Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Questions, questions!
Photo by Christopher Meloche
Image: Tendrils coil and latch for support
Source: Licensed through Wikimedia Commons (here)
Of a drab rainy night
A weather unkind for wants
Lashed against all its might
Could it force itself out front?
One's head dashed reeling
Pulsating of spiral dreams
Compounded of acts troubling
Must it occur to extremes?
Frustrations turned for the worst
Tendrils entwined the mind's undone
Save the cause of strength first
Would they fall in place for once?
Written for 3WW with drab, pulsate and tendrils
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Volcano
Authored by gnuckx
Image: The eruption on Mount Etna
Source: Licensed through Wikimedia Commons (here)
Volcano erupts
Spectacle that man observes
Nature playing tricks
Brilliant colors, a
Show of power and strength but
Hides an ugly side
Krakatoa, Mount
Etna, Pinatubo
brought
Untold destruction
Reminder of ills
That need to be corrected
For mankind had erred
Written for d'Verse OpenLinkNight week 81 and Chev's CARPE DIEM special #19 Shiki's Evening Sun
Monday, January 28, 2013
Pop Music
Image: Charlotte Gainsbourg, AnOther
Image: Courtesy of Tess' Mag
Image: Courtesy of Tess' Mag
The 50’s and 60’s were hailed as the greatest era
of pop music. The baby boomers came of age.
A whole generation of young people appeared
on the music scene. Support of this generation
and youngsters following them spawned myriads
of musical forms and famous pop stars
and youngsters following them spawned myriads
of musical forms and famous pop stars
There were rock n
roll greats in Chuck Berry and Bill Hayley
Followed by Elvis and Cliff Richard, Ricky Nelson, Paul
Anka
and Connie Francis. Groups began to make an appearance
with
The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, Temptations and
the Supremes
The Beatles created a sensation with their particular
brand of
music and
presentation forcing a peculiar form and sound that
even shocked rock n roll into submission
Nothing prepared the music scene though when a whole
generation
found themselves gyrating
to Chubby Checker’s, the Twist.
Some minor ones like limbo rock tried to cash in on the
madness
but it did not make an impact.
Despite all these, individual stars of evergreens with
the likes of
Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis
and a host
of other notable ones kept those who thrived in the sentimental offerings
going.
But nothing shocked the world when Michael Jackson went
solo from the
Jackson Five and held sway transcending the generation
gap and
mesmerizing everyone with his new form (characterized by
the moonwalk
and others that typically were identified with him)
With his passing, the music world was lost and hungry for
some new forms.
It grabbed at Psy’s Gangnam Style recently but just how
long will that last!
Written for Tess' Magpie Tales #153
Written for Tess' Magpie Tales #153
Saturday, January 26, 2013
The News
Image by noebse
Image: A news vending machine
Image: A news vending machine
It’s a slow death
As of many others
It has always been there
Keeping one company
An early morning ritual
But its days are numbered
As a portly gentleman
Slowly anorexia nervosa afflicted
Thinning and wasting away
A predicament no less
No more throws-in over
the gates nor news-vendors
nor news vending machines
A paper-less society making
An invisible presence
A pity for the ‘papers magnate
That controlled the print media
Their empire crumbled
Whittled down drastically
They have lost their influence
Or is it? No it is not!
A resilient lot with the old adage
‘You can’t fight them you join them’
So they too are in cyberspace
Currently extending free offerings
Perhaps devising a foolproof system
To get at that odd few cents
of our newspaper
money
they used to receive before
In time we’ll be made to pay
For the news we crave everyday!
Written for Brian's hosting at d'Verse Poetics: Reaching the Masses and Poets United's Poetry Pantry #134
Written for Brian's hosting at d'Verse Poetics: Reaching the Masses and Poets United's Poetry Pantry #134
Micro Fiction
Image: Courtesy of Grandma's
Just you and me
Keeping each other company
No fun in being neglected
But let us not be sad or dejected
Cheer up!
At least no one whacked us
(140 characters)
Note: Grandma challenged us to write a Micro Fiction in
not more than 140 characters based on the picture
and to include the word 'whack'
Written for Succinctly Yours week #97 at Grandma's Goulash
Rescue
Author: The US Army
Image: A Rescue Mission in Afghanistan
Source: Licensed through Wikimedia Commons (here)
Image: A Rescue Mission in Afghanistan
Source: Licensed through Wikimedia Commons (here)
A rescue mission
Dangerous and uncertain
Both parties at risk
Awaiting rescue
Those not knowing nor aware
Of what transpired
With trepidation
Subdued while hoping, heart beats
soared and
wondering
Worst if no contacts
With hunger gnawing, stricken
plight in disarray
Rescuers often
Rescued in botched missions, but
Noble in resolve
Written for Leo’s Haiku Heights #206 with prompt - rescue -
Friday, January 25, 2013
Why?
Image by LaurMG
Image: Frustrated writer
Source: Licensed through Wikimedia Commons (here)
Elusive and mysterious
Image: Frustrated writer
Source: Licensed through Wikimedia Commons (here)
Elusive and mysterious
Lurking in the shadows
Where Art Thou, Creativity!
Show yourself, let
me see
Unflagging faith in your presence
Loyalty unquestioned
We’ve been through together
Why aren’t you here?
Where are you
This won’t do
Hear my plea
It’s plain to see
It used to come easy
Just you and me
Whether in writings
or in sketchings
It’s kind of slow
And I’m on a low
But now it’s a shock
Yet again the old Writer’s Block!
Written for Anna's hosting at d'Verse, Meeting the Bar with prompt - Creativity
Written for Anna's hosting at d'Verse, Meeting the Bar with prompt - Creativity
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Heath
Image: A heath, courtesy of Chev's
Process note: Not really knowing of how a 'heath' looks to be like, this verse has versions
of a similar kind of land area in our part of the world. It's akin somewhat to having light
undergrowth where we boys spent hours of fun when young
undergrowth where we boys spent hours of fun when young
Nostalgic playground
Boyhood arena, stage for
countless excitements
Catapult in the
back pocket. He roamed the large
expanse of wasteland
Light undergrowth rich
in little creatures hiding
to be discovered
Heath, a treasure trove
lined with childhood abundance
of fun and laughter
Written for Chev's haiku at CARPE DIEM #103with prompt , heath
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Sweet Memories
Image: At Marine World, Vellajo, north of 'Frisco
My late mother-in-law together with Azlin Adura
my eldest daughter and my son, Azhar.
Hank and family had gone over to Sacramento for
Azlin's Commencement Day (Graduation Day from CSU,
Sacramento - 1998) My late mother-in-law saw snow for
the first time at Reno and was absolutely thrilled.
Baby Adura
snugly in her tender arms
cuddling on her lap
Protective of her
Shadah and I were lucky
Her mother helped out
As a young couple
we were inexperienced. She
was the guiding light
Sadly she passed on
two weeks ago. Memories
sweetly linger on
Written for Chev's haiku at CARPE DIEM #102 with
prompt -Sweet Memories- and Brian's
d'Verse's OpenLinkNight week #80
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Bliss
Image: Courtesy of Tess' Mag
The world whirled slowly by
Medley of forms and activities
Some accepted some on the sly
And many others of mediocrity
Many who planned to procure
Executed them with perfection
But some just failed to endure
Unashamedly await for salvation
Oblivious to what transpired
The outside world was no bother
Adhering to whims and desires
Young couples aligned their rudder
In a world of their own venture
Holding hands, pitching a wish
Time stood still pristine in nature
Have we elders not savored such bliss?
Written for Tess' Magpie Tales # 152 and Open Link Monday at Real Toads
Retirement
One waits in anticipation for years
The day will dawn, have no fears
But in the meantime slog along
Do your own thing, and press on
Time and space hurtle past
Slowly in the beginning but then just
Amidst responsibilities are testing times
Are governed by targets and deadlines
Time spent with co-workers and friends
Are often at the expense of quality time
Surviving and striving are part of the journey
To fend for themselves are woes of the family
Cruel but a necessary element of change
Open to failings on occasions of pain
Mistakes and blurred decision-making
Rampant in an environment of working
Of mistakes not material, a consolation
But rectification can restrain advancement
All in chasing and overcoming odds
The rat race is often an unforgiving lot
Looking forward to days of retirement
To be rid of all the pressures and deadlines
Ironically though, retirement can be boring
The experience of those before us is telling
Unfortunately wisdom comes a tad too late
Nonetheless one ought to be more prepared
Fortunately some very clever ones to the fore
Prepared for retirement and are busier than before
Written for One Single Impression #256 with prompt - retirement- and Mary's Poetry Pantry #133 at Poets United
The day will dawn, have no fears
But in the meantime slog along
Do your own thing, and press on
Time and space hurtle past
Slowly in the beginning but then just
Amidst responsibilities are testing times
Are governed by targets and deadlines
Time spent with co-workers and friends
Are often at the expense of quality time
Surviving and striving are part of the journey
To fend for themselves are woes of the family
Cruel but a necessary element of change
Open to failings on occasions of pain
Mistakes and blurred decision-making
Rampant in an environment of working
Of mistakes not material, a consolation
But rectification can restrain advancement
All in chasing and overcoming odds
The rat race is often an unforgiving lot
Looking forward to days of retirement
To be rid of all the pressures and deadlines
Ironically though, retirement can be boring
The experience of those before us is telling
Unfortunately wisdom comes a tad too late
Nonetheless one ought to be more prepared
Fortunately some very clever ones to the fore
Prepared for retirement and are busier than before
Written for One Single Impression #256 with prompt - retirement- and Mary's Poetry Pantry #133 at Poets United
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Dusk
Picture by Kumamushi
Image: Ootakamori viewpoint, evening
Source: Licensed through Wikimedia Commons (here)Day is done. They troop
back to their homes wondering,
What have I achieved?
Dusk transforms to a
darkened stupor to welcome
a night of conscience
They seek peace of night
with hopes they are blessed nearer
towards nirvana
Written for Leo's Haiku Heights #205 with prompt - dusk -
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Politicians
The circus in town
A spectacle just as much
but more amusing
Big business lobbied
Rent seeking. Money changed hands
Greedy clowns unmasked
Sans trapeze but objects flew
Chairs flung, animals berserk
blows traded wildly
Colorful ones mired
in scandals. Even cleaning
ladies were not spared
The game did not change
the world over. Only the
players were different
Written for Chev's CARPE DIEM #98 with prompt - circus
A spectacle just as much
but more amusing
Big business lobbied
Rent seeking. Money changed hands
Greedy clowns unmasked
Sans trapeze but objects flew
Chairs flung, animals berserk
blows traded wildly
Colorful ones mired
in scandals. Even cleaning
ladies were not spared
The game did not change
the world over. Only the
players were different
Written for Chev's CARPE DIEM #98 with prompt - circus
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Danger
Image:1 A similar kind that we encountered but more greenish at the lighter colored areas of the body. One of the most poisonous apparently
Image:2 A similar kind of 'rowing boat' that we used seating two persons
Source: Wikimedia Commons
This is based on a day of what seemed fun for a 15 year old but on
hindsight was wrought with danger. Has to be read with the prose
posting (here)
Such countless danger
Bravado, headstrong, bold and
brave, folly of youth
The slithering kind
Coconut hunters, hunger,
thirst and exhaustion
Retrieving the boat
Snakes with vengeance might follow
but devoid of choice
Lastly the weather
Choppy seas, dark clouds, without
safety of life vest
Written for Poetry Jam with prompt - danger
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Anger
Image: Courtesy of CARPE DIEM
Sourced through Wikipedia free Encyclopedia (here)
A pull-back for one
Seeing someone contorted
seething with anger
Life is unworthy
if embers burning inside
enhanced skewed judgement
Good sense drives a hard
bargain. Malfunctioned thinking
points to disaster
Written for Chev's CARPE DIEM #96 haiku with prompt -embers- and Joe's hosting at d'Verse, OpenLinkNight #79
Monday, January 14, 2013
Memorable Tea Meeting
Attribution: Hank's collections
Image: The six long-time friends, OPs Akbar, Salleh ( Maj-Gen, Datuk, Dr) Mohd Nor
( Datuk, Dr),Razali and foreground, the host, Amirudin (Datuk,Dr). Hank snapped the pic
Process Note: We're are just within the vicinity. We bumped into each other at odd times before but after sometime we never get to meet. Among us we might not have seen each other for decades. On Jan 13, OP Amirudin ( Datuk, Dr) graciously played host and invited us for tea and we got on to have a big yarn together. The relief and the fun was just fantastic!
A journey a little
A nostalgic quest
A yearning so subtle
For not having set eyes
Not seen each other
for decades on end
An awaited phone call
it finally came
Six friends on a journey
of old times together
to rekindle a grand memory
It was such a wonder
Life is a flower
of which love is the honey
A big yarn and friendly banter
The minutes flew fast, it was plain to see
Since the ice is now broken
And we're within contact easily
And we righteously have spoken
We've vowed to meet again, certainly
Prompt: Victor Hugo's, Life is a flower of which love is the honey as the prompt in the verse.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Water Hyacinth
Attribution: Hank's collection
Image:1 The first bloom appeared on Jan 11, 2013
.
There were grass carp and cat-fish at different
times in the enclosure - a small pond-like thing
at the backyard. The heat was unforgiving and the
fish did not survive for long
A lean-to or a tiny top cover would be ideal
It needed shade. But the backyard was already
cramped. This option was not pursued. Something
to be done to the water surface was the alternative
This enclosure did not cover much space so it
should be easy
It all started with just two tiny stalks
These grew very fast. They spread out with
daughter-stalks in all directions. I was the
culprit who kept throwing in of what were
left of the old fish feed in the initial stages.
These acted as fertilizer and spawned
the growth faster.
On Jan 11, our 'little pond' sprung a surprise
A tiny flower stalk stole out the previous evening
I didn't think much of it. The next morning the
first ever blooms appeared - three little clumps.
The following day more appeared. It was exhilarating!
Water hyacinth is known to block waterways, clogging
the water surface. It prevents sunlight from reaching the
bottom that supports marine life. But for this
enclosure it is a controlled situation. It's all right!
I plan to stock the pond again with only the hardy
cat-fish to help ward off mosquitoes. The water is
cooler now with the surface cover. But I would have
to keep the growth and progress of the water hyacinth
in check.
Note: The prompt calls for something on 'growing up'. It's most opportune
as it was a few months growing and the first bloom appeared at the right time
Written for Stu's hosting at d'Verse, POETICS - 'Growing-up'
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Patience
Image: Hank with a whopper ( at least to me it was!)
It was late afternoon
The heat of the day still
beating down on us. The sea
was calm. The sky was clear
in bluish hues with white clouds
drifting leisurely by. It looked
to be so inviting. The beach was
filled with the shrieks and laughter
of the youngsters, stragglers from the
crowd barely minutes ago. It would
be quiet shortly with dusk approaching.
We put out to sea in the middle of
the night. The heavens above was full
of twinkling stars. A slight sea breeze
playfully rocked the boat a little.
We shone the torch-lights into the
crystal clear waters. That was one way
to attract the squids to the surface
which were scooped up as bait
Light waves kept lapping the sides
of the boat to a regular rhythm.
It rocked us in time preventing
us from having a shut-eye.
The night was uneventful with
just small bites. The regular rocking
was a bother. It was frustrating
and the night was long
The break of dawn was the clincher.
Bites galore, what a whopper!
Night fishing was a test of patience
Saving the best for last!
Note: Victoria invited us 'to write a descriptive poem in which
images are used to describe a feeling, a person, an object
using primarily surroundings. Every adjective in the poem refers
to its surroundings, not to the thing itself'
Written for d'Verse, where Victoria is hosting at Meeting the Bar - The Medium is the Message
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Instinct
Picture by Alan D Wilson
Image : A Bald Eagle
Sourced through Wikimedia Commons (here)
Looking from above
It tried to stay focused
The young had risen
The day's feed was due
Pandemonium! Hunger
was a driving force
Vacant looks sustained
It should change for the better
Midday was ideal
Flapped its wings, it swooped
down. Pair of prey its target
A mother's instinct
Written for 3WordWednesday with words vacant, focused and pair
Image : A Bald Eagle
Sourced through Wikimedia Commons (here)
Looking from above
It tried to stay focused
The young had risen
The day's feed was due
Pandemonium! Hunger
was a driving force
Vacant looks sustained
It should change for the better
Midday was ideal
Flapped its wings, it swooped
down. Pair of prey its target
A mother's instinct
Written for 3WordWednesday with words vacant, focused and pair
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Tulips
Attribution: Kor!An
Image: 1.The Yellow Tulip
Attribution: Kor!An
Image: 2.The Red Tulip
Attribution: Wallpaper (here)
Image: 3 The Black Tulip
Source of images #1 and #2 : Wikimedia Commons
Dumas set the pace
Mysterious and elusive
A royal flower
Long posed a challenge
Rare find if you see one, a
common color yet,
A phenomena
rare of power and strength
Hail the Black Tulip
Written for Chev's CARPE DIEM #90 with prompt - tulips - and Tashtoo's hosting
at d'Verse OpenLinkNights week 78
Sunday, January 6, 2013
A Debutante
Image by Danial Murtagh
Image: Courtesy of Tess' Mag
A debutante so alluring
Making an appearance
Susceptible to wild trivia
But unflinching by nature
Obliquely not connecting
Engaging rather shyly
Under extreme provocation
Where have the good guys gone?
Oblivious of hungry looks
Advancing cautiously
Amidst prying eyes
Stepping gingerly forward
With a come hither stance
Gliding with guarded precision
A lady for the offering
Sensuously intense
But where have all the good guys gone?
Written for Tess' Magpie 150
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Happy Family
Picture by D Sharon Pruitt
Image: A Happy Family of Shadows
Source: Licensed through Wikimedia Commons (here)
Enticing! The script
is perfect. Young ones learning
the ropes, in oneness
Bonding couples, rife
in true feelings, pristine love
exudes sober thoughts
Careers established
Palatable family
We have been through this!
Written for Leo's Haiku Heights #203 with prompt - script-
Thursday, January 3, 2013
A Wish lu
Attribution: Brian Robert Mashall
Image: Peaceful Co-existence
Source: Licensed through Wikimedia Commons (here)
Make a wish
Fabric of imagination found wanting
Septic idle thoughts
Discard puerile attitude
Mind propelled source of strength
when wisely harnessed
Stimulant to wonders
Benefiting mankind to be expected
But detractors exist
Human conflicts, commercial
exploitation, family strife, robbery, murder
minimized or shackled
Greed and self-interest
Upset the equation, if only
Mankind is forgiving
Note: The above is 3-5-3 words Collum lune. The lune is also known as the American haiku in a 5-3-5 syllabic form or a 3-5-3 words form
Written for Sam's hosting at d'Verse Form For All: La Lune
Image: Peaceful Co-existence
Source: Licensed through Wikimedia Commons (here)
Make a wish
Fabric of imagination found wanting
Septic idle thoughts
Discard puerile attitude
Mind propelled source of strength
when wisely harnessed
Stimulant to wonders
Benefiting mankind to be expected
But detractors exist
Human conflicts, commercial
exploitation, family strife, robbery, murder
minimized or shackled
Greed and self-interest
Upset the equation, if only
Mankind is forgiving
Note: The above is 3-5-3 words Collum lune. The lune is also known as the American haiku in a 5-3-5 syllabic form or a 3-5-3 words form
Written for Sam's hosting at d'Verse Form For All: La Lune
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Get Right Up! h
A nagging pain that
tugs the conscience, belittle
with bad intentions
Form of truth, idle minds
making inroads but lacks pace
once over the hill
Prostrating, slender
in motion, hoping outright
salvation right through
Cut a suave figure
Head held high, bemoan the stink
Make a mark in life
Written for 3WordWednesday with words nagging, idle and pace and
for Chev's CARPE DIEM #85 with prompt - hill
tugs the conscience, belittle
with bad intentions
Form of truth, idle minds
making inroads but lacks pace
once over the hill
Prostrating, slender
in motion, hoping outright
salvation right through
Cut a suave figure
Head held high, bemoan the stink
Make a mark in life
Written for 3WordWednesday with words nagging, idle and pace and
for Chev's CARPE DIEM #85 with prompt - hill
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