glory be to raise angels of offspring

                                                                                Author: NASA/Apollo 17 crew; taken by 
                                                                                                     either Harrison Schmitt or Ron Evans
Image: The Blue Marble -  a famous photograph
of the Earth taken on December 7, 1972, by the crew
of the Apollo 17 spacecraft (here)

the 12 given words:
glory raise angels offspring flesh light 
life pleased sing second lays die

glory be to raise angels of offspring
of one's own flesh and blood
extending light to life on earth
and not wanting to end a dynasty

if it so pleased the longings due
for seeing a lineage to sing and dance
with that of a second and a third generation
and to continue as Providence would have it

it lays bare of a desire to warm up
to nature as it rides on its own momentum
a progeny of human existence
to populate this rare planet
as Mother Earth comes into being

and to subsequently die happy
of having had a hand in its creation

MMT's Sunday's Whiligig #246

it would curl up at my feet

                                                                                Attribution: Toril Fisher
Image: Cudly Lamby (here)

the 10 of 12 given words:
curl cheer giving glow blush 
twinkle shine blow open score 

we had been together
for as long as I could remember
it would curl up at my feet
to cheer me to sleep
giving me that glow of presence
without as much a blush with all confidence
with a twinkle in the eye
to lull me without a sigh

but it had lately caused some concern
the shine now not quite apparent
what a blow to my conscience
and it is very much in the open
and there is no attempt to disguise its feelings
it may perhaps wish to score a bidding

what did I do wrong
when did it start to happen
the pitfalls of having a non-human
not talking back but imbued with emotions

Margaret's at Real Toad's  - artistic interpretations
MLMM's Sunday Whirl Wordle 435

Losers were shoved into oblivion

                                                                                            Attribution: Jason Huffine
Image: A Knock-out (here)

At their heyday all champions hogged the limelight
Muhammad Ali defeated Liston, Foreman, and Bugner
Ali was remembered by the losers’ names in their fights
Losers otherwise shoved into oblivion a nameless fighter

Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Hingis, Sharapova were champs
The Williams sisters and many more greats before and after
But for the runners-up, no one cared and none to be reckoned
Out by the wayside into the bins of history for good measure

The call not just to win but to ‘compete was more important’
A coach’s classic excuse more of a convenient morale booster
And relevant to be repeated all the time in training sessions
Obviously for champions though it would not hold water

Magaly's at PU's Poetry Pantry - pantry-
of-poetry-and-prose-9-goodbye

it is bright and breezy good for a fling

                                                                                                   Attribution: MLMM's
Image: A Whole Range to Choose (here)

That is the ugliest sweater I have ever seen
and you have to choose that for yourself!
but.. but you can well imagine
there was a whole range on the shelf

surely there's something more forgiving
the colour glaringly stands out 
but. it is bright and breezy good for a fling
especially on boys' night out but is it too loud?

yes, I must say so, your loving wife here knows best
perhaps we can put it to test
if you must say so, let's ask Anne
our daughter will surely give a fair comment

yes, mindful though Anne always imagine her father's will
so you may not get the real feel

Marian's at Real Toads - imagine
Dylan's at MLMM's - First Line Friday Dec 20th, 2019
“That is the ugliest sweater I have ever seen"

Have a heart, for a start

                                                                                     Author: Alexander Grebenkov
Image: Ocean Cruise ship at Harbor (here)

Have a heart, for a start
Do it well, make it swell
Meant to surprise, for my loving wife
You are sweet, this is a treat
Remember the last cruise? I slipped all bruised
Not hurt easily, but a holiday put paid sadly
Have a go another time, to make amends?
Honey, I owe you one, this time we'll have fun!

Bjorn at d'Verse MTB  -  with gift rhymes

The one eye is all that I need

                                                                                                Attribution: Nekneeraj

Image:  Relentlessly watching (here)

The one eye is all that I need
To focus direct attention on you
To hear the echo softly bleed

All the niceties I can well read
In adoration clearly in view
The one eye is all that I need

Memories I recollect for a lead
Wonderful reminiscences none so few
To hear the echo softly bleed

Passing cars relent slowing speed
Letting we the lovers to pass through
The one eye is all that I need

Gone days when we used to meet
Holding hands a Fraulein and her beau
To hear the echo softly bleed

If only we can now together sit
To drown the sorrows and the blues
The one eye is all that I need
To hear the echo softly bleed

Nekneeraj's at MLMM's - photo challenge #293
A villanelle for Merril at d'Verse's  Poetics - echo echo

dilemma of a younger sister

                                                                                 Artist: Julia Margaret Cameron.
Image: Sadness (here)

Tossing and turning all night
The night skies were black as coal
Heaven’s doors seemed shut tight
How was she to tell her and be bold
Her tears flowed freely onto the pillow
Broke her heart and she felt hollow

She was to accompany her sister to the airport
Together shedding tears in sadness and laughing at play
An elder sister, a mentor and a friend for support
She would not have it any other way

They were to receive John
Only yesterday her sister had confided in her
She just could not wait to be in John’s arms
John, their neighbor before
Her sister’s childhood buddy
but on a hot and cold relationship only

John had confessed his feelings
for her barely six months ago
There should not therefore be anything
going between him and her sister so
she thought until yesterday

Her sister broke the news about John’s
homecoming and it broke her heart
For John had informed her the week before
of his homecoming himself  but never
mentioning about wanting to meet her sister

She could imagine both of them rushing
the moment he stepped into view
with both wanting to hug him

Must she tell her?
Must she give way?
Must she go to the airport at all?

Rommy at PU's Pantry of poetry and prose #17

being connected enhances the bastions

                                                                             Attribution: Kerry O'Connor
Image: Pharos ~ The Lighthouse
Kerry O'Connor @skyloverpoetry (here)

taking the community's responsibility
not very often
accepted by others willingly
akin to being imprisoned

loneliness reduced with connections
the social media corrects the flaw
being connected enhances the bastions
long desired unlike those experienced before 

still alone but the impending dark
preceding a gap of relative calm
soothes the heart
to begin nights of dedication
(55 words)

Kerry's at Real Toads  - Art Flash 55 in December 

smiling in a way trying to lure them in

                                                                                       Author Muhammad Haris
Image: A Floating Market (here)

at the crack of dawn
emerging through the branches
birdseeds misplaced in an empty room

with intent to capture their hearts

smiling in a way trying to lure them in

but as a descendant of a wild predator

they looked askance at all the furore

thoughts seemed numbed in idleness
in a floating market to peddle their wares

but they still advanced forward
safety as a group and strength in numbers

but a sudden gust with force

like a lantern caught in the wind

the window slammed with a loud bang

it tweaked their focus and off they jumped

knowing for certain unsafe to be back
the water was clear as mirror
murky only in the night air

waited their call rolling in the clouds
sitting cross legged in a way taunting

how he gnashed  his teeth with fury

how silly to have left his shirt open

was there a reason to curse and rant

for forgetfulness endured

was a grim lesson

Linda's at d'Verse - poetics-surrealism-in-poetry/

Hearing it then for the first time

                                                                            Author: Satish Tandekar
Image: A New Born (here)

The day dawned early
A day earlier it had all started
She complained of searing pain
Inexperienced I could only lament
Heard say around the abdomen

Seeing it then for the first time
Twisting and turning, grimacing
Heavens dropped from the sky
This has to be it, I sighed

I stepped on the gas
As fast as I could manage
In no time she was in good hands
Snugly between the sheets
Assurance all round
the doctor, the nurses

"This is quite normal...."
they said in unison

Intermittent pains through the night
She took it bravely
That I could see

I got back early the next morning
She had been rolled in
I made a request to be by her side
Garbed in the hospital attire
I held her hands and waited

Immobile, manacled more or less
She could still manage a smile
Dr McCoy, eminent gynae
Kept repeating,

"it’s ok, love
It’ll only take a minute, love
Hold  your breath, love
Push,yes,push,love
There you are!"

A clattering of sounds followed
Scissors, stainless steel containers
Shuffles of feet
Movements of nurses
A slap on the butt
A shrill cry
Oh! such a wonderful sound

Hearing it then for the first time
What an accomplishment!
From my loving wife, Shadah
My first-born
Adura a gift of divine blessings
A bundle of joy

Gospel at d'Verse Poetics -let us labor

Nature's child in pure innocence

                                                                                                  Author Sarolta Ban
Image: His Master's Voice (here)

Nature's child in pure innocence
Emerging eagerly from the shadows
Protected from the cold in recent months
Anticipating greenery sans the snows

Spring then a playground of exuberance
Shrieks of laughter playfully among colors
Chasing little creatures out of hibernation
Never a dull moment exploring forest floors

Rejuvenation of recently bare branches
Gushing streams of crystal clear waters
Off their shackles cheery young animals
To discover the wonders life has to offer

His master's voice relaying a message
Intrusion into realms of the forest's quiet
Sweet strains rightly extending a pledge
Of divine protection none they feared

Carrie's at Sunday Muse #81
Sanaa's at PU's Poetry Pantry

sadly it had happened again

                                                                                       Author: Catherine Lewis 1976

Image: A Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring (here)
(handcrafted circa 1920)

burnish - to enhance or improve.

what was the drift?
his mind declined to answer
sadly it had happened again

he let slip the chance
a sure sign it did melt away
he tried to keep his chin up
in vain efforts of maintaining
some form of authority

had he gone bananas?
when the option showed up beaming
he could not even wrap it up

he towered over the rest
when at his best
but he burned the goodness
again this time around
he could only manage to
breathe some light greetings
before he began to stammer

he looked into the distance
the reality seemed apparent
the regular stance called for a review
first off to burnish his image
to stoke his confidence a few notches up

the ring was safely in his grips
but still in his pocket!
to think this was the second attempt

why was it so difficult to pop
the six-million dollar question
and slip it on?

Marian's at Real Toad's  -  burnish

Lest being referred to as bird-brained

                                                                                             Author Thomas Quine
Image: An Intelligent Great Hornbill (here)

How I dream of love at first sight
Don't give me sight without vision
How I dream of fair hearing
Not rumor-mongering that cause dissensions
How I dream of peace not sufferings and destruction
If only the perpetrators taste their own medicine
How I dream of the sweet smell of success
Not ostensibly friends that stab in the back
Where all are winners in contention
How I love of being me, without pretenses
Authentic and genuine with no labels

Mindful though as a given
Not to succumb to threats on my person
I would like to be an independent soul
How I dread of being looked upon as a copy-cat
Trying to act like a different person but lacking in courage
How I dread of failing to achieve simple tasks
But to face life with the touch of class
With big body mass but little working brains
But most of all not to dream like a bird
Lest being referred to as bird-brained

Susan's at PU's Midweek Motif -  Authenticity

expectation at what is coming her way

                                                                                       Attribution: Rebeca Cygnus 
Image: Have a desire to fulfill (here)

the given words:
Leather/Fur, WoolCottonPolyesterNylon

she has designs to seek for an answer
an expectation at what is coming her way
not readily garbed conventionally though
not in leather jackets or fancy fur coats

only a determination and bare means
four bedposts and a magic wand
wool and cotton that can fly
solace in the heart of a long-gone beau
to look for the one who has to leave

birds up the clouds living it up
expanse of wheatfields accord salvation
prairie of goodies in the sky
drawing her to search for satisfaction

braving the odds in just polyester and nylon
needling a conscience of the innocence
of one with a mistaken belief
that love is blind but still to be pursued

Carrie's the Sunday Muse #77
MLMM's Sunday Writing 5x5
Marian's at Real Toad's Prairie in the sky

in October we trust

                                                                                    Attribution: Lee J Andrews
Image: Golden brown leaves on the ground (here)

comes the time of the year

in October we trust

to discard the summer heat

crisp golden leaves crackling

when stepped upon

brings back the nostalgic feeling

of childhood's barefoot walking

not knowing of the wine and song

of adults' indulgence in Octoberfest

gurgling beer like a water fountain

to down the sausages aplenty

pumpkin sculpture to the fore

artistically extending a hand

go for Premier league soccer

whose games are in full swing

or a safe option is to seek out

the lull before the cold months

the pre-Chrismas bargains

to usher in the New Year

Magaly's in PU's October

of poetry and prose

drawing on lost times

                                                                                 Author: Bryan Ledgard

Image: Hugging of old friends (here)

10 of 12 given words/phrase:

fist bump (a gesture of greeting or affirmation in
which two people lightly tap each other's clenched fist)
trash talk staunch murky tough
galvanize to startle into sudden activity to stimulate
outré adj. (exceeding bounds of what is usual or considered proper)
grid (a pattern of lines marking the start of the track in motor racing)
ugly repair 

initially a fist bump of sorts
very friendly and lightly  tapped
drawing on lost times
each showing concern not having met
for a long time

a hug upon meeting excitedly expressed
trash talk and friendly banter commenced
the hallmark of staunch friends involuntarily separated
now meeting again by chance

it was murky and tough on the memory
to galvanize to startle into sudden activity to stimulate
it took myriads of blinking incessantly
both not of outre personalities
still not staying put at the starting grid
but to blabber on the stories of old
reminiscences ugly or otherwise
with no intention to repair or restrain
or to settle scores
but to bear on them
thinking only on the good times together

so, what are friends for
so it is!

MLMM's Wordle #152
Grace at d'Verse OLN #252

she could remember those moments

                                                                                 Author: Extended through MLMM
Image: Dark, Creepy and Mysterious (here)

The woods waited for her, 
everyday she passed the ancient sickly trunks, 
she felt the wind still with their bated breath
lending support sympathising
boosting her confidence

it was not so in the beginning
shanghaied her brother to accompany her

she had come this far
to make it alone
it did not overwhelm her
not as creepy as it was then

cold sweat trickled down the nape of her neck
she could remember those moments
reality set in and it was cruel
she was alone far into the forest
away from 'civilisation'
she realized that but the trees
appeared more friendly now than before
siding her and protecting her
even in the absence of her brother
she felt very safe safer than before
if an 'enemy' was taken as a friend
it was no more intimidating
faith was all accommodating
it worked wonders
she sported a smile passing through
not troubled nor bothered by maladroit
faith in Providence's protection
faith in one's belief gave the strength
physically nothing changed
but she learned to be stronger
stronger in spirits to overcome

Dylan's at MLMM's First Line Friday
Kim's at Real Toads Weekend's Mini Challenge
with  'Maladroit’ which conveys
clumsiness, awkwardness

there are flowers and there are bees

                                                                                                         Author Paul Stein 
Image: Honey bee Foraging for Nectar (here)

10 of 12 given words:
begonia (a plant whose flowers have brightly
coloured sepals but no petals grown for their flowers)
water dirty rows assist porch softly
doily (a small lace or paper put on a
plate under cakes or other sweet food)
suit careful

there are flowers and there are bees
begonia or otherwise nectar-producing
perfect combination to lots of honey
hanging hives in the wild in the beginning

the worker bee goes hunting flower to flower
upon returning regurgitates to empty its tummy
enzymatic and water evaporation process occurs
honey stored in honeycomb wax not considered dirty

a thriving commercial bee-keeping industry
hives upon rows built within a contained lodge
to assist in the collection to make it easy
unlike lucky folks with a stray hive at their porch

breakfast mornings with honey-dipped croissant
favourite offerings of the family enjoying softly
with plates over a doily, suited for the occasion
careful not to spill but to accord gratitude in all sincerity

MMT's Sunday's Whirligig #233
Sumana's at PU's Midweek Motif -  honey bee

the organ shrieking with fright

                                                                            Author: JLPhotoArt - Jeremy Lindstrom
Image: Railroad Tracks, an Organ, and a Seagull
(here)

Old Joe was in a dilemma
it came on too soon and too abrupt
heard say the electrification program was in earnest
new tracks with a different gauge needed to be laid
they had to encroach into his land
he had been forewarned
many months ago but did not take heed
some parts of the house had to be torn down

the organ shrieking with fright
was forcibly carried out of the way
the tree was pulled down,
and the birds lamented over its dead body

a pit stop for the seagulls
in their frequent forays inland
the tree was unceremoniously bulldozed

the organ silenced into submission
was now temporary perch for a lone seabird
Old Joe was expected to be a good listener
absorbing their woes
from birds who cared to stop

Old Joe was in it together
he sadly told the worried creatures
but they could still have options
they could stake their claim on nearby trees
when he had none

grudgingly he kept repeating
and the birds listened in sympathy and in silence
"homeless and helpless, homeless and helpless!"
Old Joe kept murmuring
I'm a happy soul but that's not what he meant!
"homeless and helpless"
and they nodded in unison

Carrie's Sunday Muse #74
MLMM's Saturday Mix  -  personification
Sherry's at Poetry Pantry #494

Ever Been Close to a Japanese Chef's Acrobatics?

                                                                                                       Author Kent Wang
Image: Sushi Chef (here)

shoes left outside proceeded
to take a seat with feet dangling
in a dug-out of sorts sitting
Japanese style

one nifty enough to be comfortable
in that position and ready enough
with the white napkin laid across

the chef popped a cherry into his
mouth and munching commenced
right away in front of the diners

Tempura and trappings of sushi
the 'knife acrobatics' and juggling
to spice up the cooking movements
All done not behind at the galley but
right in front of their very eyes

The chef very deftly and delicately
threw up the knife every now and then
like a juggler or twirled it around in his
hands like a gun-fighter all the while cooking
and smiling.

Those right behind the counter
in front and not in the dug-out would get
a grand-stand view enjoying it all

What a meal!

Lillian at d'Verse OLN - ever been close to a ....

a wanderer sanguinely sieving in emptiness

                                                                                      Author:  Kadelburg
Image: The African Scene  (here)

the 12 given words:
wanderer create mercy straw end particle 
follows potter clay  guilty all painter

a wanderer sanguinely sieving in emptiness
hoping to trap some ideas in the netting
to create elements of mercy in drawing out success
from the straw end particles from hazy beginnings

it follows that a potter of clay whirling into shape
finding it a challenge given the time
to release from realms of mystery to relate
to the confusion of hallucinations in the mind

how difficult it is to snap a finger
to get at and to ensnare the energy for a poem
but guilty of impatience and still not able to deliver
in all fairness yet waiting for the brilliance of creation

all in all a painter will certainly find it a lot easier
given the advantage of having colours in support
where an empty canvas splashed without fear
can develop images and shapes in logical thoughts

MMT's Sunday's Whirligig Wordle #232
Sarah's at d'Verse  -  waiting for a poem

certainly not for those who slubber

                                                                                      Author: ralph repo
Image: The Burden of Human Portage (here)
(1908 - men laden with tea averaging 300 lbs
from Sichuan China covering about 6 miles per
day over mountain roads at 5000ft high)

the 11 of 12 given words:  
North rarefied slip brag buy shoes 
slubber (to perform hastily or carelessly)
Saturday 100 yards rule kill

just amazing how movements of produce
were accomplished up North within the
mountainous regions if not for the rarefied
air and cold temperatures and having to walk
along narrow trails where mules and caravans
had limited access in areas of high altitudes

certainly not for those who slubber where
a slip would mean hurtling down a ravine
hoping vigilance be commandeered to reflect
their importance to the cause of living

they had done well in modern times though
living porters who were employed in the
recently completed highway constructions
did brag of being able to buy shoes instead
of wrap-around fabrics as in the olden days

may not be as good as for a Saturday night
outing but it saved them from having to stop
and adjust every 100 yards or so.

as a rule a good pair of shoes could determine
if they could walk comfortably around and not
get killed in accidents waiting to happen

MLMM's Wordle #150
Susan's at PU's Midweek Motif  - vigilance 

a game in progress most intense

                                                                                              Author 玄史生
Image: Timeless and Invigorating but Quiet  (here)

but all must be endured since even a poor
church mouse gets a long-standing mention
must one reflect, guess and endure
gazing at mysteries in the distance

would it not be prudent
for a couch potato quietly at home
on the floor having the lounge
all to himself a habit in the making
not to get up and get out in the open
but for hours in the pleasures of gaming

it may seem grave but now rampant
a mean machine and the TV is on
at full blast but not given attention
a smartphone instead never a dull moment

a symbol of the times being groovy
with trappings of gaming
all too happy!
a world of one's own at times fuming
fingers move fast on the gadget
a game in progress most intense
grinding his teeth is all he gets
and laughter the next moment
interspersed with an occasional obscenity
with someone somewhere
but unknown and unseen

books do not interest them
the youngsters of today
lacking in the benefits of boketto
claiming to be busy in concentration
ostensibly packing up knowledge
next to empty in face of competition

The Word:
Today the word is "boketto" (boe-kay-toe)
which in Japanese means: gazing at the distant
landscape with an empty mind.

Toni's at Sunday Muse  -  the word
Sherry's at PU's Poetry Pantry #493

made it all too easy

                                                                                          Author: LL Jones                                             
Image: A selfie be (here)

selfie be a self-portrait of old
modern technology
no presence of another soul
made it all too easy

taken in the nick of time
to show off at high risk
often on top of buildings
or sides of cliffs

a sacrifice
to  a young life

(44 words)

Donna's Sunday's Photo Fiction
De Jackson's at d'Verses Quadrille #87

He laid still in a stupor

                                                                                                Author Paul Goyette
Image: Oblivious to the Surroundings (here)

A bundle of heap
He laid still in a stupor
Oblivious of happenings
around him

Had one too many
Stoned after a boy’s night out
The bench was god-sent

He rested awhile
Was out cold for the whole morning
No one bothered and no one cared

They just let him be
He appeared harmless
To them, he was a homeless

Grace's at d'Verse's OLN #250

to fly over the clear blue waters

                                                                                  Author: Svetlana Belyaeva
Image: Look at Me! (here)

the 12 given words:
changes devour tire pill room steam 
let scream  scrawny sensual steam 

changes in her demeanour
devoured into her conscience
not to die or tire herself to swallow
the bitter pill but she secured
enough leg room to jump up
and flaunt her assets

full steam ahead to fly over
the clear blue waters to let her
scream out loud over
the calm expanse

certainly not of a scrawny
little waif trying hard to
relentlessly shed off and
overcome a plain Jane image
but a sensual and exotic self
long stifled

The Sunday Muse #71
Brenda's Sunday Whirl Wordle #419

City life so they did say

                                                                                          Author monicker
Image: Happens daily always at the
same time and the same place (here)

"I liked the rush, I liked the crunch.

Never did look back at the fallout.”

Not cowed nor bothered

Never been shouted at nor having to shout

City life so they did say

Never felt intimidated nor threatened

Part of a daily routine

Never rattled just an inconvenience

So why all the unruly behaviour

Never wanting to show anger but a smile

Shown the middle finger

Never to trigger off a tiff but tolerance for a while

Just a nick at the fender

Never could take it like a gentleman

Rush hour madness

Never the same for everyone

Dylan's MLMM First Line Friday

brush it into oblivion right across

                                                                                                           Attribution: Ali Falak
Image:   Erasing images from the eyes (here)

woken up from a lingering dream
disturbed from images dancing in front of her eyes
wash it off from its perch
that was what grandma told her once
it worked before without promptings
but to no avail this time around

brush it into oblivion right across
small brush would do the simple job
self-fulfilling warmth of conflict resolution
set in front of the eyes

on reflection, it invoked lots of questions
why her!
which was the connection with her being
what wrong had she committed deserving of this
when was it ingrained unto her
where physically was the intrusion

it was irritating to the mind
was it punishment outright
or reward with options in the future

thinking aloud she confidently whispered to herself

get things that people favour to make them happy
not to favour people who get things yet feel unhappy

Carrie's from Sunday Muse #70
Kerry's at Real Toad's  with
Mary's Mixed Bag  -  connections

the will to survive and the pursuit of happiness

                                                                                   Author:  41ste
Image: Happiness (here)

the 14 given words:
pursuit always welcome eases other gathers seizes 
current mirrors smoke water fate face arrival 

the will to survive and the pursuit
of happiness are the basic rights
of a living creature

one will always welcome them
if they ease off other difficulties
that may come close

one gathers the strength to overcome
and seizes selfishly the opportunity
it is resolving current inconveniences
to help get over future obstacles

it mirrors good strategies and intentions
to clear the smoke when small
before it builds up
thus avoiding them from transforming
into something big which later can develop
into something insurmountable

much water can go under the bridge
when panic stations are unwittingly let loose 
but fate will play a hand in the face of
offending pleasures and enjoyment

the arrival of contending sanity can help
create a sense of purpose to make it
worthwhile to go on living the good life

MMT at Sunday's Whirligig #228
Gospel at d'Verse's Smoke and Mirrors

it seems bizarre

                                                                                               Attribution: Jacek Yerka
Image: Tea for Two, anyone? (here)

the 10 of 12 given words:
bizarre ground crash doubt 
clear entry bid offer spent weight

it seems bizarre
with her pet lying on the ground
thrown in as a gate crasher

there is no doubt
it is a clear entry
as an insurance
in a bid to safeguard her
a lion-tamer of a lady
waiting for her beau

what is on offer
tea for two
to be spent
with her beau a weight-lifter
the handsome attraction of the Big Tent

Yes, the circus is in town
Every pretty lass is hoping for
a date with the strong-man

Would a wide-eyed sweet young thing
care to grapple with a lion first?

Shay's at Sunday Muse #69
Brenda's Sunday Whirl Wordle #417
Sherry's at PU's Poetry Pantry #490

Tourists Go the Extra Mile

                                                                                              Author Daniel Case
Image: Tourists Would Endevour to See
as Much  (here)

the capitol grew rank in the summer heat
the humid streets clogged with sweating tourists and rats.
all looking to relay pain and sufferings in their bids
unlike a freshened bed of tulips colourfully bred

shoved their beings to create a defensive line of fire
adapting well when finding themselves targeted
the beauty of humankind when called up their ire
thumbed the occasions without much regret

unpredictable elements could be unduly unkind
but migrating birds found their mark year after year
would it then be prudent to be aligned in the mind
to be enjoying perfect surroundings of ideal weather

careful planning certainly was a prerequisite
but uncertainties were welcomed if not too testing
water-logged lanes bore risks but God forbid
as long as tired bones were not too telling

Dylan's at MLMM's  - first line Fridays (the first
line is given and we are to continue)
Sherry's at Real Toad's Weekend Mini Challenge 
messages in water

young lovers had better learn

                                                                                            Author Mihail.Ivanov.25
Image: Young Lovers who Least Suspect (here)

the 12 given words:
fighting chance  love  fragile spoke light
gardens strength fragrant hearing pass things,

there was a fighting chance
that love could be unduly fragile
it spoke of light in the gardens
but its televised strengths beguiled

lost times devoid of a fragrant
when hearing evaporated to pass
was there a way to enhance
in as much as to make things last

love neglected would react
energy waned in unsettled bids
buoyed in situations of suspect
far from an ability to succeed

young lovers had better learn
sincerity and trust had to be earned

MMT's Sunday's Whirligig #227
Sumana's at PU's Midweek Motif - televised

more effective if relayed in silence ?

                                                                       Author Wellcome Library, London

                                                                                  licensed under the Creative Commons 

                                                                                  Attribution 4.0 International license

Image: A Man Screaming Evokes
Fear and is Largely Avoided (here)

Can a voice be deemed more
effective if relayed in silence but
accentuated with deeds

Can it be accepted genuine
if accompanied by unspoken
words of its good intentions

Invariably it works better as
the tendency is to give it more
emphasis and attention
(44 words)

De Jackson at d'Verse's Quadrille 85
- raising our poetic voice

blessed with varieties imposed

                                                                                            Author Mokkie
Image: Yellow Canna Lily (here)

Just fascinating
both on the kitchen table
or out in the field
Reeling with colors gardens
blessed with varieties imposed

Yellow stands out from
greenery tenaciously
stuck akin on groom's lapels

Chevrefeuilles' Carpe Diem #1721 - canna lily

now that it managed to escape

                                                                                            Attribution: Julien Tabet
Image: Escaping is the beginning
not the end of its problems (here)

the 10 of 12 given words:
feral (an animal in a wild state, especially after escape from captivity)
surveillance gurgling grudge  
wiggle (to move up and down or from side to side with small rapid movements.)
enforce chills wash separation upcoming

feral in its efforts
now that it managed to escape
very much under surveillance
until the guard took time off
gurgling with happiness
more with a grudge
that was just minutes ago

but now engulfed with
a smokescreen for some reasons
when it wiggled through
the electrified fencing

it brought enforced chills all over
its body for which a wash could be helpful
a separation would thwart off
the ease of visual detection from afar

but how to get rid of it
upcoming prospects seemed futile
what could it do?

Sanaa's at Real Toad's -  tuesday platform
MLMM's Wordle #145
NEKNEERAJ at  MLMM's Photo Challenge #275

Still life masterpiece

                                                                                    Artist: Vincent Van Gogh 
Image:  Three Sunflowers(here)

The somonka is a Japanese form.
It’s basically two tankas.

Van Gogh masterpiece
From two series of still life
Classic depiction
Pity life span is short but
time enough to appreciate

Laid out to be seen
In rows of flower beds but
static movements
Imposed by the sun's influence
Amidst blue canal waters

Chevrefeuille's Carpe Diem 1717 - sunflowers

Who could have guessed!

                                                                                                       Quincy Washington

:                                                                                             https://www.instagram.com/albanusdesign/

Image: Emperor of the Dawn (here)

Eyeing from a vantage point

Camouflaged conveniently

To peek at them unannounced

To catch details rightly

A spyglass was but a nuisance

Who could have guessed

Enough distractions in the confusion

A bit more imagination no less

Infinity of distance was a rot

Concentrate on those seemingly hot

One would get away without a shot 

(55 words)

Kerry's at Real Toad's - art flash 55

I know you were smiling!

                                                                                      Thiago Matos from Pexel                                            

Image: Imagination Ran Wild (here)

Missing you much with feelings of despair
Imagined your image in unlikely spaces
Running through endless encounters in my mind
Even registered on shards of transparent glass
It struck me as being unobtrusively naive
Could wild longings put one off tangent
Perhaps but it ran counter to reality
I was pretty sure you were there
Looking and observing but nothing behind me
What could it be
Where could you be

I felt mystified
You might not show it
I know you were triumphantly smiling!

Carrie's at Sunday Muse #67

striking out with an air of confidence

                                                                                                            Author Ross
Image: A Rich Man's plaything,
a 54-meter mega yacht (here)

striking out with an air of confidence
one could detect a superior being

shadow of himself detected often
now an entirely different person seen
what transformation that one was asking

in economic terms a fulfillment
walking in style a perfect gentleman
in bad times prevailing he proved a point
he struck gold that literally confounds
made it he boasted dealing in bitcoins

Frank's at d'Verse  - more dizain