Best Wandered Poems
"I wandered lonely as a cloud." William Wordsworth
I wandered lonely as a boat
a shallow dingy left behind,
alone in marsh of reeds remote
my paint now faint so unrefined,
my only hope the next high tide
on brackish water then I’ll ride,
in aimless drift left up to fate
the wind and wave upon the bay
on rhythmic swells, I’ll grow sedate
with naught to see through mists of gray…
on ripples pale so soft so free
my destination out to sea;
that distant place where lay the sun
across the sunset waters west,
the ambiance of cirrus spun
to brush with colors every crest
where I can bathe in shades so bold
of melting solar marigold.
Yet — let go I must of wishful dreams!
My lifeline dispossessed I strayed
and followed streams with other schemes —
now lofty tide cannot be swayed,
a rustic wreck in reeds reposed
their wind-song whispers I’m imposed.
There’s no escape their soldiers’ lance,
the blades of green so tall and crisp,
with waves they undulate in dance
and breezes ruffle tassels’ wisp,
though swans find beauty mid the reeds
—a wistful coward’s bitter weeds.
Susan Ashley
January 14, 2023
~ Second Place ~
Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 25
Sponsor: Mark Toney
~ Poem Of The day ~
January 16, 2023
Poet’s note: this poem was inspired by, but not written for, the contest: “I Wandered Lonely As… Challenge”, sponsored by Natasha Scragg and judged on September 24, 2022. Thank you, Natasha, for the beautiful William Wordsworth quote and for the poetic inspiration.
Photo: gettyimages; Jay Fleming
Inspired by "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," by William Wordsworth
I wandered lonely as a leaf that falls,
unmourned, to the distant ground
I paused when I heard a far bird's calls
Magic I'd missed looking down--
royal Autumn leaves danced in gold and red.
This must be where my lonely heart has led.
Opened my eyes to this spellbound place,
and breathed air perfumed by pine.
Then sat near blossom with smiling face,
feeling thoughts and heart align.
I watched grass spinning beneath a tall oak;
heard whispered promises breeze softly spoke.
Head full of dreams, I wandered along
paths worn by many steps before.
Mountain larks welcomed me with a song,
I spied lilacs, bluebells, and more.
Around each corner, surprises await.
I feel my loneliness start to abate.
I happen upon a wayward creek,
sit and watch her bouncing spray,
Bubbling with laughter, just what I seek--
hidden by an oak overlay.
Untethered nature met unquiet heart.
Now I burst with song; can't tell us apart!
September 18,2022
for "I Wandered Lonely As A..." contest
by Natasha L. Scragg
Third Place
Poem of the Week
I wandered lonely as a twig
that fell into an endless stream.
I’d turn and sometimes make a zig
or bob along in a bad dream.
No longer on a branch was I
to gaze steadfastly at blue sky.
Instead this stream was moving me
so rapidly – I knew not where.
Oh, how I missed my tall oak tree
and breath of autumn in the air
when wind would blow my leaf so small
which had turned scarlet in the fall.
One day that tiny leaf was gone.
Not long thereafter, I was too.
Gone was the field I’d smiled upon.
A course unknown I would pursue.
How strange! Although I once knew rain,
this too much water was my bane.
No home had I, nor pretty views
like once I had when I belonged
to that great oak. I did not choose
this fate so cruel. I felt so wronged
till wood debris stopped water’s flow.
Now friends are twigs I’ve come to know!
Sept. 21, 2022
NA in the "I Wandered Lonely As...." Challenge" Contest, judged 10/22/22
For Writing Challenge - X'd Poems Second Chance Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Constance La France
"I wandered lonely as a cloud"
William Wordsworth.
I wandered lonely as a wave.
slowly, upon the ocean's tide.
O'er depths of a watery grave
alone, in current's wake I ride.
Always moving, I cannot stop
I rise and fall then curl and drop.
I've ebbed and flowed on foreign shores.
Splashed on boats with their sails unfurled.
From tropic isles to the Azores,
welcomed surfers around the world
and tried my best to settle down
in the port city of Cape Town.
My wandering days will not end.
I'm diluted from time to time,
still a wave but with a new blend
depending on the ocean's clime.
I like lapping on a sandy beach,
keeping just out of human reach.
Dolphins swim within my deep swells,
but I don't belong to their pod
and I cannot befriend seashells,
halibut, squid, lobster or cod.
I'm destined to wander and roam.
It's quite lonely without a home.
September 20, 2022
I Wandered Lonely As... Challenge Contest
Sponsored by Natasha L Scragg
"I wandered lonely as a cloud"--- By William Wordsworth
I wandered lonely as a tramp,
Far, far away from all human habitats
Away from all prying eyes
Following the bent
Of my vagrant inclination;
Into Nature’s sylvan pockets
To places studded with trees
To the tranquil bosom of the woods
Onto the heights of bald headed hills
Where shrubs struggle to strike root
From the cleft of rocks and ledges
Where in hollows, wild bushes grow in clusters
To watch the shreds of hovering mist
To gaze upon piles of sailing clouds
To shout loud and whistle long
And to listen to the hills
Mimicking my own sound
There I will hop and jump,
Like a sprightly forest fawn,
As I don’t fear
Either the silently gliding streams,
Or the clump of swaying trees,
The host of wild flowers,
Or the monstrous mossy rocks,
Either the birds or the beasts
Never will they watch my cranky pranks
And call me a loony
As here my own men might do!
September 19, 2022
Written for the contest, I Wandered Lonely As _ Challenge
Sponsor, Natasha L Scragg
Judged on 9/24/2022
"I wandered lonely as a cloud."
Quote by _ William Wordsworth
Wish I was a butterfly free
to just float and glide on breezes,
and each day I had bliss and glee:
just going where my soul pleases,
I would glide- a beauty lonely;
dreaming of bright flowers only.
Lonely . . . can be a lovely thing
finding how to renew my soul,
as I flutter- and on blooms cling:
always on sweet nectar patrol,
so, my days are solitary;
as I drift alone and airy.
__________________
September 19, 2022
Poetry/Rhyme/I Wandered Lonely As a Butterfly
Copyright Protected, ID-09-1489-208-19
All Rights Reserved, 2022, Constance La France
Written for the Premiere contest, I Wandered Lonely As _ Challenge
sponsor, Natasha L Scragg, Judged 09/24/2022
Sixth Place
"I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud"
~by William Wordsworth~
I wandered lonely as a Duckling
Swimming in a big and lovely pond,
Trying to fit in and make a bond,
A group of golden fluffy ducklings.
Beside the lake, beneath the blue sky,
Playing together, not being shy.
Graceful as the wildflowers that grow
Growing in beauty, pure as the snow,
Sweet as honeydew or summer rain.
Though grace and beauty, there's also pain
Beautiful roses that still have thorns
Or gentle lambs, now sheep with sharp horns
Staying together, not leaving their group
They all waddled in the most perfect line
Beside the crystal pond in the sunshine:
In unison, with their heads held up high,
They passed by one by one, and waved goodbye:
I often think, Am I really that strange?
Or was it them that decided to change?
Their eyes size me up, their judgment is plain
Causing my heart to recoil in pain
I cherish memories from long ago
The beautiful group, my heart longed to know
I wandered, lonely as a beach
that stretches miles along the shore,
with its horizon, far from reach-
to hug the sky, forevermore.
From unseen starts, waves crash, retreat,
bathe pristine sand- no prints of feet.
So vast, the ocean, with huge waves
that rise and churn beneath the wind
as white caps form with froth that plays
upon the beach to then rescind
back out to sea, where currents blend;
return again- once more- extend.
The lonely beach divides that space
tween stable land and rolling sea-
two worlds that coexist, embrace;
all life by nature, guarantee.
The land, with seasons, changes scene;
the sea turns wild- or rests, serene.
But still, the lonely beach remains;
as constant as can be, it lies-
except with ebbs and flows, it gains
a changing breadth with lows and highs.
It guards both worlds- and all alone-
will face those forces still unknown.
9-21-22
Contest: I Wandered Lonely as a…Challenge
Sponsor: Natasha Scragg
11-4-22
Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 19
Sponsor: Mark Toney
"I wandered lonely as cloud." Daffodil by William Wordsworth
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I Wandered Lonely as a Teardrop
I wandered lonely as a teardrop
In a sea of sand,
A tempest in one glistening drop,
Ruthless riptides of demands
Rush through a narrow neck of outlet
Turned upside down in midnight vignettes.
Cold specks of numb and ancient stone
Deaf to remorse of a single sigh
Tumble past my burn scar so alone
That weeps with solitude's clouded eye
No time to stop for struggling strangers
To get involved - a diffident danger.
A writhing sea of rushing crowds
Parts around my stifled sob
Roaring indifference shouted out loud
Guarded pain in my teardrop throbs
The shape of quivering unheard laments
Empathy drown and mercy absent.
My colorless grief weeps without end
In oceans like a shipwrecked nomad
Blocked from the warm fount of a friend
Heartbroken by a lost comrade
One teardrop cries to understand
The maddened surge in a sea of sand.
'I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud'
by William Wordsworth
I wandered lonely as a child
That missed the gold and rolling hills,
When suddenly a crystal sea
A host of silver stars to fill
Behind the moon, below God's knees
Sparkled like glitter above the breeze
Continuous as God's love sublime
Smiling down upon our way,
Those twinkling eyes, watchers of time
Majestic rays of other's day
Awed, I knew there was no chance
That this was merely happenstance.
The moon within the sky was grey
But glowed a smile down on me
A poetess, though child may
Feel not nearly so lonely
A gift was given; to be taught
What glorious wonders had I seen not
Though I grow old, I will not lie
When in a dark depressive mood,
Within my heart appears the sky
Forget not what was understood
Again, my soul and heart stand still
An upwards gaze to heaven's will
"I wandered lonely as a cloud."
--William Wordsworth
I wandered lonely as a swan
Swimming on the glassy water
Believing all was lost and gone
On this lake a solemn squatter,
Fearful of the dreaded winter
As autumn waned soft and tender.
Adrift upon waters tranquil
Outer beauty concealed inside
The inner truth hidden low and still
My life I determined float and glide,
While preening for the love I lost
So aware of life’s bitter cost.
May no one see my struggling feet
Paddling against the current strong
Where hope and peace often I meet
Sunshine and shadow all day long,
Shall I appear to be in need
Or independence ever cede?
Life, for sure, gives me firm resolve
To face it with gentility
No problem comes I cannot solve
While facing life’s finality,
And spending my life ever calm
On these placid waters my balm.
FIRST PLACE TROPHY WINNER
Written September 19, 2022
Submitted to: "I Wondered Lonely As a..." Challenge Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Natasha L. Scragg
Slight editing October 13, 2022
Submitted to: "2022 Marathon Lap 17" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Mark Toney
I lived lonely, like an orphan,
their single, only child.
Envied others with siblings, often.
They must make life worthwhile!
I found my greatest joy in dreams
of what I wished to be,
a doctor, teacher or a queen,
imagination wild and free.
Like a bird within my mind
I’d see lands far away
and in encyclopedias find
where I’d go one day.
My bedroom was a magic place
in seconds to transform,
a surgical suite or classroom space,
projecting my future upon.
I could have played at being mean
taking human lives,
releasing all the angry fiends
in which one's envy lies.
Thank goodness for a mind that went
beyond four walls of thought.
Where strong imaginations sent
good impressions to be sought.
9/20/2022
"I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud" by William Wordsworth
I wandered lonely as a geek
Through silent woods and rustling leaves
Down the hill to the flowing creek
Away from life's stress causing heaves
There I saw a white lovely swan
By magic there appeared a fawn
As the slow running water splashed
Then filled a deeper hole for fish
A place to dream and keep my cached
Where those large fish could jump and whish
A place to write some poetry down
Where depressing thoughts could sink and drown
Where microscopic details thrived
Those threatened plants grow high and wide
In this place they truly survive
This past spring trillium I spied
A host of buckeye 'pon the hill
And wild azaleas gave me thrills
Back up the winding trail to home
Spirit filled, soul rested, and still
No need to drift; physically roam
Just let my thoughts of this day fill
In the kitchen in drudgery's grip
From my cup of memories sip
Contest: I Wandered Lonely As
Sponsor: Natasha L. Scragg
Date Written: 09/20/2022
The word Geek today has many definitions or meanings. One is typically connoting an expert or enthusiast obsessed with a hobby or intellectual pursuit.
I wandered and I wondered,
About all the pieces of my life
That came together in a puzzle,
Causing so much strife
The struggle, loss, pain and betrayal at hand
Feeling at times, sinking in deep quicksand
Those many times my heart broken like a mirror,
I could see the many flaws that remain in me
I wandered and I wondered,
About all my days of joy
A playful life of inspiration
Like a child with a toy
Laughter freeing the spirit, as if nothing is wrong
Dancing with a smile, to every song
The many times my heart healed, ready to fly
Releasing all the burdens of asking some things why?
I wandered and I wondered,
About my destiny
So many paths I’ve taken
And still there’s so much to see
Impressions and visions, imagination on fire
Burning and yearning with inner desire
Then, the many times, my heart wanted you
Sending messages in the wind, in a dream, we flew
To pristine places, hand in hand
Where no-one has ever been, but you understand
Heidi Sands
3/29/23
I wandered lonely as a cloud
Captive to the wind and season
Storms around me raged with fury
I was becalmed without reason
Oh, the wind was fickle some days
And at times it would cease to blow
Then I would meander softly
Unpropelled and no place to go
'Twas the sea and it kept me there
The domain of mermaids and whales
I was akin to Davey Jones
And belonged in seafaring tales
The wind in the mast sails afloat,
Is enough for those of us so chosen
A salty yarn of days long gone
Of a trip with a drunken bosun
Oh, I would go back to the seas
If I were of able body
All I ask's a fellow rover
And a full tankard of toddy
1-29-20
Contest: Famous Poetic Lines That Inspire
"I wandered lonely as a cloud' by William Wordsworth
Sponsor: Silent One