Forward
Through out the centuries,there have always been poems that have inspired us,
given us hope,patience,fortitude or faith.Certain poems display our inner strength
and desire to succeed or tell a story about how we have resolved a life situation or ethical dilemma.These inspiring poems give the reader insight into the Poets character
and psychological growth.Observances of nature also provide constant inspiration.
Through out this anthology you will be moved by many different perspectives as each of the Poets come from different walks of life.Some of us are working moms struggling to raise a family.You will also hear from a new Father,a career Woman,a Student,and from a Caregiver.
One thing I can promise is that this anthology will inspire you.
Frances Ayers-Editor
Heather Berg-Bolden
Hello world. My name is Heather Berg- Bolden
I am Mother, A daughter, a sister, a wife, a friend...
I am like any other, With Hopes and dreams in life
I am a happy go lucky kind of gal
Strong willed, with a heart to prove it.
I work as a server in the restaurant industry and enjoys meeting new people.
I've been writing since my teenage years, only now have I come to share it with others, as a lot of my writing comes from my own life experiences.Writing is a passion; give me a pen, a pencil, even a crayon and I will write, write away.
My ultimate goal is for people to get enjoyment from of my writing.I belong to a site on line that has inspired me to finally share my words.
Recently,I have been published for the first time in “The Art of Darkness” an Anthology by: Steven Michael Pape, A selection of the best poetry from the Face book page, ‘Darker Poetically` and features Poets from all around the world.
I do not write in any specific style or subject, writing with my whole heart and soul is all that matters to me.Writing pieces of poetry releases me from many things, like a craven. It’s my own self haven, giving me my wings to be free.
Feel free to visit my new site on face book, Poetry Whispers.
Just another day in my sandcastle
Heart of stone, cold and bold
Has she not the ability to love in the right ways
The barrier that has surrounded it
A force field so strong
No Casanova could break through it
She is a sandcastle
Brittle and frail, her white sands
Dripping wet from the waters that run through her channels
Building a damn, no one in
Growing a little more by a few hands Molding each crevice, sand by sand As waves slightly move a shore
All the hard work molding, sculpting come crashing down
Her white walls, no more
Her foundation in a crumble,
What she once was, no longer a castle
Breaking down into tears, the damns, the walls, the windows
Out to shore, away she goes
Floating with the tides, and rip currents
Built by few hands, tore down suddenly
Her heart… a sandcastle not that of stone as she believed it was
Pure, but not untouched and broken by many
New sand, new castle, new walls, new windows and maybe a door
Take The Time
Take the time and look …
Inspirations from outside my window, I see
How beautiful you are, come to me
No matter how far you seem
Finding that object and stare for a while
Whether it’s a flower, a tree, maybe something so far as a new city
Inspiration… is yours no matter how big or small
Tiny little ant, food upon his weak little back
It may take him an eternity to get there
Yet, he will provide for his queen
Tired little bee, flying effortlessly to make his honey
The little things in life, can take you there You just have to stop and smell the honey, Mmm, smells … so sweet
After finding inspirations, you need motivations
Rise above the rest, can’t hold back for them
It’s your dream, grow your own wings… learn how to fly
Can’t hesitate now
Haters go away, be gone with your jealousy Don’t hate me because I’m learning how to fly My inspirations and motivations are in plain sight
I will reach my arms out over the sea, grab a hold and reel them in, with my hook Because I took the time and looked out the window and smelled the sweet honey… How sweet life can really bee
Inspirations spoke from a tree
Naked tree with your arms reaching out
Reaching out to the high skies Leaves dangling, from your arms Falling to the ground
You speak many languages
Your foliage no longer green
Your skin is old, yet your heart will live on Beautiful, you are naked on the hill Patiently you wait until spring
Leaves will again attach to your limbs
You sat alone all winter long Catching snowflakes as they fall I’ve been watching you
All four seasons long
Your beauty bewilders me
Carved upon your naked skin
Initials of lovers in love, wrapped up in a heart
You hold many secrets of the past inside your naked skin
Giving us, the people oxygen
How sweet of you to help us to breathe
How beautiful you are to me I’ll sit with you until spring Back to back
Inspiration of life, you give to me
For A Moment
I will lye here under this moon Counting stars as they form The dew rests upon me Subdued by the creations
Nature touching me … Swiftly, I close my eyes
Yet I still see everything around me
Feeling the power coming over me
Leaving everything behind me
Lying here under the moon
I create myself, all over again
Shedding a tears of joy
How have I missed all this along?
The beauty, has it been here the whole time? Hearing nothing but your own heart beat … It’s beating rapidly
At ease at last …
Even if …it was just for a moment, here under the moon
Determined
Once a quiet girl
With the soul of an angel; they’ve said
A heart as pure as they come
Her smile as charming as the day she was born
The innocence in her eyes, a sparkle that shines
Her laughter, joyful in every way
Her walk like a dance under the moonlit sky Her beauty formed from within her heart Tenderness in her touch, magic upon her finger tips Under her skin, her faith grows
Inside her armor, safeguarded
Along came the monsters, and sat alongside her
Nudged their way in, breaking Wreaking havoc upon her innocence Finding the gaps, little cracks
No more protection, collapse
Evil has; peeked its ugly head around the corner
Tears; her soul Anger; her wall Morbid; her thoughts Frown; her sadness Bitterness; her soul
Cold; her heart In the mirror, she glares
She falls apart
Weeping, downward comes the tears
She stands alone
Her pain grows
Ready for war, all on her own
Equipped with her body armor
She begins the battle, to regain what was stolen
The woman she’ll grow to be
Watering her seeds, plucking out her weeds
No matter; the torture
No matter; the hurt
No matter; the sadness
No matter; the betrayal
In her heart she knows Where there’s a will There’s a way
A new day
Determined woman
Nothing can stand in her way
© Heather Bolden 2011
Never Say Goodbye
In this moment, silent sighs
Give it a try, and close your eyes
Don’t say good bye
I beg of you; not to cry of sorrow
I will be with you today, and all of tomorrows
Wipe your tears away
I’ll be with you forever and a day
Where ever, when ever
It’s never goodbye
At all times, by your side
Alongside you, being your guide
Worlds apart
Yet, inside your heart
Talking to you, walking you through
Look to blue skies, give it a try
Look past the butterflies and fireflies
Just past the sun rise, just above the moon rise
I might fly in disguise, close your eyes tight
I’m now in flight, with the lord
Into this ray of light
I’ll be alright
I've been set Free, God has guided me
© Heather Bolden 11/11
Behind the poem: This poem is dedicated to my sis Angel, and to her family.With the loss of a dearly loved
one.
With All My Heart
I give thanks;
To all who gave me hope
When I began to fall
To all who has shown me love
When I forgot to take hold of what it meant
To all who reminded me
Of whom I am, and who I can be
To all who hasn’t given up on me
For forgiven me for mistakes I’ve made
To all who came to my aid
When I was afraid, you stayed at my side
To all who never betrayed me
Even through my masquerades
To all who prayed for my soul
When the devil had control
And I fell into a black hole
To all who reminded me to learn
How to turn tragedies, into blessings
To the greatest extent,
With love and thanks
One hundred percent
My gratitude is sent
Without all you, I wouldn’t be me
I’m blessed to have all of you
With all my heart ♥
© Heather Bolden 2011
Kiss of Peace
When tears disappear and hurt is still near
Anger sets in, tear ducts desiccate
Pondering over here, squandering in thought
Wandering about in a lonely place
With a sad face
In an angry place
Pace, pace, pace
Rat race
Too much on your plate
Brace yourself
Lost in space
Retraced footsteps
Displaced Mind erased Hastily, I fly blind
Leaving behind me
A confused state of mind
With wind under my wings
I’ll fly blind, with peace of mind Release these tears unto the wind Golden kiss of peace upon my cheek
© Heather Bolden 2011
Steven Michael Pape
I was born in 1974 in England. I have had a dozen poems published independently in
various Anthologies by Forward Press. I have also self-published three books of my own poems and two Anthologies of worldwide poets all available from Blurb.com
Bloom.
She blooms like a beautiful flower, This life inside, this growing desire
We bond through this womb protection, A new discovery, this sense of direction.
She Blooms, She Blooms, She Blooms! This beating heart seems worlds apart,
Expanding and growing in the distant dark
All water is protecting you whole, Umbilical cord preserving your soul.
Your Soul, Your Soul, Your Soul! The mystery of surprise all contained,
The growth of the infants fragile brain
And the beauty sings like a sweet song, As we introduce ourselves and bond.
And Bond, And Bond, And Bond!
© Steven Michael Pape.(2010)
Ten To Midnight
Ten to midnight lonely railway station, Drunks on benches sleep off the exhaustion The distant echo of engines all dying out, Fumes in the air and the empty shouts.
Creatures wander in their isolation, All awaiting their next destination Muffled voices on telephones lines, Talking to loved ones, relating the times.
A vast concrete coldness goes into us all, Anxiously waiting the muffled operaters call To inform us we are soon under way,
For leaving the station, last train of the day.
The doors all open it`s time to depart, Blink at the brightness, leave all the dark Staring out windows our reflection we see, The station disappears now we are free.
(c) Steven Michael Pape(2010)
Natures Wine
The woods on a warm humid afternoon,
Vibrant bluebells and weird shaped mushrooms The thirst that is quenched by natures wine, Drenching the dryness arriving in time.
And these paths that were light dusty brown, Turning to dark as the rain drizzles down
The squirrels that were once all around,
Now taking their food and leaving the ground.
Musty odor as all natures refreshed, The once dry bark all now compressed
Yet the birds still sing, private afternoon chorus, As the wood soaks up everything before us.
And yet under this tree i`m remarkably dry, The huge oaks arms and leaves rise to the sky Fresh rain drops with their individual form, The beauty of nature is now all reborn.
As I now leave the wood, this paths turned light, I leave all the animals and all natures delight
I walk and the twigs all snap under my feet,
The fresh afternoon rain and the earth it secretes.
(c) Steven Michael Pape (2011)
The Bond That Remains
The bond that remains between a sister and brother, It is as strong as the love for a father or a mother
And days when life seems to sometimes drag me down, It`s comforting to know you are always around.
And any problems that may arise in lifes lost embrace, Is always better shared with a known familiar face Anytime I experience some sadness or grief,
There is always your shoulder to help aid my relief.
This bond that we have burns brighter than the sun,
We laugh and talk about past memories, and present fun
And we visit each other in the safe haven of home,
Or relay our news to each other on the daily telephone.
A brother or a sister this bond will always remain,
It is a feeling of closeness we don`t need to explain And as we grow older somewhat deeper in thought, We cherish this love that could never be brought.
(c) Steven Michael Pape
Pure Beauty
Pure beauty I hold in these arms My sweet child, innocent charms With hair like an angels soft caress
Your hand in mine I'm feeling blessed.
If there is a Heaven then your its gift, Delivered to us by spiritual bliss
And you grow each day, focusing eyes, The softness of your skins surprise.
I look at you a mirror image I see, As you lie sound asleep beside me Dreaming sweet visions I hope you do, I wish for life to be good to you.
I will show you the light, sunlight spark Protect you forever when it grows dark Tell you of life and the essence of words
No questions will ever go unheard.
So put your small hand into mine, Let's see what adventures we can find
We will laugh at all the mad things we do, And await the future unravelling before you.
(c) Steven Michael Pape 2011
The Trees Are Talking
Deep into the forest Amidst the twilight gloom The trees are talking Illuminated by the moon.
It sounds like a tidal wave
It starts from the far end
Then travels through the tree tops
As the ancient branches bend.
Standing higher than houses Older than the human form Breathing in their oxygen All nature is reborn.
The trunks are unblemished Unspoilt by human hands Swaying into the night sky Pure beauty where they stand.
(c) Steven Michael Pape
Elizabeth E. Castillo
A feature writer/journalist/short story writer/poet/blogger whose mission is to share her creativity through pen pushing. A keen observer of beautiful things around me and a born-artist from the tropical paradise country of the Philippines,in Asia. I graduated with a Bachelor Of Science degree in Business Administration,with a major in Management. I also completed another course in Computer Programming.Currently I am working as an Online English Instructor for Koreans and as a freelance Writer.Previously I worked as a News Correspondent for a local community newspaper and as a feature Writer for a private company’s corporate magazine. Started writing and exhibiting my poetic prowess when I was just in my elementary days – an era when I was still this shy, unassuming lass. An arts and nature lover and a frustrated photographer with my fave authors in the likes of Stephen King, John Grisham and Paolo Coelho. I have also self published my own poem ezine, Poetic Lizzy with 3 released issues.
Calming Grace
Within this vast sacred sanctuary I call my own
Lies a calming grace deep within my heart full of emotions
As I sit on my hammock watching a blue sky above me
Surrounded by lush greeneries, a space oh so holy.
A bird perched on a fragile branch greets me as I reminisce
What my dear life has been and what the future might still be bringing
This deafening silence is sometimes what our soul needs
Reflections come floating by while I reckon bleak moments I had once.
The gentle breeze brushing my cheeks makes me feel so alive
Clouds that form different shapes above at times catch my glimmering eyes
The swaying trees, the falling leaves and the chirping birds all in harmony
All these sum up what a wondrous feeling it is to be part of such a beautiful scene!
Elizabeth E. Castillo Copyright 2011
In Every Sunrise
Wonderful hues, you simply captivate my eyes
In every bright rays you shower the world
With a new hope of a dawning, brand new day.
You are a sign everything would be fine
Even if life is a roller coaster ride at times
When all faith is gone, you are like a darling light in the desert.
The heavens and earth commune with your magnanimous glory
Each day starts with one glimpse of your majesty
Tinges of orange, yellow, you sprinkle your magical spell like star dusts.
In every sunrise, I see my far-fetched dreams unfolding
After a stormy yesterday, you come with a hopeful today
You're an astounding, enchanting work of art by our Great Artist!
Elizabeth E. Castillo Copyright 2011
Cleansing Rains
Dewey teardrops from heaven above falling
As I reminisce the life before I've been in
Brings me back memories of yesteryear's
Of laughter still echoing and overflowing tears.
My heart skips a beat tuning in with your rhythmic sound
Splattering into bits as you melodiously hit the ground
No, it doesn't mean its pain I always think of when you're here
But also of cleansing my soul of evil demons I wish to disappear.
A rainbow may soon manifest itself from the distant horizon
Coloring my world with magical hues giving me inspiration
After you have dared exit from your magnanimous performance
Giving the stage now to King Sun as another beautiful day is at a glance!
Elizabeth E. Castillo Copyright 2011
Isn't It A Wonder?
Have you ever wondered how wondrous life can be?
In every living thing on this lovely earth we dare see
The captivating setting sun, a sign of a brand new tomorrow,
Photographic angelic clouds leaving no tinge of sorrow.
The rhythmic sound of the splashing waves at the seashore
In my heart a melodious echo always bringing sweet candor,
A mystery of life holding the fragile fingers of a new born baby
In a solitary confinement, hearing an infectious laughter of a lovely lady.
How love grows from a tiny seed on the ground
Emerging a blooming flower with a magical background,
Clasping hands, whispers of sweet nothings
Tears of joy and pledge of true love unending.
Isn't it a wonder every second you're still breathing?
Heart beating faster seeing the love of your life while you're day dreaming
Chirping birds perched on tree branches on a high hill
Lyrical raindrops falling as you sit quietly by the windowsill.
Elizabeth E. Castillo Copyright 2011
The Hand That Rocked My Cradle
Picture this, a mother and her adorable baby
With the setting sun at the background
She holds the tiniest hands as tears fall on her cheeks
Expressing the love for her child
Overflowing through the deepest core of her heart.
The velvety sky with tinges of orange, yellow at the far horizon
Mixes with the blue crystal-clear waters
Small waves dancing as if swaying to the rhythm of the mother and child's moment
As her feet touches the fine warm, white sand by the shore.
The mother's face is likened to that of a beautiful full moon in all its glory
Beaming brightly with each smile of her little angel wrapped in her arms
Oh, what a scene to see, a masterpiece can be created
In a single second captured by either a great artist's hand or through a photographer's nice shot .
Once, the baby grows up and see's this scene, she'll reminisce and utter
This is the hand that rocked my cradle, what a wondrous experience it is to be born
With her as my mother, a beautiful creation of God, I need not ask for more
She has given me the best things in life and showered me with enormous love."
© 2010 Elizabeth E. Castillo
The Artist By The Shore
In the still of the night
All I hear is the slight drizzle by the window
Tiny droplets of rain making sounds as they fall on the ground.
On this cool July evening
Alone in my room
Still can’t bring myself to slumber,
My mind starts to wander
How I long to be in a far away island
Far away from this hustle and hurried life
Let time stop for a while as I dream on,
Walk bare footed on the white sand and watch the tiny waves playing like kids
As the cold wind sweeps and caresses my warm cheeks.
I dream of sitting by the seashore
Where I can sketch the setting sun in all its glory and beauty
Colorful hues of orange, yellow, red in my palette,
Gentle strokes of the paintbrush as I get hypnotized by its aura
Distant mountains at the far horizon caught my eye
Wondering how could I cross to the other side and be in another world.
I’m gonna play my music, too
By the shore where the sound of the tides goes in rhythm with my heart
Appreciate the beautiful and astounding nature
Created by God, His gift to mankind,
By the shore is all I wanna be
Spending time as I wait
For the sun to finally set in and bid it goodbye as I close my eyes and sleep.
© 2010 Elizabeth E. Castillo
When Angels Sing
I can hear harps on mid air
Lifting me up from this prolonged despair
Angels hum on my mind
Leaving my tears behind.
Beyond my wildest imagination
And this silent revelry
Their voices bring me such inspiration
Though these eyes somehow still go misty.
Their sweet voices enveloping my whole being
Though clouds continue to bring me much rain
When I get to hear their soft whispers in my ears
I can’t help but close my eyes and in a minute
There I am floating mid air.
When my angels sing
Heaven is brought right in front of my eyes
The silent sweet echoes of the past
All forgotten the ills of yesteryear's.
Elizabeth E. Castillo 2010
Dowell Oba
A skilled Nigerian Poet with a smooth uplifting flow in poetry,I hold a Bachelor of Arts and Education degree in English and Literature, from the great University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. My first poetry collection has been published in the USA by AuthorHouse, and is entitled, "Ocean Tide" (2011).Publications that have featured my poems include the"International Collaboration on Light and Dark" compiled by Joe Robinsmith (2011), and the 2010 World Cup edition of the ZAM Africa Magazine, Netherlands.
TEARS
Eyes stay drenched with moist,
Is gradually filled to brim.
One grain of tear comes rolling,
Unusually, without sorrow in sight.
A tear for a heart shattered to bits,
A tear for a life torn between pairs,
A tear for a mind depressed from fright,
And a tear for a loss enormous to bear.
But there's a tear shed for neither,
Solicited for a victory against odds,
Shed in delight, without sorrow in sight.
It's a tear of surprise shed in applauds
On a slow walk onto the platform;
Dazed by name echo on microphone
In conferment of an award deserving;
With heart overflowing in measure
As tears come rolling down,
Honorably welcomed in joy.
MERCURIC LIGHT
Conformed to the steady glow
Of an undying flicker,
Luminous, guided
By a mercuric light.
Shone for a while
On mirror reflections,
Quelling thy twilight,
Lasting evermore.
Drowning drowsily
And quenching in shimmer,
Shone for like ages
Reluctantly fading.
Hale and hearty,
Existing with a glare,
Vanished to the wind
In unguarded vigor
Re-igniting thy flicker,
I'll gaze into the sky,
Through thy subconscious
For my mercuric light.
REDISCOVERY
I itch to travel
Beneath the clouds,
Under the sun rays
Below the skies;
Swinging my arms
Into the mountains,
Down from marvels
Within the climes.
I yen to dignify
Beclouded scenery,
Beyond thy visions
And blurring perceptions;
Retaining vigor
In every bright sparkle,
Far from reflections
Within the climes.
I wish to quantify
The immensity of splendor,
Beneath the sun
In every shadowed lane.
James Lam
My name is James Lam, I was born in Lagos State, Nigeria on July 13, 1982 into the family of seven. I grew up studying dictionary vocabularies.I furthered my studies at the University of Lagos State to and majored in Security Operations and Management.My writing talent is divine and always inspired by my best friend the
‘Holy Ghost’.I Am the initiator of Poem Action, a custom based poetry impartation. I am a volunteer member of a Teenage NGO-where I care for and inspire children. I love caring for the children.
Like Jonah’s Pain
Inevitability of pain pound like Jonah.
Agony of the mind with endless pain
When the wind cries with voiceless pain
When you refused to listen like disobedient Jonah.
Patience and long suffering
Is the fitted for surviving pains
Patience with hope bring
Power to gain after pain.
You must be fitted to survive every pain
In this perilous hours.
It is not survival of the fittest
But the fitted for survival of the die minute.
You Are Born To Fly
An indefatigable power of endless galaxies,
An inseparable mystery, an endless
Journey of indefinable infinity, through
The starry stars, shooting above the shooting stars,
Over passing the “North Pole Stars”, through
The endless passages of the cosmos.
This is YOU!
Sandy Rivera
My name is Sandy Rivera, I live in the Midwest where we always have such beautiful autumns.I began writing poetry as a young teen.Poetry for me is a form of mental therapy;without it,I would probably have gone insane,but I also write it because I enjoy it immensely.I have had a couple of poems published,and aspire to have my own anthology published one day.I also have another book that I have written for my daughter entitled: Love Letters to my Daughters.A book I wrote which is dedicated to my kindred spirit and my lovely sister-in-law,is entitled: “The Colors of You”.I don’t prefer to write in any special form of poetry,though I do like to write short stories in verse. There is poetry in everything that is living, and it is in all of us, you just have to know how to get it to surface. I love to read poetry.I read it all the time. My two greatest mentors or muse’s if you like are Maya Angelou, and the one and only Jesus Christ. So that is really about it.I don’t want to make this too long.I just hope the poems I submit are enjoyed as I enjoy reading everyone else’s poems.
A Knock Upon My Door
There was a knock upon my door, opening it, there stood my Lord, in He walked closing the door behind Him; He looked at me, and then lifted me up from the floor, this is what He said:
“Daughter, why do you weep so and why have you fallen from faith and given in so to such woe?” “Get up and straighten yourself, for you have a much longer way to go.” “Did you not know that I would come, when your call I heard?” “Did you not know that I feel your pain and sorrow, in your every word?”
He spoke to me so softly, His voice was a melodious song to my ears, I felt so reassured, His soothing voice calmed my many fears. His eyes, oh His eyes, so clear and filled with love for me in my time of need, but then He spoke again.
“Rise up daughter, and come with me,” and He called me by name. His hand touched me ever so gently upon my cheek, then in a voice so tender and filled with mercy He said: “Do not fear my child, come rest in my arms, for I am the strength and the love you seek.”
I saw the undying love for me in His eyes, as He held me tenderly, I felt His warmth and it comforted me. My heart was filled with such happiness and love, that He, the Lord Jesus came to me from Heaven above.
I had to ask Him: “Oh my sweet Lord, is it home You have come to take me?” “Alas, my daughter, it is not that time, for you have many verses to weave and words to rhyme;” “there are many tasks left for you to do;” “Care for the ill and helping the poor, all of this and so much more.” “I’ve come to you now in your time of need, hoping you will understand and know you must tend the garden and sow the seed.” “The seed of love and new tomorrows, so you begin to weed out the pain and all of your sorrows.”
“You shall reap the rewards of all good deeds, then you will have all that you need.” “Remember, I am always with you and not very far away, call upon me and I will hear your every word you speak unto me.”
Sandy Rivera
© 1994
Oh How I Love You
When you were just a baby and I held you close to me,
I thanked God for sending you and I was as happy as can be.
And as each day passed, as you started to grow,
So did my love for you, more than I could ever know.
When you took your first step, spoke your first word,
It was the most beautiful sound that I ever heard.
The years passed quickly, as they always do,
My how you’ve grown and I’m so very proud of you.
You are smart and beautiful, so caring and sweet,
The best little girl a mother could ever hope to meet.
Sometimes we get angry and don’t always agree,
It’s okay, because it’s a part of growing up
And you will always be special to me.
You fill my heart with joy and laughter,
And happiness is all that matters.
Watching you grow has been purely pleasure,
My darling daughter, your love I will always treasure.
Oh how I love you.
© Sandy Rivera 2:94
(written for my daughter Jessica when she was just 7 years old, from my book Love Letters to my daughter)
HOUSE OR HOME
Houses are made of wood and stone,
But love is what makes a house a home.
Houses are but walls and beams,
Homes are built with love and dreams.
Time can wear down the wood and stone,
Anger can tear down the home, and let love stand alone.
The walls will crumble and the beams fall,
The ruins of love are the ashes of it all.
No crystal ball can tell what the future will bring,
But hearts that truly love, a song in the home will sing.
Fate has laid the trail we take,
But love creates fate that happiness makes.
Anger begets anger, and the heart of the home will break,
When the heart breaks, the home is no more, and nothing left to take.
It is hard to rebuild the home from ashes of the past,
It is just to sad that the love here, didn’t last.
So is this a house or a home?
I can’t answer that, because I am all alone.
© SR:99
Words
Nary do I tarry; nor do I rehearse,
A poem or a story, I have written in verse.
Would seem to sound; quite terse,
I would be afraid, put upon me, a writer’s curse.
Dare I say then, I know I could not write another verse.
When I write, it comes spontaneously, the thought,
It is a feeling, an emotion inwardly wrought.
Sometimes, I can write boldly; bright or very coldly.
Or when I am feeling serious and sensitive,
I write soft and quietly, feeling passive and pensive.
I write what comes to mind, no matter what I find.
I am who I always will be; an ever changing tide,
Always becoming, as a new me emerges; never arriving,
Yet, I know who I am at each interval of change,
Whether I accept the new me, is a part of me thriving.
I am not, or ever have been, a great conversationalist,
But through verse, I can scribe all that is in me,
It is in a way for me, a creative place, where I am free.
I don’t go about thinking to long, I just pen the words down,
Not really caring to much, about how it will sound.
I don’t know where the words come from, they just whirl about,
I pen them down in verse, just to get them out.
I write what I feel, I write what is real.
I don’t care who reads it, or what they think of it.
I just write the words as they come,
For me, it is just another way to have some fun.
©Sandy Rivera
Hear My Prayer
Oh Lord please hear my prayer,
For in my soul there are many transgressions there.
Let not anger linger long in my heart,
As I wait for night to depart.
An angry heart cannot hear the words you impart.
Make me strong as You lead the way,
I hope You have the time to hear my prayer today.
© Sandy Rivera
I Thank Thee Lord
I thank thee Lord for the silver that streaks my hair,
I have worked hard and feel I earned them fair.
I thank thee for the lines that map my face,
As I see the reflection of a woman who has accepted her life,
Through all of it and have been given extra grace.
I thank thee Lord for the coming of age,
It has shown to me wonders beyond and earthly image.
I have achieved many a goal in my life,
Turned many a page, as mother and wife.
I thank thee Lord, for I am truly blessed,
For all that You have bestowed upon me,
The worst and the best.
For every ache, for every pain that I feel,
I know through You, I will heal.
I thank thee Lord for every smile, every tear,
For every time I am alone, I know that You are near.
I thank thee Lord for every raindrop, every storm,
Because I know what follows, are a rainbow and the sun so warm.
I thank thee Lord, for all the trials and tribulations,
From them came the blessings and happy jubilations‘.
I thank thee Lord for the wisdom that comes with the years,
For all the times You have been with me to calm my fears.
I thank thee Lord for letting me see life a second time,
through the eyes of my daughter, sweet child of mine.
My dearest Father, I thank thee for all you have given me,
all the riches that I have experienced during my life,
for everything and everyone that has touched my life;
For all the love I have been given and gave,
All of it, the good, the bad, the happy and the sad;
In its' purest form, love can't be measure for its' worth,
I thank thee Lord, for life upon Your beautiful earth. Amen
© Sandy Rivera
Heaven Ordains It So
It is still ordained that good shall prevail over evil,
And in the city of flowers will be, in its’ festive array,
Promises abundant pleasure, for all who enter into the gates.
And the Heavens will proclaim a reception that will,
Surpass in joyous splendor for your brilliant attainments
Of a glorious past.
This is what awaits you in the Heavens vast.
Because Heaven ordains it so.
© Sandy Rivera
Helen Sera
A graduate with a degree in English/Literature,I currently work as a Teacher in Kenya.I have written some of my greatest poems online with friends.
PHASES
Time a mystery yet to be discovered
Ours a history yet to be told
Precious memories our forte
Blossomed and ripe
The magic so real
Of fairytales and knights
Mine you were
I held you now i carry you
You swept me off my feet
Now i keep you in me
I dream of our hopes and home
Where the fields we gather our harvest
For all seasons
Me
You
Copyright Helen Sera 2011
ANGELS
You take me high
You make me dream
Of little fingerprints
That match big fingerprints
Of heartbeats like a little African drum just next to my own heartbeat
Of tiny hiccups that bring big hiccups
Of r n b that makes my soul fly
And turn my belly melodious
Of taste buds that scream- ice cream and cake with cream
Of the day God breathed life into you
Of a long journey with your so many loved ones
Your cherished ones dancing to the African sunrise
Of your pitter patter footsteps
As Angels watch over you
And we sing lullabies
You peacefully go to sleep
Till tomorrow you rise with the first cock crow
And i what a lazy morning
Aches n pains
The joys n toys Of another beautiful sunrise
Helensera
(2010)
TOMORROW
On the shores
The sands of time
Back in time we journey
The trials and tests
The rivers we crossed
Times the waters run dry
Then, in rushed the floods
You held my hand without ceasing
In doubt
You still trusted
At the shores the waves bring us
I reach out and pick those shells
Faded with a journey
That only time can tell
The smooth shine of the shell
Reflecting on my face
Confidence
Trust
Companionship
Laughter
An echo on the shores
Over the waves
Traveling
To the next tributary
Settling at the bottom of the water
Where only treasured memories
Get buried
RESTORATION
I sit here
Feel the cushion comfort me
And
The breeze blowing into my eyes
If you looked closely
You would see a trickle of tear
Just at the corner of the eye
Each passing vision
Of tree and shrub
As if a symbol of
past
Yet as i get closer
So sure that finally
Its safe
Peace
Serene
Beauty
Your smile
An imprint in my memory
The times you stood by me
When no hope seemed
The laughter you brought
Solutions you provided
My joy
Hope
Tomorrow
Two
Then
One
Alan Gilbert
Born in Southampton, England,I attended the West of
England School and St Lloys College Exeter. I took my degree in
Psychology and Art at The Open University graduating in 1984. My wife Barbara and I, have three grown children. I live in Southampton.
The Faerie Dance
Now the coppice still as evening
Cloaked in shadows sombre weaves,
Slowly wakes as autumn breezes
Stir the slumber of the leaves.
As the midnight hour approaches
Now the harvest moon is high,
Comes the strain of faerie music
Softer than a wood nymph's sigh.
There at the appointed moment
Gold and silver wings appear,
Thus the faerie dancers promise
Fertile earth another year.
Copyright Alan Gilbert 2011
A Bird Unknown
A bird flew up
An arrow from a tree,
A spray of colour
In the gathering grey.
It turned and circled
Calling out its name,
A transient soul
A bird unknown to me.
I stood in awe
Was I just one to see?
This minute’s host
This measure of a day.
Were you a gift?
Or only nature's whim
You touched my heart
A bird unknown to me.
Perhaps a captive
Joyful to be free,
Or wayward spirit
From a foreign scene.
I'll never know you
Yet in all my life,
You will remain
A bird unknown to me.
Copyright Alan Gilbert 2011
You
You fire me inspire me
You text and mail and wire me
When I am low you higher me.
You fashion me impassion me
You are the spark and flash in me
With love you never ration me.
You’re calling me enthralling me
Your revving up the stalling me
And picking up the falling me.
You’re wishing me and kissing me
Your cheering up and blissing me
Then come to find the missing me.
You’re holding me enfolding me
You help me grow embolden me
Say there's a heart of gold in me.
You’re dialing me beguiling me
Your humor made the smiling me
That keeps the world from riling me
And in the night when sorrows fall
Or when my backs against the wall
Where can I turn to get me through?
My sensual pulchritudinous you.
Copyright Alan Gilbert 2011
Castles
Let us build castles
Down in the sand,
Our pennant will fly
Over battlements grand.
You be the princess
Caught up in a charm,
And I the bold knight
Your Savior from harm.
Up high in a chamber
Like death in your rest,
Your pale hands embrace
A blood rose to your breast.
I'll battle with tyrants
And climb to your cell,
One kiss on your lips
Will have broken the spell.
When day fades to evening
And the tides on the flow,
The sky blushes with sunset
As the day trippers go.
We pack up our daydreams
Of this time near the sea,
To resume our true story
Wherein you rescued me.
Copyright Alan Gilbert 2011
Dr Seuss's Lullaby
A singing swan floats on the breeze
Above the colored woolly trees,
The Bar-ba-loots reach fruit with ease
Let Once-ler take his last reprise.
As humming fish go swimming by
In Dr Seuss's lullaby.
Life that's sweeter that your dreams
Will show that you’re in love it seems,
While Horton wonders winding streams
Through myriads of magic schemes.
Please never question "How" or "Why"
In Dr Seuss's lullaby.
Escaping boundaries you may see
Beyond bland worlds of "Ought to be",
Where truth is dream and fantasy
And caged imaginations free
Enchantment of the inner eye
In Dr Seuss’s lullaby.
Copyright © Alan Gilbert. 2011.
Clear Water.
Daydreaming on the hottest day
I drifted not to sleep but far away,
Somewhere many miles from my home
I swam in cool clear water all alone.
Sublimely floating on my back I found
The pool was edged with flowers all around,
And as I gazed up at the azure sky
I saw a graceful Golden Eagle fly.
I lay and watched it circling in air
Its wings were casting shadows everywhere,
First diving low then souring to great height
Its only purpose, ecstasy of flight.
As I lay enraptured by its grace
I felt that I was welcome in this place,
And then a distant voice was calling me
Back from this scene of sweet tranquility.
I’ve never had that fantasy again
Just a daydream, easy to explain,
Yet I am certain somewhere distant lies
That cool clear water, where an Eagle flies.
Alan Gilbert. 2010.
Frances Ayers
Since my mid forties I have been writing poetry,mostly in rhyme,although recently I have begun to write free verse
and Haiku.I have found writing to be very cathartic,as it has helped me deal with a number of losses,especially the suicide
of my younger brother.I have been published in three Facebook anthologies and online.My poem,"As Old As Sea",came in third
place in the May 2010 voicesnet.com poetry contest,and another poem,"Of Winter Born",was voted a three star finalist on that same
site.When I am not writing,I am a full time Caregiver to my elderly uncle and beloved nine year old adopted cat Mimi.Previously,I worked
as a Social Worker with abused and neglected children and their families in the NYC area.I graduated from Fordham University in1988
with my MSW degree.
Grief Has No Hold
I will not keep you behind an iron gate
But will unlock my soul to accept the beauty
Of the dawn and ascending road
Invisible as the path may be
I will feel my way through
With head held high and shoulders straight
For there is more light than shadow
Hope is more prevalent than fear
I will remember more songs than weeping
And the joy that comes after a long battle
Reigning In The Shadows
Sometimes doubts and fears arise
As the shadows of life grow longer
Pity and fear,the light does despise
For the light makes souls stronger
We flounder in the shadows path
Lost in our own dark night
For the darkness later shows it's wrath
Clear within our sight
But the light soon reigns in the dark
And brings us faith,and hope
The dawning light provides the spark
To erase the shadows and help us cope
A Patient Time
A time for waiting,a hibernation
Before we follow through on dreams
Careful planning,with determination
Putting away halfed baked schemes
No day or night is ever wasted
Patience builds slowly day by day
The fruit of forbearance is soon tasted
Sweet as honey where we lay
Suddenly we are engaged in life
Our souls’desire reaches out
And wraps its lasso around the moment
Discarding all our useless doubts
Unseen Presence
When life becomes hurried and choices are unclear,
There is an unseen Presence who will surely get us there.
We may not reach our destiny,at our chosen time
But there is someone wiser whose help we’ll always find.
He’ll give us hope to find our path,a light to guide the way.
His Strength will pull us up the hill and help us see the day.
He knows the road is rough,he’s been there long before.
At Calvary he gave his life and opened up the door.
With Thanks And Love
For all the love you freely gave
The outstretched hand through strain and stress
And words of praise you often lent
Of hope and smiles you quickly gave
For all the joy your presence brought
You lit the paths,which I thought gray
And delivered moments rich in dreams
Your life passed quickly,I often thought
But memories stayed and soothed my tears
Refresh My Soul
Refresh me with the sound of your voice
Echoing throughtout my listless mind
Helping to drown out all other noise
Leaving problems far behind
Help to re awaken my tired soul
And immerse me in refreshing springs
With you beside me now I am whole
Enjoying surprises our life brings
Patience
Like a new seedling
Covered by the darkened earth
Man waits to emerge
Pushing up slowly
To an uncertain future
Takes a deep breath
Breaking the surface
Showered by bright sunlight
Growth comes slowly
Wisdom
Uncommon knowledge
Gains strength like a hurricane
During a storm
Surprising us
When we are unaware
A flash of lightening
Happiness
Happiness arrives
Like a brightly wrapped package
Soon to be opened
Anticipation
Like the feel of rushing wind
Quickens the process
Elation sets in
As the gift of happiness
is slowly unwrapped
Impressum
Texte: Cover photograph by Paul Donohoe of Australia
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 05.11.2011
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