June IBPC Nominations, July Competition Options

[Psyche]

Hi Lori!

I would like to nominate Snow's 'Brood Parasites' for July's IBPC.

This is the link.

I believe Eisa has put one of Nature's sad realities into beautiful poetical language. The metre and enjambing (hope that's the correct term) is deftly handled.

And the closing S rounds off the poem in brilliant fashion. The whole process starts over with the return of the breeding season, and so on forever....Impressive!

Cheers, Syl ***


Brood Parasites by Eira Needham

A European robin serenades
from ivied stage … ooh twidlee dee; his hen
investigates low boulders, then invades
a crevice, moulding moss into a den
to lay her brood. Nearby, a cuckoo’s call
evokes the bubbling chuckles of his mate,
who spied the nest ensconced within the wall
and parks her eggs inside to incubate.

When hatched, those parasitic nestlings prise
the rightful babies from their cradle, feign
instinctively, their empty-bellied cries.
Dim surrogate is hoodwinked to sustain
her neonatal tricksters, picking ants
and worms, from farmers fertile shovelled earth.
Departing from their host, the fledglings chant
cu coo, perceptibly now twice her girth.

Soon autumn blows a cooler breeze; they crowd
to far-flung lands, enticed by warmer climes,
returning when the fields are freshly ploughed,
as robins gather moss for nesting time.

This post has been edited by Cleo_Serapis: Jul 12 08, 08:48

Reason for edit: 1st Revision

[Cleo_Serapis]

I'd like to nominate Larry's poem, Nature's Memories. This is a beautifully portrayed piece of nature and time with a soft, catchy rhythm and rhyme.

Best of luck!
~Cleo



Nature's Memories by Larry D. Jennings


What mysteries would be revealed
if only you could hear a field

discussing all the visitors
with Oaks, the Grand Inquisitors,
who hide those secrets deep within their rings.

What sorrows, buried 'neath the grass
forgotten... but as ages pass

remembered by Mariah's breath
and told to Redwoods ere their death,
now locked in stone where only lichen clings.

What of the lovers, hand in hand
who strolled in silence, 'cross the land

or sat and watched the clouds roll by.
Soft cotton ships, which sail the sky
to give the field a drink when there is need.

The field, caressed by farmer's plow
lies fallow, contemplating how

the golden stalks of winter wheat
were trampled 'neath the cattle's feet
but left their wind-swept songs along with seed.

Oh what adventures could be told
by rocks and boulders, as they rolled

through all the many centuries.
Their tale, if told, would surely please
a listener. Their voices can't be heard.

For Nature's memories are Hers,
aware of all, as it occurs.

She sends her secrets through the land
to all Her children, small or grand
and they won't even say the smallest word.

[AMETHYST]

I felt In Rion’s Eye : The Vyphron, Part III, was written with a masterful pen. To me, it reads soft and unobtrusive, almost with the ease of an old time poet who has already made their mark on the literary world. There is imagination, originality and a sense of adventure and mystique - The feel of 'other worlds' is followed through till the final, and utterly powerful ending couplet. I felt this well deserves a nomination, and demonstrates poetry at its finest.


In Rion’s Eye : The Vyphron, Part III by Lorraine M. Kanter/ **HUMBLY DECLINED



_{Vyphron is a race of dragons, also known as Nunnos in ancient times, who have dramatically changed their 'ways' over time and are bent on killing humanoid races. Kalori is the dragon prince who has other ideas for what has become of his race. Brellanine is a race of pixie-like beings, very small in size, but very powerful when they put to use their best asset, the glitter (magical dust). Taneia is the pixie queen who is mature beyond her years and strives to bring peace back to their known world. Her premonitions guide her actions. Rion is the imaginary world they live in personified.}


I see in Vyphron’s dragon prince a hint of discontent,
despite his need to please the ones he’s vowed to represent.
It’s rumored that the time has come to tame the virile urge
inbred among each vanquisher; a secret will emerge.

I see in Vyphron’s dragon prince a plan to resurrect
their higher name abandoned by his most repugnant sect.
Kalori views the Nunnos pride with guarded reverence;
a race of strength and self-respect known for noteworthy sense.

I see in Vyphron’s dragon prince compassion of the heart,
a trait not seen among his kind, whose acts set him apart.
He does not need the glitter dust to join with Brellanine
for deep within he shares the dream; Taneia’s trust design.

I see in Vyphron’s dragon prince a goal too great to clutch --
and watch the paradigms unfold through talon’s mighty touch.

***To be continued***

Copyright © Lorraine M Kanter 10 May 2008
All rights reserved as an unpublished work

[Psyche]

Hi All!

I would like to nominate Larry's piece Gardener's Sonnet for IBPC. I consider the 14 syllable form deftly handled, with excellent vocabulary and a most profound content. It relates a gardener's loving & hard labour with plants, flowers and soil, Nature's whims, and other uncertainties, with a tribute to God and God's gifts to Man. Beautifully poetized and with an edifying finale.

Personally, I would prefer his Present Tense version, but that's Larry's decision, I believe.

Sylvia


Gardener's Sonnet by Larry D. Jennings/ **DEFERRED TO AUGUST


Green spring was but a promise dressed in sundry shades of brown
while winter’s ermine coat was gray and soiled; a filthy rag.
Cold rain had come and blessed the earth last night in this small town
as I began my yearly task to transform toothless hag

of flower bed. My pride and joy, a dormant butterfly,
reposed within cocoon-like earth, awaiting warmth and hand
of loving care. Sweet nourishment I shared in good supply
where winter weeds had flourished; thieves and squatters, all unplanned.

The memories of seasons past were goads I’d not begrudge
when pain of age and toil had sapped the vigor of that morn‘.
From Death's domain, I wrenched such wondrous sights from sand and sludge;
to share with any passer-by my own rainbow… reborn.

All gardeners, as springtime nears, want only to appease
the eyes of man, while feeling close to God... upon their knees.

[Cleo_Serapis]

Thank you very much Liz for this nomination.

While I am truly thrilled to know that you feel this poem is worthy for the IBPC to represent MM, I prefer not to have my "Rion" poems go forward in poetic competitions at this time. I DO appreciate your nomination and support, but will humbly and graciously decline this nod.

Best regards as always,
Lori

[Cleo_Serapis]

A wonderful poem! Larry may have to decide which of his two poems go forward if there is no poll this month (or if both his poems get voted in the top three for MM). We are only allowed to send one poem per member (across the boards).

Let's see how this plays out and good luck!
~Cleo

[AMETHYST]

I would like to nominate Portal by Lori Kanter, it is masterfully written with fresh images and smoothly weaved rhymes and sounds that create an exceptionally pleasing read. This is one of my all time favorites of Lori's and think it well worth the trip to IBPC!

Best Wishes, Liz


Portal by Lorraine M. Kanter


Beyond the gated portal lies
a world of wonder, world of spies
where ancient legends teach us all
of knightly realms and Caesar’s fall.

Impressive walls were built of stone
by servants of the Roman throne.
Beyond the gated portal lies
security in structured guise.

Protection sought behind the wall;
Praetorians assert the call
upon the sandy, desert floor
just north of Kingdom’s gated door.

Its presence roused undaunted foe
who fitted war with blade and bow,
petitioning their mighty gods
to intervene. Immortal frauds!

They would not answer Call to arms
ignoring Man’s fictitious charms;
beyond the gated portal lies
a sheltered truth... Statesmen's demise.

A holy quest: Defend the land!
reverberates through stone and sand;
bechanced through time, this wall remains
in spite of enemy campaigns.

Archaic scriptures illustrate
deceitful deeds suppressed to fate.
Tread lightly; trust is seldom wise
beyond the gated portal's lies.

[AMETHYST]

Starlit Seduction is a skillfully painted Sonnet, giving the form a trinket of wonder to steal the hearts of those who are unfamiliar with it. Eisa paints a romantic, sensual poem in a unique and fresh way. She utilizes the loveliness of the sky and the cosmic wonders to have them put on a play for the reader, as a love tale between the entities above what is earth bound. Eisa has truly touched my heart with this one.

:)


Starlit Seduction By Eira Needham/ **DEFERRED TO AUGUST


The curtain’s drawn; a spangled velvet sheet
creates a welcome shade from summer’s heat.
A slumber blankets earth with dreams, as night’s
seductive moonbeams dance in shadowed light.

Big eyes entice the sky, they wink and flirt;
she fingers silver buttons on his shirt
to proudly flaunt her galaxies of gems
on midnight’s hand. He lifts her sequined hem
as stellar rays caress the dark. She sighs
when kisses scatter over sultry skies
to burst in supernova’s rising cloud;
the climax of the night -- she gasps aloud.

The curtain slowly opens -- there’s no rush;
as dawn appears, the sky begins to blush.

[Cleo_Serapis]

Thanks very much Liz!

I accept the nomination! Yay!

Lori

[Cleo_Serapis]

I'd like to nominate Sylvia poem, Light the Candles.
There's so much to like about this poem, the deep thought process, the imagery, the soft rhythms and alliteration, and of most of all, the metaphors! A must read!

Good luck!
~Cleo


LIGHT THE CANDLES by Sylvia Maclagan


Why is the flower daydreaming
so serene, so pale?
Savour of sojourns
in his arms, sounds, fondling
withered, wasted by wrath.

Storms flashing fierce symbols,
tremors, much darkness -
What does he whisper
kissing, biting her lips?

Fireflies and sparks
kindle their canopy,
eerie shrieks in the skies
echo all night.

So dead the flower!
Wounding embraces,
kissing, hissing,
fiery fangs of delirium
drink of death's vintage -
before dayspring releases.

- Is this who I am?

Light the candles…
she’s not breathing any more.

[Cleo_Serapis]

Snow has asked that this poem be held over for next month's nominations (Aug comp).

~Cleo

[Cleo_Serapis]

Since Larry has two poems nominated this month, he has agreed to hold this one off until next month's nominations.

Thanks so much!
~Cleo

[Cleo_Serapis]

Congrats Larry!

This poem has been chosen to represent MM by your poetic peers.

Best of luck!
~Cleo

[Cleo_Serapis]

Congrats Sylvia!

This poem has been selected to represent MM by your poetic peers!

Best of luck in the competition!
~Cleo

[Cleo_Serapis]

Thanks very much to everyone who voted for this poem. It was a tough vote and I hope this one will represent MM well in the comp.

[Psyche]

Congrats, Larry, on your IBPC representation. I consider it a highly imaginative, original piece, written with that extraordinary talent you possess.

It deserves to move on to even higher honors!



Good luck!
Sylvia ***

[Psyche]

Dear Lori,

Your poem will certainly represent MM VERY WELL in the IBPC comp, no doubt about that!

I'm so glad Liz nominated it, wonderful choice!




Good luck!
Sylvia ***

[Psyche]

Thank you, Lori, for nominating my poem. And thank you everybody who voted for it! And thank you to everybody who participated in this poll!

Congrats to Lori & Larry for their wonderful pieces....

Cheers,
Sylvia ***

[Cleo_Serapis]

Thanks so much Sylvia!

I wish you all the best with your poem as well!

~Lori

[Cleo_Serapis]

Hi Snow,

I'm going to send this poem for the November entries since we are short and this one didn't make it previously due to polling results.

Good luck!
~Lori