now the empty room
no longer welcomes me in
but reminds of grief
it feels lonely; not waiting
for my time alone to write
once there was a fire
that I made for all of them
before they arose
then it became my solace
for my quiet time to write
can it again warm
fill with laughter and their love
not just memories
but a new family's love
maybe some progeny's home
Written: December 09, 2025, for contest Sponsored by: John Anderson
*******************
1/
Clock ticks through cold nights
shades aim long as the light fades—
pages grow flimsy,
the ink of forgotten names
smudges dissolve in stillness.
2/
The rain of spring knows
steps shod on the silky soil—
sighs mirror orchids
their fragrance widens for years
festering yet ephemeral.
3/
Sun shines through summer
Smiles of kids in the landscape—
brilliant and boundless
but even the dazzling fire
fades in the quiet of dusk.
Conclusion:
4/
Leaves shed in the fall
a rustling thread each season—
woven in tandem—
time is the loom of our life
fabric of recollection.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cinnamon-dusted,
dough remembers Mother's hands~
warm as her embrace.
Pressed between childhood tales,
each sweet cookie sings of home.
Sorgham swirls slow,
dark as wintertime at six.
the oven hums low~
patient, like my grandmother
caroling hymns in her sleep.
Cookies crowd the rack
still soft at the edges where
time hasn’t touched them.
Bite by bite the year unwinds~
memories blend into space.
Thought I heard a bluebird sing
somewhere over the rainbow
I was wrong 'twas but a song
playing away there on the radio
bought a garland and some gum
for Frances the girl next door
sadly due to a bad accident in London
the unfortunate lady is here no more
studio moguls and public pressures
to their shame were to blame no doubt
but the brainless Scarecrow simply said
of her... 'She just plain wore out'
Sculpting his idol with magiC,
Prayers she offers saying, “HellO”!
Exclusively with leaves so greeN,
Carefully, for him a garlanD,
Imagining him as her beaU,
Always makes singing a lyriC!
Love is mad, in facT!!
"Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue,"
A radio plays where the curtains withdrew
Her distant voice drifts from another room,
Drizzling drops still fall and dark clouds loom
In another place, another day, another time,
The house was new and the weather sublime
Winds whistle through windows broken,
Singing along with the lyrics spoken
Echoing from somewhere with hope anew,
"Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue."
"What's your New Year's resolution?"
"From last year, what's your evolution?"
Now that New Year's here,
That's what we'll get to hear -
Just what you want after a vacation.
I once tried to eat only healthy food,
Thought that'll do me a world of good;
I did cut down on junk
And lived like a monk -
But then stopped, as it spoiled my mood.
Then I thought I'll keep my house clean,
Grow some plants and keep them all green;
But of course, I was lazy
And must have been crazy -
Even "drinking water" isn't a routine.
Since then I've realised one thing -
Any big change, a single day can't bring;
If you really wish to grow,
Take it steady and slow;
Start now - don't wait for new year to ring.
christmas time is near
garlands draped around the tree
children dance and laugh
glitter and garland
pink diamonds are a great friend
shimmering future.
I am an ephemeral purple flower, a rare variety,
named as most beautiful!
Did that arouse adoration to a mother’s heart?
She chose the name for her baby in the womb,
She thought, my name suits best for her girl
Who was going to arrive soon!
My name kindled her imagination…and she
remembered the Princess of Malawa in disguise,
the enchanting dancer and heroine of Sanskrit classic...
Prince Agnimitra enamoured by her
beauty, grace and talents - happy ending to the historical
Romance, although after gripping intrigue!
Part of my name indicates a garland, usually
used for worship ….to the mother I symbolized
all the traits - kindness, strength, wisdom, and grace...
she wished her daughter to possess!
Ewart Milne 'GARLAND'
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{} WINNER ¥{}
{} Gold ¥{}
{}Medal¥{}
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Each popcorn garland looked so grand,
Each corn looked as though a new brand;
Each, a hundred feet long,
Each corn pelt-pebble-strong;
Each enjoyed it as we had planned...!
29 November 2022
Flowers
The wonders of nature
The garland for the earth
The attractions for the eyes
Come in various glories
The sun-abiding sunflower
The paper-like fragile bouganvillea
The bell-like greeting morning glory
The desire-burning flame of the forest
The wishes - carrying petals of chrysanthemum
The strong penetrating perfume of beautiful roses
All showing the beauty and youth
Of the nature
And the blessings of God
A GARLAND OF ROSES FOR MY POEt FRIENDS
People in my present
and those in my past.
Mean more to me than
any other happening.
I know their names, their
smiles and hugs and as
long as I live, their faces,
love and attitudes, really
overwhelm me with sunrise
gratitude.
I need not be the leader of
the poetical pack!
But they comment, soupmail
and are such a support, I know
that they always have my back.
I wanted to thank all most publicly.
With humbleness and simplicity.
Some make me laugh at my
constantly questioning myself!
I am not Sarah Sonnet and not
the best!
But for my circle of friends, know
that I will have a smile on face each
day, and on the final one.
When I am put to final rest....
Gratefully,
Panagiota
6/22/2021
*****
Dedicated to all those special to me:
You know who you are!
Embellished enchantress, cynosure bride
bubbled elixir of laughter in a frenetic tide.
Moonlight blushing, a bouquet on her face,
sequined new dress, bejeweled satin grace.
Silken rose jasmine, weaved in wedding wreath
beamed pink love, magnolia prism beneath.
Souls sipped wine, from golden pots of honey,
an exchange of garland, 'You and Me' became 'We'.*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
* In Indian tradition, an exchange of garland is
one of the most important wedding ritual.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sponsor John Hamilton
Contest Name NA re-run
This poem was NA ed in the following two contests
1.MAY 2019 PREMIER 3,ANY FORM,ANY THEME,UPTO A MAX OF 8(E I G H T )Lines sponsored by Brian Strand, dated 10th May 2019
2. GARLAND contest sponsored by Julia Ward, dated 25th May 2019
Date written : 8th May 2019
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