a shameful way to suppress the evil

                                                  
                                                                                                    Author: anon

Image: A tortured stance (here)

the 10 of 12 given words:

inhuman line shame suppress 

evil soul hope water spring vote 

it may seem inhuman to stay inline 

and made to take an unusual stance

a shameful way to suppress the evil 

spell that impinged on her tortured  soul

her hope to water down the civility

did spring a surprise when voted the 

best representation of life's torment in

the competition

Carrie's at Sunday Muse #153

Brenda's Sunday Whirl Wordle #496

He came with a little smile

                                                                                Author: Senthi Aathavan Senthilverl

Image:  A Mischievous Grin (here)

He came with a little smile, a toothy little smile
Broader it became as he got a little closer
Broke into a small laughter and all the while
A quizzical stance hidden behind the laughter

Broader it became as he got a little closer
Seen this act a few times had seen it before
A quizzical stance hidden behind the laughter
Scheming intention, a suspicious one I gather

Seen this act a few times had seen it before
Upon reaching an extended hand in friendly gesture
Scheming intention, a suspicious one I gather
Responded likewise not wanting to create a furor

A quizzical stance hidden behind the laughter
Began with a few good words without a falter
Scheming intention , a suspicious one I gather
The sling bag  is opened its contents spilled over

Began with a few good words without a falter
All the charts, the legs, the returns, too familiar
The sling bag  is opened its contents spilled over
I knew it, a ‘get-rich-quick’ a Ponzi as it were

All the charts, the legs, the returns, too familiar
Broke into a small laughter and all the while
I knew it, a ‘get-rich-quick’ a Ponzi as it were

He came with a little smile, a toothy little smile

Note: The Cryptocurrency phenomena currently 

popular appear to be like the Ponzi of old but with 

more sophistication. It reminds Hank of the 'get

-rich-quick' scheme rampant before

Peter's at d'Verse MTB - coming full circle

a repeat pantoum 

Convergence

                                                                                                 Author: Basile Morin

Image: The 'Perspective' frequently used by the artist 

showing a parallel progression that appears to converge

at the end with a central vanishing point accentuating 

the mobility and movement effects (here)

11 of 12 given words:

stony silent resume read stiff  admire 

signed, dated routine, bridge 

crosswalk (a pedestrian crossing)

Convergence (Jackson Pollock)

in stony silence somewhat a resume

to read across a masterpiece on canvas

a scene in living perspective not seen as

stiff but appears to be moving with lots 

of mobility in a creative effort for others

to admire typically signed and dated

in loud colours splashed liberally across

a surreal abstract very much routine to

the artist but one of its kind to the critic

more so to a keen connoisseur of art

the current craze of pour acrylic using

the paraphernalia of objects not just brushes

and turpentine of old but glue, resin and 

even a hairdryer makes it a discovery over the 

bridge and mysterious crosswalk of creativity

Note: Hank decided to change the title from 

'A Painter Without a Brush’ (Gerhard Richter) 

to 'Convergence' (Jackson Pollock)

Laura's at d'Verse's Poetics: The Poet as Painter

MMT's The Whirligig #311

it was still not resolved

                                                                              Author: Pedro Ribeiro Simões

Image: Lost and confused (here)

all muddled and confused like 
clouds moving aimlessly in his mind 
unprotected tied in knots

obviously, it was still not resolved 
there was no change in her stance

understanding women was an art
and he learned it the hard way
there were no shortcuts

(44 words)

Mish at d'Verse's Quadrille - a poem 

of 44 words and to include the word - knots

a model office worker

                                                                               Author: Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken

Image   Dedication at Work (here)

10 of 12 given words:

cohesive frills 

trellis (a framework as a support for climbing plants)

sleepy moan spring expose ignorance  gracious 

honeysuckle (a flower that symbolizes devotion 

and everlasting bonds)

a model office worker cohesive in 

relationships at work who needs no 

frills to show in performance nor a 

trellis to call forth her sterling qualities

not found to be sleepy nor to moan but 

will spring into action upon being given

responsibilities without any danger to 

expose ignorance of expected skills 

in the job and are always gracious

in their dealings with coworkers

honeysuckle of an employee who

will remain friends even after leaving

service is not a rare phenomenon but

there are many such individuals

MLMM's Wordle # 230

thankfully there to look after the many

                                                                                        Author: The National Guard

Image: Strict security (here)    

synonyms: the 5 challenge words:

hope (expectation prospect)

bring (deliver convey)

try (aspire strive)

love (adulate idolise)

hill (knoll)

good prospects and expectations

likely to deliver the goodness of nature

conveying the blessings of Providence

prompting the chosen few to strive further

aspiring to idolise with sincere adulation

rich beings given to contribute with ease

time and resources in times of concern

currently faced by humanity under siege

also unsung front-liners who sacrifice

and who ride over the knoll unselfishly

dicing personal well-being extending service

thankfully are there to look after the many

weejars at MLMM's Same Same But Different’ 

- to take the five challenge words and NOT to use them in the writing.

piercing eyes ready to pounce

                                                                                                         Author: anon

Image: a sharp look (here)

(the picture prompt)

a sharp look that stabs you 

where it hurts most 

with no words uttered

it pricks at your conscience 

you search yourself

what did I do wrong?

a pair of piercing eyes

ready to pounce on you

no two ways about it

you feel cornered!

the better option breathlessly 

taken is to vamoose as fast

not to cross swords 

with unreasonableness

it is being fair to oneself

to assess other choices open 

so as to fight with added strength

for another day.

      

Shay's at Sunday Muse #152      

(to use the picture prompt for a poem)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

One's presence can evoke varied reactions

                                                                                                  Photographer Nicu Buculei 

Image: Lonesome and blue (here)

 

One's presence can evoke varied reactions

by nature, an initial response is a welcome

society blessed by people with good intentions

never had it been said fairness is one of them

lacking sincere judgment is very common

the ugly duckling is often caught in the game

easier accomplished by drawing comparisons

cuddly and cute but still subject to shame

those affected not to lament on a bad situation

despite running the gauntlet taking in all the rough

given time a reversal is forthcoming at the end

basking in glory and having the last laugh

Michael at MLMM's  Tale Weaver # 319 - the ugly duckling

Bjorn at d'Verse Open Link Night #288 - March - live edition

to survive as much as being human

                          

                                                                                           Author: RuneX2 (User)

Image: In a cardboard box 

behind a warm TV (here)

this being human is a given

it gnaws at a mother's instinct 

in the family way not that often

but she is given the way to think

wonders of creations of little creatures

are accorded with enough intelligence

to care and love as a human teaches

with blessings of such brilliance

little ones snuggle up to the goodness

of teats now blessed for good reasons

mother and the broods in all readiness

the bid to survive being only human

Kim at d'Verse Poetics : the art of being human

(to start with the sentence - this being human is .......)

away from all others

                                                                                                   Author:W. Shaw Warren

Image: A Studious-looking Bookworm  (here)

11 of 12 given words:

away water boat rain sing play 
watch sway rock spilling cry

very much away from all others 

in the water drifting in a boat
rain or shine no one bothers

able to carry a substantial load

to sing and play alone

all in his mind amidst books

in the library quiet as a stone

unmoved by all the looks

watch him sway to engage

careful not to rock the boat

spilling out all the knowledge

but restrained not to cry out loud

not unlike a nerd all by himself

but a bookworm with all the drive

MMT's the Whirligig #309

MLMM's Tale Weaver #318 - bookworm

managed to get out fast

                                     Author: Bpierreb

Image: Don't Believe a Thing!  (here)

it was swift
managed to get out fast

what could it be?
myriads of possibilities
a young mind so free
no one to care
no one to bother!

a sheepish smile from a successful tryst
won the sympathies of a rich widow?
high hopes!

(44 words)

Sarah's at d'Verse - Quadrille - to write a quadrille

in 44 words and to include the word - swift

not asked for it nor had she demanded

                                      
                                                                               Author: Romain Thiery

Image: It Had Seen Better Days (here)

not asked for it nor had she demanded

rummaging through the pile of rubble

was painstaking but why not she thought

she had expected something unusual

she spied an old picture of her first love

a torrid love affair all for the better

her knuckles bore the pain her fingers puffed

but it filled the hours she did remember

one day on a beautiful day it happened

she was fingering the keys with grace

the dreaded news came all so sudden

he was leaving to a faraway place

having a house far away from civilisation

it was imperative one thing led to the other

she was awkwardly deprived of other options

when she unashamedly lost her piano teacher

Carrie's Sunday Muse #150

of friends so true

                                                                                                Author: Britchi Mirela
Image: Sharing among friends  (here)

of friends so true pure as white
are born and necessarily well-bred
unlike pastry brown and burnt
from what one had learned
best be avoided 

real friends will stand by you 
unmarked offered in full view
sincerity by their very nature
not vengeful with a friendly overture

without sins strictly well organised
even of the savage breast 

but yet stable and wise
to palm off any semblance
of unfairness in return

painted as desirous in kinship
by extending good companionship
consonant in life-long tidings

harmonious with honest dealings 

Linda at d'Verse OLN #285

a thing of the past

                                                                                              Author: Andy Mabbett
 Image:  Pray this will be a 

Reality in Time! (here) 

                     

11 of 12 given words:

thing flash swift  

roves (wandering with no specific destination)

constant wild moves rings chain straight order

a thing of the past

a flash of memory

came swiftly and fast

roves in a hurry

constant wild moves

rings true of one on edge

staying very much aloof 

precariously on a ledge

on fringes of a madness 

consequence of chain of events

lurking from across the wilderness

straight out feeling all tensed

such is the scenario today

disorganized with no leisure

now utterly out of play

not of the old order and pleasure

MMT's Whirligig Wordle #308 

JadeLi at d'Verse Poetics - edges and fringes

Night Fishing

Image:  The Morning After, Hank with

a Whopper, a long time ago! It brought 

back the memories

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 were 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

in still of the night

rocking lullaby movements

not meant to doze off

Lillian's at d'Verse Haibun Monday - down memory lane

Limericks Fare

                                                                                                                    Author:Sardaka

Image:  A Careful User (here)

A fellow who telecommuted
Was he doubly fast when he tweeted
Thumb worked on the HP
Crossed the road in a jiffy
Pallbearers later had him hoisted

A weird fellow who tended to brag
Could never readily hold him back
His random boasts
Didn’t come close
As his exploits were just a drag

A woman who always seemed game
Had a fearful reputation to her name
A guy who tried to get fresh
Was on the behind thrashed

She was of a black belt Tae Kwon Do fame

MLMM's Lucky Dip - Limericks

wings of change flapping

                                                                                              Author:Marcel Burkhard (User:Cele4)

Image:  Skimming the Surface   (here)

the 12 given words:

wings neared lake drift glided water surface 

rippling, arc composed settled nest

wings of change flapping

as they neared the lake

the drift grew intense upon returning

they glided forcefully instead

skimmed the water surface

rippling the calmness of the morning

a familiar technique in place

forming an arc before diving in

composed in attitude searching

in the clear expanse of the reservoir

settled safely in the nest having

taken their first tryout wanting more

MMT's the Whirligig #307

Providence is a fair Equalizer

                                                                                                  Author: Basile Morin

Image: The Young and the Old (here)

I am the bud and the blossom, I am the late-falling leaf  -  Paul Dunbar’s The Paradox:

All the world’s a stage of which are enacted
seven parts. Two parts are of uncanny similarity
but paradoxically different. The infant at the
beginning and the second childhood at the end
for 'I am the bud and the blossom' says one  

and sadly 'I am the late-falling leaf' says the other

The infant is helpless, dependent on minders
for every need. But showered with love and affections
bubbly and cute is adored and cuddled in all innocence

The second childhood is just as dependent on minders
But that’s where it ends. 

Existing in the misery of dementia where personal 

hygiene has gone asunder. Aged and spent devoid 

of memory, dehumanized and degrading unkempt
to say the least. Planned obsolescence of humankind

sans everything!

Why is this so? Is it nature’s way to ensure those with
debilitating afflictions the late falling leaves are accorded 
the love and affections due to them just as one is 
bubbly and cute? (even though they are a misery 

to themselves and their minders! )

Maybe so, it is so!
Providence is a fair Equalizer.

There is no denying it!

Note: Acknowledging the wisdom of the Bard

Laura at d'Verse Poetics - the resolution of opposites/

reaching for the sky

                                                                                                     Author: deviantart.com/

Image:  STOP - to reach for the sky or

to proceed forward (here)

reaching for the sky

outward bound for a change

contending on the sly

with touch of fame

others may not be alarmed

in a world of competitive spirit

cornering the market by elements

unfriendly going by their habits

no fear 
play by the ear

(44 words)

De at d'Verse  - Quadrille

Nekneeraj's at MlMM's Photo Challenge #355

What's new Pussycat?

                                            

                                                                                               Source (here)

Image: Some ladies are privileged

What's new Pussycat?

a black cat and a sexy black lingerie

it may turn out to be a lethal combination

in certain circumstances

a piece of garment 

hidden from view

seen only by the wearer 

or some amourous individuals

privileged and in private

the black cat can then turn cuddly

meowing lithe and playing her cards well

what with the ongoing lockdown

it opens up rare opportunities

a Yoko Ono sleep-in perhaps

it can go in varied directions

Happy pandemic

for all newly married couples

stay together, stay safe!

Shay's at The Sunday Muse  #148

to mourn a failed encounter

                                                                                          Author: Luisisthebeast

Image: A Loving Couple (here)

11 of 12 given words:

mourn chipped soap mark draw work mail catalog  

threadbare (poor or shabby in appearance)

mend broken 

to mourn a failed encounter

chipped at the edges 

will need more 

than just soap and water

it will be off the mark

to draw an inspiration

from those who enjoy blissfully

a relationship that works 

a mail-order bride from 

a catalog of pretty faces

may not be revealing

the threadbare concoction

to mend a broken soul 

MMT's The Whirligig  Wordle #306

Bjorn at d'Verse OLN #284 - live

idiocy in communication

                                         

                                                                                     Author: Laurel Burch

Image:: Sulking beauty (here)

idiocy in communication
imposed by the pesky lockdown
it got out of fashion
florists were out of town

social media provided the vehicle
virtual bouquets were sent
complete with pictures and words
courtship took on a new turn

holding hands as a first move
was a thing of the past
hands handy on keyboards
seemed more sensuous
the reach was wider
and not to worry it did last

young lady it was no way to sulk
rules imposed which made it sad 
social distancing no freer as a lark
being happy with smartphones and iPads

a letdown to young lovers in a big way 
perhaps even fewer kissings
exposed to the new normal to their dismay
not aware of what they had been missing!

Happy Valentine!

Carrie's at Sunday Muse #147

Michael's at MLMM's - the story of love

the light had dimmed

                                                                                             Author: Eddie Kips

Image: A Slow Walk Home (here)

the 12 given Wordle words:

father came front door faces light 

star own tragedy near lock believe

many years ago specifically 

it escaped his mind

but fresh in memory his loving father

was ever so thoughtful

there was always something 

in his hands when he came home 

through the front door

faces lit up with high expectations

it was something to eat and share

or a present not for anything specific

but reasons cooked up to justify it

fast forward a decade perhaps

the light had dimmed 

the star no more bright

even for his own birthday 

it needed reminding

he could not get over it

the tragedy consumed his gentleness

nothing violent but he was lost

now a quick change in personal traits

no more the jovial person

that the neighbors encountered

in that quaint village 

but a near hobo needed to be shown home

to be in his locked room

believing that better times 

would favour him again

for his mind is still sanely clear

sadly though faint whispers of her name

in soliloquy could be heard 

Mom was always there for him

MMT's Sunday Whirligig Wordle #305

Grace at d'Verse  Meeting the Bar - setting

I am no host do you hear!

                                                                          Author:Ellie Burgin on Pexels.com

 Image:  Insistence on living (here)

Standing alone in semi-darkness

Tenacity is my bother

Despite losing a few petals

Confidence helps me to hold out

I am no host do you hear!

No pesky fungi spores 

Need land on me

Do not spoil my existence

You animal!  oops!

You are neither animal, plant nor bacteria\

You had better decide

What are you anyway

To think you have your own kingdom

So what?

You can't even move

Or grow on your own steam

You are nearer to a living dead

I am no host do you hear!

Note: Hank having fun here.

Never knew fungi can be fun, yes!

Sarah at d'Verse Poetics  -  having fun with fungi

MLMM's Photo Challenge #353

keen relationships that are most enduring

                                                                                          Author: Author Satndy

Image: Cozy Being with Friends (here)

at times of hardships and inconveniences
looking forward to thinking of good times
time to embrace the right form of alliances
in keeping with the good faith of having friends

keen relationships that are most enduring

that are difficult to find and not sustaining

(44 Words)

Merril at d'Verse Quadrille 121

this paragon of beauty

                                                                                 Author: Susie Clevenger

Image: Natural Woman -  Digital Collage Art "Covid Creations"(here)

The 12 given words:

inward grave stirring resolute union 

string invitation late keeping rich 

paragon (something that is the very best). 

glutton 

an inward-looking stance

grave in its stirrings 

of a chirpy lot

birds of a feather 

resolute in its union

of a string of invitations 

from both ends

though late in the day 

in keeping with the rich choices

not to mention the good taste

of this paragon of beauty

still not being successful 

in extending 

its glutton's set of musings

they failed miserably 

in all attempts of flattery 

to shake her confidence

Sunday Muse $146
MLMM's Wordle # 226

enraptured comprehending so feeble

                               

                                                                  Author:Clara Taggart MacChesney

Image: Age of Innocence (here)

that innocent look of an angel
leafing and reading slowly across

enraptured comprehending so feeble
not wanting to appear lost

demure and forlornly stable
reacting to one so disappointing
why are they not readily able
but to a flare-up in an eye of a blink

why aren’t humans all angels
so sincere and helpful to all
have a world in entirety central

to be devoid of faults walking tall

to forgive and forget is apt
angels do that all the time
but humans not one to adapt
stained and soiled in grime

Lillian at d'Verse OLN - in my circle

cradled by the buoyant sea breeze

                                                                                                Author:Jason Hollinger

Image: Misty and deserted beach (here)

roaring down the beach 

at the height of winter waves 
mist clouds                             © Jane Reichhold 

roaring down the beach

on converted motorbike

free from corrosion

at the height of winter waves

chased by thrilled seagulls 

freedom on a lark

mist clouds

cradled by the buoyant sea breeze 

amidst heavenly cool retreat

Chevrefeuille's Carpe Diem #1843-troiku-challenge

brought back home in body bags!

                                                                                    Author:User: W.wolny

Image: Fallen Newsman - Hiding but not Hidden (here)

staccato bursts of gunfire
intimidating to those in the vicinity
and bombs in the distance
frightening to those under siege
melodious to the marauders
 
embedded with a detachment
seeing action before his own eyes

the newsman and photographer
unarmed, untrained, unseen 

unaccounted for when fallen
but who could only sigh and hope
that the next sniper’s target
would not have him at the crosshairs

as did some of his colleagues
who had been there earlier
unfortunate enough to be seen
 
and later picked up still in camouflage
but wet, bathed red with his own blood
unsung, unknown, unidentified 

but just another to add to the growing number
forgotten victims of human conflict

who were not supposed to be there

 
they who dared to be in the front
just so for the benefit of those
back home sitting sipping coffee
comfortably in front of the idiot box

waiting eagerly for the latest
from those with pads or cameras
whose numbers are increasingly

brought back home in body bags!

when civilian casualties
are the prize called for and termed
as collateral damage
by the powerful and the price
to pay for as a consequence of
human conflict it reflects
the intensity of intentions the
insensitivity of emotions and
sadly the failure of conscience

of humanity

Bjorn at d'Verse Poetics - war poetry

It happened quite suddenly

I                                               

                                                                                    Author: Paul Friel                                                           

Image: Regal Bearing (here)

I had always wanted to relate the experience. It happened quite suddenly.

I never would have thought it could happen in front of my eyes.  

Hank's grandy pointed to the sky. Hank had seen it on YouTube but not 

in real life. It was a slow glide first in large circles. Then progressively 

moving towards the centre. It was poetry in motion.

Some others stopped and looked up too. Suddenly, it seemed to stop in mid-air. 

Some fowls on the ground scurried making strange noises. In a split second,

it swooped down barely 40 feet away and up with a struggling chicken, not 

a chick gripped at its feet. It was a real privilege to witness. It was no larger

than the chicken itself but flew away with ease.

Eagle Nest of old

Pride of place national bird

Up high in the sky

Frank's at d'Verse- Haibun Monday - eagle