Hello Poetry
Submit your work and get some sparkles! Create free account
"opted" poems
I would have taken the easy path But that would leave no room for glory I would have picked out a comfortable life But that isn't God’s kind of story I would have followed a prettier road But missed the most beautiful way I would have clung to familiar things But lived out my days in the grey I would have chosen what’s stable But grown cold, apathetic and bored I would have sought out earth’s riches But lost all that in heaven is stored I would have liked more successes But not learned so quickly of grace I would have seen myself praised more But given up knowing God’s face I would have tied all my loose ends But not known it’s He Who brings peace I would have wanted for happier times But traded a joy that can’t cease I would have opted for normal But not tasted rare delicacies I would have preferred a man’s love But been robbed of Divine intimacy He’s chosen for me the high road More jagged, more narrow and steep So now I must travel this difficult way Ever knowing it leads to the deep Now I must choose to cherish His path And trust Him to walk with me there Now I must hasten to take up my cross The fellowship of His sufferings to share For one day this life will be over And all my afflictions will end It is then I will see what all this is for In my Bridegroom, my Savior, my Friend
0
Jan 6, 2016
Jan 6, 2016 at 11:12 AM UTC
The Life Chosen for Me
At times I heard the songs of the giants who opted to sing for a glass of wine! Like Omar Khayyam would sing to the grove of vine, while singing their lullabies they wouldn’t mind, defying the bloomer stars in the moonlights gladly treading on the black alleys of the night. Didn't they budge, didn't they bend to pick up   a potion of the sea, billowing in the dark? But they opted out, just for a glass of wine! To paint a glimpse of that gorgeous Saqi till now they shun, lending the sun a paintbrush, ‘cause "if only it was colourful enough,” yet the sun paints the enduring shades of the blue yonder. But they turned around—just for a glass of wine! The moon hanging low over the ocean took a pause. The earth weighed down so deep is brimful! Every sunrise paints new, loves to shine on once more That delved-deep earth vintage taste, cooled in age-old,   now close by the hands breathe in, full of warm south. Yet they opted out—just for a glass of wine! Even the time is speechless, ask me not but why. Still keeps an ear bent on the wall of the leaning sky.   Nor those who pop out with an inside scoop are ever drunk. Nor they leak out, it’s a sea off the sea or Abe-Hayath. It ain’t that small, it is the deathless spring of elixir!
0
Apr 10, 2017
Apr 10, 2017 at 9:16 PM UTC
For a Glass of Wine
Found myself at a dental clinic... He was the best there was. Unorthodox and eccentric, But to the specialised craft, he was boss. Ran through the bits and bobs Like any normally would. The poking and prodding and the mandible X-rays. Everything cold and clinical, so was the mood. Strange was what happened next... Specialist and I then stood facing each other. He leaned close and pressed his palms against my rib cage. Held them there over a few breaths before it was over. Then a brief chat, small talk initiated by the man. Bespectacled and exceedingly chatty, small in stature. Talks of politics and odd human behaviours... What started off as friendly turned into a heated banter. I then realised that along with his decorated credentials, Was his propensity to be condescending and arrogant. Him being the best, I thought I could let it all slide, But soon enough I opted out of being a willing participant. Couldn't stand his abrasive cockiness! I snapped out of being cordial and passive thought. I wanted him to just stop talking! I went, "Well, are you going to fix my teeth or not?!" He was stunned momentarily... I suppose he hadn't seen that coming. Then his features softened to a blank I could almost read the unspoken words he was conjuring. With an exasperated sigh of resignation, He uttered his next words swollen with regret "There's no need...for you only have four years left." It dawned upon me that my timer has been set. And then I woke up...
0
Oct 25, 2014
Oct 25, 2014 at 2:21 PM UTC
Strange Dream
So I turned 32 today. Penniless birthday, almost. Howling rains woke me up and I fell back asleep. And the cat respected my birthday. Did not claw my lips like my usual feline alarm. The birthday flowers in the morning were vivid. My mother bought them, deep red and deep yellow. I requested for birthday lunch my mother’s home-cooked burgers and fries sprinkled with iodized salt. And I filled myself up with them hot and crispy fries and didn’t care if they stayed inside my guts until 2014. I never really liked cake. Opted for a dozen original glazed. Heavenly donuts. Two of them tumbled down the escalators. The first birthday flaw. Like a bleep in the grand scheme of birthday things. I brought them to a Greek restaurant. My mom and dad and two sisters. Not really hungry. Just hungry for a different taste. The salad had candied walnuts among the greens and the reds. Progressive Greece. Then a classic lamb dish. Classic Greece. And the waiters in stuffy white bellowed a birthday greeting, dropping the “h” from my name. Belted out a non-Grecian birthday song. No Grecian dance. But they gave me an ice cream treat. Lighted a solitary blue candle, which balanced on the semi-liquid hills of vanilla, caramel and walnuts. The small ice cream hills illuminated by the dancing birthday light.
0
Oct 21, 2013
Oct 21, 2013 at 3:40 AM UTC
Birthday
So I heard once that there’s always some gnarly looking carrot in every bag of carrots and you’re supposed make a wish on it if you get it. But I didn’t have a bag of veggies I had a jar of Gumby and Poki shaped gummies. Finally the day came when there were only two Gumbys left. One was bent in half and smashed together and the other looked as all the rest had. I pulled out the sad little gummy and made a wish like it was some ugly carrot. I wished my crush would kiss me, And giddily I walked to a coffee house because I was hoping he would be there even though I sternly told myself that he had no reason to be there. I found the coffee house closed and knew my wish wasn’t happening that night. I talked with a friend about my woes and she confessed her heartache. We smiled and laughed and died just a little on the inside. We had hoped that in college we wouldn’t feel like middle school girls with unrequited crushes. The next day he dropped off a fish (and this is no euphemism or pretty poetry slang, I opted to fish-sit while he went home for break). After he left, and feeling more than silly I took out the last Gumby and pretended. I pretended that it was every wish on a boy I had made since I realized boys weren’t completely disgusting. On my way to class I held the little gummy in my frozen, clenched fist and wished that’d he’d kiss me before he left. I made it really specific because every movie I’d ever seen with genies in it had taught me that specifics were key to avoiding mishap and mayhem. Obviously, it didn’t come true. And I feel like I’m back in middle school, wishing on ugly carrots and stars that look suspiciously like airplanes. Everyone has crushes, and still more wishes. Why I thought at the age of nineteen when the glamour of Disney-endings and romantic-comedy plots had tarnished to realism, that a Gumby gummy prayer would come true, well I’m not entirely sure. Maybe it’s no matter how old you are there are always ugly carrots and shooting stars and fast airplanes and romantic comedies and gummies in the shape of kids’ show characters. Maybe no matter how disappointed I am there will always be unrequited crushes and genies for wishes and God for prayers and heaven forbid hope.
0
Feb 1, 2013
Feb 1, 2013 at 11:53 PM UTC
Ugly Carrots and Gummy Gumbys
So I heard once that there’s always some gnarly looking carrot in every bag of carrots and you’re supposed make a wish on it if you get it. But I didn’t have a bag of veggies I had a jar of Gumby and Poki shaped gummies. Finally the day came when there were only two Gumbys left. One was bent in half and smashed together and the other looked as all the rest had. I pulled out the sad little gummy and made a wish like it was some ugly carrot. I wished my crush would kiss me, And giddily I walked to a coffee house because I was hoping he would be there even though I sternly told myself that he had no reason to be there. I found the coffee house closed and knew my wish wasn’t happening that night. I talked with a friend about my woes and she confessed her heartache. We smiled and laughed and died just a little on the inside. We had hoped that in college we wouldn’t feel like middle school girls with unrequited crushes. The next day he dropped off a fish (and this is no euphemism or pretty poetry slang, I opted to fish-sit while he went home for break). After he left, and feeling more than silly I took out the last Gumby and pretended. I pretended that it was every wish on a boy I had made since I realized boys weren’t completely disgusting. On my way to class I held the little gummy in my frozen, clenched fist and wished that’d he’d kiss me before he left. I made it really specific because every movie I’d ever seen with genies in it had taught me that specifics were key to avoiding mishap and mayhem. Obviously, it didn’t come true. And I feel like I’m back in middle school, wishing on ugly carrots and stars that look suspiciously like airplanes. Everyone has crushes, and still more wishes. Why I thought at the age of nineteen when the glamour of Disney-endings and romantic-comedy plots had tarnished to realism, that a Gumby gummy prayer would come true, well I’m not entirely sure. Maybe it’s no matter how old you are there are always ugly carrots and shooting stars and fast airplanes and romantic comedies and gummies in the shape of kids’ show characters. Maybe no matter how disappointed I am there will always be unrequited crushes and genies for wishes and God for prayers and heaven forbid hope.
Continue reading...
80
Her beauty shined from within With her golden hair and fair skin But she still wasn't enough for him back then. Ugly duckling... She was soon labeled All of  her peers, joined in Chanting and ranting Ugly duckling, ugly duckling She bowed her head and cried again and again Time passed And people moved on She found she was better off on her own. Reunions come and gone She opted to stay at home, Til one day she realized She had become a swan... No longer would she sit at home... All alone... No more...No more Opening her door She found freedom to explore And everyone swore... Anna May...Was gorgeous... More so than the "chosen ones"... Back in the school days. One day she come face to face with... Juan...but he was to good for her back then... She sat smiled and listened while he chat... How did this come about... Your gorgeous lips, pout... Round thighs and hips... She smiled and said... I am who I have always been... You just never saw my beauty from within... Juan, gathered courage and asked her on a date... She smiled and said... To late... This swan...already has a mate. Epilogue... Never Judge a person from the outside...whats on the inside, is what really counts.
0
Nov 30, 2010
Nov 30, 2010 at 6:15 PM UTC
Swan...
Hell, isn't it? Your insides yearning to flee. Don't give me that look, you **** You deluded yourself, not me. Didn't I warn you? Didn't I tell you to stop? But you said you could handle it. You said you'll never tap. But why is this house now empty? Where did the warmth go? I told you it will never be easy. But you opted to start the show. Now you left me with nothing. As you ran yourself to hide. You just proved again what a fool I am. For trusting you sublime.
0
Nov 9, 2015
Nov 9, 2015 at 4:19 PM UTC
Ningas Cogon
Stars in their abundance goodness knows how many thousands tiptoed over my little alleyway in the dark but I didn't lose in sleep. Nor even to the moon I didn't tell my dream. Crackling the roaring light of heaven over the mountain of the dawn the master painter shows up with its bursting colour plate. The deeply contemplating day shines out of the night, it gets caught   soaked in overflowing colour. But I opted for a blank paper not a colour copy of my dream. I wrapped my eye in it with my pride. Now treading blindfolded on your way and over to you, I give me, my eye and my dream!
0
Nov 8, 2018
Nov 8, 2018 at 2:42 PM UTC
Treading Blindfolded on Your Way
My personal déjà-vu-time memory-prompts that frame The blurring patterns of today’s hubcap-wheels, spinning Kaleidoscope flashbacks of bathtub playtime. A gaggle of giggling girls babbling about What used to matter : umbrella-popping chewing gum With gallivanting jargon laced in crushes-hushed : boy-talk.   Pillows : Comforters morphing, swarming like Womb-entranced, half-cupped palms calmed Palpitating mouths motoring off self-pitying rumble-grumbles. How the clopping ball of opted-birr was a bent-mouth birdcall Over-relished, over-zealous imploration : a round robin Jumblemix of a jejune bombast for slap-sticked power. By-and-by polysyllabic buds bloomed, baked, and wrinkled Past-Gas’s long-gone jokes : those balmy snug-hugs guarding Doltish vulgarity among the begrimed-glitch and old-grown-boring Jive.
0
Apr 7, 2011
Apr 7, 2011 at 11:49 PM UTC
Word-Play : Kid-Play : Memory-Play : More-Play
*to further my point, as an eager reader in a catholic school, reading about the gnostic heretics, wondering with my theology tutor upon the question asked: don't you think the gnostic heretics influenced mohammad on the sly? i mean, they too believed a phantom walked among men, and a phantom was crucified?* my confirmation didn't take place in a cathedral, as was due course for all of us in being schooled, by a bishop in brentwood cathedral, i opted out... my confirmation came in a russian orthodox cathedral, in st. petersburg, when i watched people standing for a scrap of iconoclasm, with the priest mumbling toward a golden altar, as typical in the tradition, buttocks towards the people or as in the western tradition reciting in latin, before the nationalists came and spoke the gospel in each designated tongue so people understood, a bit like having your back turned against the people - speaking in latin - and when i sat i the church to listen to the choir singing, some lesser ecclesiastical prompted me to stand up, and pay respect to the golden altar... he told me to stand up! what cheek... what barbarism... only in russia... i had to stop being bewildered by the beauty of song and listen to a priest knock-down-ginger on a palette of gold... THEN i was confirmed... donkey's ******** to this **** i'm leaving! mind the fact that i've seen the greatest degradation of mysticism take place... the tetragrammaton was being defiled all along... in catholic bureaucracy it has been there all along, the idiots reminded me of it... you're born: first name, baptismal name, surname... you're educated: confirmation name... that takes four spaces of consideration... so by catholic definition of sharpening pencils, folding pieces of paper, filing the folded pieces of paper, bending paper-clips i'm god... but only in writing... first name, baptismal name, confirmation name, surname... a bit like a clone... a clone indeed in writing... same d.n.a., same bone mandibles of the jaw... but experience-wise... un-original to the **** not even a clone... not able to experience major historical figures... a soul in a twin body by itself... a twin without twinning, segregated by ulterior if not auxiliary motives... clone on paper... clone by experience? i don't think so... impossible... too many inter-actants along the way can't possibly replicate thinking in a clone... different mr. john smith... NEXT!
0
Feb 4, 2016
Feb 4, 2016 at 2:18 AM UTC
"confirmation" of a "catholic" in a russian orthodox church
*to further my point, as an eager reader in a catholic school, reading about the gnostic heretics, wondering with my theology tutor upon the question asked: don't you think the gnostic heretics influenced mohammad on the sly? i mean, they too believed a phantom walked among men, and a phantom was crucified?* my confirmation didn't take place in a cathedral, as was due course for all of us in being schooled, by a bishop in brentwood cathedral, i opted out... my confirmation came in a russian orthodox cathedral, in st. petersburg, when i watched people standing for a scrap of iconoclasm, with the priest mumbling toward a golden altar, as typical in the tradition, buttocks towards the people or as in the western tradition reciting in latin, before the nationalists came and spoke the gospel in each designated tongue so people understood, a bit like having your back turned against the people - speaking in latin - and when i sat i the church to listen to the choir singing, some lesser ecclesiastical prompted me to stand up, and pay respect to the golden altar... he told me to stand up! what cheek... what barbarism... only in russia... i had to stop being bewildered by the beauty of song and listen to a priest knock-down-ginger on a palette of gold... THEN i was confirmed... donkey's ******** to this **** i'm leaving! mind the fact that i've seen the greatest degradation of mysticism take place... the tetragrammaton was being defiled all along... in catholic bureaucracy it has been there all along, the idiots reminded me of it... you're born: first name, baptismal name, surname... you're educated: confirmation name... that takes four spaces of consideration... so by catholic definition of sharpening pencils, folding pieces of paper, filing the folded pieces of paper, bending paper-clips i'm god... but only in writing... first name, baptismal name, confirmation name, surname... a bit like a clone... a clone indeed in writing... same d.n.a., same bone mandibles of the jaw... but experience-wise... un-original to the **** not even a clone... not able to experience major historical figures... a soul in a twin body by itself... a twin without twinning, segregated by ulterior if not auxiliary motives... clone on paper... clone by experience? i don't think so... impossible... too many inter-actants along the way can't possibly replicate thinking in a clone... different mr. john smith... NEXT!
Continue reading...
60
My heart is in utter confusion My heart bleeds Tiny razors ***** and torment and cut me and my heart bleeds No one understands the extent of the damage caused by such a deep betrayal of trust No one understands the feelings of shame and blame No one understands the pain of the memories No one understands reliving the past in the present Except those who have been through this hell Broken trust is like a crystal goblet shattered by a screeching high pitched discord It can never be fixed My heart bleeds again And just when I thought I'd bleed out & my soul would die Fate opted to show me another side Dared me to learn to trust Tempted me with small glimmers of hope And, again, my heart bleeds But not in pain or disappointments Not in self-hatred and hopelessness This time my heart bleeds with hope. My heart is in utter confusion. It bleeds. Tiny razors ***** and torment and cut me and my heart bleeds. No one really understands the extent of the damage caused by such a deep betrayal of trust. No one really gets why you turn into an emotional gibbering mess trying to hold your sanity together with duct tape and super glue. No one with the exception of those who have been through it themselves. Trust broken is like a crystal glass shattered by a screeching high pitched discord. It can never be fixed - best to just throw it away. My heart bleeds again. Just as I thought I'd bleed out, my soul would die, and I would become this empty shell of functioning learned reactions with no thought or feeling, something happened. Fate opted to show me another side. Dared me to learn to trust, teased me with small glimmers of hope. So my heart bleeds for what I hope is the final time. Not in pain or disappointments, or even self-loathing and rejection of the hearts purest feelings. No, this time my heart bleeds with longing. This may be my saving grace. And yet I am scared to death that this may destroy me yet.
0
Dec 28, 2013
Dec 28, 2013 at 10:40 AM UTC
My Heart Bleeds
My heart is in utter confusion My heart bleeds Tiny razors ***** and torment and cut me and my heart bleeds No one understands the extent of the damage caused by such a deep betrayal of trust No one understands the feelings of shame and blame No one understands the pain of the memories No one understands reliving the past in the present Except those who have been through this hell Broken trust is like a crystal goblet shattered by a screeching high pitched discord It can never be fixed My heart bleeds again And just when I thought I'd bleed out & my soul would die Fate opted to show me another side Dared me to learn to trust Tempted me with small glimmers of hope And, again, my heart bleeds But not in pain or disappointments Not in self-hatred and hopelessness This time my heart bleeds with hope. My heart is in utter confusion. It bleeds. Tiny razors ***** and torment and cut me and my heart bleeds. No one really understands the extent of the damage caused by such a deep betrayal of trust. No one really gets why you turn into an emotional gibbering mess trying to hold your sanity together with duct tape and super glue. No one with the exception of those who have been through it themselves. Trust broken is like a crystal glass shattered by a screeching high pitched discord. It can never be fixed - best to just throw it away. My heart bleeds again. Just as I thought I'd bleed out, my soul would die, and I would become this empty shell of functioning learned reactions with no thought or feeling, something happened. Fate opted to show me another side. Dared me to learn to trust, teased me with small glimmers of hope. So my heart bleeds for what I hope is the final time. Not in pain or disappointments, or even self-loathing and rejection of the hearts purest feelings. No, this time my heart bleeds with longing. This may be my saving grace. And yet I am scared to death that this may destroy me yet.
Continue reading...
36
windmills turn slicing days as prescribed moving water as they do set troughs can't complain there is no point cycles set in place grids buckle like we're trapped live chequered lives without ourselves on deck though paths with every step trod blind at close of day did we not take that road for steering wheel this hand grabbed let's harness Self remove the screen and see in this precinct or yonder place we've opted for we took a route with outcome flawed
0
Aug 5, 2018
Aug 5, 2018 at 11:35 AM UTC
take charge
Ahh-he-che'em ack-ahem. Sorry, let me clear my throat. One day I set out galavanting, looking for a high. I meandered to the ocean shore and set a lively stride. My eyes were wet, my heart was light as I looked out at the splendor, About that time I heard a rumble, a sudden yearning for a chicken tender. I galloped to an eatery in hopes of a hearty meal, But had a measly handful of coins, so I opted for a deal. The only place I found tat would accept my sum of coins For anything sufficient enough to satisfy my ***** Was a gritty place called Taco Bell, but it was my only choice. The cashier was a voluptuous dame and my trousers became quite moist. She said to me, "what will you have?", in a shockingly low-pitched voice. I was taken aback for a moment, but stuttered, "a number six, I think". "Comin' right up honey", he or she said with a wink. I just smiled shyly and went to go fill up my drink. My food was finally ready, but I was a bit wary, I could't tell what was in my taco - squirrel, beef or canary. My hunger pushed me through my fear and I finally took a bite, Although skeptical at first, my taste buds did delight! I had finally finished with my meal and was satisfied and full, But down below my abdomen I felt a mighty pull. I had no time I knew at once and dashed to find relief. The single men's room was in sight, but who should be a thief?! The cashier with the arousing bosoms had stolen my salvation... As I stood there in that Taco Bell I felt a curious sensation. When normally I could have held it, a complete bowel prostration. While the **** was pouring out like a broken sink, My mind started to wander and I couldn't help but think, *If the women's  room is out of order, I wonder which she/he has, A set of both, a meat-locker or a **** and nads?*
0
Nov 4, 2014
Nov 4, 2014 at 4:35 PM UTC
Taco Bell
Ahh-he-che'em ack-ahem. Sorry, let me clear my throat. One day I set out galavanting, looking for a high. I meandered to the ocean shore and set a lively stride. My eyes were wet, my heart was light as I looked out at the splendor, About that time I heard a rumble, a sudden yearning for a chicken tender. I galloped to an eatery in hopes of a hearty meal, But had a measly handful of coins, so I opted for a deal. The only place I found tat would accept my sum of coins For anything sufficient enough to satisfy my ***** Was a gritty place called Taco Bell, but it was my only choice. The cashier was a voluptuous dame and my trousers became quite moist. She said to me, "what will you have?", in a shockingly low-pitched voice. I was taken aback for a moment, but stuttered, "a number six, I think". "Comin' right up honey", he or she said with a wink. I just smiled shyly and went to go fill up my drink. My food was finally ready, but I was a bit wary, I could't tell what was in my taco - squirrel, beef or canary. My hunger pushed me through my fear and I finally took a bite, Although skeptical at first, my taste buds did delight! I had finally finished with my meal and was satisfied and full, But down below my abdomen I felt a mighty pull. I had no time I knew at once and dashed to find relief. The single men's room was in sight, but who should be a thief?! The cashier with the arousing bosoms had stolen my salvation... As I stood there in that Taco Bell I felt a curious sensation. When normally I could have held it, a complete bowel prostration. While the **** was pouring out like a broken sink, My mind started to wander and I couldn't help but think, *If the women's  room is out of order, I wonder which she/he has, A set of both, a meat-locker or a **** and nads?*
Continue reading...
30
To hell with maintaining a fire just so faces could be seen. I danced on the embers extinguishing little stars and I scribbled in my notes and waited for that one girl to shut up about Twitter and Halloween costumes so I could hear— the fog dragging its tongue up the valley. Finally she began to realize the contest she was losing, took the quiet advice of myself and the wind and went to go tuck herself into the tent, into the safety of ceiling. But, you and I opted to be coyotes on the hillside. I took the trail away from our sleeping counterparts, and flayed you on the dirt where I stripped you of your fur, howling to the fog and plowing valleys in your flesh, your legs grew into roots, and wove length by longer length ‘round all the sturdy angles, the anchors of my hips and you, oh you, you would **** the marrow from my bone. And when we lay out, raw and steaming knees bleeding from the drainage ditch, a gnawing fades out, falls to dreaming, we, peeling off a well-known itch. Then we play a game with satellites Where bouncing mirrors reflect our minds And laugh when the reflections never fit. I gather up my skin, step one foot in and stumble when the tightness traps my leg, You pin up your ******* to please our sleeping guests that wouldn’t take to anything irregular. On the upward hike ten million lights, ten million lives herded on the table of L.A. A Serengeti of fire, a mass migration; mammoths marching, tusks dipped in flame Sitting around campfires once taught vocal apes to rhyme but a million conversations bleaches each the other white and now a million electric campfires bleaches L.A.’s lower sky. And though I stomped out ours the ash remains a scar where we had nearly forgot how to speak by choosing to not.
0
Dec 13, 2011
Dec 13, 2011 at 6:22 AM UTC
Camping in Turnbull
To hell with maintaining a fire just so faces could be seen. I danced on the embers extinguishing little stars and I scribbled in my notes and waited for that one girl to shut up about Twitter and Halloween costumes so I could hear— the fog dragging its tongue up the valley. Finally she began to realize the contest she was losing, took the quiet advice of myself and the wind and went to go tuck herself into the tent, into the safety of ceiling. But, you and I opted to be coyotes on the hillside. I took the trail away from our sleeping counterparts, and flayed you on the dirt where I stripped you of your fur, howling to the fog and plowing valleys in your flesh, your legs grew into roots, and wove length by longer length ‘round all the sturdy angles, the anchors of my hips and you, oh you, you would **** the marrow from my bone. And when we lay out, raw and steaming knees bleeding from the drainage ditch, a gnawing fades out, falls to dreaming, we, peeling off a well-known itch. Then we play a game with satellites Where bouncing mirrors reflect our minds And laugh when the reflections never fit. I gather up my skin, step one foot in and stumble when the tightness traps my leg, You pin up your ******* to please our sleeping guests that wouldn’t take to anything irregular. On the upward hike ten million lights, ten million lives herded on the table of L.A. A Serengeti of fire, a mass migration; mammoths marching, tusks dipped in flame Sitting around campfires once taught vocal apes to rhyme but a million conversations bleaches each the other white and now a million electric campfires bleaches L.A.’s lower sky. And though I stomped out ours the ash remains a scar where we had nearly forgot how to speak by choosing to not.
Continue reading...
43
I remember sitting On the tiny porch Of my dad’s home Offended by the sun That continued to sink and set Without pausing to acknowledge My dad’s passing. Offended by the cars That continued on the highway; Callous indifference, it seemed to me. Even the birds at their feeder Greedily fed and failed to look up To mark the loss of their benefactor. I found myself Silently demanding condolences In every encounter. Not for the sympathy, Or worse, pity, But for the acknowledgement That he was here And now he’s gone, And something, However infinitesimally small In the scopeless universe, Has changed. I have two cousins. The first called my dad Every month. His regular call came During the last days. The decline surprised him. He took a deep breath And asked for speakerphone Near my dad. He told my dad How much my dad had Influenced his life; How as a child, he anticipated a visit from my dad Like kids stay up to see Santa; How my dad made my cousin feel Like he was the most important kid In the wide world; How my dad gave my cousin The otherwise unavailable Sustenance of heart Young boys need; How my cousin had strived to be Like my dad And how he hoped His own children see in him What he saw in my dad. That was acknowledgement, Profound acknowledgement. My second cousin called Shortly after the first. He had heard That my dad was dying. He did not ask To speak with my dad. He wanted to tell me To call him As soon as memorial Arrangements were made So that he could purchase Discounted airline tickets, To include a subsequent visit To his son who lives In the southern part of the state. My dad was still living. That, too, acknowledged something, And served to impel my pending decision. So I opted for A less conventional Memorial ritual That required neither Plane tickets nor attendance Nor a frozen smile reception. I would not suffer Insincere acknowledgement. I am sure I scandalized Many acquaintances of my dad Who enjoyed the social conventions of The anticipated gathering If only to point out the deficiencies Of the event and the host. I am sure I offended And frustrated And embittered One of my cousins. The other cousin thought My dad would have preferred Sincerity Over a pantomime. I would suffer The disfavor and distaste Of the discontented With no difficulty.
0
Nov 10, 2018
Nov 10, 2018 at 9:59 PM UTC
Acknowledgment
I remember sitting On the tiny porch Of my dad’s home Offended by the sun That continued to sink and set Without pausing to acknowledge My dad’s passing. Offended by the cars That continued on the highway; Callous indifference, it seemed to me. Even the birds at their feeder Greedily fed and failed to look up To mark the loss of their benefactor. I found myself Silently demanding condolences In every encounter. Not for the sympathy, Or worse, pity, But for the acknowledgement That he was here And now he’s gone, And something, However infinitesimally small In the scopeless universe, Has changed. I have two cousins. The first called my dad Every month. His regular call came During the last days. The decline surprised him. He took a deep breath And asked for speakerphone Near my dad. He told my dad How much my dad had Influenced his life; How as a child, he anticipated a visit from my dad Like kids stay up to see Santa; How my dad made my cousin feel Like he was the most important kid In the wide world; How my dad gave my cousin The otherwise unavailable Sustenance of heart Young boys need; How my cousin had strived to be Like my dad And how he hoped His own children see in him What he saw in my dad. That was acknowledgement, Profound acknowledgement. My second cousin called Shortly after the first. He had heard That my dad was dying. He did not ask To speak with my dad. He wanted to tell me To call him As soon as memorial Arrangements were made So that he could purchase Discounted airline tickets, To include a subsequent visit To his son who lives In the southern part of the state. My dad was still living. That, too, acknowledged something, And served to impel my pending decision. So I opted for A less conventional Memorial ritual That required neither Plane tickets nor attendance Nor a frozen smile reception. I would not suffer Insincere acknowledgement. I am sure I scandalized Many acquaintances of my dad Who enjoyed the social conventions of The anticipated gathering If only to point out the deficiencies Of the event and the host. I am sure I offended And frustrated And embittered One of my cousins. The other cousin thought My dad would have preferred Sincerity Over a pantomime. I would suffer The disfavor and distaste Of the discontented With no difficulty.
Continue reading...
98
Teaching by Example can be rather difficult in a World where people seem to refuse to learn how to teach themselves, let alone have the humility to concede the very fact that there has been opportunity that they have opted to miss, however consciously. To learn is up to One's self; no one else can, let alone will, do it for you.
0
Apr 4, 2014
Apr 4, 2014 at 12:12 AM UTC
Bygone Opportunity
My personal déjà-vu-time memory-prompts that frame The blurring patterns of today’s hubcap-wheels, spinning Kaleidoscope flashbacks of bathtub playtime. A gaggle of giggling girls babbling about What used to matter : umbrella-popping chewing gum With gallivanting jargon laced in crushes-hushed : boy-talk. Pillows : Comforters morphing, swarming like Womb-entranced, half-cupped palms calmed Palpitating mouths motoring off self-pitying rumble-grumbles. How the clopping ball of opted-birr was a bent-mouth birdcall Over-relished, over-zealous imploration : a round robin Jumblemix of a jejune bombast for high-brow, White-men polemics By-and-by polysyllabic buds bloomed, baked, and wrinkled Past-Gas’s long-gone jokes : those balmy snug-hugs guarding Based-vulgarity amongst the begrimed-teeth-sucking and homegrown-Jive.
0
Dec 18, 2014
Dec 18, 2014 at 3:53 AM UTC
Word Play : Kid Play : Memory Play : More Play (Revised)
Animistic, not reminiscent or exotic but disgustingly ignorant of the ******* space in the present A poem that doesn’t have to do with emotion? Who let him in the building, oh, the same ******* who put 85 Security cameras and the same ******* who believes Visible shoulders will create testosterone molded boulders In the crotches of every boy’s too low jeans I haven’t thought schoolwork was important Since I knew what passion meant, and I’m no different Than any boy or girl around but I know I am not anything near lost or found Pertaining to a missing student. Do you ever consider the other option? That contumacious behavior is nothing to fear Because although the misunderstood is misunderstood Think of who told you should Now what if they opted for could? Or will you settle for chopping the wood for your fireplace settling for our settler’s stolen goods
0
Nov 27, 2013
Nov 27, 2013 at 6:54 AM UTC
Ode to Trumbull High (another THS tribute poem)
On the banks of the Sentinel River A man locals knew as ‘The Boss’ Worked the controls of the drawbridge Directing the through-trains across The boss man was cheerful and helpful Always whistling or singing a song His gaze was both twinkling and piercing His handshake both friendly and strong His daily routine at the river Saw the bridge back and forth from the edge So the ships could pass freely beside it As he watched from his post on the ledge And then when a train neared the river He remotely connected the link Exact in the duties he carried Of protecting the train from the drink On the banks of the Sentinel River A man locals knew as ‘The Boss’ Worked the controls of the drawbridge Directing the through-trains across The boss man was cheerful and helpful Always whistling or singing a song His gaze was both twinkling and piercing His handshake both friendly and strong His daily routine at the river Saw the bridge back and forth from the edge So the ships could pass freely beside it As he watched from his post on the ledge And then when a train neared the river He remotely connected the link Exact in the duties he carried Of protecting the train from the drink He held onto that train-saving lever With a ruthless and desperate hold ‘Father?’ he heard from the drawbridge The blood in his veins running cold ‘Junior?’ he yelled through the downpour ‘You must run son, like never before!’ But the warning he shouted to save him Was drowned out by the oncoming roar To go rescue his son on the drawbridge Would never leave time to get back To re-lock in the hand-governed lever To save those in the train on the track But to barter a life of perfection In exchange for this train full of fools Was too much to expect of a father It was heartless and mean; it was cruel! But a train full of people would perish If he opted the life of his son Two hundred and forty-nine humans As compared to the loss of just one! He could picture his son by the window Looking out at the lights of the train May I go to the bridge to meet Father? To walk him back home, in the rain. His firstborn was gentle and thoughtful Compliant no matter the task Most eager and willing to please him Obeying whatever was asked He took one last second to ponder But his conscience, it already knew He held tight to that hand-governed lever And let the Northwestern roll through Not a soul on the train saw his body As it fell to its watery grave Not a soul on the train heard his father Mourn the son that he’d wanted to save If you can imagine this father Then think of our Father above And we fools here on earth that He rescued Done all in the name of His love!
0
Oct 5, 2016
Oct 5, 2016 at 4:56 PM UTC
The Bridge Keeper
On the banks of the Sentinel River A man locals knew as ‘The Boss’ Worked the controls of the drawbridge Directing the through-trains across The boss man was cheerful and helpful Always whistling or singing a song His gaze was both twinkling and piercing His handshake both friendly and strong His daily routine at the river Saw the bridge back and forth from the edge So the ships could pass freely beside it As he watched from his post on the ledge And then when a train neared the river He remotely connected the link Exact in the duties he carried Of protecting the train from the drink On the banks of the Sentinel River A man locals knew as ‘The Boss’ Worked the controls of the drawbridge Directing the through-trains across The boss man was cheerful and helpful Always whistling or singing a song His gaze was both twinkling and piercing His handshake both friendly and strong His daily routine at the river Saw the bridge back and forth from the edge So the ships could pass freely beside it As he watched from his post on the ledge And then when a train neared the river He remotely connected the link Exact in the duties he carried Of protecting the train from the drink He held onto that train-saving lever With a ruthless and desperate hold ‘Father?’ he heard from the drawbridge The blood in his veins running cold ‘Junior?’ he yelled through the downpour ‘You must run son, like never before!’ But the warning he shouted to save him Was drowned out by the oncoming roar To go rescue his son on the drawbridge Would never leave time to get back To re-lock in the hand-governed lever To save those in the train on the track But to barter a life of perfection In exchange for this train full of fools Was too much to expect of a father It was heartless and mean; it was cruel! But a train full of people would perish If he opted the life of his son Two hundred and forty-nine humans As compared to the loss of just one! He could picture his son by the window Looking out at the lights of the train May I go to the bridge to meet Father? To walk him back home, in the rain. His firstborn was gentle and thoughtful Compliant no matter the task Most eager and willing to please him Obeying whatever was asked He took one last second to ponder But his conscience, it already knew He held tight to that hand-governed lever And let the Northwestern roll through Not a soul on the train saw his body As it fell to its watery grave Not a soul on the train heard his father Mourn the son that he’d wanted to save If you can imagine this father Then think of our Father above And we fools here on earth that He rescued Done all in the name of His love!
Continue reading...
72
i used to buy astronaut candy when i was twelve. in case you're wondering what astronaut candy is, it's gelatinous goo that you squeeze from a tube. the particular brand that we always bought had a special tube. it was dome shaped on top with a hole in its concave center. the point was, you squeezed the tube, out comes the goo, and you lick it off; most of us just ****** it out. three varieties: blue raspberry, orange, and everyones favorite, white cherry. in hindsight, i guess that explains why so many of my friends turned out to be so "fabulous". maybe we should've opted for the candy cigarettes. nah. ****** pleasuring a plastic tube: so much more fun.
0
May 31, 2011
May 31, 2011 at 7:58 PM UTC
fabulous
My ***** felt a feather heavier than iron As I’d opted for anything other than rollover Whilst puking up that, “nicer,” guy. The drink’s a ghost. The scold’s a mixer, Soured on the rocks, Shaken, not stirred, Stirred, not shaken, And without a sliver of, “he,” who’d opt Accommodate or acquiesce. Call it, “transcendence,” I guess? Born a realization that this world’s, “DOG-EAT-DOG,” or, “GOD-EAT-GOD,” or, “GOD-TEA-DOG,” And should I not comprehend This very simple reality, I’d be a doormat unto my own grave. So I fail, I’m frail, and all for one tail Prior the act that’d ever invoke, “Leave;” even atop the eve of beggary. Resolute? I’d opt for the longer life, perhaps, Not that I’d wanted to live to long anyway, But I’d made a choice, I’d arbitrated one cardinal direction – elliptical. I’d acted, placated, satiated, intimidated, Decimated, defecated, wiggled my right pinky And culminated a prayer atop altars, “godless,” To never knock upon that door again. And so, but one question remains, “Did I?”
0
Jul 2, 2015
Jul 2, 2015 at 11:25 AM UTC
Between (boys, girls and tables etched bourbon)
We met at noon between picnic tables and humid Maryland heat. Either you or the sun made me dizzy, as I talked and you nodded. We were both distracted by the thought of air-conditioning. We parted in August among mini-vans and goodbye kisses. My eyes followed the license plate as you drove away, we agreed to sail catamarans the next chance we had. We had both noted there was something in the water that summer, something purer than the water from the Chesapeake. We rejoined in December under a Caribbean sun, not as humid as Maryland’s, surrounded by water purer than the Chesapeake. There was still a buzz around us, like the air before a Maryland heat storm, to convince us the year of letters was not for naught. We fell back to old habits on the Dutch side of Saint Martin. We talked like the future was a choice and we had opted out. We avoided words like regret and yesterday and repeated words like now, now, now and we spoke in hypotheticals. We planned our house, or what it would be if we ever got boring enough to say words like tomorrow. We stopped speaking in July after one thousand four hundred days of avoiding the next. We should have known we were doomed to fail when “our song” was by Old ***** ******* and “our house” didn’t include a family room. We should have known when our plans never involved the word tomorrow.
0
Jul 12, 2012
Jul 12, 2012 at 10:22 PM UTC
Cross-Mid Atlantic
lately all my illnesses have me feeling backed into corners, i feel so trapped, weighed down by debt and regret i have no escape; this is the way my life is doomed to play out and oh how i wish this were all just some silly game gone too far because at least then it'd find its eventual end but no mother is about to tell the children when enough is enough to apologise say "sorry" for locking me in the closet, for making me want to stay in bed and waste the days away, for making me hate myself so much that i'm convinced my disorders are more sane than i am. these children know no boundaries and worst of all is that they're my own; i am incapable of disciplining them, of taking control— there's a reason i never wanted kids in the first place, their ***** little fingers plucking at my brain and soiling my house. Depression is the oldest—i had him before i even realised he was mine Anxiety was next, and suddenly i knew why people used the phrase "terrible two" i found myself juggling twins without really knowing where they came from: Suicidalthoughts and Eatingdisorder once, i nearly gave them all up as well as hope, and dreams, and life in general— being a single father is hard. i managed to put one or two of them in time-out for a while but there's only so long you can leave a child alone before it becomes abusive i tried my best at sharing the responsibility once let myself fall in love only to find that it's not just children that can be abused—adults can, too when i left her, my children's behaviour became so severe i almost felt like they were the ones that were heartbroken that girl made everything so much worse sometimes i wonder if i'd have opted for abortion, had i known i was going to parent such savage diseases.
0
May 2, 2016
May 2, 2016 at 11:34 PM UTC
my children
lately all my illnesses have me feeling backed into corners, i feel so trapped, weighed down by debt and regret i have no escape; this is the way my life is doomed to play out and oh how i wish this were all just some silly game gone too far because at least then it'd find its eventual end but no mother is about to tell the children when enough is enough to apologise say "sorry" for locking me in the closet, for making me want to stay in bed and waste the days away, for making me hate myself so much that i'm convinced my disorders are more sane than i am. these children know no boundaries and worst of all is that they're my own; i am incapable of disciplining them, of taking control— there's a reason i never wanted kids in the first place, their ***** little fingers plucking at my brain and soiling my house. Depression is the oldest—i had him before i even realised he was mine Anxiety was next, and suddenly i knew why people used the phrase "terrible two" i found myself juggling twins without really knowing where they came from: Suicidalthoughts and Eatingdisorder once, i nearly gave them all up as well as hope, and dreams, and life in general— being a single father is hard. i managed to put one or two of them in time-out for a while but there's only so long you can leave a child alone before it becomes abusive i tried my best at sharing the responsibility once let myself fall in love only to find that it's not just children that can be abused—adults can, too when i left her, my children's behaviour became so severe i almost felt like they were the ones that were heartbroken that girl made everything so much worse sometimes i wonder if i'd have opted for abortion, had i known i was going to parent such savage diseases.
Continue reading...
27
Tearing off Imperialists' mantle True to his name Fidel He had lit To the oppressed masses And to those in the dark An much-needed candle. Weighing things from Fraternity's angle And the truth, Fidel was not remiss In dispatching own troops In far off beyonds To fortify for freedom Mounted battle. Considerate Fidel had taught Innumerable orphans, Whose combatant fathers lost. Frowning up on Amassing personal wealth, He was building The human power Of the 3rd world like Ethiopia, Among others, In agriculture and health! Stooping To glittering things While many leaders worried To hanker for personal gain, Fidel Castro,magnanimous, Opted to assuage The marginalized's pain. For doing so The shameless&bloodsucker; Imperialists were trying To **** him again and again. Yes, Fidle was their bane! Though Fidel is no more His legacy we shall live to adore!// Fiedel Castro was a true friend of Ethiopia!
0
Dec 9, 2016
Dec 9, 2016 at 8:39 AM UTC
Fidel(Faithful/Fiddle)