' Live-Poets Society ' – A Corner For Poetry

[Former Member]

 

Today's offering for NaPoWriMo.....as ever, thanks to Val  for the prompt!

 

 

APRIL 26

 

The span astride the creek is wide enough

for vehicles to pass, and for a man

to cross without the trip becoming rough:

at least, that's in the bridge designer's plan.

 

The Chevrolets and Fords go to and fro

as once the civil engineer foresaw;

but did the builder in his office know

that I would stand and watch a winter thaw?

 

I do not think the plan accounted much

for phoebe's place to nest and greet the day,

or yet the course where kingfishers and such

might race along the bank to hunt or play.

 

He did not think that I would stand and gaze

upon the Milky Way as I walk home,

and from his bridge see heaven all ablaze

with galaxies and planets as they roam.

 

Such unimagined uses as he missed,

his bridge would take a person to the stars;

and just beneath, a place where lovers kissed -

his bridge is so much more than trucks and cars.

 

It's a beautiful poem. Metaphysically speaking – as in the world of dream symbols and such – bridges and tunnels are places where the veil is supposed to be thinnest. Why? Because they are intermediary spaces spanning 'here' with 'there.'

 

This poem takes perfect advantage of that, imo. Not only are two sides of the road joined, but one man with the river of stars flowing above his head.

 

Another wonderful poem, Parker. Thank you for sharing! 

[Parker Owens]

Wow. You are SO close to flirting with a Ballade form here. Knowing that, and then reading all the other types of poetry mentioned – and a few tipsy metres to boot – I am really, really impressed.

 

Perhaps this poem reminds me of something Mozart said: "My music should be easy on the listener, but hard on the performer." Here you seem to make his case.

 

Bravo.   

AC - thank you for your comments...would you believe I had Gilbert and Sullivan running in the back of my skull as I wrote this one? But I am glad you thought it worthy of a Mozart quote. Glad it seemed easy to your mind's ear. Many, many thanks...

[Parker Owens]

It's a beautiful poem. Metaphysically speaking – as in the world of dream symbols and such – bridges and tunnels are places where the veil is supposed to be thinnest. Why? Because they are intermediary spaces spanning 'here' with 'there.'

 

This poem takes perfect advantage of that, imo. Not only are two sides of the road joined, but one man with the river of stars flowing above his head.

 

Another wonderful poem, Parker. Thank you for sharing! 

This is written from direct experience...I watched the road contractor build that bridge, and have seen my old friend Orion rise over it for years now. You saw so much in this, as I do. Funny that the bridge builder was back this week (or his company was, anyway) doing their annual inspection. Doubt they saw what we do...

[Former Member]

This is written from direct experience...I watched the road contractor build that bridge, and have seen my old friend Orion rise over it for years now. You saw so much in this, as I do. Funny that the bridge builder was back this week (or his company was, anyway) doing their annual inspection. Doubt they saw what we do...

You have to stick around a while to see some things. This poem reminds me of a bridge from my childhood, one I actually wrote about in Judas Tree. 

 

Even reading your response, I'm back on that bridge. Thank you. Summer of '77 was a long time ago now, but not so much in my head.

Edited May 5, 2016 by AC Benus

[Parker Owens]

Dedicated to a couple of great kids on my team....

 

Stretched cord,

black plastic head

on aluminum shaft;

worn  banded athletic grip tape,

old stick;

 

Wet cleats,

jersey number fifteen askew

sweat soaked and bucket rinsed;

muddy game shorts:

goalie.

[Former Member]

 

Here is today's poem....two more to go in April!

 

APRIL 28

 

Have I an honest choice to sleep or wake?

Perhaps may I declare, for pity's sake,

tormented restless slumber at an end,

lest sleeping cause my sanity to break?

 

Release me, please, oh Morpheus, I send

a fervent prayer; through twilight may it wend:

that some more worthy sleeper you embrace,

while all your servants carefully attend.

 

I cannot rest, my nightmare gives no grace,

it patently refuses to erase

the images burned on my inward mind,

or leave me in the dark without a trace.

 

I never knew the morn to be unkind

so as to tarry long enough to find

me wholly given over to that ache,

and in the bedsheet hopelessly entwined.

 

I've become more and more intrigued with the Rubaiyat's potential, and here you use it to describe a dream. There is something about the slow progression of interlinked stanzas in this form that matches the timescape of a dream. It's a great choice here.

 

As for how long one can stay asleep…that's a question we must ask ourselves only when the moment is right.

 

Love the poem, Parker.

[Former Member]

Parker's poems emboldened me to post a few of my own and the response has been gratifying. Now Mikiesboy has invited me to this forum and here I am. I have posted to small sets of my poems and may put up a few more. As my contribution to the forum, here is (my attempt at) a sonnet.

 

CYCLE

 

When summer's burning heat at last is over,

and autumn rains again refresh the earth.

There is a burst of life which like a nova

hurls out the light that preceeds icy death.

 

The wind boils leaves in heaven's flashing cauldren

an endless stream of color swirls and falls,

and reveals Seurat's dappled vision,

a patchwork quilt that flows and covers all.

 

That which spring began and summer nurtured,

at autumn's end must safe be stored inside.

With winter's cold the cycle's finally ended.

Tender life digs deep, flies south, or dies.

 

At last comes winter's quiet time which brings

all life's return in resurrection spring.

 

 

 

It's a lovely poem, imo. In 14 lines you neatly summarize what others have needed much more space to achieve. I too like the Seurat reference, and also the image of leave a-boil in heaven's cauldron.    

 

This poem could be set to music and work as a prelude to Haydn's Seasons, and do so brilliantly.

 

I'm glad you decided to join our little fold, and treat us with your poetry.

[Former Member]

 

New offering for today.....

 

APRIL 29

 

My body is an old house,

a sad ruin, overgrown;

neither historic nor worth a detour,

and ripe for demolition.

 

But I picnicked here once,

and danced with my lover

in the green, growing garden

under the afternoon sun.

 

My body is an ancient suit coat,

worn and hopelessly outdated,

missing buttons, with gaping holes in the lining,

which no tailor's art could improve.

 

Yet it is a favorite of mine,

as I inherited it from my father;

it fits me perfectly as it did him:

I wear it everywhere I go.

 

My body is a discarded tire

abandoned in the tall weeds.

Its cracked tread worn down to nothing

lets  broken steel belting peek through.

 

Once I carried a thousand children

safely on their varied journeys.

Perhaps another life awaits:

a planter,

or a swing stretching far out over cool, shining water.

 

A poem like this reminds me that verse is illustration. Nothing beats your images here, from worn tire to something akin to a suit of flesh that reminds you of your father.

 

This poem touches me, Parker. I've said it before, but if you want to talk, I'm here for you   

[Former Member]

 

I agree with Tim... A lot of work, but so worth it!  I am crazy busy tomorrow, so I am pre-posting tonight for tomorrow with my last submissions.  You can find the whole week plus at 

https://www.gayauthors.org/story/parker-owens/occasionalpoetry/22

 

 

APRIL 30

 

Come, friend

and teach to me

the art of poetry.

I would unlock the secret door 

of words.

 

Inside, 

we'll dance with syllables all dressed

in finest metre sewn,

and trade looks of 

meaning.

 

 

 

APRIL 31

 

A poem rumbles in the distance

like a summer storm.

 

Its black clouds may pass by 

to the north

leaving the earth bone dry,

or with a sprinkle of little worth.

 

But the thrill of possibility remains,

a downpour to fill the drains,

and lightning to clear the mind.

 

There is nothing quite as head-clearing as a good downpour. Sometimes even the smell of rain does it for me.

Edited May 6, 2016 by AC Benus

[Former Member]

Here's my final week of poems.  I am so proud to have actually finished the month! 

 

https://www.gayauthors.org/story/valkyrie/aprilmusings/6

I left you a review

[Mikiesboy]

I've become more and more intrigued with the Rubaiyat's potential, and here you use it to describe a dream. There is something about the slow progression of interlinked stanzas in this form that matches the timescape of a dream. It's a great choice here.

 

As for how long one can stay asleep…that's a question we must ask ourselves only when the moment is right.

 

Love the poem, Parker.

I like the Rubaiyat much more than sonnets, but the Italian isnt bad. I have to write something.... maybe i'll just not bother until Saturday

[Former Member]

And like Tim, I have an urge to write poetry that continues unabated...most recent sonnet is here...https://www.gayauthors.org/story/parker-owens/occasionalpoetry/23

Left you a review, my 21st century Corydon

[Former Member]

At Valkyrie's suggestion, two little poems I wrote:

 

https://www.gayauthors.org/forums/blog/657/entry-16202-not-meant-to-be-free-verse/

 

https://www.gayauthors.org/forums/blog/657/entry-16201-contemplating-water-free-verse/

I like the journey the 'Rain' poem takes us on. Ashi said epic, and I suppose I agree in that it's a poem with an intro, a development, and a conclusion - in other words, a lovely story arc.

 

I enjoyed it, and hope you be sharing more with us    

[Former Member]

Found this today. Tips on becoming a good poet from Sir Andrew Motion, who was the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom for 10 years and who's won a number of prizes and awards. You can read the tips here.

 

These are sensible and I was happy to find out I do a lot of them.

Thanks for posting this!!! Maybe I'd say 'tips on becoming a better poet.' Unlike a slue of recent articles I've read on 'good and bad' fiction, this gentleman is honest, free of personal bias, and delivers his message without any holier-than-thou smugness. Lack of glib in this sort of helpful article is RARE, and highly appreciated by me for one.

 

So happy you posted it, Tim!      

[Emi GS]

I know its fine all but I don't think it sets like it should be. What do you think about it guys!!!???

 

Should be sunny day,

but clouds are forming about.

As dusty wind blew,

runs to home; so was the rest.

Now, its just raining outside.

[Mikiesboy]

I know its fine all but I don't think it sets like it should be. What do you think about it guys!!!???

 

Should be sunny day,

but clouds are forming about.

As dusty wind blew,

runs to home; so was the rest.

Now, its just raining outside.

the tenses are mixed up changing that might help .. maybe like this?

 

Should be sunny day,

but clouds are forming about.

As dusty wind blows,

runs to home; so do the rest.

Now, its just raining outside.

[Parker Owens]

the tenses are mixed up changing that might help .. maybe like this?

 

Should be sunny day,

but clouds are forming about.

As dusty wind blows,

runs to home; so do the rest.

Now, its just raining outside.

Agree with Tim. Might also change 'runs' to 'run.'  Love the description, though. Thanks, Emi.

[Emi GS]

the tenses are mixed up changing that might help .. maybe like this?

 

Should be sunny day,

but clouds are forming about.

As dusty wind blows,

runs to home; so do the rest.

Now, its just raining outside.

Agree with Tim. Might also change 'runs' to 'run.' Love the description, though. Thanks, Emi.

Thanks for your suggestions guys. I think I need more concentrate on tenses...

 

Now its time to publish this poem in My Immature Poetry. Oh! God!!! Before that I have another important work, Publishing rest of NaPoWriMo poems... How can I be that Lazy, I have to do it before you forget about it...

Edited May 6, 2016 by The Eminent MGK

[Emi GS]

At Valkyrie's suggestion, two little poems I wrote:

 

https://www.gayauthors.org/forums/blog/657/entry-16202-not-meant-to-be-free-verse/

 

https://www.gayauthors.org/forums/blog/657/entry-16201-contemplating-water-free-verse/

They are so lovely poems Zeph. I loved them both... Thank You for sharing with us... Thanks to Valkyrie too...

[Parker Owens]

Here are two weekend offerings....

 

https://www.gayauthors.org/story/parker-owens/occasionalpoetry/24

[Emi GS]

Here are two weekend offerings....

 

https://www.gayauthors.org/story/parker-owens/occasionalpoetry/24

Sorry dude. I am in a fall mood right now. So I'll read this tomorrow with a fresh mind...

[Emi GS]

Hello guys, its just optional. Because this poem is attached with one of my favorite character in a chapter of my story Suicide Note.

 

Our Tim(mikiesboy) helped a lot for this and I very very thankful to him. Thanks Tim... Thank You so much...

 

https://www.gayauthors.org/story/the-eminent-mgk/suicidenote_mgk/5

[Mikiesboy]

Hello guys, its just optional. Because this poem is attached with one of my favorite character in a chapter of my story Suicide Note.

 

Our Tim(mikiesboy) helped a lot for this and I very very thankful to him. Thanks Tim... Thank You so much...

 

https://www.gayauthors.org/story/the-eminent-mgk/suicidenote_mgk/5

Aw Emi.. happy i could help .. any of us would help you any time!!!

[Emi GS]

Aw Emi.. happy i could help .. any of us would help you any time!!!

I am so happy I got so many friends in less time. Thank to you all for tolerating me and my madness...

[Mikiesboy]

I am so happy I got so many friends in less time. Thank to you all for tolerating me and my madness...

You make me smile... we're all a bit mad i think.. you must be to write poetry!!  At least in my opinion.