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2013 Poetry Form Challenge#01 Common and Hymnal MeasureCommon Measure This is a multi stanza form consisting of three rhymes alternating with Iambic Tetrameter, (4 feet) and Iambic Trimeter, (3 feet). Using the folk song "House of the rising sun it gives a suggested pattern of:
This is a stricter form than the Common, and consists only of two rhymes still alternating with Iambic Tetrameter and Trimeter, using "Amazing Grace", gives a suggested pattern of:
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Common and Hymnal Measure
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Maryse AchongA little piece of paradise Is what here used to be Where life was sweet; to be precise We called it 'God's country.' What could have made the people change, Filling them with this greed, And although you may find this strange Some claim 'wealth', some say 'need.' The boom days are here once again And for some all is well, But many still sing the refrain, That 'poverty is hell!' Some feel the drug trade is to blame, It's every where you turn; It starts at home, yet others claim, Both cause for grave concern. One generation has been lost, And one is in distress, 'Progress' came at too high a cost, And now we're in a mess. ----- Dream Breakers (CM) Myriad thoughts assail my mind Breaking my reverie, Without even a 'by your leave' They take this liberty. Like angry bees some buzz around Stinging repeatedly, Whilst others like butterflies float And then alight gently. Questions and answers do a dance That leaves me quite dizzy Until at last I say "Enough!" Causing them all to flee.. ----- Games (CM) Some puzzles can be lots of fun Intriguing 'til the end, Whilst others are so nerve wracking They drive you 'round the bend!' No cat and mouse games for me please, And no more 'Hide and Seek,' For often times those childish games Can cause a fit of pique. I've tired of 'Riddle a Ree,' And Blind Man's Bluff's okay, But if given my choice of game, Scrabble is what I play ----- Life (CM) A stream of 'hellos' and 'goodbyes' Sometimes too much to take, And I wonder where the time flies, It takes my breath away. Yet how I cherish those old ties Each one for its own sake; And 'til one or the other dies, Those bonds are here to stay. ----- Words (HM) At times I think that you are near, Am sure I hear you speak My name out loud and I can swear I feel you touch my cheek. Sometimes I play a song and sense That you are there; and I Am overcome by an immense Feeling of joy, I cry. And though so many years have gone Since we were made to part, The words you wrote to me live on Imprinted on my heart. back to list |
Kathy AndersonI want to pick up this pen now And throw it at the face That only gives me looks of how Much hate it, no more grace, No more than contempt will allow. Nothing but hurt wins aces, Love finds no peace nor place right now, Pain wins all the places. back to list |
Terry ClitheroeEarly morning light plays gently On her sleeping form And the morning sun's golden rays Are pleased to keep her warm. The warmth of suns embrace, bless her In the early hours of morn With the sound of the dawn chorus Heralding her alone. With a happy smile and a stretch she's embracing the morn The whole world is so happy now This day has now been born.  ----- Corruption CM The black trees in my minds corner Grow rancid with death's fruit. Corruption and the smell of sulphur As my body takes root Decaying stench forms on my breath. The worms tear and butcher My flesh again to the earth restoreth The soil takes me to her Finally earth becomes one with flesh Time erases my crypt My soul rests again in Asgoreth Soon life'll write another script.  ----- A Glass a Day (CM) Why should I forgo a glass of wine Or even two perhaps. It relax's my poor stress'd out mind Returning thoughts from scraps. Some say that drinking is a Sin But often Christ drank wine. He turn'd water to wine one day And it tasted sublime. Some doctors say it's good for you And drinking red is good. Mine likes a glass of Chardonnay That's been well ag'd in wood. One should drink wine with every meal Not beer, spirits, or pop. It aids digestion, how you feel And no way should you stop.  ----- For Just a Short While (CM) For just a short while she dreamed Whilst moons shone on oceans. Her dreams were of previous scenes Memories living emotions. Times of love that she would repeat again, not just memories. Creating a future full of recall Times and loves certainties. She smiled, again remembering On the beach in the rain. But now they were so much older, And no longer refrain. But in truth what e're teens begin, With chagrin must maintain Then because of that each loving, Will never be the same.  ----- Golden Dragons (CM) The golden beast wheeled, circled Aloft in the des'rt sun. As old as time, born before man And history had begun. The sand below hazy, shimmered In early morning heat Spiralling thermals shooting upwards Joined with lazy wing'd beat. And as he glided and spiralled Flying as if in a trance Seeming to the watchers below Just like a merry dance. But as he flew he was listening To the heavens above; Until suddenly he heard her The sound of his true love. The gold on his scales was flashing Blinding watchers on Earth, Shooting upwards and heaven bound To where dragons give birth. For Dragons aren't Earthly creatures They're creatures gifted by Gods Not evil and never malicious Mans greed put them at odds. The Gods loved these gentle creatures Gave scales of purest gold Man, ever greedy and cunning His own evil he told. Always blaming it on dragons His own murderous needs Thanking George and more like him With sainthood's for their deeds. The dragon flew towards the sun Up to his wife and child. His wings beating in fervent haste Heart beating, oh so wild!!  ----- Hopeful Heart (CM) Tread soft my dreams are at your feet, Take care else you step on them Treat them not light, they're all I have Please don't laugh or condemn. That look you gave made me complete, Transformed me again. Our lives now slowly interweave You're the rose, I'm the stem.  ----- Hidden Images (CM) It's good to hear the birds again The heat's gone for a while I hear them almost before dawn Their chatter makes me smile. I heard them then, but not in the heat They had found somewhere cool They did not chat they did not fly And those that did are fools. The sky was blue, no birds were seen Only man was out that day Complaining about the bloody heat And again, that's his way. Listen take a lesson from the birds And stay out of the heat Stay cool and drink lots of water That way, just can't be beat.  ----- Kilroy's Puzzle (CM) Moonlight creates a silver land A land of beauty forever In lovers hearts and revelries Sure it will endeavour. No matter how lovely or grand Lovers sometimes sever And with the dawn those memories Makes a puzzle ever. With the night what ere is planned Enhanced by whatever Will last as long as fate decrees And guarantee it never.  ----- Midnight (CM) You hear the church bells ring midnight Suddenly blood runs cold Thirteen is the number counted Thirteen is what was toll'd. You feel it rather than hear it Soft padding canine feet. Stop, listen now more closely Hear it! Not your heartbeat The steady patter over yonder A lupine leap away You loose your sword, check your pistol Now's the time, learn to pray. "My God" you say and plead, "help me" God cannot hear tonight A million souls are praying All threaten'd by Hells might. Then you smell its hellish odour Sulphur with death and blood You hear the beast's heavy breathing The horse you ride gone wood. Try as you may you cannot move it The beast, fixed to t'ground Your spurs dig in and sorely hurt it Blood is running from t'wound. The hellish creature sniffs the air The scent of fear and blood Nectar to all Satan's creature's It's Ambrosia, its staple food. You draw your pistol from the holster. Drawing comfort from its touch Drawing back the pistols hammer Feeling now you are its match Seeing its leaping straight at you Hitting in heart and head. Not one moment has it faltered It can't be killed with lead. Silver bullets, kill a werewolf Realising where you lie Feeling the creature rip you open Hear screaming as you die. So take warning on all Hallows At night in bed you lie, Keep silver bullets in your pistol, Always keep your powder dry.  ----- No Choice (CM) Between any day and any night You have a different sound. There is no difference how I feel I'm happy your around. Then in the sparkle of your eyes I learn how love was found, And in the shelter of my arms I'm happy your around. You mould me just like potters clay Just feeling you around Love's put my mind in disarray I'm happy your around. I look up at the clear night sky Seeing twinkles abound Because of you, love cannot die It's happy your around.  ----- Out of a Void (HM) Out of a void our love has grown The smallest speck of grain Out of nothing a seed was sown Creating this love domain. Built not of wood, steel, brick or stone With no shelter from rain A pulsing heart, in flesh and bone Made of love, that'll remain. You've won my soul, we're not alone I promise times again Two separate beings are now one Others seek to attain. 
The Void - G Ulch ----- Summers Striptease (CM) Now that the mild summer's over Summer's striptease begins But not lush verdant growth, rather Water starved urchins. It seems like rain has gone forever Poor nature's children's sins Are only those of loss of water And pray that soon it rains. What was green is browny cover Burnt by days constant suns Rain will cleanse and make green ever When fall eventually comes. But nature is her own enemy Lightening strikes cause fire. The wind is no help to anyone Just making blazes higher.  ----- A Stranger in my Own Land (HM) The people down here for breakfast Mostly Korea or Japan Smiling, chatting in their tongue Things I don't understan'. Most of my friends have gone away To their families and homes. Save for my students who're waiting I find myself quite alone. In the taxi that takes me to work Struggling with what I say An Indian that's been here six months I've to show him the way. We travel to work, me leading Midst flashing lights and horns I climb out the car hard breathing Happy to find I'm alone.  ----- Travel With Me (HM) Travel with me along life's path I know you have before. Travel with me as my partner We'll share what is in store. Travel with me and I'll promise To care for you everyway Travel with me as your lover We'll be happy every day. Travel with me in summer's heat I'll save you from any storm Travel with me through the snow I'll always keep you warm. We will travel until times end Sit on this star with me We'll watch as worlds disappear Together for Eternity.  ----- Zus Sprach Liebe Sadness filters deeply through me Sitting listening and I feel Somehow you are where I should be Yet everything about is real. Together, that is how we should be Sharing everything we do. I am happy you feel part of me Realise that I'm part of you Tell me again that it is real Assure me it can be Recall the eternities we feel It's so easy for me. I need to ask 'bout how you feel Without love I can't be Please, please tell me your love is real Speak your feelings for me  back to list |
Divena CollinsNow shall I arise at the breaking of dawn At the start of summer days While the dews is still wet upon the lawn Before the hottest suns rays. I may watch the geese fly in formation A beautiful graceful flight Borne of natures most finest creations With a most spectacular sight For I shall hear the first song of the lark Of the cuckoo and the dove And a woodpecker tapping off the bark From the trunk of a tree above To the calling of a distant vixens bay The start of a sunlit morn Informing all who have passed this way Her cubs have just been born. It was never my time to remain in bed For the arising of the dawn I would rather be out and about instead To run with the deer and fawn.  ----- Eternal Flame (HM) Oh youth sweetest youth whether art thy now Who skipped in golden fields Devoid of deep furrow'd lines upon thy brow When a harsh winter yields. Oh joyous days 'neath a warm summer sky Upon water his image she admires As dreams of a lover's embrace is nigh It shall be she that he inspires . His tender words and soft caress sublime Shall melt an unexpected heart That guides a dream towards love divine 'Midst sweet fantasies of art. So many full moons since then hath departed Yet spirits remain the same There shall be no end to what they started Deep within an eternal flame.  ----- From Russia With Love (HM) Snow upon snowdrifts of star shaped flakes Showers all from a heavy sky From Russia with love Oh! for heavens sakes If it's a gift I wonder why. Though it looks pretty from a window pane When warm inside I shall stay And I think I would rather snow than rain It's just what I think anyway. If we just imagine how lucky we all are From Russia! what a surprise All that was shared from a place so far Proof is here before our eyes. If I were to live in an igloo of ice Fish in a hole of the sea Well there may be summat innit thats nice That shall eventually find me. I shall clothe in feathers from head to toe Just like a fluffy white duck From Russia with love is how I shall go It is they shall have the luck.  ----- George Versus Fred (CM) George and Fred were neighbours And liked to grow some veg The secretely spied on each other Through a hole in the hedge. Their goal was to grow cucumber For a village garden show Where a prize was for the largest They just had to have a go. George looked thro`the peephole Said to his wife look at this My cucumber is a fair good size But it's never as big as his. Fred's cucumber was the biggest His wife just had to agree I wonder what ever he feeds it Looks like he'll win to me. George had used his watering can With liquid manure inside Then covered it over with a sack From Fred in case he spied. The evening afore the garden show All they could see was frost Poor old Freds prize cucumber was Frost bitten badly and soft. But George then had seen his chance That maybe now he could win So he sought out his wheelbarrow To wheel his cucumber in. Then he slipped upon a banana skin Lost cucumber down the road Last he saw it was all squashed up Under a truck with heavy load. So that was the end of the contest Twixt poor old George and Fred But next year they are going to try To grow prize flowers instead. ----- Golden Thoughts (HM) Precious are her thoughts of eternal love That lingers within her heart Within a lonely spot `neath the sun above Why then must lovers depart. May the fantasy of togetherness fulfil The tenderness they reveal Deeper in her thoughts she loves him still Sweet are the kisses they seal. Memories that pass she shall not forget Is it he that feels the same Within this passion there was no regret Not a thing but love to blame. Hark I hear a footstep shall that be he Oh if only this were as true To complete my dreams of he and me Oh my true love was that you?.  A Golden Day - Solitairemiles ----- Heartie Shipmaytes (HM) Aharr!! me hearties where bee it bee I searched the ship all o`er I have me here an 'olde map ye see If I find it I bee in clover. It be a chart O`long lost treasure Rolled in yon bottle O`rum Wee three had thee last measure Aye me, shypmayte an'sun. Thee sea was ruff an`wee was too We couldna see fer tryen' O'er the edge we three did spew Awile kippers were afryen. Now all thee wile wee slept belowe Thee ship docked ashore We wokened to the pirates showe An' sweard to live no more. Aharr!! I sayed nowe who bee yee An' will ye soone be leaven He blinket an eye ande sayed to me Wee pirates O'Carribean. Nowe I had heard a thynge or two Boute syche pirates as they Was muche more theyr than a fewe That robbed us off oure paye. Soe off wee sayled homeward bounde Wyth tailes betwixt sea leggs Unless thee fortune map gets found Thee morrow itt iss we beggs.  ----- John Barleycorn (HM) An ancient myth lives on and on From bygone days of olde The fate of old John Barleycorn Has oftimes now been told. They knew only of whiskey and rye When ale sustaineth man Such was Barleycorn soon to die Before his full life span. For John was once an effigy made From the barley and corn But ancient myths shall never fade From the time life was born. Fierce the blade that reduced him When he had lost his mask Then they said his name was Jim Why ever didnt they ask. Whether he shall be Jim or John He may return once more Seedlings scatter the land upon Just like they did before. So to this day a man shall toast Cheers to the barley corn Whether he be alive or a ghost Bless this day he was born.  ----- Lancelot and Guinevere (HM) Such was the grievance within her heart The sorrow she was to yield Adored him only as a loved one should But all he left was his shield. His sword and shield graced castle walls With sad tears that flow of grief He shall be forever within her thoughts For he was loved beyond belief. His name shall forever remain within lore With never a cruel words spoken No braver a knight that trials endured Nor sadness of hearts broken.  Art by Eleanor Fortiscue Brickdale ----- Maid of the Past (HM) Once upon a mountain top she rose A maid borne of the vales Within tranquil thoughts she chose Deep within celtic tales. She who walked those paths of old Where ancient feet had trod Amidst the fragrant bloom of gold Bless'd by the hand of God. Lost within her dream of the past Of how it was back then Through the past when future cast As the celts return again.  ----- Northern Winds Blow One day a northern wind shall blow From the land I was born Calling me back to the land I know Of wheat barley and corn. I shall fly high upon an eagles wing To the place I belong And ancient celtic voices shall sing A nations anthem song . Proud to be a part of this nation Tho' I oftimes walk alone My birth was not of their relation It was all I had known. An outcast to all but yet I thrive Though not of wealth But all I shall have to keep me alive Shall be but my health Remain with me now 'til all else fails It is then you shall find When northern winds of time prevails There is more of my kind.  ----- Poetic Muse (CM) The poet shall compose of so many things That might quench his desire Of ribbons and bow`s and puppet strings But his muse shall not expire. He speaks of a love from deep within With feelings of devotion Entices an eternity of prose to begin Within this deep emotion. Of natures wonders upon land and sea He dreams within passion Upon images of an art only he can see That speaks of compassion. He harkens to the rhythm of his soul The song of a woodland lark For a muse to once more become whole It may only just need a spark.  ----- Reaching Out (HM) There shall be no joy upon greed or wealth That corrupts a heedless mind Shall it be Earth that provides good health Which shall nurture all mankind. So wealthy the golden rays of sunlight A great treasure to behold To reach out and touch a future bright May be worth more than gold. Be aware that earth shall prosper in time For time is our only life giver Listen to forests that burst into rhyme Within the flow of a river For as long as our earth shall ever spin Like us the core is her heart. So respect mother earth and all within Be grateful to be a part.  ----- Rainbow Wizard (CM) Beyond a hill, beneath pink cotton clouds Stood a wizards magic castle Officials called to collect council tax Proved to be much hastle. Alas Mister Wizard he could not pay up And was all out of magic spells So council officials had taken him away To spend time in prison cells. A heart broken wizard had shed sad tears Of red and amber and green His jailer just could not believe his eyes So called the head supreme. For our wizard had but three shaded eyes Of red amber and of green Which caused such a stir in the court house Phenominal proof to be seen. The judges decision was very hard to make Excused the court out for lunch To return again with an agreed verdict Mr Wizard stood for the 'crunch'. He decided upon a community service And thought it was only right Mr Wizard to stand amidst busy traffic His eyes used for traffic lights. If ever you are stuck in a traffic jam When lights are slow to change Please do remember our poor Mr Wizard For his new job feels strange.  ----- Swamp Thing (HM) From out of a swamp a face appears Through murky waters deep A face of horror stained with tears Arose from a wrestless sleep. A putrid stench from the depth within That could only release an evil In the way that victims shall never win No matter what they never will. To lure and entice victims as prey An inquisitive mind shall frame There is nothing they can do or say Only have themselves to blame. So eerie the mists that gather around Where never a mortal shall sing For deep within there is only one sound A forked tongued swamp thing.  back to list |
Lorainne DafneyA beautiful parrot once told me Look me straight in the eye So I did, but I could not see 'Twas his desire to fly back to list |
Jem FarmerI pray the goddess dwells in me While kindling fire at dawn; In flames I see her burning love As she returns this morn. I listen now for birds of spring Entwining twigs; a nest, The warmer days are coming forth As darkness takes its rest. The earth is waking from its dream The winter slumber done; And catkins dance upon the breeze In warming rays of sun. My Lady walks upon the ground, Her footsteps soft and kind; The frosty days are fading fast Now winter’s left behind.  ----- Hymn to Beauty (HM) It is an art this kissing thing, A portrait drawn by love; When lips embrace the heart shall sing And speak desire thereof. A pencil cannot trace your smile As can my fingertip; For graphite has not passion's style That lies upon your lip. No paint can catch the vibrant hue That shines within your eyes; For beauty calls from within you To catch my breath of sighs.  ----- Peeking I should regret shadows of grey The years of wasted time When colours failed to catch my eye And living seemed a crime. In dreamless thoughts there is no pain As life requires no joy Until I saw her gentle smile That left my heart all coy. My eyes could not resist a peek A look beyond a glance As sorrow left the dreams returned And so begun romance. The grief that held my heart so still At last has set me free And now I learn to love again For love is: you and me!  Artwork Brenden Sanborn ----- Sunrise As dawn is breaking bells ring out Across the frosty dew; The whistling birds then sing and shout To bid the night adieu. The early sun so softly glows Against brisk winter wind; My stream babbles as it flows And dreamy thoughts rescind. The clamour of the city streets Echoes the shrill alarm; And early morning market treats Return a sense of calm.  ----- To Vegetarianism (CM) No one gets fat eating lettuce It must be the mayo; A diet of salad and leaves Is dull, boringly so! I'd rather pour thick double cream Over my choccy cake; For low fat is lower in taste And makes my poor head ache. I will not eat bloody tofu, My steak; I like it rare; With cauliflower in cheesy sauce A simple meal to share. I'd sooner die of starvation Than let you whingers win So take that plate of old salad And throw it in the bin.  ----- Voice of Someone (CM) The long back alleys fade in dusk The footsteps silent now; As daily living floats like musk It's lost in old time's flow. The sun fades like dying flames As moonlit shadows wait Side-lined by omnipotent names The night is at the gate. The distant voice of a someone It calls out from the dark; Or is it laughing making fun Undistinguished its mark. The night lights flicker polka dots Against a velvet black And stars awake forgotten spots On the moon's cyclic track. Behind shiny glass curtains draw Denying the coming night And boxes glare as Newsnight roars Revealing the world's plight. And a book falls onto my lap Its story yet untold And tired eyes close into a nap So new dreams may unfold.  ----- Windswept Snow (HM) Tonight the wind is howling strong And loud amid the snow; The window rattles frost along Until the dawn can show. Sunlight to make the morning sweet Outside the cottage door; The beauty left by nightfall’s sleet Of winter’s whitened floor. Around the hills are dressed in white In curves of windswept drifts; The kettle boils in its delight And time seems slow to shift. back to list |
Peggy NelsonCrimes like we've never heard, flock Polluted covered skies What do you know of oceans shock! If truth be told…death cries They say there is no known reason To get involved to clean expanding problems and treason No one seems to be keen! Recession seems to be rising Will we awake to late? It'll be dreadfully surprising Something you'll truly hate! Will you survive this uprising What will this puzzle bring? A change in life brings revising Our life will mean…nothing! back to list |
Leny RooversI know you're present in each stone, in every flower too; you're in the marrow of my bones and in all shades of blue. You are the sparkle in each star, the warmth in every smile; your name brings close what first seemed far, builds bridges between isles. I feel you close when I reflect, look deep into my soul. In meditation we connect, your presence makes me whole.  back to list |
Dinah SerritelliI like to write and replies read Yet one word I would cut, And so in honesty I plead Please don't enhance with 'BUT'. I have no problem making mock, Or putting myself down I am just simply common stock, Not Counsel to the Crown. My thoughts I will not rearrange, Maybe I am a nut, But nought you say will make me change From abhoring that word 'BUT'. back to list |
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