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2006 Form Challenges
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The Canzonetta or Canzonet is a variation of the canzone, a lyric poem of varying line
length and metrical patterns. The Canzonetta consists of at least two octaves, and each
octave uses a series of alternating couplets. The last line or last phrase is repeated
in each stanza of the subsequent stanzas. The rhyme scheme is thus: or a. b. a. b. c. b. c. B.
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Canzonetta Posts |
Maryse AchongIn dreams I fly where’er I please To places far and near, No restraints and no boundaries, No words of caution hear; I’ve shared a cup of mountain dew With the man in the moon, Have met the sandman as he flew To earth to sing his tune. I’ve sat on banks of clouds of white Warmed by the sun’s first rays Watched birds and aircraft pass in flight I’ve had such lazy days. I’ve flown above the highest trees Have spent an afternoon Playing with butterflies and bees And even learned their tune. And free from human feet of clay, I move with so much ease I leave behind the earthly fray And fly o’er land and seas: So maybe if you listen well, Someday you’ll hear me croon, As I float over hill and dell, My favourite little tune. ----- Forever Love II I never imagined that you were leaving Did not anticipate that you would go Away from me forever, have me grieving, And missing you in ways you’ll never know. I thought we’d find our way back to each other Although I was the one who said ‘goodbye’; I always knew that we belonged together I never thought that you were going to die. I treasure that last letter that you wrote me I’ll never see the likes of that again, Its contents were nothing less than poetry And now they act as balm to ease my pain. The ocean floor has laid claim to your body, And after all this time there’re tears I cry, But right to the end you heart belonged to me; I never thought that you were going to die. ----- I Remember I remember you always, In good times as well as in bad; On sunny days and rainy days I remember what we had: I think of you with tenderness. Relive every tete-a-tete I’ve spent my life with thoughts of you Because I could not forget. I think of you at nightfall, When there is darkness everywhere; And sometimes I can hear you call Me , say softly,"I’m right here" And then I’ll dream sweet dreams of you, Knowing that you’ve not gone yet, And that you’ve kept your promise too; That you would never forget. ----- Visa Blues What would you do if you were told today That your visa for this world had been revoked, And that there really was not any way This could be stalled; though it was unprovoked. Would you berate the bearer of this news, Ignore any advice that he might give? Go home and do exactly as you choose, Because one life is all you have to live. Or maybe you'd get drunk and try to drown Your sorrows in a bottle of good booze, Become the latest talking point in town And lose yourself listening to heavy blues; Perhaps you might decide to throw a party, A pity one, nothing that was festive, Where all the guests would give advice that's free, And tell you how they think that you should live. Or would you take the sentence on the chin, And thank God for the years you've lived 'til now; And though this is one war you might not win, Put on your combat armour anyhow ; Prepare yourself for battle to the end, Remembering to forget and forgive Your enemies and every erring friend, Because this is the way you'd want to live. But maybe you’ll do all of these and more ; Blame God and feel betrayed after the trust You'd placed in Him; and even then be sure That this was not to be, and that there must Be a lesser penalty, a smaller fine That you could pay and so alter the missive, But in the meanwhile drink your fill of wine, For there’s just one life that we have to live. back to list |
Gloria CarpenterAwakening from nightwhirl sweats, where terror’s triumph drips, I breathe relief in face of threats, for fear no longer grips. There was a time when I was lost in depths of deep despair ~ when all my dreams, in nightmares, tossed, as I lay dying there. In spiral whorl, I left this place, succumbing to the fall, through scattered shreds of empty space between a mirrored wall ~ a labyrinth of shattered dreams with shard-reflecting glare, while echoes cried the voice of screams, as I lay dying there. I saw the world of Alice grin, in recognition’s eye. Yet, on I went, through all that’s been, as eons passed me by. Far back before earthlife began, when time was unaware that lies would, one day, break the span, as I lay dying there. One tiny flutter made it known a tender heart remained, and feathertouch was gently blown to settle, unrestrained. From fingertips on angel breath, new stars were flung with care, to guide me from the arms of death, as I lay dying there. A ripple on the jeweled sea ~ a call to those below, to share the knowledge of a key unlocking long ago. I swam beside the dolphin pods until in birth, an heir, then swept ashore by watergods, as I lay dying there. But I arose on full moon tide inhaling spirit’s breath, and walked the land with strength of stride, no thought of fear or death. Above the light of sun-kissed hill, through darkest valley lair, on eagle wings, recalling still, as I lay dying there. ----- Degrees of Tenderness An empty vessel drifting out to see the universe, unfolding as it must; an open view with spirit flying free upon the waves of faith, of love, of trust. A tide collecting remnants of a meal; a shell no longer harbouring distress; a world turned upside down to pain’s reveal, as tests expose degrees of tenderness. A swift and sudden shock of stunned surprise; a lightening flash as life is torn away, and borne upon the wings of dark disguise ~ the way of things, as nature’s rules obey. And so it is for every soul on earth; enlightenment transforming those who bless the path set out, each time, for a rebirth, as tests expose degrees of tenderness. ----- Held Hostage My flights of fancy take me far, for I have always flown! How else to travel when you’re young, before the truth is blown? I used to fly with wings outstretched, until I heard, "Sit still". And so I flew inside a book ~ but not against my will, For there I found another world of fantasy and fact, with many books piled up beside in castle towers, stacked. I flew, I soared beyond the skies where all my dreams fulfill. My books have held me hostage since ~ but not against my will. ----- My Music My music lives in silence, on a breeze. I taste it in the gentle mist that clings with dew upon the lip of morning’s tease ~ on whistles through the trees a whisper brings. A gathering of whirling, skirting peaks in wild abandon dancing to dismiss all cares, as zephyr plays and wisdom speaks. In essence, it is spirit. It is bliss. My music lives in silence, flying free with lightest touch, a trace of feather brush; or pulses with the passion of the sea, its heart in rhythm, thrashing with the rush, until it crests beyond mortality. It carries me to soar where love exists on higher planes of peaceful harmony ~ In essence, it is spirit. It is bliss. My music lives in silence, to enthrall. It flourishes to reach the depths within, with floods of bursting song it breaks the wall, emotion spilling tears where tides begin, absorbing all, through every single pore, and yet a calmness rests in reminisce, as letting go is key to heaven’s door. In essence, it is spirit. It is bliss. back to list |
Lorraine DafneyI wait for spring each year and I yearn To toil in my garden once again And see and touch my beautiful ferns To feel the peace and beauty of zen My two hands sink in the earth divine I plant seeds and new blossoms flower Along my morning glories new vine This has become my favorite hour I'm always willing to watch and learn To listen to the songs of the wren See there, my heirloom roses return Each year they come back like an old friend My surrounding trees have grown, just fine They reach for the sky like a tower Their afternoon shadows make designs Join me and share my favorite hour. back to list |
Kevin McKinneySometimes we live in the moment; Nothing eludes our attention; We finish each other's comment, Foresee each other's intention; Discourse displaces argument And courtesy rules contention; Erected on this pediment, The heart has a solid nature. Sometimes we delve into science Or practical incantation; Wholly dissolving all variance In a vital combination; Obeying laws of compliance And properties of migration, Viewed from the shoulders of giants, The heart has a vaporous nature. Sometimes our nights outshine our days; We give off heat in radiant beams That burns away the vexing haze That shadows and occludes our dreams. As fire, fusion or alchemy, The like of which it always seems, Consume their fuel, so we partake; The heart has a volatile nature. Sometimes our days run together; We pass each other unnoticed; One day I'm under the weather, The next, completely unfocused; You drift like a downy feather, Afloat on a glassy surface; Conformed to match its container, The heart has a fluid nature. The number of times one heart beats Throughout a life is astounding; Two, in tandem are twice the feat, And the more music resounding. Now hear the humming of a fleet Of hearty engines expounding, A chorus clear, charged to repeat The tidal rhythm of nature. Some days we wake and wonder why; Why go through the motions again? Why so, is retribution's price For asking wisdom, paid in flames? We're all but hurrying to die, So what's the point to toil in pain? By chance, hearts ignore such advice From brains; all thanks to their nature! ----- Upwardly Mobile We do not demonstrate this trait from birth; 'Twas not among god's gifts in paradise When fewer creatures flew than walked the earth; How is it man has mastered this device, And how incalculable is its worth To teeming masses lifting up their eyes? Defying gravity and likewise, death, A leap of faith first takes place in the mind. Now see the great lizards reinvented; Cast in stone, when once they had no rivals; By re-engineering they've ascended Skyward in a triumph of survival. What new found admiration must attend The myraid departures and arrivals At great gatherings of fine feathered friends, And leaps of faith that take place in the mind. A flight of sparrows startled from their lunch Delights the inner child in everyone; Yet fledglings are like arrows I've a hunch; They'll not leave the nest without persuasion; They need a push to activate the launch, And they miss the target on occasion; As near to freedom, Icarus flew once, That leap of faith first took place in his mind. And so it was with Leonardo's dream; He saw the view, but he was born too soon; Three centuries later, he'd love to have seen The view from Montgolfier's balloon; Till a simple bicycle building team, Loosed our bonds and we landed on the moon. Now that we've slipped the solar system's seams, Each leap of faith must take place in the mind. back to list |
Leny RooversWith each deep breath, my body drinks blue air that permeates and saturates my skin- enfolds me in a cool cocoon of prayer, while peeling off the burdens worn within. When hollows fill with light, a rose is born; its pistil rises as her stamens spin. She's tall and proud, has lost all need for thorns- protection against hurt, buds from within. My rose, conceived in peace, is born to share her velvet vibes, as consciousness begins to slowly cleanse my mind, abolish scare. When armours drop, remaining veils grow thin; translucently and shining they adorn my upright rose- absorbing pain, she wins. With each deep breath, my body is reborn- awareness thrills and blossoms from within. back to list |
Ryter RoethicleWhat is your desire my lady? Do you wish the moon and the stars? But they are yours already, They are in your smile and your eyes. Would you like your breakfast in bed? I will make it a most succulent dish, It will be a most lavish spread. I promise things will be as you wish. Make me your desire my lady Let us wander in heavenly skies. You have made me yours already, I see my answer in your eyes. You need say no words to me now, For all things we will accomplish. Take your violin; I am your bow, And play with me, as you wish. ----- Flight God gave Angels and birds the gift of flight Leaving man to stomp and root around. To many creatures he gave this right Yet we evolved and still stayed downed. I look each day and watch the avians play Identifying them all by call, by sound. These calls tell me how they enjoy the day Scornful of us mortals held to ground. As the evening falls listen to their calls And bragging of the adventures found. Of sink and holes and huge thermals, With balanced wings they flew around. Reaching to the black bottomed cloud Then flying along streets that now abound A final descent into the evenings shroud Scornful of us mortals held to ground. As the evening arrives the bats come alive, You hear them call out their unique sound. Blind they are, yet they feed and survive And in nights darkness they fly around. Whilst mortals sleep, their sonic beep Aids flight for which they are renowned. With mornings creep they return to their keep, Scornful of us mortals held to ground. ----- Hot Summers Night Hot summer nights the Cicadas calls Are stifled by the midnight’s heat. Trembling waves emanate from walls, And in the distance hear music’s beat. Alone with my thoughts as music plays, My love lies isolated from theses scenes. Whilst in her garden winter still lays With gentle thoughts and tiptoe dreams. Fireworks thunder way over in the East Welcoming adventures to this shore, And while the strangers drink and feast Hear crackers flash and watch rockets soar. But here is peace and the music sublime And here I write and wax poetic themes, Enjoying my reading and drinking wine With gentle thoughts and tiptoe dreams. Night quietens now as midnight draws 'Cept occasional planes on finals o’er head Suddenly from the Port wild applause A final cheer before they go home to bed. The radio plays more Piazzola now The wine and time now defeat my schemes Deciding its time to take my bow And have gentle thoughts and tiptoe dreams. ----- Friendship Why is it only with death we realise, That it’s too late, we’ve lost a friend? Why is it only when someone dies, Why must there have to be an end? All things have not been said have they? Say it now, drop your pride and bend, Before it’s too late, say it all today, Why must you wait until the end? Declare your love or regret forever, Love is riches you cannot spend, For the dead possess nothing ever Forget pride, and let friendship mend. Friendship is still the greatest wealth, The more you have, the more you spend. And the better that is for your health, You should never wait until the end. ----- Potency of Dreams Lesser loves died happily for nought Dare I dream and thus dream of thee? Lending power and strength to thought, When a fool knows to wake is not to see? Shall I ever close my eyes and peek How bought so cheap is mortality? For that precious love I blindly seek? Each hour a façade of accepted reality And yet I am sick from want and desire My dreams have caused my soul to see, As passions are summoned by the hour. Within beats my breast tormented by thee Know well within your heart this fire. Dare you share my mortality? Apparent calm yet inside desire Each hour a façade of accepted reality. ----- Sailors Death And only the sea shall know them The ocean depth will be their grave The wind will tug the wet shrouds hem Like a farewell flag the waters wave. There is no church with bells to ring No flowers cover the hallowed site Nor choir with caring hymns to sing Nor moon to shine its blessed light. Neptune has claimed them all And to his bosom they are gone Till Armageddon makes its call And be greeted by Gods only son The day the sea gives up it's dead. The end of time, the end of night When sailors will rise from their bed Bathed in heavens blessed light. ----- Swan of Turin Tonight Sibelius shall be my choice, The lights are low the wine tastes good. A lonely oboe makes felt its voice, As the Swan of Turin floats from the woods. With the strings I float amongst the stars, An interlude that made the heavens melt. My half closed eyes wish all this was ours, With its eternal floating presence felt. The music softens as if to fly away, And cellos sound, like they are from afar. As if welcoming softly the close of day, The violins call out to the Evening Star. The music now symbolises the night, Daytime creatures into their nests melt. All avians have long since ceased their flight Still with eternal floating presence felt. ----- Canzonetta of the Night A series of Canzonetta Introduction A Decastich On the seventh day the word created flesh In its madness the flesh created fear, But the flesh could not fear itself or fear alone And so the flesh created fear of the night And from that fear was created night’s creatures The creatures sense your fear and know you're alone It makes no difference, you made these creatures Your breathing hardens, your eyes widen in fear But tis no use your, Your flesh is feeding the night Part 1 Now the creature you created Is clawing at your door, Its tasted blood, its tasted flesh And now it’s seeking more. It feeds on pain, it feeds on fear It needs to taste your throat. You have created this dreadful thing Your fear so cheaply bought. And now the moon and the night Amplify the noises that you hear. This creature that you alone made Seeks the life that you hold dear. Now the clouds cover the moon And your nerves become more taut, You cannot now recall that fear, That you so cheaply bought. Part 2 The sounds of night, the noisy night Now help to feed your fear Then you hear it, something’s changed, The silence, so loud and clear. You listen close, you listen hard The silence is complete Your breathing stops, you start to sweat You hear your hearts loud beat. Then the wind picks up and blows Black clouds across the sky In that moment in time you realise That you or it must die. There are shivers down your spine Your fear is now complete You are within evils shrine. You watch your hearts loud beat. Part 3 The creature is outside your room You can smell its fetid breath Its hideous stench now fills the air This creature spawned by death. The charnel house from which it spawned Cast off from evils womb Now seeks to feed on human flesh And to drag you to eternal doom. The stench grows great as rotting graves Eject their hideous content. Seeking your body, seeking your mind, Your eternal soul to torment. The final stench, that of hell itself Now pervades the room. Your eternal soul is now at risk And with it, eternal doom. Part 4 Now moving shadows torment you And play upon the wall The hungry creature of the night On your throat will seek to fall. Stalking, it moves about the room Teasing you with its presence Its muzzle high, sniffing the air Savouring your very essence. In the freezing air circling round your bed You see its panting breath. Soon, very soon you begin to realise, That you'll be facing death. You cannot move, you cannot scream Your paralysed with abhorrence. Your mind is making frantic plans To protect your very essence. Part 5 "Oh God" you pray "my God please help And save me from this beast" And dive beneath the covers warm Hiding from its hungry feast. But God is day and this is night He cannot hear your cry. You smell the stench of countless graves Where the rotting corpses lie. The covers are drawn you are exposed And then you smell its breath. Your screams for help are pointless now As you see the face of DEATH. One final scream and all is black You are with the Lord of Flies In that charnel house, join the stack Where your rotting corpse lies. back to list |
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