Sunday, March 15, 2015

Poet of the Month--ayaz daryl nielsen

Otiose 

By ayaz daryl nielsen

Often I go to the mountain
and lean against
quiet rock
quiet rocks that
rose from the earth
millions of years ago

Again, a black brim hat
for damp morning mist
a quiet rock
to lean against
beneath aspen leaves
among aster, columbine,
pasque and penstemon

Maybe there’s more I can do
beyond what I have willed
and may have accomplished

Resting beside quiet rock
that rose from the earth
millions of years ago
Plenty enough for this fine day.

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From the editor--It is an honor to announce that ayaz daryl nielsen is March’s Poet of the Month.  A talented writer and the editor of bear creek haiku, ayaz’s poems are enjoyed by Whispers’ readers.  He is an uplifting voice in our poetry community, leaving thoughtful comments that contributors appreciate.  ayaz has promoted our online journal by advertising it at his website.  He has also written collaborative poems and participated in  Whispers’ activities.  It is a pleasure to present him with this award.
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Thoughts on “Otiose ”--The poem starts out with an intriguing title that captured my interest.  Titles are important as they have the ability to lure readers in.  The relationship between the title and the repeated use of rock paces this poem in a cohesive way.  The creative use of imagery adds life and unites the narrator to the place he or she finds rest.  It is also interesting to ponder that this person is delving into thoughts and feels connected to events a million years ago.  This is a fascinating piece.
______________

Congratulations and thank you ayaz!  I appreciate all you do and have done for Whispers.

Sincerely,

Karen O’Leary, Editor

42 comments:

  1. Congratulations ayaz! A very thought-provoking and spirit-evoking poem. You have been so kind and supportive of writers including myself. Thank you for your many gifts to us.

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    1. deepest thanks, Kelley - our poetic connection, and my plagiarizing your poetry, goes back 15+ years - (did I say that)?

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  2. Congratulations for being chosen 'Poet of the Month' for March. Your poetry is artistic and interesting to read. Best wishes with your future writing - I am sure we will all enjoy reading you...Rhoda

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    1. thank you, Rhoda, appreciated -

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  3. Congratulations Ayaz on being selected poet of the month! Quiet times are beautiful, times of contemplation & peace! I love to go to the ocean to reflect! Thanks for sharing your interesting poem. Best wishes, Chris~

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    1. yay! my buddy Christine Tate! (I think you're in the bear creek haiku I'm mailing tomorrow)

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  4. Howsza! You are a great poet friend to me. Your poem is neat-a-roni, can ya dig it?

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    1. I dig, dude - and I am appreciating your friendship

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  5. Congrats ayaz! Well deserved!! It is always great to see your work here and other places, and it is always a great pleasure to read bear creed haiku! I appreciate all the thoughtful comments you have made regarding my work, and look forward to working with you again in the future. Happy we are friends....

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    1. Peggy, my poetic cohort/partner/dear friend! Let's do another collar poem!

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    2. Yes, lets....I did email you about that...

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  6. Fine poem, Ayaz. Congratulations on winning poet of the month.

    Dan

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  7. Great poem! ... Putting resolve on the back burner is something I do well... Congratulations on being Poet of the Month.

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    1. many thanks, Michael, your kind comment is truly appreciated -

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  8. Great poem! ... Putting resolve on the back burner is something I do well... Congratulations on being Poet of the Month.

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  9. Ayaz,
    A great poem! Congratulations on being selected as Poet of the Month."
    Yours truly,
    David

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  10. Ayaz, I thoroughly enjoyed your well written poem and congratulations on being chosen Poet of the Month, a well deserved honor. I look forward to all your poems. Keep them coming.
    Charlene

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    1. Charlene, thank you, and you are, indeed, deeply appreciated (goes without saying, but, I said it, nonetheless)

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  11. Ayaz, congrats! on your Poet of the Month honor! I also love how your poem reflects on what has been left in our care that has descended down from the generations! It makes one reflect on the importance and the honor of that! Sheri

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  12. She Sta! you are the best (am jealous of your lovely photos, if only I could look that good)

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  13. wonderful poetry - certainly well chosen as Poet of the Month...
    Maureen

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    1. thank you, Maureen, for your wonderful comment

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  14. Good day Ayaz! Congratulations on being selected poet of the month! I don't think we have crossed paths before; am glad that I read this lovely poem of yours today...it is something that I can relate to. You give a leisurely feel to quiet moments spent in nature's company. All the best. // paul

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    1. thanks, Paul - much appreciation for your comment

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  15. Paul, you are much more photogenic than I - send poetry, if you so choose, to bear creek haiku, my print pub - best to your day!

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  16. Hey, Daryl--wonderful poem--no wonder you're one of my favorites. Thanks for sitting on that rock--the inspiration was there at just the right time!! --and congratulations on your "Poet of the Month". Much deserved.

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    1. thanks, Barbara - think you have a poem in the bear creek haiku I just mailed

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  17. Please add my congratulations and thanks for all you do, Daryl. I love your poem, especially the beginning and the end. Wow!

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    1. Marianne, you are much appreciated by many - best

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  18. Thank you, Isha Wagner, for the following--

    This poem feels almost zen-like to me. It contains silence and engenders feelings of tranquillity. It seems to wash over me with its serenity.

    Yours sincerely
    Isha Wagner

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  19. Thank you, Annie Jenkin, for the following--

    Hello ayaz

    Thank you for your poem. It conveys peace and serenity, a quiet place for contemplation but security in knowing that you are leaning against a very stable foundation. A well deserved award. Best wishes, Annie Jenkin

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  20. Great use of the hat! Congratulations. Loved your recent Haiku too. Ralph.

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    1. yup, gotta have a good hat - thanks

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  21. Hi ayaz. I wanted to stop by to say congratulations on being named the "Poet of the Month" here at Whispers. I enjoy reading your poetry. Thank you for sharing and continued blessings!

    -MJ (www.tgbtgpublictions.com)

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    1. thank you, Maurice - best to your day

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  22. and a heart-origined thank you to Karen and all Responses to Otiose!

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  23. Dear ayaz,

    It was a pleasure to award you this honor. You are such a uplifting voice in the writing community as well as a talented writer. Wishing you ongoing success my friend!!

    Best wishes,
    Karen

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