June 2007 IBPC Nominations, July Competition Options

[AMETHYST]

Finding My Way... by Heartsong7

You steadied me when I could barely stand
and warned me to be mindful where I stepped,
yet knowing I would stumble, held my hand.
I pulled away and fell, lay bruised and wept,
afraid to try again. A tangled strand
of darkness wrapped around me. While I slept,
I dreamed you cleared the way. I could progress
unfettered. Freed of fear I ran, I leapt
enthusiastically, all pain and stress--
gone!
........ til dawn erased the dark and crept
into my consciousness. With heavy eyes
I looked upon a roadway, still unswept,
that wound beneath the grey forbidding skies.

You pulled me to my feet and gently shoved
me out the door. I never felt more loved.

This post has been edited by Cleo_Serapis: Sep 29 07, 09:20

Reason for edit: Edited Header

[AMETHYST]

Chime of Life

From rays of dawn to blackest night
the chime of life is always bright
upon the face of charity;
it simmers like a potpourri
of potent scents: inviting those
whose wisdom laden words compose –
Forever - together!
Together - forever!

Through times of want or often need,
through times of insight and of greed,
through every feeling we’ve oft felt,
amend assumptions we’ve been dealt;
we sense that clang upon the heart
to beat as one and seldom part -
Forever - together!
Together - forever!

As if a clock upon the wall
whose gears are churned with muses’ scrawl,
we wind it up with gentle skill
then shine its case with cultured will;
as magnetizing acts tick on
in wonderment, we’re always drawn –
Forever - together!
Together - forever!

We demonstrate the utmost pride,
pay umbrage to the ones who’ve lied
and tried to slow the chime of life,
content to cause discord and strife.
Unchanged, we stand in unity
restoring our community –
Forever - together!
Together - forever!

[AMETHYST]

Faded Layers by Eisa

Faded layers

I peer at my reflection pensively,
perceive my bloom is withering like debris;
my mother gazes back with knowing smile
as I've inherited her vintage style.

My satin layer's crumpled into crepe
that veils my inner weave. I can't escape
from Time's persistent pace, for he's designed
this sagging, puckered fashion, now maligned.

His fingers frayed my looks; I can't reject
these ravages he wrought, for they reflect
the seasons' change. I brave his rapid streams,
relentlessly eroding facial seams.

So mirror image, though you fail to please,
if you remove my blemished covers, ease
the faded remnants back to look behind,
where stronger fabric lines a mellow mind.

[AMETHYST]

WATER WISE by Nada Lott

An eagle shrieks. A pair of fledgelings flee
the bluff. It crumbles with a crashing force,
careening down the hill without remorse
or mercy. Racing boulders and debris
arrest the river's rush. Transcendently,
as if awaiting orders from its source,
the water halts, then takes an altered course,
regaining its momentum, snaking free.

Lord, help me take a lesson from the flow
and ebb of patient waterways. Instead
of flailing in frustration on the bank
of interrupted progress, let me grow
in wisdom born of setbacks, gently led
and honed by hardship, having You to thank.

[AMETHYST]

Yet Unwritten by Cathy

A cache conceals the poignant words,
ambivalence is combat-sore;
when caught within twilit regimes
so sadly out-of-step that dreams
still bleed accusatory threat.

A battery of loyal thoughts
and motley web of frenzied fears
combine upon our battlefields
to armament (their lives a shield)
reprisal games of grave roulette.

Though loved ones march the searing sands,
avidity cannot be scorched.
Red, white and blue bestows them pride
which they would never think to hide;
but they don't see the silhouette

of darkness leeching helpless souls,
the dye of hope from blood once spilled.
Will sons and daughters soon return
to cherish freedoms they have earned?

Their shadowed myths aren't written yet.

Cathy Bollhoefer
copyright May 30, 07

[Cleo_Serapis]

Thank you Liz - I still have much editing to do on this one, so may defer if you don't mind. Let's wait and see how the few weeks go?

Much appreciated for the opportunity!
~Cleo

[Guest_Cathy_*]

Are you the original author of this poem? Yes

Has this poem ever been published? No

Has this poem been nominated by any other participating board (of IBPC)? No

Has this poem been reviewed as "best and final" to assure the latest revision is judged? Yes...

Is your email address on file up to date (what is it)? Yes

Do you accept the nomination to submit the work (if selected to represent MM)? Yes, thank you!

If yes to above question, what is your real name? Cathy Bollhoefer

[Guest_Don_*]

My gut feel is that this is not the thread for comment. Nevertheless, I liked your presentation very much. I assume your reference sands are Iraq, which is more ancient than we shall every know. Freedom is a relative concept. We would not be please to be 100% nor 0% free. The satisfactory percent between is the question.

Don

[Guest_Cathy_*]

My gut feel is that this is not the thread for comment. Yes you can. Comments are encouraged here. Nevertheless, I liked your presentation very much. Thank you Don! I appreciate that. I assume your reference sands are Iraq, which is more ancient than we shall every know. You're right... on both counts! *smiles* Freedom is a relative concept. We would not be please to be 100% nor 0% free. The satisfactory percent between is the question. And all we need do is find the answer!

Don

[Guest_Don_*]

i will confiscate the percent that I want and leave you happy with the remainder.

Don

[Guest_Cathy_*]

[Mary Boren]

Thank you, Liz! I'm still not satisfied with L5-6, but within hollering distance of posting a revision.

Mary

[AMETHYST]

PM Notification Sent and Confirmed, YEEEEAHHHHH!

Hi Mary, We've got plenty of time till we go to polling - Congratulations and Thank you so much for writing such poetry that we are proud to represent us whether on IBPC or Anywhere... This is true poetry!

Hugs, Liz

[AMETHYST]

Congratulations Cathy - This poem is strong and has a great chance to make it's self known ... Hugs, Liz

[Guest_Cathy_*]

Thank you Liz~

Cathy

[Mary Boren]

A Beckoning at Crater Lake, by Sue

I hike the summit's steep and narrow path
surrounded by the breath of fir and pine.
Six thousand years ago volcanic wrath
left ash in mounds that trace its timber line.
The crater’s cobalt waters shine below
with views that take my breath. I stand and stare
into a mirrored earth and sky. Although
still summer, mountain breezes chill the air
An overwhelming feeling I can’t shake,
entices me to leap. Incredibly,
I’m not afraid and gaze across the lake
where, in its depths, I glimpse eternity.

It beckons, yet I dare to look away
while, on the wind, a whisper bids me stay.

[AMETHYST]

Excellent Nomination Mary! Bravo... Bravo ... I'm glad to see someone else besides me making nominations. This is magnificent! ...

I will send out the PM notification, I hope she can accept!

Hugs, Liz

[heartsong7]

Thank you very much, Mary. The nomination is an honor in itself. I'm delighted!
I do have one small change that Mary has suggested in the workshop.
replace "still" with "it's"

I hike the summit's steep and narrow path
surrounded by the breath of fir and pine.
Six thousand years ago volcanic wrath
left ash in mounds that trace its timber line.
The crater’s cobalt waters shine below
with views that take my breath. I stand and stare
into a mirrored earth and sky. Although
it's summer, mountain breezes chill the air
An overwhelming feeling I can’t shake,
entices me to leap. Incredibly,
I’m not afraid and gaze across the lake
where, in its depths, I glimpse eternity.

It beckons, yet I dare to look away
while, on the wind, a whisper bids me stay.

[heartsong7]

Thank you so much for the nom, Liz. I'm delighted you feel this worthy.
I saw Lori's note about needing permission. You have it. Let me know what I need to do.
I'll try to look in again later today or tomorrow morn.
Happy faced,
Sue

[heartsong7]

Hi Liz and Lori...
If changes are still accepted, I'd like my entry to read as below:

You steadied me when I could barely stand
and warned me to be mindful where I stepped,
yet knowing I would stumble, held my hand.
I pulled away and fell, lay bruised and wept,
afraid to try again. A tangled strand
of darkness wrapped around me. While I slept,
I dreamed you cleared the way. I could progress
unfettered. Freed of fear I ran, I leapt
enthusiastically, all pain and stress--
gone!
........ til dawn erased the dark and crept
into my consciousness. With heavy eyes
I looked upon a roadway, still unswept,
that wound beneath the grey forbidding skies.

You pulled me to my feet and gently shoved
me out the door. I never felt more loved.