Long Once(a) Poems

Long Once(a) Poems. Below are the most popular long Once(a) by PoetrySoup Members. You can search for long Once(a) poems by poem length and keyword.


The Piper

THE PIPER                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               He came from nowhere piping.                                                                                                         We danced and danced in his trail.                                                                                                   Our eyes popped out as elation swayed us.                                                                          Suddenly,  His pipe creaked and cracked.                                                                                   All feet hung  as 
 sky  dimmed her lights...                                                                        
Silhouettes of Gun -shooting Devils everywhere..       
Plodding hands of death lurking in the dark,                                                                             lurking in the open... like hawk, Hawking chicken...                                                                Human heads fallen off as of woodcutters in frenzy.                                                             
cutting down trees.                                                                    
Cry, my  beloved Country!,  Nigeria! how fast you fade,                                                                                fading into oblivion, like a soviet.                                                                                                        Oh Soviet! I bemoan you;  once a cathedral's bell,                                                                         you  chimmed for all nations, now a shadow lying                                                                 beneath history.                                                                                         
And the Piper! Now a prisoner for his people                                                                         because he said no to a carnibal system,                                                                              because he said no to a divide and rule system...       
Your music is forever replaying to our hearts.                           
By  Akudolu Ignatius


The Smudger and the Dragon

I  live on the mountain
Below the silver mist
In the valley, full of magic
Where the sun has rarely kissed

I am called a smudger
I live on what's left behind
I have been here near forever
I'm the last one of my kind

Below the mountain major
Lives a dragon, fierce and bold
Sleeping now, and dreaming
Of it's hoard of stolen gold

Eleventy years plus twenty
I have been here on this earth
Cleaning up the dragons droppings
It's how I justify my worth

The dragon's ruled this mountain
For a thousand thousand years
The silver river that flows through it
Is full of snow melt and of tears

Once a generation
Someone comes from down below
Gets the villagers all riled
Says "The dragon has to go"

They go and fight the dragon
Try to take his hoard of gold
And that is why, it's me the smudger
Who knows how the story must be told

The fighter leaves the village
Full of gusto and incensed
Saying "justice for the village"
or close to that....condensed

The dragon then awakens
Flys around and burns the town
Leaving nothing left but ashes
everything gone or burned down

Now, I, your local smudger
Cleans up the dead and done
It's a profitable existence
Since I am the only one

The dragon knows there's nothing
Much more of value to behold
The villagers were poor folk
Owning neither jewels or gold

I've cleaned up more destruction
Caused by villagers who go
On up to face the dragon
And get killed with just one blow

Now, I make candles with their bodies
I use their skin and body fat
I weave the hair not melted
And I make a nice new front hall mat

The bones I grind and scatter
On the mountain in the trees
It helps the ferns all grow strong
And keeps the trees free from disease

What little money I find
I leave half by the dragons den
Over time I have left there
Money from five thousand men

I've swords I sell at auction
When I travel, but that's rare
There is really nothing for me
That's not near the dragons lair

It's a relationship existing
On destruction and of greed
The dragon burns the village
And I get the things I need

They rebuild and they recover
And a generation may pass by
When once again some young, strong fighter
Wakes the dragon, makes him fly

I guess we need each other
That's the way it's always been
I'm the smudger on the mountain
I'm the one who's never seen
Form: Rhyme

Premium Member Fear of Failure

It was as real a fear as any that one could encounter.                                                                                                                                 
Fear is torment, and comes with the purpose to intimidate and eliminate.                                                              I have encountered the fear of punishment and fear of bodily harm.                                                                             I have feared darkness where one is at a loss of his surroundings.                                                                                          

As a child I was terrified of polio shots administered once a year.
There are fears that come and go, and we learn to adjust and adapt.                                                             There are myriads of phobias and fears that threaten us all, but there                                                                           is a fear I wish to share. It is a fear with which I struggled and have                                                           had to confront,  conquer, and dispatch.

I fought for several years until I conquered and overcame 'the fear of failure'.                                                   This fear did not accompany me at birth as if I inherited it from ancestors.                                                                 I created conditions and aspirations that painted pictures of accomplishments and achievements whereby I dared not to be anything less than the master of all my hopes and dreams.  I could not accept  the normal or the mundane. I believed that I would excel no matter what. However, I came to realize that I was being captured and imprisoned by my own mind set.  I was becoming obsessed and driven to avoid what I perceived as an unacceptable life, and thereby becoming afraid of what might become a reality.  Thus the 'fear of failure' in reality reduces one's abilities and capabilities.

When I released myself from the drip of such a fear, I became free to let go and let me be the best me that I could be without trying to please and convince me as well as others of how wonderful I could be.  It was a fear from which no one else could emancipate me. God's wisdom and grace granted me the sweet freedom from the fear of failure.
09132017 PS Contest, Fear 2, Debbi Guzzie

Premium Member Angel 2

during talking to this young lady 
i looked on her quiet fondly as a friend
still stunned when she kissed me
i stepped back with shock
yet looking at her in a softened heart
i felt for her looking into her eyes i said
stop sweetheart as i looked at her 
inside i was crying 
so long since i heard them words 
i love you
putting both hands on her face
saying looking into her eyes 
you are so very sweet
she never saw inside what them words meant
i saw in her eyes hurt 
feeling so ashamed 
i hugged her saying
never give your feelings away
so easily to a man you barely know
you began pleading 
saying you knew me for ages
it was only in the space of shopping
i felt ever so bad 
wishing the ground to swallow me
so much going on in one's head 
finding it hard to cope
then you began telling me 
that for months you had been watching me
as we spoke once a week on the rare occasion twice
always smiling sometimes 
coming up behind me 
playfully giving me a fright then laughing
all this time i saw you as a friend
during the conversation
she began telling me
each time i entered the shop
she got butterflies
i felt so sad heart touched
honestly did not know what to say
beyond flattered
at that moment i felt broken hearted
i did not want to hurt her
she began saying you are always so nice 
i love speaking to you 
waiting and hoping to see you each we
smiling lost for words
each time after shopping
always headed to her till
she always smiled beautiful
each time she saw me even 
among'st a crowd 
her look would single me out 
at the time one never noticed
to wrapped up in everything else in my life
there was no room within 
my heart that time
to let you in
in fact i love the company
inside emotion 
i shut completely down
flattered she kissed me again
honestly it tasted beautiful
i stopped her
deep within the mind one was hurting
with shattered love deep inside
please darling i said
i do not want to hurt you
try to understand my is not right
never mentioning hospitals
making one feel heartless
you began promising me
the very world you live in
inside i could feel a crying emotion
my mind in bits and pieces
barely living walking around 
blind to everyone in my own hurt
the scars were still attached to feelings
of emotion that was not dealt with yet
i was a million miles away in a different space 
now i see a lot clearer this is on story i will write


continued  angel 3

Lame Name Game

Silly Billy had no fear, he drowned it in a case of beer.
Handy Andie so adept, kept so busy, she never slept.
Dirty Donna did what you wanna, she lived just down the street.
You didn't have to ask her twice, she was so nice and very sweet.
Hairy Larry all alone, made the women grimace and groan.
Very scary in his approach, girls would crush him like a roach.
Steady Betty, always ready with what ever it took.
Found a way to save the day, be it by hook or crook.
Stan the man does what he can no matter what it takes.
Always appalled by what has happened, then says for goodness sakes. 
Gabby Abby giggles and talks with nary a concern.
I wonder if there'll ever be a time she'll ever learn.
Bob the slob wouldn't get a job, he did nothing all day.
He looked a mess, and yes I guess, there's nothing left to say.
Chatty Patty talked so much, she developed lock jaw.
You'd think that that would slow her down, but nah.
Dorky Doug had quite the mug, he looked a little askew.
When he'd greet you on the street, you didn't know what to do.
Nick the stick was very quick, always on the go.
He never walked, he always ran, the word slow, he didn't know.
Guilty Milty quite the guy. He never looked you in the eye.
If you caught him at his game, instead of shame, he'd rather die.
Ditzy Mitzy, not a clue, in her ear, you'd see clear through.
Sandy Sandy, on the beach, the young men she would beseech.
Their young minds she couldn't reach, but that's not what she tried to teach.
Loser Lenny always played, what it cost, he never weighed.
Didn't know when to walk away, should have left, but always stayed.
Pervy Peter made skin crawl, I'm guessing his was pretty small.
You felt like you'd catch a disease, even if he would just sneeze.
Surly Shirley, not too girly, and not very nice.
You can ask her once, a question, but don't ask her twice.
Bendy Wendy in the breeze, did everything down on her knees. 
The young boys she'd always please, when they would leer up in the tree's.
Kent the gent, his kindness spent, decided it was time.
To let them know just what he meant, but still did it in rhyme.
Holy Holly, quite contrite, prayed sincerely every night.
Oh, good golly, how she yearned for things to be just right.
In the interest of keeping your interest, I think I'll stop it here.
Like Billy up in the first line, I think I'll have a beer. :)
Form: Rhyme


The Swan

Upon the lakes they do swim gliding so effortlessly   
These species of graceful waterfowl the largest of anatidae family
In their beautiful pure white plumage with elegant long curved necks
Blunted beaks and big webbed feet living together by water's edge                                            
These magnificent creatures of the waters are a sign of purity and love	
Remind us of the blessings in our relationships a gift from heaven above
If all goes well in there pairing they will stay together for rest of their life’s
When they glide upon the waters of our awareness they bring us deep insight            




These birds of Mother Nature they’re exquisite and unique                   
Bearing exotic waves of beauty to our dreams as we do sleep                          
They swim around in our divine mind adding colours of delight  
Encouraging us to spread our wings and take our glorious flight
Courting occurs on rivers and lakes throughout the known world
Whilst they live on plant life tiny fish and scattered bread as well
You might see them duck their heads as they feed upon their foods
But you better beware of their aggression whilst they protect their broods     




The elegance of these myterious birds are displayed in a ballet dancer
Dancing into our emotions with their romantic artisticpower                                     
Transforming our souls with delightful moves bringing us into harmony
With a brilliant performance of balance, control and technical flexibility
The beautiful dying swan pours its heart out as death draws near            
Greeting this with an exceptional beautiful ending balladeer
Its modulated voice singing the swan-song of death so sweet
This harmonious sound can be heard as its last creative piece




The crown retain the ownership to all unmarked mute swans 
A ceremony takes place once a year and lasts for five days long
Swan upping is a tradition dated back to the twelfth century 
Markers row up and down the rivers paying tribute to the Queen
In England they’re a protected species and owned by Her Majesty
The wing spans on these wonderful birds can extent to several feet
These sacred aquatic birds male and female cobs and pens
Those little cygnets and swanlings on a swan lake that never ends




© Copyright KC.Leake
8th December 2014
All Rights Reserved

Abolishing the Death Penalty: A Case for Humanity

The death penalty, a practice rooted in antiquity, continues to evoke controversy and ethical dilemmas in modern society. Despite its purported role in deterring crime and administering justice, the death penalty stands on shaky moral ground and should be abolished for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, the irreversible nature of the death penalty is inherently flawed. In a justice system prone to human error, the risk of executing an innocent person is ever-present. Numerous cases worldwide have revealed wrongful convictions, highlighting the fallibility of judicial proceedings. Once a life is taken, there is no recourse for rectifying such a grievous mistake, perpetuating an irreversible injustice that stains the fabric of society.

Moreover, the death penalty undermines the fundamental value of human life. By sanctioning state-sanctioned killings, societies diminish the sanctity of life and condone violence as a means of resolving conflicts. Such a stance contradicts the principles of compassion, rehabilitation, and forgiveness, which should underpin any civilized society's legal framework.

Furthermore, the death penalty fails to achieve its purported goal of deterrence. Empirical evidence suggests that the threat of capital punishment does not significantly deter individuals from committing heinous crimes. Instead, socioeconomic factors, mental health issues, and systemic inequalities often drive criminal behavior. Investing in preventative measures, such as education, poverty alleviation, and mental health services, would yield more effective and humane solutions to reducing crime rates.

Critics argue that the death penalty provides closure to victims' families and serves as a form of retribution. However, vengeance should not be conflated with justice. Studies have shown that the prolonged legal processes and endless appeals associated with death penalty cases exacerbate the victims' families' trauma, prolonging their suffering rather than offering closure.

In conclusion, the abolition of the death penalty aligns with the principles of justice, compassion, and human rights. By rejecting this antiquated and morally dubious practice, societies can move towards a more enlightened and humane approach to criminal justice—one that prioritizes rehabilitation, reconciliation, and the inherent worth of every individual.

January 24th, 2023 Hair Washing Heralds Huge Happening

January 24th, 2023 Hair washing heralds huge happening

Hark….the herald angels sing, and twitter 
for mass communication 
mediums stop the presses 
when I, a regular schlemiel 
take shampoo to mine matted mass mop 
(no less than once a week)
of straggly follicles, and commence 
to dispense with the heady eco system 
viz rare crop of flora and fauna 
(some rank as endangered species) 

rub and band together 
to scratch envy of  
flaky key neigh bring ponytails 
and create quite an niche, 
and where also can be found
lousy knit wit vendors ready to scalp 
and give shaft to razor sharp purveyors, 
who mane lee scout out available 
head and shoulder room to nap 

without a stir, tub bed down 
(praying  Holy Scott no wash out 
nor Harris mint occurs), 
or burrow vis a vis, 
where subcutaneous porous droplet size 
watership down pieces 
of prime residence found 
counting one mister comb lee 
bald bold faced realtor 

amidst competing rival 
bulb buss Edward scissorhands
(with knot to heavy a price toupee) 
affianced to rapunzel, 
whom he sheared split ends 
as her barber of civil, 
one dapper dander ruff dude to offer 
lice cent shuss insects a tonsured 
cut above other stylish habitués 

preferring to fraternize, 
glad-hand, and hobnob 
amidst a cluster of big wigs 
housed by yours truly - Samson
in gleaming puffy pompadour 
pads tightly secured 
with the best dreadlocks, 
which harum-scarum 
green barrettes serve 

as first line of rinse able defense 
IdentityGuard (with franchisee 
Bob O Link averse to split hairs, but fierce 
as a Mohawk and ring leader 
to protect any curl of mine) 
waving away intruders, 
who if insist tubby persistent 
and tangle with fate 
cannot expect camaraderie 

from buzz cutting crew i.e. the fuzz 
to give expletive filled lathering, 
severe shame poo wing subjugation 
plus an up braiding experience), 
and teach stragglers 
they will suffer 
a real perm in hint bang up job 
if they brazenly brush 
against brylcreem of the crop 
rooted as rightful heirs 
(hairs) of tousled doo mane,
thus concludes my tail. 

Postscript: Yours truly
an aging long haired
seventh generation pencil neck geek
finds ultra joy when 
volunteering for kitchen duty,
hence imagine the hypothetical picture
portraying Geico caveman 
mimicking pseudo dawn of humanity.

No Instruction Codes

2/23/24

It's not in all the books we read
Souls put to sea
Continual butchery
They carry on crookedly
Trying to coat the truth with something sugary
Some know and don't care others never could agree
A never ending battle where evil is trying to make the good bleed

Nah no really look at me
I stirred the hornets nests and shook the trees
Among endless wood debris
To be an honest man, you've no idea what it took to be

Gone beyond lucid dreams
Please do believe it's about much more than you perceive
Hmm the conclusions seems
They never have our best interest at heart nor any future needs
While unscrupulous humans scheme
They left our bodies out to rot all through ravines
As well as areas where sewage seeps
The truth it seeks
A way out usually
Regardless of opportunity

My mom asked son why must you suffer so
Caught up in an undertow
There's just things a mother knows

My true colors shown
I called my brother's phone
He thought he knew how it does and doesn't go
Unlike other folks
Through centuries still much unknown
All across this bloody globe
Studies show
Most want the whole honeycomb
All to themselves like life's only about hitting the motherload
As they judge and drone
It's not all cut in stone
Told him what was once a home
Started from just a stone
Now it's a bunch of those
Amid piles of mud and bones
Nearby encrusted tomes
Beside dusty clothes
Sat an old toolbox that rusted close
Outside stood trees full of a dozen crows
By fields with buffaloes
Bumps arose
In clustered nodes
Turning it into a rugged road
Nearby water full of sunken boats
The destruction grows
Life comes with no instruction codes
For any sudden woes
You'd think eventually it struck a note
Many looking through a tunneled scope
Always fascinated by the puppet shows
Another day redundant and alone
A struggle to find love blows
Causing a loss of what was hope
Reaching the point of being ready to jump below
By the end of it my bro said I must atone
He said I chucked the stone
At what I thought was a toad
Then went back to work in the construction zone
Only to find out that it wasn't though
Said he began to suffer slow
Caught in a thunder dome
Until he discovered those
That suffered the same fate buried right under nose
With a new adjusted approach
Learned first hand and through several hundred notes
Form: Rhyme

Can You Survive

It was like the apocalypse 
Dark skies
Lined up in rows 

How we got there
No one knows.

Chatting all around 
Most seemed to have a good 
time.

Then he came around
Unseen but heard 
Voice so shrieking it made 
children cry

And just like that 
There was a dusty light in the 
sky

First came the wind
So sharp it cut humans 
Like diamond needles going 
150mph.

All you could see,
Selected rows
They turn into dust.

Searing pains of emotions
They flow through all
Watching as many family's fall.

When rows filled with people
Turn into ash of dust
That's when people started 
moving, 

Survival of the fittest is so it 
seem.

But then came the lights
So bright and blinding
Going across rows where 
people moved,
But not hitting those who stood 
still.

Moving at the speed of light
This light came and went 
Before anyone could blink.

Once a row of people
Now piles of ash
Going through isles 
With no intent to stop.

As soon as it came
It was all over.
And what was a population
Was now only a few thousand.

Covered in dust 
We heard a noise,
Telling all of us
To line in fours.

Three lines were incredibly 
small
But the first line
That was way too full.

Was the worst mistake to 
make.

Inside the voice that was heard
That shirked when spoken
Turning into a figure
Dark as night.

There was no face
There where no visible parts
Black robe
Black coverings
And a scythe so silvery clear.

Walking down a black building
That had just appeared.

What was heard next were 
screams!

From death himself 
About how the first line
Was way too long.

Without a chance to move
A quick breeze went through
Split the line in half.
With one quick swift.

The front started to run.

As for the others, blood went 
down their faces
They lined up in the other 
three.

Then something weird 
happened
Line three started to run
As line two became frozen.

But one.

So brave
She walked out of line
Heading straight to death.

Given a chance to speak,
One thing had been said.

"Death, when can we go"

As she stared 
Waiting for a response.
Scared for her life,
At this black spooky figure
He turned to her.

And then what was happening
Became nothing,
And she woke up
Back into the real life.

Where everything she just seen 
Had all been a dream.

Get a Premium Membership
Get more exposure for your poetry and more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Reflection on the Important Things

Member Area

My Admin
Profile and Settings
Edit My Poems
Edit My Quotes
Edit My Short Stories
Edit My Articles
My Comments Inboxes
My Comments Outboxes
Soup Mail
Poetry Contests
Contest Results/Status
Followers
Poems of Poets I Follow
Friend Builder

Soup Social

Poetry Forum
New/Upcoming Features
The Wall
Soup Facebook Page
Who is Online
Link to Us

Member Poems

Poems - Top 100 New
Poems - Top 100 All-Time
Poems - Best
Poems - by Topic
Poems - New (All)
Poems - New (PM)
Poems - New by Poet
Poems - Read
Poems - Unread

Member Poets

Poets - Best New
Poets - New
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems Recent
Poets - Top 100 Community
Poets - Top 100 Contest

Famous Poems

Famous Poems - African American
Famous Poems - Best
Famous Poems - Classical
Famous Poems - English
Famous Poems - Haiku
Famous Poems - Love
Famous Poems - Short
Famous Poems - Top 100

Famous Poets

Famous Poets - Living
Famous Poets - Most Popular
Famous Poets - Top 100
Famous Poets - Best
Famous Poets - Women
Famous Poets - African American
Famous Poets - Beat
Famous Poets - Cinquain
Famous Poets - Classical
Famous Poets - English
Famous Poets - Haiku
Famous Poets - Hindi
Famous Poets - Jewish
Famous Poets - Love
Famous Poets - Metaphysical
Famous Poets - Modern
Famous Poets - Punjabi
Famous Poets - Romantic
Famous Poets - Spanish
Famous Poets - Suicidal
Famous Poets - Urdu
Famous Poets - War

Poetry Resources

Anagrams
Bible
Book Store
Character Counter
Cliché Finder
Poetry Clichés
Common Words
Copyright Information
Grammar
Grammar Checker
Homonym
Homophones
How to Write a Poem
Lyrics
Love Poem Generator
New Poetic Forms
Plagiarism Checker
Poetry Art
Publishing
Random Word Generator
Spell Checker
What is Good Poetry?
Word Counter