I am the monarch of the sky
can outdistance by the miles
every insect, every time
heavy rain or bright sunshine
like a fearless horse I run
in the heart of boisterous winds
like a skater coast and glide
in my effortless cruising style
beauty queen of butterflies
smooth and waxy my chrysalis
green and gold heavenly spun
into a diadem to behold
a green drop of dew my egg
like a flower on milkweed stem
birthing life in green and black
golden gilded for contrast
curious strong alone I fly
gliding vales fields
and mountains
from lowland Louisiana
to skyscrapers Colorado
though alone all summer long
in the fall I flock along
with a million more to fly
for two thousands airy miles
on two inches of wings fragile
tracing shapes of butterflies
fluttering satin color clouds
beating chords of air so softly
into an incredible audible sound
of few millions wings in concert
greeting morning in Chincua forest
Happy birthday to you gorgeous
Your smile has brightened my day
I sense a resilient heart in you.
And a willingness to play.
You have uplifted me this morning.
I am feeling better now.
You make me want to dance and sing.
With your smile and wise know-how.
Happy birthday to you woman.
I hope your day is marvelous and fine.
I believe by looking at your photo
You are not full of grouse or wine.
You have increased my happy feelings.
I am enthusiastic about your smile.
I think you could probably outdistance me
in almost every contest mile.
Perfection….
you illusive itinerant
a driver on a par three hole
aching to outdistance
everyone
John G. Lawless
©3/31/2022
I am the monarch of the sky
can outdistance by the miles
every insect, every time
heavy rain or bright sunshine
like a fearless horse I run
in the heart of boisterous winds
like a skater coast and glide
in my effortless cruising style
beauty queen of butterflies
smooth and waxy my chrysalis
green and gold heavenly spun
into a diadem to behold
a green drop of dew my egg
like a flower on milkweed stem
birthing life in green and black
golden gilded for contrast
curious strong alone I fly
gliding vales fields
and mountains
from lowland Louisiana
to skyscrapers Colorado
though alone all summer long
in the fall I flock along
with a million more to fly
for two thousands airy miles
on two inches of wings fragile
tracing shapes of butterflies
fluttering satin color clouds
beating chords of air so softly
into an incredible audible sound
of few millions wings in concert
greeting morning in Chincua forest
Second Place: Brian Strand-All Yours-6/1/019
Bluesy woman carry my tune
rasped in relegation
of a crying crimson moon
Forge forth steps of beaten breath
left alone in trepidation
destined to outdistance death
Blast out those baby blues
seep past storms of surrender
climbing barriers broken out by you
Bat your eyes and croon your cries
let your soul come play for me
build me up in a knock down world
in every simple note you bleed
To enchant the eye and tickle the tongue
with levels of nuance like well-aged wine,
to engage the ear and limber the lungs
as sea winds seasoned with fragrance of brine.
To hearten the soul or tear it apart,
to start with a sigh and end with a gasp,
to sharpen the mind and quicken the heart,
to aim one's reach to outdistance the grasp.
To roar like a lion and ever stand fast,
to bring out smiles and mitigate pain,
to tell the legends of histories past,
and teach their mistakes, not do them again.
© May 26, 2015
One moment east of twilight
Shadows outdistance the sun
Sharpening peaks and hallows,
Honed against the sparks of light.
Deep in the brow of the silence
I stand to watch the moonrise,
Overtaken by the dark
____________
For Contest : 215
Sponsor: Brian Strand
I really look forward to brekkie each morning
It's my favourite meal of the day
Chickens, without doubt, are my favourite creatures
Laying eggs by the dozen without pay
But I don't want 'em to think they're irreplaceable
Their heads will get too big for the coop
They're bound to wind up when their laying's done
In a bowl of scrumptious chicken soup
Piggies really shouldn't get too complacent either
There's only one reason for their existence
The chopping block is their final destination
Unless the farmer, they can outdistance
Hey you Mr. Spud, don't think you're superior
Your days are numbered for sure
Those hash browns with gravy are a real favourite
With onions and just a scent of manure
Holy cadoodle! I'm drooling in my PJs
My age apparently doesn't matter
The thought of all those yummy brekkie goodies
Can still make my heart go pitter patter
© Jack Ellison 2012
Scotch and love on the rocks
both hard to swallow
one can bring tears to the eyes
the other tears from your heart
one easy to walk away from
the other impossible to outdistance
one mellows with time
the other will always feel like just yesterday
one takes you gently
the other can take you to your knees
one easy to look forward to
the other can take you completely by surprise
one allows you to toast your fortune
the other to forever recall a treasure lost
one may take a day to get over
the other you may never get over
one can be done alone
the other takes just two
one can be stirred
the other can shake your very soul
one is measured by age alone
the other can happen regardless of age
one is referred to with words of respect
the other of words you regret forever
you get to choose
the one from the other
Irish