time...

the bones were interred on a mid July date
in which the triumphant did victoriously celebrate
these persons of them always would aggravate
twas memorable with the happiness in elate

reference...

this point of reference came as no surprise
for every protagonist did so much despise
they who had a spectacular pinnacle rise
were buried by those who saw little compromise

stone...

upon the stone etched in a carving profound
lies the remains of men needlessly put to ground
a perpetual monument of jealousy being around
on the conscience of they doing the deed will resound

some poets take copious hours
to perfect a poetic line
their pens ever ruminating
on what they'll opine

a piece polished with lustrous gleam
having the silken flow of a dale's stream
an insight into nature's beauty so rare
portrayed by the pensive mind of care

word craft the knowing
where to place that descriptive
figure of speech
a nuance articulating the sound
in the car brakes
sudden locking screech*

every part of the verse
well thought out
to present a verbiage
*of artistic sprout

Hello Poetry is a blue place this calendar year*
for we have seen many a good poet disappear
their inspiring words not around to delight in
of this expression the site is somewhat thin

Hello Poetry has experienced a considerable loss
gone all of that imagery so beautiful in gloss
the colors they deftly painted faded as they left
which makes the heart feel palpably bereft

Hello Poetry members those of excellent ink
missing from our writing fellowship's rink
we'll not forget the contribution they made
as each one of them showed the finest parade

Hello Poetry our brothers and sisters of the quill
departed us with yet more stanzas to spill
their individual styles we'll not sight again
*truly a thought which is so downcast of refrain

members you'll note
a new event on the club's blueprint
which was so cleverly devised
by the committee's mint

all entries are to be marked
I really crave popularity
so ensure you write this
in letters of clearest clarity

the most original piece
shall garner the prized first place
those that are too **-hum
won't receive any grace

the council of jury
want to see
compositions stating
look at only me

they should have
a bragging tag
with the lionization
of unique flag

it's time to get
your submissions in
as the competition
is there to win

Amid the restlessness of a blood enthused crowd
Stood two gladiatorial practitioners both battle proud
From the inner arena a barking summons rang out
Calling the combatants to engage in battle's bout

The blood lust crowd wanted sport without delay
No quarter was ceded in the gladiator's display

Slashing lashing swords flayed high then to the midriff
Shields clanged and clinked in alternate shift
The foot-work of battle was magnificent of flair
Both took the onslaught with a disdainful air

Around the arena walls went a deafening cloud
The performance of the gladiators intoxicated the crowd
While in the bowels of the arena lions and tigers roared
Battle fervour rose to the gladiators they who are adored

Striking like a lightning bolt the victor's sword kills
His opponents chest dies in blood's gushing spill
Enthused by the spectacle of blood the crowd cried for more
Other combatants offered themselves to the gladiatorial floor

Battle Gods gathered at the celestial fray
Sang songs of battle to the arena's clay

living
I struggle
balance to obtain
fearing that my success
be my defeat
and leave
nothing but balance
to remain