Poetry Picnic Week 25: Military, Soldiers, and Veterans

 Trenton Passmore and Tom Woo, 

Super Kids Day, Sangre Ridge Elementary School,

Our poetry picnic week 25 theme is: Military, Soldiers, Veterans, or poetry dealing with physical, mental, and emotional healing…  

You have About less than a  Week to work on this topic, submit to us and share any time, officials are taking a three week break, so come in when you have a moment to read or submit, we will never stop reading or encouraging you, as for posting here, we will start fresh again for Week 26  on March 1, 2012.....  

Tom and Friends, at Tom's Birthday Party, Home...

While you are linking your entry to us, make sure to link your entries to Bradley’s blog at the same time (see the link below), Thanks in Advance!…Anti-war, Politics, etc. will not be acceptable. 

http://perainopoetry.blogspot.com/p/in-memory-of-our-fallen-soldiers.html

Tom, Justin, and Sheng, Corpus Christi, Texas, 1999

Alive 2 by Ruchi Jain  

A silent winter eve

Was stepping on sand

Moving along a running beach

Gazing two holding hand

  

Only they were known

Else everything was strange

That eve, sand was soft

And sun shined orange

Waves were calm

And water was cold

A sheer love was new

Else everything was old

She wanna hug

He wanna kiss
They wanna die with

Their last lively bliss

They had less time

As life was near to end

Last minutes all together
They only wanna spend

In the sea of love
They took the last dive

Their bodies are no more

But their Love is still alive.

Confessions Of An Addict by Craig Watson  

I want to ravish you
But I’m afraid
I may fall in love with you
Or should I say deeper…
I no longer care about the outcome
I know that you’re never going anywhere
Because it’s imperative that you’re in my life
I don’t want you
I need you!
You’re the sense in my train of thought
You’re the pulse
That you need to feel…
Indicating Life
Just thinking of being away from you
I’m lost…
In the past
A fear overcame me
I didn’t want to jeopardize anything
You’re a great asset to my life
But like I’ve said…
I’m no longer worried about the outcome
You’re going to be around forever
No one could ever say anything…
I will forever love you!

You by  Bradley Peraino 

You have sacrificed and suffered.
You have bore the Nation's pain.
You have fought the fight of freedom.
You have helped liberty reign.

You have given up so much for the
old Red, White, and Blue. So, from
the bottom of heart, I give my thanks
to you!

On A Sad Day by emmett wheatfall 

On a sad day we tell our stories
of risk and surprise, of life and loss,
of having won, even in the midst of defeat.

We war with each other, with ourselves,
with the internal conflicts found in conscience,
with the enmity in relationships.

Still, we find time to sing, sing the old song,
the new song, to pray, to recite endearing terms
of love, of longing, those songs of passion,
on a sad day.

Calculation by Nicole Wian  

Love is war of flesh and might, sweat and tears.
        Sometimes fight,
        Sometimes flight.


                 I’ve battled weary like a soldier, armed with
                                   weapons of all kinds.
                                             Now a veteran, I lay wounded
but undefeated.


War whoops,
                silenced, I hear a new cry, a new call
to drop my arms.


Throbbing from pain caused fervor, I will endure.


                   Mental calculation trumped as the inner man beats
                                                                    his breast
for glory.


The body is a frame,
The picture, Spirit
and I will be sustained.

For the Love of Humanity –redux by California Ink in Motion  

Dew laden palms hang under midnight glow
reflecting lunar diamonds off green spears.

soft evening breeze brings forth a dancing flow  
small shocks of light reflect within each tear

which falls to earth 
abandoning
its high collective perch 
one small drop at a time

cascading journeys sliding southward bound
night’s swirling mist create pools on the ground

and with each teardrop’s tiny splash 
an echoed cry through smoke and flash

turquoise tattered butterflies stop to view
as clouds dissipate with sun’s mourning dew

the path is dangerous but clear
yet they hear the world’s voice
 and know they’re near

the shifting paradigm of consciences
will let the light shine on all injustice

be free brave little butterflies 
take your wings and expose the lies

the soul of the earth has
been assaulted with bombs and gas

for the love of humanity 
lay down arms of insanity

a global evolution has begun
What a unique time to be in the sun.

Sheng batting at baseball field, 2007

Week 26 Theme:  Seven Deadly Sins. 

So let your imagination soar to the greatest heights, and immerse in the Milky way... write on! Of course, you can always submit random poems to us, keep your talent coming our way…  ;)

 

Tom and Pandi

Tom and Sheng, London, England, 2000

Sheng and Blue, Yellow Balls

Tom in Beijing, Summer, 2009

Sheng in Germany, 1999

Tom plays Baseball, He hits home run a few times each season.

2003-2011..

Image Credits: Google.com

Poetic Reflection Special: Zoe

Tell me about yourself?

As someone who likes to look at things in depth, this is a difficult question to answer, but here goes...

Once, under Perth's eternal sun, there was a girl who tried hard to fulfill the plan others made for her life. Then one day, she found love. First, the love of Christ, then a year later, the love of a good man. After this brief blip in the imposed order of things, she got back to the schedule, slotting a wedding into her science based career almost seamlessly. One day, the strain of trying to be someone she wasn't, became too much and she cracked, shed her career of veterinary surgeon and began to heal. Fortunately, her hubby came with her. They had 2 adorable children and she realized that she had always loved working with children. She trained to be a teacher. In the long process of healing, she realized that although she was always pegged as a scientist, her heart was that of an artist and poet, and that her soul yearns to find voice in verse and pigment. She is still finding that voice.

Tell me about your blog, the name, what does it mean to you?

I called my blog "Moonlight and Shadows" because the night has always held a fascination to me. Even deep in the city, I strain my eyes seeking the moon and stars, seeking the solitude of night's velvet warmth, and the gentle touch of night breezes in the moonlight. My poems initially fell into those two categories - beauty in nature and people around me, and a darker style of verse that I associated with the shadows. I think this is also a paradox in me - intense joy and beauty for the most part, but I have also experienced life's shadows and that gives me an insight into that pain and darkness in others too.

When did you start blogging?

Oh, I am just a newbie when it comes to blogging! I had begun tentatively sharing some of the 'Moonlight' category poems and the overwhelming response was that I needed to share them on with a wider audience. I thought blogging would be a good way to do that, and hopefully meet other poets who I could learn from.

Your first poem? Remember?

I did write some rather raw poems around 10 years ago, partly because of that time of healing, partly associated with my mother's death and the resultant events. But my creative 'awakening' really happened only 2 years ago, and found voice in two poems - one called 'Concerto in Rain Minor', which came from lying in bed and listening to a short summer storm in the night. The other was called 'Awakening' and tried to capture that incredible experience of feeling my creative soul start to come alive. I will include both poems below. :)

What are your writing inspirations?

The warmth of sun, glittering on the ocean, the whisper of leaves as they glimmer in the moon, the richness of the earth beneath the golden wheat and the cry of brilliant parrots as they flee before the storm....

The sense of wonder in a child's dance, the hooded mask of pain in a stranger's eyes, the agony of feeling a gulf stretch between two friends, the wordless sorrow shimmering in someone's tears...

The contrast between light and darkness in my soul, long dead voices that taunt me, the freedom offered to me by my Lord, joy, pain, faith when it's easy and faith when it's hard, healing, brokenness, and above all, hope.

In terms of literary inspirations, I cannot honestly identify one author who has inspired what I write. As quite a musical person, I have long enjoyed works of fiction where lines have a sense of rhythm to them, a 'vibe' or certain something in their flow. Authors like Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, the Aussie poet, Bruce Dawe. Authors that draw on intense sensory descriptions and depth of character, like Chaim Potok, Erica Bauermeister.

How do you define poetry as “Good”? Do you revise your work?

I adore poetry that uses vivid imagery, or clever irony to invoke emotion. I also love poetry that just has a wonderful rhythm threaded through strong statements or images, but always, always, I seek depth - of imagery, emotion, character or thought. Having said all that, I do not have the skill to define what makes a poem 'good' - either with my own work or that of others. I just prefer to think of poems in terms of what sings to my own heart.

Regarding revision - well that is something I find hard to do. I tend not to revise at all, unless a line isn't quite hitting the rhythm that feels right to me for it.

what's your plan for your future writing?

At this stage, my plans for the future are simple - to keep writing and developing this talent the Lord has given me. I have a feeling He isn't finished with my poetry yet, but I simply don't know where it is going. I have had suggestions that I should write music to go with some of them, I have experimented with painting to illustrate poems, and I have even been told several times that I should publish a book, but who knows what the future holds?

Why do you support Jingle Poetry Community, including Jingle Poetry @ The Gooseberry Garden?

I so enjoy the community at Gooseberry Garden - what a blessing to have found a group of poets that are both good poets and lovely people! Here is a place we can all grow together, and watch this wonderfully diverse garden develop and produce some very succulent fruit! I wonder what this year's crop will bring...

So, here is to fine verse, good community and an exciting journey as we write together!

Concerto in Rain Minor

The wind hums with pre-concert chatter,

back and forth amongst the gum trees.

with a sudden swelling, it dies down

to silence, awaiting the first notes.

Softly, a drop here, a drop there,

the concert begins.

I lie curled beneath warm blankets,

listening to this impromptu orchestra:

Firm beats on the tin roof, softly echoed in the trees,

each drop clear and crisp, playing through the night.

I cherish each note as it swells with the breeze,

slowly crescendos and stills once more.

In my mind's eye, I see the applause

of dry earth, drinking in each beat

savouring each note that drips from the trees.

As the rain passes, the sun rises,

and each leaf sparkles in

memory of its melody.

Awakening

Drowsing….

Sun-warmed limbs,

Blissfully unaware

Do I dare

To wake the dragon….

Yearning…..

Salt kissed air,

Swooping and soaring high,

Cobalt sky

To ride the dragon…

Committing…..

Bejewel’d eyes,

Awakening fast

What a blast!

To rouse the dragon….

Leaping!

Fearless heart,

Uncluttered, storm cleansed sight -

At last… flight!

To be the dragon…

Poetic Reflection Special:Poetic Ocean

Tell us about yourself:

I was born in Srinagar Kashmir, now I live in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. My parents adopted country. Teaching is my profession.

We’re happy that you have been part of Jingle Poetry Community, both as a participant and as an official, what has driven you to where you are in this particular community?

Thank You for all your affectionate encouragement and generous support. I found this particular community full of exciting opportunity for creative writing, thrilling sense of competition without any stress and quick response to the poetic expressions that are shared.

How long have you been blogging? Do you think being part of a poetry community contributes to your creative writing?

I have been writing on the web since 1999 as a freelance writer and more regularly since 2006 with US Legacies.com, Litvision.org, Gather.com and Triond.com. I realized that I needed to focus on poetry as my poems were getting more response so I setup ‘Poetic Oceans’ and that has brought further International recognition. I met Fiona Robyn on line in 2003 in the UK and her website ‘writing your way home’ has given me more writing opportunities. Yes, one must be a part of a community and member of an association , not only that but one must participate and contribute actively also. I have definitely written more, and am myself surprised at the results.

My best source of writing inspiration is Gooseberry Garden Jingle Poetry Rally and Poetry Palace making me a Poetry Princess. Thank You All.

Why poetry? Do you write fiction too?

I have a natural flair for writing poetry. My grandfather was an educationist and a poet. He wrote in the Urdu Language though occasionally and on request. I love poetic expressions and classical poetry of the ancient writers like Homer, Pope, Chaucer Milton T S Eliot and Robert Frost have inspired me. I have written 4 short stories and numerous articles and just completed my first novel (Fiction-Adventure) in the National Novel Writing Month ( NANOWRIMO) challenge.

How do you know when a poem is done? Your own experiences need to be shared here...

It depends on the topic, theme, subject or the objective. A poem is never complete till it goes through the third draft., sometimes one feels a block after only a few lines, many are never completed. A lot of thinking rewriting and rereading is required to get the right effect. I know when I find the idea complete , a sense of satisfaction and a feeling of pleasure is aroused. My experience varies with the natural flair for I have written lines that rhyme more easily but one cannot call them real quality poems.

How do you decide when a poem is "good"? Do you redo your own poems after they’re posted? it could be poem someone else written...

The quality poem must have the classical touch of the ancients, it must feel close to reality and must give a certain level of enjoyment to the reader. I know a good poem by the balance in the lines, the choice of words, the supreme idea yet being simple in approach. No I try to upload the final version.

Do you think music and poetry are related? Why?

Yes, in a way. Instrumental music can inspire and help a writer to generate ideas and language. Music soothes the nerves, relaxes the mind and builds an atmosphere conducive to creative writing. Maybe not for every writer’

Please list your blog links below, share 1 or 2 poems that represents best of your poetry talent…

www.anjumdar.gather,com,

www.triond.com/anjumdar,

www.poeticocean.blogspot.com,

www.anjumwasimdar.wordpress.com,

www.creativepen.proboards.com/anjuwriter, www.bookrix.com/anjuwriter,

Mohali Match (on the game of cricket)

Match game chance, be it anywhere on any land

be it with sword or spear, bat or ball, gun or lance,

forces have fought in thicket and on wicket

dauntless and bold, without fear, songs sonorous

have been sung, arms raised , aimed and swung,

obdurate pride and steadfast hate in arenas Greek

or Green Grounds, what mighty contest uprising

For no reason just or sound, No crime no blast no war

no treason, just another cricket world season,

But This Game is a Combat on war like footing

Padded gloved helmeted, ready for the shooting

thick as Autumnal Leaves and sedge

Police and crowd will watch the match,

All around the fence , from edge to edge,

how many will hold and breathe their last ,

as wickets fall, or hands miss a catch,

all eyes on Mohali the final battle ground

a place Eternal Justice ordained and bound

No Trojan Horse or Aegean Sea, no ship or gun

velvet green, a white orb, 22 yards of hit and run

to be weak on it is miserable no contestant spared

no mistake forgivable, who will the new possessor

be, Of a Cup, One in a Game , One in Name , Just One!

Some say the Blues –some say the Greens -

The result is anxiously eagerly excitedly awaited

Whatever it may be , millions are awake , hearts

Beating, hands together in prayers,

The Best will soon be seen.

The aim is to protect the wicket and make a high score

A game of skill , strategy entertainment a fight for sure

The rest is up to the Umpires two and the third

Above All it should be honest and fair play-no ‘Trick It”

Or else it would really be a war –and ‘Not Cricket’

May The best Team Win-

http://www.poeticocean.blogspot.com/2011_03_01_archive.html

Ages Ago When It Was Dark Man Sought

when it was dark man sought the light

in stones and made use of bones,

ages ago

when lights were around

man learned to speak

and made use of sounds,

ages ago

when there was peace

man found the trees

and made use of leaves,

ages ago

when there were herds

man found the words

and tried to fly like birds

ages ago

when life was chaos

man wanted order

and made use of laws

ages ago

when life was tight

man sought calm

and something

to write.

Ages ago

When life was rough

Man wanted it smoother

mixed leaves and trees

And discovered paper,

not many ages

thence

man is fed up,

wants some sense

to clear the mess

and make all world

less and paperless.

http://www.poeticocean.blogspot.com/2011/03/ages-ago-when-it-was-dark-man-sought.html

Poetic Reflections Special: Cloaked Monk

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Terri. I am currently a student at Seattle University getting my Masters of Divinity and Post Masters Certificate in Spiritual Direction. I am *of a certain age,* a mom of two teens, and a wife. I am also a chaplain at a youth detention center.

Tell me about your blog, the name, what does it mean to you?

My blog is www.cloakedmonk.com. The name “Cloaked Monk” is a reference to a monk in disguise, behind a cloak. In my protestant tradition, monks are non-existent. But a monk is a person who is dedicating their life to the divine. So it is a little unheard of to have a protestant monk. Additionally, I do not typically get in your face about my faith expression. I fully believe that you should see my faith in my actions. That is a little bit of the “cloaking” also. I look normal, but I’m really a monk in disguise! My blog is generally an expression of spiritual writings that includes poetry, prose, research, notes, and scripts that I write for children.

I also have a blog: www.youthchaplaincycoalition.wordpress.com that supports the Youth Chaplaincy Coalition that I have formed. This coalition is a group of like-minded individuals that come together to support and provide services to vulnerable youth affected by the justice system.

When did you start blogging?

June 2008

Your first poem? Remember?

My first poem? I remember writing a poem about dolphins in 8^th grade. It seems like a long time ago!

My first poem on my blog?

“Resurrection.”

Echoes of Beethoven’s Ninth

as I run joyfully

to you.

Sprinkled with sounds

of child-like laughter

bubbling.

Creating the moment

of opening.

In that liminal

place between land and sky

ashes and baptism.

http://cloakedmonk.com/2009/04/24/resurrection/

What are your writing inspirations?

Mary Oliver, Rumi, well, all those Sufi poets, the Bible, the youth I see, the love in the world, my family…

How do you define poetry as “Good”? Do you revise your work?

Good poetry moves me in some way, challenges my thoughts, or (and) provides a new perspective. And yes I revise my work (sometimes).

When did you start writing poetry? Do you write fiction as well?

I started writing poetry when I was a youngster. I leave it and come back to it as my life ebbs and flows. I write fiction in that I create stories based off of Biblical stories for youngsters. So it is sort of a channeling of a character that pre-exists and then writing from his or her perspective.

Do you have a favorite author or poet?

Rumi always makes me quiver.

Favorite quote?

Matt 25:34-36

‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’

Why do you support Jingle Poetry Community, including Jingle Poetry @ The Gooseberry Garden?

I want to support the community and I appreciate the support that it provides. It challenges me to keep writing when my life seems so busy with school, work, kids, and school (yes it is on the list twice). I allow *life* to distract me from what is *living.* Weekly emails and invitations invite me to live and go deeper.

What's your plan for your future writing?

Someday, I want to write a children’s book. I also write liturgies and I am being published next year (I got my first check! Whee!). So I am involved in the Abingdon Worship Annual, One of many writers there. I will keep writing poetry and blogging it, keep writing liturgies (and hopefully getting paid for it!), and move forward in my new creation. I’d also like to organize some of the youth in the detention center to start their own writing club and publish some of their creations for them.

Poetic Reflections Special: Noble

Tell us about yourself.

A wanderer in ocean of life. Wanted to be computer engineer, did it but ended up becoming an HR

Tell me about your blog, the name, what does it mean to you?

my blog name is meethimirchi.wordpress.com , meant sweet chilly . Its just reflection of our lives. Happiness smiles and sadness n tears which we come across our daily routine .

When did you start blogging?

During early 2000's . Had created one in geocities . With all sorts of animation .

Your first poem? Remember?

I used to write for my school and college magazine . Don't remember first one but here is one of them which I wrote during 7 std

went for a tour
From my school,
First saw bellur halebedu
then my sore Bangalore .
Friend asked me
How was the trip,
I said, trip was jolly
But pockets were diwali

*diwali - left with no money

What are your writing inspirations?

Most of my inspirations come across from season, winter being my favorite. And also life love and sometimes just smile,

How do you define poetry as “Good”? Do you revise your work?

Its just instinct. My main preference once writing a poetry is getting appropriate picture . Somehow I'm used to searching pics after writing poems.

When did you start writing poetry? Do you write fiction as well?

I do write fiction , but its been long now. Need to get that inspirations back .

Do you have a favorite author or poet?

Ruskin bond, for the simplicity and the connection the stories have :)

Favorite quote?

Life is all about sharing smiles and spreading happiness.

Why do you support Jingle Poetry Community, including Jingle Poetry @ The Gooseberry Garden?

The inspirations which we get from so many members of jingle poetry and so much of learning . As an individual I have learnt so many things and I always keep . And variety of each individual .


Thanks all for your support and valued feedbacks and appreciations . Its been pleasure to be part of jingle poetry community.

Regards
Noble

Sent from BlackBerry® on Airtel

Poetic Reflections Special Tribe: ~L

Tell us about yourself.

About me... hummm... I am a passionate girl that at times causes a bit too much emotion. I truly love expressing myself through writing and music. I also tend to have a camera in my hand to capture moments that I want to always remember. Photography is a hobby that I fall in and out of seasons with. For the past four months I have had writers block pretty bad. I experienced a pretty devastating blow with a loss that caused a deep feeling of being numb and wordless.

The season I am now is one that is bringing up demons from my past... it's a hard season but necessary. Justice is finally starting to play a role in what happened in my past. Sometimes I wonder what my poetry and writing would be like if I would have not have experienced those awful moments as a child. I still would go back into time if I could and change it all... but lately I wonder if my purpose is to be real and honest... share my emotions... strive for healing... fight depression and write a book someday that would help others that have been in my situation know that they are not alone.

I have a hope that someday the hardness of it all will fade... I see a light at the end of the tunnel... but for those who read my blog now you know that I am struggling with that hope... It's still there... but the grief is a lot right now.

Wow... didn't think I was going to type all that :) Okay... basic things about me - I have 3 beautiful daughters - My Sunshine, My Butterfly and My Reason. They bring me joy (most of the time) ;) I live in the middle of five beautiful archers and love being outside. I can't spell :) so excuse me for all the mistakes;) -All the same, the words are genuine and from the depth of my heart. A good Hamburger is my fav, and ice cream makes any moment a bit better:) sing, sing, sing... how I love to write and sing. It's been awhile since I have done much of that but just got a call from a coffee shop in my home town and it looks like I'm doing a small gig and a few weeks.

What you read in my blog is what the moment is... it's not always happy but that’s the moment... I am still holding on to that hope.

"Trust and grief can coincide. It does not take the pain away - it infuses the pain with hope. Hope sees past the pain. Seeing only the pain drowns you with sorrow.

Tell me about your blog, the name, what does it mean to you?

- Untitledmoments - it just came to me... I sat down to write and decided that I was going to title all the moments that have been left on titled.

When did you start blogging?

I started blogging 2 years ago.

Your first poem? Remember?

My first poem was when I was 12. A very special lady took me to a bookstore. She bought me a journal and a thesaurus. She told me I have a lot of heart and she encouraged me to write poetry... I have been writing ever since and now have stacks of journals.

What are your writing inspirations?

Well... I think healing is my inspirations. Writing what truly lies with in... Releasing the pain... I also like to write about my passions and beautiful nature.

How do you define poetry as “Good”? Do you revise your work?

I write it all down... as fast as it come to me... I don't care about spelling.... grammar... I just write... whenever and wherever. I then re-read my jumbled words and start editing. For some reason my poetry does not feel complete without a picture to accompany. Finding or taking the perfect picture to complete a post takes just as much time as writing it – if not more.

Favorite quote?

"Fight for recovery. Fight infection. Fight to avoid complications. But don’t fight The Surgeon." -David Hamilton

“No matter how dark the moment, love and hope are possible”

- George Chakiris

"rock what you got" - superchick

"Feed the faith - Starve the doubt"

Why do you support Jingle Poetry Community, including Jingle Poetry @ The Gooseberry Garden?

I started last year sometime... I love the community!!! I missed it dearly after I suffered a tragic loss.

I from time to time had helped official. I am glad to be back in a community of many talented writers.

What's your plan for your future writing?

A book someday :)

A poetry book accompanied by my photography and other talented photographers,

Closing words: Write… write from your heart. Write for healing, releasing, joy. Don’t worry what others think – write because it’s you and your passion. Never be someone else to please the world… be you and let the world be inspired by who God created you to be – a creative individual who loves to put words into poetry and prose!

Be blessed today and hope you stop by

Untitledmoments <3 ~L

http://untitledmoments.com/