Best When Poems
When the storm clouds boil around me,
And the lightning splits the sky--.
When the howling wind assails me,
And life's sea is rolling high--
When my heart is filled with terror,
And my fears, I can't allay--
Then I find sweet peace and comfort,
When I simply stop and pray.
When the things of life confound me,
And my faith is ebbing low--
When my trusted friends betray me,
And my heart is aching so--
When the night seems black and endless,
And I long for light of day--
Then I find a silver dawning,
When I simply stop and pray.
There are things beyond the heavens
I can't begin to understand,
But I know that God is living,
And I know He holds my hand.
Yes, I know He watches o'er me
All the night and all the day--
And He's always there to hear me
When I simply stop and pray.
Days pass into the weak, loveless nights. The moon blinks.
The stars swirl beneath Van Gogh’s brush, as he links.
Comet light passes twisting cypresses, a schizophrenic’s concussion.
On and on, the wind twirls the trees, and does not complain,
nor, does the cosmos cringe awaiting reciprocation.
Lightning bugs mimic the stars. Atoms sneer.
Those who spout love and friendship abandon him, sneering.
Their images dance beneath his lids, when he blinks.
Though denied a compass, his soul does not reciprocate.
Through pain, physical and mental, he still connects, links
with the life which absorbs and excludes him, not complaining.
Nights pass without his mistress, Sien. His mind is concussive.
His face trembles torn in the brass sounds of the storm’s concussions.
The butcher, the baker, the candlestick-maker, all of them, sneer.
How unmerciful, this cycle, this God to whom he does not complain.
If lack of mercy is just, may he not know why? Time blinks.
Thinking causes pain. Only painting connects him, he links.
He accepts art and the pain, as gifts, choosing not to reciprocate.
Voices, the paint, the moon, the voices say, reciprocate.
He chases mice. The cheese plate falls with a loud concussion.
He rubs his gnarled hands across his lids. He maintains the link.
How? Why? But, the mice eating his cheese only sneer.
The sunflowers shimmer and wiggle in their vase, as he blinks.
Stumbling, he falls attempting to sit, the chair does not complain.
He had thought God clear as sunlight; yet, the paint complained.
He was not God; he could not capture the light. He must reciprocate.
After all, who was he, but a mere man, ashes to dust; life blinks.
Ah death, le grand mal, no minor concussion,
He must escape, join the celestial spin, and avoid their sneers.
Sick, yes, sick to death of not being understood, not linking.
The brushes call. He prostitutes himself. Oil spills, connecting, linking.
Theo, brother, never would he forgive. Many others would complain.
Ah, Gauguin, His dear friend, he would understand and not sneer.
If God was truly a loving God, surely, he thought; God will not reciprocate.
The mockers who did not live in Dante’s nine levels of hellish concussion,
they will call his actions cowardly. Merciless, they did not live between the blinks.
Updated lyrics May 19,2020 to flow better.
THAT’S WHEN I FALL DOWN UPON MY KNEES
There’s no way-
I’ll see another sunrise
My hope is gone-
as I'm contemplating my life
Prospects are bleak-
that’s just the way I’m feeling
My strength is gone-
and my will to live is fading
Here in the dark-
Even my shadow has left me
I spiral down-
into a pit of misery
That’s when I-
remember that you still love me
I kneel to pray-
and throw all my cares upon you
Chorus
That’s when I fall down upon my knees
And then I beg you Lord...
Don’t turn your face away from me
I know I’ve made a mess out of my life
Could you help me please?
When I feel like it’s the end
That’s when I fall down upon my knees
I cannot lie-
I know I’m running out of time
And I know-
that your patience is wearing thin
I must change-
if I’m ever going to save my life
Oh please dear Lord-
help me fight all my sins and win!
Chorus
That’s when I fall down upon my knees
And then I beg you Lord...
Don’t turn your face away from me
I know I’ve made a mess out of my life
Could you help me please?
When I feel like it’s the end
That’s when I fall down upon my knees
Chorus repeat
Finale
That’s when I fall down upon my knees
That’s when I fall down upon my knees
repeat and fade
Re-posted with music and vocals July02,2020
John Derek Hamilton June 14,2018
Copyright © John Hamilton | Year Posted 2018
I see you ‘cross the vast expanse,
a love disguised in dreamy whirl
and clothed in raiment sun-spun gold
as wispy cirrus wraps your dance
the music of your sigh aswirl -
a breeze I feel but cannot hold,
but dance I will with memories
though for your arms I’ll ever pine,
I look to skies for bluest eyes
at times behind the tapestries
of cumulus both yours and mine –
the realm in which my angel flies.
Our love so like the lilac leaf
two halves that shared a center vein,
once green we were but now I fade
I’m torn in half without relief
the pain not washed away by rain —
this heart-shaped leaf afraid and frayed.
O touch me warm your slanting rays
how cold my soul you left behind,
to gaze through tears at beauty high
to wander through the haze of days
and know the planets misaligned —
when eyes of turquoise dyed the sky.
Alas, myself but cosmic dust
yet still, the stardust gilts the rust.
Verse 1
I would love to be your comfort
A blanket when you're confused
A bright song on every dark day
Warmth and hope you cannot lose
To be the canopy to cover you
When life’s storms come your way
I can be the one you’ve longed for
'Cause I hear the words you don't say
Pre-Chorus
Let the past slip through your fingers
Those old ghosts fade from sight
Take my hand and feel the difference
You're walking into light
Chorus
When our worlds collide, love paints the sky with quiet fire
With colors only born from deep desire
You're safe in my arms, girl, don’t be shy
This is what it means when the night reshapes its light
And your heart finally whispers, “You’re mine”
Verse 2
Your eyes could light the skies tonight
That coy smile, wow... it melts my heart
My guitar plays you sweet love songs
This is our time when true love starts
Bridge
Drift away, lay your fears down
On this shoulder made for you
In the hush, hear my vow, my truth—
Every dream you dream, I’ll pursue
Chorus
When our worlds collide, love paints the sky with quiet fire
With colors only born from deep desire
You're safe in my arms, girl, don’t be shy
This is what it means when the night reshapes its light
And your heart finally whispers, “You’re mine”
Outro
Being with you, I’m filled with wonder
A kiss goodnight, no need to hide
In the morning, I’ll be your first sight
This is how it feels...
When our worlds collide
When I am nothing, a no one,
when nobody remembers my name -
will you give me a purpose to remain?
When I can no longer run,
will you carry me over the line?
Will you teach me how to tread slowly,
upon paths I'm yet to discover,
will you bring me home?
In times of rage and rejection,
will you show me patience,
love me without blame?
Will you understand me -
comprehend the metaphors of my angst?
When I am lost in the wilderness,
will you guide me to be found?
When all doors are closed,
will you provide me with a key,
so I can open yours?
In days of darkness,
when selfish stars hide behind black hues,
when I'm lonely like the moon,
will you place my head upon your chest,
so I can feel the glow of your heart?
When I'm helpless
in the trauma of the storm,
in times of insanity and fear,
will you keep me warm?
Shelter my inner child,
from those who could harm?
When tears finally flow,
when my lips are parched,
will you kiss me softly,
heal me with breaths of empathy?
In times of infliction,
when there is no remedy for my cure,
will you hold my hand,
will you ease my pain -
soothe me until the end?
When I crumble like a summer orchid,
will you lay strong foundations?
Will you disguise my imperfections,
lie to me about my perfections?
When I'm too fatigued to flower,
will you become a pillow upon my flowerbed?
When my garden is no longer evergreen,
will you sow new seeds of hope.
so my memories blossom forever?
When there are no words
Will you cherish my silence?
When I can no longer walk,
will you lay by my side?
When all lyrics have been written,
when the last poem has been sung,
will you become my poetry -
will you reflect on my legacy?
When my soul is returning to its sender,
will you be my last
When we were young we loved our fairy tales
A frog could be a prince with just one kiss
Each cloud, a boat where dreamers could set sail
Imagination was the great abyss
Too soon we grew and lost our innocence
Found out that swords are never pulled from stones
That dreams come true but only with expense
And happy ever after's come and gone
Yet some of us still wish upon a star
Believe that rainbows come with pots of gold
Reality is life for most comes hard
And love like water runs both hot and cold
Like you I wish that fairy tales came true
But grown ups know they very seldom do
by Daniel Turner
Lets flatten the curve with our words and soften our quill.
We are world siblings, showing solidarity through will.
Words that heal are like a prayer in times of sorrow.
They can pronounce our stories, comfort and burrow.
No time for silent pens, it's a time to rise and write.
In adversity, poetry stands tall like a gallant knight.
Poetic fingers express emotions through flowing ink,
forming rhymes and verses which influence minds to think.
Disunity is a plague, which feasts upon heinous hearts.
Unity paints a peaceful masterpiece of fine arts.
Collaboration with Pixie Dust
Silent One
31 March 2020
As the mornings sun - begins to shine
And memories of yesterday - I leave behind
I get to see - another rising sun
And store more memories - when the day is done
Thoughts in my mind- Which I hold true
My life - what I've been through
All those nights - when I dreamed deep
My all-nighter's - I couldn't sleep
Remembering thoughts - from new, from old
Good times, bad times - I still hold
But tomorrow's sun - again will rise
I may not see it - with my own eyes
For if I don't - and I... not awake
I hope the sun - is yours to take
To let you dream - into the night
Savour memories - see the light
That will rise again - with tomorrow's sun
And leave you memories - when the day is done
Your thoughts in mind - that you hold true
Your life - what you've been through
But if you don't - your eyes...not awake
I hope the sun - is mine to take
So that I can remember you - memories I'll keep
All those nights - when I dream deep
(note: picture is essential to the poem)
POTD 11-25-17
Teacher said my decisions needed consequences.
I have to write a million gazillion sorry sentences.
Billy was stupid to tease me, call my family poor.
I had to kick Billy so he wouldn’t say it more.
Just like Dad does, I laughed when he hit the floor.
Dad would say I was strong, teach says I was wrong.
I don’t understand any grown up stuff.
They don’t act the same way enough,
or Dad is right; I’m so stupid, I can’t keep up.
I’m trying so hard to stop my eyes.
Things always get more worse when I cry.
Even when I’m quiet and being haved
my tummy hurts cause it feels afraid.
Everyone’s at recess, but cause I made an upset,
Teach said there’d be no play time for me yet.
I don’t know what she means by classroom policy,
but it seems like a plan you grow up and forget.
There’s no sorry policy in my family.
Dad never 'pologizes when he kicks me.
It's 3 am,
her pillow soaked in regret.
Loss has left her spirit lonesome,
darkness a definition of insanity.
In the silence of the night,
vexatious voices vibrate inside
her somber state of mind.
Restless, she sits at her proverbial piano,
as a plethora of pain bleeds through
her fingers onto ebony and ivory keys.
Rain drops drip from her eyes,
unable to contain the sorrows in her heart.
In perfect harmony with her faithful piano,
her heartache performs the perfect poetic personification,
echoing a serenade of melancholic melodies.
Her whole body is numb, but the
music mesmerises her mind, as memories
of her prophetic protagonist persist.
Her souls sighs, as she sings;
"If only you could see the pain,
maybe then you would explain,
what do you think you will gain,
from my mind going insane?
It seems like you don't care,
tell me how is that fair?
You'll say it's you and not me,
because you're too blind to see,
only your love can set me free,
but you say it's not meant to be.
It seems like you don't care,
tell me how is that fair?
Oh my love, is this goodbye?
Your silence makes my heart cry.
Within the deepness of each sigh,
I will always question why."
27 March 2018
Simple Musing
Silent One
If you fall in love with a poet,
he will love you with all his soul.
His ink will be his sword of affection,
his pen your shield of admiration,
your life his poems of devotion -
as your heart dances to his musings.
His words will illustrate the essence of true yearning,
a bond serenading the secret songs in your heart.
Upon the awakening of the mighty golden orb,
like merging colorful horizon hues - without touch,
his tender words will soften your throbbing skin.
He'll make your eyes glow like a million fireflies,
bringing out that secret smile you always hide.
When he holds your hand, you'll not want to let go.
In the realms of pleasure and romance,
where enigmatic enchantment reigns supreme,
you will forget yourself, losing the value of time.
Within the aroma of his unique fragrance,
you'll crave to kiss his every radiating word.
His lyrics will take your darkness,
illuminating life with bright lights.
Upon the sight of twilight,
as you lay gazing at the sky.
You will never see the moon in the same way,
as how it's reflected through his eyes -
there will be no secret to the reality of stars.
A union,
creating legendary scriptures,
surviving beyond the hands of time.
Simple Musing
Silent One
28 October 2020
The poem was inspired by the quote.
Leaning against the warmth of old oak,
I recall your sun burnt skin that summer.
As I let my fingers linger on the side of the bench where you used to sit,
a memory - like noon day’s sun light, seeps into my senses.
A light wind ruffles my hair at the nape of my neck,
that same spot you liked to kiss.
You said we were royals as we scattered bread crumbs for our loyal subjects.
Where have those pigeons gone?
I lift my face to sky and close my eyes,
breathing in the scent of nearby roses;
suddenly something tickles my cheek! I open my eyes to see a butterfly,
its color that of your sun burnt skin.
When Again We Meet
Softly he says, "Should I die do not wait for me." She smiles,
"Just as the moon exhales no light without first a breath from the sun,
without you I'd be in darkness; what is paradise without light?"
04/17/2018
Coffee bean scent still fills the air
with each new sunrise in our log cabin
My arms around me embrace the winds of winters gone.
Every sky-night the glass-pane glows in silent mist
Lunar limbs stream through bedroom blinds
reflecting shadows on empty sheets.
Star clusters shine'bove velvet shores
sand-wish away from my bare toes
Another day, another month, another year
and a thousand thought,
Can't preserve time or make a clone.
First magnolia blooms on a stripped branch
Buzzing bees extract nectar from a moist corolla
Pastel wings flutter on melting icicles
Sunbirds return with a sweet song,
But what is a song without the symphony
What is music with no slow dance.
His hand-pressed petal still marks the chapter
between stained pages
The dusty shelves recall my mind
recall my heart, recall my soul.
For the last time before tomorrow
these eyes would linger ,
Before leaves curl , before buds wither
Before moons move on, and I let go.
Revised repost.