Best Virulence Poems
I have a picture of a barren land,
a moldy tree devoid of fruit and leaves.
Above the moon amid clouds rise gloomily
as no rays reaches the muddy land.
Look behind the tree, you'll see me there.
An evil stench carried on the night breeze,
sounds of horror coming from the dead
as clouds hide even the small consolation
of the rising full moon, yellow and bane.
Virulence rules, malevolence masters.
The breeze turns into a whipping wind
moans of ghouls and demons uncouth,
peace and common sense buried in the mud.
A cat named Satan walks up to a tree,
Scaly, sallow skin, corrugated and cold
evil eyes, oozing blood, look balefully at me.
Yet I am strong, I never give in.
I fought the inner demon and I won.
Tribulations come our way,
Temptations come, temptations go
for God will always care for me.
Categories:
virulence, inspirational,
Form:
Free verse
Rapacious Itch
It felt things coming,
The undeniable bottom feeder reality,
Where thought had no credulity,
Where irrational emoting ruled,
Void of mind’s prep,
Blind of light’s revealing purpose.
Such remained
This well-rehearsed and produced
Pulp life infestation.
It remembered…
Once many clambered to the marble steps,
Where dreams born of teachings
Promised delivery of reward.
But today…
All that is found
Is perpetuation of schoolyard practices,
Where bullying,
Mocking,
And “my dick is bigger than your dick” war-cries
Intimidate life’s playground with slippery slopes.
Down 5th Avenue,
Up Park Avenue,
The viral contaminants parlay their wears,
A far more contagious disease than Ebola.
And it knows…
Unlike a possible cure for a biological virus,
This consumerism equation seems without solution,
Given little of non-material worth remains
Visible on the species’ blackboard mess.
Today’s squirming parade of absence
Is dominated by the pounding of urban-warrior chests,
Of Armani jackets atop unlaced “made-to-look-raunchy” boots,
Ken Doll fantasies courting the strut of Barbie Doll dreams
Clicking attention with stiletto heels
Beneath ripped shorter than short-short insecurity.
On it spreads,
Past the Wall Street reviewing stands,
Where unlike the fickle nature of society’s infection,
Market makers understand a fever’s ups and downs,
Vulnerability’s capricious norm endorsing today’s
Debauchery fashion to Trump-taste,
Loudness to drown out worthy music,
Shock to shatter the true awe of discovery,
And the drowning of excellence
As it continues its desperate clinging,
All while mediocrity’s narcissistic sell-off
Creates another closing-bell windfall.
The pestilence holds firm its lock on discernment’s immune system,
Mutating daily into a mind-shrinking captivity,
A synaptic virulence rapidly rendering this once simple discomfort
Into an insatiable itch that will never realize its pursuit of “Ah!”.
Categories:
virulence, society,
Form:
Prose Poetry
As the beams in departure
darkness, they crawl slowly
taking charge and ready to rule
that surrounded shell above all
slouching in their aging gray
fresh again after sloughing its light
as plants in shift of their breath
and creatures, they creep in gloominess
in veil, another reality begins
As shadows of loneliness dwells
face of fear they show up
In eyes the lazy bell rings
most fading, lost in dreams
The innocent souls, all lay in rest
and troubles laid beneath blankets
silence kissing gently over ears
when saga of half-life
once again opening its doors
the back of dark awakes in vigor
and legs of selfishness in motion
together in hands of rebellious pleasure
a cyclone stirs up inside them
revolving around in claws of injustice
all searching out in desperation
in numerous, they swarm around
carrying a glaring visage in glee
a pernicious tar overruns them
and eyes getting blinded by a smoky visor
evils break through in boisterous force
shillings and dimes they roll
drenched in aphrodisiac, submerged in high jinks
indulged in satire, heads go haywire
imbibed in flood and drowned in insanity
manhood lost in that reign of terror
and humanity slaughtered along roadside
when homeless becoming preys
to their heinous hedonism
the smell of kill engulfs the gloom
along with sound of horror playing its notes
blood they shatter portrait of death
virtues washed away in alcoholic virulence
victims in dismay, they float
to those opened cavity laying generously
the song of drunkards in background
following the screaming souls to graveyard
and we again in defenseless sleeps
awaiting that forenoon, unaware of those perils
but this tyrannical existence expanding
the shadow of once again apocalypse.
Categories:
virulence, life, people, philosophy, lost,
Form:
Pleading for genuine peace midst cries’ silence
my restless heart breathed out despair sigh
torturing soul, miserably fearful
as angst wafted prevailing hopelessness.
Lurking was my skeptical somnolence
revealing my doubt and sure unbelief
exalting arrogant selfishness’ height
ignoring gentle spiritual prompting.
Oh, I once was gripped with vain insolence
drifting along sin-condemnation flow
wallowing in depravity’s quagmire
needing God’s salvation and forgiveness.
Reached-out by Christ’s sacrifice*-verity
I thank the Lord for His great love to share
triumphing against hatred’s virulence.
*Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
March 24, 2020
3rd place, "STRAND NO 710" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Brian Strand; judged on 3/29/2020.
Categories:
virulence, blessing, christian, faith, god,
Form:
Dramatic Monologue
I caught Her in a failed romance
I knew not what to do
I lost my mind at that first glance
She showed me something new
Yet, time did hide Her virulence
And, all Her crooked Lies
I lost the will for my defense
And, built a grand disguise
She left Me in New Hampshire's cold:
The tundra of my heart
I still could not, at once, have told
She'd tear my heart apart
I sat alone, in bold defeat
She did not even call
I'd wait for months: we'd never meet
Did She not care at all?
Once heartless, She had kissed my lips
And, told me not to leave
I drank Her death, in little sips
It's all that I'd believe
We always were a toxic pair
Our hearts went west and east
Brown eyes and hair were oh so fair
She's Beauty and the Beast
Years later, she still lied again
In contradicting ways
I felt Her every now-and-then
Beside a feckless gaze
When I returned, into the Cold
(As my late mother left)
She came to me with words of gold
Then, left again, bereft
With plots of Lies to draw me in
For Her, my heart was torn
Her words were filled with loss and sin
They pelted me with scorn
Her voice still haunts my better dreams-
I hear Her scream my name
If Love is just not how it seems:
Why did I feel the same?
She told me we should meet, in time
But, I will not return
I once fell for Her pantomime
Then, had no where to turn...
Categories:
virulence, depression, heartbreak, love, metaphor,
Form:
Rhyme
Fever and Chills
History writes itself
invisible pens find surfaces unknown
private life
public life
fever and chills sleep together
heaving corrosive air
from colorless lungs
hearing but their own moans
their own cries of ecstasy
how loud
how soft
From boardroom
to bedroom
clinging to manufactured essence
flesh bleeds with century's plague
ignoring contagion's history past
nurturing instead
weed gardens of delusional orchid and rose
These darkened windows aloft
where seductive airs of passion molt
fail to hide the pores of covetous fantasy
gluttony's vaporous hydration
ready to flake
While all about
Ether's wake delivers
sirens and horns
delivering ambition's twisted celebration of death
one less emergency burden
one more dodging of tragedy's awareness
the One-Percenters' plunder
destined to erode
like sand castles knowing little of ebb's inevitable tide
How courageous for some
To incandesce amidst shallow atmospheres
even as infirmity goes unnoticed by those
embracing fleeting moments
momentarily exchanging covers enfolding profit reports
for the silk and satin kind
king size queen size
makes no difference
For these of duplicitous breath
life becomes but a fool's gold enlaced treadmill
unquenchable thirst crossing windblown lips
insatiable and voracious spoils
body upon body
The sickness passes its virulent infection
its waste-basket poisons
from all too anxious glad-hands
offering but copper-nickel-dime pilings
greed's weed defoliation of flowered chameleon hope
trickling downward
battling updrafts of street despair
as sidewalk survivors reach skyward
embracing the floating pocket change tearfully
As misery rages below
this citadel high above
protects blind-weary subjects
behind penthouse glass
sitting together
sipping cognac
turning up the Bang & Olufsen
reading sonnets they know nothing of
awaiting the recurring sirens and horns
Like children beneath pup tents of fantasy
they scurry close
securing their panic
denying the dark
Yet
They too will one day know virulence
and await their own
fever and chills
Categories:
virulence, philosophy,
Form:
Free verse
For such a time as this:
…when enhanced community quarantine
causes angst, grievously torturing…
...when lockdown brings ennui
of senseless boredom that seems to be forever…
…when pandemic’s cure
being clamored for is still uncertain…
…when disease-virulence continues to attack
inflicting even the very frontliners striving to subdue such…
…when global crisis afflicts sorely
intensifying financial need of grumbling stomachs…
…when enforced government measures
all the more manifest limitations of human resources…
We need GOD Who is sovereign in His control of every situation!
His grace, mercy, compassion, wisdom, and wisdom
are working together for His good purpose
verily beneficial according to His plan
since the foundation of the universe
until the end of the world
throughout eternity.
Indeed, we can trust His omniscience that perfectly knows everything;
thus, let's keep on yielding to His might, beseeching His healing*
thanking Him midst worshipful praise delight for faith-fortitude
seeking for His forgiveness, protection and salvation
doing our utmost part responsibly by His Word
praying against lurking skepticism-mockery
claiming His assured blessed peace
while sharing His wondrous love
with others blissfully.
*2Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
May 6, 2020
3rd place, "In Times Like These" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Silent One; judged on 5/10/2020.
Categories:
virulence, blessing, christian, encouraging, faith,
Form:
Dramatic Monologue
Ants exemplify diligence
With their labor-propped persistence
Smiting attacking indolence
Amidst united resilience…
They don’t starve when there’s pestilence
Since they work against virulence
Warning laziness’ insistence
To flee from crises’ prevalence…
Learning from insects’ competence
Rebukes me of my negligence
I confess industry-pretense
“Help me, Lord, to fight impotence.”
*Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Proverbs 30:25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer.
January 19, 2022
1st place, "A STRAND (1057)" Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Brian Strand; judged on 1/22/2022.
Categories:
virulence, animal, appreciation, blessing, christian,
Form:
Quatrain
My spirit does yearn to sojourn in Eden’s paradise
Wafting breeze of serenity's freshness
Breathed out by life-scented leaves
Unaffected, preserved against ecologically-afflicting virus…
My heart longs for replenishing pastures*
Welcoming with serenading birds
In their symphony, melodiously soothing
Offering respite from stressful pandemic-caused angst…
My soul can’t resist promised land’s invitation
Where the lion and the lamb portray sweet friendship
Midst fellow animals in partnership bliss
Exemplifying peace and restoration delight…
My faith yields to Almighty God
Whose gracious omnipotence prevails to grant my plea
Reigning over His creation, shielding His people
Putting fatal virulence under His subjection.
*Joel 2:22 Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.
April 8, 2020
3rd place, "Your Best Free Verse 2020" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by John Hamilton; judged on 5/25/2020.
Categories:
virulence, blessing, christian, creation, environment,
Form:
Free verse
Verdant hills fluttered whispers of amber winds
And flowers too smiled on the face of morning
Yet, nothing was the same in season’s dawning
Disfigured by blemish on visage of new spring
When shadows of death spread indiscriminately
As a pernicious virus began flexing its virulence.
Spirits started to dampen bearing helpless sighs
When a doctor, quite distressed, took her own life--
Like a sentry she guarded her intubated ward
Yet, one by one, they were dying on her watch
As corridors of hospitals became makeshift morgues
And a stygian night killed a child in her arms
While someone’s grandma without closure passed
Longing to hug her grandchild for one last time
Too weak to raise her hand for a final goodbye.
Forces of doom continue to traverse worldwide
Stymying the tempo of commercial enterprise
And darkness defies astral aura of heavens above
Ravaging relentlessly millions and millions of lives
As rage of mortal despair endlessly smolders on.
November 7, 2020
Placed 1st: Eight word challenge 11 poetry contest
Sponsor: John Hamilton
Given words are presented in the following order:
BLEMISH, VISAGE, PERNICIOUS, DAMPEN
SENTRY, TRAVERSE, ENTERPRISE, ASTRAL
Categories:
virulence, dark, death, emotions,
Form:
Free verse
Tsunami I am called, myself an anomaly of creation.
When seismic waves pass quaking the earth,
And tectonic plates move from the depths of the ocean,
I am born out of chaos and everyone curses my birth.
I come whirling, swirling, churning, and sweeping,
And strike man and beast without rhyme or reason.
Frothing with fury, I am deadlier than a Tornado.
Both of us like twins in virulence appear in all seasons.
Like a mountain erupting suddenly from the depths,
I shoot upwards into the sky in torrential force.
As I dance my macabre dance, men flee helter- skelter
In panic and frustration, finding no other recourse.
Before they can get away too far from me,
I am out to swallow them raw and rude.
I obliterate everything in a sweep of blinding fury,
Crashing on and gulping down everything, so crude.
Categories:
virulence, anger, angst, dark, death,
Form:
Personification
How utterly intriguing is the kernel of light?
Worn stars and signs of ebbing orbs seal the site.
A mystery lurks in the chasm of celestial hope.
and a baffling charm that belies its sheer scope.
Shining in the serenity of the fragrant night.
Emerald on the leaves in the morning dew
And the silence welcomed the cool sunlight.
Once the sky is hysterical, the trees are too.
I instantly glimpsed your celestial threshold.
The edge is no longer struck by the slant hold.
My caring soars at the peak of my anxiety.
Toward the aloofness of the soul's satiety
The line between vitality and virulence is blurred.
Euphoria leads to a rising sense of enthusiasm.
When two systems collide, my life is slurred.
You and I quickly climb out of the chasm.
My tract is in respite and away from prying eyes.
a place where ideas are born and emotions rise.
A place that nobody can conceivably reach.
a remote dwelling that is impossible to breach.
It is a safe haven for all my deepest feelings.
It shields me from the dangers of dealings.
It makes no sense to anyone but me.
It is the spot where I can feel truly happy.
I value the time I spent on this divine barge.
in which all is feasible and I am in charge.
The realm I'm depicting is just what it seems.
It's a gorgeous area that I refer to as "dreams."
Written: March 19, 2023
Categories:
virulence, analogy, appreciation, light, sky,
Form:
Rhyme
From life, i
wish to be partner,
not just passenger.... !
of being a man,
I don't worship musculature,
no athletic strength...but
virility without violence,
no virulence...
On the female side,
the tender sensitivity,
constructive... without subservience.
To be a physical body...
I appreciate the alignment
with right principles,
sans arrogance...
Of being soul, the constant search
of improvement...
Of being human, yes, humanly
to share with the brothers,
pure teachings...
And wait patiently
the final meeting
of the spirits...!
Categories:
virulence, extended metaphor, journey, spiritual,
Form:
Light Verse
My spinal column was extremely painful.
As a believer in bodily regeneration
I had endured for long, hopeful
For a natural recuperation.
However, the condition kept getting worse.
Changing sides in bed waxed hard.
The back felt any sudden force
On the ribs if pushed outward.
It being then several weeks of this ordeal
I was forced to seek medical help.
I figured that if at all I would heal
The pain would nonetheless take weeks to dissolve!
I walked into the doctor's checking room.
I was asked to explain the problem.
Suspecting that my ailment might spell doom,
I explained, disability to stem!
I was ready for a prolonged treatment,
Willing to endure for as long as necessary,
In a way that would be congruent
With the virulence of my misery.
The doctor asked me to stand up facing back;
Then he stood with his back against mine.
He had us hook elbows and like a bag
He lifted me by bending forward his spine.
By bending like that with my back against his
He caused my back to gently stretch.
He stood me on the ground again and this
Short procedure ended my rough patch!
From that moment I was a fit man!
I can't recall if he prescribed a drug.
A pain free lease on life began!
I was so happy the doctor I could hug!
Categories:
virulence, angst, discrimination, feelings, happy,
Form:
Rhyme
A sudden wildfire engulfs the world.
Ephemeral flames keep burning untamed.
Contagious fumes mire a cerulean spring,
as flying creepy carriers spread a turmoil.
Virulent pathogens entering airway of lungs
behind veil of common cold, stares Death.
Fragile sick vessels can't battle pneumonia,
hijacking cells , sieges a dangerous Corona.
No armaments to fight an army miniscule,
helpless kingdoms, are we powerful humans?
Visages hide in hysteria of harrowing masks,
panic begging kindness, from unseen parasites.
An invisible Godzilla empties crowded streets,
as scrubbing soaps wash handshake greets.
Return us our old days of contagious laughter.
Twinkle in those smiles, once called infectious.
Sick of a fortress life , wearied of quarantine pain,
let's live hand to mouth, oh rich! make poor again!
Coughing and Sneezing, spare a nightmare of Flu
Let us breathe in unison again...
a fearless hug saying, "I love you".
14th March 2020
Sponsor Team PoetrySoup
Contest Name Coronavirus COVID-19
Categories:
virulence, health,
Form:
Free verse