Best Years Poems
Dark honey tanned skin glistens
From the moisture of humidity.
The ladies flirt shamelessly with
You, but your eyes gaze upon me.
Your stature looms at six foot three.
Your swimmer's shoulders impress.
In our island sea we swim leisurely,
Traces of salt remain as you dress.
White sandy beaches, ever your haven.
We sip Riesling as the stars appear.
Nestled in your arms, time takes flight.
I feel so safe when you are near.
Your strength amply hides a tender heart.
The depth of your voice all admire.
When we first met I became enamored,
Feelings that quickly turned to desire.
We have shared so much over the years.
More happiness than dark sorrows.
Family treasures that brightly shine,
Reigning with love into our tomorrows.
In the autumn of our lives I feel the chill
Of winter's inevitable harsh advance,
Yet days of youth remain in our hearts,
Memories held, that time shall enhance.
Poem of the Day October 27, 2017
Late October Standard Contest-Third Place
Sponsor Brian Strand
The weathered years pass with silent restraint
Leave an impression of time standing still
I have counted sunsets without complaint
Life washes over me testing my will
I've crossed boundaries of unimportance
Found wisdom at the rusty gates of age
I've laughed on the dark stage of circumstance
And know life's curtain falls on its last page
To play a fool in the turmoil life gave
And paint graffiti on its coldest walls
To be my own master, be my own slave
I'll open the rusty gate when death calls
I can only ask for the price of years
Find it a mixture of beauty and tears
4/6/15
Ten Years Had Raced Into Oblivion's Cup
Second Poets Tribute Series, Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Chained am I, to desolation's huge anchor
on its long black ship, cargo of hate and rancor
yet in spirit oft I roamed blue skies above
and in my fantastic dreams, found I my true love!
Such was a balm that fled when heartache renewed
Could return only when young life was reviewed!
Alas! At night stars dimmed and evil winds blew
midnight hour, I was served bones I could not chew
and a foul drink of bitter regrets and lying
as Fate had set me here, this ship of slow dying!
Such was a dark curse, uttered by her deep hate
For she turned to darkness to then alter my Fate!
Ten years had raced into oblivion's cup
into darkest seas we went, I never gave up
tho' soul had been impaled by poisonous blades
I clung to that romantic love that never fades!
Such as the poets of old sang and wrote about
Crying to the heavens, chorus of mighty shouts!
Chained was I, to desolation's huge anchor
on its long black ship, cargo of hate and rancor
yet in spirit oft I roamed blue skies above
and in my fantastic dreams, found I my true love!
Such was a balm that fled when heartache renewed
Could return only when young life was reviewed!
Robert J. Lindley, 11-10-2019
Rhyme, ( With imagination, laced in darkness, that life hath a poet shown )
Inspired by Samuel Taylor Coleridge's famous poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner First poet- poem: of the Second series of poet's tribute poems.
(Five new poets chosen in this Second series.)
Note:
1.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Samuel-Taylor-Coleridge
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, (born October 21, 1772, Ottery St. Mary, Devonshire, England—died July 25, 1834, Highgate, near London), English lyrical poet, critic, and philosopher. His Lyrical Ballads, written with William Wordsworth, heralded the English Romantic movement, and his Biographia Literaria (1817) is the most significant work of general literary criticism produced in the English Romantic period.
much more at link given...
samuel-taylor-coleridge
2.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/samuel-taylor-coleridge
I remember, oh how I remember
the years that have gone by.
Our doors were never bolted
our windows never closed.
Women had part-time jobs
knocking on doors all afternoon,
their comely voices bidding:
Madam 'tis Avon calling for you.
Meantime grandma would sit
outside the house and gossip
with friends who passed her by,
whilst we would wander all alone
in fun parks or green meadows,
flying our gaudy coloured kites,
and gathering cowslips for our dear mum.
My Waning Years
As my waning years return me to reverie
I dream about the days we spent with sylvan trees
As sunset casts its golden glow on canopies
And you and I thought our love would last eternally.
Love had us mesmerized under its magic spell
Our youth's enchanted vision of what life would be
Innocent intentions that let our lives feel free
Enraptured in each others arms as twilight fell.
As we lay amidst colored leaves that autumn day,
Those sweet memories still so vivid in my mind;
Your handsome face, your softest lips that I would find
When pressed against my lips caused me to pray.
Grateful, I thanked the Lord for serendipity.
That we would find each other in a world so great
And feel electric sparks at first glance to be fate
Two souls with similar affinity.
I thought that we would forever have binding ties.
You hid a fearsome temper you could not rein.
With my fear of violence I could not contain,
We sadly parted ways with heartbreakng goodbyes.
As my waning years return me to reverie
I dream about the days we spent with sylvan trees
As sunset casts its golden glow on canopies
And you and I thought our love would last eternally.
9-18-18
Enclosed Rhyme - September, 2018 Poetry Contest
Sponsor Dear Heart~Fourth Place~
6 years ago, I wrote limericks about 5 PS poets. Today, I've posted
about another 5 and will continue to add more... before 6 years.
I tickled funny bones of five Souper men
So, I gave thought to trying it once again
In the order they replied
My sarcasm was applied
As I gently heckled them with ink and pen
First, Tom Cunningham, who "liked my collection"
To femme limericks he had no objection
But now it's his turn
Tom, forgive the burn
I heard you're headed for a house of correction
Jerry T Curtis said to "keep them coming"
But I think that lately he's been slumming
He's all aflutter
And starts to stutter
When his lady friend starts his heart strumming
Then there is the poet of romance, Tim Smith
His sweet words of seduction are not a myth
I know it to be truth
Don't ask me. It's uncouth
I don't kiss and tell so I'm pleading the fifth
John Gondolf said my limericks made him "chuckle"
His comments are always filled with honeysuckle
But if he wants a date
I'll have to castigate
I have a black belt in the use of my knuckles
"I needed smiles and giggles," said Greg Barden
His poems are flowers blooming in a garden
But some words are couture
Fertilized with manure
Now I guess I'll have to beg for Greg's pardon
The new additions...
Like a brother he comes to my defense
This man wears no guise and has no pretense
Mark Koplin, misunderstood
A modern-day Robin Hood
To me he shines with rays of effulgence
There's a man who took me under his wing
Says what he thinks. Doesn't hold back a thing
Danny Turner, my friend
A helping hand he'll lend
For offering kind words, he's a wellspring
David Kavanagh, true friend from the start
Encouraging advice, he does impart
Throws Monoku lines like spears
I raise a glass to him ~ cheers!
Loyal, his word. A man with a good heart
Canadian, Vaso, we don't see oft
Art doesn't come across as being soft
But has a tender heart
For countries torn apart
His poetic words should never be scoffed
His funny thoughts overflow in a Flood
Terry writes humor that's never a dud
Risque, and sometimes not
His stories have a plot
Rumor has it that he's known as 'The Stud'
Gentlemen, I ask forgiveness for this spoof
My humorous parodies should be the proof
That I like all of you
And don't mind if ya do
Get even in your own limericks of reproof
If someone leans upon an ancient tree
In future’s shade, a thousand years from now
Might they engage a wrinkle in the brow
And ponder over death of fallen leaves?
Are we not formed alike in fairness gained
Or time might choose to forge us enemies?
Would cloak, or hair, or skin of different blend
Invite your eyes to shun away from me?
If those born first, have greater weight to bear
Or yours, one day, the lift more heavy lot
Each step by step, we travel blind and torn
our crossroads come the same, or do they not?
Will one day find you leaning by a tree
And find a stone beneath the powdered dust
And wonder if it once belonged to me
To think it bone, or questions turned to rust?
___________________________________________
Iambic Pentameter........By Carrie Richards
Remember years ago, when you were fit
Now you can't stand too long, before you have to sit
And all the times that you ran to catch your bus
Now it just passes by and you stand and cuss.
In the days gone by you'd eat like a horse
Now when you go out it's only one course
And much smaller bites when you do eat
Because your sweet tooth has cost you your teeth.
And the beautiful body you had as a young teen
Now when you go to the beach, you hope you're not seen
And tying your laces it's hard if your tall
You have to rise slowly because you might fall.
You go up to your bed feeling alright
Chances are you'll be up in the night
Having an accident is something you dread
So you put plastic sheets all over your bed.
And your eyes are not as good as they used to be
So you have to wear glasses just so you can see
But it's not all gloom there is the odd perk
You can stay in bed later, because you don't have to work.
And you've been through life you're wiser too
When your family need advice they'll come to you
So burn the candle both ends, just have a ball
And enjoy your life until you get the call.
Written 1ST February 2018. ( POTD 2/2/2018)
For POTD Poetry contest
Sponsored by Richard Lamoureux.
I remember receiving a comment congratulating me and I must be honest was gobsmacked to receive the honour of POTD.
From the comments I received I could see that many on soup could identify with some of the things I had mentioned in my poem.
The general feeling to sum up was ( GETTING ON IN YEARS SUCKS BIG TIME )
so we really have to make the most of what time we have left on earth.
P.S. have read your verse 'Broken People'
When you reach your twilight years,
It is important to keep an active mind,
Do everything possible to minimize fears
Leave resentments and regrets far behind,
Try not to dwell on all your pet peeves,
But seek out the positives in your life
Stand firmly for your cherished beliefs,
Avoid headaches from pettiness and strife.
Keep in mind you’ve only your life to live
So, try not to take on the lives of others,
Remember it is always more blessed to give
Through serving your sisters and brothers.
Lastly, try not to succumb to needless worry
Or becoming entangled in all kinds of grief
Take your time, there’s no need to hurry
Old-fashioned rocking chairs bring such relief!
#31 on Best New Poems List
April 27, 2022
POEM OF THE DAY
Poetry Soup
April 21, 2022
Written April 19, 2022
'Twas the twilight of the year
a twinkling tiara.
December 31st, digits dancing dunes
in the Sahara.
One, two, three, one, two, three,
it's a prance.
A numerical Irish step dance
given a whimsical chance.
In the calendar's corners,
a magical mystery unfurls.
As the date spins and swirls
like a jester's jingling twirls.
One, two, three, one, two, three,
in a line.
A date so divine,
it deserves its own shrine
so fine!
But wait, what's this? A satirical twist!
The date's just a number
it doesn't exist!
One, two, three, one, two, three,
what's the fuss?
Wait… all dates are human-
created
YES, by us!
The numbers are shocked
feeling quite superfluous.
In the grand scheme of things
oh so ridiculous!
So here's to the New Year
let's raise a toast.
To the date that we've come
to boast the most.
With champagne that sparkles
and tastes like the sun.
2023 is yet undone
run from the old
to the new one,
run, run, run!
In the canon of the digits
a lesson we see.
Time is a construct
as fluid as the sea.
So let's celebrate the moments
both big and small.
For, in the end
they're the most
precious of all.
i sit here
within the iridescent glow of trees
beneath the lambent light
of this harvest moon
thoughts twirling
like leaves in summer's breeze
knowing another year
we will soon have aged
as i write to you...
dearest self
do not look to the years of yore
that have made us stand
stronger than the hundred year old oak
on the creek's island
for we have faced
the same turbulence
as it within life's many storms
upon the bank of time
we have watched many
erode away from life
as the world crumbled
like autumn's leaves around us
we have felt the bitter bite
of death's own hands
piercing, numbness
like winter's breath
made us stifle
beneath countless tears
so look not back
rather forward
walk beneath the sky
as it blushes crimson hues
across the dark canvas
before the first light breaks
dance beneath the soft rain
if only to become renewed
like the flowers of spring
spread your wings
in flight
sing with the birds
in morning's song
walk slow
and admire life
smell the flowers
whenever you can
for life is a mere path
that falls too short for many
admire the beauty of all around
including self
for i have neglected us
for way too long
stand strong
like that oak
and be proud
of you
forevermore
9/21/2021
Letter to future self
Sponsored by Silent One
Love more, when it is hardest to love.
Show compassion, always.
Be kind when deserved or not.
Be patient, when you are at the end of your rope.
Smile, when you are saddest.
Pray when you are at your lowest.
Thank God when you are at your highest.
Written by Brenda Meier-Hans
12.18.2014
rest your head my love
in my caring and comforting arms
we will swing
on this rustic faded yellow porch
under the pink and orange and red hues
of the setting sun silhouetting
the streaking clouds over the horizon
let me gaze into those loving eyes
so soft and sweet reflecting your beauty
like caramel being wrapped around an apple
I can hear music coming from inside the old farmhouse
It is our favourite song.
The one we chose for our first dance
at our wedding
Oh how I remember that day
you were so beautiful
you were radiant
we danced oh we danced
arm in arm
cheek to cheek
you made my knees go weak
it was so beautiful
Oh how you are still so beautiful
after all these years
come dance my love
LIGHT YEARS
Some advance before their time, they
Shine so bright they seem to blind.
Those who undermine can never see,
Unless they change their frequency
Dull minds, can never over-stand
The brilliance of a futuristic man.
Every generation has something to say,
Yet few will recognize your worth on earth;
Especially if you’re light years away.
But go ahead say it anyway, even if most are unable to agree.
When the world catches up, and is awed by your shine,
The future will read writings, from your wisdom divine.
Keep in mind “you are ahead of your time”
So, if the world to which you’ve been assigned,
Does not with your thoughts agree.
Have faith in the future’s passionate child...
Who’ll become your disciple; Posthumously!
They are poor…they’re removed, they struggle through life,
Every day is a burden on the edge of a knife,
They’re stuck in the circle, that’s all that they know,
And there’s not work around, and nowhere to go.
But a man full of promise says he does understand,
‘My names Uncle Sam, please take hold of my hand,
I’ll break the circle, and then I’ll bring you back,
After a year from somewhere in Iraq.’
She stands at the cemetery gates.
A small bunch of roses and holding back tears.
Just three hundred steps to a name etched in stone
That’s all she has now… for nineteen years.
On the mantelpiece over the burning wood fire,
A son’s photos, citations from her country’s desire
as she sits and she weeps on the madness of war,
And his last words she heard, “What am I fighting for?”
She stands at the cemetery gates.
A small bunch of roses and holding back tears.
Just three hundred steps to a name etched in stone
That’s all she has now… for nineteen years.
2nd January 2010 ©Lindsay Laurie