“True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.” – William Penn
What soothes you? What is it that puts you in a state of comfort? When all else seems to be crashing down around you, what offers you hope?
Take us to your happy place and let’s see if it works for us!
MARIE ELENA’S COMFORT:
Hot tea roaring fire soft robe, warm from dryer smooth jazz hot bath hand-in-hand, strolling path good read white wine heavy snow on soft pine porch swing easy chair deep pillow earnest prayer© Copyright Marie Elena Good -2013
WALT’S SANCTUARY:
MUSIC HATH CHARMS
The savage breast is soothed in arms
of music’s hidden devil charms,
a lilting soft melodic touch
that keeps a soul quite safe from harm.
A respite from life’s stress and woes,
all meant to ease where e’er it flows.
a tune of beauty to start this bloom;
the seed, its rhythm sows.
I seek this music in my life,
symphonic sounds to lessen strife.
Placate my spirit – lift my heart,
enhance this dance of life!
© Copyright Walter J. Wojtanik -2013
POETIC BLOOMINGS 
Responses
Nice ones, both!
Yes… I especially love the warm robe, and the idea of music keeping one’s soul safe.
Marie, your comforts are all mine as well (well, except for the jazz- haven’t developed a love of that); they sound like paradise.
Walt, Beautiful thoughts – music is powerful.
Love ’em both. Reading your poetry helps soothe me.
Beautiful glimpses into your sanctuaries Marie Elena and Walt … both resonate with me also
You are all so very kind!
Marie Elena
And you are so worth it!
My Safe Haven
When I’m confused, angry,
Frustrated, or just plain sad,
I retreat to that special corner
Where my piano stands.
The soft feel of the keys,
Black and white,
Soothing my mind,
The beautiful strains
Of Chopin, Mozart, Bach,
And Schubert, not to mention
Tchaikovsky, delighting my ears;
Somehow nothing seems
That hard anymore.
Music is my haven,
Like Dad’s arms wrapped tight
Around me, safe and warm,
Music gives me peace.
© Copyright Erin Kay Hope – 2013
Awww … I feel this with you, Nicely done!
Marie Elena
Thank you, Marie! 🙂
Ohh… yes… These days, I especially enjoy my “Piano by the Sea” CD; Lovely, Erin, that you know how to play!!
Thanks, Hen! I have been taking lessons for over seven years now so can usually play songs that I like, but I still love to listen to other things too. Like Bach’s Mass in B Minor, and Handel’s Messiah.
Wonderful!!
Beautiful, Erin. I am a piano player, too, and know exactly what you mean… it’s therapy.
It certainly is! When you can just sit down and play and play and play…it just soothes you. Thanks for reading and commenting, Laurie! Glad you liked it!
Gorgeous Erin! I sat there the other day wishing I could play. The sound in the air did NOT match the sound in me head;)
Thanks, Janet! I know what you mean though. I still get that a lot. Especially when I start playing certain songs by Chopin, Bach, or Rachmaninoff…or when I try to make up a tune. 😉
🙂
Lovely! I wish I had stuck with the lessons….
Thanks! 🙂
Lovely, Erin. Music is such a magical healer. You mentioned some of my favorites, too.
Thank you, Claudsy! Chopin and Mozart are my absolute favorites. The other ones are really good, and, ever since I learned his beautiful “Swan Song”, I’ve liked Schubert waaaay more! He is an amazing composer!
Lovely Erin. I can see you at that piano. You have many talents it seems.
Thanks, Debi! I kind of like to “dabble” in all artsy things. I love to write, play the piano, paint, and sketch. My grandpa on my dad’s side was an artist, and so is my grandma on my mom’s side. I think I kind if just inherited some of these things. 🙂
Yes, I agree. This is lovely. Personally, I find peace in Bach
cello suites especially while shopping!
By the way love your name.
Benjamin
Yes! Bach is amazing! His songs are deceiving though…they sound so simple, but as soon as you sit down to play them, you find out how wrong that is! That’s why I’ve only played a couple of his songs. I’m just an amateur still and his are very difficult. Thank you for reading and liking my poem. 🙂
Thanks, I’ve always really liked my name…that’s why I like to use my full name all the time! Erin means “Ireland, green water, and peace”, and Kay means “chaste or pure”. i think it’s so pretty! My mom always tells me that my dad named me right away; she didn’t have any say in the matter and didn’t really like the name. Now she does though. 😉
Erin, beautifully put. That was always my solace, too, but gradually the ability to play deserted me – fingers didn’t obey brain any more and brain had forgotten notes. So solace became pain and tears. Piano deserted me on Friday en route for Grandson. I’ve been grieving ever since,
<3!!
Oh no! So sad! 😦 I hope your grandson makes good use of it. Thanks for liking my poem! Always enjoy your input!
Erin, it’s a lovely poem. I know just how you feel about playing classical music. A piece that is a little tough and requires full focus
just erodes the misery away. Letting music fill the spaces where all those problems were, when your fingers obey what you don’t know,
well, that’s a wonderful meditation. Nice work.
Yes! That is SO true! Thanks, Jane! 🙂
Very nice Erin – I don’t play any more but still appreciate classical music for “taking me away” – sometimes it’s the only thing that will…nice poem.
Yes, sometimes it is. I listen to Mass in B Minor when troubled. 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Sounds so comfy, Erin.
Thank you, Sara! It is…
Both Beautiful!! Oh… I think that I am going to like, umm, Love this prompt!
Ensconced in His Love
I hear you in the birds early morning rise
See you in their colors, a sparkle in my eyes
I feel you in the breeze that titillates my cheeks
A tender reassurance you will not leave me weak
When I choose to call on you and wait for a response
I know it’s my best interest, in your love I will ensconce
Listen for your voice speaking from my heart
This is where my comfort lies, from which I’ll never part
This is beautiful, Laurie! Especially love, “I hear you in the birds early morning rise/See you in their colors, a sparkle in my eyes…” Lovely! ❤
Yes… there is a lovely mockingbird outside my morning window…
Aww…
Yes… I Love them!!
Thanks, Erin.
LOVE your title. Such a tender picture leading into the peace that passes understanding!
Glad you like it, Janet. Somehow I knew you would.
Beautifully written, Laurie. There is a softness in its sound, a surety in its statement that reassures even as it slides past the ears.
Yes, very delightful Laurie. I especially enjoyed the first two lines.
🙂
Very nice Laurie – whispers of His grace
“Whispers of HIs grace,” for sure. I especially love “Listen for your voice speaking from my heart.” Beautiful, Laurie.
Marie Elena
I really like the word “ensconce” – it’s unusual and works well here
She Is Not a Dog Barking in the Night, or a Star
Wars, greed, starvation. Pendulum
depression, joint pain: she can’t sleep.
Lies stiff and close-eyed. Dark trains arch
far river bridges, east then south,
their horns like hounds she remembers
hearing from a winter bedroom
bell the cold hills, ice dog stars
barking as if with joy. She wraps
more warmth around aching shoulders
and imagines hickory fire
and a room nodding with a rocking chair.
…lovely ending…
Love it, especially the beautiful ending!
Lovely Title!
Having been through a couple of these nights, I could feel the pain, knew the train whistles and horns–we don’t here those where we are anymore–coyotes work well in dogs’ stead, and can well envision the fire and rocker and image the warm and comfort there.
Well done, Barbara.
I would so miss the trains. Probably less so if they were in my back yard and not a mile away.
When we lived in OK, the tracks were about half a mile east of us, and because of the geology of that area, we could feel the vibration of the moving trains through our homes’ foundations. It always felt and sounded like they were coming right through the houses. Not always pleasant at 3am.
What an interesting, enigmatic poem … I quite like it – the vibe is different, unique and utterly captivating.
This poem begs to be read several times to really take it in. Barbara, you truly write poetically … always. Love this: the mood and feel … you put me right there. BRAVO.
Marie Elena
Oh, a room nodding with a rocking chair. I just love that.
Quiet Comfort
I
want to
find my rest,
my peace, in your
Presence.
Henrietta, beautiful!
I echo Janet’s comment: beautiful!!
Oh, thank you, Janet and Erin!!
Amen!
Thank you, Laurie!
Simple, direct, and honest. Lovely, Henrietta.
Thank you, so much, Clauds!
Hen, this so reminds me of my sweet mama. She always said heaven is being with Him.
Ohh… what a lovely interpretation you have, Jane… I thank you!
I get this. Nice.
Thank you, Sharon… I thought you might…
*Selah*
Marie Elena
❤
Marie, I smiled as I danced through your poem, exhaling in peace at the ending! So brilliant and smooth. Walt, another fabulous rubyaiyat…and I agree, the arms of music carry us away.
Thanks so much, Janet!
Marie Elena
Somehow, I made it here early today. Think I was inspired by Walt’s and Marie’s steller rhyming this morning.
“A comfort borne”
Where beauty lies and beckons me
that’s where my mind soothests me
under the woolly warmth of love,
the morning tunes of sparrow song,
an arch of knowing
a graceful touch
the scent of prayer
on evening’s air
aloft on wings
with candles flared,
a hymn
to share
with friends who care,
a gentle hug
in tenderness,
our burdens aired
our burdens bared,
a moment’s breath upon
the storm,
upon my knees-
Here—
a comfort borne.
Here laughter sings of lofty things
and earth’s vibrations sail,
away in thundered mutterings,
here in this friendship lair,
Here soothing sighs of relief reign,
Here two hands grip the silent veil,
Here lovelorn hearts are shorn
by halves-
Here—
a comfort borne.
“A comfort borne…” So lovely!!
jlynn,
‘Here soothing sighs of relief reign,
Here two hands grip the silent veil,
Here lovelorn hearts are shorn
by halves-
Here—
a comfort borne.’
Your poem brings tears to the eye and warmth to the heart. Beautiful! Love the word ‘love-lorn’.
Amazing… I just love this!
Very kind words Laurie, Janet, and Erin.
A marvelous vision, Jlynn. Beautiful.
Lovely…
Soothing images, Jlynn.
“away in thundered mutterings” – so many great images here … love this Jlynn – it’s lovely
Oh, Janice … this soothes in and of itself. “the scent of prayer
on evening’s air” — wow. This piece (peace) sings serenity.
Marie Elena
This brought tears and smiles. Wonderful poem.
Awe, shucks
Solace
Soft surrender like no other
It’s a bit like coming home
To the arms of gentle mother
In the comfort of a poem
Timeless treasure tunes the silence
Promises from God to men
Murmur in the troubled darkness
As His whisper moves my pen
Ache of longing, fear of morrow
Flows in quiet tenderness
Melding pleasure, pain and sorrow
In this think-in-ink caress
Healer of heart-ache and hunger
Troubadour of sonnet-song
Passion, prayer and promise murmur
In the solace of a poem
© Janet Martin
Oh, this is so beautiful, Janet… I also believe God writes the poems we share and we find comfort there.
Laurie, thank-you for understanding. It’s so comforting when we of our own accord are heavy and blank…and then He whispers:)
This could be a hymn… in fact, I’m pretty sure it could be sung to one of the old tunes, couldn’t it?
k8e, When you mentioned this I began trying it out on some familiar tunes and it fits to; In the Rifted Rock I’m Resting. Thank-you for suggesting. The Rifted Rock has words one can rest in!
Reads so smoothly, Janet; a surcease of sound that flows over the reader. Lovely.
Thank-you Claudsy:)
Love, love, lovely! In the solace of a poem…how beautiful!
Thank-you Erin:)
“…Timeless treasure tunes the silence…” what a gorgeous line!!
Hen, thank-you for your ever faithful beauty here in this garden.
Oh, what a kind thing to say… thank you, Janet.
a gorgeous poem, Janet.
Thank-you Jane, words from a poet I deeply admire!
How really lovely Janet – and so true, often that’s where the solace is found…
Thank-you seingraham:)
*sigh*
To have yours and Jlynn’s back-to-back is a treat to my soul. WOW.
Marie Elena
You drew me in with your first line: “like coming home
To the arms of gentle mother In the comfort of a poem.”
Beautiful!
jlynn, thank-you so much.
What soothes you? What is it that puts you in a state of comfort? When all else seems to be crashing down around you, what offers you hope?
Take us to your happy place and let’s see if it works for us!
“Acceptance”
Acceptance, as I breathe its air today.
‘Tis comfort food to know that I may throw
a trouble in the past, long dead, away;
nor feast upon a future that might sway.
My joy is in the fortune of the Now
not ever in the past of sad regret.
Old troubles may renew beneath my plow;
new earth; new seed are better to endow.
A glory is before me, like the dove
who sings no matter past or destiny;
who sings because this life is hers to love;
this moment, as she sings from limb, above.
The above verse should be aaba and NOT abaa! Was trying to write in Rubaiyat form.
But a poem does what a poem wants to do. It is even comforting when that happens!
Yes, thanks, Viv. Decided to just leave it alone and not rewrite. Will call it a ‘sorta Rubaiyat’…lol.
It’s lovely, Jacqueline. I sort of figured you’d pulled one of my finger flubs with that “nor.” I changed it in my reading. This was a great reminder of having only the present to live and to take advantage of that knowledge while one can. Well done rubaiyat.
I like this a lot. Joy in the new and not the old. How true that is!!
“…like the dove/who sings no matter past or destiny;…” Ohh… beautiful…
“the fortune of the now” – how apt – and how true…lovely poem
Jacqueline, this is just so lovely. I especially adore your final stanza.
Marie Elena
Thank you all for your comments…
[…] On the subject of comfort, for Poetic Bloomings […]
PARADOX
A fear of oxymora overuse
nothwithstanding,
I say anyway:
Oh, Love’s the sweetest sadness;
the deafening silence of your ubiquitous absence;
the welcome pain
of Love’s healing graces;
the sharp-angled turns
in the circle of Forever;
tears wrung dry
from a heart still weeping;
Oh, Love– brightly darkened night!
Oh, Love– darkly lightened day!
the howling rage
of muted Love;
the unremembered memory
of Love’s sweetest sadness.
#
Well done, Sal. I love how this flows and the images my mind conjures up to match your words. Thanks so much for passing on this genius of oxy-fun, even on a serious subject.
This is a beautiful poem and a beautiful form. Love it!
“… in the circle of Forever…” !
“A fear of oxymora overuse”…but Sal, why should you fear it when
others among us certainly do not, ,lol.
spot-on Sal, such is love indeed – over-used or not, the sentiments are true…well said
“tears wrung dry from a heart still weeping”
*sigh* Lovely, lovely poem,Sal.
Marie Elena
Oh, my heart is fluttering, Sal. What a beautiful poem.
Marie, this one’s for you…
human sea
giant waves of sound collide
and cancel, all eyes upon
the comet coming down
bodies pile beneath the rim
air thin as February ice
and all I can think is
how I want to dive,
arms outstretched
into this dreaming space
between experience and hope
tumbling in the air
as the buzzer sounds
Oh, good one, Andrew. Great images, somber subject, leavened by the last stanza.
Good one! I love the pictures this stirs up…
“…into this dreaming space/between experience and hope…” ~ ❤ ~
beautifully put Andrew – and right under the buzzer … nice
Ah, yes!! Thank you for this, Andrew! 😀
Marie Elena
(and go Bucks!)
I like the idea of a dreaming space. Good one, Andrew.
Wild Places
Deep forest hollows
Where greens live beside browns,
Where humankind is absent,
Leaving the wild creatures
To teach importance;
This brings balance to mind.
Sitting on shore’s dune
Among grasses tested by sea winds,
With gulls daring albatross to
Bumble in landings comical,
While seaweeds scent air;
This brings scope to horizons.
Scaling mountainsides
Atop world’s rippled bedspread,
To view distances broad and
Alluring, pays for privileges
Taken at crystal streams;
This stretches one’s perspective.
Staring at sky’s night lights
On mental voyages of speculation,
Bringing silent self-knowledge
Of necessary paths yet to trod
On soul’s journey home;
This sweeps daily fog aside for clarity.
Wild things know purpose,
Without seeking explanations lair;
Their silence speaks of inner
Knowledge shared in wild
Places admitting seekers.
I really like this! Especially your second and fourth stanzas: the sea and the stars. Two of my favorite things in the whole wide world!
Oh, Beautiful… especially Loved that last stanza!!
Such gorgeous writing Claudsy – very nice…I too love the last stanza the best
Thanks so much, Sharon. I’m glad you liked it.
Like Barbara’s, this piece begged multiple readings to take it all in. As Sharon says — gorgeous writing, Clauds. The beauty and wisdom your soul holds put on display here.
BEAUTIFUL.
Marie Elena
Aw, thank you, Marie. I often wonder if you give me too much credit for simply writing what I feel when the images come. I’m happy that so many enjoyed this poem.
Love this, Claudsy, particularly `mental voyages of speculation’
That’s how I think of writing, whether poetry or prose. We’re merely speculating about a possible reality as we travel around the inside of our minds. We have an “E” ticket anytime we want to climb aboard to see what possibilities are outside those mental windows.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed it. Thank you.
Walt and Marie, you did so well this week with both prompt and your own offerings of poetic delight.
Aww … thanks much!!
Marie
You’re welcome, my friend.
Just a Laugh
What calms my soul, in part or whole,
is when I hear a cheery laugh.
Wish it came bottled: a carafe
or maybe in a punch(line) bowl?
I think that mirth is my top goal,
no matter pun (in rhyme) or naff,
so when I hear a cheery laugh
it calms my soul, in part or whole.
The benefits, I can’t extol
enough. In fact, there’s nothing daff
about a guffaw or a gaff.
It’s good to laugh sans self-control…
it calms my soul, in part or whole.
###
Nice! I am always hearing cheery laughs in my crowded home. I think my dad laughs more than anyone I’ve ever met! 😉
Oh, Erin, how Wonderful for you to be immersed in that fun energy!!
NICE!! Nothing better than to be raised by a dad with a great sense of humor! What a blessing!!
Marie Elena
Thanks, Hen and Marie. He is the best man that ever lived!
!! 😀
I agree that laughter is the best medicine. I’d love to hear you laugh, RJ.
Hear, hear!
And who better to make us laugh than our RJ! 😀 !
Marie Elena
RJ, you always make me smile. Another wonderful poem.
RJ I’m with you all the way – My husband’s declared intention is to make me laugh at least once a day. What a treasure!
Simple Treasures
What brings me joy are simple things.
An unread book upon my shelf
A cup of aromatic tea
A Ruby throated hummingbird
an old movie on AMC.
What gives me comfort as I age?
My trusting grandchild’s hand in mine
My love beside me in our bed
His even breathing soothing, calm
A mellow sun warm overhead.
Where do I find the peace I crave?
It comes to me in waves of love
That wash upon my barren shore
When I am in the greatest need
The Son of God my peace restores.
Lovely, Debi! “The Son of God my peace restores.” How absolutely true and comforting!
Yes!!!
Oh, Debi … I relate to absolutely every one of these. Thank you for this!
Marie Elena
Silence is the Music
Silence is the music
that quiets a somber soul
brightens every bitter corner
strengthens wearied sole
Silence is the music
that endures another step
whose marvelous cryptic haven
throughout my way has kept
Lovely! “Silence is the music…” is such a pretty line!
Thanks. Sometimes silence does it for me, sometimes its something else that is relaxing.
I know whatcha mean…
The word “silence” is as lovely as it sounds!!!
BENJAMIN! So very good to see you again! And what a soothing and lovely piece to return to us with. Thank you!!
Marie Elena
Beautiful, Benjamin.
Alone with Nature
Alone with
Nature:
Winds teasing,
Grass swaying;
Here I stand,
Clothed in
His purity,
Surrounded by
His creation:
Flowers blooming,
Willows weeping;
I feel like I
Could touch the clouds,
Those little, billowy,
White puffs,
Embroidered in
That blue-grey sky
With a gentle,
Loving hand.
Here I stand,
Alone with
Nature,
Astonished by His
Work of love.
© Copyright Erin Kay Hope – 2013
“…Those little, billowy,/White puffs,/Embroidered in/That blue-grey sky…” Oh, I can just seem them… Lovely, Erin!!a
Thanks, Hen! I love clouds; they look so pretty and filmy. 🙂
Yess…
Our astonishing Creator. Amen, and bravo. 🙂
Marie Elena
Simple
By David De Jong
A simple staple ration made since ages past
Flour, salt, oil and yeast pressed to a flexing dough
Heat cast of a fire brick oven with tempered glow
Pleasing aroma raised to the heavens at last
Golden crust of earthen harvested grains
As the blade breaks through stirring fresh relief
Heads bowed reverent in ancient belief
Soft buttered succulence as it remains
Snow lifts the earth in its hallowed white
Shallow flames simmers hand crafted stew
Essence of beef and vegetables through
Coaxed to perfection melded delight
Each in its own a treat to its self
Paired as one a feast to make you sing
You’ll dine in glory as if a king
For in your hands is a simple wealth
Comfort made at home from mother’s love
A gift so plain still boundless in worth
For memories gathered just past birth
Heaven sent from our Father above
Yummy! I just made beef stew and bread today. Awesome poem!!
Mmmm… yummy!!
Absolutely majestic, David. “Soft buttered succulence” — wow. This entire poem flows with perfection. BEAUTIFUL.
Marie Elena
Soothing (shadorma)
Seagulls cry, swooping
down to shore,
lips salty
tasting ocean’s depth, a roar
of rushing water.
Finger flames of fire
rising from
crackling logs,
sparks jumping, snapping in hearth,
cabin on a hill.
Pretty! I love “lips salty/tasting ocean’s depth, a roar/of rushing water.” So beautiful!
This soo reminds me of the Half Moon Bay Lodge…
I love shadorma and your poem.
Love, LOVE it, Sara!
Thanks, Janet,
Such a lovely, soothing scene you’ve painted with your words, Sara. Love it!
Marie Elena
Thanks, Marie!
Thanks so much to Hen, Jane, Erin, Janet, and Marie. I am honored.
Meditation
“Prayer is talking; meditation is listening.” Thaddeus Golas
When I need silence, comfort, peace,
when world noise clashes in my head,
I try to slowly breathe and count,
erasing white boards of my mind.
I concentrate on seeing blank
expanses, pure as falling snow
until the noise has died away,
and I can hear and then obey.
I ask for nothing; I unthink—
just wait and listen to my heart
and sometimes spirit enters there
to give me peace beyond all care.
My worries, angers, fears dissolve;
my knots untie and I can see
how integrally silence serves
to magnify the best in me.
Wonderful, Jane! Hearing and then obeying, something I DEFINITELY still need to learn. 🙂
…yesss…
“I ask for nothing; I unthink” love that, Jane. It sounds like something C S Lewis might have said. I need to try harder to do that -just listen.
Yes, Debi! I thought exactly the same thing.
Jane, this is yet another absolutely amazing write from your hand and heart.
Marie Elena
This really is a meditation technique to “clear the mind” which makes way for kinder things. The cleansing breath also helps with nausea and headaches. Do I sound like a yogi yet? Thanks, ladies.
I especially like “unthink.” Be here now.
Soothe Me
I won’t say no to a massage
a mani-pedi and shampoo
a kind of spiritual triage
with purring cat and peaceful view.
I won’t discourage lovely meals
a spring bouquet and spot of wine
or riding anything with wheels
or lying on a beach supine.
I want to listen to the birds
and sing some old romantic song
and make a space for pleasing words
to manifest before too long.
Bring me my glasses and my book
and fill my glass from time to time;
tuck me into a comfy nook
and let me focus on sublime.
Have a piano standing by
so I can work off any stress,
then we can have a piece of pie
and feel we are blessed and can bless.
How lovely! It all sounds fun and relaxing, especially the piano and book!
Yes!!
I concur : )
Thanks, Erin, Hen, and Debi.
yes, yes! When you mentioned shampoo a sudden memory jolted me. I remember thinking as a kid in a very strict up-bringing that for all the things forbidden one thing they could not steal was the intoxicating fragrance and feeling of my favorite shampoo:)
Tandem Jane poems. I’m in heaven. 🙂
Marie Elena
A quilt
soft pillow
sleep
bliss
Oh, so soothing…
I’m going back to bed now.
Yes! Perfect comfort…
Very soothing…
Viv, this one is a winner! Perfectly to the point.
Oh, Viv … an absolute gem.
Marie Elena
Viv, I think sleep is highly under-rated. What a solace! a sweet and true poem.
Eclectic Serenity (A Pantoum)
Quite depends upon the occasion
what thing will do the fix,
a mathematical equation
to work out all the ticks.
What thing will do the fix
when you need a bit of peace
to work out all the ticks
you might take a repairing lease.
When you need a bit of peace
I quite enjoy a cup of tea,
you might take a repairing lease
by lounging by the sea.
I quite enjoy a cup of tea,
the quite whispers of the breeze
by lounging by the sea,
though sometimes I tickle the ivories.
The quite whispers of the breeze
sooths my frantic soul,
though sometime I tickle the ivories
or take a little stroll.
Sooths my frantic soul
just to hold your hand in mine
or take a little stroll
also works just fine.
Just to hold your hand in mine,
close my eyes to thoughts –
also works just fine
to loosen all the knots.
Close my eyes to thoughts
a mathematical equation
to loosen all the knots
quite depends upon the occasion.
This is gorgeous, plus, thank-you for refreshing this form to me. I wanted to write a pantoum yesterday and could not remember how:)
“…I quite enjoy a cup of tea/the quiet whispers of the breeze/by lounging by the sea,…” Mmm…hmmm… Just Beautiful!!
Michelle, this is an excellent Pantoum. Get it over to Robert Lee Brewer’s Pantoum form challenge! http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/wd-poetic-form-challenge-pantoum
Wow! I am impressed with the smoothness of this form. Lovely!
This is SO beautiful, Michelle! I love “sometimes I tickle the ivories…” So do I!
The Distance Within
What matter if it’s day or night,
Any old hour will do
All I need is plenty of light
And I can slip away
Into some other tangled life
In a time both old and new.
“There is no frigate like a book”
A poet once did write
And many a voyage I’ve taken upon
A pillow and flashlight
While night circled about my room
I roamed the streets of cities far away
Viewed many a sadder sight
Than I might believe I was suffering.
Those lessons from the past
Stirred by a stranger’s imagination-
My contemplative views of worlds so vast
That mine might disappear into
Some imaginary ocean.
Wow Marian V.! So many great lines but I esp. was drawn to this one…’While night circled about my room
I roamed the streets of cities far away’
I loved that line too; and also, “…That mine might disappear into/Some imaginary ocean.”
Yes … captivating phrase, thought, and word picture. Great work, Marian.
Marie Elena
Like a lovely painting.
Me too! Well done, Marian!
Things that Comfort Me
A baby’s giggle, a toddlers laugh
A warm lavender bubble bath
Christian music, a happy dream
Hot tea with sugar and cream
A drifting kayak, a sister’s call
Cheery colors of a sunlit fall
Strong shoulders, an acoustic guitar
A country ride in an open car
A nature walk, a crackling fire
A friend’s words to inspire
Rain drumming softly on the roof
Comfy chair, some noodle soup
Crocheted afghan, chocolate mint
Clean pajamas against my skin
A purring kitty on my lap
A friendly smile, an afternoon nap
A bubbling creek, a mountain view
A whispered prayer, love that’s true
Ocean waves, a bedtime story
Bible promises of hope and glory
Connie, love, love, LOVE this! everyday awareness is such a gift!
Yes, moment by moment… Lovely, Connie!
Another one I can relate to in every way. Love this, Connie!
Marie Elena
This is so great! I like Christian music too. Especially Keith Green and 2nd Chapter of Acts.
[…] by Poetic Bloomings #97: True […]
BROKEN: A PLACE OF PEACE
(a shadorma)
Spirited
mare – scared, flinching; eyes
flash wildly
with fear and
her very soul is laid bare –
his whispers soothe her.
2013-03-04
P. Wanken
Yes!
Oh, Paula … this is so different from anything else out here so far. Way to think creatively, and paint a captivating picture with your words. Love it!
Marie Elena
Aw! So sweet!
Just Drive
Don’t way a word. Just put them right there on the coffee table,
back away, and nobody will get hurt. I need those car keys
right now. More than the right to vote, to remain silent,
to pack heat, I need the right to drive. No one in the car but me,
radio turned up full blast, windows rolled down, sun roof open,
I feel the need for speed, for curves, for mountain vistas.
I ache for the sameness of the interstate scenery, rock walls,
tall pines, the same signs for gas and fast food at every exit.
I want to keep rolling, to drive away from the tedium, tension,
talk talk talk, to see my life in the rearview mirror, horizon
through my windshield. Let me divide the time between now
and bedtime, emptying my mind of all but this song, this sky,
shifting my life into cruise control. Fear not. I’ll turn around,
circle back to where I started, back home to you, a fresh new me.
YES!! Well done, Nancy, and I can SOOO relate!
Marie Elena
I want this too! I’m getting my permit very soon! Nice poem, Nancy!
Enjoy, and be careful, Erin… you will Never be the same again… 😀 !!
!!! YES!!!
WHERE YOU LIE
As twilight skitters from the sky
Constellations contrive their design
And I am drawn to where it is you lie
To breathe deep, rest, and realign
Constellations contrive their design
While I draw strength from you
To breathe deep, rest, and realign
Beside your grave I lie now too
While I draw strength from you
All worry falls away and peace arrives
Beside your grave I lie now too
With each breath, it’s as if you survive
All worry falls away and peace arrives
As twilight skitters from the sky
With each breath, it’s as if you survive
And I am drawn to where you lie
(a pantoum)
another great pantoum! You drew me in with your enchanting first line!
Yes, me too. Sharon, if you’ve not already done so, please enter this in Robert’s challenge. http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/wd-poetic-form-challenge-pantoum
Beautifully penned!!
Marie Elena
Beautiful words for this pantoum. Flows wonderfully.
Beautiful, strong, sad…. I know just how you feel.
“…All worry falls away and peace arrives…” Yes… I incorporate this line into my poem… ~ ❤ ❤ ~
Rows of Comfort
By David De Jong
What comforts what consoles?
What brings calm to grievous souls?
To find relief from mental toil
Kneel between the rows, till the soil
Shuffling knees, the smell of dirt
Worry soaking through my shirt
Softly tending nature’s yield
Earnestly praying in the field
Ah for a man to be on his knees
Interpreting summer evening breeze
Harkened whispers of soft spoken leaves
Scents of freedom the clouds over-sees
Watching eagles grace the crest of trees
Who am I, surely the least of these?
Given purpose, our Creator’s ease
His glory abounds upon our knees
Each row done a prayer complete
Slow to stand on trembled feet
Worries removed and cast aside
Weeds of Eve’s tempter’s pride
Each row stand clean, strong and fast
Just as my Savior weeds my past
David, this is yet another gorgeously penned, inspirational piece. Do you have a book of faith-based poetry? If so, where can I purchase it?
Marie Elena
Thanks Marie. The only books I have are the ramblin’s in my head. Hope to someday though. Bit green at all this – trying to learn what I can and open to any recommendations/suggestions. As I’ve said before – I feel like a whittler in a saw mill, compared to all the great writers here. Appreciate the kind words.
David, your writing is stunningly beautiful, uplifting, and inspirational. In my humble opinion, you are right in there with the best of them.
Marie Elena
Marie, Thank you – I consider that a great honor coming from you.
Beautiful, David! I want your book too!
Just Beautiful!!
Finding Comfort
Comfort lives
In quiet moments,
Stolen time
To just breathe
And linger in memories
Of who I once was.
Awww … lovely, with a tinge of meloncholy. Nicely done, Mary.
Marie Elena
Mary, this is oddly comforting, though sad as well.
What a beautiful Shadorma! I love this, Mary! It seems so sad and somehow sweet…
Bittersweet and, yet, comforting…
Thank you all so much!
So many of these have a touch of bittersweet to them, and this is a lovely one.
Watercolor Praise
A watercolor sunset gives
Such peace to me,
And watercolor trees and birds
Bring out the calm in me.
To have a brush in my hand
And paint on my nose,
To have music while I work,
Paint spots on my toes.
A painter, through her brush and paints
Can glorify her God,
As well as nature she lives in,
Lifting her work to laud.
© Copyright Erin Kay Hope – 2013
Lovely, Erin… my daughter is an artist, and tho it’s been many years since she stood at her easel, in our home, I can see her clearly through your words… Thank you, Erin! 🙂
Neat! I am a kind of artist, in my own bumbling way. 🙂 Glad you liked it, and thanks for reading!
Another beaute.
Marie Elena
Thank you, Marie. You are sweet! 🙂
Erin, I can see you with paint on your nose! Nice.
Thanks! It usually does happen. I get so absorbed, and then I look in the mirror later and there’s a dab of ultramarine or crimson or something streaked across there. 😉
The Lake’s Lap
I sit
here
to spill my own
heart.
I breathe
here
to know my own
soul.
I listen
here
to hear my own
song.
.
Beautiful simplicity, De! It sounds so soothing and peaceful!
Simply serene. 🙂
Marie Elena
Lovely. It’s a comfort to read this.
[…] Written for Poetic Bloomings. […]
RESPITE
This winter’s been a force
for the reckoning. It’s
left us raw
and battered,
embattled,
and there’s been no respite
for us. No hospice
for bruised hearts,
and we cling
to our senses. Our touch,
our smell, our hearing; we’ve
escaped
death’s three bells –
swollen eyes
and welled tears.
Our emotions ride high-tides,
overflowing, and I
watch your eyes
that twinkled
with the best an evening star
could offer, and now
there’s a dull
sheen to them.
Your skin isn’t quite as firm
as before, and I know
that things aren’t
quite the same
anymore. And then I
smell coffee, a swaying
aroma
pressing through
ground beans, hot
and sultry and steaming,
and then you settle
the newspaper
with a disciplined shake,
and I share a pot of berries
for our cereal …
and then I know that
eventually everything
will be okay,
although never
quite the same as it was before.
Hearts and hugs to you, Misk. Excellent and moving.
Marie Elena
“… a swaying aroma…” What a wonderful image, in such a touching poem.
Thank you both.
[…] Poetic Bloomings, “True Silence” http://poeticbloomings.com/2013/03/03/true-silence-prompt-97/ […]
Solace
There is something to be said
for dark chocolate
a glass of icy-sweet moscato
Bach in the air
the heat turned up a notch
(or maybe two)
and
perhaps
one small stuffed bunny on the side.
Bach in the air…yes! You are my kind of woman! 😉
[…] TRUE SILENCE – PROMPT #97 Poetic Bloomings […]
The secret message for peace?
It is written in Cheerios and Lego braille beneath one’s couch.
The code is obscured by over-grown dust-bunnies.
Some will not find rest unless every last item has a place
or every wall must bear a new color,
each floor board’s polished mirroring sad out of touch faces.
No, there’ll be no joy in conducting oneself like this.
Nor will one find true mindfulness-
bliss in the escape to cybernetic worlds,
words whirled and magically spent
leaves one bereft of actual human contact
renders one deaf to those that are physically in the room,
robs you from the ones that are right there with you.
They need you.
Can you hear them?
Look into their eyes.
I believe this intangible peace lies there,
within them.
Become present-
simply be.
Copyright © Hannah Gosselin 2013
This poem is inspired by a conversation that Marie and I had on FB…the first line is an excerpt of mine…we were talking about time and its speed and children being the cause of this…
So, all week I had this poem in mind after I missed the Sunday before last prompt…I had to add mine in…I didn’t feel right missing prompt!
Also, just as I was settling down to write this poem with a cup of tea, (Yogi Tea…love them, they have tea bag quotes!!), mine said: The best way of life is to be, simply be. I couldn’t agree more…a good note to end a poem about peace on so thank you Yogi Tea for that one. 😉
Warm smiles to everyone!
Oh, Hannah, this is beautiful!
Thank you so very much Katie!!
Oh, my sweet friend … what an amazing piece. Truth – beautifully, simply, and ever-so-creatively stated.
This is why I love you. Your heart shines like few others.
Marie
Oh, Marie!! I was just coming back here to state that I disagree with my poem on the point about relationships…cyber ones…because there is a definite handful of very genuine and love-filled friendships that I would not have if it weren’t for that cyber-world….and in the same breath I must always try to maintain balance…it can be so tricky.
I didn’t want anyone to misunderstand my thoughts and feelings about that point. Because I love you, too my friend…BIG love to you…you make my heart so happy with your kind comments and presence in my/our cyber-world!! ♥
And so I meant to say…in all those words spilled I missed these…thank you, Marie. ♥