Two Weeks Hiatus

Dear Whispers’ Family,

I’ve had a couple of rough weeks with my health.  This is a hard decision for me as I treasure my time with you, but I need to close Whispers for two weeks.

I would appreciate it if you would limit emails to only those necessary and post questions or communications in the comments section below, which I will try and address as promptly as I can.  In the meantime, I ask you to carry the beacon by reading and commenting on the poetry that our talented writers have shared over the years.

Please keep me your prayers.  I will keep you in mine.

Blessings and best wishes,

Karen

Why a Sonnet?--By Michael Todd--United States

Why a Sonnet?

Should you choose to write serious love rhyme,

writing to convey how you really feel,

your best bet, Sonnet; works every time,

no better choice for true thoughts' reveal.

Haiku will leave you looking vague, inept,

sestina is too scattered, thoughts confused.

Success awaits, should you choose to accept

advice from one here, time tested and mused.

Limerick might leave your mate with a smile;

acrostic entertains, but holds no spell.

Palindrome may make you seem versatile;

might as well style a ballad, for farewell.

Quatrains and a couplet, in Shakespeare's scheme;

ride the fast track then, to achieve esteem.

Michael Todd aka Myke Todd has been writing and posting stories and poetry on social networking sites since 2006. He can currently be found at his dedicated poetry site... http://myketodd.blogspot.com/  

Haiku--By Kelley White--United States

ah, mosquitoes

come and join me

this lingering day

______________ 

a red balloon

above the crowd—

remembering

______________ 

at Robert Frost’s place

taking the road less travelled

hermit thrush song

______________ 

even this deep in the woods

ghost

of a stone fence

______________

Pediatrician Kelley White worked in inner city Philadelphia and now works in rural New Hampshire. Her poems have appeared in journals including Exquisite Corpse, Rattle and JAMA. Her most recent books are Toxic Environment (Boston Poet Press) and Two Birds in Flame (Beech River Books.) She received a 2008 Pennsylvania Council on the Arts grant.

Forgiveness--By Sara Kendrick--United States

Forgiveness

"Forgiveness heals an open wound, the spirit repairs the soul"

As the red sun sets so did she

Taking her life far away

Did she even consider me

Lord, I do forgive her this day  

An original quote from Sara--above. This is about my biological mother's suicide. I was only between 15 and 16 months old when it happened.  I learned in the last 6 months the cause of her death.

Sara Kendrick married young and had a family soon after. After her last child went to school, she decided to pursue her GED. A gentlemen who worked with the GED program encouraged her to enroll in college.  She worked part time and cared for her family in addition to her studies. She graduated from Mercer University. Several years ago, after a health crisis, she started writing poetry. 

Special Feature Collaborative Poem--By Michael Escoubas and Mary Jo Balistreri--United States

Deep Peace

By Michael Escoubas and Mary Jo Balistreri

I’ve

been told

the best way

to learn to rest

is to walk on paths

of forgiveness. Let your

weight sink down in forgetful

ground—quit being carried away

by yesterday’s regrets and worries—

with each step say, the past does not own me.

Give ardent thanks for the strength of your legs,

the pull of gravity in your thighs.

To feel the earth upholding you

striding upon its surface,

all nature seems to sing.

Suddenly alive

to nature’s gifts

peace thought lost

now is

found.

Haiku--By Robert Epstein--United States

Indian summer

still in sneakers

that refuse to die

____________

Mom’s 90th

I wish upon 

a four-leaf clover

____________

May sunset

her little red wagon

circles the block

____________

62 now 

more clocks

than rooms

____________

Robert Epstein is a licensed psychologist who lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has edited several anthologies: The Breath of Surrender: A Collection of Recovery-Oriented Haiku; Dreams Wander On: Contemporary Poems of Death Awareness; and The Temple Bell Stops: Contemporary Poems of Grief, Loss and Change; as well as two books of haiku: Checkout Time is Noon: Death Awareness Haiku; and A Walk Around Spring Lake: Haiku.  His most current anthology, The Sacred in Contemporary Haiku, was released in 2014.

Watering--By d. n. simmers--Canada

 Watering

 So it is hot again. 

 And the dried ground

 is cracking.

 As if here is where a desert is being formed.

 Maybe in fifteen years

 if the clouds go further north.

 With the trees shrinking and dying.

 No news of rain.

 So even the water coming

 out the tap and down is hot.

 Like it has been dancing

 on the pavement 

 before belching out

 before it was tricked and tickled

 and squeezed by shaken down and out.

 d. n. simmers is an on line editor with Fine Lines. He is in will be in Poetry Salzburg  Review, the  Storyteller, Iconoclast, Plainsongs, California Quarterly, Poets  Touchstone, Bluestem, and  Nomad's  Choir. He is on line in poetrymag.com, red  river review, new american digital, storyacious, and word  press. He is in an newly  launched anthology Royal City Poets ( 4) and was in Van Gogh's Ear, Paris  France. 

Reunion--By John Polselli--United States

Reunion

The sea was like the bulging hills enwrapped

     in mist that curled against the feral reefs,

          upon whose jagged ribs the whitecaps rang.

A tranquil strain of hopefulness, entrapped

     within the ambiance and depthless griefs

          the brine withheld, a forlorn mermaid sang.

Then wringing her fair hands with bated breath,

     she spied the schooner, far, with glad relief

          and towards her lover, from the shoal, she sprang,

avowing her devotion until death’s

                                     last pang.

John Polselli’s poetry has been published in many literary journals and is the recipient of several Editor’s Choice Awards.  As a poet, John enjoys composing in all traditional forms including free verse as well as inventing his own.

Special Feature Collaborative Poem--By ayaz daryl nielsen and Peggy Dugan French--United States

A Day in June

By ayaz daryl nielsen and Peggy Dugan French

gladiola petals

softly fall from the bouquet

surrounded by all

cocooned in joy

and the songs we’ll sing

delight us

yes, I will answer

a new journey begins…

Smiles--By Lin Lane--United States

 Smiles

Smiling is quite simple
 showcases those dimples
  says, "hi" without a word
   surefire way to be heard
    sweetest of expressions
     sign of love's affections
      served at one's discretion

       

(*editor’s note—this poem is a Pleiades)

Lin Lane is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She's been writing poetry since her teen years and majored in Literature in college. As an editor, she's been inspired by many of her clients' manuscripts, which has led her to share her poetry with others. She hopes that her poetry is enjoyed by many of you.

WHISPERS' SEPTEMBER ACTIVITY--GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Dear Whispers’ Family,

September’s activity was entitled, “Getting to Know You." Contributors were asked to give their name and country, their favorite poetry form, as well as share what they love about life: family, hobbies, work, etc. Thank you for your responses. Enjoy getting to know many of your fellow Whispers’ poets. Karen and I look forward to crafting writing activities that reflect the interests of Whispers’ ever-growing family of poets and readers.

With Appreciation,

Michael Escoubas, Activity Editor

Karen O’Leary, Editor

________________________

Pat Geyer, United States

Haiga/Tankart

I love photography and gardening. Photographing insects and saplings makes me realize that size has nothing to do with accomplishments in life. I cherish the smells that waft through the kitchen when I use the recipes that my Mother gave me. They never fail to remind me of our times cooking and baking together.

David Fox, United States

Haiku

In addition to writing poetry (obviously), I like to bowl, watch TV (mostly game shows and sitcoms), go to movies and concerts and solve word-finds. 

Mary Jo Balistreri (Jo)--United States

Free verse/Haiku

My love is nature and my family, my special place, the ocean. I walk first thing in the morning, kind of a moving meditation. Afterward I read some poetry, then try to write a haiku. When the day's obligations and errands are finished, I write again.

Carolyn Martin, United States

Free Verse/Blank Verse

I love finding poetry everywhere: from TV shows to National Geographic articles, from creative comments my partner makes to the feral cats that roam our backyard. I also hate to go anywhere without a camera. It helps me focus on my surroundings, serving as a bridge not as a distraction.

Sunil Sharma, India

Free verse

I like to sing songs of the dispossessed; the marginalized, the deprived. Poetry---not about me or formalism but about the unsaid.

Annie Jenkin, England

Metered Rhyme

With a positive 'can do' approach, I have several hobbies, cycling, knitting, sewing, etc.  I am a sensitive soul, who delights in nature; listening and observing what is going on around me. Despite the odds, I enjoy life.

Aju Mukhopadhyay, India

Free Verse with rhymed and /or unrhymed lines as they occur spontaneously, making the creation a composite whole.

I take life as a unified whole; no activity like writing is separate. My knowledge and thirst; critical, analytical and creative are the outpourings of my being that work as a channel of communication between me and the outside world.  

Angelee Deodhar, India

Haibun

I love writing on the go, don't mind waiting for a train/plane or standing in a queue as I always have scraps of paper on hand. I love collecting leaves, pebbles, beads, and making soap bubbles. I like walking barefoot in the rain. I like listening to instrumental Eastern and Western music when I write

Mary A. Couch, United States

Rictameter

I like short poetry forms, writing on nature & animals, reading sci-fi, crocheting, craft projects, ocean, mountains, and woodlands.

Alice B. Couch, United States

Haiku

I enjoy my grandkids, great-grandkids, great-great grandkids, taking my dogs for a walk, writing short stories and poems, reading mystery novels.

Caryl Calsyn, United States

Free Verse

I am an 81 year old woman who forgets to tell myself that I am elderly.
I love history, historical homes, faith, family and friends. I deal with
the pain of losing loved ones too often.

Tricia Knoll, United States

Free Verse/Haiku/Pantoum

I'm retired from decades of communications work for municipal government. I'm a Master Gardener, fitness enthusiast, love dogs, am far to the left politically, and have more than 1,000 poems I've written organized in an elaborately organized database. I volunteer pruning rose bushes at Portland, Oregon's Rose Test Garden of 1,000 rose plants.

Martha Magenta, England

Haiku

My interests include organic gardening, human and animal rights advocacy, herbalism, aromatherapy and poetry. I have written poetry on a wide variety of topics. I am owner of POETS community on Google Plus. I study haiku and tanka. Some of my haiku have been published in journals including Modern Haiku, Haiku Presence, Chrysanthemum, and Whispers.

Ralph Stott, England

Haiku/Fibonacci.

Enjoy observing and capturing observations in small poetic forms. Member of British Haiku Society.

Michael Escoubas, United States

Free Verse/Etheree

I enjoy baseball, Presidential History, especially Civil War period history, writing nature poetry, and writing poems that feature my children and grandchildren.

Karen O’Leary, United States

Cinquain

I’ve always been a creative spirit—and have tried my hands at embroidery, needle point, home decorating (an ongoing love), sewing—to name a few.  Writing and reading are the only passions I’ve had since early childhood.  I did write a mammoth novel that sits on my shelf—computer copy—gone with a virus. I enjoy making greeting cards, too.

David Palmer, United States

Sonnet, Fibonacci, Micro Poetry

Former minister, I write about love and relationships, faith, hope, vision for the future, peace, history, travel, philosophy. I love writing in response to prompts, photo, word, or concept/idea.

Phyllis Babcock, Canada

Personification

First love is being a grandmother. I like to read books but my passion is poetry writing. Love getting to know people around the globe. I’m a people, nature and animal lover.

Barbara Tate, United States

Haiku/Senryu

Writing's my life.  Dogs & dog shows, horses & horse shows are my fun.  I value and hold close the many friendships made over the years.

  

Chelsea Jones, United States

Abstract

Hi! I live in California. I'm interested in poetry, art, and music. I love collaborating with other artists and also creating multimedia pieces that involve all of my creative interests. I also love dogs.

Isha Wagner, New Zealand

Prose poetry

Since a young age travel has been my preoccupation, a deep-seated curiosity about peoples, countries, so I have traveled much. Despite this my spiritual journey is my dominant interest. I have made four journeys to northern India learning much and little from living masters. Life is so brief I know there is much, much more to learn.

Langley Shazor, United States

Haiku/Syllabic Forms

I have been only seriously writing for the last year. I love words and try to expand my vocabulary daily. I enjoy writing challenges and write most of my pieces on antique typewriters. I am currently launching a Middle School writing club to encourage creative writing and thinking in our youth. 

  

Jack Horne, England

Rhyme/New Forms

About myself: I'm 47, single & live in Plymouth. Writing & reading are my main hobbies. Quite a bit of my work has been published, including two poetry books & two novels (with a third novel due to be released in 2017).

  

Connie Marcum Wong, United States

Rhyme and Free Verse

I love writing about nature, the seasons, or reflections and thoughts about life, children, the animal kingdom, mythology. I often write about causes that mean a lot to me, concerning countries and their freedom and world affairs, current events that may concern everyone.

Sara Kendrick, United States

Poulter's Measure (8,6,8,6 syllables per line with rhyme on the 6)

Antiquated grandmother who loves to put a few thoughts upon a page which sometimes records some history. I enjoy watching sunrises and combining my thoughts with the changes in the sky. My time is limited now as to what I can do so the writing is less.

Moonlight Rendezvous--By Jack Horne--England

Moonlight Rendezvous

They met in a graveyard at night;

she beckoned, attempted to bite:

her fangs were so fierce -

their purpose to pierce:

he looked like a ghost, white with fright!

Jack Horne enjoys reading and writing poetry.

Released--By Greg Gregory--United States

Released

Like paper boats

that leave our hands

into fast steams

we move beyond ourselves,

small things

pulled with undertow

and fall leaves,

steering by a 

combination 

of luck and 

wind.

Greg Gregory is retired, but worked in educational media for over 30 years.  His first love has always been language and the printed word.  He has been published in the US, Canada, and England in publications including California Quarterly, Windsor Review, Poetry Nottingham, and The Aurorean. 

Poetry--By Dr. Satish Chandra Srivastava--India

surrounded with odds
struggling hard for survival
a salute to zeal

_____________

The woe
of a pigeon
drives me to
deep thinking
how selfishness
rules a human heart.

_____________

thunder passes
tree dances
return to peace

_____________

Dr. Satish Chandra Srivastava, a retired manager admin. from a pharmaceuticals company has keen interest in writing poetry since his college life as it is his passion but due to family liabilities, the passion was suppressed by time constrains. Upon his retirement, he devotes his full time to his passion and writing poetry to fulfill his hidden desire. His poems are much appreciated by fellow poets and has a repute honor among fellow poets. His poem "DREAMS" was published in first E-zine anthology by "POETS DREAMS.”

One Generator and a Television--By Su'eddie Vershima Agema--Nigeria

One Generator and a Television

(the story of our streets today)

Today, one generator and a television

Were taken away from someone

Light and hope was stolen from that home

He lost his head and swore to get someone else’s

Today, a man was caught

Who stole one generator and a television

He was the thief of someone else’s vision

Seeking means to fight Hades who called to his mother

Today, a mob roasted a man

With one generator and a television

While his mother died waiting for funds

To get drugs that cost one hundred bucks

Su'eddie Vershima Agema was joint winner, Association of Nigerian Authors Prize for Poetry 2014 with his second collection, Home Equals Holes: Tale of an Exile. He lives in Nigeria, blogs at http://sueddie.wordpress.com and can be reached at eddieagema@yahoo.com. @sueddieagema on Twitter.

The Person in the Mirror--By Marcus Omer--United States

The Person in the Mirror

I look in the mirror, I laugh out loud

at a sagging physique that one was proud

of muscles that rippled and hair that waved.

when out on the town I seldom behaved.

Now my walk’s unsteady, my eyesight dim,

my hearing about gone, I’m weak of limb.

The skin on my face like afternoon flowers,

what used to take minutes, now takes me hours.

My manly fragrance is stale and musty,

where hair once grew is now bald and crusty.

My teeth are few, there’s a wide empty span;

I’ve preserved just enough to eat my bran.

Now for a little while, it hurt my pride

when younger people would my age deride,

making silly remarks to get my goat.

Of their physical prowess, they would gloat.

But through it all, I’ve learned to take the heat.

I just smile and nod, act very discreet,

for down life’s road, I know with certainty,

the person in their mirror will look like me.

Marcus Omer became serious about writing after he retired in 1997. He draws his inspiration from the many emotions we experience in life. He has published Of Sunshine and Clouds with iUniverse and The Winding Road with Shadow Poetry. He’s also published in Snippets, The Magic of Words and several issues of Golden Words.

Special Feature Collaborative Poem--By Phyllis Babcock—Canada and Jack Horne--England

Autumn Arrives 

By Phyllis Babcock & Jack Horne

The cold damp days slowly crept in,
temperatures began to plummet.
A breath of autumn hangs in the air.
Misty rain-drenched mornings
touch the damp mossy earth,
dewdrops cling to the leaves,
and the landscape slowly begins a color change.

The dusk drives in, darkening quickly,

on cool evenings sprinkled with showers.

Rain washes the windswept trees,

as brave leaves flutter to the ground.

A shy moon peeks through moody skies,

as streetlights reflect on wet pavements

and people hurry home to sit by the fire.

Tanka--By Elizabeth Howard--United States

feeling my age

until I look up

puffy white clouds, blue sky--

child-like, I trace a giant . . .

and a fire-breathing dragon

Elizabeth Howard lives in Crossville, Tennessee. She writes poetry and fiction. Her poems have appeared in Comstock Review, Big Muddy, Appalachian Heritage, Cold Mountain Review, Poem, Still, Mobius, Now & Then, Slant, and other journals.

Almost Autumn--By David Fox--United States

Almost Autumn

Summer is coming to a close

Around the third week of September,

But, with it, there are things

I will always remember

Camp, barbecues, a dip or two in the pool

Or just sitting by my air conditioner

Trying to keep cool

Going to Adventureland*,

The museum and the beach,

And trying to do anything else

That within my reach.

Yes, now it's almost Autumn

But I need fear

My memories of Summer

Will never disappear!

*A local amusement park

David Fox has been published in over 100 places, including journals, websites, newsletters, blogs, and posting boards.  He has been published in the U.S., U.K., Canada, India, Finland, and the U.A,E, but is also interested in learning about websites or journals that take e-mail submissions from other countries.  He edits the magazine, "The Poet's Art" (see the ad in the Whispers column).

Haiku/Senryu--By Pravat Kumar Padhy--India

distant waterfall
her voice murmuring
something

__________

left behind--
the feather on
the fence

__________

wishing flags--
the wind carries
her emotion

__________

in search of God I search myself

__________

Pravat Kumar Padhy hails from Odisha, India. He did his Master of Science and has a 

Ph.D from IIT-Dhanbad. His short poems, haiku, tanka and haibun have appeared in various venues such as Chrysanthemum, Simply Haiku, Red lights, Ribbons, tinywords, Modern Haiku, Lilliput Review, Under the Basho, The Heron’s Nest, Shamrock, A Hundred Gourds, Bottle Rockets, Asahi Haikuist Network, Frogpond, and Acorn. He is a recipient of Editor’s Choice awards, Special and Honourable Mentions. Songs of Love: A Celebration published by Writers Workshop, Calcutta is his latest collection. http://pkpadhy.blogspot.com   

Birch Tree--By Marianne Szlyk--United States

Birch Tree

For every crape myrtle or towering magnolia we gain,
we lose one birch tree:

The slender stroke of titanium white

among the muddy browns and greens of summer;

The backbend held above the vernal pool
bitter with generations of oak leaves

The leaves, yellow or green, dance
like wind chimes over the insects’ drone;

The taste of birch beer—

afternoons spent foraging for wintergreen

following trails uphill
away from houses and highways

puzzling over stone walls and apple trees

in the woods that no one seemed to own.

Previously published at The Literary Nest.

Marianne Szlyk is the editor of The Song Is... , an associate poetry editor at Potomac Review, and a professor of English at Montgomery College. Her second chapbook, I Dream of Empathy, was published by Flutter Press. Her poems have appeared in a variety of online and print venues, including Silver Birch Press, Cactifur, Of/with, bird's thumb, Truck, Algebra of Owls, The Blue Mountain Review, and Yellow Chair Review. Her first chapbook is available (for free) through Kind of a Hurricane Press: http://barometricpressures.blogspot.com/2014/10/listening-to-electric-cambodia-looking.html          

From the Archives—Presenting Joyce I. Johnson and Joyce M. Johnson

It is a special pleasure to honor our two Joyces, each of them in their 90s. They impacted the writing community by forwarding the gift of readable verse.  They helped me see another side of poetry than the complicated verse we studied in my years as a youth in school—then I hated poetry! 

They have been the backbone of small market presses before computers existed.  Sharing poetry in 2004 meant rolling out the manual typewriter, tossing aside drafts that contained errors or things that quite work as well as I thought, developing a cover letter, and sending it off by snail mail with an SASE.  One submission often was hours of work.

The more I’ve come to know these two women, the more I admire them. They have touched the lives of many and have helped to keep poetry alive by encouraging others.  Thank you Joyce I. and Joyce M. for the countless ways you have made the writing community a joyous place to be.

Blessings,

Karen O’Leary

Whispers’ Editor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Presenting Joyce I. Johnson--

Not For Losers

I've joined the quite exclusive club,
"The Over Ninety Bunch"
If duty calls, we answer with,
"Denied, we're out for lunch."

We've worked hard and we've paid our dues,
In summer, spring and fall,
And since we live on borrowed time,
It is precious after all.

The winter of our lives is ours
To do with as we please.
We've taught you well, now do your job,
So we can take our ease.

If you should see some older gals
With glasses of wine or punch,
Who look like they are having fun,
We're the "Over Ninety Bunch."

Joyce I. Johnson lives in the beautiful Skagit Valley of Washington State. She owns a small farm and rents her land to a bulb grower. She is surrounded by beauty in the spring from the tulips and daffodils that inspire much of her poetry. Joyce celebrated her 98th birthday in July of 2016.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Presenting Joyce M. Johnson--

Pledge of the Hunter

In November, on

Some dark night, I know

The hunter will return.

He will come to

The window where I lie.

I will see him

At midnight when I go

To that window.

His hunter outline

Will stretch across the sky.

Although an ancient myth

Of childhood dreams,

Astronomers would have

Us all believe

That galaxies of stars

Make up what seems

This image of a man.

It does not matter.

Orion, you are beautiful,

And durable, and true.

Each winter you appear

Above the broken world

To reaffirm my faith

In the eternal hunter

Who made both me and you.

When Joyce M. Johnson (born 1921) retired from 50 years working as a legal secretary, she embarked on a “second career” as a Certified Alcoholism Counselor. While co-facilitating group meetings for seniors at a treatment center, she created a small tri-fold booklet named SMILE to distribute to clients. Upon retiring (again), Joyce was encouraged by Editor Kay Jaworski to publish a larger version of SMILE nationally. A free issue was given to a shut-in of each subscriber’s choice. Every cover page featured artwork by Joyce’s sister, Helen Sherrier, a professional artist. SMILE became Joyce’s “third career” which she enjoyed for twenty years, forging many friendships that will live on beyond the pages of SMILE.

Strange!--By Sunil Sharma--India

Strange!

Waking up suddenly, grandma asked: is it raining?

No, it is not, said the child, busy with her old toys.

But I heard the torrential rains

over the tiled roofs, green fields,

the singing river and the winding streets!

Intrigued, the kid opened the window.

A fierce sun shone on Delhi's cluttered skyline

Then…the kid felt

the soft rains, falling drop-wise

in cupped hands, thrust out 

of barred windows, tingling the palms

sliding down into the ground

Hey, you cannot store the diamonds for long!

Rain catching...

a forgotten sport!

Sunil Sharma is a writer based in Mumbai, India. A college principal, he has published four books of poetry, two books of shorts and a novel in English, apart from co-editing six literary anthologies.  He edits Episteme: http://www.episteme.net.in/   

Autumn Arbor--By Christine Tate--United States

Autumn Arbor

Colorful leaves entwine to form

a lacy trellis over the roadway...

an enchanting natural arbor

where golden sun rays

and intervals of shade

blend together for a magical drive

down a small stretch of country road.

I'm in dreamland, in awe

of God's unique creativity,

because wherever I go

His handiwork is plain to see!

Christine Tate has been writing since 1994. She's the mother of 3 sons and has 8 grandchildren. She was widowed in 2007 and met her husband Artie, a widower with 6 children & 12 grandchildren, in a nursing facility where their mothers resided. They've been happily married 4 1/2 years. They describe their meeting as "God's divine appt." because of their faith, and the fact that they swore they'd never marry again. 

Captivating Titles Follow Up--By Karen O'Leary--United States

Dear Whispers’ family,

The July Activity was “Captivating Titles.”  Writers were asked to come up with a title for this poem:

light and dark hands

flow over

black and white keys

little girls’ harmony—

love and peace

I have narrowed the choices down to 3—

Pianissimo—By Raamesh Gowri Raghavan--India

Ivories of Serenity—By Sandra Stefanowich—Canada

In One Accord—By Jane Richer--Canada

*Update--9/15--In thinking about this more, I think it would be a more growing experience if readers would comment on each title and how it interacts with the poem.

If you, shared an untitled poem for this activity, it would be nice to hear if you selected one of the suggestions from our readers.  Please post your poem again with your choice for title

May you travel with the gift of words, lighting the way for others that are inspired by your talent. I am so grateful to work with wonderful writers that have hearts of kindness.

Blessings and best wishes,

Karen

Whispers’ Editor

Last Vestiges of Light--By Emile Pinet--Canada

Last Vestiges of Light

Liquid gold electroplates the Moon,
intensifying Her gentle glow.
And She simmers like a gold doubloon,
in a creek where rippled waters flow.

Sunbeams gild Her halo when it's time
to begin Her celestial ascent.
And like a Goddess, She starts Her climb,
as starlet of this gala event.

An ebony curtain specked with stars,
ushers in skeletons of the night.
And a red blush tints the planet Mars,
when Venus reveals Her virgin light.

Birds surrender the night skies to bats,
playing hide and seek with skittish moths.
And feral cats that pursue fat rats,
while spiders spin silken tablecloths.

Darkness swallows relevance of day,
imposing itself upon the night.
And color silently fades away, 
within the last vestiges of light.

Emile Pinet was born in a small city, (Bathurst) New Brunswick, Canada, the third eldest of thirteen children, ten girls and three boys. He is the product of a semi-dysfunctional family, brought up by a physically abusive and controlling father, versus a loving, nurturing mother. Many of his poems reflect the uniqueness of nature, which he loves, and his poetic observations of life in general. Emile is 66 years old and has been writing poems since he was about 35. The ideas started to come to him rapidly one day at work-- he decided to write them down and express himself through his poetry.

Haiku--By Barbara Tate--United States

hunter's moon

in the shadows

a wolf waits

                   NeverEnding Story, Feb. 2016

loggerheads

lace trails tatted

in the sand

                   The Herons Nest, 2015

Little League

sparrows cast shadows

in the outfield

                   Cattails 2016

tradewinds

half of the argument

left for later

                  Modern Haiku 2016

sunset walk

a pool of gold

at rainbows end

                  NeverEnding Story 2016

Barbara Tate is an award winning artist and writer, originally from Akron, Ohio, now residing in Tennessee.  She is a member of the Haiku Society of America, Gulf Coast Writers Assoc., and the United Haiku & Tanka Society. "I was fortunate this year to be able to attend the lectures and readings at the Sewanee Writers Conference at the University of the South.  Received some much needed inspiration." 

Surrounded--By Sandra Stefanowich--Canada

Surrounded

My friend, close your eyes
let those wings take flight
dance freely among fireflies
put a flame to fear tonight

for when helpless hands
can't seem to move in time
dear, hear me in the winds
of a beating heart's chime

what a universe will bestow
in your faith held so strong
is hope in a calm river aglow
and a night's whisper in song

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Sandra Stefanowich is a self-taught writer. She has been writing off and on since an early age. Most of her writing revolves around what she sees in everyday life, nature and her concerns about mankind. She enjoys reading, writing, hiking, animals and photography. 

One 1986 in a Lifetime--ByTricia Knoll--United States

One 1986 in a Lifetime

The point of the trip to New Zealand

was Halley’s comet, that crisscross blaze

your great-grandfather saw in 1910,

his one story you inherited of light in the sky

from a time the tango was taking off.

You liked feeding chocolate eggs to deer at Easter

on the venison farm. You liked riding in the white van

and woke up gently to look over Mt. Cook at 4 am.

You were four. I was thirty-nine.

This was my only chance

to see this comet swipe cross midnight stars

and a still-solid glacier.

You, so young,

another chance in 2061 in a universe

I will never know.

Tricia Knoll is an Oregon poet whose aging hands continue to do work that fascinates her - writing haiku and poetry, digging holes for daffodils, brushing a dog, and peeling the skin off cooked beets. Her poetry collections include full-length book Ocean’s Laughter (Aldrich Press, 2016) and a chapbook Urban Wild (Finishing Line Press, 2014).  Website: triciaknoll.com   

Haiku--By Ralph Stott--England

coral

scarf and shoes

sea breeze

(Blithe Spirit 26/3 British Haiku Society 2016)

_____________

tiled church

crisp blue

sky

(Blithe Spirit 26/3 British Haiku Society 2016)

_____________

gentle wave

of foxglove stem

departing bee

_____________

her tai-chi

arm and hand

soft horizon

_____________

stream with

swing rope

wild parsley

_____________

Ralph Stott was born in Kent, England in 1957. He is married and has two daughters.  He studied design at the Medway College of Design in the mid-70's. Expressing ideas through the written/visual media, has always interested him. Ralph began to dedicate more time to poetry with The Writers and Poetry Alliance, in particular the 'Stylists' forum, over the last 3 years. He has self published one book called Legends For Lunchtime; a collection of short stories and has a second book pending called The Sounding.