Showing posts with label poetry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label poetry. Show all posts

Poem: A Call for Revision - QueenFisher?

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Jean Monce Bryant was inspired by Christine Southwick's comment in her recent bird article, "World-wide there are 115 birds with “king” in their names; zero birds have “queen” in their names"


A CALL  FOR REVISION

With so many birds
With KING in their name
Well what about QUEENS
It’s really a shame

The Guys get the GLORY
The COLORS as well
Like Golden and Ruby
You may think that’s swell

But what about HER
As she sits on the nest
A stay-at-home mom
Who’s doing her best

To promote the species
Without any acclaim 
I vote for a QUEEN BIRD
She’s due for some Fame

Remember that ROSA
She sure did her best
Her courage and honor
We all do attest

No move to the back
Of that now-famous bus
She gave us a message
It’s all up to us

And Martin I know
Would loudly acclaim
That Females as well
Are worthy of FAME


Jean Monce Bryant 
Lake Forest Park



Read more...

Poem: In Honor of Mark McVeety

Friday, January 1, 2016

1969-2015

In Honor of Mark McVeety

A Life Well-Lived
He left his MARK
His full commitment
LOVE- the Spark

To help the needy
Care for the poor
His Legacy
Will long endure

A Life though short
Was so complete
No better person
Could one meet

True Friend- Guitarist
Cook as well
Well all he touched
It held his Spell

Though he has sailed away
It’s true
He will forever
Be with you

A life so rich
So fine and true
We were so blessed
In knowing you

To know someone
Of your great worth
The greatest gift
Right here on earth

And so to all
Who loved him so
We need to live
What he did show

A man so full
Of Love and Life
My blessings to
His lovely wife


Jean Monce Bryant
Lake Forest Park, WA



Read more...

Poem: Choosing to live with joy

Sunday, November 15, 2015


Choosing To Live With Joy

The intent of this poem: To encourage clearing your mind of harmful thoughts such as jealousy, hate, anger, prejudice, etc. and day by day, replace them with thoughts that bring you joy to share with others.


Day by day you have a choice,
You live by the quality of your conscious and your inner voice.

As time goes by, carefully choose what you mostly think,
Every thought is an intention, hope or reason for something.

Realize that you have two minds, conscious and unconscious,
Either can harbor thoughts of misery or thoughts of joy.

What you mostly keep on your mind is what you get,
That is something on which you can bet!

It is best to heed what can bring you joy,
Those are the things that float you like a buoy.

The thoughts that you harbor in your thinking space,
Sets the tempo of your daily pace.
Day by day you have a choice,
You live by the quality of your inner voice.

©2015 Robert J.Barta



Read more...

Poem: Setting Your Life’s Sails to Stay on Course

Sunday, September 20, 2015



Setting Your Life’s Sails To Stay On Course

Life is like sailing in a gusty storm,
The winds are unsteady sometimes changing direction, therefore,

If you are to maintain your direction,
You must constantly be alert to make corrections!

The shifting ‘winds’ of life can be unsteady,
Gusts come along so you must always be ready!

There’s always something changing to affect your life,
You simply must adapt and adjust to keep your personal ‘sailboat’ upright!

Day by day be alert to adopt new ways to deal with change,
You’ll gradually discover that you can go beyond your self-limiting range!

Day by day observe and study the effects of the changing winds on your life,
Do your best to make the changes you’ll need to keep your “boat” upright!

Life is like sailing in a gusty storm,
You’ll occasionally need to reset your sails and adjust your rudder
to keep yourself on course!

©2014 Robert Barta



Read more...

Poem: Power Line Guys

Monday, August 31, 2015

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

They sure are our heroes
Those power line guys
They scale the heights
And they reach to the skies

They get us plugged in
And brought in from the dark
They are very careful
They watch every spark

And so let's all praise them
They give of their best
We're all oh so grateful
To that we attest!!!

---Jean Monce Bryant


Read more...

Poem: Mama Raccoon up a tree

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Inspired by the photo article about a mother raccoon and her twins who were treed by a dog, Jean Monce Bryant sent in this poem.

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

My oh my  Oh me oh me
Mama raccoon up a tree
And her babies that makes three
 
Little robbers in disguise
Little masks upon their eyes
And striped tails--that's no surprise
 
They're just looking for a meal
Some nice morsel they can steal
That is really no big deal
 
When the dog was out of sight
They were brave--there was no fright

Maybe they should prowl at night



Read more...

Poem: A Leaf On A Tree

Saturday, August 8, 2015


A Leaf On A Tree

©2015 Bob Barta

A leaf on a tree,
What does it mean to me?
Surely a more fascinating thing than tea!

Its oscillating motion entertains me,
As it collaborates in a dance with the breeze.
A leaf on a tree, what does it mean to me?

A leaf excites me to wonder,
Why its beauty is so attractive,
Surely more fascinating and lasting than tea!

And wonder of wonders while I am asleep,
It’s producing the air that I breathe!
A leaf on a tree, what does it mean to me?

I am delighted by its mystical profile,
And marvel at its oxygenating science,
Surely a fascination more lasting than tea!

Each day a leaf is there for you and me for a reason,
And in winter it falls to earth to help make another for next season.
A leaf on a tree, what does it mean to me,
Surely a fascination more lasting than tea!

Envoi: On a breezy day, go out and see
the fascinating dance of a leaf on a tree ☺



Read more...

Poem: The Afternoon Mail

Monday, June 29, 2015

Fuchsias
Photo by Victoria Gilleland

The Afternoon Mail

As I wandered past the garden on my way to get the mail
I noticed one petunia plant was looking somewhat frail.
Fertilizer just might help, as everyone supposes
And while I'm at it, why not add a bit around the roses.
I watered the hydrangeas and the fuchsias too.
Pretty soon I realized there was quite a bit to do.
I could see the morning glory, winding thru the stock
And the wilted hosta was something of a shock.
I yanked out the Ajuga plants - they’d over-populated
Then got the shovel from the shed. A fern was looking dated
Later, I decided as the light began to fail
There will be lots of time tomorrow for me to get the mail.

Prosies@ by Cynthia Sheridan


Read more...

Poem: Billy the Brookside Beaver

Friday, June 26, 2015

A Letter to the Editor from BILLY THE BROOKSIDE BEAVER

They say I am too EAGER
But that is WHO I am
I feel I may be "up a creek"
But they are saying "DAMN"

I am a little vestige
Of my own City's lore
The Wildlife that abounded here
It can be seen no more

The deer have all been rustled off
The other groups are dwindling
So many trees as well are gone
But they do make good kindling

My coyote brothers have been trapped
They also helped it's true
They kept some pests well in control
But they are losing too

The raccoons often are displaced
Some think that they are crooks
But Robbers like that are so cute
Such striking handsome looks

The possums meet a sorry fate
They can't keep up the pace
With speeding cars that move so fast
They're in a hapless race

The crows are smart  They know
We humans all are in a craze
They try to figure out what gives
They must be in a haze

So please don't trap me-- Let me live
I bring a special gift
To learn the joys of wildlife
It might give you a lift

Just set aside the many games
That humans seem to prize
The competition--fancy cars
"I'll show those other guys"

If you slow down and get in touch
With all  Nature can bring
You  may find out -to your surprise
It makes your Heart to sing

My wetlands all are dwindling
For we are in a drought
Don't trap me in the water
That's what I'm All About

To try to build a nice fine home
Beside a flowing stream
Well can you blame me --don't you see
That's any  Beaver's Dream !


Jean Monce Bryant 
Lake Forest Park



Read more...

Poem: Change

Sunday, June 14, 2015



Change: Up or Down; your choice!

Change is a phenomenon as flighty as a clown,
Its influence causes you to respond either “up” or “down”!

No two days are exactly alike,
Controlling change is like trying to capture a slippery Pike!

Change silently and subtly grabs your attention,
It is constantly disturbing your power to maintain retention!

My message here is to make assertive mention,
A message to alert a focused attention!

Change is an evolutionary convention and
Day by day it’s there causing us tension!

Day by day it causes ypu to choose,
Either to be “up” or “down” as you walk in your shoes!

©2015 by Bob Barta



Read more...

Poem: June 14 is Flag Day

Saturday, June 13, 2015

By Anne Stadler

Sunday, June 14 is Flag Day.

At 10:30am, there will be a ceremony in Seattle at City Hall at which new citizens will be welcomed, and current citizens will reaffirm their commitment to the values of our country. It's a public event to which everyone is invited.

This beautiful poem was written for the occasion and will be given to people in attendance. It was written by Shoreline neighbor, Talena LaChelle Queen, a Kellogg Middle School teacher of English. 

It's a wonderful gift for all of us to read and ponder on this occasion.



Read more...

Photo: Poem: Willa's Walk

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Willa


Photo and Poem by Cynthia Sheridan


Willa’s Walk

Willa was lost and in a real pickle 

Out on the street with nary a nickel

On busy 15th, cars stopped with a screech 

But Willa was scared and way out of reach.

Finally I grabbed her by one skinny leg

Poor Willa was naked: no collar, no tag

From out of my trunk came a collar and rope

Then we were off… to her family, (I hope)

She dragged me along at very fast pace

Heading for home, (so I thought). What a race!

For six blocks we marched, then arrived… at the park

She had squeezed in a walk – this pooch is quite smart.

After that, she made a quick turn-arounder

And went back to her house, on the street where I found her.



Read more...

Local author hosts poetry reading at University Bookstore

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Herb McClees
To celebrate National Poetry Month Herb McClees, author of Heaven’s Drumhead, will host a book signing and poetry reading at the University Bookstore, 4326 University Ave, Seattle on April 30, 2015 at 7pm. This event is part of the bookstore’s Reading Allowed Series which connects local authors to avid readers.

The audience will have the opportunity to experience poetry come to life through the author’s voice, ask questions and enjoy light refreshments. Books will be available for purchase and the bookstore offers two hours free parking (with a minimum $4 purchase) in the lot behind the store.

Herb McClees, of Shoreline, WA, came to Seattle from Texas via Singapore and Boston. He appears at local open mics and is a member of PoetsWest, the Redmond Association for the Spokenword (RASP) and Haiku Northwest.



Read more...

Poem: A Dear Deer Sight

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Deer in Shorewood Hills
Photo by Ed Neff

A DEAR DEER SIGHT
  
Oh dear I am happy
That they still are around
Such magical beauty
Such grace so profound

To know we still have
Some of them in our midst
My joy it is boundless
It will not desist

I hope that the gardener
Forgives their real prank
To eat up your tulips
Oh whom can you spank

But oh what they bring us
Some beauty still WILD
It's fast disappearing
Such Joy--like a child

Let's try to protect them
Let's save them some space
Their biggest of foes
Yes-the whole human race


Jean Monce Bryant
March 8, 2015




Read more...

Poem: A Seahawk Salute

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

A SEAHAWK SALUTE

By Jean Monce Bryant


To start the game--a coin toss
To end the game--a painful loss
But you can hold your heads up high
You're SUPER and I'll tell you why

Just stop and look at what you've won
Your Victory is not undone
With perseverance talent grace
You've earned a very special place

You've played with honor
Played with class
A legacy
None can surpass

If Super Bowl
The final game
Then Super Duper
Is your name

When you play fair
And you don't cheat
Well don't you know
There's no defeat

Some folks will win
At any price
And that has Honor
In it's vise

You've reached to others
In their pain
And so to me
It's very plain

You show we're here
To share our good
And really bring
True Brotherhood

To hospitals
To bring some cheer
Those children
Are so very dear

To care for others
So in need
That is no idle
Simple deed

So hold your heads up
Way up high
And know that God
Is standing by

Money and Fame
Are not the Prize
But are you worthy
In THOSE eyes

Let's feed the hungry
House the poor
True Brotherhood
That will endure

Not fancy cars
The glitz the fame
But what we're doing
In His name

For God is watching
That is true
THAT referee
Is there with you

Though others seem
To win the Prize
The real win
Is in God's eyes

If you play fair
And you don't cheat
Well don't you see
There's No Defeat


Read more...

Poem: Welcome Christmas

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Saltwater Park house
Photo by Lee Lageschulte


Welcome Christmas
by Cynthia Sheridan


Garland tied with festive bow
Crimson candles in a row
O Holy Night of long ago
The holidays are here

Frozen breath in crisp night air
Blackened branches, cold and bare
Sandhill cranes their trumpets blare 
Glad tidings, loud and clear

Fir trees trimmed and stockings hung
‘Welcome Christmas, everyone
The day to gather round has come
With those we hold most dear

Soon the midnight bells will chime
How quickly turn the hands of time
Let us lift a glass to auld lang syne
And the happiest new year!




Read more...

Wrapped in a blanket of feathers

Thursday, November 20, 2014

     
On a chilly day I was refreshed,
By beauty wrapped in a warm blanket of feathers.
That Woodpecker was warmed on the outside,
While I sensed warmth of beauty on the inside! 
Photo and poem by Bob Barta 

Read more...

Poem: Fledgling Flicker

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Apologies to the poet for getting her name wrong!
Fledgling Flicker
Photo by Christine Southwick


Fledgling Flicker
By Cynthia Sheridan


Mother Nature’s marvel is this flicker hatched last spring

Now splayed across my feeder, just a baby, on the wing

Like all things bright and beautiful, he comes in technichrome

While foraging with family, this backyard is his home

Dalmatian dappled fluffy chest and handsome scalloped trim

Across his neck a scarlet streak, a bib beneath his chin

Often feeding on the ground, gobbling ants and mites

Today he takes a sampling of some tasty birdseed bites

A rustle from the dogwood and the flicker lifts his head

A farewell flash of brilliant orange as wings are quickly spread

The gentle creature swoops and turns, then stops to take a rest

Beside the rotting tree where he may one day carve a nest



Read more...

Photo: Poem: Summer Pond

Monday, October 13, 2014

Ronald Bog
Photo by Martin Degrazie

             Summer Pond
       By Cynthia Sheridan


There is a morning ritual between the pond and me
We gently greet each brand new day in grateful company

This day, like every other, I sink slowly in my chair
Yet sense an eerie somberness, a difference in the air

I watch the silver ripples gleam as by the sun they’re kissed
But softly cross the surface creeps a quiet purple mist

The lithe and graceful willow tree reflects a faded green
The lusciousness of hotter days is nowhere to be seen

I fear the faithful equinox has dealt a final blow
The summer pond has met its match, now autumn is on show

A sudden rush of motion coming from a nearby tree
An egret flaps its foolish wings and settles awkwardly

Then, swoosh, the sound of rushing air; a glimpse of feathers white

The egret, like the summer sun, once more has taken flight



Read more...

Photo - Poem: Super Moon, Spiders at Midnight

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Super Moon
Photo by Wayne Pridemore


Spiders at Midnight
By Cynthia Sheridan

The spiders are having a ball tonight
Safe in their silken lair
On gossamer hammocks, they dangle and swing
Lulled by an evening air

An ocular moon illumines the sky
Arachnids lie in wait
For a hapless gnat or a wandering fly
That soon will meet its fate.

Now the sun rises, and dew drops are set
See how the bed chamber gleams
Appetites weakened, the spiders doze off
Dreaming their spiderly dreams


Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP