Category: Poetry
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How the World Will (not) End
Woke at midnight to chopper beats Flying above, about, around, Backgrounded by rain in sheets, a wildly churning roaring sound. Outside now we saw the flow, The river has become the street. All humanity in retreat. Shelter in place—for all we know. Close the door, we’re safe for now; TV just home-shopping shows. And while the endless deluge flows, I tell myself that this is how… The world will (not) end quietly.
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forever strong
The next time again I was proven wrong I didn’t flinch or retaliate I wouldn’t bend I’d determined myself this time I’d be strong So began the long hope without any end. Those times I was always pushed away I crouched down, and folded a fended arm Ask her why, again she had nothing to say One step back, nearly always put me safe from harm. As I had learnt once too often never to parry Her blow that was provocation enough This is my burden, what I’m meant to carry I’m durable, a man, I should be tough. My passive resistance by her violent persistence Was in time overcome. Hope can’t be forever strong.
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The Quiet Life
I’d rather take the quiet life please Not the so-called one of perfect ease Full of ever flowing trivialities Bounded by time distracting activities
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Nature in the waiting
In this moment I’m ignoring the clear blue sky. The half-shy nodding smiles of casual passersby, Bracketed between the silver-touched clouds and The soft silken slop of my feet caressed by the sand. In this moment I’m ignoring the far away wave sounds, Sieved through leaves swaying through the mottled light, Colouring me first autumn red goldened during the night, Enveloping me finally in winter’s silvergreen grounds. Meanwhile the tree stretches upward, outward, But underward, its true growth unseen. For these are the moments when nature’s words Are writing me to a place I never would have been.
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The 6th Stage
fill out the form tick each box thorough enter start date including end date too. denial? maybe a dose of anger? me I’m always bargaining anew wallowing in followed sadness although i’ll never receive acceptance that’s true. check all of the above because I’ve got each stage applying all the time. yet amidst the transmitted trauma before I end it must stop with me. so what is my everlasting legacy? what could it be that might be entrusted with me? why amidst the constant taste of acidic brine I slowly occasionally sup more often now from love’s everlasting wine.
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Tapestry Maker
I want to hear the tapestry that is your conversation I want to weave quietly the threads between your words I want to sew together the phrases spoken I want to discern the thoughts you’ve left unspoken. Even if I never draw closer to that which you would’ve rather have left broken.
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Love’s Quest
I won’t speak to you of my flaws and fears I’ve no intent to move you to crying and tears I speak so you can catch and keep your breath And know that after me that love must overcome death. For that false love that cheats hides and deceives A mere plastic glove that only trusts what one perceives Nay I’d rather speak of the love where nothing can be hidden And follow your quest for that love as you are bidden. Love that discerns my weakness Comforts me in my sadness Letting me borrow its strength Sending it to others beyond life’s length.
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Experience Points
Degrees? Divorces? Dislocations? So how many experience points Have you earned since you were born? Have you yet enumerated and then worn Them as a charm against more misfortune Another badge showing you’ve now levelled up? More like chains drawn close drowning others deepward Wouldn’t you rather be a light to those that never saw the sky?
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Why do you never smile?
Daddy? Why do you never smile? My daughter has happened upon me again Stealing up on me silently like a sprite. And she’s asked what I can’t answer An admission would label myself overly sad And a denial: well now I’ve lied about the truth. Instead the feeling first burbles up within Then overwhelms me So rather (instead) it’s the one that chooses me I nod. She’s right. I never smile. But by then I’m laughing instead.
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a past indifference
You say to yourself I will let this pass through Me. Or else I’ll so steel myself That I am all impenetrability. Meanwhile your life’s words and phrases Dissolve in typeset vowels and letters Meaningless in their unemotionality Cosseted but smothered in dark safety. Until poetry overcomes these fetters Reaching through and touching backwards Overcoming past insensibility Until you are left wondering How could you have ever lived So silently so indifferently.
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cold
We close watch the young and the old Focus on each fluttering eyelid Suspending our fingers over their lips Calling to their warmth against our cold. Hugging our solitary arms enfolded Ignoring the ever encroaching deep While they embrace approaching sleep Knowing warmth shines beyond the ageing cold.
Andrew James Whalan 