We used to chase sunflowers when I was small:
the plant seeds finger-deep in rich dark mud
would crush egg-shells and scatter them round
the flourishing shoots would be five inches taller
to deter the mouth watering slugs, to keep
the flowers being lonely, and keep them whole.
We learned all about carbon dioxide in school:
about finding invisible nourishment in the light
about lifting up high, and chins up.
"Always keep your chin up," they said,
"It will light the warm and the soul."
My shoes don't fit me anymore
and the scratches on my knees are
creeping much higher, there like a
fishing line, causing me to not quite
keep my head upright.
Causing my shoulders to feel uptight.
I, the growing girl, never keeps my
eyes on my feet.
always on the sunflowers when possible
With the world at our ankles and nowhere to hide
But I stopped looking down where the shadows where sweet
And found I could no longer move my feel.
From lights and stilts
the hat tips down
an adoring voice
welcomes the crowd
From end to end the tent fills with laughter
and every second there's a passing actor
from the car you drove in residing inside
the make up covers your face and tears in your eyes
you'd never thought you'd be here
you'd never thought to try
but in the end at the circus
the tight rope you walk on
was not held so high
so keep your chin up
and raise your fist
honk your horn
and balance on your wrist
for this is the show
and you are the clown
and the only fool that is here
is the crowd left profound
My tongue holds cotton to my teeth
Holds the dry in my throat
I cannot breathe here
My voice is escaped from me
I do not speak with sound
My hands are my larynx
I hold my regards to my noise
I have given my beauty to the wall clock
Now I sit silently
I watch the budgies in the front yard
I follow the flowers and the breeze with my eyelashes
This is my now
I am here now
I cannot breathe at all
The window pane holds my heart
"Keep your chin up, child"
I am not a child
"Put your mind at ease, baby"
I am not your baby
I am not love
Nor hate
I am somewhere betwixt loathe and affection
I don't think the wall clock cares for me anymore
I believe these thruths to be self-evident.
I think I will wait for tomorrow to tell.
We are all special
in many ways so don't let
someone put you down
Land sakes alive what you been into child.
The sun is hot but the wind is mild.
My nose itches,
Someone’s coming with a hole in their britches.
Haven’t seen you in a coon’s age.
A hooting and hollering like an injun’s raid.
I’m fair ta middlin’can’t complain too much.
Barely getting along. Maybe just a touch.
Cooped up like chickens. Driving me up a wall.
Just living hand to mouth. Ain’t he got some gall.
How y’all fairin’ my tail is a dragging.
It’s hotter’n Hades my tongue is a wagging.
Ain’t that just the way. Well bless your heart.
Your pea picking soul. Worse than a popcorn fart.
Let the chips fall. Where there’s a will there’s a way.
Keep your chin up. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
In for a penny, in for a pound.
Like a dog in heat always sniffing around.
Give him an inch and he’ll take a mile.
Looking all fat and sassy with a turd eating smile.
Keep on crying, I’ll give you something to cry about.
Close your barn door before the horse gets out.
Uncle Sam is sure enough bleeding us dry.
Because I said so…that’s why!
there are days that will test us
there are times that will be challenging
there will be situations that
we will feel overwhelmed
keep your chin up
smile like there's no tomorrow
keep the shiny side up on your motorcycle
laugh and put those blues on hold
we all struggle to find a happy medium
to make ourselves better then before
there are always opportunities
knocking on the door
close this chapter of your life
be optimistic and move on to
the next chapter
make it amazing!!
Encourage Poetry contest
Regina McIntosh
February 3, 2022
so believe in yourself, your spouse,
and your children
in the end they are
your rock, your support, your stability
20XX
Dearest Kim,
You’ll be surprised. It’s me! Hope you are still
laughing. Be positive. Be light. Let God guide you
in the darkest night. Be strong as Samson,
have King David’s heart, be wise as Solomon,
follow the light. Reach without, within. Hold tight
to your progeny but know you gave your all
to show them right - the right way of life.
Love them. Love yourself. Love God most of all.
And if this finds you melancholy, through suffering
or sickness, remember you’re never alone.
God is your rock. He will spur you home,
lavish you with blessings so much greater
than the lowest place you’ve ever been.
Keep your chin up, kid. A new beginning follows
the end. And your loved ones will be just fine.
The sun, the moon, the stars and God’s eye
shines on them. It’s okay to let go. Let’s fly!
With love from you,
Your Dearest Kim
These modern stresses, these modern strains. Lockdown in Winter, it just has tighter chains.
You try to keep your chin up, try to look forward with dry eyes. So many people taken, so many lost lives.
Fear and anxiety build their own enclosing walls. We feel trapped and lonely and know if pushed we’d fall. Fatigue and injury befall us all.
This battlefield of modern life. Not with guns and soldiers, not with bombs and knives! Our enemy has proven ruthless so many times. Invisibility is its weapon and in which it thrives.
We must try to find our own ways through these darker times. We can not turn on each other or it’s just full out good night.
We have to be more patient, bite our tongues so many times! But our fears are different just like the thoughts behind our eyes.
We can not turn on each other or Covid’s won this fight.
Blistered and beaten, we’ll weather this storm.
Life forever changed, now far from the norm.
Hope is a blessing we must not forget.
Keep your chin up, we’re not done with this yet.
The upcoming days will surely take its toll.
Stay vigilant and strong we all have this goal.
The clouds will soon fade and the sun will soon shine.
We will get through this together and all will be fine.
Remember the fallen, and appreciate your life.
Be careful today, we are all under the knife.
Patience will pay and hope is the key.
Remember the lamb up high on that tree.
Show persistence and resilience
Be the one who never gives in
Have courage and strength to survive
Always look deep within
Believe that you can achieve
Just keep your chin up
Be fierce with determination
Continue to rise to the top
K-eep your chin up,
E-vade the forlorn sight;
N-ew dawn has broken,
N-ever stay in the night.
A-im to keep your chin up, remain joyful in the dark day;
H-igh up in the wide sky, as the clouds are gray.
G-ladly keep your chin up,
A-ugust thirtieth Wednesday;
B-e mirthful and glad
I-n the midst of bleak way.
S-mile in a tough situation,
A-llow not the thrill to stop;
N-ever fret nor worry, keep your chin up.
Do not settle for less
Always give it your best
Read and study
Put yourself to the test
You can do it
Keep your chin up
Strive for excellence
And rise to the top
If troubles and trials come by the score,
And sickness and problems darken your door,
Count it all Joy.
Think nothing of it when things don’t turn out right.
Keep trusting in God, He knows your plight.
Count it all Joy.
The baby is sick and the house payment is due.
You just lost your job…the kids need new shoes.
Count it all Joy.
The roof is leaking, and the water bill is late.
Your only suit needs pressing-Jane needs a new dress for her big date.
Count it all Joy.
The car won’t crank- it may need a new battery.
One tire is flat, never mind it is Saturday.
Count it all Joy.
When Satan is testing you, and tempting you sore,
You know he hasn’t got you,
He wouldn’t be wasting time at your door.
Count it all Joy.
When you’re going down-grab hold of God’s hand!
He’ll lift you up, and help you to stand.
Count it all Joy.
You may be down, but you’re not out,
Keep your chin up and fight the good fight.
Count it all Joy.
Don’t let Satan have the last word,
Stand up and shout “Hallelujah” until all have heard.
Count it all Joy.
The Light...
Light a a candle
see it glow
watch it shine
and you'll know
think of me
think of LOVE
sending it
From up above
I feel the same I deeply miss you
You have to be brave for me
Because YOUR my light too
I may not be here PHYSICALLY
Don't you worry
You'll ALWAYS be part
Of ME
When I am lost your light
Helps me to see
There's nothing that can
come between you and ME
We have a bond
Very speacial through
the years
Celebrate my LIFE please
don't cry my dear
Relax there's no need for fear
Close your eyes envision
me know that I am near
When ur unsure talk
to me I'm by your side
Always here
And when the candle burns
Out in the night
Remember love everything
will be alright
My loving arms will be
holding you tight
I live in you forever
Darling please dont use the words "never"
Take comfort and believe
one day we WILL be together
For now keep your chin up
and your spirit bright
Because I can't find my way back to you without your hearts glowing light
And when times are tough be strong and fight
I will be waiting for you here
To spend our Eternal life
I am a fearless Kiskadee
Sitting on a branch of this tree
Singing my theme song happily
With a Kis Ka Dee Kis Ka Dee
I sing my song very sweetly
Seeking to make others happy
Filling them with ecstasy
With its rhythm and melody
My message is not to worry
Despite how things in life may be
Don't let them make you feel crazy
At all times, strive to be happy
One can state things that are likely
But no one knows what things will be
So keep your chin up cheerfully
And sing Kis Ka Dee Kis Ka Dee.
The Great Kiskadee (Pitangus Sulpharatus) is indigenous to Central and South America, the Caribbean and Southern Texas.
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