shooting stars in the night sky

                                                                                                 Author:Astro_Alex

Image: A Shooting Star Aurora (here)
(a shooting star burning up in an aurora as 

seen from a  Russian manned spacecraft)

rather curious
shooting stars in the night sky
showers and tailings

sense of freedom 
must be fun but
must I wait in the open,
in the cool night air?

no, save the bother
have someone thumb hard on your

head, you will see stars

(44 words)

De Jackson at d'Verse - Quadrille#129

a curiosity of poems

Hoping for life's blessings

                                                                               Author: Elizabeth Warren

Image: Fighting for a Cause (here)

10 of 12 given words:

bounty chase open odds grounds 

dishevelled time rain thunder men 

A jaundiced view through glassy eyes

A bounty revealed but chose to remain calm

Never to chase and rightly not to defy

Open to conjecture on how to run

An odds-on favourite to be a champion

On grounds of honesty not to alter the mode

Needless to assume it lacked such a burden

A damper to all efforts to lighten the load

Strong soul dishevelled in thinking at times

Rain and thunder considered not a difficulty

Given to venture through even without a dime

Hoping for life's blessings in all sincerity

Walked on alone none who owed him a living

Made up his mind to stay clear to be strong

Men were expected to be always forgiving

Made his way forward, he would have won!

Brenda's Sunday Whirl Wordle #503

I can see you in my reflections

                                                        
                                                                                              Author: anon

Image: Reflections Playing Tricks (here)

I cannot have you

I cannot touch you

The most I can see

Are two reflections

How cruel fate can be

Can I be set free?

I can see you in my dreams

I can see you everywhere

But you are nowhere

My choices are limited

My yearnings are beyond reach

My emotions are beyond reasons

My wants are beyond redemption

I’m vulnerable

Set me free

Answer me!

Carrie at Sunday Muse #162

Rivers are a source of life and energy

 

                                                                                       Author: Taxiarchos228

Image:  Advancing undeterred (here)

the 12 given words:

river, hills, advance, noise, darkness, broken, 

water, clean, silk, placid, curled, forever

free-flowing river meandering

down from the hills from little rivulets

advancing, glistening in the morning sun

upon reaching leveled grounds in darkness

feigned orderly nonchalant laziness

moving unbroken around strong boulders

obligatory in extending life support

clean water smooth as silk

to living creatures seeking refuge

placid cleanly curled up 

in solemn agreement to provide solace

but what of deluge splayed across the plains

where forever a menace to the peace

undermining flora and fauna

lashing downstream 

flattening everything in its path

in shambles unaccounted for

of dwellings, limbs of animals and man

threatening the livelihood of countless

but wait!

rivers are a source of life and energy

benefitting mankind in all of its propensity

in good times when cleverly harnessed

magnanimous in its kindness

MMT's the Whirligig #320

Jade Li's at d'Verse's OLN #293

venture out push for a long ride

                                                                                              Author:Johann Jaritz

Image: Unchartered territory (here)

to include the quotation:

'roads, where we are going we don't need roads'

-  from the movie, Back to the Future, 1985 

like wearing other's shoes
we could understand better their blues
an awakening not burdened with guilt
a distraction not likely to cause a jolt
not realizing what that entailed
often wondering why they failed
choose not ourselves to restrain
if we could feel the pain

go then find from where you could get
the love searing your heart you had not met

to discover where the road leads
go for a  wholesome thrust till it bleeds

roads, where we are going we don't need roads

just travel light not to unwisely overload

give it all you’ve got, 

give it a shot.
when you’re done, 

reflect on your wants
if it’s tough 

give it a laugh

venture out push for a long ride

you never know until you’ve tried

Mish at d'Verse Poetics: Make my Day

now opening up to old age

                                                                                           Author Charles J. Sharp  

Image:  Trudging along but 

Elephants Never Forget (here)

the 10 of 12 given words:

Define Shallow Lip Biting

Behind Remote Seduction Believe Float 

Guttural (harsh-sounding speech sound produced in the throat)

Dizzy Tremble

given to niceties hard to define

shallow in thinking when 

growing up but life had been forgiving

lip biting in challenging times 

and trudging behind most of the time

now opening up to old age

remote seduction of life's blessings

now more to believe towards

the pay-back of good times

to helping people in difficulties

health-wise afflictions float

slowly to creep in, on the quiet

but progressively in guttural 

stops of speech interruptions

testing times on hold

dizzy at times or arrested wholly

at work or at play one takes

the middle road

thankful for the morrow

that offers so much for those

who strive at their own pace

to tremble along mindful 

of forgetfulness that old age

brings forth

MLMM's Wordle #242

must this happen, just wondering why!

                         Author: Catrin Welz-Stein

Image:  Privileged with a Twin (here)

flapping merrily full of promise
colourful as a rainbow in intensity
bid me a time, for I wish
to whet my appetite on all the variety

serve me the garnish that I may devour
for the myriads of possibilities.
the goodness of being together
in all sincerity with you as company

blessed with a twin never been a bore

you and your wonderful ways
we just hit it off more than just a sister
from where we left off on any day

ever so thoughtful of my feelings
and idiosyncrasies all bewildered

rash and brash but ever so loving.
young hearts we longingly offered

never impinging on the absurd
must this happen, just wondering why

leaving questions unanswered 

on the day you said goodbye!

Carrie's at Sunday Muse #161

not for the mundane but the graceful

                                                                                                    Author: Sina Kelvani

Image: From the left, to the right (here)

the 10 of 12 given words:

mundane bedroom apply trapeze 

swing act gravity need work feat

not for the mundane but the graceful

not to dance in the bedroom but the ballroom

one-two-three, one two three a move so beautiful

waltzing as fast as the eyes could consume

very much as a high-flying trapeze artiste

to swing with long strides to the left

an act seemingly to defy gravity so polished

measured steps to the right not bereft

of movements across the length of the floor

a need to work with precision so refined

a feat to demand an encore

to apply the required move so defined

MMT's the Whirligig #319

Nekneeraj's at MLMM's Photo

Challenge #366

Bjorn at d'Verse MTB - waltzing

Disney’s Epcot nighttime spectacular

Image:1 Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Florida. My loving wife, 

Shadah, daughter  Azlin and son Hafidz. Youngest son Azhar, still 

a tiny tot then in the pram

Image:2 Disney World's Epcot Center, Florida. My son 

Hafidz with Epcot's 'Golf Ball' in the background

the 10 of 12 given words:

spray run fun unify Florida lie 

scandal news seconds hard

A sudden boom momentarily, a sudden quiet and darkness
Then the skies lighted up again, a spray of colors engulfed the night
Just as sudden a few more runs followed with sprinklings of goodness
Evoking effects of noise, smoke, floating debris and light

Rocketed upwards balls of fire and sparks of euphoria
Into the air to explode in a variety of sizes, shapes and flavour
Accompanied with whoops of joy and shouts of hysteria
A fun family fare in all innocence to unify and rally around together

Sophistication in fireworks management was not obscure
Aerial fireworks with compressed air rather than gunpowder
The display shell exploded in the air using an electronic timer
 At Florida Disney’s Epcot nighttime spectacular

Compressed air launch was logical and a better alternative
Ensured greater accuracy in height and timing of activities
Disney the largest consumer of fireworks in US perspectives
The fireworks were used to accompany their many festivities

To lie in wait well and good to be able to enjoy such offerings
Injuries and accidental fires occurred, even premature explosions
For both ground or aerial fireworks came with risks of sufferings
Scandalous news, the San Diego botched display was over in 15 seconds!

Besides the hard din and noise what about environmental pollution
Potential health risks, hazardous by-products, debris, and acid rain
We are still lucky fireworks are not done as on a daily occurrence

Nor are fireworks factories accidentally obliterated and flattened!

Note: A revamp of an old posting.

Brenda at Sunday Whirl Wordle #502

relaxitsallwrite at MLMM's Sunday Writing

Prompt - balls of fire

was it that bad to be a vegetarian?

                                          
                                                                                           Author: anon

Image: She  Could not Hold 

Back her Patience  (here)

she stood at the railings seemingly 

unperturbed feigning a disappointment
partial to her angry self but still
within control

she shuffled her feet grabbed the doorknob
stormed inside her head swirling her anger 

now more apparent and she slumped

onto the waiting lounge chair

she had not been this angry but lately
she had been under tremendous pressure

he said he would marry her
they were supposed to sizzle
blazing a trail any young couple
would gladly undertake

but under the smallest pretext
while leisurely sitting on the couch
he confessed he was not into
vegetables no way he would turn
vegetarian crackling a triumphant
response to her appeal

he was happy with his sushi, big mac
raw herring, pasta, and the like but he
could not see himself as 'a grass-eater'
in his own words and dismissed her
contention of a compromise that she
had vainly sought.

was it that bad to be a vegetarian?
she could survive on just an orange
a day without having anything else
to swallow but her pride

but still, he was adamant! No way

he could turn to be a vegetarian

Fireblossom at Sunday Muse #160

are you going to San Francisco?

         

                                                                                      Author: Tomias80

Image:  Summertime Scene On the Beach (here)

the 11 of 12 given words:
flowers hair dislike know meet wall swirling  

euphonious (pleasing to the ear.)

leaves climb sorrowful hurt

are you going to San Francisco?

then wear some flowers in your hair

not to dislike those you don't know

you will meet gentle people there

they will not drive you up the wall

swirling euphonious in the leaves to climb

no sorrowful songs when with your girl

no hurting to meet in the summertime

Note: To the tune of Scott McKenzie's 'San Francisco'

MMT at Whirligig's Wordle #318

Linda's at d'Verse OLN  -  live #292

It is never that easy to float away

                                                                         Photo by Veerendra on Pexels.com

Image: Does Seem Insurmountable (here)

the 10 of 12 given words:

easy float greasy wind shape  

nonesuch (a person or thing without equal; paragon).

apartment return scream 
obnubilate (to cloud over; becloud; obscure)

Never that easy to float away in greasy circumstances without preparation and clear directions. The winds of change do shape the manner of movements. Only mouths are we. 

Who sings the distant heart which safely exists in the center of all things? Not anyone but Providence in all greatness. Any other nonesuch can verbalize in structured drawls a lost soul in an apartment distant to familiar faces without laughter! 

They may endeavour a return to sanity if called upon to compete and to vie for honours. In all fairness to capture the wayward feelings of love would require lots of sacrifices for a drawback to normalcy. It is reminiscent of the return of the prodigal son upon realization of missed opportunities.

To bask in success is a scream given the thin line separating provocation to that of adulation befitting the obnubilate nature of competition.

(144 words)

 

Note: To include, 

Only mouths are we. Who sings the distant heart 

which safely exists in the center of all things? 

Sanaa at d'Verse - Prosery- here's the thing about existing

Neenekraj's at MLMM's Photo Challenge #365

MLMM's Wordle #240 with the given words

meekly they succumb to mothers

                                    

                                                                                         Author:  Pulkit Kudiwal

Image: Duck Crossing Beware (here)

the 10 of 12 given words:

risk contain catastrophe places scan 

silently peace cases stories created 

under normal jungle capture

it is a risk to try to contain the

the catastrophe of provoking the 

King who places importance to 

social distancing 

the King is now forced to scan 

silently a newly minted SOP to 

maintain peace and harmony

without a show of power and 

influence 

there are cases of stories of how 

meekly they succumb to mothers 

especially today 

how so confident Mother Duck in 

accompanying her little ducklings

who created an unbroken line

across the divide under the watchful 

eyes of the King who is pandemically

compromised

Note: Sunday, 9 May 

is Mother's Day in the US

 

Carrie's Sunday Muse #159

Brenda's Sunday Whirl Wordle #501

It ended up jeopardizing his innocence

                                                                           Author א ח מנינור שבשמים

Image: The Accused (here)

The 12 given words:

total, cover, results, chosen, related,, past

remember, ready, promise, sorry, breath last

A total cover-up that resulted

in a chosen outcome not related

to the past. They very much 

remembered to recount the serious

nature of the  wrong preferred

against the accused person who

initially insisted was not even at 

the crime scene. 

He was ready to breathe a last 

effort to clear his name with a 

promise of the least possible 

repercussions to the establishment. 

He was sorry it did not turn out 

the way he had wished. It ended 

up jeopardizing his innocence 

instead. The path  of many 

disappointments are  wrought with 

good intentions that turned awry

MMT's The Whirligig #317

The joker is still grinning!

                                             

                                                                  Author: Mahdie Farhadkiaei

Image: Can this happen?  (here)

Am I seeing things?

The Queen of Hearts making out with the Jack of Spades

Are they up to no good

Or is it a measure of provocation

Mindful of the wrath of the King of Hearts

Who can readily muster the regal strength of a Royal Flush

Even the Ace of Spades

Is lurking in the shadows

Four of a kind, anyone!

Both of them have the right of possession

They have the whole pack 

to come running behind them in full support

Jack of Spades had better be careful!

Jack of Spades should anticipate

Not to talk of the hidden weapon

The King and the Aces still have the Trump Card

to fall back on

No mention of the Joker just as yet!!

The joker is still grinning!

Whoa!

Nekneeraj at MLMM's  Photo Challenge #364

Displaying courage and sacrifice beyond their young minds

                                                                                   Photo by Esposito 

Image: Wayward children eating

Spaghetti (found in an old postcard)  (here)

They grew up together with an affinity to help each other

Displaying courage and sacrifice beyond their young minds
they hugged their unfortunate situation unwillingly. Trapped 
in the evil clutches of poverty ever wishing to be blessed 
with abundance. How well he remembered. She was such 

an adorable lass in the neighbourhood ever so friendly. By a 

stroke of ill luck, both had to fend their future alone all by 

themselves. Hell was their young days with pleadings of 

pangs of hunger a constant companion. The cries of a sibling 

breaking the silence of cold and dark nights never 

a day without guilt just pricked his conscience.

What am I doing here? Clamouring for the daily favours
Milk for my younger sister that’s all we ask for. A single 
mother at her wit’s end with two mouths to feed. A slice 

of bread was all we need

He, the ever-faithful companion never to fail her. No

blood relations nor any relationships but the common tie

of deprivation cemented the bond. She, lost in the ever cruel

world of having been abandoned sought solace as a lost

child clutching tenaciously to a man's presence for unfounded

security. So they held hands clutching not a breakaway necessary

nor required but for the sake of safety in numbers 

Ingrid at d'Verse Poetics: exploring the 

narrative voice

on top of the world

                             

                                                                                                      Author: Carrie

Image:  Here I am (here)

The exuberance of being on top of the world

It is most exhilarating without a doubt, 

World of early sundown clouding the vision

Below a subdued stillness over light warmness

Everything with peaceful gestures again in tandem

Of lover's yearnings with a lingering warm caress

Freedom of choice beyond feelings of innocence

Beginnings of  a relationship destined to take place

Nowhere is it prompted but readily moulded in silence

Extending love a chance to head for saving face

Talk of sane young hearts sombre in inclination

Of people led into high spirits of wanting to give

Chic of a young lady most obliging and obedient

Mindful for a man's raspy voice may sound combative

Carrie's Sunday Muse #158

weejars at MLMM's Double take

Saturday mix with the homophone set

it broke his little heart

                                                                                              Author: Acabashi

Image: Not so Good news (here)

Theme: Art and Colours

Z is for Zany

(zany - one who acts the buffoon to amuse

 others, an eccentric)

To the kitchen he headed
But it broke his little heart
He spied a visual he dreaded
He reacted with starts

He could only muse
A shoddy round he found
A zany soul it was close
A room-mate who had gone

Juxtaposed on the table
Plates on the ready he assumed
But alas, none of the earlier edibles
He had brought home to consume

He lost, it was one down
A fatal mistake he quipped
He should have 

tucked in earlier he frowned

His buddy rifled the goodies

when he dozed off asleep 

                            

A to Z April Challenge - Z

In the realms of the subconscious

                                                                                            Author: rachel CALAMUSA

Image:  Sleeping soundly (here)

Theme: Art and Colours

Y is for Yielding to the Subconscious

an extension of the imagination
registers its presence in the nights
not wanting to show its true colours
but rather flashes of staccato bites
emerging for a split second or longer
then disappears into Davy Jone's locker

can one believe dreams that appear
foretelling of what’s coming in the future
but why must the images emerge
and then wrecking, inflicting damage
causing havoc in the minds of the host
playing tricks to test the human resolve!

a good dream is a bonus for good living
bad dreams aftermath of bad intentions
getting mixed up in lots of misgivings
prodding the mind in torrid simulations
in classic fashion and in myriads of colours

in the realms of the subconscious 

                     

Mish's at d'Verse OLN #291

A to Z April Challenge - Y

a small three-masted sailing ship

                   
                                                          Artist  Nicolas Cammillieri  (1773–1860) 

Image: The Xebec San Giovanni a

watercolor painting (here)

Theme: Art and Colours

X for Xebec

The xebec is a small three-masted sailing ship with a lateen (triangular) and square sails. 

It is used mostly for trading and almost exclusively in the Mediterranean Sea. The term 

can also refer to a small, fast vessel of the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries,

 

The lateen rig of the xebec allowed the ship to sail close-hauled (having the sails set for 

sailing against the wind) something that often gives it an advantage in pursuit or escape

                                                                     

A to Z April Challenge  - X                                                         

change is a constant

                                                                                                          Author: Kmg365

Image: Changing of the Guards (here)  

Theme: Art and Colours

W is for What's Up?

What's up!, change is a constant

inevitable to all and sundry
extending its reach to affect 

living things and the environment

~ rejuvenating with enhanced effects ~ 

remaining stagnant is not an option 

it is regressive for not striving forward

wise to reflect lest it is a bridge too far

having to claw back to chase progress

Merril at d'Verse : Poetics - build a bridge

A to Z April Challenge

a misunderstood genius.

                                                                                      Artist: Vincent van Gogh 

Image:  The Starry Night (here)

                                                                        Artist: Vincent van Gogh 

Image: The Three Sunflowers (here)

Theme: Art and Colours

V for Vincent van Gogh

As I look towards the easel I can't help thinking how fortunate it has been. We are presented with all the facilities. I just came back from down the block with a whole bunch of materials. Was just wondering how the old masters could manage with hundreds of their works that still exist. Present-day artists and budding poets have the advantage of modern-day facilities and blessings to emulate them. The masters had to struggle to get on.

One of the most notable was Vincent van Gogh who contributed largely to the beginnings of modern art. His paintings were bold in colours in typical whorls and wavy lines as seen in his landscapes and still life. 

He was unsuccessful during his lifetime and was considered a madman and a failure. He was remembered more as a misunderstood genius. His troubled personality was typical of an out-of-work artist whose works later were well-known. He committed suicide at age 37.

 

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam holds the world's largest collection of his paintings and drawings.

tragic life who did 

not benefit from his works

but well remembered

                      

Frank's Haibun Monday at d'Verse  - the present moment

A to Z April Challenge  - V

The tenacity of purpose defies logic

                                                                                      Author: Carrie

Image: Strength of  Purpose (here)

Theme: Art and Colours

U is for Ultimatum of Acceptance

A show of  adaptations

Confident in its elation

Taking the silent roar 

of the vast wooded jungle 

all on its own

Flowers that will not wait

for hot summer 

to steal away its strength

its fate sealed when led astray

A picture of dogged sensibility

To survive, stealing the sun

to glow in a way defining

protocol of the wayward son

Flowers that employ the wind

To garner support 

to retain its beauty, 

an outright sin

but for a good cause 

without restrain

A thing of beauty

In all of its tenacity!

Undying eagerness

The tenacity of purpose 

defies logic

                        

A to Z April Challenge - U

Carrie's Sunday Muse #157

What did he do wrong?

                                                                                                  Author: Kenzshah1993

Image: A Confused Look (here)

Theme: Art and Colours

T for Time would be the judge

He searched his conscience
He thought he had it made
Sweetie Pie, even gave her a name
But she would rather have him dead

What did he do wrong?
Whispering sweet nothings?
No, choice of words all along

Unwieldy none of those trending

But he was not about to give up
A faint heart, given a nudge
Plodding on would be smart

Time would be the judge

                             

A to Z April Challenge - T

Desirous of the ability that I sadly lack

                                                                                           Author: Basile Morin                                               Image: Dark Clouds Drifting by  (here)

Theme: Art and Colours
S for Settling on the Plains

                    

Flood 

Heavy-set thick dark clouds drift pass

Sustaining showers that raced to the ground
Transforming into sheets of cool glass
Settling on the plains into rivers of brown

With drinks flowing and lots of good bites
Among friends now far from sight
Waiting for signs that they are back

Desirous of the ability that I sadly lack 

Aligned to the Poem below: 

Flood ~ by T’ao  Chien

The lingering clouds, rolling, rolling,

And the settled rain, dripping, dripping,

In the Eight Directions—the same dusk.

The level lands—one great river.

Wine I have, wine I have:

Idly I drink at the eastern window.

Longingly—I think of my friends,

But neither boat nor carriage comes.

Laura at d'Verse : Poetics : China - kingdom of the poem

A to Z April Challenge - S

It was with a tinge of regret

                                                                                      Author: MismibaTinasheMadando

Image: Distressed Person (here)

Theme: Art and Colours

R for Regret

Reflecting on what could have been
A feeling of a let-down tugged at his conscience
They were teenage sweethearts growing up together
She was like a sister emotionally attached to him
He was likewise a brother protective of her well-being
They were close to tying the knot even
Each whispering sweet nothings to cherish together

Why was it allowed to go along the path it did
He left for a little while and she did not wait
There was no word and things were left to chance

He was distraught upon seeing her now
It was a far cry from what he had wanted her to have
When in their moments of togetherness
They had eloquently professed 

to sacrifice for each other
Nothing physical just plain and innocent

Of wanting to emulate those successful
Those who managed to somehow 

regulate their lives
Seeing material richness and riches 

and emotional salvation
Successfully binding on just love alone

It just wasn’t fair, not fair at all
It could have been blissful
It wrought a naked path of dire straits
Which he could not fathom
It was with a tinge of regret
That what they had lovingly talked about
Just fizzled out into nothingness
It was a pity, a real pity

It brought tears to his eyes!

                                     

A to Z April Challenge  -  R

aim high to win

                                                                                             Author: Debbie Mccallum

Image: Youngsters 

comparing notes (here)

Theme: Art and Colours

Q for Quadrille

scant worldly possessions 

no bother just determination

with resolve to succeed

and in sharing mode
push the pioneering
spirit, exalting the will

aim high to win

we know our stuff

some little tryouts
for starters is not a crime
just do it, just go!

(44 words)      

   

                

De Jackson at d'Verse Quadrille Monday - a poem

of 44 words and to include the word 'bother'

A to Z April Challenge - Q

no qualms of not getting a decent meal

                                                                             Artist: Auguste Renoir, 1875 

Image: Lovers (here)

Theme: Art and Colours

Q for Qualms

the 10 of 12 given words:

plummet reckless long Bohemians deepest colourful eyelashes 

specious- (superficially plausible, but actually wrong)  

raise

to plummet fast downwards

resembling a meteor to Earth

in a reckless frenzy long undisturbed

the lunatics are having fun

others are utterly confused

there are winners and losers

but not all are lost

the lovers are just as busy 

angels without a care in the world

socially unconventional Bohemians

deepest in feelings just for themselves

colourful eyelashes and eye twinkling 

they endeavour to show their feelings

they long to spread love and affections

sometimes blatantly in public places

specious they come with a bang 

and they are fondly forgiven

not to mess around with those madly in love

they live in their own sacred world

no qualms of not getting a decent meal

nor to raise their stakes in life

but they are happy and

they expect others are happy too!

                 

A to Z April Challenge - Q

MLMM's Wordle237