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Betty H Oct 2019
If this torn and tattered message finds you
note that I have embraced another
your turn is yet to come
Betty H Jan 2021
Make me, take me
Mold me into your spirit
Let us enfold into one
Perfumed lips smack together
Honeydew bodies overlay
rose-scented breaths entwine
love has wrapped us into
a blind drunk package with a red bow
Betty H May 2020
The dark virus upon us
killer of desires
cleaves our tender attachment
hips lock together
our breaths' steam
clouds our love vision

Shadows shroud us
blossoms wilt
as does our cores
reflections on our drift
assures our own nests
endless oceans asunder
rise of the moon
painful farewell
wet lips entwine
spoons us closer

We part with a cup
rich with water droplets
alone we dream
disturbed we slumber
conceals our agony
romantic whispers over rough seas
Betty H Oct 2020
Alone, in springtime, I cultivate my garden
***** my finger on a pink rose stem
a slight smudge of bright red blood
trickles to my palm
a blemish, no distress
resembles a red tattoo

I recall as a wee child
I would shriek at the glimpse of blood
time being I kiss the rose
grateful for its sugary fragrance
which edifies my spirit
Betty H Dec 2019
Threadbare hands
dark blue veins protrude
across arms, elbow to finger
swollen skin hides gold wedding band
knuckles poke out, like small stones
rigidity stifles writing

Years a poet
born to scribe
he rocks
in his worn cane chair
his mind travels
shrewd and clever
he uses his husky voice
to tell his tales


Silvered-tongued
roadmap of life
alone,no one heeds
naps away the bleary afternoons
hands crisscrossed
Betty H Jun 2020
Love is an invisible creature
hidden, it sees, feels, smells, touches and tastes
it holds the power
to fuse those in its path of timeless existence
Betty H Jan 2021
On crisp, bright winter days
She jogs in a place called “the quarry”
A mountain sculpted by a nearby cement company
In another way, the landscape is painted with
Miles of faded grass, black cows, bare trees
And wide-open spaces resembling the wild west

On any given day she jogs the route
Pony tail flips in the light breeze
Blue sweatshirt to match the sky
Gray leggings, old sneakers, jean ball cap

She looks straight ahead
In the distance, she catches a glimpse of a red object
She gains momentum, as she approaches
It proves to be a bright red women’s cowboy boot
Lays on the side of the road, though only one
Why would someone abandon it nearby a cow pasture?
Strikes her as a puzzling behave
She muses awhile, picks up the boot
Tries it on, way too large
Visualizes what this person may look like
No doubt in her twenties
Tall and slim, perchance red hair, fair skin and freckles

She clearly remembers this odd setting
For she aspires to paint this magnificent landscape
Faded green grass, black cows, dark mauve ramshackle barn
And splash of red to mimic the boot
A brilliant canvas!
Betty H Nov 2020
Two bemused birds encounter beside an oak tree
they notice an abandoned nest
Ross the Red Breasted Robin affirms it as his own
Bobby the Bluejay suggests they share it
"NO!" says Ross. I bolted in first. It's mine!"
"I believe I can squeeze in too", claims Bobby
"Wait! maybe not; you're quite fat."
"Shall we take turns utilizing the nest to sleep?"
"NO" says Ross the Robin , "Never!"
"Per chance", queries Bobby, "How can we settle this?
"Who can fly there the quickest?"
"Never" says Ross the Robin, "I own it!"
Bobby the Bluejay's anger surges to send a secret
message to his cousin Boris
Hence, Bobby collects his bird army
attacks Ross the Robin
whose obese body lay motionless
as he mutters "I shan't yield."
Betty H Jun 2021
THE SEA HEARTS

Weightless hearts
bob up and down
on a cerulean blue sea
fisherman smile
dolphin’s wink

Weighted, woeful hearts
sink to the bottomless depths
to bond with onerous beasts
not once will they see the sun
Betty H Jan 2020
Winter's eve
fireplace crackles
yellow, blue flames
warm air swathes the house
scent of burning logs
expands my nostrils, breathe.


Crave for soup
bubbles on stove
tomato base
yellow corn
green beans and okra
white turnips
navy beans
touch of red pepper

Steam swells in the kitchen
my mouth pauses to taste.
Alas, I feel the warm liquid
ooze down my throat, belly.
Satiates
Ideal for a blistery cold night.
Betty H Oct 2019
When we pass as one
our shadows ought to dance
among the stars
while the moon
illuminates our way
a groovy waltz by Strauss
for us to savor, it may
reach out, embrace me up here
where the thin air
is perfumed
as you, my dear
Betty H Jul 2020
At first, I am vacuous, timorous, still
in the seam of a bewitching web
of intricate fabric
until silky threads enfold me
shroud me with tranquility, repose
shelter me from the cruel abyss

streaks of the afternoon sun
unsettle my eyes
murky views of essence
at dusk, I ignite
my legs creep, cautious steps
not to break a thread
stretch the nest, infinite particles
of flawless patterns
action breeds worth
as I explore my web of intoxication
sure, that I am safe
in time, I will emerge from this sanctuary
into the dark abyss from whence I came
Betty H Oct 2019
My life is a cramped musty space
I only fantasize the outside world
my window is the fated release
I breathe a slice of life
as I peer, squint for hours
to a nonexistent entity
fantasy of contact
wishful friendship
the forest seen
is my only hope
I dwell upon this trance
the window is my promise
Betty H Feb 2021
THIS IS HOW I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED
Blue, pink streaks of radiance
peak through dark shades
conscious of daybreak, a glance
bodies twist into a ******* bow
dawn’s breath
scents of last eve’s balmy cologne
my winsome perfume
crusty eyes peep, blossom out
faint whispers of violet tenderness
hour after hour, hesitant to stir
relax the white bow
set in butterfly motion
Betty H Jan 2020
FAITH
If I can believe
in a healer, I'm content
but I can't find one.

MOONLIT
Let me ****** you
to my moonlit planet Hope
and never leave it.

REALITY??
Her angelic face
traps me in a trance-like calm
yet she is not real
HAIKU
Betty H Feb 2020
One married man's pith severs.
Eyes and desire bestowed on two.
His wife, a previous scullery maid,
his prior lover, a married aristocrat.

His wife suspects trouble, jealousy,
Hearsay soars as he look smitten with "her".
By no means does he touch her bodice.
Yet, she bows and he kisses her hand.
Speaks to her in humble tones.

Thus, the lover gently loosens his capture.
She declares her stature.,
implores him to mend his spirit,
no longer shall it be sliced.
The whole belongs to his spouse.
The lover holds true to her dignified married lifestyle.
Betty H Jan 2021
Each brilliant summer day, we stroll along Rockmont Road
We opt for this precise venue for its splendor and tranquility
Three shimmering lakes, link by islands of land
wrapped in green with budding flora
Frigid mountain water spills over from one to the next

In Summer, the brave splash around the islands
with blue lips, as they disembark the chilly water
sun drenched towels await them
the less brave prefers canoes to catch the scene
a timeless ride where naught matters beyond the allure

In Fall, the Rockmont lakes turn into a flood of colors
red, gold, bright orange, brown, warm yellow
trees reflect in the lakes, a mirror image
crisp breezes form ripples, ducks float alongside
leaves tumble and settle in the water

This time every year, biker and joggers
prefer this place for the very same pretext
as the Summer strollers and swimmers
a peaceful and impressive space to frolic
Betty H Apr 2021
TROUBLED MELODIES
Muggy summer breeze
Draws a euphony of my neighbor’s violin
Into my open window
Curtains dance in the humid air
I listen, follow the notes
Whistle along that which is familiar
Birds chirp to enhance a harmony
Leaves rustle to complete a symphony

At once music ceases
I listen to the curses, loud noises
My neighbor wrestles with perfection
Though I fail to understand
She increases volume perhaps to improve quality

Abruptly, it stops
I hear a ferocious bang, ring in my rears
I surmise she flat broke her violin
Weeps and wails echo in the street
The maestro of perfection
Suffers defeat
Betty H Oct 2020
My eyes convey the turmoil

for the rest of me hides it

one day my smile

will comfort

as soon as the sheath disappears
Betty H Nov 2019
My eyes capture a glimpse
of a Robin Red Breast
who lay at my feet
his breath labored
as is mine
I sink to my knees
my spirit crushed
as is his
we mourn as a pair

His wind ceases
eyes lock
I bury him
under a Sourwood Tree
with raw hands
and blanket him
with rich soil
Fall leaves flow
to bedeck his grave
Betty H May 2020
Red, plump, juicy, sweet, a bit prickly
a wee green flower sits atop
I tiptoe carefully through
tiny earth paths between rows of bright red

I pick strawberries
when school is finished
and the hot sun reaches its peak
trees are heavy with leaves
some branches almost reach the ground

My basket is always full
well, not quite
eat one, throw one in the bucket
I smear my lips and tongue bright red
a mess on my freckled dace
I lick my lips, afraid to lose a morsel

My grandma bakes strawberry pies
I stuff my mouth
globs of whipped cream

okay, ready for more!
Betty H Jan 2021
VEIL OF HOPE

Breathe, for we are swept
Into a wave of freedom
Close to a calm sea

A shear veil of hope
we sense a new dawn
Our mourning expires

We spiral, sturdy
With confidence and spirit
Which flows deep inside
Betty H Sep 2019
Four walls close in on me
cramped space, barren
small slots force in sunlight
passing clouds, a sliver of hope
strange sense of being
deep breaths
many still to arrive
no privacy
far away screams
claw walls, sweat
curse words, threats, gangs, violence
populate this prison
hot, steamy, smelly, airless space
hunger, my innards ache
gruel, tasteless slop
reality is blind
sleep, only consolation
disturbed by black night noise
grasp at memories, dreams
no sense of time, monotony
boredom surrounds
wait
no one should ever exist like me
Betty H Nov 2019
I am a female political warrior
burning with an inspiring cult
intense in logic
tortuous in deed
determined to succeed

Sensitive in essence
cold-blooded in flesh
no barriers to accomplishment
though strong, tolerant, compassionate
please, I invite you to spar with me
Betty H Sep 2019
The boat lurches and sways
as the white caps surge
we sit and hold tight
a sudden turn in the sky
alarms us, pulses pound
takes us by surprise
dark clouds advance
a bolt of lightening crackles
before our eyes
booming sounds follow
wind slaps us in the face
beads of rain strike

Waves swoosh
water gushes into our boat
we grab a tarp for shelter
ease the fright
we bail with plastic buckets
but the furious sea has got us beat
salt water soars
it bobbles like a toy
In the great ocean

We capsize in the frigid water
hold with one hand on the boat
other arm to arm
we gulp water, cough and spit
breaths labored
no strength to swim
my lover gulp, screams

His grip is not in mine
I watch him slowly submerge
bubbles streaming to the surface
I think I’m about to drown
My last thought
we WILL have our wedding day
Betty H Dec 2020
Old Grandfather clock greets its demise
the singular timepiece for old Mrs. Wise
What's to be done, I shall not know the time
who gives a ****, says her alter ego, you will be fine

Pitiable Mrs. Wise entrusts that clock
indeed, the soothing sounds of tick tock
in what way shall I know when to do what?
don't rankle says her ego, you'll be smack on the spot

Wherewith I know when it's time to sleep?
Thou shall see darkness shush not a peep
at what moment shall I ready the tea in the morn?
when the moon whispers its forthcoming dawn

In the absence of my clock, I am utterly lost
be sedate Mrs. Wise the clock has been tossed
a notion just came to me and I shan't ever tell
but now I hear the time by the old church bell

My untried timepiece is really quite fine
Hence, my body clock moves in a tidy sum of time
Betty H Dec 2019
My brain distressed
spilled my wrath
will the passion subside?
only the inner mood determines
Brevity poem
Betty H Jan 2020
Sun heats my mood
burns my flesh
dries my eyes
shrivels flora

Drives my thirst for wicked rain
to crash through angry clouds
pummel my body, earth all around me
dwell in forests
sniff damp air
sense water droplets
on velvet leaves
linger, respect, savor
Betty H Dec 2020
**** trees surround us
but for a lone re-leaved shrub
pine green, pristine scene

Cloudless mid-blue sky
peeks though a thicket of trees
Woodpecker at work

Brown barn roof blankets
with pine needles and bird ****
a nest sits upstairs
Betty H Jan 2021
Two  lives commingle
two faces melt into one
lips bound
figures wrapped taught
passion shrouds them
one unique glimmer
tongues taste
all the rest
is shadow
Betty H Apr 2020
My age creeps
like a ghost, silent, sinful
eyes with bird wing creases
oozes out of its corners
deep crevasses from nose to chin
ruts in between the eyebrows
wrinkle cream slops on
day after day
night masks, stiff,sticky, peel-off
contemplate the mirror
ouch!
more remedies

Serious reflection
I scrutinize faces of women my age
compare to my own
but who ages gracefully?
someone buries poison in my genes

I mull over my close family photos
smack from both sides
my fate screams
father has worry wrinkles on his forehead
mother has a double chin
grandmother has floppy underarms

I persist to my Hungarian ancestry
beauty experts agree these young women are stunning
I explore older family photos
still I detect the same
creases, wrinkles, ruts, blotches
I weigh my options
surgery? fillers? Botox?
scary notions

I think I'll dream of those pretty young Hungarian women
let nature decide my fate
Betty H Dec 2019
Harbor lights
reflect in brackish water
tall, thin houses of color
reach to the black sky
yellow moon beams
ice floes ferried by wind
driven by heaving waves

Seawall shelters harbor boats
ripples dance
sea smells creep in window cracks
breathe deep
dawn, blackness dwells
boats move
fishnets stretch
motors run
boots slosh
weather chatter
off to catch
fried fish supper

— The End —