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2008 Form Challenges
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A very different poetry form than most poets are used to, is the Goethe Stanza. With this one each stanza comprises
of a single line, a couplet and a single line. Each single line rhymes with a line from the couplet, one starting and
one completing the stanza. Here is the suggested pattern, there is no set meter:
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Goethe Stanza Challenge Replies
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Maryse AchongThough I've no doubt he loved me true, 'Twas not enough to make him stay To bid me a final 'adieu,' When he left on that fateful day. So now each time a loved one goes I always make sure that I say A fond farewell, one never knows If one of us will go away. We may not have the chance again To say 'goodbye' or to convey Our sentiments; and I'll not feign That such a thing can heavy weigh. When I lie dying or you're dead, 'Twould be to my utter dismay To realize I had not said "Be well, God bless, go on your way." ----- Bridging the Gap I wish there was a bridge 'twixt earth and sky One that I could journey across at will, I'd be a 'frequent traveller," no lie, How many fantasies that would fulfill. And if they wanted to control the flow Between both worlds, they could impose a fee, Or grant permits, that would be apropos; I'd welcome either way quite happily. I'd want to visit heaven that's for sure, Because I have so many loved ones there And maybe they could take me on a tour, Though that might make me want to stay, I swear. I would like a 'close up' view of the sun, And to witness the moon come out at night, To walk amongst the stars would be such fun, (Just think of all the poetry I'd write!) Until that day I'll just sit here and think About the bridge I know I'll cross one day, One moment I'll be here, then in the blink Of an eye I'll be fin'lly on my way! ----- Shake-Up An earthquake just now gave us a good shake, It has left us unsettled, nervous too, I probably won't sleep, will stay awake... Almost like waiting for the other shoe... It scared the pups, they were both half asleep, But there is no doubt in my mind they knew Something was wrong, for they stopped counting sheep, Began to bark, caused a hullabaloo. It is still now, too still if you ask me, But I must make the effort to subdue My fears, and trust that everything will be All right; there's nothing more that I can do. ----- Simply Put I know that He will take me all the way, Accompanying me through good and bad, From darkest night into the brightest day; No more constant Friend have I ever had. I trust my Faith will withstand every test No matter how difficult it may be, And even when my mind wants to protest, I know that He'll be standing right by me. And if some day my world is torn apart, If arrows pierce me to my very core, Let Hope take its place firmly in my heart, And soothe me 'til I don't hurt anymore. But if I can't Love this is all for naught, This watchword by which every man should live, Not something to be borrowed, lent or bought. How can we want to get if we won't give? back to list |
Lorainne DafneySomeday when we are sipping tea In its amber colors of time I will close my eyes and then see Our memories left to climb As we grow older and look back This album which is in my heart Will have love and never will lack Pages for new stories to start back to list |
Kevin McKinneyIn my culinary education, I've managed to discover bit by bit, the truth comes learned, not by revelation, we need just labor to uncover it. While priest and prophet cook up something more than what we've earned, what's already given, reducing something grand to keeping score, though all the while, begging for a living; they offer simple comfort on a fork and yet we never seem to get our fill. They plan the party, we do all the work, and then we get presented with the bill! They in their council always point to death and cry, "Repent! Surrender and be saved!" As if to say time's wasted drawing breath, more wholesome days await beyond the grave. To me, such thinking can't be reconciled for lack of evidence upon the plate; there's barely enough pudding for a child. No one's confirmed a second course to date. Perhaps we cannot live by bread alone, but what I've found assures me it's alright, since truth is had here in our flesh and bones, to have our fill and sup to our delight. ----- Novices No More Afterward, a tear fled south from the corner of her eye to the corner of her mouth, where both the poor tear and I being sweetly apprehended, no argument of reason I feared, could be defended for being kept in her season. Of the tear, sure I was cause, though the nature of my slip had escaped me, giving pause while I lingered near her lips, begging pardon for my gaff. Whereupon, "My silly boy," she said with a little laugh, "T'is only a tear of joy!" back to list |
Peggy NelsonDeep in the town of Pamplona Spain Crowds delight and cheer by the score For the raging Bull's that have gone insane Today, four more runners were Gored ----- Bridges In Life Many bridges ahead will bring peaceful nights and days Replacing worn out bridges with sunshine's hues Accepting and forgiving bridges diluted in colorless gray Fearful bridges were shaky; realizing their views Colorful flowers blossomed at every turn New buds serenely gentle when put on display Monumental moments revealing past concerns Renewing moments spent in a relaxing way Peace flows clearly, strengthening bridges weak in past times Thoughts of joy rising remains, now the past buried away Crossing bridges thoughtful lest we fall into murk and slime Gathering ties and new incentives now carry on each day ----- Evil Flowers Bright bloody red Adonis flowers on a mountains ridge Blooming from the earth's ground in the desert land Can't miss the signals to those strolling on the bridge A flower to cause painful recollections at hand Beside the Adonis grows the aloes red and yellow A beautiful sight when not so clearly seen Flowered with spikes; if touched you'll surely bellow Gorgeous to see yet beware of the grieving they mean Champagne and Begonias wait at the end of the trail A heavenly sight for those whom unknowingly know What dark thoughts reside inside the begonias pail Lovely displayed to encourage dark thoughts to flow At the end of the evening while your on your own You reach for the lily of the valley laying on ground The mean evil flowers you've seen, have died all alone Happiness returns and your smile glows all around ----- Bridges In Life Many bridges ahead will bring peaceful nights and days Replacing worn out bridges with sunshine's hues Accepting and forgiving bridges diluted in colorless gray Fearful bridges were shaky; realizing their views Colorful flowers blossomed at every turn New buds serenely gentle when put on display Monumental moments revealing past concerns Renewing moments spent in a relaxing way Peace flows clearly, strengthening bridges weak in past times Thoughts of joy rising remains, now the past buried away Crossing bridges thoughtful lest we fall into murk and slime Gathering ties and new incentives now carry on each day ----- Flower Power The Arbor Vitae is an unchanging friendship Bright evergreen to cover and shade our bridge A vigorous, soft and aromatic friendship A Latin family to greet and hole at the bridges ridge Red and white chrysanthemums a gift of love and truth Line the walkway of the bridge in a beautiful display Loving words of truth shared since love began in youth All feelings of love strengthened and love lingers this day Star shaped flowers on hillside, entice feelings of kindness Gentle kindhearted expressions fill each motion we take Valuable memories entwined, love joined us in blissfulness At rest we toss all fears and absorb compassions wake Huge colorful plumes give us signs of our unfading love We drift alone in rhythm till we reach life's ending Content with our love we now think the world of Ecstatic we blossomed like powerful flowers transcending ----- So Many Bridges To Look Forward To Many bridges I'd built along life's existence At the end of each bridge I'd realize the resistance Wandering aimlessly at many meaningless distance Wondering if the next bridge built I'd find consistence Many times I had missed the true understanding of wise Many times broken pieces were thrown beyond reach Many promises exploded what once was loves supply So many times destroying and being impeached Life has so many steps to take along the bridges we build Will those who've prosecuted me, hang me before truth is learned? Have they not made mistakes or walked some bridges unfulfilled? Never seen a perfect bridge without someone who has spurned! ----- Summertime Blues Summertime brings on sun-drenched days Laughter of children playing outside all around Grown-ups in hammocks lazin' in haze Of dreamlands magical play grounds Early in the summer not a soul in sight Temperature rises to scorch land and man kind Northeasterly winds preventing sea breeze heights Power outages killing nature and dreamlands mind Summertime blues hitting all time highs Bugs and animals crawling to water their thirst Electrical demands all over the westernly states fly sky high Another summers day sitting in the blistering sun burst back to list |
Ryter RoethicleMy wings have ridden the silken morn The patterned and silent sunlit sky Covering Cancer and Capricorn I have flown where birds cannot fly. My wings have covered the world Over all the tapestried earth Where cloud pennants fly unfurled Many times seen the day given birth. My wings have whispered this song Over the shot blue silk of the sea. This is heaven where you belong You are free! You are free! You are free! ----- Dream On There is a fantasy bridge I see in my mind Across a deep cut stream way down below On each side are plants of a different kind On one they are alive with the solar glow. On the other the jungle has had too much sway And life is choked, and unable to spread. There nothing can grow from day to day Looking even deeper some appears to be dead. On the island everything is looking verdant But man has not moved there save a few And they have enough sense never to flaunt. A low profile means no inquisitive crew ----- Eco Friendly In the heavens the Gods are brewing thunder clouds. They spew out of the high tech machine like sausages And are cast out to form those black onerous shrouds The latest technology replacing those of the ages. As they fall some breaks away falling another way Whilst the main falls to ground causing a flood Torrential rain falling continually day after day Turning out bad, what was intended only as good. A machine was programmed to blow clouds away Calculated thus that everywhere would get rain But the accountants up there refused to pay For a machine where they could see no gain. "Gravity," they said and the prevailing wind Eco friendly it will do the job just as well It will save us lots, punishing those who sin. Where rain misses from now on is called Hell. ----- For The Birds I hear them keeping house through inner walls. Some birds have made a nest within my eaves. Because the weather's cold with frequent squalls, They've taken refuge till the storm reprieves. They sing to me, whilst I'm at work or play, A song that birds sing safe within their lair. It cannot but help brighten up my day. That music they sing is so extraordinaire. When this part of earth wakens from sleep, Spring awaits the hatching of each brood. A kind of promise for their home to keep, A solemn vow in vernal solitude. With winter ending, spring is almost here, Avian songs take on a new sound and life The birds are still around; I lend an ear To hear him call, together with his wife ----- Foolish Dreams Slave to his temporal sight The mad fool dreams once more Far into the late, late night He steps through that phantom door. Wings spread in his desperate plight The mad fool dreams once more Soaring heavenwards to the light Airborne through the lands of yore. Flying forth with all his might The mad fool dreams once more Reaching Heaven as some fool might Past all the sane that went before. ----- Grey Hope As I walk along this path, a raindrop From a falling leaf lights upon my cheek. It runs down my face and doesn't stop It feels like it is from somewhere bleak Then anonymously falls to the ground Where in time it will gather in a pool In that greyness there will be no sound But the winter solstice is never cruel. It is the end of death and Autumn And with each new morn there is hope Wondering what each day will become And realising that we can cope I see there's a bridge made by the leaves Showing their death will build the future Petals from flowers show they to believe What more do we need to ensure? ----- Hope I wonder and think of you each day Wishing you next to me in anticipation Wondering if I am thought of the same way As I hold you with desire filled passion. Was it fate that brought us together at first? I am not sure why I speak this way and all say I know it's you that is fulfilling that thirst I am missing you because you are so far away. Do we follow our hearts striving for that dream? I think about you and miss you more each day Uncertain of the direction of that loves beam I pray with hope that love will come our way. ----- Life's Bridges We all build some bridges in our lives Sometimes they help us go where we wish to And with that help, hopefully each one arrives Sometimes however a long time overdue. Whilst others arrive by other means Occasionally earlier, most ofttimes late Showing that some paths aren't all they seem And sometimes a wall has replaced a gate. Like love and a "thought partner" gone awry Believing them "In love", believing them and trust Never believing that, "That one love," could die And so much of that love, turn to dust. That road ahead becomes a desert highway With tarmac replaced by wind blown sand And too often sandstorms block the way Unable to see further than just one hand. Then seeing blue skies and all clear ahead Foot down on the throttle as fast as can be Of sand dunes, rocks there's naught to dread And that road to the bridge is now free. ----- Long Overdue Winters wind is ofttimes toothpaste fresh Whilst summer's is now a distant yesterday. Springtime is perhaps with love refreshed Or where nights possess the coldness of today. Need tomorrow's creed be a biting winter chill Or should one look ahead to better days Back to reality and throw away that bitter pill And remember warmth of those sunny ways. Now days are brimming with the magic that's you Gone are the parading autumn leaves and dust Instead green and blossom that's long overdue And looks from eyes that flash with trust. ----- Nature's Rules We all travel through life like wagon trains Leaving our tracks where we go on the grass Like wagon wheels on fresh virgin plains Making our presence in life felt as we pass Or perhaps footprints in the fresh beach sand Where in time the tide will wash away our trail. We sow our seed and they grow as planned But beating nature by growing on a larger scale The once lush fields once again become dirt. And so, the seasons come and go, as do we In the depth of winter there is another desert Nature has decreed it so and we must agree For a while some men ignore what is true And capitalise on what they have thieved But eventually they all will learn and rue Remembering that balance must be achieved. ----- Somewhere In Time IV Somewhere in time two lovers kissed And time stood still for just a while Creating a mood of supreme bliss Fate looked down and began to smile. She is not heartless nor is she cruel And recognised that true love exists Seeing that this indeed was a jewel Somewhere in time two lovers kissed Somewhere in time the lovers wished Separate upon the fullness of the moon They wished that they could be united And even more that it would be soon. Fate listened and granted their wish Proving with love you need to persist Now they have met, each other cherish Somewhere in time two lovers kissed Somewhere in time two lovers walked Along the path that Fate had ordained As they walked they kissed and talked Through eternity their love remained And together they still share one soul The moon and stars have witnessed this And forevermore this shall be so Somewhere in time two lovers kissed Somewhere in time Fate made a vow And kept that vow throughout all time The Gods all said that this was fine Somewhere in time two lovers kissed. ----- Unequal Torment It's the darkest of nights I've ever seen The trees bends their backs in the wind Attempting to escape from nature's spleen With thousands destroyed, as yet un-sinned. Yet much further south or is it further north The city light's shine as folks watch the events Seeing the last terror that nature's brought forth And seeing the latest victims living in Tents. We tut and feel sorry then whinge about gas Then see a silver huge four wheel Honda go past Realising that the diminutive driver's an ass And this kind of attitude cannot last. ----- X as in Kiss Your opal eyes peer into mine I feel them searching my soul As if by magic it starts to shine I now know the feeling of being whole. Just one look has made it so What would a touch or kiss then start? A deluge of words and deeds would flow And who knows what path we'd chart? A future guided by your opal eyes And two shining souls by love united With these acts there would be no surprise Together to Nirvana we'd be invited. ----- Veriest A meal of hunger thrusting lips to your lips Rolling the luscious slowly 'cross my tongue To draw the rhythm movement to your hips Leaving no low moan melody to be unsung. My thoughts conceived in that dark earth When love that rooted, pierced unto the core Of yielding hearts, blossoming fire to birth Consuming in every moment even more. ----- You Have Built a Bridge Each day the bridge gets longer and longer There was a time when I only needed to reach out That was when our love was much stronger Now the flood has gone and we are in drought You have built a bridge between us, why? Did I not show my love? Did I not please you? Then what was it that caused your love to die? I see plants growing now, blocking my view. back to list |
Leny RooversI'm breathing in your cleansing light, receive your blessing with each breath; as exhalations clear my sight, I'm freed from chains of thought-bound death. I walk the bridge between both worlds while shrugging off once shackling ties- ahead, a whole new view unfurls, where light of truth dissolves all lies. I offer you my heart and soul, lay down small wishes at your feet. Without my burden I'll be whole- into you silence I retreat. In you all limits fade away, until there is but One displayed. ----- Evensong Through half closed curtains of my room I watch high crowns of elm-trees sway in rhythm with bold night wind's boom as evening falls in tones of gray. Dusk's music sings it quiet tune, prepares my senses for day's rest; above the treetops smiles full moon, with her cool light my night is blessed. I hear the voice of southbound planes and in the distance humming cars; as blackbirds add their sweet refrain, dark velvet is adorned with stars. I smell the fragrance of night's breeze, with cool fingers touching my skin. As thoughts slow down, I am at ease, then close my eyes and snuggle in. I still can taste our last long kiss, you arms around me, holding close; we'll keep this memory of bliss till once again we'll share repose. ----- Expectations Most branches of my apple tree bend low with weight of promised flood- green apples grow like pods in peas, from time to time I hear one thud. Each day I harvest unripe fruit that fell into my garden pond; high in the tree green parrots loot- sampling apples, of which they're fond. I hope they'll leave me some this year they haven't tried before I could, when I hear screaming flocks appear, I fear they'll steal more than they should... ----- Golden edges By golden edges days are touched like dark grey skies are lit by light; when distance stops to matter much, our voices ring out in delight. How could I wish you closer still, when you are part of every breath and in my blood I feel your thrill- you'll be with me beyond our death. My body is attuned to you, each heartbeat echoes with your name, while deep within my cells accrues new understanding of love's flame. As sunlight plays on windswept leaves brushing a touch of gold on trees, I watch the swallows in the eaves and listen to the humming bees. ----- Light This afternoon most trees were pruned to bring more light in kitchen's gloom; dark ivy curtains grew festooned, obscured each view of pond and blooms. We sawed off branches thick as arms, they softly sighed when toppling down. My garden soon regained her charm, when we had cleared each fallen crown. As soon as sunlight reached the pond, my goldfish came and swam around; I'd never thought they'd be as fond as I, to bask in warmth now found. I'm sitting on my garden-swing, enjoying fish and sun- I sing. ----- Outside As curtains of rain's pearls adorn each pane, clear mantras fill the room, cleansing my mind. The sky looks soft, with fat white clouds in reign, and on the grass a man- in calls entwined. His bright green hard hat moves around, he walks, oblivious of watching eyes and sound. His head nods like a huge green bud on stalks, he talks- while long strides cover lots of ground. Two orange elevators ride up high along construction's still scaffolded floors; in a blue patch of sky, two magpies fly- machines are labouring, yet birds just soar. From wooden tiers, trail tattered, azure veils, in better days they covered open flanks; bold winds have ripped them since, from once strong nails- they're shattered now, torn stockings on bare shanks. ----- Peace I'm in my office, looking out. High winds set trees to twirl and shake; while builders on the high-rise shout, Sun paints green leaves with golden flakes. Blue skies are wide like mirrored seas, white cirrus clouds are specked with black- as swallows' flight with this strong breeze takes them right up on heaven's track. The yellow crane turns gracefully and lowers stones to men below; I see arms reaching eagerly, my world is moving in a flow. Soft music adds to inner peace; I watch my fingers on the keys, as words appear, I feel release- then smile at the still dancing trees. ----- Presence Inside, my love is growing like a flower in its bud, my heart is overflowing as I feel you in my blood. I see you in orchids' blooms- their strength and lasting beauty; you're present in sunlit rooms, in glows of fulfilled duty. You're in laughter's sudden thrill when happy tears are streaming. You're the spark in spirit's skil and in my night-time dreaming. ----- Rainbows Each rainbow builds a bridge for us to dare and look beyond the colours of the earth. Translucent steps entice my soul to share the shining splendour of their arc's new birth . As colours shimmer against lead-grey skies, bold sunlight throws her veils across dark clouds; in surreal blazing bands bright bows arise, my heart hears angels' music tear off shrouds. As eyes behold this wonder of the spheres, I'm humbled by the greatness of your might. When colours start to fade, I feel my tears flow as soft raindrops sparkle with new light. ----- Views Tall trees bend deeply to the right, the high-rise rattles its torn sheets. White gulls are screeching in swift flight as storm blows leaves through wind-swept streets. Fresh raindrops add staccato tones and tyres squeak when breaking hard; inside, the aircon gently moans- outside rings laughter in the yard. The yellow crane swings to and fro, drops heavy loads in waiting hands; hard-hats are working in lamps' glow, bowed over spread-out A1 plans. Slowly new buildings show their face- still empty sockets wait for eyes; wide-open doors will soon embrace the happy owners and their ties. ----- Weeding I'm weeding in the garden of my mind; I'm on my knees, my fingers search the soil to extract roots that long have been confined. As shoots are being freed, tight knots uncoil. I follow every tendril to its seed, then try to clear the earth of hidden germs; I'll work my inner garden free of weed and set my standards high, to meet your terms. Each day I'll dedicate part of my time to carefully unwinding knotted roots; the seed you planted will be free to climb, so it may bloom and one day bear sweet fruits. back to list |
Nia WynneAt night my mind grows tired and weak Hardly able to link together thoughts at all Shrinking away from realities that seek To destroy with bitterness and gall. At night, before midnight dreams come I wish to possess control and extol The ideas from daylight musings I've won By virtue of poetic arts that for inspirations do roll. At night there is no goddess to amuse With themes of love, friendship or nature For she slumbers with the gods, no use To the empty lighthouse, where storms it must endure -----
Changes Mornings are not the like before, When we were young and carefree No aches or pains wracked us to the core, Only graceful liquid movement were out bodies. When you see the sun it hurts your eyes, The glasses you wear cause much more glare, People don't see us the same, too, hard as we try Sight fails to lift our heavy veil of cares. Sunsets bring only more concern, Worries amplified in the dark of nights, Will we even be here to discern To make the most of Gods gift of another dawning light? ----- Freedom Fear leads you to the dark side Comes to the choice of whether Too stay inside and abide Peaceful solitude or stormy weather. Darkness leads you to a bad place, Chaos follows and gives nothing But pain and sorrows to face, Light not showing the way you're going. Freedoms lead you where you desire, Choices made can't be unmade, Toss your coin into the fire, Either way you'll make a trade. ----- I Saw Your Heart I saw the flower of your heart Across the bridge, the bridge of the sea Where mermaids sing of oceans art And love was just one part to see. I saw the Waratah tree blooming So red and sweet the birds all flocked Across the bridge where you were crooning The fairest love song that came to my dock. I saw from afar that your heart was great, No need to stay on my side of earth, Instead I laughed at lonelier fates, Knew then I'd cross over to find eternal mirth. ----- Lost Dove I had a thought my mouth wouldn't tell, This heart holds a hand in times Too desperate drear and so it swelled, It burst the bonds of earth to climb. I had a heart upon a mountains crown That fell so far from grace of love Time alone couldn't erase it's frown So it came to rest without its dove. back to list |
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