love’s crowning fruit

Linking this ghazal to February “red crush” prompt HERE. The ghazal is a traditional Arabian verse form with the first two lines ending in the same refrain, which is then repeated at the end of each stanza. The ghazal consists of at least five, but often up to fifteen, two-line stanzas. Each stanza should be independent, but should tie together with the whole. The final stanza is a signature, where the author can use his/her name to seal the poem.The lines should be of similar length and rhythm. Themes are traditionally on love’s longing and directed to the Beloved. (Note: With subjects like romantic love, many of us tell ourselves pretty stories…this may be one such “confabulation”).

 

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photo credit: care@com.

 

Write sweet poetry to heart’s secret red crush;

can mere words awaken love’s latent red crush?

pluck ripe pomegranates from leafy tree lush;

cut fruit in two, reveal cherished red crush.

rose petaled kisses may entice lovers’ hush,

romancing soft velvet of luscious red crush.

delight of the garden in Persia and Cush,

heaven’s seeds float serene in pulpy red crush.

massage scented cream on skin’s passionate blush;

circle neck with bright garnets of  jeweled red crush.

freshly squeezed pom juice powers energy rush;

whether iced or served hot, savor flavor’s red crush

Valentine birthday doubles married love’s mush…

desires’ conversation with lynn’s only red crush  😉

_______

“Let us go early to the vineyards… and if the pomegranates are in bloom…there I will give you my love.”                                                 – Song of Songs 7:12

simple graces

 

japanese matcha

boil and brew on hibachi

tea ceremony

pour into bowls, bow to friends

traditional chanoyu

 

tea kettle

photo & prompt – CDHK

reflections from lumaha’i

Joining dVerse Poets for a mirrored reflection “through the looking glass.”

 

 

flowing

through hours’ glass

abrasive sands of time

etching faces

scratching hearts

collecting bits of

life memories

crushed on reefs

hurtled on beaches

worn down

accepting

movement of tide

high and low surf

swelling tears

foaming doubts

leaving behind

glassy mirror

washed shores

smoothed surf

shine on

 

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photo by lynn

whimsical banquet of delight

A quadrille (exactly 44 words) for Victoria’s poem prompt at dVerse this week. We recently visited Princeville Botanical Gardens in Kauai and enjoyed a fabulous tour!

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helaconia spectabilis

 

 

Tour of

garden botanical

on island tropical

inspires poetical verse.

 

We admire

foliage fantastical

blossoms symmetrical

design creational diverse.

 

To explain

health benefits topical

know ripe fruits medicinal

guide is natural nurse.

 

To taste

dark chocolate delectable

cacao content palatable

tourist opens available purse!

 

 

 

princeville, kauai

 

poseidon fountain

hawaiian north shore resort

home of salt sea king

namesake of young prince albert

heir to throne, dead at age four

 

 

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archetypical apple

 

What strange poison

did woman reach

for in the garden?

 

mother of all living bit into death for all

 

Was it a stinging tree

that touched her with

heart-shaped leaves?

 

intoxicating nature of toxic relations

 

Was she anesthetized

by curare-tipped dart

from satan’s blowpipe?

 

it can kill as easily as it can cure

 

Would eve even

succumb to snakeroot,

from salesman selling herbs?

 

fruit to make wise and pleasing to eyes

 

Would she suspect

the seeds of lovely apple

convey hydrogen cyanide?

 

seed of deception is sin, fruit of sin is death

 

 

 

 

peace in the pacific

 

protestant graveyard

japanese on hawaii

tombstone kanji marks

those who died before the war

given christian burial

 

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photo taken at cemetery of Koolau Huiia Protestant Church, Kauai, HI

elemental valor

Linking to Haiku Horizons prompt: forge

 

as blizzard winds roar

think washington’s army in

valley forge winter

 

 

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March to Valley Forge by Wm.Trego, 1883.  mountvernon.org

this is NOT a drill (2)

Celebration vacation
on an island paradise
interrupted by cellphone alert:

“incoming missile, seek shelter, this is not a drill.”

This is not funny; nowhere to hide
surrounded by pacific (?!) ocean
hold down panic, prepare for end:

finish make-up, style wet hair, choose the shoes.

Say urgent prayer for
interception; resort reception is
too busy helping people check in…

wonder if soon we all be checking out?

Counting down final few minutes,
text message of love and faith
to adult children at home:

“God holds us all in His loving hands.”

Sense calming peace, sit by spouse
watching news update of human error
that pressed false alarm

sigh wave of relief, grateful to live another day!

this is not a drill

Writers often cause a chain reaction. This is a “response poem” linked to Jill’s prompt at dVerse Poetics. I’m writing a response to this senyru by Elsie at Ramblings of a Writer:

 

press the wrong button

at peace reading a manga

touch can tell a tale

 

who wrote in response to a prompt at Ronovan Writes, using words “press” and “touch”.  Check out the links to follow the trail. My poem in tanka form based on real experience while visiting Hawaii last week…thankfully a false alarm!

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press alert message

incoming missile threatens

touch panic button

count down minutes before end

value life with clarity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.     -Isaiah 54:10

another day in paradise

 

surf laps sandy beach

breezes sway coconut palms

island aloha

 

photo by lynn

 

Aloha, friends! Celebrating our 35th anniversary in Hawaii so may not post for several days. Stop by again soon 🙂

tidal hypnosis

 

man in the moon smiles

beckons to insomniacs

come, be mesmerized

 

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moon lamp

 

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