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Erik Minas-Gilkes Dec 2019
IN TRIBUTE TO LADIES OF SUFFERING
.
i sing in the key of roses
and dance the sensual flame
speak the tongue of starlight !
(there is majesty in the night air)
.
tomorrow we'll sail on a well built raft
to the island named 'warm ice'
to bathe with sea life
and play atop white mountains
.
yesterday i styled a castle in the amazon
and strengthen it with python skins
our child will be prince of tall trees
and ride wings of the condor
.
i sing in the key of lovely
and dance the river's currents
speak the love of always !
(there is majesty in passion's union)
.
(c) erik standswithtrees 03 Aug 2018,  5:55 am
Dedicated to Rowena
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Dec 2019
My Name is, 'StandsWithTheTrees'
(n137)
.
the dawn has joined me for a morning meal,
and in the eve i dine with the setting of the sun,
i defend the children of heaven
and serve as summation of myself,
from my mother's blood come great warriors,
from my father's blood come great warriors,
i am the beauty and the justice
returned to stand with the trees
i bring to earth the love of future times,
.
(c) Erik Standswithtrees 07 June 2015, 08:38 AM
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Dec 2019
A New Word Today
(n-179)
.
i learned a new word today-- lovely!
i heard a new thought today-- innocence
she was ravished by her father-- compassion
i learned a new beginning today-- giving
yesterday i am warrior at a wrong time-- benevolence
she, taught me how to close my eyes-- peace
tomorrow i learned a new word for today-- caring
(but today is finished-- Her !)
.
see the dark sun and the brightness of night?-- confounded?
i give her a new vision-- happiness!
am i redeemed?-- return!
too pure for this world, too strong to leave it-- laugh !
i am the hell-- suffer !
she teaches me the way of heaven-- touch !
majestic presence-- merging
i dreamed a new word today-- passion
(please take my name!)
.
(c) Erik Minas-Gilkes (Standswithtrees), 31 Aug 2018
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Dec 2019
arrived
i arrived on earth as starlight,
lost memory of ten thousand years.
lived among the foul ones, as foul.
i recalled my beginnings,
and bathed in the lake of blue crystals.
i buried the fallen and became pure.
now, as a dove no man can see,
i return to my clan and the mystery of the quantum
.
(c) by erik standswithtrees, 29 Oct. 2012, 11:09am
Minas-Gilkes Clan, Kalinago Nation
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Dec 2019
Peace in Quiet While Thinking of Family in a Dominica Storm
(n167)
.
i sink into a dark hole,
in a deep cave,
i won't hear,
the pains of the world,
the clashing of swords,
i sink into a cavern,
and enjoy the peace.
.
the sages have departed,
ending term at babylon,
horor,
left as singularity,
punished,
acquainted with friendly death,
best hope.
.
can't find the light,
sailing on dark seas,
beacons, fall to the depths,
a chalice of ambrosia, withheld,
light, forlorn, despairs,
nothingness becomes all,
and all is now empty.
.
not lost,
the singularity of my time,
an undefined thing,
humor of the gods,
toy for heaven,
lifted but mocked at will,
without escape.
.
scorned by storms,
the land,
exist in my mind,
the very weakness of me,
imagination, the laughing curse,
('she' knows me),
i am not lost, just lost.
.
(c) Erik Minas-Gilkes (Standswithtrees), 9/27/17  12:45am
Minas-Gilkes Clan, Kalinago Nation, Dominica
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Dec 2019
I AM Vol.1
(n-99)
.
i am the thought of the willow tree
and the segment of a mountain,
encompassed by a gray cloud.
i require the hand of Her,
upon my left shoulder.
i speak to the edge of light,
and the crown of the forest deer.
i am the sounding of the sorrow,
and the blessing of the future joy.
i am replete with the gentle things,
and hold a sword culling error in the West,
my tears create rivers for i see the coming times.
yet She will comfort me.
.
(c) erik standswithtrees 14 Nov 2013, 2:58 am
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Dec 2019
ON THE DUALITY OF ATTRIBUTES AND THE COMING OF LOVE
(n170)
.
within the night my breathing stills,
and i wake to watch a new sky,
earth enjoyed a needed rest,
and gave birth to bright red roses.
.
daylight defeated me, i reposed,
and danced with ocean foam.
my laughter's food for planter's seeds,
it brings forth golden wheat stalks.
.
i live within two worlds,
one of human ugliness,
the other beauty without measure,
i can see what you cannot.
.
human prophesy: horror and good,
i walk towards the quantum,
to join another Duchess,
gray buildings steal our souls.
.
love, the ever present elusive,
the hope of masses,
creator's game,
tease us if you will.
.
felt it once from a sweet lyric voice,
and did not feel it,
she passed unto the starlight,
now talks to me by the moon.
.
we'll be wed by celestial waters,
aft'r i slay the voice of tyranny,
the suffering call my name,
("job well done", says the bride).
.
i yearn to see the growth of Judy,
and peace for Angeline,
Dawn is always watching,
her gift shall be majestic love.
.
Paris sits by crystal lake,
in a lavender kingdom,
somewhere in the skies,
while i perfect myself in painful fires.
.
never shall i say no again,
she is the whisper of gentle winds,
and the love of a willow tree,
(dark spirits diverted my affection).
.
never shall i say no again.
.
(c) Erik Minas-Gilkes (Standswithtrees), Oct 11 2018, 1:00pm
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Dec 2019
Essence of the Personal Life (n169)
Essence of the Personal Life
(n169)
.
perfume is a love affair,
the change of senses
from earth to heaven
.
touch is a lover's road,
that stirs divine creation
from heaven to earth
.
song is an angel's prayer,
sounds of ethereal peace
heard from sea to sky
.
hands held, another voice,
language never spoken
(if only a duchess had understood)
.
the room of eternal flame,
lovers lost in a world they know
please do not rescue
.
look deep into the soul,
to find your own
passion's not enough
.
be beast, be angel,
be the other
know only that which is!
.
seek bless'd purity,
(if only a duchess had understood)
.
(c)  Erik Standswithtrees, 2017-11-08,  6:13am
Dedicated to Rowena
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Dec 2019
Cleanse Me With Your Waters
(n159)
.
she is the sound of love,
and the purity of rivers,
"Whisper" is her name.
.
her heart a crystal spirit,
from a magical beach,
she bathes in holy waters.
.
may i hold your hand,
to heal my own?
your touch is sacred.
.
feast with me,
eat bread of starlight
i'll put a mark upon your brow.
.
laugh at playful dolphins
hear bird's enchanting melody,
let's sing the ancient love songs.
.
spring births devotion
trap it in a circle,
teach me all your names.
.
peace is in your arms,
fragrance in your love,
beauty's on your lips.
.
a bed of many roses,
blanket under evening stars,
let your waters cleanse me.
.
i thirst.
.
(c) Erik Standswithtrees, 31 October 2016, 05:21 pm
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Dec 2019
REMEMBERING A TREASURE
(n191)
.
a letter to the best of you
a song to the heart of you
words to the soul of you
for all my life, you are my feeling
.
a stone of precious moonlight
a bird of feathers blue
drink a toast to beauty
for all my life you'll be my dream
.
a tear for memories past
a kiss upon imagined brow
dance the magic melody
for all my life you're in my heart
.
a love that stands beyond all wrath
a thought that sees you near me
shout to call you majesty
for all my life please call me 'always'
.
I wish i had my yesterday.
.
(c) Erik Minas Gilkes (Standswithtrees), 20 March 2019, 10:01am
Dedicated to Rowena
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Dec 2019
THE WORLD CREATED WORLD
THE WORLD CREATED WORLD
(ode to a brave lady)
(n192)
.
beverly went shopping tomorrow
she needed things for yesterday
chose a green ribbon
tied it to a red oak tree
i watched intensely
looked westward while walking east
we rested on winds of a northeast storm
.
(c) Erik Minas-Gilkes (Standswithtrees), 26 Mar 2019, 5:57am
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Dec 2019
The Coming of Trial and the Faith of the Trees
n84
.
there by the rivers at Sina'lure,
atop hills of lavender grass,
now within the valley of the suffering,
my tears flow endlessly of the pain of this age
i have come to the west-lands,
that they know their discordant notes
and lend senses to the warmth of the ice.
.
the stench of opulent rulers,
the foulness of cowardly priests
the screams from merchants' doings,
have extended to the heavens
there is recompense brewing
i am gifted with sword of a loving edge
and a hand which may stir harsh winds,
to reveal error in the west,
and bring into being the love of future times
.
(c) Erik Monas-Gilkes (Standswithtrees),  9 April 2013, 3:16pm
Minas-Gilkes Clan, Kalinago Nation, Dominica
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Dec 2019
You As I Enter Heaven?
You As I Enter Heaven?
(n131)
.
when my thoughts travel to the void,
as i walk icy roads,
and dark angels approach,
i think of you and gray turns to bright light.
.
if i let my dreams take full form,
holding nothing for fear of sorrow,
letting hope seem present time,
i see you beside me in such a loving way.
.
when arrows appear as fine meal,
each moment i delight on tall cliffs,
i remember the beauty of you,
beside you, loving gently.
.
you kept me alive in my darkest hour,
and made me send others to unhappiness,
how long can i live in despair,
will you be in my thoughts as i enter heaven?
.
(c) Erik Standswithtrees 04 Mar 2015, 2:32 am
dedicated to Rowena
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Apr 2020
Being in the Why (n167)
i held the umbrella of love for a human
the gods reminded me of my birth...
my nature, traverses the heavens
i come from immeasurable skies as a mortal's dream
.
.....touch me if you can, i am elusive
.
i was incomprehensible to a duchess
streams of my being passed through her
chaos ensued; the best of mortals cannot see
i found beauty in the stones of a creek bed
.
.....touch me if you can, i am without form
.
battle came to a false church
dividing the sore from the righteous
casting flames to consume their tardiness
i delighted in the anger of the wretched
.
.....touch me if you can, i am a cleansing angel
.
i see light at the foot of an oak tree
darkness sits by stained glass windows
i shall return and shatter gray thoughts
to bring forth the long awaited transformation
.
.....touch me if you can, i am a trepid whirlwind.
.
(c) Erik Standswithtrees, 06 Sept 2017, 06:08 pm
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Dec 2019
wake me when the mountains fall
place four stars on a mountain top
carve heads on the tallest trees
loving spirit, please sing a good song
wake me when the mountains fall
.
(c) Erik Minas-Gilkes (Standswithtrees) 23 Sept 2016, 9:05pm
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Mar 2020
Coming Back to Us
(a poem of condolence for a beloved friend)
(n206)
.
the withering of a tall tree,
it comes again as another.
snow covers grass,
spring gives life to the blades.
.
i lost a baby once,
my beloved son came.
the heat discomforted me,
it was replaced by a strong breeze
.
i lost a pet,
it shall return to me as king charles....
i died once,
and returned to me as starlight.
.
(c) Erik Minas-Gilkes (Standswithtrees),
Kalinago Nation , 15 Mar 2020  05:53 AM
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Dec 2019
I AM VOL.2
(n115)
.
i am the form of the merciless,
and the tear of the hungered child,
slayer of the east-lands,
and assurance to the meek and worn.
i am scarred by earthly kin,
yet bearer of their standard.
i seek the end of all beginnings,
and the circles of all squares.
.
i am the symphony of my dreams,
and the mark of a stern sky,
the three of the morning
and the beast of ocean floors.
i live as encompassing joy.
i am starlight formed into flesh,
and...love immeasurable!
.
i am ethereal kind
.
(c) erik minas-gilkes (standswithtrees), 18 Oct 2014 1:11am
Minas-Gilkes Clan, Kalinago Nation
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Dec 2019
TO GREET TOMORROW
(n162)
.
run straight and swift, i'll surely do
consume an arrow, i did for you
to lead the hopeless, i must not think
my clan to battle, tasteful drink
.
a warrior's pride's in his demise
the praise he seeks, aft death arise
his time is brief, short flower bloomed
a mother's grief, that she has wombed
.
embrace the pain, the cross is felled
the veil is off, and tears have swelled
oh lovely soul, would i protect
(and wondrous grace, she hath effect)
.
lay down your sword, to face the dawn
let wars be settled, thou withdrawn
the life of sorrow, training ground
now soul, receive the glorious crown
.
be greeted by her majesty!
.
(c) Erik Standswithtrees, 16 December 2016 08:57 pm
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Feb 2020
One Thousand Beauty's Thoughts (n106)
i love the brightness of the morning,
the image of dew resting on forest leaves,
love the songs of nesting chicks,
and the silence of the butterflies.

i touched the bark of trees.
heard the voice of a gentle breeze,
bathed in a rapid stream,
waters whispered they knew me.

i talked with grazing deer
fed with them on grasses,
drank the waters of  Lurien lake,
purified with the forest creatures.

i saw the glimmer of starlight,
imperceptible smiles,
uplifting my heart,
dolphins rode ocean crests

(c) Erik Standswithtrees, 23 March 2014, 7:05am
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Feb 2020
A Princess in the East (n202)
thoughts of a princess in the east,
plays with leaves,
friend of of trees,
her heart warms summer winds,
gentle as a new lamb,
.
i thought of a princess in the east,
most loving of all woman kind,
she flys while walking,
and delights in the smallest things,
there is a throne for you... in my heart.
.
(c) Erik Standswithtrees 07/15/2016  18:54
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Erik Minas-Gilkes Feb 2020
To a Second Translation of Sorrowed Love (n92)
when the hour of my time visits me,
when i feel the fullness of the empty,
when life's meaning is but to die,
when all feeling abandons my satchel,
......i think of you to restore me.
.
if i were to fold time inwards,
if i were to match the old with the new,
if dreams were the second life,
if i were to sing again,
......i would sing to you.
.
now as i prepare for my departure,
now as i reflect on fallen moments,
ever as i walk under moonlight skies
and am indifferent to the cold,
......i think of hours lapsed, wasted in the void.
.
this moment is my offering,
this moment is my forgiving prayer,
it is my reformation
that i might journey with but one thought,
......i loved you greatly the only ways i knew
.
(c) Erik  Standswithtrees 24 Sept 2013, 8:20 pm
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