A Poet by Definition--By Eunice.Gaba,Rafywa--Botswana

A Poet by Definition

I’m a poet by definition
My love for poetry says it all
With poetic devices I sometimes try to mingle
Poetry is like a burning hole in the pocket
Through the stars of the night
God granted me a gift
Through the sun of the day
My poetic ability was revealed
I’m a poet by definition
Potentiality is what I possess
I’m a genuine poet
Like a little ant I don’t
Get stepped on easily
Poetry is my life partner
I’m a poet by definition
Some display foul moods while
Some turn a blind eye and
Some marvel at the poet in me

Eunice.Gaba,Rafywa is a health coordinator, a teacher, a writer of poetry, drama and literature. She published her first Poetry book in September 24, 2013 called The Poet in Me. Eunice is very active in coordinating health and wellness, HIV and AIDS and charity clubs. She views herself as a woman of change who is driven by creativity and thrives for excellence in all aspects of life. She is a member of at least 27 poetry groups on Facebook as she would like to learn more about the world of writing.

Spirit of Paradise--By Leokadia Durmaj--Australia

Spirit of Paradise

God painted a masterpiece
Showcasing alluring landscapes
Mesmerizing scenery casts a spell
Moonlight and stars captivate the soul

Leokadia Durmaj is a published writer from Australia.

Winding Road--By Karen O'Leary--United States

Winding Road

Ten paces past yesterday,
long after the rising sun,
my life’s journey continues
though I do not know how long.

Each step up the mountainside
is another challenge won.
And when the day is over,
I hope I have touched someone.

For the road still beyond me;
I trust God to guide my way.
With faith’s strength and compassion,
I walk the path of today.

Karen O'Leary is a freelance writer/editor from West Fargo, ND.  Her poetry, short stories, and articles have been published in a variety of venues.  She released her first book of poetry in 2011 called Whispers... published by A.P.F. Publisher.  Their second project, Snippets...an anthology of short verse, contains poetry from 73 talented writers from across the world and was released in 2012.  Karen is a member of The Writers and Poetry Alliance and the Haiku Society of America. 

A Riddle from an Upanishad Re-told--By Sunil Uniyal--India

A Riddle from an Upanishad Re-told ~

Two birds sit on a peepal bough 

One flies off to pick a dry twig
with his beak to build a nest 

The other bird just watches
quietly this process 

Both are happy,
but one is happier of the two 

Which one?
Guess.
------------------------
Note: Peepal is a common tree of India, sacred in both the Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Its botanical name is 'Ficus religiosa'. Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under a peepal tree in Bodh Gaya.

Sunil Uniyal ( born 1953-) is a poet and translator based in New Delhi, India. He has been writing haiku and poems for over thirty years and many of these have appeared in e-journals like Muse India, Kritya, AHA Poetry, Poetica Magazine, Sketch Book, Notes From the Gean, A Hundred Gourds and Haiku Dreaming Australia. His work in translation includes, The Target is Behind the Sky -Fifty Poems of Kabir, brought out by the Low Price Publications, Delhi in February 2012.

A Cord of 3 Strands--By Cindy Evans--United States

A Cord of 3 Strands
(to Mark)

A cord of three strands we are with Him.
He has woven us in love.
With His connection and His power,
we have extra strength from above.

With His help, we are given
an extra measure of grace,
showered down on us for good,
keeping us in place.

All things held together by Him;
you and I with Him make three.
All will be fine as we intertwine,
and our love brings Him glory!

Cindy Evans lives in the greater Atlanta area with her husband, Mark, after relocating from Indianapolis. They enjoy being a cord of 3 strands with God. In their free time, you may find them at inspirational movies, helping with their church small group, going on walks or riding Ferris wheels and climbing lighthouses!

Glory on High--By Joseph S. Spence, Sr.--United States

Glory on High

Believe it and achieve it
Look at it and go for it
Heads up
Shoulders back
Eyes open
Reach for it
Motivation high
Aspiration toward the sky
Inspiration never dies
Barriers down
Ceilings crashed
Mountains moved
Ain’t going back
Heading for the top
Thanks you Master

Joseph S. Spence, Sr. is the author of The Awakened One Poetics, and co-author of two other poetry books. The Awakened One Poetics won 2nd place in the Critters Writers Workshop 2009 Best Author’s Pool. Spence invented the Epulaeryu Poetry. His writings have appeared in numerous anthologies. He is a Goodwill Ambassador for the state of Arkansas, and is a recipient of the 2006 Poetry Ambassador Medal from The International Library of Poetry. He is a member of various honor societies. www.TheAwakenedOnePoetics.Com.

You Can't Take It With You--By Robert L. Hinshaw--United States

You Can't Take It With You

The other day I saw the most pathetic thing I think I shall ever see!
It was so macabre and shocking that it piqued my curiosity!

Seems this old miser died having atoned for his many transgressions,
But was adamant about taking with him all his earthly possessions!

He had derided that well-known saw, "you can't take it with you",
And asserted, "Them's my things that took a lifetime to accrue!"

Even on his deathbed as he breathed his last and ceased to function,
He fretted about his stuff as the priest administered extreme unction!

In the funeral procession behind the hearse was a huge U-Haul truck,
Containing his suits and shoes, booze and gold plus all his other ruck!

Oft' I've pondered about that old tightwad and his ultimate fate,
And how St. Peter handled the matter when he greeted him at the Gate!

Robert L. Hinshaw served 30 years in the Air Force retiring in 1978 in the grade of Chief Master Sergeant. He began writing poetry in 2002 at age 72 and has composed over 1100 poems.

Where Nature Always Sings--By Poppy Herrin--United States

Where Nature Always Sings

I don’t long for riches, for gold or fancy things,
I want the country life where nature always sings.
I feel the need to be close to a winding stream,
where evenings at sunset, I can relax and dream.

Scenic open spaces with clear skies overhead,
cool nights in the forest, pine needles for a bed—
I don’t want the city where horrid clamor rings,
I want the country life where nature always sings.

Poppy Herrin is married to the love of her life Jason, and together they have four daughters and one grandson. She is originally from Laurel, Mississippi, but recently relocated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. By day she makes a living as a medical transcriptionist, and by night she works toward living the dream as a writer. Her poems have appeared in many publications and have received various contest awards.

The Man with the Thorn Scarred Face--By Helen Dowd--Canada

The Man with the Thorn Scarred Face

I looked at the dying Man's thorn-scarred face.
I tried to turn away.
I saw the whip-marks on His back,
From the lashes they gave Him that day.
I saw the nails that pierced His hands.
I saw the blood from His feet.
It was then I saw the love in His eyes;
It was then, our eyes did meet.
Again I looked at the Man hanging there.
No longer did I turn away.
I knew His face was scarred for me.
Christ saved me on that day.

Helen Dowd enjoys spending time at her computer, along side her husband of 56 years, writing poetry, story poems, stories about pets and life in general, as well as inspirational and Bible stories. She has one book published. Her stories and poems have been published in several Anthologies. She is presently a caregiver for her husband and sister, two dogs, four cats and 3 gold fish…Email address: helenmdowd@shaw.ca

one rock...--By Shannon O'Leary--United States

one rock drops
many ripples
spread across the river

Shannon O'Leary is a first grade teacher from Fargo, North Dakota. She provides creative writing activities to inspire her students. Her first-graders have published poems in a local newspaper. Shannon has published her own poetry in the following venues, Sketchbook, Snippets and Smile. She is the daughter of our editor.

Three Sisters of Fall--By Andrea Dietrich--United States

Three Sisters of Fall

asters in her hair
and wearing a hint of blush-
September strolls in. . . .
crooning melancholy strains
she bids adieu to summer.

October follows-
whimsical and ruddy-cheeked. . . .
sometimes blowing in
she brightly draws attention
then exits quite eerily

following sulking
in her sister’s faded gown
November arrives -
stepping lively at the time
of harvest’s celebration

Andrea Dietrich grew up in Iowa and now resides in Utah with a spouse and two cats. She has two grown children and six grandchildren. Having graduated BYU with a Spanish major/ESL minor, she has spent most of her adult life teaching. It wasn't until 2000 that she began writing in earnest and discovering her "niche" as a writer of lyrical poetry. The internet opened up a new world for her, and she has spent nearly a decade now participating in poetry clubs, acting as a judge of poetry contests for various magazines and for the website Shadow Poetry.

Hear Your Children--By Christine Tate--United States

Hear Your Children

Hear your children crying
like the baby birds,
longing for their food
as we hunger for Your word.
With wings of expectation
prepared to leave the nest,
we soar above the turmoil
where we are given rest.

Hear Your children panting
like the thirsty deer,
yearning for pure water
to refresh our lives down here.

Hear your children praying
for lost sinners to know,
You'll wash away their sins
and make them white as snow!
Lead Your children Lord
by your brilliant light;
grant us calm assurance
and peace both day and night.

Christine Tate lives in New Jersey. She is the mother of three married sons and has eight grandchildren. She started writing inspirational poetry in 1994, and is blessed to encourage others and honor the Lord. She was widowed in 2007 and met her new husband Artie, a widower, in the nursing facility where their late mothers resided. They've been happily married for 2 1/2 years. Since neither of them ever expected to marry again, they consider it a "divine appt."

Barefoot in Paradise--By David Austin--United States

Barefoot in Paradise

There is a special place
That my memory serves,
Far beyond worldly eyes
Barefoot in Paradise

Where is a perfect light
From no sun, and me free
Padding, weightless, ‘neath blue sky
Barefoot in Paradise

Where is tranquil music
From no man-crafted source
Where I need only listen
Barefoot in Paradise

Though indescribable,
A rainbow of colors
Will surround and kindly blend
Barefoot in Paradise

May I now sit me down,
Mantra inwardly humming,
To seek the light and sound.
Barefoot in Paradise

David Austin is professional violinist and teacher, who communicates through poetry. He has played with the Cincinnati Symphony, taught at Colorado College and various public schools. He is a published author, who has been writing poetry and novels for over 40 years. His pride and joy is a shelter in which he feeds and cares for animals.  David is a member of Poetry Soup.

Gold Coast Life--By Suzanne Delaney--United States

Gold Coast Life

There are no soft, dewy sunrises here.
No mist that rises, between islands of trees.
No shy wallabies that graze on rich lawns,
to secretly flee- as the farm-house fills
with sounds of cluttering coffee cups
and cheery morning chatter.

I miss the gentle exodus as their mauve-grey
hides, blend into lilac- bark.

Here, there is the sound of waves breaking.
The daily march of exercisers that trek
on the edges of a sunrise sea.
The distant hum of traffic where,
high rises pierce a skyline hung with gulls.
The beach stretches away but I see
civilization has encroached.

I walk with all the others wishing
for my own secret exodus.

Suzanne Delaney is a retired Registered Nurse. A resident of Hawaii, USA she was born in Tasmania. She now has time to pursue her passion for writing poetry, creating collages and for traveling.

Hope--By David Fox--United States

Hope

Be happy now, don't you cry
Hope will keep your spirits high
Believe in hope and you definitely will
Climb every mountain and every hill
Let your dreams grow forever more
Let the hope inside you soar.

David has been published most recently in Smile, Poet's Digest, The Pink Chameleon, Creative Inspirations, Pancakes in Heaven, The Shine Journal, The Jokester, Weekly Avocet and Forte Green Literary Review. He publishes and edits The Poet's Art, a print journal that accepts family-friendly poetry.  He is currently accepting work for the January 2014 issue. Contact him at ipoetdavid@gmail.com for more information.

Fishing or Fished--By Patricia Ann Farnsworth-Simpson--Canary Islands

Fishing or Fished

A man once went fishing in a loch
Hoping to catch a haddock
So he cast in his line
Seeing the fish playing fine
Hoped to get one to dine
But “Nessie” grabbing line
Pulled him in
Saying "You're mine" …

Patricia Ann Farnsworth-Simpson is a coal miner’s daughter, the only girl among 6 lads. A young mother to a son, she became a widow before she turned 18.  Patricia, then, married her childhood sweetheart who fathered her lovely son and two wonderful daughters.  Her children encouraged her to pursue her own talents.  After 51 years of marriage, she became a widow again recently.  She fills her time with poetry, helping others whenever she can.

Lamenting Lovers--By Robert A. Dufresne--United States

Lamenting Lovers

That sliced harvest crescent
rising erubescent,
weaned from previous orb shining,
looked down on lovers pining,
separated by distance
at tragedy’s insistence.
As the sickle slipped across the sky,
the lamenting lovers asked it why,
But nought was said by that celestial Slice;
they both knew they were paying the price.

Robert A. Dufresne was born in Vermont and raised on a dairy farm. After four years in the Navy and trying his hand at a couple of trades, he settled in as a self employed remodeling carpenter for 31 years. He and his wife moved to Florida in 1998, where he continued his career. He began writing poetry in 2009 .

Learning From Rain--By Joann Grisetti--United States

Learning From Rain

Learning from rain. Its hypnotic
drumming on umbrellas, its rhythmic
pattering of tulip poplar trees,
splattering fallen maple leaves,
turning the grave site chaotic.

I shiver from the erratic
spray, cold grey moisture’s rhapsodic
ballet, dewy tears follow me,
learning from rain.

Pellets of moisture beat drastic
rivulets upon the casket
as my shoulders shake, my mind heaves,
my now lonely heart soon perceives
her absence, a quite traumatic
learning from rain.

Joann Grisetti has been writing for 45 years. She is a retired teacher from Florida. She receives encouragement from her daughter and has recently enrolled in a creative writing workshop. She is a member of Poetry Soup. You can read more of her poetry there.

Picturesque--By Maurice J. Reynolds--United States

Picturesque

The air is so still, and
just like a tear kissing a cheek,
the delicate snowflakes introduce themselves to the ground.
Delighted.
They now have the joy of
sticking around for a little while,
bringing a chilly but splendid
change of season.
Clear skies allow the stars to shine brighter.
Winter.

Feel the silence.
Embrace the time.

Maurice J. Reynolds is a freelance writer who has had material published in various publications.  He is the owner of To God be the Glory! Publications, a literary ministry that produces the poetry publication Creative Inspirations.  More information can be found at: www.tgbtgpublictions.com.

It’s Impossible--By Gerald A. McBreen--United States

It’s Impossible

It’s impossible  a thousand sighs  among violins
   playing songs my heart is no longer concealing

It’s impossible  words alone no matter how sweet
   can’t tell you what my eyes must be revealing

It’s impossible  stars like diamonds sparkle in your
   golden halo

It’s impossible  heaven is walking hand in hand
   by your side

So my darling I’m conceding  it’s impossible
   your kisses tell me that you love me too

   and we are dancing  yes we’re waltzing
      on our honeymoon

So my darling I’m conceding  the impossible
   is possible with you

Gerald A. McBreen found poetry after he retired from the US Postal Service. He discovered he had a flair for romance. He has been publishing for ten years with True Romance and their related magazines. He is the coordinator for Striped Water Poets. They sponsor an “open mic” every first Wednesday of the month. They also post 'Poems on Posters' around the area. In 2009 Pacific, Washington celebrated its 100th anniversary, and he was appointed Poet Laureate. (2009 - 2013)

Thoughts for the Homeless--By Peter Dome--United Kingdom

Thoughts for the Homeless

Some times in winter
when the cold winds bite
I go out for a walk
on a freezing night
to feel what the homeless on the street
must feel
on the cold concrete
longing for warmth
shelter
and a meal

And love.

Hi, my name is Pete. I live in Sheffield, U.K. I hope you enjoy my poems. I look forward to reading yours. My best wishes. Pete.

Power Within--By Charlene McCutcheon--United States

Power Within

What an incredible source of power I have
At my fingertips every minute of every day,
If I live in gratitude; for true Thanksgiving is
Thanks living and opens the door to 'the way'.

Give and it shall be given, benefits galore.
Blessings come via gratitude, I've been told.
It is the opposite of what one would think.
To God, "I want more", must really get old.

The natural man focuses on insufficiency.
He'll work hard to gain the whole world
That without notice can all be wiped out,
Shattered hopes and fond dreams spoiled.

Sometimes it takes something really drastic
To change a heart hardened in self and lack.
But God knew the way to change my heart.
Peace and love is not found in another snack.

To overcome my tendency to turn to treats,
In times of tribulation and emotional stress
To find peace and love, I must forget myself,
Kindly think of others and give loving service.

Charlene McCutcheon is a 73 year old, wife, mother of seven, grandmother of thirty and great-grandmother of 14. She has just discovered her voice through poetry within the last few years. Her former ways of expression have been through the media of arts and crafts. Her desire to share herself with others for their benefit has been the motivating factor in all her endeavors. She loves life, work, play and most of all people.

A View Of Eternity--By Marcus Omer--United States

A View Of Eternity

Eternity sits on the edge of my eye.

Overhead the circling moon
dodges the little specks of light
that dart sideways
in the midnight sky.

Above the rim of my eye
the orbs of fire and ice
glide like precision clockwork
of a master watchmaker.

You, Neal, are among the few
who have touched the edge.
Did you feel the breath of God?
Could you hear His whisper?

Unshackle my earthy chains,
let me touch the beginning,
let my view be as Your view
O’ Creator of time.

Eternity sits on the edge of my eye.

Marcus Omer got 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.

Poe's pen...By Arthur C. Ford--United States

Poe's pen paints paper
Tintinnabulation--
Van Gogh hears too much

Arthur C. Ford, Sr. is originally from New Orleans, LA., where he graduated from Southern University (S.U.N.O.). He studied Mathematics, Physics, Creative Writing (Poetry) and was a member of The Drama Society. He has traveled to 45 States, lived in Europe (Bruxelles, Belgium), and more recently spent 30 days doing missionary work and traveling throughout the country of India. He publishes a quarterly poetry newsletter entitled THE PEN(The Poetry Explosion Newsletter), and resides in Pittsburgh, PA.

Please Slow Down Artificial Chaps!--By Ndaba Sibanda--Saudi Arabia

Please Slow Down Artificial Chaps!

               they say
artificial intelligence is moving faster than humans
     and sooner than later it is likely that
          robots will be smarter than us
               before
the end of the century—not just at chess or mathematics
or engineering or science and medicine but at everything
               they say
there might be a few jobs left for entertainers and writers
     but computers will ultimately be able to sequence
               themselves
and gobble up massive quantities of information and reason
in ways that we humans can only faintly imagine
               some say
we should not fear a mere darkness without leopards because
these machines are created by humans and should they fool
          themselves by trying to outsmart us at every
               corner we simply unplug them!

Ndaba Sibanda is a Zimbabwean-born writer. His poems, essays and
short stories have been published in Africa and the USA. Ndaba
currently lives and teaches in Saudi Arabia. Of his career, he
says, "writing is my life, and my second wife".

Special Feature Collaborative Poem--By Robert Hewett Sr. and Alice Stevens--United States

Dreams Flowing Through My Mind

Robert Hewett Sr. and Alice Stevens

My dream was filled with love and happiness
My strong heart quickening its rapid pace !!
picturing you in that bright yellow dress
I awoke with a smile on my bearded face.

Sipping coffee in the clear morning light
I thought of the man I dreamed of last night
He was my Shining Knight with eyes of blue
I prayed, "Dear God let this one dream come true !!”

I know she is waiting out there somewhere
Dreaming nightly, daydreaming daily there
Waiting for her Knight to appear in life
On his big white horse to take her for his wife !!

All day long I thought of my Shining Knight,
And hoped I would see him in clear daylight
Charging in on his steed to sweep me away
In his arms for ever and ever to stay !!

In early dawn I cantered down a flowery pathway
Lo!! In chorus the flowers and birds had this to say.
Open your eyes and your dream girl you will see
Gathering fresh flowers on bended knee !!

At a large bird bath with tracks leading that way,
I heard my feathered songsters say
It is here you’ll find your Shining Knight
Each day as morning sheds the night.

God Has a Plan--By Lisa DeVinney--United States

God Has a Plan

If dark have been your dreams of late,
And prayers seem stuck at Heaven’s gate,
You’re sinking fast in shifting sand,
Take heart, my friend… God has a plan.

And when the winds begin to howl,
The enemy is on the prowl,
The ground shakes so you cannot stand,
Look up, my friend… God has a plan.

And His plan is always for good,
To make things turn out as they should.
Just leave things in His mighty hand;
And trust Him for God has a plan.

Lisa DeVinney is a homemaker and mother of six in upstate New York. She enjoys photography and writing devotional poetry in her spare time.

Moments--By Barbara Siekierski--United States

Moments

Moments can’t be held;
they vanish into nothingness.

Moments are whispers fading
until you can’t hear them anymore.

Moments are a windows of the soul
that open up your heart.

Moments are like melting snowflakes,
gone but not forgotten.

God has given us these moments,
thoughts that mean everything.

Barbara Siekierski is a writer from Swarthmore, PA.

Limerick--By Jack Horne--England

There was an old chap with a bugle,
He wasn’t a tightwad but frugal,
As he wanted to play
On his bugle all day,
He searched for free lessons on Google.

Jack Horne enjoys reading and writing poetry.

Pieces of Poems…--By Richard Sponaugle--United States

Pieces of Poems…

pop in my mind;
instant inspiration plucked
from international headlines,
mixed with mundane vignettes
from my subconscious.
I wrote poems to impress Pam,
now I write them
to forget her.

Richard Sponaugle was born 4-20-60 in Maryland and raised in Northern Virginia.  He received a BA from George Mason University.  A prolific poet and songwriter, he has been published in many venues.