What we are given…
From the first breath drawn to final sigh,
Our needs are held in hands on high.
Not fleeting wants nor passing flame,
But life’s true needs—God does sustain.
As infants, cradled, small and new,
Through parents’ care, love carries through.
We learn, we grow, we find our way,
Guided gently day by day.
As children, wonder fills our eyes,
With gifts and truths that make us wise.
Through lessons learned and joy we find,
The shaping of both heart and mind.
As young adults, we claim the reins,
Through freedom’s paths and chosen lanes.
We walk unsure, yet bold and free,
Becoming who we’re meant to be.
As adults, steadied by life’s pace,
We search for calm, for strength, for grace.
In quiet faith, our hearts increase,
And we are given strength—and peace.
From the first breath drawn to final sigh,
We’re never left to wonder why.
For all we need, both great and small,
Is given still, for God knows all.
Norman Van Etten
sleeping buddha
taming roaring dreams
gentle whispers
AP: Honorable Mention 2025
i close my eyes submerged
i cannot hear a word
and rising for a breath of air
warm moonlight strokes my hair
AP: Honorable Mention 2025
If you’re ever a bit down in the mouth,
Or even feeling just a little bit blue,
One thing you can rely on is,
I’ll always be there for you.
And if you feel in a bit of a hole,
Even if it’s one which you have dug,
You know you can rely on me to –
Give you a reassuring hug …
pastel llama you think you are all that
you put on airs in front of the dog and the cat
you feel superior; you are fluffy and phat
we are not fooled by you said my brother Matt.
Ignore him please, I told my beautiful Llama.
When she returned from store, I would tell my mama.
Matt is always being mean, maybe he has hidden drama?
I spent the rest of the morning reassuring my llama.
quiet and still
such a thrill
only wish i had someone to talk to
i tried my best to make it to be you
i realize now that i cannot make you by force
for you will deny me frigidly with no remorse
quiet and still
such a thrill
only wish i had someone to talk to
music is a very viable option if my wish does not come true
i will always respect your choice to pass
it is not in my honest personality to harass
quiet and still
such a thrill
only wish i had someone to talk to
it would be a great pleasure in those lovely times for your replies to come through
all in all you will always be my Friend
no matter how life stretches or chooses to bend
What is a smile, and why was it made?
How did we grasp that we should be laid?
It returns as soon as we do, and it remains.
A half-grin, a full smile, and a hidden gains
Smiles are visible and may persist for a time.
Sharing one is giving the apex of the sublime.
Where did they originate in the first place?
Is it a clear display of one's heart mood pace?
For what does the cosmos hold?
Your face is all I lack to stay bold.
Only your voice offers me such delight.
I can just fly if I view your smile ignite.
All I needed to view were your eyes.
Surely you didn't grip who I was in ties?
You were cutting off my iron gear.
Your bright grin blew me away here.
Written: July 31, 2022
Smiling at old folks
to reassure them you're
not a teenage thug.
Even though I'm in
my school uniform and look
like Mary Poppins.
I don't like talking
in front of a group of teens
- they're so judgmental.
In my arms you can forget your troubles
Close your eyes and leave them all behind
I’ll sway you tenderly to loving rhythms
I’ll comfort you to sweet musical perfumes
And protect you with all the serenity
Of a thousand starry midnights
Under feathery wispy lakeshore willows
That waver in cool late summer breezes
Close your eyes and leave all worries behind
AP: Honorable Mention 2020
I’ll watch
over you
my darling
as I prepare your bed
with gentle petals
of rose and peony
Close your eyes
and sleep
my sweetheart
surrounding you
with warmth
and love
I’ll soothe
your aches
and ease
your mind
I’ll watch
over you
my darling
with my heart
my life
AP: 3rd place 2020
Cuddled in complacency
Assuring herself nothing will change
She is content
Personified oak
Wrapped in warm bark
Warm reassuring branches
Perfect husband
Happy children
Wonderful life
911 happens
To her
Tearing her limb from limb
Tucked in, good night
my sweet and lovely light
Sleep deep, sleep tight
don't let the dragons bite.
Don't let them crunch
you like a snack
Don't let them crush
and break your back.
Don't let them pound
you in the ground
Don't let them eat
your tiny feet.
Don't let them suck
your eyeballs out
Don't let them muck
you all about.
Purring Occuring and Reassuring
While a pretty kitty kept on purring;
Our God made sure it was occurring;
At Thanksgiving;
Will like living;
Still do see my mother's ghost stirring.
Jim Horn
PS. Some other poets had asked me
to write a poem about Thanksgiving.
She passed away into the veiled sunset;
her one-way ticket...stark reality.
Long nights; adjusting to an empty house
where memories haunt my sleep,
dark shadows flit on walls.
The months go by yet still I ache.
Although in time the heart should heal
with loneliness it’s hard to deal.
The smile I wear is but a fake.
Facing the ocean
alone, I pensively sit
my heart bleeding tears.
I miss the comforting moon
and her reassuring hand.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Contest: Challenge ~ Write One
1.Epigram 2.Kimo 3.Enclosed Rhyme 4.Tanka
Sponsor: Broken Wings
Placed 2nd
© 6th September 2016
The candle's faintly flickering flame
is somehow dim enough to darken
the indigo darkness around it ... even more.
Echoes of footsteps quiver in the hollow
hallway around the cavernous cathedral,
making the silence deafening ... even more.
Tonight the wooden kneeler, unforgiving,
torments my knees, but strangely dignifies
the core of me, reassuring me ... even more!
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