Best Vibrant Poems
Lessons of Autumn
Summaries of schooling
— lessons upon lessons guiding
Thoughts in class after class…as bells ring…
Volumes to consider about ways of interpreting…
As the world takes Life on a continuous spin
— round and around — outside and within —
Orbits, tides, seasons, moods, visions…
Lessons taught that Winter is The Dead or Hibernating;
Spring is Re-birth; Summer is The Growing;
And Autumn? Well, students were asked to see
— symbollically, spiritually, scientifically —
That Autumn is the season of Dying, of Leaving.
Autumn, the antithesis of Spring;
Autumn, the harvesting, the taking away
from the earth Spring’s born and
Summer’s grown.
Autumn is the drying, wilting, wrinkling;
The changing from acting to waiting…
And ending.
But, in Autumn, Mother Nature displays
Some greater lessons using God’s deeper palette:
To layer by layer paint, and year by year present
How Autumn’s weeks pass on
Gifting the hemispheres with her splendors
In a glorious prelude to turning with life,
Tier upon tier, into a new year.
All around, Autumn transforms the landscape
From too monochrome into blended tones
Of copper…and red…and yellow aside goldened greens
That shiver before the backing blankets
of violet horizons;
And often the trees for awhile, may even
lean in together to endure
The colder winds and rains pattering.
~ When sweeping Autumn begins,
Leaf by leaf breaks off from branches and twigs…
And, by design created, floats down,
Each laying on a palm of air, to soften
The fall ~
The living in nature all have their seasons…As we
Too, grow on the many branching pathways of our own,
Hopefully learning the value and beauty
In the circling of all time’s teaching seasons…
As each and every leaf sways, wafts, flutters, twirls,
Slowly waltzing down to the waiting earth,
To lay there, with such vibrant color,
Over the dust that made us.
Autumn always,
is time’s heavy curtain,
Taking its cue to fall…
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(c) sally young eslinger 10/2023
*Past silver groves of willows weeping near a crystal stream,
I move with an excitement flowing in my vibrant dream.
Those colors that I take for granted in the concrete world
shine brilliantly like buds of roses that have come unfurled.
Ahead there is a field of daisies - wild yellow in bloom.
I’m feeling golden; such enchantment whisks away all gloom.
Atop a hill as bright a green as Ireland’s emerald isle -
as day’s last rays of sun shine down - is where I’ll stay a while.
Inside my dream appears white parchment; in my hand a quill!
Across the sky there splashes splendor; all the earth grows still.
A white swan’s feather dips into a hue of cobalt blue.
As sky bursts crimson, I am painting all this dream for you!
*Past silver groves of willows weeping
is a line I borrowed from Heather Ober's "Into the Gloaming"
For Richard Lamoureux's Pick a Line Any Line Poetry Contest
The gift of quietness, sometimes ignored,
may go unclaimed throughout our busy day.
Unless that time of stillness is embraced,
we'll miss our joy to share in the reward.
The gift of quietness- its silent song-
can play to calm our weary hearts and minds.
The empty silence spreads tranquility
to balance yin and yang where they belong.
The gift of quietness- its emptiness,
grants fullness of an aura without sound
that soon uplifts the spirit once again
to face our busy lives with happiness.
May 17, 2019
Form: (Only 1st and 4th lines of each stanza rhyme).
This may be a new form invented by Timothy McGuire and
given the name BOOKEND RHYMES by Andrea Dietrich.
Written, September 13, 2024
For the I Form - Imagism Poetry Contest
Sponsor, Constance La France
Quote: Childhood is the most beautiful of all life's seasons." By Poet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sight of the emerald lawn is exquisite_
lavender and azure threads intertwine,
elegantly placed in lines of budding leaves,
and young kids play and race with endless zest,
their upholstery is spread out in the yard.
And boxes laden with meals that Mama stuffed,
between biscuits, milk, cheese, jelly, and loaf,
Sunday outdoor activities are unforgettable.
I have just reached the end of the school year
giving my last lesson to the last group, as it were
Unlike before, not quite content with what has been done
on whom would I put the blame in the long run?!
Apart from the human factor, we have Covid-nineteen
and under my wings students at the age of a teen
To teach a youth, you need understanding.. patience and time
how would I make it, as students study part-time?!
Day on, day off.. that’s the school year for them so far
how to ensure the development of the learners’ repertoire?!
Hard I strived to hide the leak of confusion on my face
as it was puzzling to recognize my students with a mask on each face!
I spare you the trouble of an everyday struggle with every task
as my students and I are sweating under a suffocating mask!
Just envision me teaching the phonetic symbols and every problem sound
without accurately mouthing utterances and hearing a clear sound!
“Group 1 or 2?” Would you please your teacher remind?
that’s of paramount importance than any other task assigned!
A quick look at my notebook to check what is written down
so that I would be in the know after each two-week lockdown!
To God’s countless blessings I am grateful so much
though guilty with the feeling of not being able to do much
Still facing the dangers of the pandemic and its many a wave
and need not just get Covid-19 vaccine but also be brave
Possess a valiant heart, share Love and Light with a vibrant energy
have faith in God, in human nature beauty and in the “call of poetry”!
June 10th, 2021
Besma
I join my friend and fellow great poet, Poetic Flame, in his inspiring Poet's Call!
https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/covid_toll_and_poets_call_1362448
On a cold November morning
Frost wrapped the world in an ashy hue
Sucking the heart from silence
As an optimistic sun gazed through
Naked branches of oak and maple
Peeking through the limbs of gray
Lighting the indigo skies with grace
Dancing, flowing, praising
In waves of enchantment, such riches
Radiating warmth and awaking
The crackle of leaves, stunned
By the bitter air, the chilling stare
Of freezing sparkles on thoughts
Met by the luster of dawn
Revelations caress the mind
Of those who listen to the pulsations
Rumbling through the thoughts
Echoes of dreams, dulled
By reality’s dark plans for the one
Who listens to shadowy feelings
Deprived of hope or faith
Lingering on the edges of silhouettes
Who dread the moment, stirring
To life – the sense of delight
Inspiration and insight
Peppering the darkness in joy
Pleasures like seeds who’ll be growing
Love, the anointing
Of a life full of glory
A frosted November Sunday
Breathless and murky with hues
Of obscure inklings twinkling
Like the hesitating stars
On a quiet night
Flooded with desires, dreams
Amazed by the creation
Blessed by His presence
Even here – among the thorns
Who hasten to bite soft flesh
With frozen barbs, like wire
Bringing the ooze
Of crimson flowing over
Icy cool thoughts
Enriching the heart
With feelings from a deep
Longing, a need
For the belief that imagines
Love is forever
A never ending feeling
Forever giving
Never leaving
Always satisfying
On a cold and vibrant November morning
Love melts the heart
Who is yearning for the promise
Of a feeling that brings
Joy beyond words, more alive
Than the dance that inspires
Poets to write, artists to paint
As hearts unite
To share their life!
Heartfelt hues hope for
Paintings, vibrating in light
Coloring the muse
"Bliss like thine is brought by years;
Dark with torment and with tears."
Emily Bronte - Sleep Not (1846) st.1
_______________________________
often, I am in the throes and agony of my mind
I am tortured and each day I grapple with sad thoughts
that pinion and shackle me to the past
with anchors unyielding, yet beautiful
with memories vibrant and ever and immortal . . .
and in meditation, I look beyond the firmament
to a heavenly utopia where there is only stillness
a celestial unearthly place divine
a paradise, tranquil and lovely
where I sojourn in serenity . . .
and there, lissome and graceful I glide- a butterfly
I float and drift among ethereal emerald trees
yet, the foul besmirch of my past follows
all those shadows that restrain me
but the beauty beckons me . . .
I wish for silken repose and to rest my mind of thoughts
to dream- to sleep and slumber in total stillness
but, in dreams I struggle with the past
so in blissful contemplation
I find my peace in my quietude . . . .
______________________
May 21, 2018
Poetry/Free Verse/Vibrant, Blissful, Quietude
Copyright Protected, ID 05-1024-942-21
All Rights Reserved, 2018, Constance La France
Written for the Standard contest, Eight Word Challenge
sponsor, John Hamilton, Judged 2018
Second Place
Submitted to the Premier contest, Vibrant, Blissful, Stillness
sponsor, Unseeking Seeker, Judged 02/25/2022
Fifth Place
vibrant poppies sway
timeless across flanders field
~ ageless tears of blood
AP: Honorable Mention 2021
Written: March 26, 2025, for contest Sponsored by: Anoucheka Gangabissoon
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In the storm's embrace, chaos reigns,
Winds howl through the ruins of shattered dreams.
Dark clouds of fear flow like streams,
Yet within your arms lies peace in my veins.
I draw strength, knowing rainbows will emerge,
Rising from the depths of this cyclonic surge.
The sun's warmth will restore my vibrant core,
Like treasured jewels, it's how I thrive and soar!
Your touch whispers secrets to my soul,
A refuge amidst the wild tempest raging toll.
Though the world may crack and splinter apart,
Together, intertwined with you, I'm whole at heart.
I witnessed your earnest attempt to lend a hand,
Reaching out to hold me close, a warm, gentle band.
In your embrace, I found myself rendered still,
Mirroring the strength of your unwavering will.
Fear dances like shadows cast by lightning,
Yet love stands steadfast against the gale,
Vulnerability finds strength in connection scale,
And turmoil fades beneath the warmth of igniting.
Amidst the tempests outside, serenity starts to bloom,
Resilience flourishes from the bond we assume.
True stability thrives within our shared embrace,
As love dissipates chaos, bringing solace to its place.
We let our hearts bloom into stems to bind us.
The scenery can be wiped out by the storm.
But I will always hold you close to my heart, warm.
Calm, stability, and comfort will always be our plus!
on this deserted beach
ivory and turquoise
foam of the waves
Persuading October from her quiet lair
Shedding the pleasures of life’s fictional realms
Mouthwatering plunder, gathering to share
Swirling through the silence, round oaks, pines and elms
Secrets and shadows reflecting nature’s rush
Flames of ginger, shushing dark who overwhelms
Sweet dreams are splattered with hope by God’s paintbrush
Storm wrecking peace calms souls who reflect this time
Much like a coryphée, plied by a wood thrush
Closing those moments by the sea, maritime
Breathing in crisp air, whispering a prayer
Carrot colored leaves twirl in a soothing rhyme
Reflections so daring arrive on sun’s glare
Lifting the past’s tears with grace beyond compare
I have spent a lifetime
trying to find my perfect fit
in a chaotic world that has
no time to dwell on just one
I had to stop looking
at my downfalls
My reality is of my
own making
I choose to live it
happy or sad
Nothing in life is ever
just black or white
There are many shades of the
rainbow in between
My world does not exist in
monotones colors
I choose to live it in the
many hues of that rainbow
and my life will only
know vibrant colors
Dramatic skies of blue-gray clouds,
Before the rains that evening shrouds.
Fresh blueberries, forget me nots,
Bracing waves when the weather's hot!
Twilight bluejay, in search of night,
Prancing peacock, vanity's delight!
The earth itself, and also Neptune,
Ripe juicy grapes of morning June.
Great whales within the matching sea,
The melancholy of smaller tragedy,
Hyacinths and plums of sunshine cheer,
And roses fragrant when you are near!
moistened eyes, dew drops swallowed
pain that tugged bleeding heart plugged
bliss beats led us and we followed
surfing suffering soul shrugged
no one sees unreleased sneeze
wide awake, nothing at stake
the stoic soul aims not to please
divine entwined, for love’s sake