Love Poetry 2014: May 2014

Monday, May 26, 2014

Enjoy the Silence: Jack Frost's Masterpieces

Enjoy the silence;
Jack Frost does.
He always works in total silence.
His solitary presence goes unrecognized,
As he creates each crystalline masterpiece.
His unique art form lies undiscovered,
Unknown to anyone,
Until his masterpieces are complete.
Therein lies the mystery of a work of silence,
The mastery of pure integrity,
Of artistic perfection;
Silence portrayed
As the depth of intricate design.
For Jack Frost,
And his unique, icy masterpieces,
There are no accolades.
His expressions of majestic beauty
Wait to be discovered by but a few,
In the light of early dawn.
Their majestic, abstract fragility
Magnified by the morning sun
In the silence of the icy winter air;
The works of a master mind,
An artistic genius,
Creating moments of fragile joy;
That disappear only too soon.
Enjoy the silence.
Like Jack Frost does.

Some of the greatest works of art are created in silence

Hold on a Moment: It's a New Year

A chickadee perched in a nearby tree
Heavily laden with snow, but standing tall
In the bright, winter sunlight,
In spite of its heavy burden.
He chirped joyfully.
"Hold on a moment,"
He seemed to say with his sweet melody.
"Celebrate life.
Sure, it is a new year,
But nothing has really changed.
Justice will still prevail;
Injustice cannot last forever.
The sun will continue to rise and set;
It's programmed not to forget.
The tides of time will always turn.
Love is always the order of the day,
Though the universe is subject to change.
Its timing is perfect;
Its seasons are in order.
What is destined to be cannot help but be.
Life and death are predetermined."
His gentle chirping continued.
"Don't let go; not now, not ever.
Stay strong and be of good courage.
Don't give up on yourself, others or God.
They will never give up on you."
The chickadee chirped away,
His song growing stronger than ever.
Fresh, soft snow began to fall.
The chickadee spread his wings
To the fullness of their breadth,
Mustered new strength and courage,
Shook the white fluff off his feathers,
And headed into the distant forest.
"Hold on a moment,"
He chirped again softly, as he flew by.

Nature often speaks to those who have ears to hear.

The Freedom to Choose: A Divine Gift of Love

The freedom to choose, a divine gift of love
Endowed on mankind by God up above,
Gives you the option, thus offers the way
To live in peace, as you should, day by day.

To love one another and to love God,
To love your brother, each one on this sod,
Is to choose blessing above and beyond,
To know your true self when new light has dawned.

Choosing to do right, a choice that one makes,
Forsaking all evil for other's sakes,
May not be easy; some choices are not.
Better to do right, than in sin be caught.

The freedom to choose is your judgment call;
Gift you've been given with no cost at all.
How you use your gift depends upon you;
Pray for God's guidance in all that you do.

Love is the answer for choices unclear,
The freedom to choose, a gift to hold dear.
Delight in your choices and new ones employ.
Treasure your freedom; it will give you joy.

We do not always appreciate having the freedom to choose

Layer Upon Layer: A Musical About Life

Layer upon layer, our lives we build;
Shrouded in mystery, ever love filled.
In every layer, there may be a song;
Some layers fragile while others are strong.
Mothers and fathers, grandparents and more,
Bring about changes and alter the score.
Resounding joy at the time of new birth;
Each childhood layer, precious with mirth.
Siblings and others, unique layers bring;
So does a concert where each heart can sing.
With magical moments harmony grows;
Fragments of music, each layer shows.
Sickness or sorrow, unique layers too,
So is a journey, a trip to the zoo.
Layers of discord, some layers with strife;
Disharmony, a reality, life.
Tension and turmoil, a drama, a theme,
With resolution, a director's dream.
Layer upon layer, reality knows;
Heart of a musical, a tender rose.

The layers of life may be perceived like a musical.

Our Job: Fulfill Each One's Task

Our job, the elders of the past would each
Show parents the way their children to teach.

Our job, the seniors of the past would say,
To lead our youth to a better, new day.

Our job, the teenagers of time suggest,
What's new and different is always the best.

Our job, awakening youth still proclaim,
Create a new way, break free of the same.

Our job, peace keepers have ever confessed,
Keeping the peace so that mankind is blessed.

Our job, each era perceives as its own,
Thus carving new pathways right to the bone.

Our job, follow the spirit that leads on
And fulfill our own task hither and yon.

In every era, our job it would seem,
To find a way to fulfill each man's dream.

Our job is an abstract concept subject to interpretation.

A Stubborn Man: The Homeless Man

The homeless man just left to die,
No one knew when, or even why.

"Too old to be left on the street,"
A policeman said, while on his beat.

"A stubborn man," his children said,
When in an icy storm, found dead.

"We tried to take him in, but he
Lived in his own reality."

"It was his way, or not at all,"
He scarce could walk and oft would fall.

"I live my life and that is that,
Until my Maker's home I'm at."

Unkempt, unshaven every day,
A vacant house, his place to stay.

His blanket and a cardboard box,
A scarf that looked like furry fox.

His tattered boots were worn right through.
How he lived, who really knew?

His last meal untouched, by his box;
Some kindly soul left brand new socks.

A cup of coffee, frozen ice,
Seems had been placed by someone nice.

"His cardboard box is now all mine."
Another homeless stood in line.

"His new socks are a blessing true;
That meal he missed, I'll eat it, too."

"The world to him, has not done right,"
'T'was said in darkness of the night.

"A stubborn man, did things his way,
And blessed his own," there's some will say.

The plight of the homeless is brought to light.

The Frozen Pond: Fractures in the Ice

The frozen pond,
A familiar habitat for beaver

In the open countryside.
A glassy mirror across the icy pond
Reflecting mysterious, winter sun rays
Dancing in the blowing snow.
Minute cracks in the clear ice;
Crystal-like fragility.

Fresh animal footprints in the new snow,
Rabbits, deer silently betraying their presence,
Hiding among majestic, snow-laden trees.

A huge, oak log waiting beside a burning campfire;
The frozen pond, a skater's paradise.
Masters of proficiency
Carving symmetrical patterns in the sheer ice.

Shy lovers gently linked arm-in-arm,
Synchronized skaters
Gliding and swaying rhythmically

In the romantic, winter moonlight.
Laughter of noisy, happy children,
Awkwardness of new skates;
A fine-tuned, balancing act.

Parent's gathering, hovering close by,
Enjoying the balmy sunshine,
Delighting in the antics of their youngsters.

Rising temperatures creating puddles; wet feet.
A sudden, loud, cracking sound
Breaking the silence,
Re-echoing through the wilderness.
A huge fracture,
A precarious crevice on the frozen pond;
Chunks of free-floating ice.

Beaver dams creating flooding problems.
New danger,
Safety of children, skaters,
A serious concern.

Country ponds can be a source of delight and present danger.

Why Did You Do This? Answers Don't Come Easy

Why things happen, man can only guess,
Trusting in God that He will bless.

Called to a life walking in trust,
Faith in the Lord, ever a must.

Man has no answers, can surmise,
God is love, all knowing and wise.

Tragedy strikes, reality;
In life or death, man should be free.

"Why did you do this?" man asks God,
Questions His reasons on this sod.

Man waits; an answer does not come;
"Where are you? Am I deaf or dumb?"

Confessing his sin, he asks again.
At times, no answer. He knows pain.

Answers don't come easy, it seems,
(Although they can occur in dreams.)

Where to find answers? Man must seek;
Blessed is he when God does speak.

God does give man answers, but he must seek them.

Waiting For a Break: Snow Bound

A bright, sunny, January day,
The dead of winter weather at its finest.
Snow, pure, soft and fluffy,
Perfect for skiing.
Enthusiasm reigns;
Excitement hovers in the air.
Anticipation, a weekend of sheer delight,
Healthy exercise, fun at its very best.
For an amateur ski team,
An excursion high in the Rockies.
Suddenly, winter's fury unleashes
An unexpected snow storm,
A full scale blizzard on the ridge.
A ski lodge, a winter retreat at its finest,
Becomes their place of refuge.
Stranded amateur skiers,
Snowbound on the ridge, a harsh reality.
The ultimate question,
"How long?"
A warm, fire in the fireplace,
Temporary consolation, at best.

The question of how to pass the time,
Playing a waiting game.
Needed break in the weather,
One that does not come quickly.
More snow overnight;
Tree branches bowing low,
Shouldering their heavy burden,
Finally surrendering their strong arms.
The next morning,
Skiers still waiting for a break;
No phones, no communication,
No snow plows, no highway access.
Worried amateur skiers
Begin to ration diminishing supplies.
"Maybe we should ski out?"
"Not a chance in this weather."
More snow, threat of an avalanche;
Growing alarm, fear, concern for the skiers.
Sudden panic, fear, ground shaking,
A loud rumbling sound
Thunders from the distance,
Drawing ever closer.
Terror strikes at the heart of the lodge.
In the village, rumors of an avalanche;
Concern for the skiers.
"Where are they?"
"Did they survive?"

Villagers waiting for a break in the weather;
The sky finally clears.
Plans underway for an aerial search.
"Hurrah!"
The amateur ski team is found;
The young people perched like birds
On the snow-covered roof top
Of the inundated ski lodge.
"Help!" stomped in the snow.
Excitement,
Elation,
Amateur ski team members waving.
Disappointment ensues;
The search and rescue helicopter leaves,
Returns later, dropping supplies.
"Patience!"
The order of the day.
The highway completely blocked,
The snow plow cannot get through.
An aerial rescue deemed in order.
Now, how to do an aerial rescue
Without causing another avalanche.

An amateur ski team is snowbound in the Rockies.

Music and Dancing: The Fiddler and the Dance

When he appears, there's no one knows just when,
Joyful music resounds throughout the glen.

Frivolity, the order of the day;
It's time to dance and yes, it's time to play,

In the distance, a fiddle soon is heard;
Music and dancing, children spread the word.

Come join the dancing; his music invites
Both young and old to share in its delights.

A campfire lit, the people gather round;
Every soul enticed by the happy sound.

Barefoot or sandals, dancing feet will say,
All caught up in the music of the day.

The old men with their bottles of sweet wine,
Women with children bring fresh loaves, so fine.

Fiddler's music, like rhythms of the tide;
Toils of the workday world are cast aside.

For the weary, a way to find release.
The eve wears on. The music does not cease;

So soft and sweet, it speaks to young and old,
Each heart to warm; there's not a one grows cold.

Faster and faster, the music will play,
The fiddler delights as ladies' skirts sway.

Tireless, he plays until the wee hours;
Never a single violin note sours.

One song, another, and yet even more;
There's no sheet music, no, not e'en a score.

Then silence reigns and the fiddler is gone
Before the sun awakens its sweet dawn.

He is a gypsy, no one turns him down;
His horse and wagon, the talk of the town.

No, a leprechaun, others oft insist,
Who disappears, as quickly as the mist.

But he'll be back with some fiddle tunes new,
And if you're lucky, he'll fix your old shoe.

A fiddler, not a cobbler, gypsy dance;
So toss him a coin when you get a chance.

A mysterious fiddler comes to town.

A Barking Dog: Language of a Barking Dog

A barking dog, there are those who say,
Can save your life, or your child at play.
A barking dog aware of a fire,
Alerts you to danger; his desire.

He watches over you and knows when
He should stay quiet, or bark again.
A predator strolling through the park;
Someone following you in the dark.

A barking dog watches your home, too;
Barking does intruders away shoo.
On a lonely trail, he often sees
Something that's a threat, or may not please.

Guide dogs oft help people all alone
To watch over them; they have been shown.
Barking alerts someone who can't see
To danger in his reality.

He'll bark to go out, and to come in,
He may even bark till nerves wear thin.
He really wants to be next to you.
Show him he is loved; that's what to do.

A barking dog, the neighbors may find
A nuisance, or give them peace of mind.
A well trained dog, everyone should know,
Is man's best friend; his barking will show.

Learn his bark and what it means for you,
You will soon find others know it, too.
A playful bark, yes, it too can speak,
If into his language, you could peek.

A barking dog, everyone should heed.
What is he saying? Someone in need?
All he wants is tender love and care;
His gift of barking, he loves to share.

Do we really understand what a dog is saying when he barks?

Sunday, May 25, 2014

All That Is: Reality, So Much More

All that is, or ever will be,
In truth, just our reality?

All that is, was, or e'er will be,
A far greater reality.

Question the thought of our today;
Remember the past that's gone away.

All that is, really so much more
Than this now moment's, current score.

What comes before and what comes aft
Is more than now, or man is daft.

All that is, each one will soon find
Is common to all of mankind.

Reality, part of God's plan,
Can change for each in his life span.

All that is won't just go away,
Whether we go, or if we stay.

Reality, we understand
As something we hold in our hand.

Reality exceeds our realm
Of taste or touch; can overwhelm.

We sometimes have horizons dim.
We see our own, but don't see Him.

Divine reality, it seems,
Beyond the scope of one's own dreams.

All that is, was, ever will be
Is in truth, God's Reality.

God's reality is so much greater than man's.

Forever: Forever Moments

For everyone,
There is a forever moment
Called sometime,
We just never know
When or where
That moment is going to be.
A forever moment
May also be called
Love.

So maybe,
Right now,
Wherever you are,
Is your forever moment?

Perhaps it will just be sometime;

Regardless, it is yours,
So treasure it.

A poem about cherishing special moments.

My Vision: Reality's Scope

For tomorrow, a better today;
A world where all children safely play.
A land where everyone can walk free,
Where truth is always reality.

Where love of God and man are not rare;
A time of peace all people can share.
Blessings in life that are always true,
With each man loving his brother, too.

A place where nature plays its true role,
Without the greed of man in control.
A realm where sin, all mankind resists;
A way that life in fullness exists.

A world of symphony, song and dance,
Where love and laughter are not by chance.
Where friends and neighbors can come to terms,
Without the fear of spreading new germs.

In such a world, love will ever reign.
Love is the answer; to some it's plain.
My vision is a vision of hope.
Is this beyond reality's scope?

Is a vision of hope beyond reality's scope?

Sonnets About Subways: The Path of Transit

A path of transit given birth,
An intricacy that will amaze.
Hidden in the depths of the earth,
A mode of travel; perfect these days.

Sleek new rocket, reasonable fare,
Rapid transit; right thing to do.
Subway system to take you there;
Fewer cars means cleaner air, too.

Which ever direction is best,
The shortest, or the timing least.
From north to south and east to west,
Or south to north and west to east.

No stopovers, one fare to go;
Essential service, time will show.

Transit in our world of today is perfect, at times.

I Was Very Worried: The Master of Divine Grace

I was very worried when they said,
"Nothing in the paper ever read
Holds an ounce of truth," but I could see
Fragments of the truth, reality.

I was very worried when I saw
How the world was breaking ev'ry law.
Who over-rules the power of love?
Is there not true justice from above?

I was very worried when I heard
The piercing voice of hate in man's word.
What has caused mankind to go this way?
Are we teaching mankind how to pray?

I was very worried, but I knew
It's God alone wears the other shoe.
It's man who has to choose his own path.
He may suffer in its aftermath.

I was very worried, but I found
With our God, forgiveness does abound.
As the master of his divine grace,
He can put his glory on man's face.

At times, we may worry, but God is always in control.

So Beautiful: The Beauty of Reality

So beautiful, a butterfly
Spreading its wings, about to fly.

So beautiful, a snowflake white,
Creating a world of pure delight.

So beautiful, a rippling brook,
A place to rest with a good book.

So beautiful, a farmer's field,
The produce of a blessed yield.

So beautiful, the stars we see,
The magic of the galaxy.

So beautiful, all those we love,
Sent to us by our God above.

So beautiful, the words we speak,
Compassion, at its highest peak.

So beautiful, the work of hands,
Perfected in so many lands.

So beautiful, a song in tune,
Sung by a lover who can croon.

So beautiful, a marriage vow,
Taken in any here and now.

So beautiful, a little child,
With his mother, soon reconciled.

So beautiful, a sunrise where
Only the brave would venture there.

So beautiful, reality,
Of peace not war, where man is free.

So beautiful, the mind of man,
Who will find beauty where he can.

Man finds beauty all around.

No Surprises Here: Valentine's Day Romance

Valentine's Day may bring change,
Maybe e'en your life arrange.

Cupid has a special plan;
He'll reveal it when he can.

He has arrows and a bow;
With them, can your true love show.

He'll find someone just for you;
Hopefully, it's someone true.

He'll make it a special day,
Perhaps find a place to play,

Maybe e'en a quiet retreat;
Roses and some chocolates sweet.

Love may come and love may go;
It will give a special glow.

Yes, he too may pierce your heart;
That is when your pangs might start.

New Valentine's Day romance,
Is what happens just by chance?

Nothing unexpected, dear;
There are no surprises here.

Is what happens on Valentine's Day just by chance?

Sonnets About a New Start: Celebrate a New Start

Hello world, it's a brand new day!
Burdens remove by confessing.
What is there anyone can say?
Rise and shine. You will find blessings.

Good morning world, it's a new start!
Each day brings opportunity,
A fresh mystery to impart,
Something new and different to see.

Welcome world! Celebrate the good,
If to yourself, you would be true.
Yes, this is something you should
As there is always good in you.

What happens today is to be.
Celebrate a new start! It's free.

It is possible to make a new start every day.

Driving Too Fast: Second Thought

Do I really have to go?
In the forecast, yet more snow;

On second thought, not too wise
With a weather cell that size.

Stormy weather, it can't last;

Traffic's driving way too fast.

Should have known, now it's too late;
Have to set another date.

Reduced visibility;

How to drive, no one can see;

Blinded by the freezing rain
Pelting on the window pane.

Cars are piled up everywhere.

Take a turn off; see one there.

Truck jack-knifing, sliding too;
On the glare ice, naught can do.

Trucks are lined up; highway's blocked;

Fender bender, should have walked.

Stay in the car; go get help;
Listen to the puppy yelp.

Get a tow or wait it out;

Nothing to write home about.

I don't really have to go;
No one will be driving slow,

So I will stay right in bed;
Second thought I had instead.

Sometimes, a second thought should be heeded, especially when it comes to driving in bad weather.

Sonnets About Journeys: Life's Journeys

Life's journeys take us many places,
Oft far beyond our wildest dreams.
New worlds with mystery, spaces;
We find huge oceans, rivers, streams,

Majestic mountains steeped with snow,
The joy of twenty four hour sun,
The way glacial waters flow,
Perhaps where sockeye salmon run.

Where e'er you go, can't help but please;
Your curiosity, a start.
There is no end to life's journeys
To warm even the coldest heart.

You'll find a way and it will show
If you have the courage to go.

There is a wonderful world waiting, if you have the courage to go on life's journeys.

Sonnets About Regrets: You Have the Right to be at Peace

To live a life filled with regrets,
Not one filled with memories sweet,
Is not the way that one forgets
Or lives a life that is complete.

Regrets dwell on unhappy days,
On things we do that cause us grief,
On times gone by, oft just a phase
Of life that's lived without belief.

Live your life; be filled with joy
And with all others do your best.
All of your gifts you can employ;
With no regrets, then you can rest.

You have the right to be at peace
And know regrets will have to cease.

It is possible to move beyond the regrets in your life.

Sonnets About Dorm Rooms: Dorm Rooms in Russia

The Olympians have to pay
For a room, a cot, something more,
A hostel, home, a place to stay
With many cots across the floor.

A dorm room, refuge for a time,
A week or so for some repose,
But not with luxury sublime.
Olympian, do you suppose?

To share dorm rooms, right thing to do.
Yes, dorm rooms, but no privacy.
Perhaps a task, or maybe two,
The cost, then minimal or free.

Olympians from everywhere,
Have access to dorm rooms to share.

Dorm rooms can provide a place of refuge for Olympians in Russia.

A Ninette About Eternity: What God Says

God
Says that
Yes, there is
Eternity.
Who questions His Word?
None can dispute
What He claims
As Truth,
Right?

Should anyone question God's word about eternity?

Senryu About Candy Hearts: A Spicy Valentine

Cinnamon candy
A heart to enjoy slowly
White, red, tasty, too

Cinnamon hearts, a delightful candy treat for February 14th.

Ninette About Cloudy Skies: From Cold to Warm

Cold
Gray day
Cloudy skies
Hiding the sun
Disappearing clouds
Sun shining through
Beautiful
Golden
Warm

What a difference the sun makes!

Angels Among Us: A Random Act of Kindness

The wind howled as if in sheer agony,
Suffering the torment and defeat
Of a senseless reality.

"Too many street people!"
It screamed relentlessly,
"All hungry, wet and cold.
No one to feed them,
No one to take them in."

The snow flew furiously,
Trying to crawl
Into every possible nook and cranny,
Trying to hide its shame.

"Pay it forward,"
A crippled, old man reminded himself,
As he picked up
The steaming hot, cup of coffee,
Left by a generous, young man
Of limited means,
Moments earlier.

With a loving smile on his face,
He had carefully placed it
At the very bottom
Of a red, empty, open mesh barrel
Planted on the street corner,
Like a rich tree, bearing fruit
For the poverty stricken.

"There are angels among us,"
Said another elderly, broken man,
As he picked up the heavy, wool socks
Left there by the crippled man,
Who had pulled them out of his pocket,
Payment for his cup of coffee.

"What can I do
That has not been done already?"
He asked himself, silently.

Moments later,
Compelled by compassion's desire to give,
He helped a local, native bag lady
Waiting at the traffic light,
To get cross the busy street.

"Random acts of kindness
Never go unnoticed,"
She reminded herself,
Slipping a single coin,
Probably the only one she had,
Into the ice cold hand
Of the next street person,
A young, destitute woman.

The howling wind stopped howling;
The snow stopped falling,
But the acts of mercy continued on.

No one really knows what random acts can do.

The Lowest of the Low: Forgiveness and God's Grace

They waited, while He gasped His final breath.
There was no way to justify His death.
"He's the lowest of the low," someone said
To justify the fact that Christ was dead.

"As perfect as He was, He lived in vain."
"Perfection's not the reason for His reign."
"But who are those who carried Him away?"
"'The least shall be the greatest", so they say.

"They treated Him just like He was a fool."
"Is there a better way that He can rule?"
And soon there fell the darkness of the night.
Some wondered if He had been treated right.

"Why did He have to die to take their place,
The lowest of the low to find new grace?"
"What kind of grace is this that He commands?"
"So many questions, no one understands."

A day of mourning for mankind to grieve;
A day of prayer for all who would believe.
"God has His higher plan, yet to fulfill;
It is to be according to His will."

And thus, the Resurrection came to be;
Those who believed would soon their Jesus see
And with the Father seated up above,
The Son enthroned, forgiveness through God's love.

No one really understood the reason for the death of Christ on the cross, until He was resurrected and seated at the right hand of God the Father.

His Attitude: A Humble Man

A humble man takes time to pray,
And gains new strength from God each day.

A humble man stays in God's will
And listens when he says, "Be still."

A humble man in word and deed,
Will know the value of God's seed.

A humble man will share God's love
And spread the power of His dove.

A humble man's whole attitude
Is never one unkind or rude.

A humble man will do God's work
And never from true passion shirk.

A humble man will seek the truth;
His daily walk will be the proof.

A humble man sets things aright
And does not fear the darkest night.

A humble man is truly good,
Loves God and others, as he should.

A humble man takes time to grow
And trusts our God, His path to show.

The attitude of Christ was that of a humble man, setting an example for all of mankind.

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Haiku about February's 28 days: Why is the Number 28 Important?

Leap year, once in four
February twenty eighth
Blessing of the sun.

Power and energy are inherent in the number 28.