QUATERN

As the name might suggest this form consists of four, four line stanzas. As is typical of French forms there is a Refrain, but what is unusual is that there is no rhyme sequence specified.
As is normal with French poetry it consists of eight syllable lines with no meter specified.
The Refrain is the first line of the first stanza, which becomes the second line of the second stanza, the third line of the third stanza and finally the last line of the last stanza.

Tease

Tease my eyes, you glimmer of God!
Dance your morning dance upon treetops,
Mould your glow to the mountain ridge!
My eyes averted from your rising glory.

That glory shows as morning grows
Tease my eyes, you glimmer of God!
Take your rightful place in the sky,
That in looking we are guided by.

Day well begun, following your track,
I watch you playing hide and seek.
Tease my eyes, you glimmer of God!
Slipping behind the gathering clouds.

Black bottomed, usurping clouds gather
Or are they only an affected mantle?
Occasionally I see a smile and know you
Tease my eyes, you glimmer of God!

Ryter Roethicle

Leny takes a more conventional route.

Yoga II

I feel my vertebrae align
as seat-bones touch the floor, relax;
my crown is raised into the air-
in breathing deeply, I'm aware.

In concentration freedom grows-
I feel my vertebrae align.
All speeding thoughts have come to rest;
blue light now fills my lungs and chest.

Both feet in contact with the earth-
her energy flows through my limbs.
I feel my vertebrae align
as clear white light enfolds my spine.

In balance with the world within,
the present moment matters most;
devotion rises from her shrine-
I feel my vertebrae align.

Leny Roovers

Although there need be no rhyme, in the example above, for the most part Leny chose rhyming couplets. In the example below Ryter chose to use alternating couplets, but was not overly restrained by the eight syllable lines.

Wake Up

You are like a voice from a distant star
Calling to my spirit self through time
The distance travelled can be so far
Yet your soul is in sync with mine.

Is this what love is all about, and
You are like a voice from a distant star
Words gathered each morn like sand
Even from arid and distant Zanzibar.

Distance and love should ne'er be bar
Nor be feared that you give freely.
You are like a voice from a distant star
And after easy thought, given easily.

There is no choice to make this time
Love is offered and we have gone so far
And so I tell you, I am thine
You are like a voice from a distant star

Ryter Roethicle

Quatern Posts
Contents

Gloria Carpenter: All Wet; Cradlesong; In Silence; Shadow Skin
Lorainne Dafney: Nano; Years
Allura D: When the Rains Come
Jeff Feezle: Thus We Share
Kevin McKinney: A Cup 'O Kindness; Defining Moment; Limited Warranty; Mute Testimony; Selective Services
Ryter Roethicle: Blessed Heaven; Dark Lord; I Taste Your Essence; The Waratah
Leny Roovers: Birds; My Heron; My Lake; Yoga IV; Yoga V
Avery Robertson: Glowing Moons; Looking Glass
Maryse Achong: Forever Love; Heartbeats; House
Brendan O'Connor: Through the mist I call your name
Dana Rowe: Switch Engine song
Feith Stuart: A Book By Nietzsche, Burned
Twilight Myst: Winters Web
Kathy Anderson: Love You More

Gloria Carpenter

All Wet

exuding drops of liquid spill
a lullaby of gentle rain
has sent me off to sleep again
within a shower of dreams until

awakened by a stream of light
exuding drops of liquid spill
my dreams and yet they cling on still
to moistened skin in raw delight

full splash descends from such a height
as cascades flow and send a thrill
exuding drops of liquid spill
in fluid movement to ignite

a passion drowned in downpour’s chill
while cats and dogs sing their refrain
as downcast eyes well up and drain
exuding drops of liquid spill.

-----

Cradlesong ~ Claire de Lune

As starry eyed she sees the light,
a crescent moon sways up above.
No clouds to hide her beam tonight.
Her smile is bright and clear as love.

She looks below while slumber rests,
as starry eyed she sees the light.
For dreamers settled in their nests,
her wish is sent for sweet delight.

And as she rocks, her hopes held tight,
she hums a moonlit cradlesong,
as starry eyed she sees the light
in harmony where all belong.

Her music calms the nightwind’s cares.
Soft breezes drift in waves of night
among its ocean’s twinkling prayers,
as starry eyed she sees the light.

-----

In Silence

in silence I hear music play
as birds are noted for their song
and soar above high sea with ease
or rest on lines transmitting sound

on rippling waves or thunderous roar
in silence I hear music play
eternally a rhythmic voice
emotions tied to ebb and flow

a symphony of wind and strings
from soft caress to vibrant bursts
in silence I hear music play
as rushes brush their breezy air

for hearts will beat in harmony
amidst such euphony of soul
a timeless essence everywhere
in silence I hear music play

-----

Shadow Skin

My shadow slipped into the sea
in solitude, a satin veil,
adrift on sands of shaded pale,
in wafts of visibility.

It cast a mask of fringing fear.
My shadow slipped into the sea.
A surface showed a shallow me,
as shivers rippled, ever near.

Afloat with hope, it persevered,
alight with luminosity.
My shadow slipped into the sea.
Abandoning, it disappeared.

I stayed, not wishing to be free,
as though, it was, I’d shed a skin ~
and wondered, "Where do I begin?"
My shadow slipped into the sea.

back to list

Lorainne Dafney

Nano

It all goes by too fast my dear
make sure you savor the moments
I hope your pathways remain clear
treasure all mankinds achievments

for living right is a fine art
It all goes by too fast my dear
long kisses end and lovers part
live free of bad habits and fear

This much I will tell you my love
listen to the songbirds sing cheer
It all goes by too fast my dear
watch every sunrise climb above

Give love and hope to those that need
the future presents each premier
that teaches how to plant the seed
It all goes by too fast my dear

-----

Years

I’ve seen the changes through the years
Two strangers once now they are one
Together they’ve been through it all
Hand in hand they’ve opened life’s doors

Laughing and enjoying same things
I’ve seen the changes through the years
Like seeds that mature and still bloom
Reaching their middle years with grace

A little greyer than their youth
A little slower getting up
I’ve seen the changes through the years
Time to relax now whats the rush

At times there is no need for words
Two people that don’t have to speak
Content to fill their souls with love
I’ve seen the changes through the years

back to list

Allura D

When the Rains Come

When the rains come I tilt my face,
Letting life soak me to the skin
With welcome to each drop that falls,
Sliding soft like tears to chin.

Regarding each as lifetimes spent.
When the rains come I tilt my face,
A mingling of joy and tears,
Of paths that led me to this place

Where sorrow hand in hand resides
With gladness as she bravely sings.
When the rains come I tilt my face
Toward each gift that living brings.

I will not turn away again
But meet each dawn with truth and grace,
Accepting all that life bestows.
When the rains come- I tilt my face.

back to list

Jeff Feezle

Thus We Share

Inhabitant of my soul, thus we share
Where room is asked with ghostly stare
What breath is held, then taken away
Beguiled smiles make billowy brides

Hearing peaceful coo, within us resides
Inhabitant of my soul, thus we share
I consider myself: child; eyed innocent
soft glow of your letters: have mercy.

Amount of time, around us shorten
Build my love in Babylon spires
Inhabitant of my soul, thus we share
Hair of heather, hands bound together

Deep in the well of love’s lunacy
We’ll dry in fires of perpetual peace
Gently turns the leaves, rainbows rapture
Inhabitant of my soul, thus we share

back to list

Kevin McKinney

A Cup 'O Kindness

Tonight, I only want to laugh;
In truth, it hurts too much to think;
I'm always sifting wheat from chaff
And drowning where I cannot drink.

As if I loved the whole wide world,
Tonight, I only want to laugh;
And leave this happy smile unfurled
To let it be my epitaph!

A future flag may fly half staff,
But I would put an end to fear;
Tonight, I only want to laugh
And wish the world, Happy New Year;

That peace and progress soon would reign,
And all good people feast and quaff
In earthly paradise again!
Tonight, I only want to laugh!

-----

Defining Moment

We must be, by definition
Of the journey, in the middle;
Determining our position
Makes for an interesting riddle.

To be in this vicinity,
We must be, by definition,
A measurable proximity
From the primary ignition.

Thus, by simple intuition,
Excusing my temerity,
We must be, by definition,
Half the way through eternity.

But judging how child-like we rage,
In the face of true cognition,
Though I doubt we're acting our age;
We must be, by definition.

-----

Limited Warranty

There being no manual for the heart,
How did you obtain skill enough
To join and tear mine fresh apart;
All without handling me too rough?

I am not made of hardened steel;
There being no manual for the heart,
The more you probe, the worse I feel,
The less remains here to impart.

That's life; impossible to chart
Such realms of possibility,
There being no manual for the heart.
With constant inconsistencies,

It makes no sense then, to pretend
To cure myself, nor to be smart
Enough to guess how things will end;
There being no manual for the heart.

-----

Mute Testimony

I can't say my heart is broken,
More aptly, it's rusted away;
From being left out in the open
In all your weather, night and day.

As it happened so discreetly,
I can't say my heart is broken;
It just came apart so neatly,
My endurance, but a token.

As drop by drop, rain fills oceans,
A process taking many years,
I can't say my heart is broken;
But quietly unnoticed, tears

Have cut a channel through the stone.
Still, as grief once left unspoken
Becomes exposed like fossile bone,
I can't say my heart is broken.

-----

Selective Service

Three steps up, bow to your lady,
Circle around her to your right,
Though she turns away your favors,
You do your best to stay in sight.

Zig to the left, bobbing your head;
Three steps up, bow to your lady;
Pretend to pick up crumbs of bread,
That way, she'll know you're not lazy.

Zag to the right, coo like crazy,
You'd surely win if you could sing;
Three steps up, bow to my lady,
Show her the three stripes on your wing.

Little grey corporal, try your dance
On her girlfriend; looks like maybe
You don't rate; guess she likes sergeants!
Three steps up, bow to your lady.

back to list

Ryter Roethicle

Blessed Heaven

Blessed Heaven pour down your tears,
Washing away this summers ash,
In gentle drops that will soak in,
Bringing nature to life once more.

Grey clouds well come with your gifts,
Blessed Heaven pour down your tears,
Constance pray, with easy labour
Pick the spots where rare you called

Oh welcome with your bless’d relief,
Shimmering plants are glossed by thee.
Blessed Heaven pour down your tears,
And see all life supping with glee.

The scorched earth once brown with thirst,
Parched and cracked now feels relief,
And savoury scents gather whilst,
Blessed Heaven pour down your tears.

-----

Dark Lord

The night of moonlight gathers us,
In the distance night creatures call,
And I smile in anticipation,
I am thirsty and the nights begun.

The howl you hear is not a wolf,
The night of moonlight gathers us,
Nor is that creature flying, a bat,
In your mind you already know that.

Open your window and let me in,
I can promise you eternal life,
The night of moonlight gathers us,
Come join me, be a Vampire's wife.

Your throat so soft and white and bare,
You offer me, I pierce with care,
I have become your incubus,
The night of moonlight gathers us.

-----

I Taste Your Essence

I taste your essence on my lips,
I sense you blowing on the wind,
I feel you still at my fingertips,
And see you smiling in my mind.

As heavenly dust of passion grips,
I taste your essence on my lips,
Your soul and body to unwind,
My will to lock and mind to bind.

Each night with dusk I feel a kind,
Of bond with you of honeyed sips.
I taste your essence on my lips,
And feel our very souls combine.

My lips your body too explore,
Closer now to Heavens door,
As unrestrained, passion grips,
I taste your essence on my lips.

-----

The Waratah

The Waratah waves at the midday sun,
Whilst our day at work is well begun.
See a sea of red on sandy soil,
And like the Lily she does not toil.

As fresh life o'er mountains starts to run,
The Waratah waves at the midday sun.
Nectar seeking birds in early spring,
Cause seeds to spread on wooden wing.

Beauteous seas from the Darling mouth,
Reach down to Conjola in the south.
The Waratah waves at the midday sun.
Born of flame when bushfires are done,

New South Wales art forms reveal,
This wondrous flower on their seal.
Revelling as being the chosen one,
The Waratah waves at the midday sun.

back to list

Leny Roovers

Birds

As bramblings in the apple-tree
compete with sparrows for some seeds,
five finches scatter the debris
of leaves, among last autumn’s weeds.

Each twitters, sings its own sweet tune,
as bramblings in the apple-tree
puff up small orange chests, to prune
their feathers, piping songs of glee.

In black-white streaks bold magpies flee
to sing their blue-tailed potpourri;
as bramblings in the apple-tree
are joined by blackbirds- reach high C.

A flock of jackdaws comes to search
the garden- on a feeding spree;
meek turtles hide in crown of birch,
as bramblings in the apple tree.

-----

My heron

My heron found a mate this year.
A grumpy fellow, he appears
to have a soft side after all-
they’ve been together since last fall.

He flies up front; she’s at his rear,
my heron found a mate this year.
They draw a mirrored silhouette-
my fish now face a double threat.

Last week he dared to intermix
with wires the gardener had fixed...
My heron found a mate this year
and to impress her, he caused fear

to fish and cats, who were alert;
peculiar meowing hit pay dirt-
I ran outside, he disappeared;
my heron found a mate this year.

-----

My Lake

Ice covers her from shore to shore,
her breathing slowed, as wavelets froze;
against grey skies, a flight of geese
draws patterns on the lace of trees.

My lake is held in Winter’s hand-
ice covers her from shore to shore
and whispers of cold eastern winds,
tear at frail plumes of reed, till thinned.

Below her surface fish await
deep in the mud, the birth of Spring.
Ice covers her, from shore to shore,
yet, hidden still, grows leaves’ green core.

My breath forms clouds in evening’s frost,
they drift over her waters- lost.
As sunset burns in bright décor,
ice covers her, from shore to shore.

-----

Yoga IV

I’m breathing in; I feel the air
from deep within my belly rise,
expanding ribs- I am aware;
the flow of energy supplies

detachment from my tumbling mind;
I’m breathing in, I feel the air.
In concentration, I unwind-
each sequence is a silent prayer.

Surrendering tension and despair,
devotion leavens every pose;
I’m breathing in, I feel the air
unfurling petals of my rose.

Her climbing stem is strong and straight,
she wears no thorns, her skin is bare;
distracting thoughts at last abate-
I’m breathing in- I feel the air.

-----

Yoga V

Each inhalation of fresh air
uplifts and makes me more aware;
in gently breathing out again,
I feel sweet relaxation reign.

The movements of my chest prepare
each inhalation of fresh air.
As belly and all ribs join in,
a complete breathing can begin.

In Pranayama I find peace-
to watch its motion, brings release.
Each inhalation of fresh air,
is exercised with conscious care.

A waft of incense fills my nose,
it curls around my naked rose;
in deep connection we now share,
each inhalation of fresh air.

back to list

Avery Robertson

Glowing Moons

Rejoicing in glowing moons,
with star stuff flowing round my lips,
my heart can hear what the ears won't,
a melody of silvered hope.

Hesitant, I falter in fear,
rejoicing in glowing moons,
spinning in waves of energy
the whirlwinds of truth take their stand.

The galaxy has swept me up,
I have no form of which to speak,
rejoicing in glowing moons
I feel the tears, the ones I've wept.

Wings unfurl in memories soft,
my arms rise to the occassion,
I was blind before time began
rejoicing in glowing moons.

-----

Looking Glass

Within a looking glass darkly,
your face emerges diamond bright,
a guiding soul, whispering love,
a thousand, million points of light.

Desperation suspends my heart
within a looking glass darkly,
covered in passions destructive
winds, transcends heavens stars sparkling.

I stand cloaked in ancient symbols,
carved by blood in hope enlightened,
within a looking glass darkly,
as it burns, the night re-lightens.

Behold woman, victory yours,
tempered sword held aloft lightly,
a heart, compassionate, reflects
within a looking glass darkly.

back to list

Maryse Achong

Forever Love

You still hold the key to my heart,
Your face that lingers in my mind
Memories of you that engulf me
Because you were one of a kind.

And though it’s been such a long time
You still hold the key to my heart,
There was no way to return it
When the time came for us to part.

Thoughts of you inhabit my head,
Dreams of you make sleeping worthwhile;
You still hold the key to my heart
And though gone you still make me smile.

I wonder if you can look down
And see though I made a new start,
After all this time without you,
You still hold the key to my heart.

-----

Heartbeats

My heart is all the things I've ever been,
The best and worst of me in just one place,
I've felt it throb so many times I know
If hearts could burst that would have been the case.

I've felt it race when my loved one comes near,
My heart is all the things I’ve ever been,
Have felt it felt it quiver with such tenderness,
This heart of mine that I have never seen.

But hatred has at times possessed my heart,
'Til bitterness and anger overflow,
My heart is all the things I’ve ever been
Most noble, with a darker undertow.

My heart has suffered pangs of searing pain,
Been broken, healed and remains evergreen
To live and love and laugh as if to prove
My heart is all the things I’ve ever been.

-----

The House

The house is on a little hill,
Surrounded by all kinds of trees
All laden with their luscious fruit,
As stately palms dance in the breeze.

I look down on the sea below,
The house is on a little hill
And sit for hours in the sun
Just meditating, being still.

Or sometimes I walk to the beach
To get the feel of ocean spray,
The house is on a little hill
So it is not too far away.

And in the distance I can see
The tankers as they come to fill
Their bellies with our LNG,
The house is on a little hill.

back to list

Brendan O'Connor

Through the mist I call your name

Through the mist I call your name
your sweet kiss upon my soul inflames
I see your face in my minds eye
reflected upon this water scry.

You glide upon the waters breath
through the mist I call your name.
The boat glides and ripples part
the wind still like the pulse in my heart.

Your smile welcomes as we each approach
your hand takes mine, so cold it feels.
Through the mist I call your name
and in your eyes your love burns.

Our lips kiss in a shroud of mist
your body feels so smooth and delicate.
Your memory fades as the boat comes to shore
Through the mist I call your name.

back to list

Dana Rowe

Switch Engine song

Back down, hit the coupler and stretch
take the work train: flatcar, caboose
up the main line; leave it for now
set brake, uncouple, pull away

Retrieve the passenger consist
back down, hit the coupler and stretch
hook hoses and open the air cocks
test brakes; its good for the going

three horn blasts, now moving away
Switcher pulls up to the work train
back down, hit the coupler and stretch
release handbrake, head on up the line

Long day of trains on the railroad
move folks, do maintenance of way
song that the switchman is singing:
Back down, hit the coupler and stretch

back to list

Feith Stuart

A Book By Nietzsche, Burned

This eternal return, a curse!
He says. He throws the book aside.
This idea of life as finite,
That all he’s done is a reprise

It’s a bane to him, strips his bones.
This eternal return, a curse!
Paralyzes his ambition
leaves him nothing, empties his hours.

She takes the book and hope for peace
To find him in this darkest night.
This eternal return, a curse,
A dark terror he can’t forget.

At last he sleeps. She tosses the book
Into the fire and drain his cup.
Tomorrow, he’ll be just the same.
This eternal return, a curse.

back to list

Twilight Myst

Winter's Web

Winter's web drapes over the earth
Sifting through branches up so high
Soft fibers spread upon the ground
Tranquil visions frame nature's trance

Innocence on a moonlit night
Winter's web drapes over the earth
Blanketing bulbs that sleep below
Til time for them to show new birth

Footsteps crackling a path to home
Wind burned faces, watery eyes
Winter's web drapes over the earth
Harmony, in season's cycle

Hot cocoa warm my hands and lips
Shoulders wrapped in soft quilted down
Embers in fireplace scent my room
Winter's web drapes over the earth.

back to list

Kathy Anderson

Love You More

I love you more than addictions
To feelings romance can create,
To ambience lust has me in
And for words, more than merely nice.

To hear your voice is not enough.
I love you more than addictions
To sounds of music in my ears;
The symphony is just our love.

What love carries a baser note,
Or a flamboyant fluer de lis...
I love you more than addictions
To trappings, gifts or graced petals.

For love of lust there is one cure,
That feelings can't truely assure,
But echo hands and heart that warm...
I love you more than addictions.

back to list

Any Comments or Suggestions, please email me

2006 Poetry Challenge

Repeating Forms

The Poets Garret

Tir Na nOg Poetry Community