Here we are again;
A major election year.
What's going to happen when
All the dust have cleared?
Will we shut out the past
Of those things that should last?
Or, will we overshoot and overplay
our hands to become forever dismayed?
Or, will we calmly seek a balancing touch
that's all-inclusive and defines all of us?
I sense that if we are reckless; not careful;
We shall overshoot the runway, not being prayerful.
I had a brilliant moment of clarity, inspired by a dream,
a profound reminder that things may not be what they seem.
There's not always a clear line between evil and good,
like a wolf in sheep’s clothing is sometimes misunderstood.
Certain years and veiled looks can conceal and surprise
but the truth and intent are always revealed in the eyes.
They are a gateway to the soul, a window in which we see,
too many will often ignore the strength of powers that be.
A self-righteous man will sharply preach with a raised fist.
From a pulpit, he is there to hide what they have missed.
Some will get lost an seek to build a box from detergent,
and all the while they seem to forget, we all are divergent.
Everyone is dealt a hand with a message within each card.
Deciding which one to play is a decision that’s usually hard.
You can hit or you can fold, you might even choose to stay,
just be cautious and study the pattern, but never overplay.
11/25/22
Pick-A-Title, Vol 33 Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Edward Ibeh
...typically...
news casts overplay
times odds and ends
...that...
everyone sees 'something'
as wrong in news reports
...within...
some density of an ongoing
propaganda that supposedly
...identifies...
the good, the sane, and the ugly
tarzen, superman, and the evaders
...without...
whom nothing could ever be set right
as if the world were a hollywood studiio
...however...
time being defined by irrational numbers
means 'unpredictability' is as nature itself
...so...
the sane 'care' for the sick and the criminal
except when such can benefit those in power
...hence...
a loose nut can collapse an international bridge and or
rust and erosion of a 'comic' turned pull-it'll-call leader
...echoes...
no diplomatic skills for he choruses for self-sacrifice
of a population rather than attempt to right his mistakes
...through...
honest conversations with respect the survival of neighbors
peaceful relations, secure economic futures, and most of all
...lives...
stans sand dust
Within an overplay of paneled oak
and illumination fittingly low,
set upon a table, its style baroque
a lighted candle, its shimmering glow
plays an unopened bottle of Bordeaux
Distant soft murmurs of discrete lovers
a pop of cork, the chinking of a glass
gentle rustling of changed table covers,
the whooshing of a skirt as waitress pass.
Low background music with a mellow bass.
A rich old earthy scent from burning log
is mixed with fragrant kitchen spices, sweet
arouses memories of synagogue.
Pungent aroma from hot sizzling meat;
a whiff of petrol coming from the street.
The napkin soft, bread roll toasty, warm,
dinner plate hot, wine glass suitably chilled
all precisely the acceptable norm.
Granular grating as pepper is milled.
I press on the steak; it's perfectly grilled.
Fantastic flavors burst upon my buds
juicy, velvety, succulent, tender.
The wine my mouth with fruity perfume floods
I finish the last drop, then surrender
"I require another glass, bartender."
I left my naivety back in the hood
to explore the empathy in my heart.
And deep in my soul I feel that I’m good
somewhat smart, but don’t overplay that part.
I’m humble, yet I’m kinda proud of me
principled by the absolutes of truth.
And I stay as far from hate as can be
recalling the lessons learned in youth.
I embrace fantasy, and like to dream
yet fav reality's bittersweet wine.
And there have been times I’ve wanted to scream
but for the most part everything is fine.
I’ve tried my best to stand by what I say
opting for reason, I ignore the fool.
And fought battles for friends that went away
yet let them know I love them, and all’s cool.
I work hard, but I’m a gambler at heart
sometimes I’ve lost and had to start over.
And overcame my fears with each fresh start
by learning to let karma takeover.
In touch with my beliefs I don’t hide them
yet, I’m sensitive of others' feelings.
And I don’t partake in fights or mayhem
always staying clear of shady dealings.
So, tell me Dad, is your son now a man?
Oct.26, 2018
In response to IF.... Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Silent One
I have this new found strength
Presence like the flow we have come to know
The peace I feel from this very real ordeal
That Satans player tried to bring our way
You are here with me to stay
No way would you overplay that day
Being put through a mind-altering maze
He has put everything into such a haze
Its because Gods helped us to slay
That very bad man who tried to betray our trust
To spin his awful sin so Satan could begin
His mind-altering lust
We place all our faith in God
So nothing would come between us
Or make us go bust
It's Gods rays that really came into play
It's God we chose to follow each, day
When he brought comfort rather than dismay
We had to get through each day
As he sheltered our love in every way
We stuck together through The foul weather
So we are like birds of the same feather
Our life was meant to be together
Praise God all of this fits just right
That familiar glow that we have come to know
One that will outlast anything from our past
.
If only the sun is forever blue and bright
I will have the perfect tan I ever wanted
And the heart will glow as shiny as the face
If only the rain drops on the driest soil
resurrect the withering flowers and dying crops
Alongside nourishing the forgotten memories
If only the thunders and lightening’s sporadic visits
Not to intimidate the dogs and cats
But to awaken the dormant sensation
If only the sunset does not overplay its perfect beauty
mesmerize the already intoxicated lovers
That the ending of the day is not an anticlimax
Rather the norm of life
Verse 1
To go beyond comparison, no place to overplay
The potter of unique design, brought new life to the clay
Unwholesome talk, within my walk, of that I will release
I’m truly made in your image, I am your masterpiece
Chorus
Formed by your hand, beautiful and wonderfully made
Knowing who I am, honouring the life you gave
You have made a mark of victory
To partake in your plan
I present a unique offering
To the voice I understand
I am wonderfully made
Verse 2
Authentic worth, embrace your word, perspective unabridged
To liberate and so create my spiritual heritage
To this effect, I will protect your standard of measure
Your love endures, unconditional, of that I will treasure
Chorus
Bridge
Guided by your hand, to direct my sphere of service
Knowing who I am, created with a purpose
With a chorus of praise, my song is made new
I will dwell in the essence, of a godly point of view
Chorus
Written by Geraldine Taylor ©?
Suspicious Activities Will Be Reported
By Elton Camp
Neighborhood watch, in theory, is okay
But its role it can too easily overplay
If they see a man with a mask on his face,
To call in the authorities they should race
Or if a man is seen with a gun in his hand
That he’ll be reported we can understand
Certainly a man luring some child away
Should be turned in without any delay
But good judgment watchers sure do lack
If “suspicious” is defined as being black
Just because a man’s skin isn’t white,
To call him a menace simply isn’t right
What’s the next thing that they may do?
“Police come quick for we just saw a Jew.”
Like when bagpipes sing
from far away
Its streamlined music
not overplay.
The soothing flow
of something pure
A sound that lets my
heart feel cured.
Its hard to appreciate
the way this makes my soul
come alive with hope and faith
and restores my self control.
Ripples in the blue
Takes all the noise away
The nonsense that comes daily
conjuering disarray.
I love freely
no holds barred
nature speaking
I show my scars.
(by kristen bruni for "write me a rippling stream contest 6-1-11)
THE SOUND OF DEJA VIEW
Everything feels like the end of a song
When the album of life is played so
I swear I’ve heard this all before
Repeat was pressed so long ago
Sometimes it seems fresh
But nothing stays the same
After time things feel
Like overplay is a game
Waxy waning wonder
This phase I’m falling under
Darkens by the hour
Stale music is tasting sour
Suspending the second act
Of side two
These cycles are spinning
Every end is a beginning
And that’s ok
New growth thrives on decay
Sustain comes from re-creation
Just push play
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