Shikata ga nai Poetry Contest
Silent One
My Dear,
The sun will rise tomorrow
And there will be some sorrow
For I'll be out of your life
And I'll forever be your ex-wife
It saddens me to let go
However I need to grow
And blossom
Instead of playing possum
I need to get back on my feet
Instead of taking your back seat
It's like I was tied to your hands
And molded to your plans
Which was to be your slave
That you locked in your cave
It was ... always you being sated
And me being dictated
This one way street needed to end
And to cut ties now will be a godsend
For five years we had a bond
To death do us part, I now need to despond
This note should it find your ways
I truly wish you happier days
Shikata ga nai
I say a final goodbye
never poke a sleeping bear
he may be playing possum
waiting to turn you into
a morning snack quite awesome
who can calculate
the cost of any scratch
without putting a value on
the itch it has to match
could one hand do it all alone
or must it join the other
to match the width and breadth
of the itch it has to cover
or a cautious rub against a tree
out of sight, no one can see
with ooows, and oooohs, and moaning ahhhhs
that send the walkers to their cars
and then there is
that little itch
it can’t be reached
ain’t it a *itch
John G. Lawless
©3/4/2022
Emblazon pigment leaves in autumn
Sun's lull shadow playing possum.
Autumn rich hues of amber, anticipating
Slowly trembling, slowly falling,
Descending, creak and shudder,
Unhurried, yet empowering wonder
Soft murmuring waft then slow showers.
Monarchs flutter tasting flowers
Beautiful shade of autumn spice
In the sunlight once or twice.
Nature's palette of bright
Migrating birds in V flight
Towards the flaxen horizon there
In the crisp wind laid bare.
9/9/2020
Playing possum
to an Alaskan grizzly
barged into his tent,
unsuccessful.
Good news and bad news.
Bad news first.
He was viciously mauled;
bitten in the back
and thrashed around
like a rag doll.
Good news.
He's still alive.
Thank God!
Date written: 04/19/2020
and so it begins…
I lay here dormant
playing possum
peeking warily
and wearily
beneath the rotted leaves
of Autumn’s glory
testing the air
with a daring shoot
telescopically assessing
the tenor of the wind.
Oh, how I long for her
time’s temptress
warm breath
tantalizing my need
beckoning me
come forth my darling
all is well.
©2/7/2019
And So It Begins Poetry Contest
Line Gauthier - sponsor
Beware the bug playing ‘possum; especially if it bites or stings!
A vision, crimson wave
full of laughter pushing through
manor shore, stunning roses
in its beauties grace flew.
Yesterday not forgotten
lay infectious from bottom blossom,
up like leaves in autumn
sun's shadow playing possum.
Fragrance braced the darkest
harvest night with a tempest to rouse
liven faces of lace in this very placed
time in space allows
Love of yesterday's grace,
crimson harvest lay in drink
of the evening chill
as it grows misty in a blink
4/9/2018
I like travelling a lot
that’s why people are
often giving me guilt trips.
I like to drill and dig holes
that’s why people always bore me.
I like playing possum
that’s why life often passes me by.
I paint a lot in red
that’s why people often catch me
red-handed painting the town red.
I am old-school and like to
hitch rides on horse-drawn cart
but fall off the wagon often.
I bite off more than I can chew
And I am hanging onto life now
by the skin of my teeth.
My garden is unfolding before my startled eyes.
Each blossom as it opens is a welcome, glad surprise.
The daffodils are blooming and spread sunshiny cheer,
While the tulips are struggling to hold up their heads this year.
The plum trees are in blossom, their branches snowy white,
Others playing possum keep their new buds closed up tight.
Rhododendrons showing color, camellias in full bloom,
The scene is ever changing in my outdoor living room.
Crocuses and small snowdrops are already past their prime.
Anemones and pansies are expected anytime.
A bunny in my garden is looking for a deal.
And eagle in my birch tree, eyes the bunny for a meal.
Oh my garden in the springtime is an optical delight,
While predators of every kind are looking for a bite.
I must find a way to thwart them without poisoning the land..
I will share with the less greedy, slugs and aphids must be banned.
Silently signaled,
Eagerly early
Spring overtakes
Not left behind
I hurry to find
Clippers and rakes.
Each bud and blossom
Quits playing possum
Appearance makes.
Responsive resurgence,
Fixed on fast forward,
Nature awakes.
By: Joyce Johnson
Won 2nd place
Winter is surly.
Eagerly early,
Spring overtakes.
Not left behind
I hurry to find
Clippers and rake.
Each bud and blossom
Quits playing possum.
Appearances make.
Responsive resurgence,
Fixed on fast forward,
Nature awakes!
By: Joyce Johnson
1/28/10
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