due now for a serious makeover

                                                                                                                 Author: Carrie

Image: Abandoned and Neglected  (here)

At a glance it was rather obvious

That a kiss of life was well in order

The state of neglect was preposterous

Was it due now for a serious makeover?

The French window could well remain

A new coat of paint to liven things up

With hues of red to rightly regain

Its stature of an abode of higher-ups

To heal the hurt of the previous occupants

Right to have some extra rooms for their pets

Was it their parakeet then that had sadly flown

Or its fate sealed after a brush with the Tomcat 

Should the new house look spectacular

To incorporate elements of functionality

A cross of the old and modern to feature

Only then it would fulfill its individuality

Carrie at Sunday Muse #179

happiness is a matter of style

                                                                              Author:Pedro Ribeiro Simões

Image: Happy being together  (here)

Poetry Form Zejel:  with a syllable

scheme of aaa bbba ccca at eight

syllables per line

no telling what I desire?

should be on what I aspire

I need more than I require?

no, I have enough to come by

there were occasions I would vie

for it is a matter of style

deciding what to acquire

not more than I would need to spend

living on limited stipend

would come a long way not so grand

not to unwisely perspire

would it be something luxurious

and should not be that hilarious

and certainly nothing spurious

good for all of its entire

Grace at d'Verse on Poetry Form : Zejel

Water Apples aka Jambu

                                                                                                    Author:Tu7uh

Image:  Succulent and Sweet (here)

crunchy and sweet

blessed fruit of the East

to parched lips

a most welcomed 'feast'

the nature of its beauty 

can be eaten raw in many ways

best plucked direct from the tree

to quench dry lips in the day

better yet cut a small piece

to be dipped in thick soya sauce

a mouth-watering bliss

a mouthful of a kick

with some crushed chilies 

at a midday meal 

and it is always in season

Note: More of above in 

an earlier poem (here)

Mish at d'Verse  Poetics: always in season

a man's dilemma

                                                                                                 Author:Juliescribbles

Image: Easy does it! (here)

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

long in coming and slow to end
lingering doubts are disturbing
man's dilemma

why is it so difficult to pop the

question and slip it on?.

(44 words)

Linda at d'Verse's Quadrille Monday#136

relationships valued with dignity

                                                                                    Author: Andrew Welch

Image: Clear Measure of Good Feelings (here)

the 10 of 12 given words:
daily fray line nothing moths seeks rights free streaming 

sheen (a soft lustre on a surface)

a daily fray into the line of nothingness

a moth that seeks its rights during the day

free from interference but still streaming

on its own in a lost world of clear daylight

what can a crushed velvet in a slight sheen

beg of a lover not responding to her pleas

driving a hard bargain is always a slight joy

wry on the surface at risk of wrong intentions

losing face smack at the ego goes a long way

not a good idea to fooling around on emotions

when relationships valued with dignity by both

will provide good dividends to young hearts

Brenda's Sunday Whirl Wordle#519

tedious to the close of a troubled year

                                                                      Author:  Alan Rickman at Pinterest

Image: Worries and Helplessness (here)

homophone sets are:

accept – welcome
except – leave out, exclude
and

coarse – rough
course – path, route

tedious to the close of a troubled year 

where many could not accept the varied 

outcomes but to cry among hungry mouths

except for the radiance of the new year

that heralded a discourse of expectations

it gave only a glimmer of hope to some 

course thinking with impending hysteria 

still under wraps social woes on course

casting long shadows behind the scene

amusing oneself with a host of resolutions

and staying alive with strategies of survival

would wear out fast the air of steadfastness 

being alive and kicking is already a blessing

Fireblossom's at Sunday Muse#178

weejar's at MLMM's Double Take

Saturday Mix -  homophone

only a luminous streak of imagination

                 

                                                                                                          Photo credit Pobble365

Image: Desiring a Reality (here)

the 11  of 12 Wordle given words:

basking last maybe lifetime luminous pretend mix original 

proprioception (is the body’s ability to sense movement, action, and location)

cicatrix (the scar of a healed wound or a scar on the bark of a tree)

tongue

not basking in the limelight

prospects of being caged

to last maybe for a lifetime

and not being able to engage 

with the outside world

only a luminous streak 

of imagination to pretend 

a mix of the original desire 

of being free as well as being

contained against roving freely 

without proprioception

the cicatrix is freely visible 

to those who are emphatic enough

to care but tongue-tied to do more

MLMM's at Wordle#257

weejars at MLMM's Photo Challenge#382

given to fine grooming

                                                                                               Author: anon
Image: Fine grooming 

in the morning (here)

given to fine grooming
cutting off the shackles loose

first thing in the morning

made to scare off the blues

to present a sophistication

expected of a lady of fashion

finely braided still within reasons

given to fine living

matured in good surroundings

 

you young gentlemen

she's a lady

and you are lucky

if you must find it special

there are a few essentials

yes, you got it

it's plain to see

if you must know

yes.....a rich widow

Carrie's at Sunday Muse Wordle#177

weejar's at MLMM Saturday Mix - to write an Epigram

-  a bit of a cliche at the close hopefully an acceptable epigram

divine strength the propensity of whims

                                                                                              Author: AJ.iitm

Image: Poetry in Motion (here)

Note: A Novelinee - is a nine-line stanza poem of 

10 syllables for each line with a rhyme sequence 

of a,b,a,b,c,d,c,d,d  

.

you came by from nowhere just like magic    - a
twirled around so fast making me dizzy    -  b    
makings of superhuman angelic   -  a                   
movements of the world pretty as can be    -  b     
a chosen one and it was such a thrill     -   c          
divine strength the propensity of whims     -  d    
talents showcased with none of the perils    -   c                                   

to match a primadonna, what a scream     -   d                                           

but alas, it was only just a dream    -   d          

Laura's at d'Verse MTB - something novel-in-lines

it has a lot to do with the heart

                                                                                      Author: AdinaVoicu

Image: In Deep Thoughts (here)

the 11 of 12 given words:

wonder navigate clear detours light 

breaks far delays wreck art split

a few wonders do come to bear

when a mind navigates with thoughts

have clear detours, but nice to be aware

for it gets to be therapeutic of sorts

in the light of those that persist

reading it happily as a healthy sign

with breaks in between to insist

while still having it fresh in the mind

far from thinking of any delays

to wreck the thought unnecessarily

meeting it head-on is an art at play

half the battle is won quite easily

it has a lot to do with the heart

not to appear split but act with pride

the mind has a way of being smart

to take it all within its stride

MMT's Whirligig Wordle#335

conformity to rules is a mean thing

                                                                                  Author: Jonny Joo, One Big Photo.

Image:  the luxury of choice offers 

less like that of  a narrow beam (here)

“Perhaps we are reading the shadows wrong; 

forever cannot draw a conclusion.” – Sanaa: Petals of the Sun

“Perhaps we are reading the shadows wrong; 

forever cannot draw a circle.” – Winter Moon ~ Part Three: Petals of the Sun

(original quote)

conformity to rules is a mean thing

it reduces the options to venture out

it likely narrows parameters of whims

very much losing its expected clout

open-ended flight of fancy a fringe benefit

already ingrained in many youngsters

expected with doses of medicine to bid

for the love of a caring parent that bothers

perceived as visible of a simple practice

one is often led astray to wrongly regulate

to form good habits but at times sadly missed

by not setting a pattern for them to emulate

such are specimens of good upbringing

on a generation engrossed in the current rave

of the social media and gamers existing

unwittingly not given enough space

in reality conclusions lacked the advantage

by elders not given to technological advancement

who are being deprived of the privilege

relied just on common sense of life's experience

Sanaa's at d'Verse Poetics: Dungeons and Derivatives

weejars at MLMM's Photo Challenge #381

unshackled post lockdown

                                                                                         Author: subhamshome28

Image: Aftermath of forced

'hibernation'   (here)  

smooth talker 
unshackled post lockdown
hello, world! 
sporting a groovy bushy chin
and craving a haircut
and to make up for lost time

happy hours
babbled-mouthed buddies
where are you holed up
missed you guys

yearning the old normal
no holds barred
show yourself!

(44 words)

De at d'Verse - Quadrille of 44 words

and to include the word 'groovy'

Viva Las Vegas!

                                                                                                          Author: anon

Image: High Hopes in Vegas, Woweee!  (here)

Synonyms: to take the five challenge 

words and NOT use them in the write-up. 
hello - greetings hi howdy welcome

good - excellent exceptional marvelous
happy - cheerful delighted elated thrilled

red - crimson flaming maroon

plant  - shrub herb vine bush

welcome to Las Vegas 

so says the signboard

and also says the King

how very inviting, marvelous

a grand entrance to heaven's name

we are having fun and we are thrilled

Viva Las Vegas!

a jalopy to take me there

in bright orange when new

could still remember the smell

a new car brings 

if we play our cards right

we might just come back home

in place of the old faithful of a jalopy

in a new flaming Ferrari 

Viva Las Vegas!

driving through shrub country

nice and easy

one can never know 

lady luck may shine!

this time!

Carrie's at Sunday Muse #176

felt good not affected the least

                                                                                Author: Raziakhatun12

Image: Beauty of Sign Alphabet  (here)

wound down to the last twist
conserved energy betraying his affliction
felt good not affected the least
by the intrusion of the sounds of silence

losing the ability to hear was devastating
the beauty of human voice was a miracle
undescribable to admire a real blessing
a debacle accepted as something natural 

Simon and Garfunkle gave the added touch
season's contribution that topped the charts
those afflicted rewarded with knowing much

lip-reading and sign language warmed the hearts

Grace at d'Verse OLN#299

Stephanie's at MLMM's Tale Weaver

- the sound of silence

taking care of the body mass is not a lone effort

                                                                     Author: Anderson Mancini from Sao Paulo, Brazil 

Image: There are Those Happy 

Being Rotund and Round! (here)

the 10 of 12 given words:

matter, bliss choice side chest 

final margin lone wide, counted

lost as a matter of thickening bliss so blessed

softening of the choices accorded by chance

wretched on the belly side thumping the chest

overtaken by the desire to be slim for once

such loss of desire of a disheartened soul

stemmed by the final effects of memory loss

fatal to a harmonious will of being bold

when the age-old act of dieting is enforced

how else the margin of error may be overcome

as seen by those left unashamedly in old folks homes

sadly the case as experienced by the elderly ones'

when minders unwittingly left them on their own

taking care of the body mass and all of its sensitivities 

is not a lone effort as widely believed by those able

care counted as a commitment and a responsibility

to proudly uphold the expected act of being noble

MMT's the Whirligig Wordle #334

Magaly's at Poets and Storytellers United

- Weekly's Scribbling#85 - take care of your body!

of a butterfly flapping its wings

                                                                                                  Author: Quartl;

Image: Butterfly hovering (here)

10 of 12 given words:

Inflict Face Vulgarity Feathers Longing 

Bluff Organic Butterflies Jostle PLy

To echo yet another prayer

To inflict awareness in the face 

of  adversity clear of vulgarity and 

base leanings of feathers unruffled

To listen with the ability of a

split-second strike

Reminiscent of a spider about

to pulverize its prey 

Longing for stealth and a bluff

organic in its strategy

intact with a slow movement

of a butterfly flapping its wings

Affections to attend to their young

for them to jostle for comfort

plying for motherly warmth

A reflection of survival

A vicious spider or motherly instinct

whatever the strength of character 

will necessarily follow a similar

pattern to feed young mouths

MLMM at Wordle#255

political leaders play to the gallery

                                                                                               Author:JrileyJr12

Image: People Skills Necessary 

in Leadership (here)

the 12 given words

close conduct grin miles rise 

out wind name cream 

shimmering (shining with a soft, 

slightly wavering light

stories sin 

they maintain close contact to conduct

their all with a grin seen miles away

they make an appearance and stake

their claims within the scheme of things 

extending their influence before even 

being elected to office.

 

they are seen as larger than life to rise 

out of the cold wind to bring a name 

for themselves with cream of 

shimmering stories as a protector of sin 

political leaders play to the gallery 

it is a popularity contest that determines

positions of strength to sustain 

their presence

whereas corporate leaders impose their will

through ability and skills. 

often they align themselves to the powers 

that be to be noticed. 

they gain prominence through personal 

skills employing subtle strategies often 

brutal but surreptitiously done and 

duly accepted

the leadership of a family unit is no exception

it is often more difficult though as the authority 

is not as clear-cut nor formalized. 

love naturally is the saving grace that

keeps the family from falling apart

Brenda's Sunday Whirl Wordle #516

Life's Lessons in A (thorny) Nutshell

                                                                     Author: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma

Image: To Look for Openings

and Create Opportunities (here)

Prompt: 1

Things to remember if you're 

not rich and famous yet

Prompt:2
the given words are: 
– rough and smooth 

– sit and stand

not to be pushed into a corner

nor to be kicked down to the bottom

it may be rough but to play it easy

to bid a smooth response for jagged edges 

 

not to be too close to the precipice

choose to stay around the bend

to react fast and never to sit around

but stand up to be counted

for business will never progress on autopilot

retreat in case of a reversal

far quicker to be able

to fight for another day

and rise up the peak again

to forge a line of thinking

where the sky is the limit

move and the jigsaw will fall into place

not to wait around but to grab

for the returns to riches 

would require one to be proactive

One can well then sleep 

soundly at night

Rosemary's at Poets and Storytellers United

with  Writers' Pantry #85: 

Things to remember if you're not rich and famous yet

weejar's at MLMM Opposing Forces - Saturday Mix

with the given words

like dipping your finger to taste the soup

                                                                            Author: Henrique Félix henriquefelix
Image:  Enjoying a Bowl of Soup (here)

10 of 12 given words:

cry strange sucking argued 
dusk left unlike towel, sap

whir ((of something rapidly rotating) 

It’s not how you fall it’s how you get back up…a far cry from the whir 

of life's challenges not totally strange but rightly sucking it up. It can be 

argued from dawn to dusk if left to chance it can be demeaning.

But unlike bad habits, one is forgiven when the embarrassment is not 

material not when it is considered a little amusing. Wrapped in a towel 

for instance the guests are left astounded with you opening the door not 

realising it leads to the hall

It is like dipping your finger to taste the soup you enjoy doing but not in 

front of the tiny tot who had been cautioned earlier for doing the same

thing

Just smile not appearing idiotic perhaps sheepishly mumbling saying it 

is normal sometimes not sapped of precious energy when appreciating 

good things in life

The tiny tot may not comprehend it fully but he knows he is in good 

company

 

Stephanie at MLMM Tale Weaver 

'it is not about falling'

MMT at Whirligig Wordle#333

it should ring a bell remember?

                                                                                                Author: Artem Beliaikin 

Image: Light and Easy  (here)

should you have designs in your mind
to dream of showing your passion
no, not a kiss so kind
even a touch is out of question

it should ring a bell remember
once was enough strife
you may not have time like before
to run for it for dear life

this is no threat
the mist may offer a cover
but you may turn scarlet
for blood will be all over

so beat it while you still can

for the last time, I'm not in the mood

do not count me anymore as a friend

it is best for you to just scoot

Note: A friendly banter in 

the course of making up

Rommy at PSU's

Weekly Scribblings #84

Choices not limiting by far

                         
                                                                                           Author: Lesly B. Juarez jblesly

Image:  Happiness is Always Genuine  (here)

Gunning for a showcase
Off to clean up the slate
Otherwise a sedentary life 
Devoid of activity

Get off the butt for starters
Time to move to act smart
Always triumphant less the phobia
Choices not limiting by far

Happiness with the expected result

NOTE: Spells out 'GOOD start' to

help clear off anything puzzling

Lillian at d'Verse: Poetic Tuesday

hearty meal upon leaving 'Frisco

                                                                            Author: mwanasimba from La Réunion

Image: A Good Meal in Istanbul (here)

I LEFT MY HEART IN SAN FRANCISCO  - Tony Bennet

hearty meal upon leaving 'Frisco
no heart to gorge much at one sitting
digestion smooth even flow
not heartless but heart-warming 

let the good times roll
top of the world enjoying the grub

no heartburn in firm control 

to end with a good rub

(44 words)

De Jackson at d'Verse: Quadrille#134

and not creating a storm

                                                                                                Author : anon

Image: Has had One Too Many (here)

the 10 of 12 given words:

counter children floor dry fashion 

gust storm surge mask send 

perhaps he's had one too many

not even home and he's in the dumps

rested himself at the counter nonchalantly

rightly not home in front of the children

and not on the floor but in a dry fashion

still maintaining some form of dignity

with a gust of satisfaction not a storm

with a surge of stardom unwittingly

let business pick up form  

wise move seeing masks wrested away

celebrating an easing of the lockdown

to send business scrambling within days 

Brenda's Sunday Whirl Wordle 515

Carrie's The Sunday Muse #174

the opening was thin

                                                                                                         Author:Skorp24

Image: (here)

the 10 of 12 given words:

glittering, curtain, thin, carpet 

musty (lacking freshness or vitality)

cough, garbage, found, hated, time, flash

expecting a glittering evening full of fun

a curtain-raiser anticipated never did come

the opening was thin, carpeted with insincerity

formalities presented shabbily and musty

why cough out a presentation unprepared

garbage, an immediate verdict many declared

found to be atrocious by any standards as seen

to dilly dally in preparation was a fatal sin

lying in wait the hated calamity took center stage

just what could happen according to the adage

where 'a stitch in time saves nine' if faithfully adhered

in a flash a pending problem is immediately cleared 

Note: A proverb termed 'adage'

to keep to the rhyming

MMT's at The Whirligig#332

Bjorn at d'Verse OLN #298

- August Live Edition

they drive you round the bend

                                                                                                          Author: Artaxerxes

Image:  Enjoying the Fun Together (here)

A Mirrored Refrain

The poem is formed by three or more quatrains (four lines) 

where two lines within the quatrain are the “mirrored refrain” 

The rhyme scheme is as follows: xaBA, xbAB, xaBA, xbAB, etc..

x represents the only lines that do not rhyme within the poem. 

A and B represent the refrain.

they drive you round the bend   (x)

with peals of simple laughter     (a)

running around you full of energy (B)

to enjoy taunting you to no end  (A)

with pens shoved hard like needles (x)

whenever they need to touch you (b)

to enjoy taunting you to no end  (A)

running around you full of energy (B)

unwittingly you go along with the fun (x)

to invoke the child in you thereafter  (a)

running around you full of energy (B)

to enjoy taunting you to no end  (A)

just as you are getting worked up (x)

they pull away so you'll crave it too (b)

to enjoy taunting you to no end  (A)

running around you full of energy (B)

Note: Hank finds it convenient to label

the stanzas even though it is not necessary

Grace at d'Verse Poetry Forms: 

with a Mirrored Refrain

soothing to the ears to be admired

                                                                                     Author: RCA Records

Image:  The King Himself  (here)

what a raucous din what a disturbance
it had not seemed to be at peace

why the necessity to be anti-social

it was such a bother passing by

it would best be summed up as a circus

not the usual one for kids to have fun

but a derogatory description a menace

there was music blaring of differing sounds

from varied kinds of instruments 

punctuated with shouts or loud laughter

reminiscences of childhood happenings

upon passing the quaint little house

fast forward ten years on what a wonder

a mansion with all the trimmings of success

of occupants given to triumphant callings

of accomplished musicians and music

soothing to the ears to be admired

so this was how it was growing up

with little boys and girls in the vicinity

bent on making music as a career

focussed on a direction unencumbered

but seeing sweat and tears translated

in later years to be makers of the arts

Laura's at d'Verse Poetics: 

outside looking in

Concluding Kimie's formative years before university

1. Kimie's Foray into the Game of Rugby

Image1: Kimie Being Presented with 

the Most Improved Player Award

Hank's second grandee Norhezry Hakimie aka Kimie had an interest in the game 

of rugby. Sometime in January 2016 Kimie joined the KL  Saracens Rugby Club 

together with a number of his school-mates to get to know the game better

Hank had posted earlier on one of his training episodes on Jan 03, 2016 (here) This 

was at the UM padang where they normally converged for organised training. At 

other times they would gather at the small field in Damansara Utama together with 

other boys from schools nearby.

2. The Most Improved Player 

Kimie's inclination for the game was at a high level. It helped somehow with

his sudden physical growth towering over many of the other boys. His prowess and

physique stood out in games that he was voted as the most improved player in 2018. 

Image:2 The Under-16 Most Improved 

Player of the Year Plaque presented in 2018

4. Image:3 Kimie's Final Semester Result 

Kimie was most fortunate to have been offered a place at the UIA following the 

release of his SPM results. He had to do his studies at the UIA's Gambang campus 

in Pahang which meant he had to sacrifice participation in his games. Just as well!

5. The Dean's List

Kimie is reading for an Engineering and Computer Science Degree. He secured 

3 As and 2 Bs in his Final 3rd Semester with a 3.73 GPA and was placed on the 

Dean's List, (with an eventual CGPA of 3.31 for his Foundation)

6.  Gombak Campus

Kimie will be reporting to the Gombak UIA Campus this October 2021 to continue 

in his First Year degree course. 

7. Norman Hazrin

Kimie will be joining elder brother Norman in the UIA who is also reading for 

the same Engineering Degree who is now into his 3rd Year come this October 2021.

Note:

The Dean's List

With the GPA (grade point average) scale from 0 to 4, 4 being an A, 

the dean's list cutoff is typically around 3.5 to 3.7 ie those within the  

Top 10 % of the class. -  Wikipedia

Attribution of Images1 &2: 

From Accompanying Parents

Coach and Friends of Hezry 

aka Kimie 

(fair use of images)

she is now just as free

                                                 
                                                                                      Author: Shay's

Image:  A Little Girl Lost (here)

when the air is filled 

with raindrops
blown across the wet day
charting its own destination
impacting her vision not bothered

with the surroundings
perhaps lost in the cold

it is so much reflecting 

on her needs then
alone with her dreams

a brightly coloured little euphoria
wanting out to having fun
instead of being cooped up
tensed in the cage
just moments ago

what to make of it
now that it's gone
to engage in the freedom 
it long desired 

she is now just as free
as the little bird but she is not
with lots of options to her needs
but she is stifled for choices

perhaps some opportunities 

might pop up 
is it a desire or is it a craving

certainly a lucky break is awaited for

in the pouring rain!

Carrie's Sunday Muse #172

retracing paths never trudged

                                                                                                  Author: Arpandhar
Image: Leading to Nowhere (here)

the 10 of 12 given words:

inside, heart never, where, confuse 

disturb birds history man mirrors

reflecting on life's blessings

inside the heart a little nudge 

tugging at the memory restraining

retracing paths never trudged 

where otherwise wondering  

what possibly could have happened

with episodes confused and disturbing

touch of gray on decisions taken

if she had managed to steal his heart

but he had rejected it oh, so brazen

would they be better off for a start

as two birds freely in the open

would riches pile high all their life

shrieks of beautiful children heard

instead history of struggling to survive

sadly childless amid cries of hurts

what then of the path not taken

softness of touch mirrors caressing

had not lady luck smiled often?

with man tranquility pervading

eyes closed dreaming all in awry

thoughts of  childhood innocence

raced back through his memory

unflinching thinking of the outcome

MMT's at The Whirligig Wordle#330

Mish at d'Verse OLN#297

where's the drift but empty of blessings

                                                           Author:Manfred Brueckels Permission:PD-self

Image: Persephone, created by Christian 
Friedrich Tieck, a 19th-century sculptor (here)
.
11 of 12 given words:
frail, wild, endless, helpless, drift 
empty, choked, seeks, ride, lonely, candle

frail physically and lost in time
wild in imagination waiting inline
endless worries for a mother's well-being
helpless alone and wondering

who is there to accord assistance
six months in the underworld's far distance 
and six above still lacking mother's feelings
where's the drift but empty of blessings

a lonely mother choked with emotions
seeks solace in desperation
why must Zeus impact an imbalance
life is more than taking a ride in motion

not spied yet the intended light
at the end of the tunnel overly bright 
but a candle dying to live
desperate wanting to give
its flickering flames
taking the blame 
for spoils of mankind

Background Perspective:

Persephone was the beautiful daughter of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, fruit, and grains. She brought the spring with her and scattered flowers around her. Her uncle, Hades, the dark god of the underworld and the dead fell in love with her. One day, as she was enjoying the flowers and the sunshine he burst out of a cave and carried her off.

Persephone’s mother, Ceres, was distraught. She set off to search for her daughter. She neglected her duties as an agricultural goddess – crops failed and the people starved.

MMT at The Whirligig Wordle #329

Sarah at d'Verse - Poets Pub

Poetics: Persephone.