Featured Poet Topic:
<a name="#001">Featured Poet for the week of May 2: Vivaldifall</a>
For this week I'd like to feature a wonderful poem that has received little recognition. It is in the Romance forum.
http://www.poetrypages.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=22161
To a Woman the Author has not Seen in Four Years
by Vivaldifall
One day I'll see her passing by,
Gracefully strolling down the street,
Her eyes will meet mine with a sigh,
She'll walk without missing a beat;
No thoughts; No cares; just empty eyes.
With no remembrance of past times,
Our cheerful hearts on pallid nights,
With gazes lost in the sublime,
Soft first kisses in the twilight;
Dancing in Byron's cloudless climes.
No love lost between us my dear,
For it was fun while it lasted,
Indeed for I shall shed no tears,
For the way our sad love ended;
But thinking about you brings cheer.
To my empty and vacant heart.
_____________________________________________
<a href="#top">Return to Table of Contents
</a>
_____________________________________________
<a name="#002">Featured Poet for the week of May 9: Ellenmp</a>
For this week I've chosen a new member's poem:
http://www.poetrypages.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=30371
The Cask of Amontillado (A Rat's Perspective)
by Ellenmp
For those who love Poe.
I am just a mere rat, but could I tell you
a story if I could do such a thing. Last
night I saw the most outrageous thing, but
considering I have been here a long time,
I have seen other such things happen.
I had gone up out of the caverns for a bit
of fresh air. Yes, we like fresh air too.
I had been sitting there for quite some
time for I felt a bit full since, I had
finished off Montresor’s meal when he got
up and ran out of the dining room.
He had been drinking quite a fine wine
also. I believe I heard him call it
Amontillado. Well I had finished my meal
and I wobbled out to the front of the caverns.
There was much merriment going on and the
show was free. After a little while I heard
bells jingling and coming down the street
was Montresor, with his enemy Fortunato.
I knew he hated the man, because for the
last 6 months, it was all he talked about.
Even in his sleep he riled about getting
even with him for some imagined slight.
I put it down to his ridiculous ego.
They were both headed my way, toward the
door to the caverns so I scurried myself
out of sight.
There was no need for a nice fat rat
to get damaged in all this nonsense.
I decided to follow them, even though it was
very uncomfortable having had too much to eat.
Fortunato was as drunk as he could be
and it was obvious that he couldn’t wait to
get his hands on a new barrel of wine that
Montresor had told him about.
Well, I knew it was a lie,
because Montresor had not added a new barrel
of wine to the caverns in at least a year.
I knew he was up to no good and when we
finally got down to the bottom I could see
that Fortunato was in very big trouble.
The man could barely hold himself up,
as he was very drunk and coughing
like an old smoke stack.
You would have thought the fellow would have
gotten a clue when he saw all the rotting
bones of men piled into the corners of the
large cavern.
Well, I couldn’t believe my eyes when
Montresor put the irons on Fortunato’s wrist
and chained him to the wall and then began
applying bricks and mortar. Fortunato was
very distressed, even though at first he
thought it was a joke. I heard the silly
jingling bells till he was sealed up.
When Montresor had finished the job, after
denying the begs, from Fortunato, he ran out
as if possessed by demons. I sat there for
a long time listening to the coughing and
jingling of the infernal bells. I tried to
think of some way to save the man, but alas,
a rat is hardly a saviour for a man behind a
mortared wall.
So I left eventually with the same words
on my lips as Montresor had declared.
“In pace requiescat!”
by Ellenmp
Author's Comments:
"I wrote this for a class in literature. I had a lot of fun with it. The teacher seemed to like it pretty good. I hope you do."
Copyright @November 19, 2004
Ellen M. Parsons
_____________________________________________
<a href="#top">Return to Table of Contents
</a>
_____________________________________________
<a name="#003">Featured Poet for the week of May 16: Miyu</a>
http://www.poetrypages.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=34168
California 8:57 PM
by Miyu
Girls at the age of eleven and between
Practice narcissism in an empty lot
Smoking cigarettes and wasting daylight
Denying the aroma from their breath
Boredom would be another explanation
For misdirection and such
Over population squirm with intentions
Multiple conversations are not to vilify
Only to deafen our distant ears
Thirty minutes from miscommunication
And being afraid of getting even
To leave fingers caught on barb wire
Especially on a Sunday morning
Nothing is nothing
But anything is everything
Girls at the age of confusion and between
Practice drama in front of public mirrors
In appearance and whatsoever
Applied self-esteem to their peer-pressure
Misunderstanding the definition of:
“It’ll get better”
Heartbeats gather outside graffiti walls
But sometimes youth belongs to California
And mildly in distant it was well mistaken
It doesn’t bother to shine
So, are you dead or not fully awakened?
_____________________________________________
<a href="#top">Return to Table of Contents
</a>
_____________________________________________
<a name="#004">Featured Poet(s) for the week of May 22: Aschmutt and Jhanke</a>
Mind Games
by Aschmutt
http://www.poetrypages.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=33384
Alone in the corner
sits the little girl,
demons gnawing at her heart
tearing at her soul.
She is belittled
by her best friend
"He hurt me," she cries
her voice lost in the pits of despair,
inaudible, unheard, dismissed.
His conniving grin etched in her mind,
his convincing voice ringing in her ears,
assuring her this is what all boy and girl friends do.
Her stomach turns sommersaults in fear,
her mind frozen,
unable to think, unable to move,
paralyzed
unable to escape his powerful grasp,
his entrancing mind game
mixed with guilt and pleasure,
anticipation and hurt.
She has given up,
"Let him take of me what he will."
He takes,
She cries,
He takes,
She numbs herself,
He takes,
She builds her wall,
He takes,
and she forgets.
She buries herself in self-loathing,
this little girl,
she lives in a sea of guilt,
among those who have been deceived,
those who die a little each day,
this young woman.
______________________________________
Gripping Reality
by jhanke
http://www.poetrypages.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=34234
Standing,
arms open
on this cliff
inches away
from forgotten
suddenly realizing
that every bandage
covering my arm
is worthless
jumping off this cliff
isn't me..
it's how they want
me to be
Stepping back
I can finally breathe
_____________________________________________
<a href="#top">Return to Table of Contents
</a>
_____________________________________________
<a name="#005">Featured Poet for the week of May 29: Jeannerene</a>
Here's her newest:
~~I left a kiss upon your lips
so soft you thought I was only a dream~~
by Jeannerene
Lofty amber globes highlighted the parking lot.
Caught in a saffron ambiance, the night drizzle
looked like fairy sparkle falling down above our heads.
Inside, among the paperbacks,
the cup of coffee and intelligent conversation
had placated the evening,
pacified the emptiness,
but the fulfillment quickly waned.
The twilight’s rain
spattered my face and impassioned again
each of my impatient senses.
Stepping down to the curb, I smiled goodnight.
The corners of my mouth ached for words
held back by civil salutations.
Words kept silent from fear that you would love me
if I let go a singe sound
or unguarded gesture born of my infatuation.
If I had spoken “don’t go”
you might have held me too closely
and kissed my lips too hard I would have cried in pain
. . . if I had spoken.
We closed the door behind
and joined the recital of disjointed exchanges
and kinetic promenade of the bourgeois in motion.
I inhaled exhaust fumes wafting through the bouquet of dampness,
and startled at blinking turn signals,
glimpsed at the watch dial that said time to go home,
felt my hair slapping a cold cheek,
but I was mindless to all, except your silly turned-up collar.
I suffered, longing to reach and straighten it,
and slip my hand across the warmth of your neck.
. . . longing to pull your mouth down to mine,
entrap you with permission
to devour the moment’s vulnerability
and let you love me.
We walked easy,
leisurely
fluent
as if strolling through clover on a gracious afternoon
through the rain . . .
Under the street light we stood
no umbrella,
but shielded just the same
from the enchantment
and yet I swore our hearts were pounding
to the rhythm
rhyme of each gentle raindrop
pretending
we didn’t see in each other’s eyes
our reflection
each goodbye’s hesitation
jeanne rené 5.05
_____________________________________________
<a href="#top">Return to Table of Contents
</a>
_____________________________________________
<a name="#006">Featured eclectic Poet: Eternum 1</a>
Definitely an eclectic!
Smiling Buddah Lips
by Eternum1
Standing on your rain swept porch
is a wind blown meadow lark
Like a piece of jigsaw puzzle
in a pic of Noah's ark
Just another bit of magic
with no remote control
I just found the program
that looks into my soul
You know I love you darlin
show me what you feel
Maybe a slice of heaven
in the cards that you deal
You got the power lady
to read my astral stars
Should I head down the highway
a pilgrim in the bars
I need some soul guidance,
to get me on my knees
We could do a seance
where granny shoots the breeze
Maybe I'm just crazy
because I believe in you
I'd put you in my sticker book
Like a page at Sunday school
You cant say I have no faith
because I believe in you
You could be my savior
my palm line says its true
Give me some religion
set up the fiery hoop
Let me sign on the dotted line
for your transcendental group
You could be my idol
with those smiling Buddah lips
I could walk on water
when I see you move those hips
You can make miracles
turn your lipstick into wine
Love thy neighbor as thy self
sounds like a real good time
You got the power
lay your hands on and heal
A commandment to each other
my heart thou shalt steal
Sweet angel
get me off the hook
don't say I should look within
Or read another book
Give me some fast food religion
with a side of halo rings
and a choir of busboys tapping time
while Lenny Cohen sings
Come be my cathedral
invite me inside
I'm standing outside in the rain
forget your foolish pride
________________________________
Aloha Mele
by Eternum1
Aloha!, means hello and goodbye
a greeting islanders knew
Long before a wave of love
enfolded me and you
The songbird sings Aloha!
to the sunrise every day
Still the night awaits patiently
to send the light away.
Cats then purr aloha
like green eyed mouseketeers
To prowl the ebon darkness
til dawns light reappears
Even stars know of Aloha
as galaxies spin and weave
As one day they will Nova
Aloha for all to see
Aloha does not seduce you
it only offers time
To embrace the rushing moment
as lovers intertwine
Should I breath you in
and kiss you hard upon the lips
We may transcend Aloha
through hula rhythmed hips
If you let laughter grow
til crinkles surround your eyes
Timeless love will ever flow
with Aloha as your prize
Take my heart, take my name
they are freely given
Beyond the shores of day and night
they fly with you when bidden
If ever you are lost
on land or stormy sea
Simply call out Aloha!
my darling come to me.
Let the wheel turn for mortals
as they feel their twilight hour
While you and I find eternity
In Alohas magic power
Take now my heart strings
as we play anew
a song of Aloha
to the completion found in you.
________________________
Eros Moon
by Eternum1
Lighter than light
Beyond the sea the styx runs to
A tall masted corsair
Etches a journey divine
Eros moon is a compass
drawing the heart like Mercator
Aphrodite become mortal
for a moment in time.
Musky warm harbor
a temple, a flower
soul is a sailor
immortality is love
As I lay beside thee
the curve of your body
reveals in the moonlight
my own Taj Mahal
For this blessed night
with soulful connection
the mortal world is enough
_______________________
Silence of the Spheres
by Eternum1
I gazed upon the heavens
The silence of the spheres
Hints of the last pure celestial note
The moment after crescendo
When the conducter exits the stage
To walk in the garden of his creation
________________________________
Hiding in Plain Sight (the four elements)
by Eternum1
The love of the soul
is sweeter than honey
The depth of which
is unmeasured
The strength of which
is unsurpassed
The proof of which
is indisputable
The promise of which
is unconditional
The source of which
is universal
From earth we cloak
to dust we invoke
Love ever ascending
self comprehending
From water life burst
to unquenchable thirst
Love ever expanding
diverse yet undemanding
From air the words soar
go forth evermore
Love meets understanding
depths ever transcending
From fire the ancient source
man lights the darker course
Love from the beginning
yet the beginning has no ending
Eat drink and breathe
deeply the elexir of life
Love is within and around us
hiding in plain sight
_____________________________________________
<a href="#top">Return to Table of Contents
</a>
_____________________________________________
<a name="#007">Featured "New Poet": the poet T</a>
Here's an example of his fine work:
Doctor Death
by the poet T
The silent curtain draws around me
how still the faceless
seem today
begin their new rounds
of oppression
starch white coat
and blank expression
A tiny nod
the merest gesture
muttered voices
seem to say
We really haven't got fucking a clue
just whats really wrong with you
We thought it might be a....
But now it seems more like a ...
However the scans seem to indicate
its a possible a ...
well er 10%
er maybe er
Better come back
Visit us again
Well give you more shit
and raddle your brain
More prehap's and maybes
and fears for the worst
only we have the keys
to remove this curse
Take this perscription
it will help with pain
and if you ring back well tell you the same
We really haven't got a fucking clue
just whats really wrong with you
Haven't got the faintest idea
trust in us and give us your fear
_____________________________________________
<a href="#top">Return to Table of Contents
</a>
_____________________________________________
<a name="#008">Featured "New Poet": Someonelost</a>
A Thousand Wars
by Someonelost
The fading moon rides
a crimson sky
Filled with the blood
of wars gone by
And above the mountains
a vulture soars
Over the land
of a thousand wars
The souls of the dead
are all thats left
In the barren remains
of the forgotten west
Denied by the light for
fighting a war
Destroying the land
with a thousand wars
Carrying the screams
Of the lost and damned
The cold wind blows
Across shattered lands
And over the graves
Of the soldiers of yore
Thier names forgotten
In a thousand wars
_____________________________________________
<a href="#top">Return to Table of Contents
</a>
_____________________________________________
<a name="#009">Featured "New Poet": Quillspeak</a>
I've been impressed by his postings, so have decided to feature Quillspeak in the Poet Laureate forum.
A Poet's Place
by Quillspeak
A gift of expression, on page life unfolds
Of style and elegance, pagentry, bold
Visions explored, reminiscent within
Life's song in verse, words poetic begin
Tears from tragedy, sadness from loss
Two lovers quarrel, words in haste cross
Splendours of nature, beloved sounds
Places of wonder, true friendship found
Emotions poured out, our true feelings shared
Touching accounts, our heart and soul bared
For love of the poem, words crafted with grace
A beloved journey, this poet's place
Copyright 2004 by Don MacIver
http://www.poetrypages.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=35940
____________________________________________
Eau de Cologne
by Quillspeak
A lasting sonata, three-quarter time
Horns undulating, faint violins swoon
Harmonic ecstacy, heartbeat cascade
Complex and weaving, eros transcends
Weaving enchantment, two lovers entwine
Enraptured, oblivious, rhythmic sway
Movements suggestive, unbroken their gaze
Crescendo to climax, fire within
Now drawing close, his essence cologne
Sweet musk of desire exploding within
Moistened flesh burning, perspire of the dance
Romantic interlude, fleeting exchange
His scent stirring passions welling inside
Strength and endurance, in unison glide
Masculine opulence, yet gentle touch
Fragrant, inviting, he swept me away
Copyright 2005 by Don MacIver
http://www.poetrypages.com/phpBB2/viewt ... ht=#232545
_________________________________________
What do You See?
by Quillspeak
I close my eyes, these things I see
Mighty sprawling limbs of the Sitka tree
The amber-rose hue of a setting sun
Surging waters’ battle of a salmon run
Sculptured landscape beneath a moonlit night
Majestic snow-peaked mountains, a pristine sight
A mountain goat grazes on sheer terrain
A bird in flight founders in torrential rain
In a distant land lies an urban place
Noise, crime and pollution meet the human race
A despondent sole takes another’s life away
While very close by children laugh and play
Sirens, fighting and aimless strife
The struggle to survive a way of life
Natural disasters run their course
Flooding, fires, winds of hurricane force
In a hospital room a child is born
While a floor above, death is mourned
Still we cherish wonders of this land
Despite those things we don’t understand
Nations explore space, the final frontier
Human evolution throughout the years
What a complex world for you and me
Now close your eyes, tell me what you see
Copyright 2004 by Don MacIver
http://www.poetrypages.com/phpBB2/viewt ... ht=#232543
__________________________________________________
Let Go
by Quillspeak
Gripped by an endless hurt deep inside
Confused and frustrated, moments pass by
Torn by feelings dispersed in a storm
A cloudburst of anger, tears shed as rain
Silent, two loved ones drifting apart
Searching for answers distant at times
A curtain half drawn, the door left ajar
A glimmer of hope, a chance to forgive
An outstretched hand offered in peace
A jesture of kindness, please let me in
A way to find room for two broken hearts
Fragile and damaged, let harsh words go
Grasp what we had before hope fades away
I long to embrace your closeness again
So much I cherish, what once we had
Our love and friendship, this you must know
Copyright 2004 by Don MacIver
http://www.poetrypages.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=35942
_____________________________________________________
A Veil Between
by Quillspeak
Awkward moments paralyze
Veil of silence, tears oft fall
Languish ever, lost embrace
Laughter stilled ungraciously
A lover spurned, tempestuous
Disdainful words in anger cast
Open wounds in festered bleed
Disaffection, saddening
Longing tenderness ensues
Distant memories prevail
Tender kisses, gentleness
Dissipate in painful haste
Divisive glances, eyes avert
Avoidance by a curtain drawn
Parting without reconcile
Forever closed once open door
Past open window curtain sways
Obscure, beyond a vacant room
Unanswered questions long persist
What could have been...forever lost
Copyright 2005 by Don MacIver
http://www.poetrypages.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=36035
_____________________________________________________
By Candle's Light
by Quillspeak
Gentle breeze past window flows
Curtain swayed by wind's caress
Scent of musk perfumes night air
Stirred desires, heart quickening
Candle flicker, silhouettes
Skin perspired in movement haste
Teardrops shed in ecstasy
Rapture caught in symphony
Yearning tender, sweet release
Heated movement lovingly
Emotion's waterfall, cascade
Passion's torrent, long embrace
Copyright 2005 by Don MacIver
http://www.poetrypages.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=35941
_____________________________________________
<a href="#top">Return to Table of Contents
</a>
_____________________________________________
<a name="#010">Featured "Old Poet": MJPease</a>
I'm going to pick on my old friend Michael to start a "featured Old Poet" topic.
MONTOUR FALLS
I thought I might like to fish
so fish I did with four great-
friends, we traveled not so far,
were the fish are said to run
Fished more for words, than
fish,had a few laughs, and a sigh
the fish ignored the calendar
damn shrewd for fish, said I
In return I ignored the fish, as I
cast out my line, as I observed and
reflected, I thought about time
the past, careful I choose to carry
Present day, is easy, wiser now
not so distant future, does it matter?
a Chameleon the young said, was I
analogy meant for flattery, I doubt
A dreamer also implied, far too
much seen from a young boys eyes
out of the mouths of babes, how true,
tipped off while elders set the scene
Dreamer that's me, I dare you to dream
never surrendering your dreams to reality
it's the key, the permanent defeat of life
the opposite you see, a chameleon, lets see
Though in deed, changing ones colors at-
the drop of a hat, Hmmm! a question of trust,
a couple of days older, a little wiser, hopefully
selecting memories I'll carry, not much room
I thought I might like to fish, I did
each days catch, worth much more than fish
who weren't fooled by my hooked bait, the
wise carefully choose the weight they carry
MJPease
____________________________
LAST SHINNING KNIGHT
Present time devoured by an anchored past
could love surpass such a task, we'll never know
you forbid the future as you speak with the dead
thirty years to mourn, enough time I've heard said
More to the problem, than a horrid past
children won't grow no matter how much time passed
time does not stand still, have you not heard
living in the past, such a classic excuse
You wouldn't know a knight in shinning armor
if the knights lance hit you in the head
as you whimper and tell me you talk to the dead
I hope their listening, I can no longer hear
Go ahead now drink it's your god given right
self pity a bitter pill, so take your fill
turned your back on love, bad faith or your will
without trust, prepare for flood, take to the hill
MJPease
_____________________________________
POETRY for DUMMIES
The quick dummies how to write of poetry
Oh No! my boy, life is not a quick read
you live the material before you write
if your lucky you make it through the night
Develop imagination then dare to dream
build strong wings then learn to fly
don't look so hard for what you see
you may burn the soul irreparably
All said and done hope you have some fun
tragically few seem to bank much fun
fast minds, seeing the forest for the trees feeling the blues, recording lifes ups and downs
The carnival of life, so many sad clowns
what becomes of the poets mind, the slide of life
time diligently spent writing his way deep with in
never finding the right words for the way out.
MJPease
__________________________________
CROSSING THE RAPIDS
Crossed cold rapids by foot on one spring morn
sharing natures serenity, I called out to God
much has changed since last traveled this way
no signs of life on this particular day.
Even the birds seem to have all gone away
much to my horrid dismay, I stood in the stream
as a large oil slick ventured my way,
how could this be, three hours away from any city.
That's when I felt God was not listening to me
prodigal man on Earth a self consuming prophecy
our actions pave the way to what we deserve
Gods no longer listening to my pathetic words.
MJPease
_________________________________________
Freedoms Declivity
Freedom now doused in selfish dishonest greed
a man stands before a tank, we do not dare
threaten the price of oil and we do or die
the price of etyl glycol must not rise
Oh my the existance of plastic patio furniture
with out panty hose, how would we ever survive
what price paid for the toys, for girls and boys
ignore human rights, the whole world can see
Please let us get a couple of things straight
as our leaders tell the Israelites to hesitate
their civilians died as they shopped and ate
did Sadhams threat to oil, create such debate
Such irrogance for us to choose Israels fate
a declaration I must make, for I have a choice
Americans fought and died for my freedom
refusing death for the want of a full gas tank
Die for those willing to take a stand in life
free the world of hunger, demanding human rights
the man who stands eye ball to a turret of armor
tiger in the square, he did so dare at Tiananmen
Our President admits the future is getting short
it's so clear with the new lines on his face
the most powerful job in the whole human race
my thoughts are with him, as he enters this race
News so often appears so dark, without hope
the state that Catholicism is in, such catechism
societies analysis of confession more than sin
Enron, corporate america and the trouble it's in
Just turn on the tube, it keeps getting worse
so why should I ever finish this verse
never know it may carry on to a new universe
declivity of freedom can never be for we are free.
MJPease
_____________________________________________
<a href="#top">Return to Table of Contents
</a>
_____________________________________________