2009 Form Challenges

#21 Cyhydedd Fer Sonnet

Divena Collins The Arabian Stallion Beauty beholds the desert sands, In Arabia`s far off foreign lands, Not a finer horse has ever been bred, Beautiful form, with a fine held head, Strong arched neck, tail held high, Flared nostrils, and keen dark eyes, Never beaten for valour, and speed, Gracious albino, prince of steeds. Bred for intelligence, sound of mind, A nicer mount, would be hard to find Sure footed, never to lose his stance Loves to frolic, free spirits enhance, Borne from womb of a chosen dam, Fiery, yet as gentle as a lamb. ----- Flames of Love Love is a flame within our heart. To keep alight would be an art, These acts of passions to behold, How true this love, it does enfold, Fleeting glances, my eyes met thine, Warm embraces, as lips brushed mine, I smoulder unto thy cherished arms Infatuated by masculine charms, Whyever then, doth my heart ache so, Your love is sincere, thus I know, These feelings are so deep inside, Love in our eyes, just cannot hide, Close affection, we must not ignore. This flame shall flicker for evermore. St Dwywen, 5th cetury Welsh Saint of Lovers ----- Froggies Ho-down Ball Song Ho hum ho, fiddly diddly doe, I`ll play a tune on my old banjo, Bluegrass ho-down y`all can hop, Along with froggy at the pond bebop, Swing that toad, the toad so sweet, Back to the froggy with big flat feet, Turn her around on the old lily pad, Stomp the swamp, there`s fun to be had, Kiss your partner`now don`t you wince Never kin tell, he may be a prince, Jumpin` and a`hoppin all night long Plunkin` my banjo, croakin` a song, Come on every froggy one an` all To bluegrass, be-bop, ho-down ball. Y'all Come Back Now ----- Just Me Ramblin On Oh Dear, methinks I dost get wearie betimes, I do get mesel`in a right muddle o` rhymes, I try me best, but me grammers no goode For its all I can do is to cooke the foode. Me` spellin is jaded, I never could reade Mayhap I am rightly just goin` to seede. O, I wish I was a skoller, and learnt. A.B C `Stead of slavin`bye the stove makin` tee I dusts and sweeps, and irons and sows, I not doo sums, its me brain ,thou knows. I try to rite poetry its not wot it seemes Most of thee time I do set, in my dreames One daye pretty soon I surprises thee all. When I picks meself up, before I do fall. ----- Loves Destiny Love`s destiny lies deep in my heart, Which groweth fonder when thy part, Dost not thy love, increase each day? Thus, passion stonger, thro` brief delay, I shalt not sport a roving eye, Nor cupids arrow from the sky, For my heart doth beat just for thee, And thou my lover, holdeth the key, A kiss of passion as ever was, Longing for thus, with no more pause, Those sensual feelings then suppressed Shalt with ardour, then be expressed, For love runneth deeply, and retains Cherished hearts, where love remains. ----- Man on the Moon Mister Moon, shining in the sky Can I ask you a question `Why` Is what people say really true Does a man, live on there, with you ? I look up, but there is no face Nor even a sign, of our human race, I should be sleeping in my bed But I talk here, with you instead, Why, is it you so brightly glow? Please tell me, for I want to know. Did a cow really jump over you ? Read that, in my nursery book too Someones coming, I have to creep I should be in bed fast asleep. ----- Oh My Love Oh my love, thou doth vex me so, Desirous dreams, of thee doth flow, I hold thee close when thou art near, When thou art gone, I shed a tear, How wilst I fare, without thy touch, Or one kiss, for I love thee much, Thou hast, kindled a fire within, To banish heat, `twould be a sin, For you my love, my heart doth race, When I do dream of thy embrace, For far too long, hast I been chaste Do not forsake this love to waste, For all thy do, and all thy say I cherish thee now, more each day. ----- Reach For the Sun If the sun was mine to give you my love, I would gladly reach the heavens above, To bring warmth back to you once more And rid your body of the pain you bore, For one who had so much will to live Dear brother you had so much to give. To friends and family you were the best You fought to live, with vigour and zest For seven years you had cheated death. It was not for you, the cold damp earth, You defied the inevitable fight for life But cancer cut you down, like a knife, I would gladly reach the heavens above If I thought you would return, my love. ----- A Scented Garden Scented gardens are perfect bliss, To lay, where honeyed dew drops kiss, On soft moss bed, sweet campion lace, With my true lovers warm embrace, Contented are we, `neath the blue sky. Watching the fluffy clouds float by. Lost in a dream, enclosed in his arms, Of sweet caresses, soothing, and calm, Whispers of love and gentle sighs, Lingering kisses with misty eyes, Intoxicating with scented blooms, As sun goes down, and darkness looms, A perfect lovers romance and bliss, We lay where honeyed dew drops kiss. ----- Vision What ails ye, Vision of the night, That haunts the glade by twilight, Hath thou lost now, a love so dear Or from thy sad eyes, shed a tear, Hast love in thy heart, now been taken Fantasies of love forever forsaken, Vision in white, where dost thou go For bitter, northern winds doth blow, Art thou this vision of the night, Thy unrest spirit lost in flight, Thou have no pain, nor feelings nigh. None to see, but a saddened eye. In times of olde, sweet love thy found Thy heart, and soul, art now still bound. ----- Ye Days of Olde How romantic, were ye days of olde, That simple life, of beauty untold, Narrow cart paths, where geese doth roam, Quaint cosy cottages, folk named home, Those days, when only horse power reigned Hours of toil, but all was gained. Gardens full of productive growth. Of vegetables and fruit trees both, No noise of trains, or aeroplanes. Just pony and trap, in country lanes, Families were larger, with no TV, Candle lit homes, so romantically. While wood stove fires, set forth a glow From bitter winters, frost and snow. back to list

Jem Farmer Am Dwynwen The test of love's intent reveals that truth is seen by blesséd eels. And from the depths of Welsh legend, false hearts can no longer pretend. A story of love is found when exploring the past of Llandwyn. For Dwynwen gave her pure heart to one who tore her soul apart. Praying her heart would soon forget a potion to avenge pain's debt. Yet she forgave her heart's desire and her spirit found sacred fire. The words from a saintly princess Nothing wins hearts like cheerfulness ----- Butterfly of Purity The briefest time when you were near, a single glance lifted my fear. A butterfly of purity, bringing love and surety. Carbon copies of emotion pooled in our sweet love's devotion. Budding senses yearning to feel before my world turned to cold steel. For butterfly wings are fragile and love isn't always docile. You, unsurpassed beauty, faded so my cold heart remains jaded, until once more you hold my hand, lead me to the ethereal land. ----- Raindrops to the Sea I wish that you could see it too, how I long to be loved by you. No longer can my heart be free, I'm lost as raindrops to the sea. Each morning seems empty and cruel like a ring that's mislaid its jewel. The only abatement, to work, before my heart goes quite berserk. But nights are filled with love's extremes as once again you fill my dreams. Senses gyrate to meet your gaze, if only there could be no days. I figured this love out last night, as long as I sleep it's all right. ----- Soul Deep In dreamland where my heart is free there is a sweeping willow tree. Beneath its boughs I often sit soul-deep in passionate spirit. There I hear my nightingale sing and my heart takes flight on love's wing. And no distance can stand between a bard and her poetic quean. Oh if only I should not wake or hear the alarm's rumbling quake. In dreams where love can be so real, so vibrant, yet remains genteel. For hearts have no reason to weep in the magical world of sleep. ----- Yuletide Sonnet I As nights are growing longer now, so turns the Wheel to hallowed bough. For her glory and our delight, our Mother Earth is dressed in white. Across the sky the stars will creep as God of Sun still rests in sleep. A flaming bough upon the grate with dance and song we celebrate. On Yuletide night he shall return, from depths of winter's cold sojourn. Our thanks for peaceful blessings reel as season's turn on Nature's wheel. and all our hopes shall spring anew as dawn descends across the view. ----- Yuletide Sonnet II Prey gather here, and merry be, for this our winter's jubilee. In words and song of Yuletide night we'll share our hearts in Solstice rite. And tell the tales of those before who turned the dark to light once more. To ancient Celts we sing our song amid the stones where they belong. To end the night, to end the dark rekindle spirits with a spark and greet the dawn with joy and fun the rebirth of the sacred Sun. To tell this tale I made my vow as nights are growing longer now. ----- Yuletide Sonnet III Prey gather ye of ash and oak, from woods of ancient Celtic folk, who came with hope to bring good cheer, on fleeting foot, from far and near. They set the logs to altar fire, a beacon light across the shire. In words of love for friends and kin the Yuletide feast can now begin. So let our hearts and hands entwine and share of food and winter wine. Amid our merriment and mirth, we mote for peace upon the Earth, From ancient times to here and now so turns the Wheel to hallowed bough. ----- Yuletide Sonnet IV Prey gather here in circle round, let their voices echo through ground, as to the Hornéd Lord they sing, to bring us light and bring us Spring. Rejoice! The moonrise to the east. Rejoice! Each man, child and beast. The flames of Yula growing high they sing to Her, the Queen of sky. Our Celtic ancestors of the Earth, again they call the sun's rebirth. The rhythmic beat, their dancing feet, still echoes through our merry meet, of lunar children in the night for Her glory and our delight. ----- Yuletide Sonnet V They stood, our Goddess in their eyes Maiden, Mother and Crone of Wise. And as a hush fell all around a stillness in the night was found. Maiden with holly in her hand the source of life across our land. Mother with child beneath the moon a whisper of life coming soon. And sapient Crone turned the wheel so life may grow and we may heal. In the silence they softly spoke of Nature's ways and Celtic folk. Of wintertime and darkest night when Mother Earth is dressed in white. ----- Yuletide Sonnet VI I am Goddess, Maiden of night a youthful future shining bright. The bud that grows from planted seed as icy winter nights recede. And scented blossoms on the trees that sough amid the vernal breeze. As golden rays of springtime dawn I am the hope of Earth reborn. The wheel of life, make no mistake, shall turn around as lands awake. I am Goddess, Maiden of joy, with light the darkness I destroy, from mountains to the oceans deep across the sky stars slowly creep. ----- Yuletide Sonnet VII I am Goddess, Mother of life, with hope and peace where there is strife. The chalice of life brings you cheer as times of light are drawing near. My swollen belly ripe with child and eyes that shine gentle and mild. I hold the Sun with in my soul to feed your crops and fill your bowl. I am Goddess, the Moon's gateway, I bring the light for which you pray. The power and brightest spark but only seen whence it's dark. Until the dawn does mark its keep the God of Sun still rests in sleep. ----- Yuletide Sonnet VIII I am the Goddess, old and wise the Crone of truth, of Earth and skies. Ancient wisdom answers your call bringer of death, the end of all. Within the whispered fears of night I am the dark, I am the light. And as tonight I turn the wheel I bring you growth and motes to heal. I am the Goddess of Nature's heart henceforth the night shall soon depart I call powers of burning flame, mystic rites of sacred Atheme. The blessings of wisdom create, a flaming bough upon the grate. ----- Yuletide Sonnet IX A festive night beneath the stars and music drifts from folk guitars. Voices recall an ancient time with stories told in Celtic rhyme. The warrior men, brave and strong gather by the fire, a merry throng. A blessing made where Yula stood, they poured the wine upon the wood . As silence fell among the ring, there stepped out the Holly King. His face was masked with leaves of green as eyes of wonder watched the scene This blesséd night he'd consecrate, with dance and song we celebrate. ----- Yuletide Sonnet X He is the light the God of Sun and over darkness He has won. The life returned to leafless trees and morning birds upon a breeze. From antlered stag in forest glade to man and child in this parade. He is Her son reborn each Yule as dawn presents its golden jewel. We share the feast with song and dance and watch the morning light advance. From His autumnal sacrifice through winter's winds of snow and ice The Celtic folk set logs to burn on Yuletide night, He shall return. ----- Yuletide Sonnet XI The time had come to cast the bough upon the flames in sacred vow. The Holly King gave the command and on the flames, the log did land. And with the early signs of dawn they knew the Sun God to be born With whispered chants, the flames grew higher to skies above from the fire. They kissed the stars and touched the moon for warmth and light to return soon. The gathered Celts marvel the sight as dark once more returned to light. So the wheel of life slowly turns from depths of winter's cold sojourn. ----- Yuletide Sonnet XII The three stood, waiting for sunrise, the living Goddess in their eyes, They listened to the voices chant, the words of rite, for them to grant an end to winter's longest night, as the Wheel turns towards the light. They gazed on those that stood nearby, the Celtic folk all gathered nigh. And mid the smoke, they raised their hands their voices sang of Her commands. As light returned life to the world and gentle rays of dawn unfurled. The Celtic voices set the peel with thanks for peaceful blessings reel. ----- Yuletide Sonnet XIII The Celtic folk gazed to the east as the Sun King came to their feast. the radiance of gold touched them all as He came to answer their call. The light was bright, the sky was clear, no more shall darkness hold their fear. In early morning shades they knew the blessings of the Wise were true. And as the dawn, their hopes fulfilled they knew that Nature would rebuild. The white cold of Winter's power had no hold as of dawn's hour Old secrets of the Celts revealed as season's turn on Nature's wheel. ----- Yuletide Sonnet XV So now, my Celtic story ends 'Tis time to say farewell, my friends. Amid this circle made of stone I stand once more but on my own. And if you care to have regard These words of mine, a humble bard. Remember the Celts on Yule night how their magic brought back the light Their message to bring thoughts of peace, once more, their power can release. Therefore, darkness shall never last as hope and love comes from the past. Now I must bid you all adieu as dawn descends across the view. back to list

Ryter Roethical Balance Each plant that pushes forth new leaves Is aware life that it conceives Blossoms forth its symbolic scenes To procreate and pass on its genes Reliant on symbiosis for the key And needs the help of worker bee Or other creature that passes seed To fertilize each plant and weed And as the seasons wax and wane One year's loss is another's gain 'cause Nature balances with time So that nothing can 'ere outclimb All things are equal we must learn A balanced life is the concern. ----- Chance Given a chance new life begins It thrives, and fits and lives within Growing, shaping, adapting to strife This is the challenge put on life. Each plant mutates and adapts so Dormant in sand, sleeping in snow. Every year starts off Natures round On looking close new shoots are found. Each plant awakens within the ground And plant life everywhere abounds. Now is the time, the chance to grow And flow'rs and plants begin to show. All this is part of Natures plan The least of which should humble man. ----- Corporate Lies The world from space looks lush and green Here the destruction is obscene. What man's done in the name of gain Civilization has gone insane. Destroying forests to build new towns Acting like a bunch of circus clowns. Vehicles we drive pollute the air But we carry on without care. Soon we will be asked to pay Faced with the truth what will we say? It's not to late to make amends Wise people watch what they spend. The media all have biased ties All we hear are corporate lies. ----- Curtain Fall Finally there's no time left to weep Instead a time when all must sleep There's no way that we can't pretend As darkness comes it all will end. One by one the stars fade and die Leaving a dark and empty sky. No sun will rise, no wondrous dawn The moon and stars are all now gone. On the stage of life no-one will play The actors are gone, no lines to say. They gave their bow and bade farewell Most to Heaven, the rest to Hell. The curtain falls, all life is through With the dimming lights I bid "Adieu". ----- Deadly Sins All given to man and his conceit A place to live and plenty to eat. Living simply upon the Earth Nourished well, finding out life's worth Living as one within her ways Hard work was rewarded with praise Those who knew would never compete Never needing to steal or cheat With ancient ways there was no dearth Nature's bosom a bountiful berth. But greed came along some wanting more And in taking left others poor. Those deadly sins given to man Were never part of Nature's plan. ----- Essence Given a chance new life begins Like spiders and the web they spin. Creatures know their place, seek a mate Beasts live in peace within their state. Each plant that pushes forth new leaves Knows balance must be achieved Begins to produce so life grows. It has its time here then it goes All given to man and his conceit Truly believing his minds deceit With time forgot it's not his plan. Stating it all was given to man Denying everyday a species dies All we hear are corporate lies. ----- Falling Snow Passing through life like wagon trains Leaving tracks on fresh virgin plains. For a while we disturbed the grass Our existence felt as we pass. Or footprints in the fresh beach sand Our seeds rarely grow as planned. The tides soon wash away our trail We can't beat nature on any scale. Once lush fields again become dirt, The depth of winter another desert. Seasons come and go, as do we, Nature decrees and we must agree. Mans life is naught but falling snow, It has its time here, then it goes. ----- Grandsons of Cain We're not kings and ne'r shall be gods Almost too late realising the odds. We took out oil and put back naught All by barons who had one thought. The petrol oceans will be drained Now the facts have been explained Some now travel a thoughtful way But for the SUV we all must pay. Now Satan looks and laughs at God, Man has ridden o'er Earth roughshod. We had a home and food to eat Had only to share and not to cheat. Grandsons of Cain drew up their plan Stating it all was given to man. ----- Ingratitude In older times, man took from Earth And replaced in kind, of equal worth. Man was smart, simple in his ways Knowing always the user pays. Later formal offerings of the gift Celebrating as the seasons shift. Now it's ripped out with no thought Ignorant of from whom they've bought. Coal or gold, taking out great wealth Mine owners think only of self. No gift to the Gods thanking them They steal credit and then condemn. Goodness has been cast out by man With time forgot it's not his plan. ----- Just Your Look Welcome the Sun, smile, say Hello, And don't be afraid to watch it go Just be thankful knowing somewhere There is someone for whom you care. Eyes light up with the sight of you. Hopes of a day making dreams true; Sounds of silence when naught needs said Looking forwards to times ahead The look, on her face when you groan. Her falling tears mix with your own. Her lips curve, are smiles from her heart. Her touch, tells you, you'll never part. Her hand, as it reaches to hold your face. The clock as it stops time, and space. ----- Media Facts Truth is written on sheets of paper Now it meaning so much vapour. The teller replaces facts with lies Statistics that make angels cry. Everything suffers in the process, And trees cut down 'thout remorse The lungs of the earth are removed Like a cancerous growth unproved "Rent a crowd" protesters are as bad Mercenaries who're scruffily clad But it's a job, doing it for pay. Helping the media of Fleet Street Truly believing his minds deceit. ----- Poetry Remains The sun has set behind the hills With it the glow and evenings chills. The clouds hide the moon and Heaven. Darkness pervades as though seven Horsemen waving swords would appear, And everything we love and hold dear Would then vanish in that darkness. It would be an end to progress. Suddenly there is a flicker Like street lamp by a lamplighter. The power is back, the storm has gone And now we know we'll see the dawn. I've sat here writing despite the rains Proving that poetry always remains. ----- Raptors The eagle soaring, a wondrous sight Feathers spread balancing its flight. Riding the thermals where it belongs Playing with the air, listen to its songs. In the night another raptor's king With no respect for fools who sing. No less majestic, who sees him soar, Is it important, is there more? Man knows there is beauty in flight Will not spend time day or night Giving Nature respect he owes. This is where his wisdom flaws Each raptor king although relieved Knows that balance must be achieved. ----- Simplicity Creatures know their place seek a mate. Thinking he is the master of his fate But man is nothing but a beast And just like them must breath and feast Wrapped up in the scheme of things Following what 'er his planning brings. The Brehon laws of the Ancient Celt Know how the original creation felt Knew what Nature was really worth. The simple ways that feels the Earth Beasts and plants in absolute harmony Man has to learn what has to be. Some must return to simpler ways Forget thinking of what it pays. ----- Spring Spring is when Nature comes alive Worker bees in and out the hive Their daily task helps life renew The air is clear and all life is new Blossoms bloom on bush and tree A drop of honey to this busy bee For this task plants gives in return. There's no need for any concern For every task a fee is due Each year Nature says "Thank you". This way each year new life returns Just rewards and from it, it earns The simple way that all life knows Begins to procreate so life grows. ----- Truth Beasts live in peace within their state, Balance changes, so does their fate. Should one species become too strong Nature levels it before too long. With her balance there isn't deceit Man comes along he's known to cheat Ignoring that he's an alternate form. Different from other creatures born Out of ignorance not an evil act Ignoring "Tribal ways" as fact Technology only deceives. Ask the ancients what they believe. Sun is father to mother Earth To all forms of life she gave birth. ----- Webonaughts What of places that are dim and dark Are they less of Nature than the park? Occasionally seen by light of day, Have they a right to have their say? Man always removes beasts of fear Persistent returning year by year Coming back when he turns away In spite of man they have their say. What of creatures in this domain The little beasts, part of the chain. Creatures that feed on mans refuse Nature has an important use. There'll be a time when Nature wins Like a spider and the web she spins. ----- Whaling and More Japans world is filled with crime Allowing the extinct list to climb. Ignoring everyday a species dies Presents us with outrageous lies. Their Whaling ships scour the seas Making profit for their companies. Deaf and blind to the worlds cries Typically not feeling humanities. "Maritime research" they call it Just to make it all sound legit. Their research is sold as table food The profit from it is very good. Deaf and blind to the worlds cries, Ignoring that everyday a species dies. back to list

Leny Roovers Sea of Love I'll gladly follow you into love's sea, surrender thoughts to crests of waves set free and be reborn in waters' sweet retreat. Your body holds me close as curves repeat the gentle swelling movement love evokes - we'll reach our peaceful shore with tender strokes. Resurfacing I catch your smiling eyes, find mirrored ripples of my joyful cries. Lifting my face to kiss your laughing lips, I feel your hands upon my still bare hips. You softly touch my skin, still glowing pink; then, as so oft, I ask you what you think. I'll follow you into the sea of love, forget all worries, join the stars above. ----- Waking Up As outside sounds tear open day's curtains, harsh light intrudes and leaves me uncertain; torn between rushing thoughts' drive and night's charms, I can't find solace in my lover's arms. He's gently snoring and keeps me embraced - our sleep-heavy limbs are still interlaced. My mind 's wide awake and ready to go, take part in the scenes, set for today's show. Why can't I just lean back, shut off the light, accept love's temptations in sheer delight? Thoughts tumble and fall, my legs hurt and twitch, I sigh, then get up, escape from mind's itch. Night's curtains were torn as light touched my eyes; far in the distance I hear echoed cries. ----- Waterfall As water flows from high above, it echoes sighs of passionate love. I feel your hands urge me along, in clouds of froth and crystal song; exciting powers, now unleashed, seek harmony in sounds' pastiche. As droplets reach the waiting lake, we shift and share each joyful shake. Receptacle of stirred-up streams, my mind absorbs far moon's pale beams. In soft caress against my skin, your touch brings peace from deep within- we've felt how waterfall's strong force has brought us closer to our source. back to list

Nia Wynne Amour non Retournés In the middle of the blue sea The man in the black boat smiles freely Trussing up his lines with the latest bobs Securely tieing up all the knots, he sobs Into the briny waves As his fish he saves In a bucket of seaweed So he can save them for his need. Another vessel had passed by unesteemed A red one with a heart on it's flag of dreams Slipping past the black boats prow Yet unseen above the skippers brow, And too low for an esteemed captain Just a pleasant interlude to make him smile again. ----- Life's Harvest Horses in the harvest may bring From fields for the asking All the hay, yet prefer to eat Than haul the wagons to complete The cycle of nature's bounty For all that there is aplenty And many more plants we've sown Like a lifetime of friends flown Some still live, others pass away For there is no other today Children of the earth do depend On birth and rebirth till the end Of time, if it ever does stop Surely the universe will drop back to list