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2007 Form Challenges
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This is a very underestimated and sometimes a very challenging poetry form.
It consists of three stanzas, a quintet (5 lines), a quatrain (4 lines) and a
sestet (6 lines), giving a total of 15 lines. The first phrase of the first line usually sets the refrain R it is admissable to use the whole line used as the refrain. The rhyme scheme is: R. a. a. b. b. a .... a. a. b. R. .... a. a. b. b. a. R. The meter is considered be open and the French style is not bound by a rhyming pattern and is also more of a light and buoyant even "flashy" form of poetry which uses short lines. The English style however, is much more dour and serious, even meditative and uses tetrameter or pentameter. Here is an excellent example of the English style of Rondeau. |
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In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. Lt. Col. John McCrae, M.D., 1872-1918 |
Rondeau |
Maryse Achong Conversations They speak to me, the sun and moon, At other times they sing a tune Of long lost love and sufferings, And souls that soar on angels’ wings. They speak to me. I gaze upon them night and noon, Eager and ready to commune, And when I dare to ask them things, They speak to me. And sometimes when I’m sad they croon Sweet songs that promise me that soon All will be well; these happenings Are merely tugs on my heartstrings. And I relax in their cocoon. They speak to me. ----- I Lose Myself “Lose yourself in Me and you will find yourself Lose yourself in Me and you will find new life Lose yourself in Me and you will find yourself And you will live, yes you will live in My Love.” I lose myself in You when I Am feeling low, I won’t deny It, I lay my woes at Your feet And wanting them resolved ‘tout de suite.’ I lose myself in You. And when I have good cause to cry, I raise my voice to You on high And as my troubles I repeat I lose myself in You. I know You are ever nearby, And hear my every song and sigh I realize I’m incomplete Unless just like that grain of wheat I lose myself in You. ----- Letter to Santa Claus Dear Santa Claus I hope you read All of your mail because I need A really big favour and I Am hoping that you’ll not deny It. Grant me this one wish I plead. Help me to keep the tiny seed Of trust alive and let the weed That strangles it wither and die Dear Santa Claus. A year of events guaranteed To cause distress, to make me bleed; And to help me understand why I’m counting on your swift reply And good advice which I will heed, Dear Santa Claus. ----- Musings As one more year draws to a close I am besieged with thoughts and those Emotions that will not be stilled, And once again my heart is filled, As I relive my highs and lows. I’ve had good times and painful blows, Have questioned My God, heaven knows, And many a tear has been spilled As one more years draws to a close. You win some lose some I suppose, Simply part of life’s ebbs and flows, Some things survive, others are killed, But life goes on and so we build New foundations, where new life grows, As one more year draws to a close. ----- Santa's Solution Dear Santa Claus wrote back to me, “You fret unnecessarily, If someone hurts you that’s their crime, And you do not have to waste time Grieving about it, let it be. There’s so much good around you see, For all of us and happily It does not cost a single dime.” Dear Santa wrote. "I hope you’re reading carefully, It is good when the heart is free From hurt and anger, they’re just grime Designed to erode our sublime And noble side, that is the key.” Dear Santa wrote. ----- This New Year This new year two thousand and eight If God spares my life I can’t wait To relish things I have ignored Learn from the trials I’ve endured; This year is one to celebrate. Everything I appreciate, All my loved ones, each special date I’ll hold in my heart, warmly stored, This new year. Although I may be running late, I am trying to clear my plate, So that when happiness is poured Into my cup I shall not horde It; this much I anticipate This New Year. ----- Ups and Downs I rise and fall and rise again, Sometimes with ease, sometimes with pain, Like a second nature to me I do it almost easily; It’s something that I can’t explain, And I’m not about to complain, To do so would be quite in vain, But thanks to the Powers that Be I rise and fall and rise again. Far better that than to remain Out for the count, washed down the drain, No wallowing in misery, I stand albeit shakily, And though not always right as rain, I rise and fall and rise again back to list |
Lorainne DafneyWhen I am old and all alone I'll talk to my friends on the phone We'll reminisce together days When we were young and through the haze Our future lives were unknown Many birthdays have passed, we've grown Sometimes we needed to be shown Age and wisdom are a new phase When I am old My voice now has a sweeter tone In my secret mirror, a clone Within it I seem young always It makes me smile, this picture stays With your love in my heart, its home When I am old back to list |
Michael DixonWhen you were mine and I was yours The highest mountains we would soar Through clouded whispers in the sky Past the stars above we would fly You were the one I did adore An ocean blue that meets the shore Is where I once did stop to pause To ask of you but you were shy When you were mine and I was yours Do you take me with all my flaws And to others you would ignore You at me with tears in your eye Motioned no and began to cry My heart belongs to another cause When you were mine and I was yours -----
River Bank |
Lori Martin, Away the eagle flies into silent blue while wistful eyes watch, shiny with dew, her confident grace sails eternal skies oblivious always to humanity's lies, horrors we put our Mother through. Still freedom stands despite the few who try to spoil her mirth with evil brew, supported she is by good's rally cries, away the eagle flies. War, hate we've known, but this is new, an assault on innocence, a day we'll rue; eyes may weep and hearts heave sighs, from this sorrow greater strength will rise; our belief, our Faith, shall soar anew away the eagle flies. In Remembrance of September 11, 2001 -----
In Loves Garden
Into A Light Gray Mist
The Pain Inside |
Peggy NelsonLet the Carolers sing, all around the earth A tradition for most. about the Lords birth In chapels, in streets, in homes we all sing Praising, worshiping our savior, our king All Christmas carols are a sheer delight A month of affection, shown day and night Enjoy the gift of love with all your might For who knows when the gift will fling Let the Carolers sing Creating a Heavenly, joyous worth Singing peaceful and inspired mirth As Christmas nears, spirits are in full swing Singing out loud about the lord our king Let the Carolers sing ----- Winters Snow Keeps On Blowing Winters snow keeps on blowing Flakes of white snow are flowing Now put your body close to mine where meanings of love flows divine Underneath the blankets we’ll be bestowing The fireplace brings warmth to keep us going the candles scent is relished and glowing A window above to watch the fine; Winters snow keeps on blowing Sighs underneath blankets are foregoing Enough to melt the icy snow that’s throwing, Cold white blankets of snow to make you decline And stay underneath all the blankets of design. After the loving warmth and easygoing Winters snow keeps on blowing ----- Yesterday (Variation) Yesterday has come to rest forever A new year for plans to endeavor Years gone by some good. some bad Some to write down on a sketching pad Some to prevent incidents, others to sever New plans, new hopes to use whenever, The urge to use past life’s successes clever This new year we’ll move away from bad Yesterday has come to rest forever With all the wars, news and new laws Hopefully someday we can applause Perhaps this new year we’ll sing and be glad Instead of fearing, hiding from all worldly bad Let’s lift our spirits to higher causes because Yesterday has come to rest forever back to list |
Ryter RoethicleAll things must change, it is the way Do not expect the same each day. Plan for things, but do not expect That all that’s good, Fate may reject Remember, when you sow, you pay. To find true love, we all will pray Until we do, our lives are grey Pain making some too circumspect All things must change. But Fate does not have a heart of clay And has been known to turn away Or perhaps she is the architect. As two souls meet in her project The story unravels as in a play All things must change. ----- Christmas waved Christmas waved her magic wand. A tiny gesture with her soft hand For millennia now it has been so It will be the same where e’r you go For just a few days people will bond. Where e’r you go strangers respond And are prepared to go beyond That normal circle of who they know. Christmas waved her magic wand. She smiles and asks, does not demand Resulting in deeds that are un-planned And once laden spirits suddenly glow Releasing happiness that they bestow On and on to others throughout the land Christmas waved her magic wand. ----- Droning Droning lawnmowers Have replaced spring showers And birds squabble in my trees As well as hear the hum of bees Visiting fresh new flowers Quiet voices in sunlit hours From lovers in the bowers Hidden by densest leaves Droning. Again mundane overpowers From the neighbours lawnmowers I revisit with my memories But I remember times overseas And our voices in sunlit hours Droning. ----- Glass is broken The glass is broken time stands still Sand can no longer the bottom fill I need the time to rush by fast Still it dithers and seconds last No need to rush, time I must kill. It’s cruelty stands against my will Because of this, life has no thrill I’m forced to capture what has past The glass is broken. When we meet again see it overfill In a time that’s less than miniscule Why is time so poorly miscast When then we pray to see at last No sand will fall and time stands still The glass is broken. ----- If things could change If things could change, what would you do? Would my face be changed to another’s view? Just thoughts that wander around my mind In absence of you I try to find Stupid settlement of a thought, I need a clue You’ve moved on I gleam from knowing you, And cast aside the past, inside you grew The past you knew would be declined If things could change. There are no regrets, you’ve bid adieu Welcoming thoughts and dreams anew Thus I find hope, no longer blind Hoping our future will be combined For now I trust what you would do If things could change. ----- Brimbank Park Brimbank Park has shades of green With hills and trees to perfect the scene I remembered how we met that time And from it grew a love so fine I passed today where we had been A love grew that we did not mean To cause others pain, or to demean But hurt we did, and met one time In Brimbank Park We sat and talked on a bank of green Sadly knowing what should have been I touched your face, no longer mine And we drove away that final time Two lonely people left the scene From Brimbank park ----- In silent groups In silent groups the Santa’s fly “A Merry Christmas” is the cry Westwards heading into the night No worthy child will miss their flight Every child’s wish they will supply. Some adults too they won’t deny Those who’s faith in him never die And like children take a delight In silent groups. Some gifts are left for him, to get by, Some food to help him cross the sky And drinks to warm this thirsty knight With ruddy cheeks he gains his height Onto another domicilery In silent groups. ----- My Lady Smile For Me My lady, smile for me, that I see the light Emanating, lighting even darkest night Your eyes brighten the sunniest day Driving the dourest of thoughts away. One glance would be my eternal delight. Your face becomes even more alight Moods lifting, becoming more asprite This mood makes me want to play My lady, smile for me. Yonder elfin look doth please my sight Intending more my passion to ignite Knowing that your intentions on display Have meanings words could never say And my deepest feelings you will incite My lady, smile for me. ----- Open Your Soul Open your soul, let your feelings grow With joy of love let your tears flow. Listen to the message of your heart Ignore the past take up your new part Don’t be afraid to let your feelings show. Look into my eyes then you will know The depth, the truth, how we can grow And how deep I was struck by Cupids dart Open your soul. My message is simple, you knew ages ago About who I desired and needed so. Then we met, now once again we’re apart Now you know what I meant to impart All my love for you I wish to bestow Open your soul. ----- Piper at the gates of dawn One From the dawn of time he has played his part His music has reached every mind and heart Often telling a tale of war, but more of love And more times about how two lovers strove To stay as one even though many miles apart. Did today exist when fate first wrote her chart, Or care about how each would play their part, Then laid it down, a record in heaven above, From the dawn of time? Or did she just cast them wild, hoping to start A change of life, ideas, meanings to impart That life and love changes, cognoscente of Where you are and where has been your love From the dawn of time. Two As they listen to him at break of dawn Feelings of hope revived greets the morn. The world is still, the day is new, alive As creatures from dreamy sleep contrive To best hear the pipes, and then be gone. As he plays, all creatures to him are drawn An amnesty exists twixt the lion and the fawn And all like creatures listen and survive As they listen to him at break of dawn. A ring is made on some dewy lawn Where heavens music is daily reborn There even the hardest heart must believe And contemplate on peace and love So for a time all animosity is withdrawn As they listen to him at break of dawn. Three See the Angels gather to hear him play Each new sunrise, each new break of day Each place, each hour a brand new morn He is there for all, with each new dawn. There every Angel, to their God prays. The Angels meet each morn this way, The piper moves west each hour all day In each new place, seeing each new dawn And Angels gather to hear him play. There is no rest for him, he cannot stay One rapturous melody then on his way To where angels wait and thus adorn All manner of things, not just a lawn There as the sun rises to greet the day The Angels gather to hear him play. ----- Tears have been shed Tears have been shed so many times Perhaps too often playing games And so with time we build a wall To stand behind and hide from it all And miss our soulmate ofttimes. But if we take a chance sometimes Walking a path that upward climbs Dare at time to look over the walls Tears have been shed Fortune favours love most times Do not judge on past bedtimes Do not judge on what befalls Love o’ercomes the worst pitfalls And into the most joyous climes Tears have been shed ----- With her husky voice With her husky voice, she beckons me Across vast deserts and endless seas Her magic is only seen in her eyes My soul hears her voice inside Her absence is not meant to be. Thoughts of her invade my revelry And I long to be in another city From which I can hear her cries With her husky voice. Soon will begin a great journey Across a world and then we’ll see How love created such divine ties And the ending of all our sighs Silenced for all Eternity With her husky voice. back to list |
Leny RooversWithin your hidden tissues’ cells an uninvited guest now dwells. He eats with vigour from your bones- already you’ve lost several stones. Far in the distance toll the bells. As doctors weave their magic spells, your limbs turn slowly into shells- X-radiation hits sick zones within your hidden tissues. Disease is winning ground, it tells your frightened mind its many hells- outside still strong, your insides moan as time before you is on loan. Can chemo stop these slow farewells within your hidden tissues?  ----- Fulfilled The Old Year laid his head to rest and folded both hands on his chest. The days before him, once piled high, had one by one been born, then died. He'd let them go without protest. In knowing that his life was blessed, a warm glow spread within his breast. As New Year's birth was coming nigh- the Old Year laid his head to rest. He'd lived his days with pride and zest, never forgot life's precious quest; and though he sometimes went awry, his inner Guide stayed his ally. In peace he faced this final test, the Old Year laid his head to rest. ----- Händel’s Rinaldo By cleansing music in my ears this heavy burden of dark fears is slowly lifting from my brow; all that exists is Händel’s ‘now’ as soothing movements still my tears. With listening, warm light appears, it softly shines from inner spheres; bringing deep silence of the Tao- by cleansing music. In prayer my clouded sky is cleared as thought-ships are now safely steered away from whirlpool’s threats to bow; as stillness draws my soul to Thou all suffering has disappeared, by cleansing music. ----- Movement I watch my feet move as I walk; my breath adjusts, there is no talk- cold winter air against my skin, warm circulating blood, within. Far in the distance, moor-hens flock. My lake is frozen, skaters balk at warning signs the ice is blocked- they have to skate, too long it’s been. I watch my feet move as I walk. On black ice skates draw lines like chalk, and soon a trail in white unlocks more gliding feet, while faces grin; long strings move forward, who will win? High in the sky, a hunting hawk. I watch my feet move as I walk. ----- Serenity Bare trees are mirrored in my quiet lake, I watch wild ducks draw v-formed wakes. Ice turned to water overnight- against clear skies, blue heron's flight. In feast of senses, eyes partake. With busy chatter moor-hens break, they flock together, food's at stake as passers-by share bread's delight. Bare trees are mirrored in my quiet lake. I watch my feet, each step they take and listen to the sounds boots make. On twigs and leaves, my tread is light, but sucking mud puts stride to plight- I'm still upright, though muscles ache. bare trees are mirrored in my quiet lake. ----- Surrender As inner storms at last abate, mind’s lake resumes its peaceful state. Depressing clouds of stifling thought disperse when light brings them to naught- past pressures lift and lose their weight. High stacks are gone now from my plate; as soothing silence opens gates, I find again the Truth I sought as inner storms at last abate. Within, Thy Light is strong and great. Untangling ancient knots of fate, surrender ends the fight I’ve fought- I’m free to walk the Way once taught. Awareness loving touch sedates as inner storms at last abate.  ----- Torn I feel I’m being torn apart; my wrists and ankles tied, they smart as pressure builds up on my bonds- and straining muscles soon respond; with too much tension life departs. I cannot swallow, lungs now start to feel the lack of air, eyes dart from side to side, mind’s gone beyond- I feel I’m being torn apart. To stay aware becomes an art as terror wants to draw the cart; did wishful thinking have me conned, or did I lose my magic wand? Within still beats my loyal heart- I feel I’m being torn apart. ----- Thoughts on Seeds When seeds are put in fertile soil, food and patience help roots uncoil. As new-born tendrils reach moist earth, sweet promise swells, of new life’s birth . Harsh climate growers then use foil. In hidden silence seeds now toil till tiny sprouts spring forth unspoiled, touching our hearts with sudden mirth- when seeds are put in fertile soil. Each raiser knows you cannot broil or hasten Nature by swift roil. They hope the harvest will be worth the wait and not to suffer dearth. Roots might be harmed when oft unearthed when seeds are put in fertile soil.  ----- Winter Rites White veils of mist obscured Moon’s sight, they’re caught by branches in delight. Imprisoned in their frozen hands, the world changed into fairy-land, white veils of mist obscure. Each bough is now enrobed in white, small blades of grass and trees’ great height; there is no colour where I stand, white veils of mist obscured. Tall trees look fragile, yet excite- spun sugar, shining in Sun’s light. Across the now blue sky, white bands of vapour that two planes just fanned. I’m awed by Nature’s winter rites white veils of mist obscured. back to list |
Dinah SerritelliI hid my pain behind a smile but kept it in a worries file, and when unhappy was my plight I brought it forth into the light, Such foolishness was not worthwhile. To treat oneself just so hostile in fact it is a habit vile Simple to push grief out of sight I hid my pain. I really must learn to beguile contentment to become my style, Then life could be such sheer delight I’d forfeit hurt without a fight and say ’twas in a hist’ry file I hid my pain. back to list |
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From you I am one breath away Thought I'd lost you that fateful day Inhuman hands destroyed the we They cared not for humanity I drowned that day in tears of grey. With black soul I vowed they'd pay Through haze of grief I'd find the way Knowing you'd not come back to me From you I am one breath away. Think not bad thoughts you used to say Draw not bad karma, keep mind gay Heeding your words I rose from debris You were not gone, you were flying free Patiently waiting for our day From you I am one breath away. back to list |
Nicola WynterCan't have what everyone else has, or keeps, Like a pet at the petshop window, to weep, a longing to be normal like all people, to look without chagrin and find no crook, Just a person wanting to sleep. All I want is a dream of sheep, A way to be complete, A time with love I took; Can't have what everyone else has, or keeps. What I have is all that can be heaped, All that anyone could from hells deep cavern, be brooked, like a poor cook trying too hard to please; Can't have what everyone else has, or keeps. ----- Feeling Again Now that I can feel again, I have more warmth in my hands than the core of the earth has lava in maroon waves of upsurging flow at noon, Playing midday suns tune. So warm yet so distant from shores where I once longed to see you at my door especially soon, Now that I can feel again. A song in my heart is my store that echos your name, so heart sore I can hardly believe how it croons now that I can see this noon, I have all I need, for sure, now that I can feel again. ----- I hid my face I hid my face inside the door but kept it in porcelain store where the lines don't run together, And I am so very sure They will stay this way forevermore. To stay away from the worlds core in fact to stay outside is sore, The cold and numbness is so pure I hid my face. I must really learn how to tour the world with a mask, for sure, is no better than looking at the cure but not taking it from the stir in a pot I'd rather avoid, poor, I hid my face. ----- I Hid My Heart I hid my heart, for fear, That none would find it dear, None would find it fair, None would show it care, For of this I cry a tear. For of this I am clear, That hart has left a deer Instead of just one pair, I hid my heart, for fear. There is no way so dear AS the way of loves true sheer, A garment as fine as the care One gives when climbing a stair, Not the look of ones Grey hair, I hid my heart, for fear. ----- In My Heart I am sane enough, in my heart, so tried, Which I keep inside And never let out of bounds Anymore, not on any grounds, As it can no longer abide Reversals of the truth, so it hides Like a cat under a bed, so wide None can help the key be found; I an sane enough, in my heart, so tried. There across the main divide, A chasm so large none can guide The way around... The way it sounds There are none to confide, I am sane enough, in my heart, so tried. ----- Thundersnow It came like a lions roar Felt like a drumbeat, each hour More intense than rain, Gods foot kicking doors down, insane, Yet nothing less to adore. The nights storm shall soar On wings of whitest clouds pour Down on us like a Kings reign, It came like a lions roar. The thunder snow struck this core On Christmas Eve so sore, Though we road it like a train In spite of the pain, Our hearts do implore... It came like a lions roar. back to list |
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