denis-barter - Hello Poetry

The air? Full of tension with fearful apprehension, spawning much consternation that firmly grips the Nation, due to the Lock Down decree! Neighbours avoid contacts close: standing apart - with few verbose. Though many care to stop and talk: a brief Hullo - resume their walk, due to the Lock Down decree! The stores? No bustling crowd: only sparse numbers allowed. Life in general, is now abated. Needed essentials? Oft debated, due to the Lock Down decree. Busy streets - once traffic filled: rarely seen - their hubbub stilled. Oft heard and part of daily life? Angry spats, twixt man and wife, due to the Lock Down decree. Few children seen: no school today. Learning at home, the new found way. Essential workers - walking brisk, speed to their task. A daily risk, due to the Lock Down decree. Life once known, has been emended: habits too, have been transcended. Stress of every known description, rules. Patience our prescription, due to the Lock Down decree. Across the world, Nations decide all normalcy must be set aside. Citizens must abide to rules, placed to curb, uncaring fools! So states the Lock Down decree. Rhymer. November 26th, 2020.

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Nov 26, 2020

Nov 26, 2020 at 3:13 PM UTC

Lock Down.

The air? Full of tension with fearful apprehension, spawning much consternation that firmly grips the Nation, due to the Lock Down decree! Neighbours avoid contacts close: standing apart - with few verbose. Though many care to stop and talk: a brief Hullo - resume their walk, due to the Lock Down decree! The stores? No bustling crowd: only sparse numbers allowed. Life in general, is now abated. Needed essentials? Oft debated, due to the Lock Down decree. Busy streets - once traffic filled: rarely seen - their hubbub stilled. Oft heard and part of daily life? Angry spats, twixt man and wife, due to the Lock Down decree. Few children seen: no school today. Learning at home, the new found way. Essential workers - walking brisk, speed to their task. A daily risk, due to the Lock Down decree. Life once known, has been emended: habits too, have been transcended. Stress of every known description, rules. Patience our prescription, due to the Lock Down decree. Across the world, Nations decide all normalcy must be set aside. Citizens must abide to rules, placed to curb, uncaring fools! So states the Lock Down decree. Rhymer. November 26th, 2020.

36

Oft times of late, throughout the day, I wonder, if somehow I’ve lost my way, as day after day, hours slip quickly by, and well laid plans seemingly go awry? Despite intent, I accomplish naught, except indulgence in a passing thought. On awakening, aware day has dawned, I remain recumbent, as schemes spawned overnight race pell-mell through my head, whilst I analyse their merits. Lying abed allows me to focus upon the possibility that some, ever dependant upon my ability, may be suited for a new poetic exercise? But all too soon, I see it is time to rise, so thought is put aside for there’s no time to sit and consider composing a rhyme. Though opportunity knocks, I must dress and be about my daily chores. Doubtless all memory of what I proposed to do will disappear, but this is nothing new, for age determines memory is fleeting. Thoughts that can set our muse beating vanish long before opportunity arrives and today will be as others in our lives of late, as we live our ‘elder’ years. As memory fails, laughter and tears often allow us to cover our chagrin and discomposure, but soon we begin to find, as memory diminishes more, amusement wanes, and we deplore our weakness, and inwardly retreat further into ourselves, afraid to meet others to socialise. When seen bemused by vague memory, some are amused as we desperately scramble to find rationale within our incoherent mind. For inability to recall a familiar name or maintain a train of thought, I blame advancing years, as do we all at times. Still I will persist in composing rhymes, when I remember what it is I would say, and my concentration does not stray! Rhymer. November 14th, 2020.

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Nov 14, 2020

Nov 14, 2020 at 10:11 AM UTC

Where Goes the Day?

Oft times of late, throughout the day, I wonder, if somehow I’ve lost my way, as day after day, hours slip quickly by, and well laid plans seemingly go awry? Despite intent, I accomplish naught, except indulgence in a passing thought. On awakening, aware day has dawned, I remain recumbent, as schemes spawned overnight race pell-mell through my head, whilst I analyse their merits. Lying abed allows me to focus upon the possibility that some, ever dependant upon my ability, may be suited for a new poetic exercise? But all too soon, I see it is time to rise, so thought is put aside for there’s no time to sit and consider composing a rhyme. Though opportunity knocks, I must dress and be about my daily chores. Doubtless all memory of what I proposed to do will disappear, but this is nothing new, for age determines memory is fleeting. Thoughts that can set our muse beating vanish long before opportunity arrives and today will be as others in our lives of late, as we live our ‘elder’ years. As memory fails, laughter and tears often allow us to cover our chagrin and discomposure, but soon we begin to find, as memory diminishes more, amusement wanes, and we deplore our weakness, and inwardly retreat further into ourselves, afraid to meet others to socialise. When seen bemused by vague memory, some are amused as we desperately scramble to find rationale within our incoherent mind. For inability to recall a familiar name or maintain a train of thought, I blame advancing years, as do we all at times. Still I will persist in composing rhymes, when I remember what it is I would say, and my concentration does not stray! Rhymer. November 14th, 2020.

43

Of late, I tend to reflect on what I’ve seen, On folks I’ve known, and where I’ve been. Often consider decisions made - few I regret, Recording events experienced, ere I forget. Age offers many pleasures, and so you see, I doubt you’ll hear many regrets from me. With countless occasions I’d like to recall, I doubt I’ll have time to record them all. I’ve embarked upon wondrous explorations, Some disappointed: others lived up to expectations Yet others left me standing agape, at what was seen; Or questioning what this experience might mean? From consequences, and soul searching reflection, My Life’s future intent, then changed its direction, And from world traveller to the rustic life I went. Later seen as sagacious, now Life is almost spent. I relished my days of travel - with some exceptions; Tried to be honest with all - employing no deceptions: Sought to be fair minded in all my day to day dealings; Tried never to slander anyone, nor hurt their feelings. I kept an open mind, never jumping to conclusion, Tried to stay objective - this prevents undue confusion; Gave the benefit of the doubt, whenever it was needed, Noted body language - its warning signs were heeded.! Yes, I’ve seen my share of trouble, poverty and strife, But today, closing towards the final days of my Life, I feel I’ve been fortunate: have seldom felt deprived, Whereas many met, think they’re lucky to have survived! Rhymer. November 13th, 2020

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Nov 13, 2020

Nov 13, 2020 at 4:28 PM UTC

Older Reflections.

Of late, I tend to reflect on what I’ve seen, On folks I’ve known, and where I’ve been. Often consider decisions made - few I regret, Recording events experienced, ere I forget. Age offers many pleasures, and so you see, I doubt you’ll hear many regrets from me. With countless occasions I’d like to recall, I doubt I’ll have time to record them all. I’ve embarked upon wondrous explorations, Some disappointed: others lived up to expectations Yet others left me standing agape, at what was seen; Or questioning what this experience might mean? From consequences, and soul searching reflection, My Life’s future intent, then changed its direction, And from world traveller to the rustic life I went. Later seen as sagacious, now Life is almost spent. I relished my days of travel - with some exceptions; Tried to be honest with all - employing no deceptions: Sought to be fair minded in all my day to day dealings; Tried never to slander anyone, nor hurt their feelings. I kept an open mind, never jumping to conclusion, Tried to stay objective - this prevents undue confusion; Gave the benefit of the doubt, whenever it was needed, Noted body language - its warning signs were heeded.! Yes, I’ve seen my share of trouble, poverty and strife, But today, closing towards the final days of my Life, I feel I’ve been fortunate: have seldom felt deprived, Whereas many met, think they’re lucky to have survived! Rhymer. November 13th, 2020

29

When I sit for hours in contemplation, Do not search for an explanation! If perchance you should ask me why I let precious hours, pass idly by? You’d find no cause for truth in my reply? You’re sure to think I’m wasting time, And my sitting has no reason or rhyme. Why must I always give a lame excuse, For doing nothing, and just sitting loose! Does relaxation always need a use? Of course, I could be making a big decision, Which needs careful planning, and precision. Chances are, that would be a blatant lie! With no urgent plans, with which I’ll do or die, Aimless thoughts drift like castles in the sky! When I sit motionless, making no sound I like folks to think I’m being profound Resolving philosophies, fathoms deep! It’s an impression I would have them keep. But truth to tell, most times, I’ve fallen asleep! Rhymer October 19th, 2020.

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Oct 19, 2020

Oct 19, 2020 at 12:56 PM UTC

A Matter of Perception!

When I sit for hours in contemplation, Do not search for an explanation! If perchance you should ask me why I let precious hours, pass idly by? You’d find no cause for truth in my reply? You’re sure to think I’m wasting time, And my sitting has no reason or rhyme. Why must I always give a lame excuse, For doing nothing, and just sitting loose! Does relaxation always need a use? Of course, I could be making a big decision, Which needs careful planning, and precision. Chances are, that would be a blatant lie! With no urgent plans, with which I’ll do or die, Aimless thoughts drift like castles in the sky! When I sit motionless, making no sound I like folks to think I’m being profound Resolving philosophies, fathoms deep! It’s an impression I would have them keep. But truth to tell, most times, I’ve fallen asleep! Rhymer October 19th, 2020.

22

Once again the Season changes and there’s a story to tell, of events that took place overnight, when Nature wove her spell. A glorious transformation was seen: the world was rearranged, for when the world awakened, the countryside was changed. A canvas was set there before us, with hues that defied description, as a cure to banish blues, they’d prove the ultimate prescription. With a dazzling kaleidoscopic mix, of orange, yellow and red she’d splashed colour everywhere, with hues to turn our head! From these canopies of colour, now complete and widespread first leaves began to flutter down, to carpet the ground we tread. Even Poplars and Aspens, that sport summer’s greenest cloak, had changed to burnished gold, along with the mighty Oak. To see trees in their Fall regalia, is a feast for wondrous eyes, but as this marks summer’s end, it comes as no surprise. Within the arboreal forest, clothed in captivating attire colours incandescent, are brightened with daybreak fire. But their beauty is short lived, for winter waits at the door, and scenes at which we marvel, will shortly be no more, for when the forest closes ranks, under its forbidding shroud, then surely winter draws nearer, as Nature has avowed! Rhymer October 14th, 2020

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Oct 14, 2020

Oct 14, 2020 at 7:45 AM UTC

Autumnal Transition.

Once again the Season changes and there’s a story to tell, of events that took place overnight, when Nature wove her spell. A glorious transformation was seen: the world was rearranged, for when the world awakened, the countryside was changed. A canvas was set there before us, with hues that defied description, as a cure to banish blues, they’d prove the ultimate prescription. With a dazzling kaleidoscopic mix, of orange, yellow and red she’d splashed colour everywhere, with hues to turn our head! From these canopies of colour, now complete and widespread first leaves began to flutter down, to carpet the ground we tread. Even Poplars and Aspens, that sport summer’s greenest cloak, had changed to burnished gold, along with the mighty Oak. To see trees in their Fall regalia, is a feast for wondrous eyes, but as this marks summer’s end, it comes as no surprise. Within the arboreal forest, clothed in captivating attire colours incandescent, are brightened with daybreak fire. But their beauty is short lived, for winter waits at the door, and scenes at which we marvel, will shortly be no more, for when the forest closes ranks, under its forbidding shroud, then surely winter draws nearer, as Nature has avowed! Rhymer October 14th, 2020

21

Autumnal leaves keep falling, with their colours fading fast, as winter’s days come calling, so their beauty will not last. With their colours fading fast, leaves lie heavy on the grass, so their beauty will not last, as autumnal days now pass. Leaves lie heavy on the grass: having drifted ankle deep: as autumnal days now pass, so Nature goes to sleep. Having drifted ankle deep, as a blanket for the soil. so Nature goes to sleep, and rest from daily toil. As a blanket for the soil, and keep winter’s cold at bay, and rest from daily toil, is ever Nature’s way. To keep winter’s cold at bay. As winter days come calling, until Spring returns our way: autumnal leaves keep falling. Rhymer. October 3

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Oct 2, 2020

Oct 2, 2020 at 2:48 PM UTC

Autumnal Pantoum.

Autumnal leaves keep falling, with their colours fading fast, as winter’s days come calling, so their beauty will not last. With their colours fading fast, leaves lie heavy on the grass, so their beauty will not last, as autumnal days now pass. Leaves lie heavy on the grass: having drifted ankle deep: as autumnal days now pass, so Nature goes to sleep. Having drifted ankle deep, as a blanket for the soil. so Nature goes to sleep, and rest from daily toil. As a blanket for the soil, and keep winter’s cold at bay, and rest from daily toil, is ever Nature’s way. To keep winter’s cold at bay. As winter days come calling, until Spring returns our way: autumnal leaves keep falling. Rhymer. October 3

25

Sweet Summer’s reign now nears its end, Even though it’s been a welcome friend, Perhaps it will linger round for longer still To delay the returning cold - a bitter pill! Everyone who enjoys her warmer days, Must be thankful for summer’s ways. Being benign and graciously delectable, Every aspect of summer’s stay is acceptable. Remembered when the cold winds blow! In winter, when storms of sleet and snow Smother the earth, then we’ll fondly recall Autumnal September, as was loved by all! Kaleidoscopic colours brilliantly displayed A profusion of pastels, are quickly greyed: Leaden skies, herald cold winter’s returning. Even though we rejoice in the solstice turning, Ironically it is also a time for serious dismay, Due to summer’s torpid weather, having gone away. Only the plethora of colours, given as a warning, Soothe the angst we start to feel. Every morning, Cloying fog shrouds the low valleys till midday: Ominous reminder, the cooler days are here to stay. Preparing for the winter, that will soon be here, Everyone hustles hastily, from the cold most fear! Of certainty, Autumn now makes its presence felt: Fallen leaves are piled, and pungent smoke is smelt. Cobwebs adorned with dew, sparkle in dawn’s first light: Overhead, geese fly south in skeins, on migratory flight, Leaving before the snow appears - seeking a warmer place. Others leaving for warmer climes, increase their pace: Urgency is in the air; for some, it’s time for hibernation. Red Foxes marauding, cause hen house consternation! Skunks that pillage noisily, disturb our nightly bed. Butterflies such as the Monarch, prepare for their trip ahead: Returning to their winter haunts, Swallows and Martins fly In a quest for warmth and food. Sadly we say to them “Goodbye”. Gone all too soon are summer’s pleasant and languid days; Having run their course, now comes Autumn’s brief displays. The flamboyant fore-runners, forecasting Winter’s unpleasant ways. Rhymer. September 29th, 2020.

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Sep 29, 2020

Sep 29, 2020 at 4:02 PM UTC

September is a Kaleidoscope of Colours Bright.

Sweet Summer’s reign now nears its end, Even though it’s been a welcome friend, Perhaps it will linger round for longer still To delay the returning cold - a bitter pill! Everyone who enjoys her warmer days, Must be thankful for summer’s ways. Being benign and graciously delectable, Every aspect of summer’s stay is acceptable. Remembered when the cold winds blow! In winter, when storms of sleet and snow Smother the earth, then we’ll fondly recall Autumnal September, as was loved by all! Kaleidoscopic colours brilliantly displayed A profusion of pastels, are quickly greyed: Leaden skies, herald cold winter’s returning. Even though we rejoice in the solstice turning, Ironically it is also a time for serious dismay, Due to summer’s torpid weather, having gone away. Only the plethora of colours, given as a warning, Soothe the angst we start to feel. Every morning, Cloying fog shrouds the low valleys till midday: Ominous reminder, the cooler days are here to stay. Preparing for the winter, that will soon be here, Everyone hustles hastily, from the cold most fear! Of certainty, Autumn now makes its presence felt: Fallen leaves are piled, and pungent smoke is smelt. Cobwebs adorned with dew, sparkle in dawn’s first light: Overhead, geese fly south in skeins, on migratory flight, Leaving before the snow appears - seeking a warmer place. Others leaving for warmer climes, increase their pace: Urgency is in the air; for some, it’s time for hibernation. Red Foxes marauding, cause hen house consternation! Skunks that pillage noisily, disturb our nightly bed. Butterflies such as the Monarch, prepare for their trip ahead: Returning to their winter haunts, Swallows and Martins fly In a quest for warmth and food. Sadly we say to them “Goodbye”. Gone all too soon are summer’s pleasant and languid days; Having run their course, now comes Autumn’s brief displays. The flamboyant fore-runners, forecasting Winter’s unpleasant ways. Rhymer. September 29th, 2020.

40

(Without a Ghost of a Chance) Glimpsed as aberrations of our imagination, Which quickly disappear upon close examination, These past, present denizens of the afterlife, Are now dead ringers condemned to eternal strife! Some are meek apparitions of lesser standing, Who, when randomly met upon a stair landing, Are no more than pale visions of a phantom state. Ill-starred victims, sentenced to a haunting fate! Often preceded by musty miasmic vapours, Wellspring of grief to the living with their capers, These grotesque caricatures of once living form, Continually cause chaos! Refusing to conform! These discarnate spectres, with ghoulish impudence, Frequently display transparent signs of decadence, But when spooked, the poltergeist or doppelganger, Discharges destructive and high spirited clangour! They, having expressed their wraithful spite, Flee to nether regions in full fugacious flight. Doomed to haunt those they eternally deplore. Their eerie ectoplasmic state is for evermore! These ephemeral visions, we so seldom welcome. Are often too real to dismiss as pure 'bunkum!' For these incarnate spirits, we know as Ghosts, Are seldom well-received by their haunted hosts! Rhymer. September 29th, 2020.

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Sep 29, 2020

Sep 29, 2020 at 9:43 AM UTC

Homeless and Dispirited

(Without a Ghost of a Chance) Glimpsed as aberrations of our imagination, Which quickly disappear upon close examination, These past, present denizens of the afterlife, Are now dead ringers condemned to eternal strife! Some are meek apparitions of lesser standing, Who, when randomly met upon a stair landing, Are no more than pale visions of a phantom state. Ill-starred victims, sentenced to a haunting fate! Often preceded by musty miasmic vapours, Wellspring of grief to the living with their capers, These grotesque caricatures of once living form, Continually cause chaos! Refusing to conform! These discarnate spectres, with ghoulish impudence, Frequently display transparent signs of decadence, But when spooked, the poltergeist or doppelganger, Discharges destructive and high spirited clangour! They, having expressed their wraithful spite, Flee to nether regions in full fugacious flight. Doomed to haunt those they eternally deplore. Their eerie ectoplasmic state is for evermore! These ephemeral visions, we so seldom welcome. Are often too real to dismiss as pure 'bunkum!' For these incarnate spirits, we know as Ghosts, Are seldom well-received by their haunted hosts! Rhymer. September 29th, 2020.

26

When a myriad of shooting stars sparkled bright, sped by in a glittering display, one Autumnal night, they quickly traversed - as is their universal right, to the Milky Way, I was overtaken with delight! Being warmly wrapped - for the night was cool, wearing a heavy old coat, that was lined with wool, I was snugly warm. Dozing off, I began to dream, where in my stargazing reverie, a beckoning beam from a passing comet heading out into space, beckoned me on a journey to a far distant place. One where I’d visit worlds - in galactic profusion. At this, in the midst of my kaleidoscopic confusion, it seemed my dream became transformed into reality, as planets and stars in great numbers, sped by me. Though I knew not how to tell, one planet from the other, I suddenly saw one passing, that was earth’s twin brother! It was seen a speeding planet, flying by in blurred haste, but from what I could see, it looked a lifeless, waste! Even today, I can clearly recall my dream as I write, and shudder at the sight of that lifeless, barren sight, for it was the bleakest landscape I have ever seen! Heaven forbid it was a sign, that earth’s verdant green, will be looking like this, unless we change our ways, and end the senseless spoiling, that’s rife these days. If not, soon our unique oasis, could drift in lifeless state a victim of the same perceived, barren apathetic fate that has befallen every single planet known to man. Today, we should appreciate the pleasures we can enjoy today. Often taken for granted by you and me. As for my dream? May it never become stark reality! Rhymer September 25th, 2020.

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Sep 25, 2020

Sep 25, 2020 at 9:12 AM UTC

A Dream or Reality,

When a myriad of shooting stars sparkled bright, sped by in a glittering display, one Autumnal night, they quickly traversed - as is their universal right, to the Milky Way, I was overtaken with delight! Being warmly wrapped - for the night was cool, wearing a heavy old coat, that was lined with wool, I was snugly warm. Dozing off, I began to dream, where in my stargazing reverie, a beckoning beam from a passing comet heading out into space, beckoned me on a journey to a far distant place. One where I’d visit worlds - in galactic profusion. At this, in the midst of my kaleidoscopic confusion, it seemed my dream became transformed into reality, as planets and stars in great numbers, sped by me. Though I knew not how to tell, one planet from the other, I suddenly saw one passing, that was earth’s twin brother! It was seen a speeding planet, flying by in blurred haste, but from what I could see, it looked a lifeless, waste! Even today, I can clearly recall my dream as I write, and shudder at the sight of that lifeless, barren sight, for it was the bleakest landscape I have ever seen! Heaven forbid it was a sign, that earth’s verdant green, will be looking like this, unless we change our ways, and end the senseless spoiling, that’s rife these days. If not, soon our unique oasis, could drift in lifeless state a victim of the same perceived, barren apathetic fate that has befallen every single planet known to man. Today, we should appreciate the pleasures we can enjoy today. Often taken for granted by you and me. As for my dream? May it never become stark reality! Rhymer September 25th, 2020.

31

A golden shaft of sunlight, pierces the morning sky. Splits the clouds asunder. Announces.. Dawn is nigh! The lustrous leaves of Autumn, roused by the early light, Dislodge tardy remnants, of dark departing night. Beaded dewdrops sparkle. Soft lit by the yellow sun. Wraiths of mist meander, and mark the river’s run. Iradescent damsel flies, hover among the reeds., Skim over shallow waters, safe among the weeds. The **** crow then declares, the start of another day. His cry echoed by an owl, returning home with prey. Smoke from the homestead chimney, is reluctant to rise, And break the unspoiled clarity, of the morning skies. Noise of the world awakening, travels from afar. While the rising sun, overwhelms the morning star. Soon the wind is stirring, warmed by the gentle light, And with new strength garnered, badgers the dawdling night! Now the day has broken, and the sun is in full flight. Our world appears refreshed! Drenched with life giving light! As we start our daily chores, we note a calming peace, And wonders of day’s dawning, we pray will never cease! Rhymer.

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Sep 23, 2020

Sep 23, 2020 at 1:40 PM UTC

A Fall Dawn.

A golden shaft of sunlight, pierces the morning sky. Splits the clouds asunder. Announces.. Dawn is nigh! The lustrous leaves of Autumn, roused by the early light, Dislodge tardy remnants, of dark departing night. Beaded dewdrops sparkle. Soft lit by the yellow sun. Wraiths of mist meander, and mark the river’s run. Iradescent damsel flies, hover among the reeds., Skim over shallow waters, safe among the weeds. The **** crow then declares, the start of another day. His cry echoed by an owl, returning home with prey. Smoke from the homestead chimney, is reluctant to rise, And break the unspoiled clarity, of the morning skies. Noise of the world awakening, travels from afar. While the rising sun, overwhelms the morning star. Soon the wind is stirring, warmed by the gentle light, And with new strength garnered, badgers the dawdling night! Now the day has broken, and the sun is in full flight. Our world appears refreshed! Drenched with life giving light! As we start our daily chores, we note a calming peace, And wonders of day’s dawning, we pray will never cease! Rhymer.

21