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Best Poems Written by Richard J. Long

Below are the all-time best Richard J. Long poems as chosen by PoetrySoup members

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Details | Richard J. Long Poem

Frozen Fingers

Frozen fingers reaching down
Silvery tips pointed toward the ground

No matter it long or short
Breath of air determines its unjointed contort

Grabbing the Sun’s light of day
Glowing and gleaming with each flickering ray

More than five fingers on its icy hand
The reach of each extended by cold wet sand

Tapping sound of drip, drip, drip
Wiggling goodbye, while releasing a tired grip


By: Richard J. Long 
February 2014

Copyright © Richard J. Long | Year Posted 2014



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Brown Dragon

Brown dragon
You boil and twist
As nothing can resist
The thrust of your mist

Leaping teeth of white
Wildly displays
The expanding power of your might
As you enforce your bite

Throbbing shadows of black
Reaching for air
Smothered under your giant back
Yielding to your attack

Gray granite makes up your scales
Sharp as the carpenter’s nails
Appearing to wiggle and flail
Wanting freedom, to no avail

Brown dragon
Retreat to your lair
Receding without a care
While your life water disappears from the air



By: Richard J. Long  
March-2011

Copyright © Richard J. Long | Year Posted 2011

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Holden On

Holden on to that golden smile
the power of a mighty river, like the Nile

Holden on to his incredible laughter
it echoes to the highest rafter

Holden on to his favorite quotes
“Hey, how ya doing?” and “are you tired?”
rings its sweet notes

On Holden to that beautiful place
with your charisma, they shall be graced


Honoring Holden Eanes
Richard J. Long- February 2011

Copyright © Richard J. Long | Year Posted 2011

Details | Richard J. Long Poem

Power of One

Power of One!
One summer with a dear Auntie,
the ability to read she did grant me.
Her patience and a gal named Jane
pointed me in the right direction 
Like a weather vane.
Paulette is the name of the special one
who opened my eyes up to the fun.
She helped me read “See Dick and Jane Run.”
It was a cloud bank departing from the sun.
She unveiled fantastic worlds of unending fun.
The first one undone was about a Cat in a Hat.
Then a boy on the run to adventure with his friend Jim.
Eventually, a ship came to where the treasure had been.
“One for all and all for one”, said the Musketeers.
The Call of the Wild did shed a few tears.
Next, a thrill King enticed my fears.
I cheer for a detective named Cross,
for he is the ultimate crime solving boss.
If it were not for Paulette, these and future worlds of discovery would be lost.
Thank You, Auntie Paul!


By: Richard J. Long, 2010

Copyright © Richard J. Long | Year Posted 2010

Details | Richard J. Long Poem

Snowy Delight Or Fright

Snow of delight or snow of fright?
Bringing forth a world of wintry white.
Children sled and play no matter it night or day.

In its pleasures they do delight.
Spreading limbs wind up and down.
An angel’s wings flying without a sound.

Rolling giant balls of powder.
The children laugh a little louder.
Even though, they sometimes flounder.

Snow of delight for them.
Snow of fright for some men.
As they shovel the snow again and again.

Canine friends tunnel their way.
A lost one looking for the light of day.
Wishing for a warmer place to play.

Bending the branches of my favorite evergreen.
How far can they stand to lean?
Will it be nice or mean to my evergreen?

How might your scene unfold?
Did it make you shiver in the cold?
Is it a delight or fright to behold?


Richard J. Long (February, 2010)
Inspired by Snow apocalypse

Copyright © Richard J. Long | Year Posted 2010



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Side of the Road

I cross myself, as I pass
the cross on the side of the road
What they were doing 
When they departed this world?
Only the closest to them, does know

Perhaps on their way to work
A policemen, postal-worker, teacher, preacher,
nurse, doctor, lawyer, lumber jack, jackhammer operator
bus driver, taxi driver, beautician, politician
retail or grocery store clerk

Was Jennifer traveling to her first date?
Was Ronald going to college success class?
Was Rosalina renewing her immigrant worker pass?
Was James rushing to his son’s game? 
Trying not to be late?

I cross myself, as I pass 
the cross on the side of the road
Does it really matter, the type of road?
Whether country roads, city streets, straight roads, twisting, paved or dirt
To hold a cross it must be stalwart

How is the cross adorned?
With flowers representing life anew
The Patriot’s colors of red, white and blue
An athlete’s dangling running shoes
Is it painted with a name of fame or just ordinary and plain?

I cross myself, as I pass 
The cross on the side of the road
Recognizing the soul
Departed to its final abode

By: Richard J Long, May 2013.

Copyright © Richard J. Long | Year Posted 2013

Details | Richard J. Long Poem

He Watches

Looking down, I am pleased to see
Youthful pilgrims from St. Joseph’s and Francis of Assisi
In this Year of Faith
Making a journey toward many a sacred place

Mother is happy
As they proclaim a decade at each Holy Place
Giving Glory to her multi-ethnic face
She fills them each with her grace

It is glorifying to hear their wonder and awe
As they enter each prayer room and chapel, to their knees they fall
Complete with Apostles and Saints, each portrayed through time
Carved in stone, pieced in mosaic and painted detail, so fine

Blessings, I shall provide these
Pilgrims worshipping at the Immaculate Shrine
Our Lady of LaVang, Saint Tekawitha and Mary Queen of Ireland
Grant to them their heavenly presence divine

My life in replica at the Franciscan Monastery
Of the Holy Land
They glare at the cave of my son’s birth
Till death, where his cross did stand
They Kiss the spot where he lay, before interment to the earth

Grateful they are to Father Mark White
Carrying them on Spiritual wings
Like one of my Angel’s in Flight
And worshipping in a new comfort zone
Sounds of the Holy Spirit erupt, as they journey home

Copyright © Richard J. Long | Year Posted 2013

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Watch Us

Leaves racing to ground. Is there anyone here to watch? We will perform now!

Copyright © Richard J. Long | Year Posted 2012

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Obam-A Question Or Two For You, 2012

Obam- a ll entrepreneurs wish to know 
Why you think they didn’t grow their business they did sow?

Obam-a lot of people want to ask
Do you want freedom of religion to be a thing of the past?

Obam-a many an illegal wants to thank your moxie
Will you often bypass the written law without proxy?

Obam-a change in health care is not free
What price will it ultimately be?

Obam-a s you promised paths to alternative synergy
Where is the solar and wind energy?

Obam- a lot of people are still unemployed
How can you fill this need to work void?

Obam- a time to give big companies our money
Why can’t a hardworking man give a gift to his honey?

Obam- a re YOU going to make things improve
When will you find a President for all Americans grove?

Richard J. Long (September 2012)

Copyright © Richard J. Long | Year Posted 2012

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Vessels Journey

Born a soul into a vessel of life
Innocent and pure a spirit riding its ship
The maiden voyage launches without major strife
Where will it guide ones wondrous trip?

The path of night or path of day?
Traveling along every twist and turn
Is it the path where all its dreams lay?
For what end destiny does the heart yearn?

Guiding forces often push one down unintended trail
Heavy burdens carried on vessel’s back
Guideposts and lurking shadows do not avail
Waiting weather and hidden beasts do attack

Sherpas help keep vessels moving along
Opening canopy signals the right way
Guiding vessel toward the summit where it does belong
Vistas become available with the light of day

All senses absorb the astounding view
Site, sound and touch are at their peak
Framed portraits both old and new
While embracing the ultimate destination you seek

By: Richard J. Long 
December 2011
What has Nature to teach us in regards to the Soul?

Copyright © Richard J. Long | Year Posted 2012

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Book: Shattered Sighs