Saturday, November 30, 2013

Dainty Little Shoes

                                                                                    Attribution: Warburg
Image: Red Shoes, Prada
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

Placed at an unflattering position on the body
But extending a service so noble, what an irony

But wait, man or rather woman had it all worked out
Make it look good, make it look current in fashion
A bee-line to well known shoemakers and be part of the crowd
Royals and celebrities for the same quality brand 
To be a regular at Jimmy Choo’s
Princess Di before and others with fashion sense
Considered to have arrived with such shoes
Announced as as one of Jimmy's clients

But wait again! It served its purpose for what was intended
One just cannot ignore, for it was meant also for protection
Of bare and dainty feet against the vagaries of nature tendered
Heat and cobble-stones and in sports of various extractions
As an accessory  in dressing and finery of elegance
At the work place with steel tips as shoes of safety
But man being man had refused to forget its lowly position
Essentially it relates to the cultures of many societies

Sitting with the soles facing someone in front is insulting
Having one thrown at you is worst, and that happened since

To a President no less
Feelings of hate to be addressed

This happened when shoes were generously thrown
to vent their anger and frustrations
At Saddam’s falling statue as it was pulled down
by none other than its own citizens

Treat it well, with acts of love so refined
Treat it with respect, it then stays at the feet
Treat others with disrespect then one may just find
it flying at one’s face to even out a dictator's misdeeds

Written for Shanyn's hosting at d'Verse with Poetics: A mile in these shoes

Friday, November 29, 2013

Those Who Had None

                                                                                          Attribution: John Fowler
Image: Heceta Head Lighthouse
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

harbour moon
the loneliness of fishermen
under lighthouse cliff              -    Joe of FlatHeadHaiku
longing for bountiful catch
giving conscience a big nudge

harbour moon
the loneliness of fishermen
under lighthouse cliff              -    Joe of FlatHeadHaiku
akin to misfortune of
the chosen ones who lost out

harbour moon
the loneliness of fishermen
under lighthouse cliff              -   Joe of FlatHeadHaiku
sheltering from onslaught of
those who sinned without mercy

Chev's CARPE DIEM of Tan Renga Challenge #XXX with haiku by Flatfroghaiku

Thursday, November 28, 2013

A Paradise Undisturbed

                                                                                        Attribution: Farazkhan007
Image: The Lush Greenery
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

Words provided for 3WW:
Curious  Inevitable Wary

The inevitable did happen
He had intended to stay on longer
Not everyday he could be there
He had worked on his itinerary
It was meticulously planned
He had accounted for everything
So he thought!

He touched down two days ago
Bent on seeing his childhood
yearnings fulfilled in this land
of heavenly paradise

He would stay in a house-boat
Refreshments and meals provided
The house-boat owner saw to that
He was curious of Dal Lake of
Gulmarg and Phahalgam, a fascination

Warned to be wary of political discontent
Marauding groups fighting for separation
Independence or whatever
but he did not see any

What he saw were streams of
clear spring waters gushing
down the hill sides amidst sprays
of rainbow in the cool breeze
Watering the lush green meandering
Around boulders on both sides of
country roads

Of beautiful maidens with rosy cheeks
Manning little stalls in all innocence
Offering fruits and food to the hungry
Beside them were pelts of leopards and
Bengal tigers and myriads of leather goods
What did he do wrong to be requested home
What was so pressing that his presence was needed
That he could not fathom

He had to leave bidding farewell
To the grand Kashmiri landscape
Though he felt upon ascending
Through the clouds, Srinagar beckons
For a later occasion that he hoped

Written for Thomg's hosting at 3WW CCCLIV

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

An Old Love Returns

Image: 1 Showing one hung up at the lobby where we had the launch.  It would
look better if framed with a non- reflecting glass, but cost is a factor

 Image: 2 My other love, golf

A Special Note For Claudia: 
I was most inspired by your recent works with acrylics. They were fantastic! It made me 
rush down to the shop and got me a set. Thanks a lot, Ma'am!

Been lingering in my system
Had tried to pin it all down
But it kept musing in my head
It was poignant, at times despair
More recently tugging at my conscience
Accompanied with a tinge of regret

What was there to do then
Something had got to give
Especially so on seeing
Some beautiful ones
Every now and then
In exciting colors

The opportunity came by
As sudden as the urge
It was a hectic two weeks
Tumbling head over heels
Over an old flame back
from the cold

Feverishly I worked my heart out
Acquired a new set of primary colors
Dabbed them generously over the boards
Splashed here and there
Still not really sure of the outcome
But it was sweat and tears
I drew on what I had
For I had then an inspiration
All in acrylics

I managed 10 and hung them up
At my recent book launch (here)

Something is now goading me
To work on my old love
More for the ensuing year

Written for Bjorn's hosting at d’Verse’s OpenLinkNight week #124


Monday, November 25, 2013

Come Sweet October

                                                                                          Attribution: Keven Law
Image: At the Vineyard
Source : Wikimedia Commons (here)

oh, sweet October...
spare thy frost on yonder grapes
our sweet summer wine        -   Opie Houston
tantalizing fare of warmth
and spectacle of wonder

oh, sweet October...
spare thy frost on yonder grapes
our sweet summer wine         -   Opie Houston
when succulent blessings do
shower down on the faithful

oh, sweet October...
spare thy frost on yonder grapes
our sweet summer wine         -   Opie Houston
for young and old to transform 
to fun revelers in time

Written for Chev's CARPE DIEM Tan Renga Monthly Challenge # XXVI
with hailku by Opie Houston


Sunday, November 24, 2013

Drifters Moving Along...


                                                                          John Singer Sargent, 1889

Image: Autumn on a River (Courtesy of Tess' Mag 195)

The misty Autumn morning
With hazy clouds across drifting
A drifter comes into sight
Sheltering  under thick blankets
Nonchalantly keeping pace so slow
Drifting in an even flow

Without a care in the world…

Leisurely gaining momentum
To forget life’s many distractions
Slow inertia towards the estuary
Alone as drifters do in no hurry

Feelings shoved to the back burner
Not retaining some for any other
Letting life’s troubles undisturbed
To garner some inspirations so absurd

She drifts along…

Just as drifters who walked into saloons
Without a bother they were left alone
They could have their drinks unchallenged
Quietly by themselves and off they went

Destination unknown…..

Old Habits Die Hard

                                                                                         Attribution: Peretz Partensky
Image: Never a Compromise
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

Sunday Whirl with words:
choice cycle create gap gathering habits however
lessen regard suffering  undoing virtue

Old habits die hard
Scant attention given to discard 
One can create due regard
But many do not act smart

Undoing of ingrained suffering
By virtue of gathering strength
Be rid of silliness long standing
To lessen the gap to reduced length

However breaking a habit
Is no mean easy but requires
Strong resolve to be effective
Once decided one never falters

Avoid cycle of tryouts
Stay true to a reformed self
Deserving  then of a shout-out
Having triumphed above all else

Written for Brenda'sWordle #136 and Mary's hosting at
Poets United's Poetry Pantry #177

Thanksgiving Jitters


Image: Courtesy of Grandma's Goulash

Knowing what's coming
is frightening. Why can't
they get it over with
Waiting is annoying

It gets on my nerves
It borders on intimidation!

(140 characters)

Grandma provides the image at Succinctly Yours week 140 for a Micro Fiction
of not exceeding 140 characters and to include the word 'border'

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Toying with Abstracts

                                                                      The Beak - Hank's Recent Abstract Painting
Note: Recently I decided to try the present
generation of acrylics and paint some abstracts
I just dabbled in red and blue and came up with
something like the beak of some monstrous birds.

Taking on the bait still alert
Of breaking off the shackles
Toying with colors and palette
How it’s going to be handled

Just dabbling with acrylics
Not in mind of any targets
Decided to go through the basics
With a purchase of a new set

Try for hues of red of blood
Bright primary colors so true
Abstracts a choice to start
With generous splashes of blue

What comes of it now
Draw first and later decide
On the title that’s normal

Is it a beak taking flight?

Note: Submitted for PFF on April 07, 2017

Written for Hannah's hosting at Real Toads
with generous colors of red  at
the Red Beach of Paijin, China

Friday, November 22, 2013

Echoes of the Past

                                                                                                User: Botaurus
Image:  The Old Kensington at Anchor
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

echoes of the past
resound into the present
a dream of the sea                       -  Off the Tippets
Recounting fame and fortune
Of wild seafarers of old

echoes of the past
resound into the present
a dream of the sea                       -  Off the Tippets
conveyed well beyond the shores
messages for young lovers

echoes of the past
resound into the present
a dream of the sea                      -  Off the Tippets
fulfillment  for the curious
unshackled and wanting more

Chev's Tan Renga Monthly Challenge XIII with haiku from 'Off the Tippets 

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Ode to the Eyes

                                                                 Attribution: Laurinemily at en.wikipedia
Image: Hazel Green Eyes
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

Bewitching
Naughtily playful
Straining
wanting more
A pair that always looks good
Conveniently placed
In front
looking ahead
Not at the back of the head
Not Cyclops like either
but two dainty eyes
-          doe-like
-          glassy
-          misty
-          hazy
-          squinting
-     dreamy
-     colored
-     almond shaped
-     slanting
-     blinking
-    closed

Though sometimes
sharp as spears
piercing
and can kill

But greatness
of Providence
for all those
a dual function

Eyes to see
Eyes for emotions
-          Sadness
-          Excitement
-          Laughter
-          Surprises
-          Happiness
All bringing tears

But nothing beats
The come hither look
Bane to many
young hearts
And the stronger sex
who
pathetically succumbed
with just
one look

Tony’s hosting at d’Verse writing the Neruda way Forms for All:
 Modern Odes with a taste of  Chile

Sheets of Waves Cover

                                                                    Attribution: Paul Cesar Helleu
Image: Snugly in Safe Hands
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

sheets of waves cover
asleep sea, lighthouse rotates
sparkling lullabies                       -   Inner Zone
music to the ears sadly
just keeper for company

sheets of waves cover
asleep sea, lighthouse rotates
sparkling lullabies                        -   Inner Zone
extending a reach across
carried by the winds beyond

sheets of waves cover
asleep sea, lighthouse rotates
sparkling lullabies                        -  Inner Zone
for young mothers to share
hugging babies  in their arms

For Chev's CARPE DIEM Tan Renga Challenge #XXII with Inner Zone's haiku
'sheets of waves cover'

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Feeling Flighty with Flights

                                                                                  Attribution: Brookie
Image: A Flying Start
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

A flight into the unknown
The projected journey to Mars
A one way ticket to be gone
For spectacular space travelers

A flight of stairs is nearer to reality
Though replaced by escalators in many
Movements with one’s own energy
Undoubtedly escalators make one lazy

A flight of four that is usual in golf
Play with buddies and lots of enjoyment
Lucrative sports, big money involved
For the golf pro with endorsements

A flight of fancy into realms of dreams
Fairy tales keeping youngsters in awe
But not with present day youngsters’ whims
Where with computer games they get more

For Megg's hosting at Sunday Scribblings #396, with prompt 'flight'

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Life's Challenges

                                                                                     Attribution: Michael Kooiman
Image: Royalty Check from a Music Publisher
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

On the white sand
Of the beach of a small isle
In the Eastern Sea
I, my face streaked with tears,
Am playing with a crab             -   Ishikawa

Lost in thoughts I see
ships full of hope and goodness
there for my picking
Sadly the waters beyond
made it just impossible

Reflecting sadly
Of fortunes that wriggled  through
my hands all these years
What have I done wrong to be
deserving of miseries

Chev at CARPE DIEM's Tanka Shrine#2 provides a sad tanka of
Ishikawa to be matched with an equally sad response of our own
To be shared with d'Verse's OpenLinkNight week#123

Monday, November 18, 2013

Inner Feelings of Self



                                                                                         Attribution: Vmenkov
Image: Searching for  the Inner Self
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

tickling ivories
scintillating music sound
filling the inner soul             -    Carol
exudes strains of lingering
make-up soothing the being

tickling ivories
scintillating music sound
filling the inner soul             -     Carol
impinging on rough diamonds
hoping few will turn out gems

Written for Chev’s CARPE DIEM Tan Renga  Challenge month # XIX 
building on Carol's haiku 'tickling ivories'

Sunday, November 17, 2013

What About the Letter

Image: Courtesy of Tess' Mag 194

Sunday Whirl, the words:
befuddled breath isolate lanky marsh mouth
murky pain puddle race razor silky whiskey

befuddled and perplexed
he remembered the letter
was still in his pocket, soiled
but he could not readily respond

his breath reeking cheap whiskey
mouth frothing and head turning
he could not expect to be at his best
how he regretted his boy’s night out

a lanky guy he tried to race
through the murky marsh
but there were puddles to avoid
he was in pain from the razor sharp
old boughs rotting in the ground
only the silky handkerchief around
his neck sustained his resolve

he tried hard to isolate the hardships
and confusion from his clouded mind
he must make it through the slush
after all they cannot go on without him
he’s lost but somehow he must make it

for tomorrow is his wedding day

Written for Tess' Magpie Tales #194 and Poets United's Poetry Pantry #176

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Reaching Higher

                                                                              Attribution: Kenpes

Image: The Cortederia Selloana or the common pampas grass
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

my little green lawn
dreams about the pampas grass
I dream of the stars                        -  JRB
so as to strive higher where
realms of hope and honor reign

my little green lawn
dreams about the pampas grass
I dream of the stars                        -  JRB
reaching points beyond human
endurance and righteousness

Written for Chev's CARPE DIEM Challenge #XVII with JZB's haiku
'my little green lawn'

Friday, November 15, 2013

Fate of Cherry Blossoms

                                                                                 Attribution: RJ Higginson
Image:  Bee on Cherry Blossoms
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

in hidden places
under the porch floorboards-
cherry blossoms                       -    Managua Gunn
blown by the light evening breeze
discarded and unwanted

in hidden places
under the porch floorboards-
cherry blossoms                        -  Managua Gunn
sustained for a while alone
dry,spent and taken for trash

Written for Chev's CARPE DIEM Tan Renga Monthly Challenge # XVI with
Managua Gunn's haiku 'in hidden places'

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Apparitions of Nights

                                                                                     Attribution:  Jeffery Pfau
Image: The Stonehenge at Sunset
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

ghosts of the ancients
cast their towering shadows
on the holy ground                        -  Patricia
lone concrete apparitions
seems full of life and fervor

ghosts of the ancients
cast their towering shadows
on the holy ground                        -  Patricia
man made with invisible
hands sustaining its influence

ghosts of the ancients
cast their towering shadows
on the holy ground                       -  Patricia
holding out but quietly
a wonder of time and space

Written for Chev's CARPE DIEM Tan Renga Challenge of
month #XIV with Patricia's 'ghosts of the ancients' haiku
featuring the Stonehenge

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

A Book Launch and Poetry Reading

                                                                                          Attribution:  Che Aris
Image: 1   A demure Ms Ninotaziz engrossed when reading my poetry, 'The Little Bird'


                                                                                         Attribution:  Che Aris
Image: 2   Followed by my long-time friend OP Tan Sri Aziz who read the 'River'.  In
the background are copies of books ' 100 National Heroes' written by OP Tan Sri Aziz himself


                                                Attribution:  Che Aris
 Image: 3 Not to be outdone my grand-child Nabil confidently at the mike reading the 'Eagle'


                                                  Attribution:  Che Aris
Image: 4 Hank together with OP Zenko our association's magazine editor


                                               Attribution:  Che Aris
Image: 5 Hank doing the book signing for OP Razali


The Haiku

Book Launch and poetry
reading done with great support
from family  and friends

The Prose

A Book Launch was done for Hank's book ‘Rainbow, Poetry and Prose last weekend Nov 10 at the prestigious Royal Lake Club. A modest crowd of distinguished guests, family and friends mainly from my old boy’s network (from  the Royal Military College) totaling  80 persons or so in number were there.

The Book Launch was performed by our association's President, eminent scientist Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor. I am proud to mention here that we also had poetry reading by eminent poet, story-teller and blogger the wonderful Ninotaziz. Blogger Pakcik Hassan from Trengganu was instrumental in getting me into poetry and Madam Ninot was the guiding light. Pakcik had earlier apologized for not being able to come.

There was also a poetry reading by my long-time friend Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman and my grandchild little Nabil who is just 8 years old (and he did it like a pro)

I wish to thank all those who were present for all their support that afternoon. All in all it had been an experience, a wonderful experience.

At the same time I wish to apologize to friends in blogosphere as the week leading to
this launch had adversely affected my response as well as response time to comments.

Thank you all!


Submitted for Brian’s hosting at d’Verse OpenLinkNight week #122

Monday, November 11, 2013

Disasters Appear at Will

                                                                         Attribution: Wallace RE 313
Image: Tsunami That Hit Mindanao in 1976
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

entangled branches
sun ascends through lifeless limbs
beautiful chaos                                 -   HA
struggles through cool mornings so
life will not be on stand-still  
                          
entangled branches             
sun ascends through lifeless limbs
beautiful chaos                                 -   HA
reflects on disasters that
appear at will uncontrolled

Written for Chev's CARPE DIEM Tan Renga Challenge #XII of HA's 'entangled branches' and Mary's hosting at Poets United's Poetry Pantry #175

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Talking Fibonacci Poems

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21 syllable count
for a Fibonacci Poem

Sincere apologies, dear all. I've been behind in reverting back with my comments. 
I'm up to my neck running around these past few days. I'm having my Book Launch 
this Sunday Nov 10, that is why! I'll make amends to all next week!

Joy
Fun
Two souls
Together
What can be better
Life is for the asking, give love
Rewards and care can come together and never fail
Many such sincere relationships have been blessed for all their wonderful attitudes

Written for Chev's CARPE DIEM of Little Ones - A Fibonacci Poem

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Salvation fulfilled

                                                                                               Attribution: I EIC
Image  Awareness
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

life completes circle
at the end of the journey
death draws the last line      -    Sara McNulty
Repent mere mortals for a
second chance never did come

life completes circle
at the end of the journey
death draws the last line       -    Sara McNulty
awareness likely option
towards salvation fulfilled

Written for Chev's CARPE DIEM Tan Renga Month #5 with Sara's
life completes circle and Grace's hosting at d'Verse OpenLinkNight Week 121

Monday, November 4, 2013

Love is for Sharing

                                                                                          User: psubhashish
Image: River Stones
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

river stones
caressed by flowing water
pale moon shines 
to share a night together
with feelings of fulfillment

river stones
caressed by flowing water
pale moon shines
as others are made happy
sharing some little comforts

river stones
caressed by flowing water
pale moon shines
and guarded in their approach
mindful love is elusive

Written for Chev's Carpe DIEM #4.  To make Becca Givens' River stones haiku
into a Tan Renga with additional 7-7 lines and Kerry's hosting at Open Monday Night at Real Toads

Sunday, November 3, 2013

"I'm The Greatest"


                                                               Attribution: Courtesy of Ronald Reeagan Library
Image: Ali with President Reagan in 1983
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

Sunday Whirl Wordle with words
creation distance emits fists hits impulse invisible 
infinite kneel  precise rhythm whisperings

Fists flying, mouth spewing venom
An infinite fighting machine
Provocation emitted freely at its best
A handful could last the distance
Others did not know what hit them

Predicted when others kissed the mat
His predictions uncanny instances of accuracy
The precise rounds were quoted
When they would fall a crumbled mess
Rhythm of creations not on impulse
To them he appeared invisible
Despite loud whisperings of ‘I’m the greatest’
Kneeling on bended knees the vanquished

His fights were remembered by names
Of those he defeated Chuvalo Cooper
Mildenberger Patterson Liston Foreman
Bugner Norton Tyson and a host of
other lesser known all because he
'floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee'

Written for Brenda's hosting of Sunday Whirl Wordle #133 Mary's hosting at Poetry Pantry #174

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Completing a 3-line Haiku

                                                                                       Attribution: Pbwelch
Image: Sounds of Gongs
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

chanting and humming
gongs immerse the green valley
full of sanctioned bliss

chanting and humming
gongs immerse the green valley
in celebration

chanting and humming
gongs immerse the green valley
with grand musicals

Chev's CARPE DIEM challenge #3 to complete a haiku with the 3rd line of 5 syllables

Friday, November 1, 2013

The Scarecrow

                                                                                         Attribution: Woodlot
Image: Scarecrow in a row
Source: Wikimedia Commons (here)

wind jostles the scarecrow
near the heavy-hung cornstalks
the summer is spent                                              (Jessica)
change to what the Fall offers
respite before the shivers

wind jostles the scarecrow
near the heavy-hung cornstalks
the summer is spent                                              (Jessica)
heart flutters when heat withdrew
soul given to fun and joy

Chev at CARPE DIEM with Tan Renga Challenge #1. We are to complete
the second stanza with a 7-7 to Jessica's Haiku