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2008 Form Challenges
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Envelope Sonnet This is probably a variation of the Italian or Sicilian sonnet by the French, The original sonnets used an octave composed of two quatrains rhyming abba abba or abba cddc. It was probably the French fondness for linking stanzas, that conceived the idea of creating two sestets and linking them with a rhyming couplet. This gives a rhyme sequence of a. b. c. c. b. a. .... d. d. .... e. f. g. g. f. e. and each line is octosyllabic (8 syllables) or decasyllabic (10).
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Envelope Sonnet Challenge Replies
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Maryse AchongWithout you, life would be so good' she said, 'If I could find a way to go I'd fly, I know that this will prob'bly never be, Yet still I harbour hopes of being free; For I'm entitled to dream too aren't I, Though I lie down where I have made my bed.' We never know when our prayers will be heard, There is much power in the spoken word. 'He's gone,' she said, 'when he died suddenly, Still in her heart a bird of sorrow cried, For what they had once shared before he changed And she was trapped, her whole life rearranged. She kept these feelings buried deep inside And mourned the loss of things that used to be.. ----- Music, Music, Music They came, they played, they entertained And now they've gone their pockets full; The people came from everywhere, Enrapt as music filled the air. The big names were the greatest pull Their various acts were unrestrained. Rod Stewart, Diana Ross, Smokey, Shakira, Peabo and Whitney. For three days on our sister isle The Plymouth Jazz Festival ran The local talent made us proud With an appreciative crowd Feteing like only Trinis can; Roy Cape and Kes performed in style. ----- Poui Power I'm on my way to somewhere that I hate It's taken all my courage to decide, But this is something that I need to do, If truth be told it is long overdue; I am hoping that my fears will subside, I am determined that I'll keep this date. I tell myself that all will turn out well The idea's not an easy one to sell. I look through the car window and I see My favourite trees in bloom; like pots of gold Along the route, it seems they're everywhere Like magic my concerns just disappear And I relax, feel my tension unfold I've been touched by the power of the poui! ----- Six of One Half a Dozen of the Other Dozy Dora is what he's christened her Because he claims she is a sleepy head; She laughs because she knows this is a joke, And that he likes to tease and to provoke; At any rate he's a Forgetful Fred. I am not sure which name I would prefer. Forgetful Dora just does not sound right, And Dozy Fred does not cut it, not quite. If she is tired, then she goes to sleep, It matters not whether it's night or day, So maybe sometimes things are left undone. His mind is filled with faeries on the run, A pixie here, a goblin there at play. She never has to bother counting sheep. ----- War Wounds My life was changed the day you went away, You'd promised me that you'd always be there, However Fate had other plans in mind, You disappeared and I was left behind; No word of warning, the shock was severe, How heavily those memories still weigh. But like the tides that come and go at will No mater what, time never does stand still. So much anger at you because you'd gone, At God because He'd taken you from me, So many 'what ifs' plagued me for so long, In time I understood that that was wrong, And faced up to the stark reality, That you had lived your life, your race was run. ----- When You Left My life was changed the day you went away, You'd promised me that you'd always be there, However Fate had other plans in mind, You disappeared and I was left behind; No word of warning, the shock was severe, How heavily those memories still weigh. But like the tides that come and go at will No mater what, time never does stand still. So much anger at you because you'd gone, At God because He'd taken you from me, So many 'what ifs' plagued me for so long, In time I understood that that was wrong, And faced up to the stark reality, That you had lived your life, your race was run. back to list |
Lorainne DafneyEngraved forever inside rings A sentiment is shared by two For all of time, it will endure What two hearts have kept so secure Who knows what the future will bring We look forward to its delight And a kiss each and every night Happiness is hard to come by Some people search never to find What I've been fortunate to share With someone who really does care The soul who can love and be kind Keeps the answers in his heart, why back to list |
Maureen MoonchildYou challenge me to walk the pace To feel the dark of you against The soft of me of yesterdays. Intentions clash, reflections haze As words spill out, the feeling sensed To branding you, at first embrace. The world in seamless colors grained Harmonic chords, mismatched, sustained: Yet there in quilted scraps to share In edge to edge, we balance each. Once lonely lives that rise and fall Thus blending plaids and stripes in all To bleed the warmth of hearts in reach To end this life of solitaire. ----- "Watchers" They sit the sidelines, can see what they see. Though not what is real, the strength in my hold. Driven, I am, in a passionate way Mind overworking those words wished to say. Maybe I'm forward and brazen and bold Pursuing a path, no failure for me. A heart in rhythm, keeps seeking it's tune, To conquer fears for this child of the moon. Angels have caught me and drift me on by. Dreaming the dreams, of a future's begin, Learning from life, it is I in control. Stumble or falter, must save my own soul. Keeping momentum fulfills from within. Once fallen, they watch my climb again, high. back to list |
Peggy Nelson Bikers On The Run The roads are trembling throughout the town Each year giving way to wild riding hogs Roaring and humming bikes through towns and 'round Seventy thousand plus, a piercing sound Some are known as down and dirty wild dogs Blazing trails new and old up and down The Laughlin Run for bikers to have fun Raising money for charities till done Most come on Harley Davidson's with chicks Many Contests are held throughout and about Casinos and rooms are filled to the brim There goes Tom, Cher and a man named Jim Leather pants and jackets, some slim, some stout Welcome bikers from a chick from the sticks ----- Memories Without My Beau Each year spring comes with memories Of quite and passionate times When life seemed completely content Years of springtime memories went Still spring days reenter sublime Bringing back fulfillment with ease Without his presents here on earth Memory express past times worth Visualizations long ago Drift in and out on this May night The night he took his last breath Happy he was to greet his death No longer pain to hold him tight Spring memories without my beau. ----- What Is It Worth To Be Alone Along many fearsome roads all alone Far Away from constant nagging from you Inputting your negative hopeless thoughts What you thought right was indeed overwrought I've slammed on the brakes, ejecting your views Ridding insensitive abuse you've shown Fears set in I do admit, yet was free Took time to adapt to reality Harsh words encumbered, wasting time and mind The longer I stayed, the longer distraught Finally escaping, alone at great lengths Self restored from horror gaining more strength Life alone regaining more peaceful thoughts It's worth being without to seek and find. ----- Will This Scare The Hell Out Of You? What is the meaning of six, six and six Are they really the meaning of evil? Here's something to amuse you if you dare Start with A as number six, if you care add six to each letter: simple math drill (see below) what I say; have on hand a stuff drink mix! Spell out computer add all numbers too Tell me what numbers are lurking at you What happened in New York, was it evil? A double whammy, seems yet to be told? New York, New York what a wonder town Will it happen again what will come down? Do computer wizards have evils hold? Have fun and see what words count out evil back to list |
Ryter RoethicleI still remember all my days with you But most of all I remember the nights. We knew each other for so long When we met feelings were so strong Nights together spent on fancied flights Looking down from our starry view Now we're apart there's only cloud To whom do I cry to, out loud? A confused world questions my plea Once the feeling of being complete My bed at night lacking you is so cold I would rather a different tale be told. Of nights of warmth and passions heat Realised long ago when we used to be. ----- Ghosts of You and I As we walk along the shadows hold hands The way they merge and blend as we wander. Sol creating images out of golden strips They are merely shadows of our eclipse. Making them more real than us we wonder, Do they have any physical demands? Would that we were they, to join without fuss Unified minds and souls, I wish t'were thus. Is this reality and the reason we climb? Look, see how they unite, the way they blend The absence of body is what reality means A unity of souls, an apotheosis of scenes. See they merge, no overlap, they transcend Our souls leading us to where it is sublime. ----- Just Learning To learn to love, I must learn to cry For too long now, my heart has been asleep With body and mind conditioned by life To show no emotion and be stoic in strife. Because of you, I'm at last learning to weep To open my heart before love says goodbye Not tears or sobs of heart wrenching pain Real tears of joy, my heart's open again. But now it has come time for you to cry For too long now you have held it inside And now I'm here besides you as you sob As anger and frustration from inside we rob I look in your eyes and see how you've cried I hold and kiss you, as you wave your past goodbye. ----- Lesson Learned How can we touch when your not here How can I run fingers through your hair? How can I kiss every part of you When nothing of you is in my view? I believe I have looked everywhere I now believe you weren't sincere. We shared a lot for a short while I always tried to make you smile. Now you act as thou I was nought And now we only share a civil thought A general greeting, considered courtesy. You hoped you were everything to me Because your presence I had bought And an expensive lesson I've been taught. ----- Loves Value Love alters not by time in months or years, Time only mellows or tempers like steel. In time love becomes a melding of souls, Able to abandon all worldly controls. Trusting in each other, learning to feel Through eternity, there's no longer fears. Consider a mirror reflective of this The opposite would be, the truth we'd miss. Then love would alter, times lines would be scars And would be no better than rotting wood. Couples would be ripped easily apart There would be no love or truth from the heart. Nothing would be ever honest or good Partners would be changed easily like cars. ----- Moody Monday I hate Mondays, do you want to know why? Well, I was thinking you knew already Sunday is when you really hate Monday Question, do I hate Monday or Sunday, Or maybe just Sunday night, that part of day? Just an idea, perhaps give that a try. Monday is after Sunday you recall But what if it were Tuesday that would fall? Then you might hate it not Monday instead And Wednesday might not be so innocent If t'were switched and became the day of rest Wednesday would become the day you like best And Thursday would be your hatreds intent. My heads spinning, I think I'll go to bed. ----- Out of a void Out of a cosmic void my love has grown From a heavenly speck, a minute grain Constructed by love, to protect and warm. Needs no roof of tile to shelter from harm So finitely created is this domain Almost out of nothing this seed was sown. It's not of wood, or brick, nor steel, or stone But a pulsing heart, inside flesh and bone. My life and love I dedicate to thee Out of timeless space you have won my heart A celestial being that has won my soul Two separate beings who have made a whole That all time or distance can never part I wish to be with you all eternity ----- Relativity I watch the sun setting in the western sky Reddened clouds also wave their goodbye. The evenings chill reminds me it's time to go in Closing the balcony widow shuts out the din Watching the day fighting, reluctant to die I think how it relates to you and I. I heard the parrots as they settled for the night Bickering, squawking, pecking, seeming like a fight. With the darkness there is silence I cannot see I know if I were to look it is how we used to be. We grew fed up with alternate points of view Why should the one right always have to be you? Now I'm alone without you, but I can be me And my lonely point of view is easier to see. ----- Vagabond Heart No more will I feel your body against mine That soft, gentle touch always aroused fire The bed is now empty, no comfort there The doona laid back, the sheets cold and bare Your pleasure, I always tried to aspire. And kisses spun my mind, like vintage port wine. Cold memories lie there now you have gone So is the loving on which my sun shone. One thing's certain this feeling I know well Searching in my mind why it should be so. The clock we cursed for moving too fast Now crawls so slowly, a snail could race past. You didn't have to leave, why did you go? I'm starting my first day sentenced to hell. ----- Waiting For The March The sun has risen, and yet the moon Is there, still reluctant to leave the sky. Now pale and wan she just waits there Showing like us that she still cares Recalling those who had to die All those young men who went too soon. We still gather every year and march To the Memorials sombre arch. The few old "diggers" lead the way Unsteady now, most sat in cars, We all realise, they are history. So many books have told their story That's why the moon waits with the stars To honour them on this, Their Day. ----- X-iting Menu A rare and lovely theme dressed in black Recalling soft light and inviting looks. Slowly baring and creating hot desire Till there's naught but the minimum attire. But who needs more when Eros cooks When the menu offered's a sumptuous snack. Two lovers dancing in the diamond night To pleasing music filled with starlight. For a time hearts moved like birds in flight. Recalling the sound of each passioned word, Then the mellow tones of loves adagio And words soft spoken from the lovers glow Eyes speaking volumes longing to be heard. I well remember that last autumn night. ----- Yarrawonga Visited The lonely night draw swiftly down Covering the world in her deep black crown Creeping softly in without a sound I close my eyes, but sleep can't be found As I sleep alone in this distant town. I feel so warm wrapped in this gown As your loving spirit wraps itself around Like a blanket keeping me safe and sound. Distance shrinks in my sleeping pleasure With feelings shared, tied with silken thread As I dream and picture warm nights together Two lover inseparate, joined in love forever Throughout the night vows of love are said And with the morning light, lovers finds leisure. ----- Zero Tolerance On some days the moon doesn't rise where I live, As earlier the sun refused to light up my skies. But, darkness has always known my name And what is love to some but a stupid game. In life's more tender and more gentle disguise Dark offers much more than bright day can give. I walk with a black cloud covering my soul Because in this darkness I have control. Once again the sun has forgotten my needs And at night the stars have run off somewhere. Perhaps playing with someone else's thoughts Childishly running off before they are caught. They ran and hid instead of asking me to share As if ashamed of their intolerant deeds. back to list |
Leny RooversIt's busy in the sky this afternoon, spring's sun has enticed gulls to try new loops- they fly in swift formations to the clouds and disappear behind fast floating shrouds. The stage above is taken by new groups, as hosts of magpies chatter a new tune. Brown turtle doves are silly birds at best, in chasing off each other, there's no rest. As families of jackdaws share a meal, the elder birds look after their own brood; they chase off hungry cats in joint attack, a sharp-beaked front- no cat will risk a whack. I sit and watch how they defend their food, a lazy afternoon has great appeal. ----- Apple-blossom Each apple-blossom flower shows her face and wears a tiny cap of white frilled lace. Her closest relatives live all nearby- the upper-class enjoys views of blue sky. In April they adorn my trees with grace and honey bees dive deep within their space. Well hidden from our eyes, their work is done, aided by spring rain, kissed by summer's sun. As happens to most dreams, soon blooms are spent, when on a breath of wind, white leaves descent. Each blossom leaves a promise to behold, when autumn will unlock her chest of gold. The air shall carry then the lovely scent of luscious apples, that my trees present. ----- Beyond cold glass As sun and wind play with the trees outside, I watch the dance of shadows on the grass. Reflected light from bright young leaves invites my thoughts to leave this world of paper plights, step out into the air beyond cold glass and let my dreams join gulls' enticing glide. Even the cars on yonder roundabout seem to have lost their drive en route. That red one goes in circles, round and round, I wonder if day's light's affecting him as well as me and he has lost his way, or just can't say goodbye to shadow's play. As white clouds drift before the sun, lights dim- both car and thoughts return to solid ground. ----- Colds As fluids in my sinuses build up, so does the pressure, till a sneeze is formed; explosions clear clogged nose and deafen ears, but loads of hateful stuff soon reappear. I wish you could be here to keep me warm, instead I make strong coffee, drink a cup. With oranges and mangoes' vitamins, I hope recuperation soon begins. Resistance had been lowered by late nights and too much work related stress on top; before I realized, I caught this cold- I couldn't stop scenarios unfold. Now wishing I'd a spare head I could swap, I take another hanky while I write. ----- Course of Life I'm on a mountain, aiming for the top and walk my uphill road with faith and trust; searching for footholds on the higher ground, I know I cannot rest till they are found. The trail is oft uneven, I adjust to keep my balance, yet I will not stop. I'm answering a call I can't deny, it echoes deep within, my soul's reply. When walking becomes difficult, you're there, I grasp your outstretched hand, my eyes on you; each step now brings me closer to your fold, I'm following the guidance I behold. You're smiling as my goal comes into view, I've reached your place, in answer to my prayers. ----- Drawing I can't erase you from the drawing of my life, your pattern reappears in every bold design; no matter which new leaf I turn in my sketch-book, imprinted are the well-known lines I once forsook. I watch my hand reveal your face and know I'm thine, though blunted pencils will be sharpened with a knife. I know the edge is sharp and when I'm cut, I'll bleed- despite the challenge of this plan, I might succeed. I've laid out fresh new paper when I was inspired, put pencils ready in a row, so I could start- I see my hand move confidently, drawing eyes and slowly you step forward, shedding your disguise. I reach the outlines of your face and touch your heart, you come to life within my arms, as we desired.  ----- En rapport My heart beats with the rhythm of spring's breeze as graceful branches gently sway green arms; a quicker breath of playful swirling air, sends shivers through the lower bushes' hair. Beneath the trees are scattered good luck charms- in dozens of white circles, daisies please. As shadows lengthen in the afternoon, soft apple-blossom leaves are widely strewn. They're carried by the wind into my pond- a float of fragile ships that aim for shore; bees in search of honey, drop on white sails , but there's no nectar left in petals' trails . My soul is searching for our sweet rapport, on zephyr's breath I catch your soft response. ----- Hunger Without you, I'm slowly starving; you are my breakfast in the morning, my sweet bowl of fruit at coffee-time; when noon-bells chime, they hold a warning your absence hurts, it's carving. I need your kiss to stop this crave, when you're with me, I'll behave. If only you could be my dinner, I wouldn't need a sweet dessert; when we again can share our supper, life will bring us on the upper. Your presence puts an end to hurt as I will be your loving winner. ----- Missing you May's nights are warm this year, I miss you so, my bed's too big, I feel the empty space; cold pillows won't replace your sleeping form, on colder nights your feet can't keep mine warm. When I wake up, there is no smiling face to kiss- life lost most of its brighter glow. My dreams are filled with memories of you- each time it's getting worse to say adieu. Though far away, you are still part of me, you're in each golden dawn and cloudless sky; I listen for your voice in raindrops' fall, in blackbird's evensong I hear your call. You're in moon's face and in the wind's soft sigh, in thoughts of you I rest and find my lee. ----- On darkest cloth of night Between your voice and mine, our love was spun; its fragile threads grew stronger with each word; unbreakable, this cord though endured much. Yet it was strengthened by our every touch and weaving dreams have kept our passion spurred. On darkest cloth of night, you are my sun. Invisible, our heartstrings are entwined- a safety net, which keeps our souls combined. On darkest cloth of night, our love still glows, your nearness is my ultimate reward. Each kiss we savour to its fullest bloom, will bring us closer on night's star-filled loom until no longer bonds can be ignored. Between your skin and mine, our love draws close. ----- Queen's Day 2008 Each street is clad in orange, people browse the stalls, quick eyes darting for lucky finds. There's music all around, a brass band plays, while children play their flute for coins and praise- on Queen's Day there's more colour in our minds and when the day grows older, men carouse. Eyes I meet, seem more open today I wish those friendly smiles were here to stay. Cars have been banned and people walk around, they drink a beer, a glass of juice and talk; our Queen and family do just the same- they visit cities and take part in games. I saw our prince on skates, he didn't balk, he took his wife by hand- they're both renowned. ----- Reveries I rest my cheek against your shoulder-blades, inhale the fragrance of your sleep-warmed skin; my hand is on your head, I touch your curls and feel the glorious way our love unfurls. Still half asleep you turn around and grin- soft sunlight plays with shadows through the shades. I wish one skin could hold us both embraced, your hand runs from my shoulder to my waist. You draw me close and whisper in my ear- sweet nothings that I treasure more than gold. Beneath my lips I feel your strong heart beat, its steady rhythm makes my joy complete; with each new kiss our passion will unfold, I'll gladly be love labour's volunteer.  ----- Riding the waves I love the warm brown colour of your eyes, their velvet touch calls blushes on my skin as deep inside I see your hidden smile. you know how just that look holds me beguiled. When our eyes lock, sweet stirrings start within- each glance is an embrace as passions rise. When hands join eyes and lips meet in a kiss, we are enfolded in a sea of bliss. I love the pale brown colour of your skin, it's velvet touch against my now bare limbs; my lips know all your secret spots and taste, they linger when you're thrilled, there is no haste. As hands and lips explore till our cup brims, we're reaching for wave's crest and float therein. ----- Views Wind's breath sends ripples over plastics shields that cover structure's stark scaffolding poles, like streaming waterfalls from concrete rocks. Sheet's gleaming face still hides new housing blocks, they're waiting silently to hold new souls. Across the road, trees wave on sunlit fields. As lifts are travelling between high floors, the yellow crane takes up a score of doors. On cloudless canvas of blue summer skies, bright lines are pencilled by high flying planes; as trails are widening and soon disperse, I hear a flock of geese loudly converse. When they are gone, black swallows still remain, promising a new warm day on sun's rise. ----- Without You Without you, Sun can't reach his full glory and Moon hides her face behind cloudy veils; even stars have lost their diamond splendour- some twinkle faintly and then surrender. I look up to watch, as dying light trails, have I become a vengeful god's quarry? I miss your eyes, your touch and your laughter- will our happiness return, hereafter? Together with you, the sun shines each day, the moon's full and yellow, she smiles at us. Crystal stars adorn night's black velvet dress, a feast will be held, when we can caress. The distance between us, has but one plus- when we meet again, we'll have love's buffet. ----- Yearning n sky's wide sea of palest blue, thoughts drift with white-winged flight of gulls in dreams of you; as loops of birds are crossed by southbound planes, I feel the yearning, deep within my veins. Like sunlight paints trees' leaves in brighter hue, in touch with you my spirits lift. Above the row of trees, a line is drawn- I watch a plume-tailed air-plane, till it's gone. Tall yellow cranes are moving in the sky, they're lifting bricks and windows for new floors; as high-rise on the corner tops green trees, my window's view adopts a different frieze. Within my being, love for you still soars, it's rising on my swift gull's flight, up high. back to list |
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