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

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

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

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

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

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…..

Written for Tess' Magpie Tales 195

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'

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

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 

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'

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'

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

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'

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

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'

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'

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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