Looking at your photograph, write a poem from two different perspectives. Write a poem as the person in the picture. Tap into your methods of figurative language exploring what this character might think, say, touch, feel, smell, and sound like.
Then, change direction. Be the outside observer viewing this person. Once again, tap into your methods of figurative language exploring what this character might think, say, touch, feel, smell, and sound like.
Don't be afraid to try and use some of the poetic devices we have studied. Maybe the two characters meet- what happens in the exchange.
Picture Perfect
ReplyDeleteSmiles spread like sparks
in the dry heat of day
People slip underneath the green foliage
the shadows leaving their skin like dark silk
Laughter is infectious;
bubbling up from rosy young lips
The summer bride shines
from a happy light within
Air is sweet with the joy of new beginnings
and loss of childhood
and remembering old memories
The ancient eyes of the trees
who hold in deep memory
sights of picnics
play-dates
games of tag and hide-and-go-seek
Now view the sacred union of love
The photographer
watches it all through his lens
Until the perfect moment arises
Snap!
Beautiful bride and grinning girl
captured forever
in a moment of pure joy
Child to Mountain
ReplyDeleteChild:
Driving past the mountains
I stare at them in awe
Snow cascades around them
Like glorious fountains
Mountain:
Snow tickles me all over
I just barely touch the sky
Sun peaks out behind me
I watch the world go by
A hot summer’s day, sweltering as the street
ReplyDeleteLaying under the trees, so I’m beating the heat
A nice owner who treats me well
A big bowl of water that’s quite swell
Foliage from the wise above gently sweep across the floor
Encasing me with shade galore!
A happy dog, a happy life
I’m just as good as a happy wife!
This opportunity can’t be passed up
She saunters by and say’s “what’s up?”
I lead her eyes with my finger and say, “it’s our dog honey, he looks like no stray”
Perhaps we should enter him in the contest and win the big K
She says, “Oh no you don’t Phil,
I won’t have you paying more attention to that canine than I ever will!”
I friendly bound over to the arguing couple
Eagerly waiting to lick her hand
and prove to her I’m content in the sand
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ReplyDeleteForever Young
ReplyDeleteGirl:
Eight, nine, ten
Ready or not here I come!
Tiptoeing around the corner
I quietly look behind the door
Nothing
I hear a chair leg squeak
Wheeling around I yell
Gotcha!
My sister sprints into the next room
I am shortly behind
Seeing her dive under a blanket
I run to get her, I can see
A head of blond and two little eyes poking out
Sliding in beside her we hear
Look at me, smile!
Photographer:
Peeking through her fingers I hear her count
Eight, nine, ten
Ready or not
She looks around the corner
Trying to contain her giggles
Spotting her sister
Gotcha
Running off to the living room
Giggling and laughing
Hiding under a blanket
I must capture the moment
I call to the blond duo, grab my camera
Smile!
The unnoticed champion
ReplyDeleteI am there every game
I play every minute
I never get tired
But I am the unnoticed champion
Through the regular season
Where we beat Creek, Regis
And the rival Heritage
I helped the team win
By scoring every point
But I am the unnoticed champion
In the playoffs
When the game was on the line
I came through
And scored the winning basket
But I am the unnoticed champion
The final game, the Championship
Nobody thought of me
They roared and screamed
But never for me
Because I am the unnoticed champion
Our team was down by two
The final seconds ticked down
The arena was silent
As hopes and I flew through the air
Yet I was the unnoticed champion
I won the game
The arena exploded like a stampede of elephants
As the fans rushed the court to celebrate
I was left bouncing in the background
No one came and picked me up
As I rolled of the court
The one who showed me love
Was the janitor who came to pick me up
And there I waited
In the closet till next season
Because I am the unnoticed champion
From the Street Corner
ReplyDeleteSmells spread like fires
As people pass by
This corner of the world
Awakens with a sigh
Coffee and morning cakes
Are made by the vendors of the street
And people stop and pay for them
And hope for a treat
But as the morning dawns
And as the sunlight breaks
One man sits on the street corner
And waits-
Waits
For the passerby to have a heart
And lend a man some hope
A dime, quarter, even a dollar
Could help the man in need
But everyone just passes by
Without a fleeting glance
The morning yawns
As it wakes up
And slaps me in the face
I think to myself
“I want to sleep,
Not go to work”
And, “Why should I get up?”
But I drag myself from my warm bed
And get dressed for another day
But when I walk outside
I get a sucker punch from God
Because there’s a man out there
Who has nothing-
Nothing at all
I take so much for granted
And I truly didn’t see.
So I gave the man a 50,
And he grinned and thanked me
And he said with a sad smile,
“I’ve sat on these streets for many a year
With no money nor a home
And in all that time I’ve noticed
How selfish people are
Because when they have a home
And clothes
And food
They give me none
But when a man who’s homeless just like me
Sits down with me for a while,
We share a joke
And love
And hope
And we are richer than anyone alone.”
I walked away with a feeling in my heart
That I was not rich, but poor in heart
And that the poor man
Was right
The Tree of Wonder By the Sea
ReplyDeleteTree:
Oh the usual same boring day
I just wish someone would look my way!
I mean I am the most dazzling tree on the block!
Who would not want to stare and stalk?
I live beside the ocean Pacific
Which is truly marvelous and quite terrific.
But yet no one desires to come and see me
So instead they sit on the beaches of the sea!
My job of the day,
Consists of watching bratty toddlers who whine and play
And the teenagers who cannot get enough
Of admiring each other thinking their hot stuff.
But what is this I see?
A man with a camera is coming from across the sea!
It appears he is coming towards me!
I take a deep breath trying to look like a marvelous palm tree.
He studies me up and down,
And snaps a few pictures but then stares at them with a frown.
Oh dear I think, as he beckons to a different man,
Who is picking up something sharp that he dropped on the sand.
I take in CO2 as I wait
Wondering what could possibly be my fate.
No! It cannot be!
This man has started mincing my trunk with eyes filled with glee.
I say goodbye to this repulsive beach,
Maybe I will see it again in the near future.
Forest Guide:
Just another day on the job,
Inspecting the California beaches that make my heart throb.
There is absolutely no room to walk freely by the sea
I am just about to turn around when I finally spotted my tree.
Poor thing I think as I snap a few pictures on my phone,
I have been sent to renew it with a handsomer tree, full grown.
For this tree is wilting and old,
No one cares to look at it for so it has been told.
Well I better get this job done
As I beckon to the tree chopper who breaks into a run
"So is this the one?" he asks,
I nod my head as he begins his task.
We he finished, there was nothing there but a big gaping hole
Where a marvelous tree once stood, healthy and whole.
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ReplyDeleteThe Race
ReplyDeleteFaster!
I push myself beyond what I've done before.
I need to work as hard as those of lore.
Make this day count, make the work pay off.
Can't slow down, even though I cough.
Make this race, this bib memorable.
A personal record would be so pleasurable!
Faster!
Watch this runner fly down the course.
Running, running faster than a horse.
Participant Number 30, keep going.
Screams and shouts keep the runner from slowing.
Almost there, about to reach the finish line.
With that great time, this runner cannot whine
Peaceful, Still
ReplyDeleteThe breeze is cool against my skin
The sand warm beneath my feet, still hot from the suns glow
My hair taken up by the wind, dancing about my shoulders
Glinting gold in the dying sunlight
An endless sonnet of waves splashing up the shore, then swimming slowly back to sea
Peaceful
Still
Clouds flicker across the sky like comforting arms, encircling the sun, asking it to retire and come home
Blue sky peeks from behind dark shadows, saying goodnight to another day gone
Peaceful
Still
My eyes are drooping, tired and wind strained
My skin is rough and raw from the baking rays of the sun, tanning my skin
Beads of water dance on my fingertips, licking my bare arms
Peaceful
Still
I see deep orange spill across the darkening sky
And know it is time for me to head home
For the night is young
As I trudge up the beach for the last time that day
I look back
A sudden rush of wind stinging my eyes and blowing my hair out behind me
The waves whisper goodnight
The sun begs me to stay
The morning will come again shortly
Calling me again to the sea
Forever speaking my name...
Peaceful
Still
Her silhouette struck out across the orange sky
Her hair flying out around her bare shoulders
A small smile growing on her lips
The sun hung low in the air engulfed by clouds
Blue sky shimmering lightly on the water
She stood alone
Motionless and still
Her eyes tired and small, but a smile still set on her lips
She turned slowly as if to go
But then spun around swiftly, as if se had heard someone call her name
Stay, stay...
She smiled again at the sea
Those tired eyes longing to stay
But she would be back
Not tomorrow
Never again today
But she would be back
LAter than she believed
Someday again she would be home
Again with the promise of the ever present sea
Peaceful
Still
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ReplyDeletePhotograph: A Rose
ReplyDeleteFrom the Rose:
My delicate petals
Showered with dew
Folding this way and that
My many personalities
Just for you.
I am a sparkling ruby
The color of bloodshed
But that is not my message
I come with passionate romance
I am Rose the Red.
I am a sliced watermelon
Two lovers link
A soft, sweet love for you
I honor you; I admire
I am Rose the Pink.
I am the light of the earth
Sincere, yet mellow
I am for happiness
Not romance, but friendship
I am Rose the Yellow.
I am the freshly fallen snow
For those who gave up the fight
I remember the end
I celebrate the start
I am Rose the White.
Although I have more colors
This poem comes to a close
Whether romance, remembrance, or friendship
I am a love itself
I am the Rose.
To the Rose:
I walk alone down the path
Wet with the smell of a forgotten rain
When I see a crimson rose
It makes me think about the pain.
My heart feels heavy
As I stare at the bloody red
I think of the pain I caused her
And I'm shaky with regret.
Regret turns to anger
And I'm filled with rage
The red reminds me of her independence
I was her property, trapped in a cage.
The dark crimson of the petals
Suddenly fills me with fear
The darkness I felt when she left me
I'm still stuck in the dark years.
I try to remember the lighter years
And I see them in the rose's pink
I really did love her
And she loved me, I think.
Then the brightness of the cherry red jumps right out at me
It reminds me of the happiness I felt when we met
But my eyes fall down to the unwelcoming thorns
And back comes the fear, anger, and regret.
Then the rose withers
Right before my eyes
It turns to a lifeless purple
And I understand that the past has died.
A pink bud begins in its place
Not yet wet with tears of dew
Happiness fills within me, and I smile
As I begin my life anew.
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ReplyDeletePicture: Determination, the feeling you get right before you do something incredibly stupid
ReplyDeleteFrom Person:
Yes! A fish!
But what's on the line?
Hey! Get off!
This my fish you fool!
You did not catch it
If I've reeled it in.
This is bad, but still,
I'll get it anyway.
That bear is nothing,
I'll beat right down.
My intelligence is greater
Than that very large beast.
I'll get closer,
Just take it right out of it's mouth.
Oh no,
I've made such a grave mistake.
That bear is bigger
Than I originally thought.
It saw what I thought
And is heading this way.
It's really big but I want my fish.
Oh no, that's a mistake.
Ow...
From Spectator:
What is this crazy picture?
Determination,
Oh I get it!
This guy has problems,
Of this I have no doubt
The bigger one though,
Is what he's got on the line!
To take a fish from a bear
One simply does not do.
But he is going for it,
With a determination unknown.
This is true, in fact,
To receive determination
Before something goes wrong.
What a life truth,
A sight for all to enjoy
Let’s walk by the beach, just you and me.
ReplyDeleteLet’s dream of perfect harmony.
Shall we ponder the beauty of this Oregon coast?
Shall we relish in its unequaled glory, foremost?
Let’s perform for the people, just you and me.
Let’s crash, then roll, then put them to sleep,
With our rolling and singing that’s hard to deny,
Let us quiet their hearts like a lullaby.
Let’s listen to the song the ocean now sings,
And bask in the peace its gentleness brings.
Let’s lie on the beach, and glance all around,
Before we fall asleep, safe, happy and sound.
The day is now done, we relax and sleep too.
We take a break from performing, very similarly to you.
Instead of crashing and yelling and rolling,
Let us sit here and wait for the upcoming morning.
Holding on To Love
ReplyDeleteThe Mother:
Life is precious
So stay by my side
Little darling
Don't ever grow up
You came into my life
So innocent
So pure
Promise not to leave me
Hold on tight
Life may get bumpy
But just remember
I will always be here for you
When things get rough
When your heart gets broken
Come back to me with the pieces
And we will patch it back together
My love will never die for you
Little One
Promise to hold on to me
As long as you can
The Photographer:
A mother and her child
She caresses the little hand
Of the one she loves
Their love holds them tightly together
Soon, things will change
The classic story
Child moves on, but
Mother can't bare the thought of moving on
She wants to always be the protection
But doesn't realize
How little she really knows
About her child
When things get rough
The child comes back
For comfort
And for security
One thing will
Never change, though
The mother will always be there
For her child when she needs it most
Photograph- Wrecked Ferrari 458 Italia on fire
ReplyDeletehttp://www.wreckedexotics.com/458/458_20100728_3.jpg
Car-
I’m on fire!
My interior set ablaze
The wheels melting below
Smoke rising from every crack in the metal
As I climbed the ever treacherous hill
My engine said to stop
And slow down so it can catch its breath
But I said no, keep going!
Nearing the peak you said no more
And caught on fire to say “I am done”
My glass melting and cracking in the intense heat
The canvas roof gone in an instant
Your Italian engineering could not contain
This ever impending fate
My two-hundred thirty-eight thousand dollars worth of body
Caught up in flame
Driver-
My car!
I pushed you too far didn’t I?
Did I rev your engine too much?
Was I showing you off more than I needed to?
Your red, glossy paint excited me
And I just could not resist
Climbing that beautiful mountain in Switzerland
On a hot, summer day
Temptation led to over exaggeration
And you caught ablaze in front of me
And I realized, you super expensive car
You will never be driven again
From the dog:
ReplyDeleteWalking is not my specialty
Neither are barking or walking
Sunglasses are not my style
Neither are laughing or talking.
But being in Missouri
Is definitely my favorite
Being in Missouri
Is definitely my specialty.
When I'm in Missouri
I fell more handsome
And I do feel more handsome
When I'm in Branson.
My tails wagging
And my tongue is out
Can you feel any better
When you're top dog?
From the person/viewer:
Hold still
Will you?
I'm just trying
To take a picture
For God's sake.
Here put on this
Branson hat
And these sunglasses
Now you'll look cool.
Okay now almost-
No, keep those sunglasses
On
They're falling off.
Great,
Now the
Picture has
been taken
I told you
To hold still.
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ReplyDeleteBonded
ReplyDeleteSibling's perspective:
Bonded by childhood
My brothers and I
As we watch the waves
Recede and pass by
Times come and go
But this I will remember
Those faces I know
Times spent together
Traveling around the world
Sharing experiences
That soon become curled
Each others accomplices
Mischievous siblings
Sharing memories abound
Given many blessings
We all have been crowned
Bestowed upon with love and kindness
Blessed with your majesty and highness
For these are the virtues
Siblings share
As the year continues
All is not fair
But for now we stand
Hand in hand
Bound together
Loved forever
Bonded by childhood
My brothers and I
As we watch the waves
Recede and pass by
Photographer's Perspective:
Perfect opportunity
To catch this shot
To preserve it forever
Never lost in time
Forever they will treasure it
This image speaks
Of the love and compassion
That brotherhood brings
Picture: A boy being flipped around in the air by his father in the ocean.
ReplyDeleteBoy:
Whoa!
Here I go!
Up in the air, without a fright.
I think I’m flying, I’ve never felt so light.
All of a sudden, my head is upside down,
Where am I going? I’m spinning around!
Now I remember, the water is below,
My father was the one who started the throw.
Next thing I know, I make a splash,
Lets do it again, that was a blast!
Spectator:
What is this, to which I am a witness?
Man, that kid is the king of fitness!
Who told them to flip the boy?
Is this the only way they find joy?
It’s incredible that this is safe,
I wouldn’t try it, even if paid.
Either way, it truly looks spectacular,
The only way to describe it in my vernacular.
Maybe after the trick is done,
I can meet the father, and the son.
The Bird-
ReplyDeleteThe wind whistles
The storm swells
The street now flooded below
I watch the chaos
In muddled waters
What a view
Its almost peaceful
Just the sound of crashing waves
Clouds roll in
But up here I am safe
Why turn back now
A person driving by-
Frosty glass
My only protection
While cold wind whips by my window
Its hard to tell where the road ends
Or where the ocean begins
The water swallows the sand
Who knows where its been
Who knows where it is headed
Each swell draws me in
I press my face up against the glass
I don't try to question
The quiet awe of the storm
One lone stoplight
Under a troubled sky
Its exciting
Its peaceful
almost
Photograph: Lollipop
ReplyDeleteLollipop-
Summer breeze passes,
blue sky shines bright.
Going from sunshine to crystal clear night.
Hearing laughter from above,
from a sweet little voice
bells ring out.
A need fills me,
a want to be free.
To create a memory, soft and sweet.
Up comes my get-away car
with hopeful eyes and pleading tone.
"Mommy, can I have one? Pretty please?"
A smile forms on the woman’s face.
A joyful squeal and I am home.
Another day has been brightened.
Mother:
A perfect sunny day-
birds chirping, the park is serene.
Timmy runs wild, enjoying the freedom.
Round the bend, past the old oak the candy cart waits.
The daily battle will be easy.
The lighthearted feeling makes my decision easy.
Timmy, with eyes wide as melons reaches the place of kids' dreams.
"Mommy, can I have one? Pretty please?"
As he runs off with glee, my day has been brightened.
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ReplyDeleteA tiny creature, a child,
ReplyDeletebrings me so much joy.
Her careless smile is
a light in a dark world.
I sit here reading a book to her
thinking about how much I love her.
She is just a child.
She doesn’t know what is
outside my embrace,
but I will protect her.
There is nothing,
nothing,
that can make me happier
than being this precious girl’s
father.
There will be a time.
A time when this bubbly toddler
may not be so happy to be sitting next to her dad.
There will be a time.
A time when instead of laughs being shared,
it will be loud words of anger.
This little girl doesn’t yet realize what she has.
A caring father, who will always be there
no matter what hardships come her way.
The never ending love.
There will be a time.
A time when this without-a-care kid,
maybe walking down the aisle,
or when she leaves for college,
that she will truly be grateful
for this man’s love.
Their bond is forever.
This captured moment is just the beginning.
Picture- Little girl swinging on a swing at dusk
ReplyDeleteGirl-
I wish I were a bird
to fly away from here,
The trees below like a postcard
proving where I've been
and where I want to go,
The sunset in the distance
sprouting the color of my future,
Oh, I wish I were a bird
to fly away from here
Spectator-
Just a small girl on a swing,
The world in her hands,
The best days are ahead,
The way she speaks,
The way she thinks,
Her future is all so bright,
What the imagination seeks,
She's capable to not shrink,
Everything to come, is higher than a kite,
Just a small girl on a swing,
The world in her hands,
The best days are ahead
1st POV
ReplyDeleteI sit here
Waiting
Wanting
Wishing
Just to be loved
To feel attached
To know that someone cares
But instead I wait, and want and wish
No one understands what it’s like
The others, they don’t care about me
Only about themselves and their own business
I just want to be apart of something
Something bigger then just this house and me
Maybe I am though
Because kids see me everyday
They call to their moms to come look at me
I live in the zoo, with thousands of other animals
But I am loved, by those kids who call out my name
By the zookeepers that take care of me
And the doctors that keep me healthy
I may just be a snow leopard, but I am loved
So no more wishing and wanting and waiting for something else
2nd POV
The tiger sits in the back corner all by himself
I don’t understand why he looks so sad
He has the most beautiful eyes
A soft, bright blue
He seems so intriguing, yet so calm
Watching him is like a dream
Untamed and wild, yet soft and understanding
He must hate it in there
Caged
Just him, all alone
I can’t seem to tear my eyes away from him
Yet I know that I must leave
But to walk away from something so beautiful
Seems like torture, unfathomable
It must happen though
And when it does, it will be
The end
Fox's Point of View-
ReplyDelete"Yum" my tail tastes good.
It kinda tastes like wood.
"Wait" is that a bunny over there,
or could it be a small bear?
"Hmm" should I go and check it out?
I will have to plan my route.
"Well..." which way should I go?
I will have to move slow.
"Yes!" It is a bunny.
Now isn't that funny.
"Hm" Should I attack from behind?
I don't think it is blind.
"I know," I will go at it from the right.
I only want one bite.
"Yum." The rest I will save for dinner,
After all, I need to become thinner.
Observer's Point of View-
That fox is acting like a dog.
Is he standing on a bog?
His tail is not for eating,
it looks like he is sinking.
Wait, he's frozen.
There is a bunny that he has chosen.
He isn't moving a muscle,
It doesn't look like he is in a hustle.
He pounced,
and it looks like he bounced.
He only took one bite,
I hope not out of spite.
He's dragging it off,
Probably to his trough.
I want to get away from this place
ReplyDeleteA place where there is no hate
I want to have a honey
with lots and lots of money
so I am never put into debt
oh that would cause such a fret
I want to get out of this place
She sits as if the world means nothing
while are kids are asleep hushing
I wish I could be like that
not careing what the world was about
she looks so caring
others wouldn't know that because they are to busy glaring
they are jealous of her ways
because their world is stuck in a craze.
Troy Golding
ReplyDeletePhotograph Poem
Sea Turtle
Roaming around the vast sea
Putting on a show for tourists staring at me
The water is blue like the sky
I swim along with a sigh
Dodging people to stay afloat
If i don’t keep my eyes open I might get hit by a boat
I wait along for when the night comes
I can finally rest and listen to boats hums
These people will not give me a break
Settle down for goodness sake
Roaming around the vast seas
I finally have a moment to be at ease
Sea Turtle
A gentle sea turtle I see cruising
Probably looking for food and perusing
He is probably feeling calm
As if in the wind like a palm
Gliding through the salty water
Probably wondering if the weather can get much hotter
That turtle has such a gorgeous shell
For a good price it could sell
There is something I know that turtle has to tell
It is shown on his face as loud as a bell
There he goes swimming away
I hope to see him again someday
POV 1-
ReplyDeleteThey say it's all so great.
The tours
The lights
The fans
Screaming.
All I wanted was the music.
But it has become so much more.
I never wanted any of this
Don't they see
I am more than this.
I am human.
But not to them.
They say it's all so great.
POV 2-
That's them
Sitting there
Living, breathing legends
I am hoarse from screaming
Is this really happening?
There they are
What should I do?
They are legends.
I am nothing to them.
They are everything.
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ReplyDeleteDark grey clouds
ReplyDeleteSteadily rising on the horizon
Releasing millions of drops
Hurtling towards the earth
Pounding, bouncing, splashing
Murky, dirty, scummy water
Struggling down the gutters towards the drain
All of the raindrops hard work in vain
Water rises fast, steadily
Surging along riverbanks
Out to the ocean
To start all over again
Rain pounds against our shutters
Leaks down the windows
Sends the fragrant aroma of cleanliness throughout the house
We grab boots and coats,
Rush out the door
Splash our way through the underwater garden
That is the front yard
The sky is bleak and oppressing
And yet, beautiful and free
We drift asleep
To the lullaby of nature
THE FINISH LINE
ReplyDeleteEverything is still
As I crouch there
Waiting to be released
The rough track against my fingers
Suddenly the silence is pierced with a cry
“SET!” the official shouts
As if we are robots
We rise in unison
Now the air is tense
The wait is unbearable
Suddenly, with a shot
We all bolt forward
The race has begun
I fall into place behind the leader
Waiting to make my move
Waiting to pass
The world has suddenly gone silent
I can only hear the pounding
The pounding of feet
And of my heart
Then the burn sets in
It slowly creeps up my legs
Into my lungs
Into my head
I can see the finish line
We are neck and neck
I push forward
So does he
I feel as if I can’t go on
But I must
I give everything I have
And I move faster
I am almost there
Thirty feet
I can hear him behind me
Twenty feet
With a desperate push I surge forward
I feel as if I will die
Finally, I am finished
I have won
It starts as a trickle of sound
The cheering of the crowd
Only then do I realize
I have been deaf to the world around me
All is silent as I wait for the start
“SET!” the official shouts
Another unbearable pause
Then the shot, the race has begun
I watch as they all fall into position
Faster and faster they go
Some start to fall away
Others increase their speed all the more
I watch as the leader breaks away
My son right on his heels
Faster and faster
As they approach the final stretch
I can tell they are tired
But neither will give up
My son starts to pass the leader
They are neck and neck
They are both on the verge of collapse
But neither will
The distance is growing
My son has pulled away
As he nears the line
He gives one final push
It is finished
He has won
Only after this do I begin to hear
I hear the cheers and screams
Fellow spectators cheering them on
But I had not heard their shouts
I guess I was running right beside him
Running with him
Cheering him on
Deaf to the world around me
There is something peaceful about it
About the silence during a race
People shout at the top of their lungs
But I do not hear them
I am too focused
To determined to care
My eyes are on one thing alone
The Finish Line
My Love/Hate for Snow
ReplyDeleteWatching the snow fall,
They are white and beautiful,
Each one different.
It turns the sky ordinary gray
The gray of that sweater that I tugged
Over my face to keep me warm.
Snow lies
It's white, glistening glitter gives us
A false impression of a clean untainted world
And when warmer weather approaches,
On the spring breeze the snow cowers
And runs away down storm drains,
Exposing the dead grass and withered flowers.
Snow prevents plans with friends,
And keeps us inside
In stuffy basements where we take the weight off our feet on itchy sofas
And wait for something to come on TV.
So I sit here looking out.
Busy Busy
ReplyDeleteSuch is the life of the city…
The constant roar
People talking
Sirens wailing
Car horns beeping
The aromatics
Fresh brewed coffee
Cheesy pizza
Hot oven bread
The sights
Buildings sky high
People bustling
Wind swaying trees
Oh busy busy is the life of the city
Yet from afar
With lights twinkling
Sky turned fiery
Buildings touch sky
It looks peaceful,
Picturesque, calm
And oh so still
How could a life in the city be so busy?
Man's Best Friend
ReplyDeleteI cannot ever tell you
Just what you mean to me,
But when you pat my golden head
My love for you you quickly see.
Oh dog, your silly lop-eared head
Your sweet brown chocolate eyes,
I love you snuggled next to me
I feel sharp pain at each goodbye.
If I could sacrifice my life
To save a friend so pure
I would a million thousand times
And a million thousand more.
They say that you are man’s best friend-
You’re more than that to me,
I love you as wind loves the birds
As forests love their trees.
You’re on two legs and me on four,
And as different as we are,
We both have ears and eyes and hearts
Though I’ll have shorter years by far.
I cannot ever tell you, dog,
Just what a friend you are,
And though you’ve left me lonely here,
I know you’re never far.
Michael Phelps haiku – From Phelps
ReplyDeleteMy eighth gold
Puts me into history
As the best ever
From his fan
What a special sight
To see this swimmer succeed
And re-write history
Beauty and the Beast: Outside
ReplyDeleteBeastly burned, whithered and worn waits the wise barn.
Disfigured with scars and splinters, it warns.
Trying to escape the consequences of life,
There is no more bitter plight.
Standing through fierce blizzards and burning summers,
It waits to teach the lost and lonely newcomers.
Despite the drudgery of this dismal landscape,
A delicate darling daisy creates delight’s drape.
Many shinning petals spread around its dark center.
Pure as gold is stands without a like mentor.
Aside the burned barn, a diamond in the ruff,
Waiting through thick and thin, so it’s tough.
Standing aside each other, beauty and the beast.
Having little in common to say the least.
One waiting to be remembered and restored,
The other to be seen and adored.
Still together they stand, supporting each other.
Waiting together, sister with brother.
Birth of Beauty: Inside
Drops of sunlight’s rain shimmers from the skies.
Penetrating the dark dirt to a sleeping seed it flies.
-To a seedling waiting to be awakened
As a yawning newborn graces the world with her smiles,
A daisy breathes life into the countryside for miles.
-Shinning spring’s light
Growing, growing till green sprouts break into the light.
Soaking in the sunshine, its rays of delight.
-Reaching leafy arms to the sun
Days passing, sunshine and rain.
The little daisy lives without pain.
-Knowing only the good and right
Now blooming and blooming, reaching petals to the sun.
They spread in all directions, not missing one.
-Becoming God’s beauty
But summertime fades, autumn chill replacing it.
Petals drooping, dropping because of it.
-Beauty fading into oblivion
Dry petals, cracking leaf, and broken stems,
Oh my little beauty, what has become of them.
-Young beauty’s season has fled with the season
The picture is of an old man staring into the camera.
ReplyDeleteMy name’s John gross,
I think the camera’s too close.
Wait, you took the shot?
A smile, that’s what I forgot.
Can you take another?
Remember to take off the cover!
Okay, I hope this one is better.
No, that time I looked like a leper.
I’m just a simple photographer.
But this old grandfather?
I don’t know if I can get through this!
I’m starting to lose my wits!
A smile you forgot?
What? Are you on pot?
Who even talks like that?
Stop acting like a brat!
Stop complaining! You’re at least 92!
Your life expectancy is overdue!
A walk in the Rain,
ReplyDeleteThere is really nothing quite like,
This feeling of no pain,
Not one worry,
No need to hurry.
Not a soul in sight,
All alone in the storm,
Not worrying about what's right,
Completely out of the norm,
Nothing to lose,
Nothing to gain,
A walk in the rain.
Is that man crazy?
Or just a fool?
His mind may be a bit hazy,
Or perhaps he hopes to appear cool?
Rain soaking his clothes,
His weak umbrella fighting,
But the water continues to grow.
Maybe he's depressed,
Or possibly distressed?
Maybe he is insane,
Or maybe he just enjoys the rain.
I feel happy
ReplyDeleteFree never the less
My opportunities are never ending.
Envision the joy in life
That’s what I do.
I imagine I am flying through the air
As a bird flies through the open midst
All my worries have disappeared
And for once I can just keep running
I am forever young.
Young feels like forever ago
My paradise has perished
I remember all the opportunities that were placed before me
I set aside my goals to pursuit a fantasy not worth living for
Now I am growing old
There is no soul left inside
Only emptiness drives through me.
I want to be like that girl
Running free, not having a care in the world
I soon will accomplish new triumphs.
Victories will be in my favor
And through eternity I will breathe young once again.
Picture- Ballet dancers
ReplyDeleteTwisting and bending to the notes of the score
Jumping and landing feet firm on the floor
Telling the story of a another day
Tales of joy or sorrow in this ballet
The Audition
ReplyDeleteThe Student:
I have practiced every day
I have cried and bled
I have triumphed
I know the steps
I know the dance
I know I can do this
I will get the part
I will wow the judge
I will become what I’ve dreamed
I need to make my parents proud
I need to prove myself
I need to be perfect
I can be perfect.
The Teacher:
She had to pay attention
She had to work harder
She had not tried enough
She knew it would be hard
She knew her chance was small
She knew she couldn’t do it
She would not make it
She would go back where she came
She would not stand out
She needed to be the best
She needed to practice more
She needed to be perfect
She could not be perfect.
Mona Lisa
ReplyDeleteI am Mona Lisa
I am kind and understanding
I am compassionate
I am the one with the eyes saying I’ve been there
I am the one with the tired hands saying I’ve struggled too
I am the one who says things will get better
I am Mona Lisa
She is Mona Lisa
She is the one with the mysterious smile
She is the one with the elitist attitude
She is the one who looks down upon you
She is the one with sovereignty
She is Mona Lisa
I am Mona Lisa
I am the one with the undefined expression
I am the one always watching you
I am the one who you will never understand
I am the one who knows you
I am the one who can smell your perfume
I am Mona Lisa
Mount Rushmore
ReplyDeleteI always see them staring
only at night do they cease their glaring
Then it is just the three of us
reflecting on the days rush
At 8 AM it all begins again
whether it be sunshine or rain
the other three Presidents agree
That all we wish to do is flee
We want to escape from the constant stares
because no longer can we bare
this continuous torture since 1939
We were meant to be a shrine
but were turned into a tourist trap
placed somewhere on the map
Into the side of a mountain four Presidents were carved
There is a lack of realization that we are being starved
from a peaceful afterlife
spent entirely with the wife
Instead we are forced to live our days
in the hot sun’s gaze
waiting for a day when we can rest
from the public’s eye; only then will we be blessed
Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and I all know
we will never be anything but a part of Mount Rushmore
Soldier and Daughter
ReplyDeleteDaddy’s not home right now
Mommy says he’s fighting
She said he’ll be home soon.
My country is at stake
I am protecting my country
My friends
My family
My daughter.
I miss my daddy
I miss how he picks me up
And spins me around.
I miss his cooking
And the way he makes pasta.
I miss my family
And my home.
I miss my daughter’s drawings
And her crazy stories,
And even playing tea party with her dolls.
When I see Daddy again
I’ll tell him about my lost tooth
And how I read Green Eggs and Ham all by myself.
I’ll show him my drawings from school
And the doll Grandma got me for Christmas.
My mission is simple
People will die in the process
But not me
I will go home to my family
Hug them
And never let go.
Picture: George Clooney
ReplyDeleteCourtesy of: Cole W
George:
People love me. Yes they do.
People tell me I'm very attractive too.
They call me names like the Silver Fox.
Being famous really rocks.
All the women that see me, swoon.
And when they find out I'm single
They feel like they're on the moon.
My talents are acting and robbing casinos.
I always wear suits and hang with my bros.
My crew of eleven, they use their wit
To get money in Vegas with my buddy Brad Pitt.
I'm already rich and own seven homes.
I'm so rich I only buy the soap that foams.
The paparazzi love me and follow me around
So much that I sometimes wonder how I am found.
I'm 50 years old but I still look good.
Guys wish they'd look like me, if only they could.
Good looks like these are very rare.
Most men wish they had my hair.
If I wasn't as awesome as me,
I wouldn't know what I'd do.
I mean, seriously, people would pay a thousand dollars
Just to own my shoe.
A Fan of George:
Look! It's George Clooney!
He's such a hunk.
If he had to take an ugly test
I bet he would flunk.
I can't believe this!
He's less than 100 feet away!
What do I do?!
Oh what should I say?
I could tell him I love him.
Or would that sound crazy?
I could serenade him with "I've Had the Time of My Life."
Oh wait...I did that when I saw Patrick Swayze.
Maybe I should just say "Hello."
Or I could be hip and shout out "Yo!"
Alas! I know what I'm going to say!
I'll smoothly walk up and politely say "Hey."
I'm going to do it.
I promise, I will.
This is my lifelong dream that I'm about to fulfill.
I better hurry before I miss my chance!
Boy, he is fit. I bet he can break dance.
Oh no! I got distracted and now he's walking away!
But his biceps are huge, I must say.
I did it again! I must concentrate.
I have to meet him so he can realize it's fate
That we're meant to be together.
Of this I'm quite sure.
I bet this bad luck has nothing to do
With my complete lack of allure.
I guess I must follow him
To wherever he'll go.
Don't worry, I'll catch up.
I'm not that slow.
I've almost got him!
Just a couple more yards.
Thank heavens this guy doesn't travel with guards!
My hand is on his shoulder, now he's turning around!
I just might faint.
I hope I don't hit the ground.
He's saying "Hello."
I think I'll say that as well.
Oh my!
He has a glorious smell!
I let slip "I LOVE YOU!"
What have I done?
He must think I'm a lunatic!
Maybe I should just run.
Oh wait, what is this?
He's saying it back?
This is so strange.
I think I'm having a panic attack!
And right when he gets down on one knee...
My alarm clock wakes me from that heavenly dream.
Photograph - Falling rain
ReplyDeletePit, pat, pit, pat
All day, falling down
All around
Collecting in puddles
On the ground.
Flowing, flowing
Never slowing
Always going
Yet of my location
I'm always unknowing.
Rain, rain, go away
That it what I'll sing today.
I wish I could go out and play
But the sky just had to be dark and gray.
We were supposed to go the the ballet
But sadly the rain just had to stay.
So now all day
I'll have to say
I wish this rain would go away.
The Canyon
ReplyDeleteThe canyon is my home
The sand is my bed
The starry sky is my roof
And the sunshine lights my world.
I will never feel such a feeling
As warm as the desert sun
I will never see such a sight
as the piercing stars at night
I will never hear such a sound
as the breathing beneath the earth
I will never be more at peace
As long as the canyon is my home.
The canyon is her home
The cactus were her decorations
The animals were her friends
The sunset was her inspiration.
She seemed to never feel a feeling
As freeing as the majestic wind
She seemed to never see a sight
As enchanting as the sunrise
She seemed to never hear a sound
As beautiful as the birds
One would hope she'd stay at peace
As long as the canyon was her home.
The Hallway:
ReplyDeleteOne hundred and fifty years
My walls of plaster have been home to many
The ill, the delirious
I soon replaced those who left with others
One hundred and fifty years
Documented in the lenses of photographers
Witnessed by curious onlookers
But never seen as those who resided here
One hundred and fifty years
My foundation has begun to crumble
Though my memories have remained intact
I will never forget the patients who once called me home
One hundred and fifty years
Nightmares occurred here once upon a time
Already fragile existences were broken
A quiet calm is all that fills this hallway now
One hundred and fifty years
And now the end is drawing near
Dark chocolate, oh how I love it
ReplyDeleteThe feeling I get when it melts on my tongue
The perfect mix between sweet and bitter
oh how i wish for more
every single moment
from cricking wrapper
to tasting the last morsel
oh how i wish for more
It brings back the memories
of the good times of life
surfing on the beach or running through the forest
oh how i wish for more
FDR
ReplyDeleteThe Great Depression is reckless
This Great Depression is ill
Our last hope lies in the creation of the New Deal
The federal government has to spread it's aid
I have to help those in need I have to start a agency crusade
The unemployed is were I'll start
The CCC, CWA, and WPA will do there jobs and aid there heart
What about the farmers I have to put them back on their feet
The NRA and AAA will make sure they're able to grow corn and wheat
No child will be seen working and there will be a minimum wage
People will not work ridiculous hours
I will fix this nations mess on the nations stage
The SEC, FHA and HOLC are new
But They will do there part and are part of my alphabet stew
And don't forget USHA, PWA, NWA or NLRB
Because they are significant organizations
These are my solutions for these situations
This will be hard it's like a test
But this is what separates me from the rest
I will fight, this will not stand
I will do what I can with my own two hands
Viewer
ReplyDeleteLook at those kids look at his face
He must be thinking what a disgrace
Poor old man he's lost all control and respect
All those kids is something he probably regrets
Ohh my gosh why are each of them holding a sign
Are they protesting or do they rhyme?
No No that's not it, maybe it's a game they play
Poor old man he must be having a terrible day
Wait, Wait those are just my observations
I know what this
is it's FDR and his organizations
FDR was so great he fixer our nation
How could I make such a ridiculous accusation
I'm so sorry FDR for what I said
I should just be quite and go off to bed
I have to rethink I have to recoup
I should have known it was alphabet soup
Picture Perfect:
ReplyDeletePhotographer –
All is motionless,
Only sound that can be heard
Is the swelling breeze.
Seeing the colors,
All the hues of the rainbow
Blue, green, white and brown.
Leaves are rustling
In the trees all around me.
Turning red and gold.
Mountain –
Feeling everything,
All humming with energy
All is flourishing.
Thriving and growing.
Icy cold water rushing.
Ebbing and flowing.
My colors to see,
All the hues of the rainbow,
Snow falls gently.