feared
For all went well, as the weather delivered a perfect sunny day
Blue skies, slight breeze, lake filled with fun, all clouds drifting away
A cleansing, a commitment, verified in a speech to last forever more
As the smiles spread across faces and the lake waves lapped the shore
Heidi Sands
7/30/17
Categories:
verified, celebration, change, water, words,
Form:
Sonnet
Oh goldenrod how bright your blaze
though blooming sunrays bittersweet —
your tint the hint of crisper days
when dusk arrives on hastened feet
amidst the green tall grass you gleam
oh goldenrod how bright your blaze!
gold dust the stuff of Nature’s dream
rich sprays of flame the monarchs praise
a beacon’s beam in humid haze
a rocket flare in atmosphere
oh goldenrod how bright your blaze —
a torch for summer love to bear
as solstice fades no longer spry
and sun-dried skies brown manes of maize
beneath the aging daystar’s sigh
oh goldenrod how bright your blaze!
Susan Ashley
August 17, 2022
~ First Place ~
Writing Challenge - X'd Poems Second Chance Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Constance La France
*N/A (X'd)
*Contest: Hint of Autumn
*Date judged: September 3, 2022
Rhymes verified: Rhymezone
Syllables verified: howmanysyllables; 8 per line
Photo: Gardenia.net
Categories:
verified, august, beauty, flower, happiness,
Form:
Quatern
I just found out two poodles that I bought
were ferrets! Ay caramba! And guess what?
To make each one resemble less a rat,
they gave them steroids, making them both fat!
They also fluffed their pretty fur just so
around their heads. So how was I to know?
Each one looked so much like a toy poodle
they had me fooled - whole kit and caboodle!
Our veterinarian has verified
the facts for me. Those poodle dealers lied.
And folks now say I should have realized
the truth, which stared at me with beady eyes!
Those ferrets sure run fast; I think I’ll buy
two tiny leashes, or else I could try. . .
to sucker someone stupider than me.
Hey, buy one poodle; get the other free!
For Janice Canerdy's Rhyming Couplets Poetry Contest
* I wrote this April 22, 2013 after hearing a news story about a guy who actually believed he had bought a poodle when it was a ferret on steroids! See above for the link to the news footage!
Categories:
verified, humor, pets,
Form:
Couplet
In the stillness of the night,
A rhythmic echo I can hear
Where peaceful dreams take flight;
A drum, drum, drumming in my ear.
A rhythmic echo I can hear,
A thump, thump, thumping in the hollow of my chest,
A drum, drum, drumming in my ear,
A pump, pump, pumping against my burdened breast.
A thump, thump, thumping in the hollow of my chest,
A tick, tick, ticking from the clock in the hall,
A pump, pump, pumping against my burdened breast;
I hear the lonely sounds, of a hoot owl’s call.
A tick, tick, ticking from the clock in the hall,
A thump, thump, thumping in the hollow of my chest,
I hear the lonely sounds, of a hoot owl’s call
A pump, pump, pumping against my burdened breast.
A thump, thump, thumping in the hollow of my chest
Where peaceful dreams take flight;
A pump, pump, pumping against my burdened breast,
In the stillness of the night.
Date: May 11, 2022
For: A Pantoum of Five Stanzas Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: L. Milton Hankins
Rhymes verified on rhymezone.com
No placement in contest
Date: August 16, 2022
For: "Your second chance 1st poetry contest poetry contest"
Sponsored by: Sotto Poet
Categories:
verified, anxiety, sleep,
Form:
Pantoum
Who coined this term?
Who decided to limit one’s spirit?
Who decided to deprecate those qualities that remain hidden?
Out of my league…
What is the measure?
Who created the scale?
Is it beauty????
There is an inner splendor that defies the term
Is it grace????
There is the graceful movement of the soul that
moves beyond the boundaries of description
Is it shapeliness???
The shapes and forms of the mind, the curves and lines
Are unclothed in words and unseen by eyes
Is it sexual dynamism???
The body may be painted by an artist, but it has no power to satisfy
desire unless it succumbs to the promptings of a sensual mind
Is it wisdom???
There is the wisdom verified by degrees and the wisdom of the world
which is broader and at times deeper than the few letters at the end of a name
Is it wealth???
The wealth of the world does not even begin to tip the scale
In comparison to the wealth of human character…integrity, loyalty, mercy, and love
What is it???
What is that illusive quality
That demands the stamp of
“Out of my league?”
I defy it
I renounce it
No one can label me…
Yet...I am in a league of my own
Beautiful
Sensual
Shaplely
Wise
Wealthy
Dynamic
A dynamism that a label cannot hold
A wealth that cannot be weighed
A wisdom that guides inner spheres of life
A shapeliness that flaunts the norm
A sensuality that inflames thought and movement
A beauty that shines in its own right
Yes! I am in a league of my own
If you are turned away
By outer appearances
By lack of wealth
And the trappings of prestige
You are missing the treasure
The sheer enigma
Of a mind that is deep, unbound, free
In this league that I live and breath in
This league of....ME!
Eileen Manassian Ghali
Categories:
verified, identity, image, self, integrity,
Form:
Free verse
From dead sands
a step was birthed
of stone ...
a carved staircase
leading down ... and deep.
Shovels bit,
whisks brushed,
cartouches
led on ...
November
twenty-six,
nineteen-twenty-two,
chisels breached an entrance
and ...
The Boy King arose!
~ 10th Place ~ in the "Yalto Poems Only" Poetry Contest, Emile Pinet, Judge & Sponsor.
( A "Yalto" is a form created by Edward Ibeh, consisting of a strict syllable count of 3, 4, 2, 4, 5, 3, 2, 3, 2, 3, 3, 5, 6, 1, 5 syllables-per-line. Verified at HowManySyllables.com )
* This speaks of the re-discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb by British Egyptologist Howard Carter, for George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon. *
Categories:
verified, adventure, appreciation, history, science,
Form:
Verse
Let me tell you a story…
A story about life, where Solitude gracefully glides into the room, wearing a loose fitting gown, draping her curvaceous form. Piously she takes her place at the table of life, she is surrounded by Faith, Hope, Despair, Vision, Reality, and Fantasy. Furtive Destiny is seated at the head of the table, shrouded in mystery.
Faith is subdued, radiant, gracious and kind. Her reassuring smile gives life and courage to Hope. They share a unique friendship, if either of them departs, the other becomes reclusive.
Hope shines in the spotlight with Faith. She dazzles with magic tricks; lighthearted yet fragile. She holds her breath so often I fear one day she may not catch it. Optimistic Faith, reminds Hope to breathe in and breathe out.
Despair, clad in a dark cloak; averts his sullen glassy eyes. His temerity threatens and blind sights the spirit of Faith and Hope; vulnerable and frightened they reach out to Vision.
Vision is creative, casting Faith and Hope in life’s productions; drawing back the curtain of blindness, revealing hopeful possibilities.
Reality, a disciplinarian. He is strong and terse; building strength on the bedrock of truth. Discerning facts, sorting out fiction.
Fantasy, a flighty temptress, playfully teases Reality who becomes uncomfortable; secretly he admires her, especially when Destiny leaves the room.
Destiny holds the key to life’s fate. Confident and at times unforgiving; she never plays favorites. Wise, with the knowledge she solely possesses the power of our tomorrows. Reality is her soulmate, keeping a harmonious balance. There is talk they are involved, but Destiny does not reveal her private life.
Date: April 19, 2022
For: Form N - Narrative - New Poems Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Constance La France
Theme: Life
Grammar verified on P.S. Grammar check
Placed 1st in contest
Categories:
verified, imagery, life, metaphor,
Form:
Narrative
Her journey begins in the west
a golden globe upon her breast,
amongst a carousel of stars;
although she sleeps, she never rests.
Gazing at the heavenly czars,
passing on a course from afar.
illuminated by the sun,
floating in an astral bazaar.
Flirtatious, concealing for fun,
a myriad of faces spun.
Her province, to adjust the tides;
with mystic powers it is done.
At a celestial pace she glides,
passing astrological signs.
On a cycle, cannot linger;
keeping a course that she abides.
A wise old crone, no beginner;
knows when to rise, shine, and shimmer.
An orbit of mystique and charm,
sometimes bright and sometimes dimmer.
Date: May 23, 2022
For: Rubaiyat Contest Poetry
Sponsored by: Sotto Poet
Syllables verified on Howmanysyllables.com
Rhymes verified on Rhymezone.com
Rhyme Scheme: aaba-bbcb-ccdc-dded-eefe
Placed 3rd in contest
Categories:
verified, imagery, metaphor, moon,
Form:
Rubaiyat
I savor the creamy batter.
Divining of lemony cast.
Layer cake that’s sure to flatter.
This sumptuous treat will not last.
The melt of his eyes, when he asked.
I squeeze, like a sponge, yellow fruit.
Up and down zest the bodysuit.
Ring’d finger frosted quick submit.
Temptation of icing acute.
Chocolate, curled white, atop it.
5/5/2020
Dizain - Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Dear Heart
Verified using:
Rhymezone,
Howmanysyllables,
and PS Grammar Checker
8 syllable dizain ababbccdcd
Categories:
verified, food, sensual,
Form:
Dizain
"From deep within my heart I always catch
the scent of my Beloved. How can I help but follow that fragrance?"
Quote By _ Rumi
The day I found love I do not regret _
It was in the Spring when the flowers bloom
And then, like a sweet dream you were my groom
It was our life destiny that we met:
Those romantic days I will not forget,
Oh, I can still smell your scent in our room
And yes, we were planning a baby boom
Still recall us walking- as the sunset.
Now, in my dreams I call for you in vain,
God had a plan my love so up you flew:
My heart is shattered and I am in pain,
but still feel you in the night and morn' dew,
Though dark death has taken you up above,
You will forever be my one true love.
_______________
July 18, 2022
Poetry/Rhyme/Dante Sonnet/Oh, My Beloved
Copyright Protected, iD 07-1474-500-18
All Rights Reserved, 2022, Constance La France
Body of poem is 124 words verified on PS Word Counter
Rhyming verified on Rhymezone.com abbaabba cdcdee
Syllables 10 per line, verified on HowManySyllables.com
Written in the Rhyming Sonnet style of Dante Gabriele Rossette
Written for the Premiere contest, Rhyme Rumi Quote
sponsor, Sotto Poet, Judged 08/12/2022
First Place
Categories:
verified, love,
Form:
Rhyme
Perhaps regrets sadly
Burn holes where pain forms
Even loving madly
Won’t stop these dark storms
Flaming comets burning
Souls joined two as one
Wanting, lusting, yearning
Fire that lit the sun
Dreamers, lovers thwarted
You were my soul’s light
Argued, angry, parted
Guilt paints that black night
Praying angels’ embrace
Wrap their wings ‘round you
Lonely silence replace
The love, once, we knew.
___________________________
March 8, 2018
Written for 88 Syllable Contest
Sponser: Joseph May
(a/c =3 words/2 syllables b/c = 5 words/1 syllable rhyme:abab)
Verified in Howmanysyllables.com
Categories:
verified, i miss you,
Form:
Rhyme
urgency of their needs
unloved by other creeps
Ursula abandoned
Ulrich, a bachelor
ugly and overweight
undiscovered beauty
underneath one’s covers
4/30/2021
Pleiades U Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Kim Merryman
HMS verified 6 syllables per line
Categories:
verified, appreciation, loneliness,
Form:
Verse
I came to faith
at forty-eight
a mid-life crisis
within my mind
step-by-step
a staircase I climbed
'til I left
my old life behind
off the fence I slithered down
upon my brow
doubt bears no frown
each question
answered verified
no blind faith
with no place to hide
reasoned studied &
empirical
a life-style relevant &optical
by revelation
face to face
I stand here still
..saved by grace.
this proof of election is mine
In Christ too
...it can be thine.
Categories:
verified, christian, faith,
Form:
Bio