Acceptance

2 + 2 does not equal four.
For me it is some number more.
On this we may disagree
but to life added diversity.
Accepting my answer maybe not
but don't persuade my knowledge or thought.
Let be the religion that mean so much to me
I'll let be your perceptions of equality
In this way we live in harmony
Now let us be who we are
and peace is with us where we are.

Alright this is the first run.  I know this needs some work.  I really want to try to develop this a bit first.

Searching

The only way I find myself is lost.
My imagined presence lurks here.
Wanting a place but never embraced.
Time lingers away leaving me alone.

Look harder then deeper to what is known.
Absent thoughts that envision the mirage.
Fading images vanish before my touch.
Something tangible needs to felt by me.

The want is a simple location, a here.
Though I travel and look the spot eludes.
The home is my invented illusion, belonging.
My defiance the house of card I've built.

Loneliness precedes each step taken.
There is nothing ahead of me less behind.
To continue forward placing hope over despair.
I walk, I will always walk.  I look, I will always look.

Obvious Plaque

Got something to say.
Be heard!

Got somewhere to go.
Get there!

Desire the dream.
Work hard!

Want someone's heart.
Give love!

Raise a beautiful family.
Be support!

Looking to find God.
Have faith!

Get the obvious advice
Retail space!?

There are these inspirational plaques that have been in the retail stores and peoples homes.  Few of them have any meaning.  I got annoyed at them for some reason and wrote this.  I need to figure out how to drive my point home in the last stanza.

Divorce

I find the relationship of you and me
owing the world an apology.

The screaming and fighting
the harsh words said
Throwing and tossing
flying plates at the head.
Each of us wishing
the other was dead.

The reason to stay
can't have a why.

So sign this letter
from my lawyer
as I part with bye.

Hopefully I never have to go with this, sure my wife and I fight but at the end of the day I can beat her up, I got her by about 130 pounds.  Just kidding, geeez.  No it's a sad situation but I can say that divorce usually makes the miserable happier.  Try to work it out but if you're punishing each other end it, I was actually relieved to find out my parents would no longer be screaming at each other every night.

Foundation

Thirsty root stretch into the ground.  Dig deeply to find the water supply.  The abundance of leave hanging overhead waiting for you to be fed.  The dependence of life hanging on your search.  Burrow further, burrow further than ever before.  Now more than every we depend on you more and more.  Go into the dark depths of the ground to explore like a the fearless force of nature continue to sprout every brand every leave.  Without the roots the tree ceases to be only how but absence of thee.

John Doe

The trash the smell it's dinner tonight.
Looks and stares while I scavenge for fare.
Rather than go hungry risk getting sick.
Haven't eaten for day so the meals worth it.
Look for a place to sleep isn't hard to find.
A good park bench and a two dollar bottle of wine.
An overpass should it rain finding the soothing sounds of a train
Rest during the day with no where to go.
Fearing the night and everyone I don't know
Some people help other look at their own shame.
Eventually to drift from this world just an unknown name.

I like the line with the train but I am not sure it fits.  I will have to get back to this one.

Distraction

The blue screen swallows them connected without connection.
A look without insight the virtual prose of words not felt.
The e-world looking glass surrounded by the universe about.
Head dropped forward eyes empty glare meet a life going nowhere.
Lacking breeze, no air suffocating electricity the virtual bare.
A prompt to like reactions of described food without taste.
Pictures of wished experiences that will never take place.
Break free from the broadcast of tablet induced smartphones.
The world is here waiting for you to join in on the race.

Alright got this down.  Pretty clear message here.  I have to fine tune the meter and rhyme still.

Waking to Love

Sleeping by you
softly shut eye
Dreaming of
love with you
night passed by

Light creeps upon us
Gentle touch of lips
felt on chest
The morning rises
grateful for every kiss.

Rising from bed
stretching arms
extending to you
then snoozing alarm
for you to continue

Fingertips glide
slowly away
Parting from you
the most strength
used all day.

Alright the second revision takes a lot of thought but as you can see I've read through my first draft then changed the wording I didn't like.  Then I added some consistency to the meaning of the poem.

Thoughts of you
bring tears to eye
Love for you
happiness inside
Gentle touch of lips
to my chest
In morning wake
grateful each time
kiss is placed.
Rise from bed
stretching arms
extending to you
then snooze alarm
Fingertips glide
slowly away
Parting from you
the most strength
used all day.

I think that the first four lines of the poem are weak.  I want to revise them.  I think they are cliche.  These are the types of words I used to get going because it's easy and then I see where my mind takes me.

Remedy

Wander in and out

Wander all about

Searching without clue

Reason evades

through and through

Falling into minds trap

gathering memories scrap

Many good times

that never knew

Loved ones poisoned

by thoughts askew

Personality tarnished

Scar marked pain

Live in this world

done in vein.

Struggle forward

proceed with life

Always fighting

might and strife

Healing rains

come one day

Yet first the will

to make the way.

Alright this was from something I had not completed from long ago so I just had a depressing little scribble in front of me.  I revised this because it seemed suicidal to be honest and I strongly believe in fighting for happiness and life.  I know first hand that suicide is one of the world's greatest tragedies as I lost my best friend to mental illness.  If you need help call 1 (800) 273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  Make a call make a difference.

The title "Remedy" is in reference to having the power of mind to see tough times through.  This will obviously need further revisions.  Please follow back to see this poems transformation.

Skater's Sonata

The cut of the ice,
the turn
the spin
the lift
the whirl
the clink of the blades
cutting into solid water below
melting into a symphony
of speed and dance.

Muscles strain
to control the chords
the mind focused
directing the winds
the dance commences
harmony to percussion.

The intensity
the pain
the tear of the skate
the rink it wounds
the hours gone by
a promise of perfection
if nerves standby
the card
the ten
from every judge
a win.

I plan to let this one evolve.  It needs some editing and refinement.  I would like a little more intensity throughout the poem.  The way this currently stands I have left some things that serve as reminders for a later edit.  As an example "The card, the ten.....", I may want to include the competition originally this was about practicing.  I think I want to go the route of practicing and maybe leave something short showing that it pays off like I have done so far but I have left my opportunity to take that out or change the meaning later.

Strengths

Happy Dog
Happy Cat
Play together pulling at a hat
Dog is strong, she'd always win
Between the two, the wins even

Happy Dog
Happy Cat
Race together running a tract
Cat real fast, he'd always win
Between the two, the wins even

In this way they stay good friends
Strength in heart always wins

I think a lot of people may criticize something like this as childish.  I'd say if that mean something a child can understand that is great.  It delivers a message in it's simplicity.  Also, read the poems just because you can think at a high level doesn't mean you always should.  If you do there are many times where you'll miss out on important things.

The Rake

The tragedies I've wrote.
The hearts I've broke.
The wistful pen dipped into women.

The caring I've derived.
The song I've applied.
The wrong note on her harpsichord.

Find the meaning behind these words
Truly feeling is for the birds.
I say something while meaning nothing.

Deliver the prose the satire in these words.
The irony of thoughts that are only yours.
Use my quotes always making things worse.

I've never been good looking enough or had the evil nature to be this guy.  I was inspired to write this after overhearing two guys talk about negging  (Say something bad about a person so they seek approval).  It just seemed shallow.

Verdict

Whispers echo through the room

murmurs rumble towards me.
Flashing glances gazing stares
piercing eyes rolling in from everywhere.
Rumor growing overflowing lies
rattle despite my battling mind.

The mob is pitching at my twitching
pitch forks prodding torches a flare.
The persecution and execution
to a deed I would not dare.
I've been pined for the sin
never given the chance at innocence.
With my end society should amend
yet they act knowing not why.
The innocent condemned to die.

A Mother

She woke to him crying so she put him to breast.  Changed him then rocked him on her shoulder his little head rest.  She pat his back then a little croak, wiped his face with a gentle stroke.  Laying him down soothed back to sleep a few hours later they both meet.  Night after night receiving no rest but looking upon him she thought how beautifully she'd been blessed.

Wept

Once soiled heart
Hard to clean
Luster of the cheek
Soiled broken tears
Blood pumping veins
Freeze the soul
Thoughts time past
Spirit disheveled mass
Alone seas vast
Tangled by regret
Mangled meaning get
Weeping hand swept

Silent Rider

His heart bleeds the poison of mournful regrets.  In his path taken souls follow haunting each step down the road of life.  He, the silent rider, speaking with whispers and shouting with six shooting guns.  He whips them from his holsters leaving them as empty as his heart.  Now the sun rises and falls on condemned men set to die each count breaking the hearts to the music of women's cry.  Just before dawn the winds shudder before his breath, escaping the path of his ghostly inhale lives blown into smoke as he exhales.  He his own crematorium. As he rides away the moon howls at the darkness as though he's a wilted rose stripped of it's beauty  leaving thorns to barefoot.  All that remains is the sad look of death wrapped up in a lingering smile.  His hollow boots plod forward forever walking the earth looking for those deserving of the grave.  To all those who have known his treachery, as a dog lives as a dog dies.

Does this need a more poetic language.  It's a poem that tells a story, I will look to revise this but for now I am confused.

The Noodle Doodle

Ramen ramen college days
barely eating wishing for good grades
Classroom lectures teachers grumble
out on the quad students tumble
Drinking wildly before a test
prevented from doing the very best.
During holidays returning home
coming back to buddies staying in the dorm
Faded away the found found days
remembering the times of my alma mater
Always

Yes I ate a bowl of ramen noodles and thought back on college then sat down and wrote this piece.  It is so basic I am not sure it needs to be revised.

I didn't have the typical college experience described even though I at my fair share of ramen.  I worked two or three jobs, slept two hours a night and went to a commuter college but I still had fun.  The reason I wrote in the fashion I did is to relate to more people.  Our college experiences our all different but the fortunate among us look back on them fondly.

An Angel's Pollen

She is the flower of time carrying forward the lives of happy souls.  Her radiant light falling upon the hearts of friends as though the north star has fallen to the earth.  Life around her blossoming from the care and tenderness she emits from the heart.  Pedals tread behind her footsteps leaving a path of sweet scent, blown as if her souls breath.  While the light of the moon fades to morning sunshine her love shines brighter day by day.  With a subtle smile she heals the pain found under storm's rain.  Vibrant is the embrace of her hand, the warm touch, palm in palm she guides the needy to the light of kindness.

Human angel of this earth your heart embodied by mortal shell yet it still touches upon the heavens.  May your spirit live forever in the continued conquest of healing the lost in despair.....  Amen.

I need to revise this to be more poetic in nature.  I have noticed that many of things I write start off like this.  The form of my thoughts are not completely grammatically precise but close enough.  Sometime I bounce from one word to the next in poetic form but not often.  The thing I struggle most deeply with is that it is heard to revise things into more poetic nature without either losing the meaning or the meaning becoming too abstract.

The last word is Amen.   I would like to hear some opinions on this.

Expand

There once was an apricot named Al.  Al had many pals.  There was oatmeal, cereal and a long host of breakfast friends.  It was after the morning meal that Al started to feel withdrawn and asked "What's the deal?"  As the day drifted away Al had another thing to say, "What if the morning didn't end the fun I have in a day?"  So, Al the apricot worked on his cooking skill and learned to include himslef in compotes and sauces for lunch and dinner and ever since everyday feels fulfilled.

Big City

There was a big apple and a little apple sitting next to each other.  The big apple turned to the little apple and said I am big and green.  The little apple responded I am petite and sweet and you may be gig but you sure are tart.  The green apple turned and said that's okay because people like me that way.  The red apple replied together we provide variety a little something for everybody.

Kahlua the Pineapple

There was once a pineapple named Kahlua who moved to the states from Hawaii.  When Kahlua came to the states non of the other fruits were as prickly or had sharp leaves.  This made the other fruits cautious around Kahlua and made it hard for him to make friends.  Kahlua did not let this get him down, he knew he was a sweet fruit on the inside.  Kahlua stayed true to himself and was always nice to the fruits often going out of his way to meet with them.  Eventually Kahlua became very good friends with a cherry and kiwi.  Now this crew hangs out together all the time often and has become a popular garnish for a refreshing Mai Tai.

Alright there probably won't be any revision on this and I know it's childish.  I simply think it is a fun little story and show writing or poetry is a release in many ways.  Also I know this is a short story and not a poem.

Protected

We turn hate inward for fear of what it will do to the world.
Not to consume us, but so that we may love outwardly.
Letting it in us until is has nothing left to consume.
Our soul fighting against the hate's parasitic wrath.
Doing battle against the internal struggle of which no one knows.
This is how we are heroes in that we fight the hopeless war.
Every moment we plod forward losing ground.
A half step taken a full step taken back but again taking a half step.
In not surrendering victory is found continue forward until put to ground.

Decide to get this written before going to bed.  I will look at revising this soon.

She Remains Young

They eyes of a child reflect innocence into eternity.  The reminiscent expression on her face blooms from genuine love.  The delicate touch of her hand unveils the warmth of her heart.  The watchful stare of her caring gaze reminiscent as the day fades away.  She is aloft with love and care tending to others with the warm glow her hazel eyes.  Translucently lighting the path to her heart her soul residing in the pupil of her iris swept in to each tear her mother cried.  On this path we find her character, surviving, perseverance, strength and the true character of inner beauty.  Here we met by a barrage of serenity, calming love, tranquil caring, inner peace and the harmony that is her soul.  This is the child through life remained young, passed to heaven like the rising sun.

Remorseful

Justice does not travel the road.
It enters the woods winding it's own path.
Breaking down brush in search of the wanted.
The hoof beat pounds into open terrain.
A reminder to the guilty there's no where to run.
It's eye lurking coming every bend of the road
A remind there's no where to hide.
The guilt is in you and that to is where justice resides.
Always following, always finding, always present.

You

Who you are is your perspective.
What you see as you is real.
When you think therefore you are.
Where you doubt you, you will fail.
Why you will be you as a victim.

How you define you is the way you're perceived.

Daughter & Mother

In her hazel green eyes her mother's heart resides.
To her heart she has dedicated to her mother's life
and her mother has dedicated her heart unto her.
They are intertwined in life their souls latched
together in an unbreakable bound.
They are as two souls with one combined spirit
in their existence there is no greater binding love.
Heart to heart they touch each other.
Each moment lived for the other.
IN this world this kind of bond is unique
and it is for this mother and daughter to keep.

Ethos

The warrior does not wonder if a dull blade tears the skin before he cuts.  His preparation is to be sharp.  He embraces the touch of the weapons handle taking honor in the protection and impediment of life reflecting himself and his enemy.  The combatant falls by its side holding to glory followed down by a swift trickling stroke.  From silver to red a tear towards the light, drifting to a twinkle reflection piercing from its edge that of fallen that of life.  The knowledge of the blade's sorrow of is his only betrayal as man laid to dust a remarkable foe.  The sword's life being coexistent with his, held in tandem the soul willing to take, the soul willing to give.

Composition

The wobbling tuning turning into refined notes.
Voices struggling until the release of strong sound.
Individuals pulling together in conducted song.
The chaos of sound pulled together in symphony.
Drained into musical emotion to hear the artists soul.

For Your Forgiveness

There once walked a man who only held faith in hand.  He walked through stick and stone and they broke through his bones.  He did not raise his fist in hate with a shroud of peace he'd retaliate.  In the face of a man with an outstretched whip he held outstretched arms only to love would he submit.  Conquering strength with caring he falls on opposition with a warming heart pulling us together not tearing us apart.  His tenderness brings the purity of the dove to the very soul of crow's tyranny the flight of his endeavor to save humanity. He sought to alleviate the pain of all as martyr he'd fall.  Pierced by nails, resurrected veils let this man carry you to forgiveness find by forgiving you are forgiven.

Life Circling

Beautiful birth treacherous death.
Infinite latitude on every breath.
Sights unparalleled to the eye.
Sniffing flowers plucked to die .
Tasting meat after an animals cry.
Tonguing truth with every lie.
Beauty intertwining with the pain.
Living and dying one and the same.

Err Thinking

The tip of the pen is wasting away while the thoughts in my head drift away.  I cannot latch onto them as I give chase they drift further and faster as I increase the pace.  So what I try is to sit patiently bye waiting for an idea to pass nearby.  I try to look out still reflecting in but then find nothing again and again.  There is a block on my brain like the part that though suffered rot.  I sit behind these wall blankly searching for anything at all.  I'm not going to give up I'll try another day it's time to go to bed anyway.

Human Essence

My plateau extends into the skies growing higher and higher as my goals rise.  There is no peak or place I must stop as long as I try I will stay on top.  On the clouds I lay my head to rest after each obstacle I best in order to wake up and start the struggle again feeding on each setback fueled to win.  I am my own giant I follow no path toppling mountains before me only behind me I leave a path.  I heed humanities call to pass on the torch of knowledge and wisdom to further inspire innovation in the trail blazers of tomorrow's time.  Through them we are made immortal.

Modern Conflict

War necessary now than ever before.
Media portrayal left to deplore.
Lack of leadership the true gore.
War's not evil fight to uplift more.

Freedom dying by the curbside
Liberty ringing now subsides.
Terror lurks until citizens die.
No country to whom they ally.

Fight for the society that is good
Attack where your principles stood
Eradicate the hate when you could.
Don't express regret saying would.

To the noble warrior I revere.
To protect the ideas I adhere.
To family for my heart sears
To community for I stand here.

I wrote this because it is popular to stand against war.  This was inspired by the question "Does war have a place in modern society?" and my attempt to answer that questions for myself.

Recovery

Little clam has tucked away a pearl of wisdom but of it she has nothing to say.  Her little shell has puckered tight even though I try to coax it open with all my might.  Under this hardened shell dwells her pearl shaped heart but of its beauty I am kept from sight.  She's so protected because once crept in a grain of sand that agitated her but of it's existence she will not admit.  Of the pain it caused she denies never to submit.  Please tell me young clam how this single grain has created this misfortune. The covering of such great beauty you now hold within you must not blame because of part of the splendor was contributed by the pain of the sandy grain.  Tell me now with the soothing sound of the  shore allow it to wash away the hurt of this terrible grain. Loosen your shell don't protect yourself into further loss.  I will simply listen to everything you mention I promise to pay the utmost attention.  Then when we're threw you'll feel like life's been renewed.  Let me bare the sadness for once your pearl shines I know that you'll never be mine.  Go off into the world glow brighter than ever before free from the damage caused before.

I have spent too much time on this.  I will have to return to it later.  My main problem is that the tone taken seems rushed so it doesn't tie from one part to the next as well as it should.  Let me know where you think the breaks are so I can thing about how to patch things together.  (Mainly the end).