George W. Bush, so much maligned
for the economic collapse of 2008-09
Yet would that we today had his outstanding Secretaries of State
Colin Powell or Condoleeza Rice handling the M-E would be first-rate
___________________________________
'M-E' stands for 'Middle East'
The blue jay is a handsome bird
though that is oft the one nice word
you'll read about this robber of other
birds' nests ~ this handsome pest
You're a beacon of color on a bleak winter's day
despite what we read about 'amoral ways'
So here's to you, Mr. Jay, you liven up winter
even if your daily routine I can't print here
A foul odor seeps into the nostrils
bypassing the standard sensory process
And darting straight for the brain
It elicits the memories
that once thought to be extinguished
Bringing former passions to the forefront of a hesitant mind
A mind that is weary, ravaged by time
and ill-equipped to absorb such recollection
Unable to suppress the torment
that accompanies excruciating reminders
The tortured mind bleeds out
and the body falls to the ground
Sunshine at dawn blasts sunbeam holes in clouds.
A celestial searchlight celebration,
with silent cheers unheard by sleeping crowds
who slept through their snooze alarm dictation.
When sun's up high in sky it's warm and bright
all paramount, pervading, endearing.
People scurry about in new day's light.
Ignoring the sun as source, disdaining.
Noon is so hot, it's time to cover up.
On goes the slip, slop, slap, perhaps a hat.
People duck, hide, in shadows envelop.
Sun becomes a lethal glare to combat.
Sundown, is the only time when sunshine
gets worshipped - toned down, dimmed to red, in shrine.
---------------
6 March 2018
Ode to the much maligned Magpie
Mr. Magpie standing there
So majestic with unblinking stare
I salute you and I say good day
I’m superstitious - don’t want to risk sorrow coming my way
Mr. and Mrs. Magpie flying by
I watch you as into your nest you fly
Finding food for your babies, girl or boy
Just hope you bring me peace and joy
Magpie trio strutting along
You always look so big and strong
Elegant you look as you give a twirl
You look so regal you must be a girl
Swooping down you form a quartet
Trying to find some food for a bet
You would try to steal - that is your ploy
Rumour has it, it’s a sign for a boy
Five eggs lie nestled in your nest
Mother Magpie needs a rest
When the nesting time is over
History has it five means silver
Six young Magpies all alone
All very hungry and far from home
Crying for Mum because they are cold
Could be a sign that they’re going for gold
Seven Magpies now that is a breathtaking sight
Always up screeching in the early morning light
Ever noisy, brazen, greedy and bold
How do you keep a secret, never to be told?
Barbara Brewin © 2017
Horn Combined Not Maligned Haiku
Cat is not a pain
Over house has a free rein
Which is domain.
I did discover,
To interrupt is corrupt;
Always done abrupt.
Is agitator
Also manipulator;
Even a traitor.
Between is schism;
Nationalist populism;
Read in catechism.
Was on Morning show this
morning but kind of re-written
by me.
Liked living at lodge;
Message having a collage;
Painful things did dodge.
Must go to college
So I can obtain knowledge;
Apparently, Trump forgot to do.
My clothes are involved;
Seasonal strictly revolved;
My problem was solved.
Have you ever had
A wife who keeps complaining;
Your will wear same clothes.
(This secret thought I should
expose.)
Jim Horn
There's a land to visit in your dreams
a place that really has, it seems,
no Brussels sprouts or cauliflower,
no cabbage, broccoli or sauer-
-kraut or parsnips or broad beans,
and where peas truly are the only greens.
Spuds they bake there have some crunch
so they go quite well with Sunday lunch.
And, to get apple pie or creamy whips
you only have to eat your chips.
So close your eyes and try to find
The Land Of Kale Much Maligned,
where Popeye, building superpowers,
shuns spinach and instead devours,
guess what, to give him strength supreme?
Yes! Lots of scones with jam and cream!
Those poor much maligned dandelions
Always trying their very best
To be loved and cherished like other blossoms
Happiness is all they request
But for some strange reason unknown to man
They're the scourge of every lawn
Like you and me they just want to be wanted
Like a graceful, elegant swan
To be carried on the arm of a blushing bride
As part of her lovely bouquet
A congregation overcome with their beauty
A part of that memorable day
Those poor much maligned dandelions
Forever being sprayed and dug up
Then thrown away like some discarded weed
Not coveted like the sweet buttercup
Oh much maligned pump,
pristine place of flow and thump,
rest not for I will surely die if you do,
no seat for my emotion,
no womb for my desire,
just a place of pump and thump and blood..
bleed all of those who would do me harm,
place your bloodless souls upon the pyre
of my angry, aching, soul,
fouled culpret of my desire,
linger not within the arms of whom?
Looking for the formal definition, structure, and history of this poetry form? Visit the Poetry Dictionary entry below. Then return to explore how PoetrySoup members bring the form to life through their own poems.