By ~Dovey
This book is to be a collection of conversations. In life, there are often things we don't say, for fear of the reaction by the person to whom we are addressing. Sometimes, this is because we don't know them well enough to say what is really on our minds. Other times, we sugar coat the truth or say nothing at all to spare hard feelings. Whatever the reasons we choose to say, or not to say, the things we do, in some way we've molded ourselves by these choices. Within these chapters are conversations, yet unspoken, by either lack of opportunity or inhibitions, or perhaps the boundaries of time and space prevail. The challenge is to write 30 poems in 30 days. Please join me on this exploration, even I am not yet sure where this journey of introspection will lead.
By ~Dovey
This book is to be a collection of conversations. In life, there are often things we don't say, for fear of the reaction by the person to whom we are addressing. Sometimes, this is because we don't know them well enough to say what is really on our minds. Other times, we sugar coat the truth or say nothing at all to spare hard feelings. Whatever the reasons we choose to say, or not to say, the things we do, in some way we've molded ourselves by these choices. Within these chapters are conversations, yet unspoken, by either lack of opportunity or inhibitions, or perhaps the boundaries of time and space prevail. The challenge is to write 30 poems in 30 days. Please join me on this exploration, even I am not yet sure where this journey of introspection will lead.
| Author Notes | I enjoyed the challenge to compose thirty poems in thirty days, taking the opportunity to include many styles of poetry and explore many topics of conversation. My hope is that you will enjoy the poetry as much as I've enjoyed the experience. |
By ~Dovey
First ask
the universe,
have faith; what you must do.
Believe that you are to receive,
it's truth.
The Golden Thread
I see now what Einstein said best,
"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."
Though, this is all in retrospect,
'tis why wisdom comes with age, in pondering, reflect
On what we've been dealt in life, and why.
Engulfed by my low period in existence,
Born of changes, events I thought beyond all control,
My personal sea of despair, to drown myself,
Lament the wounds I felt were wrongfully inflicted.
In this moment I reached for higher ground.
Conversing with a confidant,
I was asked my views on charity,
On why, for whom, what would inspire me.
Without hesitation, I described a scenario that did not exist,
To which elements the dots would not connect.
Reminded by this person's wisdom,
One who knew me well, who saw what I wouldn't see,
Who prompted me to take another look, quest for the truth,
Regardless of my discomfort, disparity,
To renew my faith in charity.
I pause now to thank, Clotho,
Who wove this golden thread,
In one moment, our fate was intertwined.
Unbeknownst, to you or me,
The thoughts I voiced were destiny.
All credit being yours,
Intentions, drive, motivation...
I pay homage to your inspiration.
As to the day I floated this idea to the universe,
And your endeavors I received in response.
It is my pleasure to fulfill,
To support, a heartfelt thrill.
My renewal of spirit, of faith,
The reassuring touch of grace.
This golden thread our lives have traced.
| Author Notes |
The beginning is a Cinquain I wrote some time ago entitled, "The Secret". The Golden Thread is an illustration thereof.
Notes on my inspiration: This poem is written in dedication to Kaare Odegard, Co-Founder of With All Your Heart, a charity to benefit the patients at the Harry And Sally Porter Heart Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. To learn more: http://fairbankshospitalfoundation.com/ncaaaward/ "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." -- Albert Einstein Luke 6:38 - Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. To some this is •¿ |
By ~Dovey
The wind ran his fingers through my hair
Reminiscent of that last night
We confessed our hearts' desire;
Sweet anticipation,
Ebb and elation,
As glow transpires
Succumbed to
Passion's
Fire.
Rain
Stirred my
Hazy brain,
Cheeks flush and stained,
Eyes strain, fighting tears.
Years, memory so fleet,
Cherished once, yet bittersweet.
Window shut tight and locked away,
Savored secrets safe where they must stay.
| Author Notes |
Thank you photobeat for the excellent artwork.
A Nonet decreases in syllables from 9 to 1 in each line, and in this case, increases in the same manner in the second stanza. |
By ~Dovey
"There is another sky"
Governs both hemispheres
I wonder, perchance,
If we wish upon the same star?
| Author Notes |
My thanks to donkeyoatey for the beautiful artwork... I was intrigued with the idea of beginning a poem with the same line as a famous poet. I chose Emily Dickinson, as she is one of my all time favorites. Her poem titled the same as the first line, "There is another sky". This conversation is one, in spirit with, my friends "Downunder". I chose the Naani form. Naani means an expression of one and all. It consists of 4 lines, the total lines consists of 20 to 25 syllables. The poem is not bounded to a particular subject. Generally it depends upon human relations and current statements. There Is Another Sky by Emily Dickinson There is another sky, Ever serene and fair, And there is another sunshine, Though it be darkness there; Never mind faded forests, Austin, Never mind silent fields - Here is a little forest, Whose leaf is ever green; Here is a brighter garden, Where not a frost has been; In its unfading flowers I hear the bright bee hum: Prithee, my brother, Into my garden come! |
By ~Dovey
Catherine,
Enamored by
Her Heathcliff.
True love, a myth?
Ms. Bronte,
Who inspired you?
Date with Fate's tempest'ous muse.
| Author Notes |
Emily Bronte is one of the writer's who made a huge impression on me in my teens. Wouldn't it be grand to be able to sit with her and chat about the writing process over a cup of tea? If only...
My thanks to Liilia for the artwork to embody the 'tempest'ous muse' (creative license abbreviating tempest'ous to three syllables.) The Whitney is a seven line poem with a syllable count of 3/4/3/4/3/4/7 respectively. Please read all the rules on the contest page before entering. Rhyme scheme was writer's choice, subtle internal, and external near rhyme intentional. |
By ~Dovey
'Neath the midnight sky
As Aurora danced on high
Hands clasped, whispered, "I love you."
| Author Notes | My thanks to Crystal Clear for the artwork. |
By ~Dovey
Eagle
Wings resplendent
O'erhead in midnight sun,
Alaska's monarch reigns supreme,
Regal,
Hunting
Salmon, His dinner run complete,
Unrivalled talon feat,
Magnificent,
Elite.
| Author Notes |
My thanks to PixelArtisan for the exquisite artwork. The cinquain has a syllable count of 2,4,6,8,2. In the double cinquain my second stanza is inverted. Some events strike you with such awe that the conversation may be unspoken, as if paying royal tribute. |
By ~Dovey
Awoke
As alarm shrieked,
Temptation wins the weak.
Sleepyhead, snuggles back in bed,
Defeat?
| Author Notes |
Thank you, J.R. Dickinson, for the artwork, I think that's what the clock looks like through bleary eyes lol going back to sleep :)
A Cinquain has a syllable count of 2,4,6,8,2 |
By ~Dovey
Four years of absolute determination,
Agility, ability, dedication,
Relishing the joys we shared of thrilling wins,
Emotions run on high as each season begins.
Watching from the sidelines, cheers throughout the rink,
Each Governor's Cup trophy brought us to the brink,
Legacy: our very first regional invite;
Love, from your fans, as we bid you farewell tonight.
| Author Notes |
Dedicated to the 2012-2013 Alaska Nanooks Hockey Team Seniors (Adam Henderson, Jarret Granberg, Chad Gehon, Nik Yaremchuk, Andy Taranto, Steve Thompson, and Kaare Odegard)
Good luck! |
By ~Dovey
A prosperous man
Draws strength from
Adversity, to face off with life,
Meet challenge head on.
| Author Notes |
For Adam. (with acrostic undertones)
Naani is one of Indian's most popular Telugu poems. Naani means an expression of one and all. It consists of 4 lines, the total lines consists of 20 to 25 syllables. The poem is not bounded to a particular subject. Generally it depends upon human relations and current statements. This poetry was introduced by one of the renowned Telugu poets Dr. N.Gopi, presently working as vice-chancellor to Telugu University, Andhra Pradesh. In hockey, what you see pictured as two opposing players are facing each other and waiting for the puck to drop, is called a "Face Off". |
By ~Dovey
Success is measured
To men, by what is achieved,
Each day remember
Victory is oft perceived
Embracing what we believe.
| Author Notes | I used the Tanka 5-7-5-7-7 structure but took poetic license with adding the flair of an acrostic and sprinkled in rhyme. |
By ~Dovey
Journey through this life
As a student and scholar,
Relish all there is to learn.
Reach for shining stars,
Elusive dreams embody
The most fantastic rewards.
| Author Notes |
A Sedoka has six lines in two stanzas with a syllable count of 5-7-7 in each stanza often approaching the same subject from a different angle.
Thank you for awesome artwork, Cleo85 |
By ~Dovey
Another door opens,
New opportunities;
Destined for greatness
Your future awaits.
| Author Notes |
A Naani is 20 to 25 syllables over four lines, generally pertaining to human conditions/current events, universal themes.
Thank you, wrekless for exquisite artwork. |
By ~Dovey
Today, a melancholy day,
Lost in a mood of dismal gray,
I sought to chase the clouds away,
Invited Muse, "Come out to play?"
For once, it seemed she would decline,
Devices left to me and mine,
With jumbled words, hard to define,
I struggle now to sense a sign.
Elusive as my muse might be,
I beg her now so awkwardly,
"Please, please, won't you come back to me?"
A plea she answered cryptically.
"Do you not know that you've been blessed?
Return I now at your behest,
Riddle portrayed as written test,
Fill volumes with poetic best."
I paused to ponder on my plight,
That which I know is what to write,
The essence of supreme insight,
Beacon to follow burning bright.
I've suffered not from hunger pangs
Is starved for love somewhat the same?
Known not a thirst that wouldn't wane,
Quelled not, is search for knowledge vain?
Where once my thoughts were empty well,
Upon this drought I couldn't dwell.
Inevitable that I befell,
To bidding of my Muse's spell.
With clouds dispelled, a sunshine day,
As Muse and I go out to play,
Ideas flow like fountain spray,
From ink to page without delay.
| Author Notes | My thanks to SilverWoulfCreations for exquisite artwork. |
By ~Dovey
Cherished memories,
Health, and happiness
Are the cornerstones in life.
Destiny is what you achieve.
| Author Notes | A Naani with acrostic overtones, for Chad. |
By ~Dovey
The prompt today, a happy poem
In aftermath of tragedy.
Blank pages filled an empty tome,
As chains restrained those hearts once free.
The message sent, you cannot run
To escape evil in the world.
Fall; pride and greatness come undone,
As bloodstained banner flies unfurled.
"No comment." Seal borders and lips
Of this bruised and battered nation.
Let media not strengthen grip
Of terror, through information.
Talk of heroes and charity,
Lament lack of humanity.
Don't dwell upon disparity,
Nor feed madman's insanity.
Shelter our children's precious eyes,
Clouds of smoke shroud their innocence.
Dust settles amidst mother's cries,
Let justice demand recompense.
| Author Notes |
Today's prompt was for a Happy Poem... that didn't happen.
I had meant to try a new style, the Pantun, which I will describe below, and started with, somewhat, though I think I'll save the true attempt for a happier day. I'd be appreciative to know if I managed this at all, but I think the quatrains were taken over by the mood of the day, succumbing to the Boston Marathon tragedy instead. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all the families needing strength in the face of this horrific tragedy. In its most basic form the pantun consists of a quatrain which employs an abab rhyme scheme. A pantun is traditionally recited according to a fixed rhythm and as a rule of thumb, in order not to deviate from the rhythm, every line should contain between eight and 12 syllables. "The pantun is a four-lined verse consisting of alternating, roughly rhyming lines. The first and second lines sometimes appear completely disconnected in meaning from the third and fourth, but there is almost invariably a link of some sort. Whether it be a mere association of ideas, or of feeling, expressed through assonance or through the faintest nuance of a thought, it is nearly always traceable" The pantun is highly allusive and in order to understand it readers generally need to know the traditional meaning of the symbols the poem employs. Thank you, photobeat, for the use of the artwork. |
By ~Dovey
Poet's lament
Gift of a shiny new pen
Was out of ink
| Author Notes | Thank you, Deloralock, for the great picture. |
By ~Dovey
'Twas a meeting of happenstance,
Unpublished poet and the page.
Whose affair began at first glance,
Enamored, as actor to stage.
Together, they would greet the dawn,
Just one with bleary, bloodshot eyes.
Penned phrases not agreed upon,
Syllables, stanzas thrice revised.
Alas, one crumpled, on the floor,
Rolled to rest upon creaky plank,
Where poet paced, window to door,
Left bereft, page and poet blank.
| Author Notes | Thank you, Cleo85, for the artwork. |
By ~Dovey
My friend, would you imagine that
We'd spend one perfect hour,
To mend an unexpected spat,
Cleansed in healing shower,
Bathed by the words that left aglow,
The friendship we renewed,
Stood naked as I bared my soul,
Trusting that what you viewed,
Would be the very quality,
To cherish for all time,
Relish the shades of honesty,
We hold to be sublime.
My friend, would you imagine that
Of all the things we'd share,
The endless nights we'd laugh and chat,
Could show how much we care?
My heartfelt thanks for all you are,
And what you mean to me,
The light force of my guiding star,
Shines universally.
| Author Notes | Thank you, avmurray, for gorgeous artwork. |
By ~Dovey
James, you amazingly
continue loving me.
| Author Notes |
Thank you for the inspiring artwork, Cleo. :)
Write an essence poem. This is a poem of two lines with six syllables per line, each containing an internal rhyme and an ending rhyme. |
By ~Dovey
Icy hands,
Cold feet; Old Man Winter's
Loath to lessen his chilling grasp.
Alaskan
Seeks to embrace break up,
Spring forward, a not unpleasant task.
Wistfully
Remembering Summer's
Fling, 'til colors of Fall caught my eye.
Who's to blame?
My fickle heart betrays,
Yearning for another hot July.
| Author Notes |
In Alaska, we call Spring, "Break Up", as it gets very messy when everything melts. Actually, here in Alaska, we like to joke that we have 4 seasons... June, July, August, and Winter. :) The picture is one my husband took of me with Mt. McKinley, or Denali, as it is known here, the highest peak in North America, in the background.
The title stems from the teasing of some online friends, calling me, "The Weather Girl", because it often seems to be my favorite subject of discussion. My take on the 'feelings' prompt. I thought it would be fun to do the poem in this fashion. Parallelogram de Crystalline This form consists of 4 verses of 3 lines each. The syllable count for each stanza is 3, 6, 9. In this style of poem, the beauty of a lover is compared with the nature and described... |
By ~Dovey
Old man gazes upon
Fallow field, from weathered chair,
Eyes glisten with tears
Silent remnants speak to him
Of his Son's unfinished life
| Author Notes |
Tanka syllable count 5-7-5-7-7
Many thanks to Keri Harrish for the use of the artwork. Write a poem - on the subject "wabi-sabi" (not "wasabi"). Definition of wabi-sabi: Wabi-sabi represents a comprehensive Japanese world view or aesthetic centered on: 1. acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete". 2. based on the concept of Buddhist teaching of the three marks of existence, specifically: a) impermanence, b) suffering and c) emptiness or absence of self-nature (ego). 3. Characteristic themes of the wabi-sabi aesthetic include: a) asymmetry b) asperity (roughness or irregularity) c) simplicity d) economy, e) austerity f) modesty g) the ingenuous integrity of natural objects and processes (e.g a broken tea cup). My thanks to my friend, Ritchie, whom I met here at FanStory, for sponsoring the contest (which was already full) that enlightened me to the concepts of wabi-sabi. I hope I understood in proper fashion and did justice to this style on my first attempt. |
By ~Dovey
on Earth Day revere
Nature's sheen, pristine glory
as child should mother
| Author Notes | An Earth Day prompt. |
By ~Dovey
I waited just for you today,
Luxuriating in the sun.
Whence cares and troubles melt away,
I waited, just for you today.
To linger long, be led astray,
Our fast paced lives beholden none.
I waited just for you today,
Luxuriating in the sun.
| Author Notes |
Triolet
A Triolet is a poetic form consisting of only 8 lines. Within a Triolet, the 1st, 4th, and 7th lines repeat, and the 2nd and 8th lines do as well. The rhyme scheme is simple: ABaAabAB, capital letters representing the repeated lines. My thanks to MoonWillow for the picture. It has been a long winter... bright and sunny, beautiful today, more snow in the forecast for the next few days... |
By ~Dovey
Snow falls softly in silent, white cloak,
Punishment, or God's unyielding joke?
Relish longer days and warmer nights,
Is April to bring us Spring delights?
No flowers, showers, or grass today,
Guess we'll weather Winter until May.
| Author Notes | More snow today, and dismal grey :( |
By ~Dovey
Wicked witch of Winter's woe, whose
Icy grip will chill the soul,
Need stave off cold with fire's glow.
Twirled in on ballerina toes,
Enthralled us all, picturesque snow,
Relentless, frigid witch, just go!
| Author Notes |
Thank you cleo, for the artwork. :)
Personification of Winter prompt. |
By ~Dovey
Have you met Karma?
Some find her redundant
Running in circles
Kindnesses repaid
Blossom, like a flower
Reaching for the sun
A bad attitude
Clouds a distracted mind
Living within a storm
| Author Notes | My thanks to avmurray for the great artwork :) |
By ~Dovey
"There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away,
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry -
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll -
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears a Human soul."
Within today's economy
Vacation is a luxury
Many will ill afford;
When pressures of the day to day
I find a need to melt away
And seek a just reward,
To steal away to sunny nook
Lost in the pages of a book
I see the world anew,
Transported there by poetry,
I've spent the day with Emily,
Enraptured by her view.
"Who knocks? That April -
Lock the Door -
I will not be pursued -
He stayed away a Year to call
When I am occupied -
But trifles look so trivial
As soon as you have come"
A quirk that now we celebrate
The April that had come too late
To call on Emily,
Spark lights the fuse, itself imbues,
Let daily write nourish the muse,
Inspire poetry.
| Author Notes |
Quoting Emily Dickinson's "There Is No Frigate Like A Book" and "Dear March - Come in"
Thank you to Mantaf for the artwork illustrating the worlds we can find in books. |
By ~Dovey
Speak
To me
Through sonnets
Mister Shakespeare
"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"
| Author Notes |
The last line, presuming Mister Shakespeare's response, is an excerpt from a Sonnet. Credit William Shakespeare the following:
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date . . . . "Sonnet 18," 1-4 My thanks to bd shutterspeed for awesome artwork, perfect for my meeting with Mister Shakespeare. :) |
By ~Dovey
Turned green as envy
Blue girl touched by golden sun
Not her best color
| Author Notes | NaPoWriMo prompt: color poetry |
By ~Dovey
Eyes closed
Imagining,
Composed
Our dream,
A symphony
Supreme,
Entranced,
Among the stars
We danced
| Author Notes | The Musette, created by Emily Romano is a poem that consists of three verses of three lines each. The first lines have two syllables; the second lines have four syllables, and the third lines have two syllables. The rhyme scheme is a/b/a for the first verse; c/d/c for the second verse, and e/f/e for the third verse. The title should reflect the poem•¿ |
By ~Dovey
'Twas certainly a sight to see,
This gathering to mourn,
As April passed so quietly,
The Poets were forlorn.
You might expect, out of respect,
The travelers would vary,
We stood in reverence to reflect,
At the cemetery.
John Donne decried, with utter pride,
For whom the bell tolls, "Thee!"
We stood there then all teary eyed,
For April's eulogy.
Lamenting such a saddened sight,
Quoth, "Nevermore!" was Poe.
As Thomas raged against the night,
And urged you not to go.
Frost, overcome with grief, spoke brief,
Sobbed, "Nothing gold can stay."
And at the fall of single leaf,
Miss Bronte turned away.
Elizabeth declared, despaired,
To love thee after death.
And, Mr. Browning, they were paired,
Consoled her in one breath.
Shakespeare, shed not one single tear,
In his soliloquy,
Deigned poetry in April here,
"To be, or not to be."
April, gone now it's true, "Adieu."
Ring honorary bell.
Our time together, precious few,
We bid you now, farewell.
| Author Notes |
Many thanks to wolf for the artwork. :) Let me assure you no poets, living or dead, were harmed in this exercise. My extreme reverence and devotion to those I've referenced above; John Donne, Edgar Allan Poe, Robert Frost, Emily Bronte, Emily Dickinson, Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Dylan Thomas, and William Shakespeare. |
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