August 2007 IBPC Nominations, September Competition Options

[Cleo_Serapis]

Hello,

I'd like to nominate Mistral's Enchanted Forest for it's gentle style, imagery and rhythms.

~Cleo


Enchanted Forest by Mistral

Mystical trees in silhouette
against a starlit moon;
luminous, the scattered beams -
beguilingly they're strewn.
Casting soft, a speckled glow
on shrubs and gentle stream
where lovers lie, entangled there,
immersed within a dream.

Dappled moonlight's glimmering
reflects in loving eyes,
wispy breeze through lucent trees
bequeaths contented sighs.
Spellbound forest moulding here
this perfect lover’s nest,
where doubts and insecurities
are gently laid to rest.

[Psyche]

Lori, may I nominate Michelle's Ghost in the Machine? It can be found at this link.


It's profoundly inspiring and has incredible imagery in spite of the scientific theme, or perhaps because of it...
Hugs, Sylvia ***


Ghost in the Machine by Michelle

A drop of water neither begs to stay
afloat and travel leisurely for miles
nor opts to fall upon a south sea isle
and moisten threaded flowers on a lei.

A mountain cannot try to elevate
its snowy peak nor lose its massive girth
as thawing summits carry motes of earth
to line the depths beneath a sound or strait.

As moons revolve, their parent planets trace
a path around a star. A billion stars
are like galactic cogs in spiral bars
and countless galaxies dot boundless space.

The universe keeps pace. The cosmos whirls;
no constellation questions movement‘s means.
No rift of jealousy occurs between
a moon and star; gears mesh as nature twirls.

Inside its nuts and bolts, our form conceals
the consciousness within a human mind.
We note the patterns coded in design
and learn the laws which turn celestial wheels.

Man sees this grand machine and stands erect
above its hum. He logs activity
with scientific objectivity
yet doubts his archetype, The Architect.

This post has been edited by Cleo_Serapis: Sep 3 07, 06:56

Reason for edit: Revision

[Cleo_Serapis]

Wow, what a fascinating poem, Sylvia!

I'll send the permission PM to Michelle now.

Thank you!
~Cleo

[Cleo_Serapis]

I'd like to nominate 'Captive Bred' by Snow. Not only do I find the rhythms, images and message to be excellently portrayed & demonstrated, but I also feel her message is an important one to highlight in a larger audience, zoos are not for animal's sake, they're to appease our own savage nature (and to make millions off the ads, admission fees etc.).

Captive Bred by Snow

While creatures pace inside enclosures,
stalking tourists make exposures
of the sights
at feeding time. The beasts can’t prowl
for prey, but feast on joints and fowl.
These chosen bites
replace the chase to capture food
appeasing natural aptitude,
with this buffet.

The herds stampede to peer behind
the prison bars where life’s confined.
Without dismay,
they see the concrete habitats
bestowed upon these graceful cats.
Once roaming through
the wild as savage predators,
today they're chased by editors
for their debut
in Wild Life Magazine, a glint
of nature’s beauty posed in print.

This masquerade
is captured by elitist vultures
for a glimpse beyond their culture’s
barricade.

[AMETHYST]

I would like to nominate Lovers Meet Again for the skill and creativity that demonstrates to the fullest a 'his side/her side' point of veiw. The dramatic tone enhances the scene and inner turmoil, fustrations and pains of each side. I felt this poem paints that often unseen third side ... the truth ... without ever saying so ... it allows the reader to relate to either side or both sides and emphasizes how cloudy perception can crumble a strong foundation... The use of poetic tools are masterful, it reads smooth and pleasing to the ear, with wonderful sounds that soften the angst within the dialog...


Lovers Meet Again by heartsong7
Two Views

Hers:

I watched you wrapping life in fantasy
until you lost yourself in make-believe.
Appearances took precedence and we
soon parted. I still wonder—did you grieve
to wake and find me gone? No way I'd leave
the man you used to be. Today I know
too much has come between, we won't retrieve
the newness of a love we both let go.
It's time to travel on with memories in tow.


His:

It’s true, I’d hide behind a fantasy,
imagining some day you would believe
a prince had won your heart but, sadly, we
were far too far apart; it’s that I grieve.
The maybes topped with what-ifs made you leave
and left me lost in all I didn’t know.
If fate allows one chance, we could retrieve
the remnants of our love. Don't let it go
to perish, pulled apart by pride’s strong undertow.

This post has been edited by Cleo_Serapis: Sep 3 07, 07:06

Reason for edit: Final Revision

[AMETHYST]

I would like to nominate Grounded/Limitless for the depth of human condition, and state of mind and how the poet paints such defined images of both, the physical and emotional appearence, then leads the reader into the growth of the narrators' inner spirit. The masterfully penned verse makes use of strong poetic tools that read with such ease. To me this is a strong and vital poem that many audiences will relate and find encouragement with.



Grounded/Limitless by Nada Lott

March 8, 2001

GROUNDED

The looking glass reveals a creaseless brow
transposed against her face to disabuse
the notion she is aging. Truth subdues
the vision. Like her hair, her youth somehow
is running down the bathtub drain, and now
her bearing and behavior (like her shoes)
are sensible. "The mirror is a ruse,"
she sighs. "I'm just an old contented cow."

She'd planned on parachuting once, immune
to gravity -- weak ankles redefined
the plan. At times she cocks her head, intent
on hearing fragments of an uncaught tune
that blink and fade like fireflies in her mind.
She can't remember how the lyrics went.

August 6, 2007

LIMITLESS

An old contented cow? Not so today!
The apathy of seven years ago
has lifted. Exercise restored the glow
of vibrancy; love chased away the gray.
As synergetic force allied with play
to summon the forgotten things I know,
my feet found purchase on a new plateau.
The view is limitless in every way.

For being fully present is a choice.
I'm soaring now, aloft on silk and string,
skydiving on a sunny afternoon.
I'm belting out an anthem in a voice
of gratitude beyond imagining.
The lyrics are as vivid as the tune.

[AMETHYST]

I would like to nominate Yoked for the fresh and original use of season and very strong metaphors that 'show' the narrators milestones through love and life... The growing through lifes changes, and reflecting that within common depths of relationships and marriage... I especially loved the final couple.



Yoked by Norman D Gutter

Shall we sashay beneath the Bradford pears
until the redbuds pop and dogwoods burst?
Or let a shower catch us anawares
and tumble arm-in-arm to passion's thirst?

Then let us waste a summer day: a lake,
a pontoon boat, and isolated cove.
We'll share our time, confirm it's no mistake
to daily seal our vows and grow our love.

We've watched love change; first Wow!, then commonplace,
then struggle just to live, like leaves in fall,
yet always keep its hold, with withering grace,
like pin oak leaves—the stubbornest of all.

May our devotion thrive, and still expand,
until life's winter issues its command.

[AMETHYST]

I would like to nominate The Hoboes Abode for both the visual and lyrical creativity, as well as a skilled pen toward the subject. I felt the use of original images helps to say something that has been said, in a new way... and maintain a pleasing, entertaining poetic tone.

The Hobo Abode by Thoth
Johnnesburg, a city of contrast, where poverty and wealth intermingle. Some things hide right before our eyes!

Creamy
spring blossoms
of the stunted acacias
on the hill, beckon my eager lens,
like bridesmaids gathered for a photo shoot,
all pouting prettily beneath a blue October sky.
In contrast, the smudgy city profile
rumbles expectantly
in the background,
grey, smoky,
decadent,
evil.
Collapsed,
a rusty wire gate,
en-draped in a blue shawl,
of delicate, shimmering morning–glory,
still wet with dew, dancing in the light breeze.
There is no threat, no resistance to bar my passage.
Pressing on up the steep trail, only the numerous black-jacks,
tiny – spiny, daring to set a challenge; nay, an ambush!
Their tiny insidious barbs spearing themselves
angrily into socks and clothes,
biting at exposed flesh,
like army-ants,
inextricable.
Sweaty.
Itchy.
Disturbed,
the pungent scent
of khakie-weed follows
the narrow stony footpath
as it winds, squeezing tight between
boulders up the grade, to the white quartz ridge.
Below the trees I stop to breath, inhale the view below,
a patchwork quilt of red tin roofs, with blazing blue
jacaranda avenues and emerald rolling lawns.
Distant highway softly roars, subdued,
as trucks and cars glint mutely
in the sun. A train slides slow
on gleaming cobweb rails,
and docks within
its diaphanous
shroud.
I turn to greet my cheery acacia maids abloom, but freeze in fright!
Ambiguous behind a kakiebos façade there lurks
an ominous black intrusion in the shadows.
Framed by trampled grass and weeds,
scattered junk, paper artifacts.
Poised upon the rocky slope,
it glares at me -
with guilty
intent.
An abode?
looking closer now,
heart still pounding in alarm,
I see within - There’s no-one home today.
Who builds his house, among the weeds, here on this hostile hill?
Low roofed by black conveyor belt with card-box walls,
a floor of crumpled yellow plastic bags,
plywood plank on stones - a bed,
with egg-box mattress packed.
Laid neatly out upon
a folded blanket;
filthy,
old,
with tarnished silver chain,
a Shining Crucifix!
on bible pillow,
tatty and
worn.
-

Notes: Acacia – Family of thorny trees common in Africa.
khakie-weed / kakiebos - Sp. Tagetes minuta
This very strong and sharp smelling herb is a tall annual with pale yellow flowers,
also know as Muster-John-Henry and stinking Roger.

[AMETHYST]

I would like to nominate this poem, Resilience for it's pure, striken beauty and skilled creativty... This is a must read, and perhaps a many more reads for pure enjoy,emt.



Resilience by Cathy

If I were but a willow tree
in graceful gavotte glide of leaf,
with slender bough of give and take,
a tow'ring trunk of strong belief;

my flesh-born roots would stay their ground.
If I were but a willow tree,
my verdant bands would brandish proud,
as one with nature; flying free.

When fierce skies rage, enrapt winds blow,
in winter whites or summer's reign...
if I were but a willow tree,
the twisting curls of faith sustain.

Though limbs might waver in the wind,
emotions sway to some degree;
my storm-blown spirit would not break,
if I were but a willow tree.

Cathy Bollhoefer

This post has been edited by Cleo_Serapis: Aug 20 07, 13:43

Reason for edit: Revision

[Cleo_Serapis]

Hello! Judi has nominated Merlin's poem, Once Upon a Time, for the Sep IBPC. Judi writes: "I would like to nominate Merlin's Poem "Once Upon a Time" for IBPC...I think it is wonderful and truly deserves to be considered! Judi"

Once Upon a Time by Merlin


A herd of cows with calves in tow
now graze this meadow, where,
not many years ago
the two of us wandered,
looking for elusive four-leafed clover
to bring us luck.

The golden balsamroot of early spring
had burst in bright abandon
like stardust
sprinkled by wee forest folk
who rule the mystic woodlands.

Then later on, roses, wildwood roses
graced our much loved hills
where we would stroll,
enjoying sunshine days
in nature’s freedom.

Aspen leaves turned gold,
grasses withered,
autumn winds brought frosty nights,
and rose hips blushed in scarlet.

Along their dusty trails
where once we sought
four-leafed clover,
cows now wander.

[AMETHYST]

I would like to nominate this poem, Mrs. Hobbit for too many reasons to list, so I will just list a handful ...

1. Each poetic tecnhique is used with such skill, it flows a smooth as butter on warm bread.
2. The emotional imagery comes through as powerful as if the reader is experiencing this first hand.
3. the sounds through out link to each other without notice... blending and forming a lyrical dance of sorts.
4. The subject is handled in such as way that it gives new enthusiasium to the reader.
5. and too many more to list... excellent poetry!

Mrs. Hobbit by Merlin

Mars
Consider this: I’m but a fantasy
that you created out of make-believe,
a figment in your mind! You knew that we
were star-crossed from the start, so now don’t grieve.
When autumn comes, the swallows flock and leave
for greener meadows, sites and sounds they know.
They don’t bemoan those things they can’t retrieve.
It isn’t easy, learning to let go,
but take the dive – you’ll see there is no undertow.


Venus
We could have been a dream, a fantasy
that even J R Tolkien could believe,
if only you had tried. I know that we
got lost inside a labyrinth; don’t grieve
for all that’s lost. It’s what we had to leave
that I regret – those things we’ll never know
are vanished treasures we cannot retrieve.
Our fairytale is done; we let it go
and now it’s only memories we take in tow.

[Peterpan]

I second this...did you know Tolkien was born in South Africa?

Well done Merlin. Such a good 'spot' Liz...! If you didn't we would have...Excellent!

PP

[AMETHYST]

I would like to nominate this poem, Ripples ripples ripples for its creativity and strengths in form. The poem utilizes strong images that reflect the rippling of nature, water, rays and energy of spirit - I found this poem to read with ease inspite of how challenging the task of Mirroring one's poetry can be...




ripples ripple ripples... by Terocon101

...of sunny yellow.

to the shine

they mellow

in shade
from almost blue,

garnished bones

of lush young beech trees

stirs the tones,

this barely breeze,

a spectrum green

in dappled light,

shades serene,

Oh so many,

then a stillness...

Oh so many

shades serene,

in dappled light

a spectrum green,

this barely breeze

stirs the tones

of lush young beech trees

garnished bones,

from almost blue

in shade

they mellow,

to the shine

of sunny yellow.

Terry O'Connor

[AMETHYST]

Thanks Bev, Yes I think anyone who would read this poem would surely agree with us that it is worthy of IBPC Competitions...

Hugs, Liz



PS Permission Notification PM Sent...

[Merlin]

I'm truly honored, and many thanks, Liz.

I did not know JRR T was from South Africa - one learns so much in this hobbit, ah, hobby!

I believe this stands, but will review just to make sure. Sue, Fran, & I did a number of these some time back, twas great sport seeing the different thoughts, styles, and so forth. Pity Fran is otherwise occupied for a while.

Merlin

[Merlin]

My morphing into a writer of free verse is taking much longer than I had ever expected, so I am especially pleased that Judy felt this one worthy of consideration. Thank you.

I'll do a few minor tweaks, but in general, things will stand as they are.

Merlin

[AMETHYST]

Hey Merlin, What is Frances doing with herself these days... I miss her very much... if you speak with her please send my love! :)


Hugs, Liz

[Terocon101]

.





If you could see the grin on my face.



Thanks Liz, the cheque's in the post





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[AMETHYST]

Ahhhh ... I have my cyber pen in hand! :) HAHAHA ... Good Luck in the POlls...

[Guest_Cathy_*]

Thank you for the nomination Liz!