Saturday 31 July 2010

The Dawn Chorus: A Poem By Pete Marshall


The Dawn Chorus: A Poem By Pete Marshall

Today I returned from a magical camping trip with my family and as today is my day at One Stop Poetry I would like to share with you the following poem;

The Dawn Chorus

I felt the chill upon my face
that urged my mind to open eyes
I heard the tune of morning song
as light would waken from the night
I heard the wind blow through the trees
as children stirred and stifled yawns
I smelt the bacons wafting scent
that welcomed in a summers dawn

The ground was wet with morning dew
that glistened on a fallen leaf
and as I cupped my steaming mug
the coffee found my lost belief
I looked out far across the fields
and watched the crows that ruled the sky
I watched you slice the crusty bread
and let the time just pass on by

I heard a noise that brought me joy
as children laughed from deep inside
beneath the quilts and sleeping bags
they  wiped the sleep from off their eyes
 I laughed at hair and ruffled clothes
that sat beside and watched the dawn
and though the chill would keep us cold
the taste of bacon kept us warm

*************

image courtesy creative commons http://www.flickr.com/photos/taivasalla/

Friday 30 July 2010

Forever Band: A Poem by Adam Dustus


Poem  & Photo by Adam Dustus

Nothing in this world compares
Snuggling as a story’s shared
Future remembering

Caring for life

Cited scaring
Words alter lives
*
Ideas like fresh air

3 sisters shoulder

Teller older
Open-eyes wonder
Peaceful daze
Idyllic summers
*
When comfort meant everything
Before unprepared 

To feel, to read

That they understand
Growing up, love
Connect written paths
Sharing books
Forever band


****************


Thursday 29 July 2010

Moondustwriter Thursday

You Stood
by
Moondustwriter
You were the first thing I climbed
I was but a girl
pretending you were my horse
your stood firmly
playing along
You stood proudly by
watching as I grew
I rode that mare
and was thrown
You never laughed

There came the day
I was too bold
approaching an angry bull
you stood offering safety
a strong arm

You opened your gates wide
 my first time
mastering the blue truck
you stood smiling 
at my success

You stood sagging
 I waved "goodbye"
pulling my mare and memories
behind the blue truck
"come home soon'
you wanted to say

Thank you to my friend James Bengel for this beautiful shot "The Eyes Have It"
If you are looking for a gift, James has a fine selection of wonderful photos to chose from
*http://mojo1160.redbubble.com/sets/128213/works/5606837-1-the-eyes-have-it*
For information on his book: https://www.createspace.com/3444320

My trademark may be the Moon "question of the week". We would love for you to share an early memory of you as a writer or of someone who encouraged you to write. You can read my "memory" in the comments.
The Vortex of Passion 
by
Moondustwriter

Take a breath - please
caught
reeled in
forgetting
the danger

Look away - Please
mesmerized
by something that isn't real
magnetized
to the pull

Look around - PLEASE
see
the horizon
reality
something to hold on to

Draw Back - PLEASE
before you are
sucked
into the vortex
of passion


Where
passion appears
to be
Everything...

Thanks Liebe Dich for the photo of  The Storm
*http://www.flickr.com/photos/liebedich/3679711527/

Thanks for coming by One Stop Poetry and reading some of Moondustwriter's work. We are striving to create a community if writers at One Stop. We are grateful for each of you and welcome your feedback.




Tuesday 27 July 2010

One Shot Wednesday: A Place To Share Your Poems


Welcome to One Shot Wednesday - where you get to highlight your poetic talents

Here we go with another great One Shot Wednesday...
I’m Adam Dustus and it’s a privilege to host OSW this week!

Before signing up— a quick recap of how One Shot works:


1. Write a poetic piece & post it on your blog

2. Then let us know about your post. Link back to One Shot

3. Sign up in the Mr Linky list, linking directly to your post, AFTER you've posted it.

4. Go visit others who have signed up! Offer support & encouragement. Share your love of words and insight respectfully. Please try to visit as many participating poets as you can. We all could use and appreciate kind feedback.

All forms of poetry are accepted for One Shot Wednesday. Everyone is welcome. Feel free to invite your fellow poet friends to join the festivities. Let’s make this a great, supportive community! So on behalf of Leslie, Brian, and Pete this week—enjoy and help foster the supportive growth of our creative community.

Cheers.
Adam

One Shot Wednesday

Just so all of you know. We are gearing up for One Shot Wednesday. Hope you have your poems ready for linking up this evening 5 pm EST
See all of you then.

Monday 26 July 2010

first kiss: a poem by Brian Miller


at the pool,
on hot summer days,
we tucked our bodies tight
beneath the crystal surface
to see who could
hold their breathe the longest
and i know johnny
must have cheated,
he stayed down
so long...

the first kiss
we shared
would have
broke the record,
passing a single breath
back and forth
between us,
happily drowning.

Saturday 24 July 2010

A Love That's Lost: A Poem In Memory By Pete Marshall


A Love That's Lost: A Poem In Memory By Pete Marshall

Alzheimers has had a profound affect on my families life. A while back we lost someone very close to us when Alzheimers finally beat him. I wrote a poem about this which some of you may have read before? At this time of year the memory of this person is always on our minds and i wanted to share this again. Alzheimers isn't just about memory loss, and doesn't just affect the person fighting it. My poem, A Love That's Lost, is really a reflection on what happens to those left behind. 

A Love That's Lost

A petal falls so silently
to land and rot amongst the weeds
A roses head tilts & sighs
its stalk been snapped by wicked lies
each day you toil to keep alive
your dreams of love that never die
but weeds grow up and strangle stems
as blood drips from the petals end.

Your lawn was lush and velvet green
now dry & barren like your dreams
and age has caused your bones to tire
your hands are cracked with skin so dry
you mask your pain in solitude
bereft of friends that vanquished you
and as you prune each budding shoot
you snap the growth of disrepute.

Oh how you once was young & free
you bloomed & blossomed flirtingly
each eye you caught would turn a head
but times have passed & lovers left.
A robin sits and watches you
his gentle verse that warms you through
but robins fight & guard their place
whilst you just laughed amidst disgrace.

Indoors he sits a lonely man
across the table his bread & jam
and through the glass he watches you
inside he cries at nothing new.
A once proud man who gave his life
who gave you all as man would wife
and yet here now he sits alone
the man you loved no longer known.

The smile that wooed a million girls
that made you heart a merry whirl
but now the bones are cleansed of meat
his once large frame admits defeat
he grasps for thoughts no longer there
and through the glass he sits & stares
his children come his children go
the names of which he’ll never know.

You made a vow to stand by thee
so still you tend & still you weed
but deep inside you’re very scared
to lose your rock that always cared
yet still you hide in solitude
the pain that hurts inside of you.
 A petal falls so silently
to land and rot amongst the weeds.

*************************************


If you would like to know more about Alzheimers or even donate please visit Alzheimers Society


image courtesy creative commons http://www.flickr.com/photos/iirraa/

Friday 23 July 2010

Depression's Last Curse: A Poem by Adam Dustus


Poem  & Photo by Adam Dustus

We shall see
Maybe one day
Melancholic shades of grey
*
Swear off reflection
Verse not a weapon
No weeping leaves echo
Care for pretension
*
Fall into winter
Whether it proves worse
Reflections froze dreary
Gloom bridging mirth
*
Tree placid mirror
Arcs hiding work
Restorative energy
Depression's last curse
*


****************

Thursday 22 July 2010

Moondustwriter Thursdays - Featuring friend and poet Charles Martin

We are trying to make One Stop Poetry a community not just a place to link a poem to. I am curious what are some things that inspire you as you write a new poem? Give me a word and I am off and running (most of the time). They say "a picture speaks a thousand word"s well in my case fewer words but inspired words for a poem none- the- less. Would love to know what moves the minds and pens of fellow poets.

Today I am spotlighting a friend and fellow writer. Charles Martin inspires me and others to write from the heart. Charles hits some heavy areas of life in his writing. This poem shows his diversity as there is whimsy and delving into what life is all about. Enjoy this work of art! To Read More of Charles Martin's Poetry






A Jade Framed Mirror : A Poem by Charles Martin

as i passed my mirror
i would have sworn
i saw the reflection of a unicorn
but i can't be sure
for just as i turned
the lights went out
leaving only slivers of moonlight
peering through the darkness
but i wondered
could the vision be true
am i the last unicorn
a hapless man on two feet
a unicorn
a partaker of life's nectar
breathing in love's passion
while wading through
to cold waters of yesterday's dreams
feeling the shifting sands of today
beneath my feet
a unicorn
a dying breed
caught in brambles
of despair
unable to move
for fear of death
no
there must be others
dreamers and lovers
who believe
that this life
is much more
than a reflection
in a mirror













Tuesday 20 July 2010

One Shot Wednesday: A Place To Share Your Poems


Welcome to One Shot Wednesday - A Place For Poets To Share 

Pete Marshall here & this week I will be your compère! First let me cover some quick instructions;

1, Write an original poem and post it to your blog

2, Link back to One Shot Wednesday from your post

3, Sign up in the Mr Linky list, linking directly to your post, AFTER you've posted it. Mr Linky will be open from 5pm EST (Tuesday) until 3am EST (Thursday)

4, Go visit others that have posted. This is a great way to learn new forms, meet new poets and gain inspiration for your next piece. though this is not mandatory we encourage you to visit at least one other poet and give some helpful feedback.

At One Stop Poetry we welcome all forms of poetry and hope that One Shot Wednesday gives you a chance to share, express and feel a part of our fast growing community. On behalf of Leslie, Adam, Brian and myself thanks for taking part....


Monday 19 July 2010

Bake until Golden, Sweeten to Taste: A Poem by Shay

A poet that I recently stumbled upon, and has linked up to One Shot, is Shay aka. Fireblossom. Shay has an entrancing style that grips you and just won't let go. The following is a poem from the early days of Shay's Word Garden. Know you will enjoy them, as I do. Thanks Shay! ~Brian

Bake until Golden, Sweeten to Taste: A Poem By Shay

I searched the sun
Which was the color of a sugar cookie,
But in the end,
The day hoarded you for itself--
Leaving my face tilted in the window
Like an empty plate.

So,
I hid my name in a honey jar;
Did you think
A thing as simple as a sweet tooth
Could sing to you like that?

I have many recipes,
But just a single sweetheart;
And I can use many wiles
All for a common cause.

Follow your craving,
I'll be waiting...
Come to my kitchen, now Love, now.
I will distract you with temptations,
And when your eyelids fall to savor,
You'll never notice
The softly closing door.


Saturday 17 July 2010

P.D.A By Ray Morgan

This week I am honoured to guest a very special, talented British poet, Ray Morgan.

For someone of such tender years she has already performed her Poetry on Colin Murray's Spoken Word Surgery on BBC Radio 1, worked with Apples and Snakes which is the UK's leading performance poetry organisation, and been published in Inkspill Magazine. Ray is also the creative producer for Sundown Arts, a voluntary run arts organisation that tours and promotes the spoken word.

I first came across her work when I read the following piece, P.D.A; a very creative poem expressing elements of life on the London Underground.

P.D.A.
A Poem By Ray Morgan

There is a cello on the Jubilee line.
He is standing tall,
chest puffed out,
all smooth and smarmy,
all Nigel Havers, all
Yes,
I'm a cello.
A small child looks up with saucer eyes
at the petite woman holding
him.
She caresses his smooth,
black
Batman-chested
case of a body,
all muscles and brawn.
People look away,
stare into their paperbacks,
look intently at their fingernails
on the grimy handrails
or notice themselves in the
opposite windows.
The cello woman sways,
her floral dress flutters flirtily,
she sways
and gives her body into him.
Above the clatter and din
of the 8.48 from Canning Town
you'd swear you could hear the
low
grumbling
twang
of his strings.

Ray Morgan C 2010

For more poetry by this remarkable writer please visit her blog at raypoetry.

Thanks Ray for your contribution and support of One Stop Poetry. I look forward to seeing you all again at One Shot Wednesday

cheers

Pete






Friday 16 July 2010

Alone in the Chapel: A Poem By Adam Dustus


A Poem by Adam Dustus

It wasn't a Sunday
Nobody around
Not looking for God
Not trying to be found
*
Thinking about life
Spent as I tried
Remembering loved ones
Tears burning eyes
*
Been here before
Unlike deja vu
Memories circle
Spirit renews
*
While there may be
What many seek
Sensations, perceptions
Will often deceive
*
So why am I here?
Nothing seems clear
Alone in the chapel
Emptying fear


****************

Thursday 15 July 2010

By the Bay: A Poem Of Forgotten Love In San Francisco Bay By Moondustwriter


By The Bay: A Poem of Forgotten Love 
In San Francisco Bay by Moondustwriter

They were magnetized
by a timeless embrace
for fractions of a moment
*
his eyes  just as entrancing
hers glistened  like diamonds
energy surged thru the pair
*
a single silhouette
caught by the light
reflected on the bay
*
for that brief moment
transferred back
to a distant time and place
*
young love was all
that entered their minds
as they danced beneath the stars
*
the next instant they awakened
to wisps of fog
intertwined in their smiles


****************

Thank you Ingorr for the perfect picture
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/ingorrr/2224220064/in/set-72157600592075972/)

Tuesday 13 July 2010

One Shot Wednesday: A Place To Share Your Poems


Welcome to One Shot Wednesday - where you get to highlight your poetic talents

Moondustwriter (aka Leslie Moon) here hosting week 2 of One Shot Wednesday. If you are new, here are some brief instructions;

1, Write an original poem and post it to your blog

2, Link back to One Shot Wednesday from your post

3, Sign up in the Mr Linky list, linking directly to your post, AFTER you've posted it. Mr Linky will be open from 5pm EST (Tuesday) until 3am EST (Thursday)

4, Go visit others that have posted. This is a great way to learn new forms, meet new poets and gain inspiration for your next piece. though this is not mandatory we encourage you to visit at least one other poet and give some helpful feedback.

We welcome all forms of poetry at One Shot and hope you feel the sense of community here. On behalf of  my fellow cohorts, Adam Dustus (who has just joined us), Brian Miller and Pete Marshall - welcome and enjoy!!!!!





Monday 12 July 2010

Paper Dreams by Talon

This week I thought I would highlight a very talented poet and storyteller, that happens to be one of my blog friends, TALON. I think her versatility as a writer is what appeals to me the most, but she is a great encourager as well. Many of you may have met her on One Shot Wednesday, but do pay her a visit to see more of her word art, here.

Paper Dreams: A Poem by Talon

In the fiction aisle "M-Q" weak sunshine
pushed through city grimed skylights
highlighting twirling dust motes
(their dance a lively movement
in the constrained silence)
as i shelved hardcover novels
with crackling yellow covers

And when a flower skeleton
fell from between the pages
of a heavy volume---
a whisper of dreams and memories
fluttering to the worn carpet---
I swore the fragrance of violets
lingered in the air...

Talon (ktn) c 2010

I look forward to seeing all of you for One Shot Wednesday,

brian miller

Saturday 10 July 2010

Drive By Dreams & Seaside Themes


Drive By Dreams & Seaside Themes:
A Poem About The Great British Seaside

I pulled into a ravaged street
strewn with sacks of littered dreams
and policemen lay so fast asleep
as traffic flowed past hooded thieves.

The rays burned hard on suntanned arm
that hung outside my limousine
and girls would saunter down the path
in skirts that length was gauged obscene.
My shades were dark, I looked the part
I cranked the sound of heavy beats
and summer sun would make me sweat 
as I cruised into another street.

And people stopped, I did not care
I pushed the limo in spite of their
glares that strained a disbelief
I shaped my hand and motioned grief.
They scurried past , I laughed aloud
and turned the limo on the crowd.

But now I cruised the boulevard
its palm decked lines of disregard.
The beats that pumped as people stared
that shook the car and buzzed the air,
and women ran in jogging pants
with cheeks that squeezed beneath the hem.
I carried on down to where the slots
and lights would flash and bring them in.

I passed the rows of drunken sops
whose kids were left to run amok
and chase the sounds of grab machines
stuffing coins in plush filled dreams,
high on floss and candy rock
and sugar stains on summer frocks.

And tattooed man would cross the road
eyes on me he tried to goad
I squeezed the gas and edged on near
as bass was pumped his eyes showed fear.
And Whitney stood and smiled at me
her man was weak and I was king
but girls can come and usually go
the limo seats are where they show.

Fake Las Vegas bars and dreams
and seaside towns are hardened things
I push the limo further on
into the world where I belong


*************************


image courtesy creative commons flikr 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lordspudz/

Thursday 8 July 2010

Lost Forever: A Poem By Moondustwriter


Lost Forever: 
A Poem By Moondustwriter

Could you really be
the all encompassing
reality that I need
to return to me???

How can an image
an idea
make a difference
for living breathing flesh?

Yet - your words
speak clear
of me
and you

If 
I believe

I will be
submerged into the swamp
of lost forever

for you see
my heart and I
are intertwined
as I would like to be
with

*******************

Thanks to Oddstock for this entrancing picture
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/oddsock/149183149)

Tuesday 6 July 2010

One Shot Wednesday: A Place To Share Your Poems


Welcome to One Shot Wednesday - where you get to highlight your poetic talents

Brian Miller here and I will be your host this week so let me cover some quick instructions;

1, Write an original poem and post it to your blog

2, Link back to One Shot Wednesday from your post

3, Sign up in the Mr Linky list, linking directly to your post, AFTER you've posted it. Mr Linky will be open from 5pm EST (Tuesday) until 3am EST (Thursday)

4, Go visit others that have posted. This is a great way to learn new forms, meet new poets and gain inspiration for your next piece.

Our hope is that this becomes a place that poets and word artists can create community, share their talents and hone each other's smilles. Look forward to visiting all of you!