The Wild Iris
At the end of my suffering
there was a door.
Hear me out: that which you call death
I remember.
Overhead, noises, branches of the pine shifting.
Then nothing. The weak sun
flickered over the dry surface.
It is terrible to survive
as consciousness
buried in the dark earth.
Then it was over: that which you fear, being
a soul and unable
to speak, ending abruptly, the stiff earth
bending a little. And what I took to be
birds darting in low shrubs.
You who do not remember
passage from the other world
I tell you I could speak again: whatever
returns from oblivion returns
to find a voice:
from the center of my life came
a great fountain, deep blue
shadows on azure seawater.
poem by Louise Gluck
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Young Poets
You speak for the lakes, the trees and the birds
You say what they'd say if they had the words.
Make PEACE and be proud, choose well every choice
Speak HOPE and speak loud, you are Nature's voice.
Speak with respect now, for jungles and streams,
Speak for all wildlife and dream giant dreams.
Speak with great courage, speak up and speak out,
Write with a whisper or write with a SHOUT!
Stand up young poets for clean air and rivers,
Free verse or lyric; your message delivers...
Truth to the future citizens of earth,
Speak of your freedom your friends and self worth.
Speak for tomorrow and though you're still young,
Speak for the Forest, your pen is her tongue.
The world waits to hear your songs still unsung
Words posses power, you can write the wrongs
Teach us and lead us with Poems and with songs.
Speak now for nature, for trees and for birds,
Defenders of Earth choose carefullly your words!
poem by ToddMichael St. Pierre
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A Fragment: When, To Their Airy Hall
When, to their airy hall, my father's voice
Shall call my spirit, joyful in their choice;
When, poised upon the gale, my form shall ride,
Or, dark in mist, descend the mountains side;
Oh! may my shade behold no sculptured urns,
To mark the spot where earth to earth returns!
No lengthen'd scroll, no praise-encumber'd stone;
My epitaph shall be my name alone:
If that with honour fail to crown my clay,
Oh! may no other fame my deeds repay!
That, only that, shall single out the spot;
By that remember'd, or with that forgot.
A Fragment
When, to their airy hall, my fathers' voice
Shall call my spirit, joyful in their choice;
When, poised upon the gale, my form shall ride,
Or, dark in mist, descend the mountain's side;
Oh! may my shade behold no sculptured urns,
To mark the spot where earth th earth returns!
No lengthen'd scroll, no praise-encumber'd stone;
My epitaph shall be my name alone:
If that with honour fall to crown my clay,
Oh! may no other fame my deeds repay!
That, only that, shall single out the spot;
By that remember'd, or with that forgot.
poem by Byron (1803)
Submitted by Veronica Serbanoiu
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The Boy From The Chemist Is Here To See You
Every day of every year you live your life in hope and fear,
That each small sin and imperfection is buried deep beyond detection.
But one by one the ghosts return, and each selects its place to burn,
Into your soft and breaking heart, and this is how the aching starts.
The jokes about the ugly kid.
The things you said but never did.
The people torn and crushed and battered.
The ones you broke but shouldve flattered.
Oh, you should have run whilst you had time.
Oh, you should have left the past behind.
The boy from the chemist is here to see you.
The laughing stops cause hes too near you.
The girl you left that always loved you.
Returns to earth from miles above you now.
So wash away the dirty skin, theres always worse remains within.
The tangled web and bitter mesh, but each shall have their pound of flesh.
No sympathy, no charity, no false pleas of humility.
No money back, no guarantee, no great escape for you and me.
Oh, you should have run whilst you had time.
Oh, you should have left the past behind.
The boy from the chemist is here to see you.
The laughing stops cause hes too near you.
The girl you left that always loved you.
Returns to earth from miles above you now.
And everyone thats ever suffered, friend or foe or wives or lovers.
Theyll come back to have their day.
In time you find your mind has no escape.
Dont believe that you can hide, dont believe theyll be denied.
Theyll come knocking at your door, this is what theyve waited for.
The chance to even up the score.
The boy from the chemist is here to see you.
The laughing stops cause hes too near you.
The girl you left that always loved you.
Returns to earth from miles above you now.
And everyone thats ever suffered, friend or foe or wives or lovers.
Theyll come back to have their day.
In time you find your mind has no escape.
song performed by by Omd
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Speak Me
Speak Me
Night has awaken water at scarf of river
Air of cold star at fan of sky
The girl who is crying at this deep night hiding face by pillow
Speak me which flower I shall string together.
The river gull looks for starfish at river
As poet looks for word’s procession of azure
What will jingle at foot of stone culture diamond!
Speak me which flower I shall string together.
The petals of flower excluded from her eye
Could butterfly hold up the rainbow in his earth?
His wants and obtains as like that of white ant-
Speak me which flower I shall string together.
Flower bloom at that earth where first step was kept
We have built this earth by that nectar of breast
I find trace of all things exchanging that glance
Speak me which flower I shall string together.
poem by Bongokobida Zakaria
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Voice
Too soon a voice calls out to us
and we hear it sorrowfully.
The words we hear we have heard before.
They echo eternity.
The voice sings praises to our soul
and soothes our troubled mind.
And as we reckon with what's to come
we feel a voice so kind.
We cross the space from here to there
and leave mortality.
Even though our mind has been troubled
we'll miss the sky and sea.
For what we've experienced while on earth
no matter bad or good.
will leave with us as memories
that follow us as they should.
The voice we hear is so familiar
that we recognize at last
it's the voice from everyone we've been
that defines all of our past.
So when the voice calls out with love
cast aside all fear.
Remember your loves. Remember your life
and all that you held dear.
poem by Edwina Reizer
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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I remember...(How could I forget?)
I remember your skin, 'cause it's perfect when we meet,
I remember your voice, 'cause without it I can't speak,
I remember your noise, as I'm taking you out of your mind
I remember your pressure, as it made me melt into the sublime.
But mostly, I remember you crying and asking me how someone could love a monster,
I remember you threading your hands through my hair pulling my face to you so you could see the fear written,
I remember you telling me that you'd understand if I left.
I remember comforting you as person A, B and C walked away,
I remember calling you, already knowing what you needed to say,
I remember you calling me angel, so where did that go?
I remember everything, even if it wasn't real, so tell me, is that so?
I remember you giving me everything
I remember giving you my all
I remember watching you put me on a pedestal,
I remember watching myself fall.
(January 18,2009)
poem by Deona Skidmore
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Death Is Not The End
When youre sad and when youre lonely and you havent got a friend
Just remember that death is not the end
And all that youve held sacred, falls down and does not mend
Just remember that death is no the end
Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end
When youre standing at the crossroads that you cannot comprehend
Just remember that death is not the end
And all your dreams have vanished and you dont know whats up the bend
Just remember that death is not the end
Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end
When the storm clouds gather round you, and heavy rains descend
Just remember that death is not the end
And theres no one there to comfort you, with a helpin hand to lend
Just remember that death is not the end
Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end
Oh, the tree of life is growing
Where the spirit never dies
And the bright light of salvation shines
In dark and empty skies
When the cities are on fire with the burning flesh of men
Just remember that death is not the end
And you search in vain to find just one law abiding citizen
Just remember that death is not the end
Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end
song performed by by Bob Dylan
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Remember Me
You don't need to ask me if i'll be your friend
I am
I am
You don't need to ask me if i'm sure my friend
I am
I am your friend
You must remember me
I'm the one who saw through the world's disguise
Took away its cloak and i made it hide
From me
Remember me?
Walking on this earth finding you
You, you
Walking on this earth finding you
You, you
What can i say
You don't need to find the words to say what's on your mind
If you need a reason to begin again
I am
I am
You will find an answer at your journey's end
I am
Waiting there my friend
You must remember me
I'm the one who knew you when
I'm the one you call your friend
Feel free
Remember me
Walking on this earth finding you
You, you
Walking on this earth finding you
You, you
What can i say
You don't need to find the words to say what's on your mind
Walking on this earth finding you
You, you
Walking on this earth finding you
You, you
What can i say
You don't need to find the words to say what's on your mind
Walking on this earth finding you
You, you
Walking on this earth finding you
You, you
Walking on this earth finding you
You, you
You, you
You, you
You, you
song performed by by Moody Blues
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Dark and Glory
Dark and Dark is down below,
Echoing casually on the wing of a Crow.
Enter the Deep and never return;
Play with Shadows until you burn.
Become One with the Dark and observe
The prickle of Fear on your nerve.
Raven, Crow, pick out your eyes
In the Dark, pick on the Prize.
Shadows and Devils mount in hordes,
Mock and tease the Demon Lords.
Take the Breath that is your last
And Remember nothing of that Past.
Drought the Dark is hiding now
Rust the bones in a Bleeding bow.
Find the Center and Rot it down,
Win the Glory and take the Crown.
poem by Becky Schulz
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Disappear
What would happen if i disappeared today?
Would you see through the curtain that stands in our way?
The world would be silent and still,
And the birds in the trees would have lost their goodwill.
The words that i scream and nobody hears,
The monster in the closet that nobody fears.
The earth would be green, and the sky would be blue,
And life would move on. And so would you.
They'd never remember the girl they had seen.
They'd never remember the ghost that was me.
You'd rise up high, and i'd fall apart.
And i'd fake a smile, because you broke my heart.
The earth would still be green, and the sky would still be blue,
And life would move on. And so would you.
The Sky-Lark’s Song
WINGED voice to tell the skies of earth,
Dear earth-born lark, sing on, sing clear,
Sing into heaven that she may hear
;Sing what thou wilt, so she but know
Thine ecstasy of summer mirth
And think ''Tis from the world below!'
Instant, old wont returns fresh brought,
And her desire goes seeking me,
For whom her whole world used to be
And all my world for sake of her;
She cannot think an earthward thought
That shall not seem my messenger.
She will be glad for love, and smile,
Saying 'Thank God for joy like ours:
Saying 'There come the kind home hours:
His work-day will be sped ere long,
That keeps him hence this little while.
'Sing, lark, until she know thy song.
Sing of the earth, but sing no care,
Sing thine own measureless content;
She will remember what it meant;
Griefs are too base, but, carolling thus,
Thou with thy joy mayst reach her there,
And she joy too remembering us.
poem by Augusta Davies Webster
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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I Rember The Day Before I Was Born
BEFORE:
(September 16,1982)
I remember the day before I was born...
The sand castles and azure skies,
I watched with wide impatient eyes.
I yearned to lie in seaside grass,
Blue-green days where lovers pass.
Envying waves that touched the shore,
I wanted all the LIFE in store...
Palmettos swayed and seagulls praised the morn.
I remember the day before I was born!
I was one with rain and waterfall,
With canyon echoes and redwoods tall,
The moon and sun in celebration...
September birds in V formation.
Gazing upon the Earth below...
So much to feel, so much to know.
Between Earth and Heaven, untouched, unworn,
I remember the day before I was born!
AFTER:
(April 30,2008)
I remember the day just after I died...
A river-town with nectarine skies,
I watched with tired but patient eyes.
Relieved, at last, to shed my bones,
As new colors replaced earth-tones,
Flesh it was a familiar bond,
And yet I craved this world beyond.
Endless space is as black as it is wide!
I remember the day just after I died!
The wind and rain, the graveside mass,
Dirty headstones and yellow grass,
The moon and sun in hesitation,
I rose to join a V formation...
Gazing upon the Earth below...
So much was felt, the fear and woe,
From Purgatory I heard as he said...
'A gun in the mouth paints the bathroom red! ...
Damn you and your pain, Damn me and my pride! '
I remember the day just after I died!
poem by ToddMichael St. Pierre
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Marilyn
She lies
Upon her bed so still
unable to summon up the will
to get out and face the day
as time slowly slips away.
She shies
From the inevitability
not accepting reality.
For Death is approaching fast!
How much longer will she last?
Her eyes
Look around at the family
gathered so uneasily
as they gaze helplessly on
knowing she will soon be gone.
She tries
To fight for her very life
to remain there as his wife.
But she's unable to speak
and her body is so weak.
She sighs
Exhaling her final breath
and her body gives in to death.
The finality of death is felt
by her bedside as they knelt.
She dies
Breathing out lifes last breath
and succumbing to her death.
Lying there upon her bed
all motionless. She is dead.
She flies
Her soul to worlds unknown
and he's left there all alone.
Helplessly looking at her there
beyond the reach of his care.
He cries
Gazing upon her lifeless face
and holding her in his embrace.
Unable to prevent the flow
of his deep sobs of sorrow.
'Arise'
She is summoned before God
to account for the paths she'd trod.
Stands alone before Him there
as her life's deeds are laid bare.
Surprise
Our turn too will quickly come
when God shall call our soul home.
We too must pass through death
when we draw our final breath.
Be wise
Let's kiss God's Son while we may
to survive that judgement day
then through Jesus we'll be forgiven
and allowed to enter into heaven.
When The Poem Returns Life Returns
WHEN THE POEM RETURNS LIFE RETURNS
When the poem returns life returns
There is enthusiasm and exuberance again
There is something to live for
And dreams are dreams
And hopes give hope-
When the poem returns life returns
And I begin again here
As if there is some sense after all
In writing and living again.
poem by Shalom Freedman
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Dancing with Fear
Tis very hard to face what is frightening
But call to fears to dance.
When you face fear itself
It is no where to be found.
Fear can never survive total
Meeting with consciousness.
When it arises to the surface,
The implulse is to overcome.
Invite fear when it comes,
Fear is only powerful when escaping.
So call to fear,
Where are you? Open the door and let it in.
Fear can lead to isolation and separation,
So just call out 'Dance with me! '
Fear no longer exists,
and we are free.
poem by Carolyn Marie Taylor
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Don't Speak To Me
You are leaving me so
Don't speak to me
Anymore and just walk out the door
leave and please don't look back
I don't want to remember what
You look like
Just leave me in this dark and alonely night
Everything turn out wrong
I feel so blue
I'm just done with you
Just leave me and
Don't speak to me
Our relationship is over
No more romantic, chemistry, dinner, and anniversary
Nothing left to look forward too anymore
We just lose who we are
We never trust each other
I'm just speechless to say anything else
It's time to go our separate paths
Don't speak to me
I can't stand this when we fight
This just too much to handle
I just want to be myself again
So please just go
Don't speak to me
poem by Christina Phan
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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5. The Chalet
I remember in the fifties in a chalet by the sea
Made of timber looking rather like a shed
I remember its position in tall grasses under tree
Casting shadows through the window by my bed
I remember it was raining on the felt roof rather weak
Sitting round an oil clothed table playing whist
I remember finding buckets catching water as it leak
Placing all the problems found upon a list
I remember fighting brothers for the bunk upon the top
Made of planks rough sawn with stuck out rusty nails
I remember for a fire there were sticks we had to chop
Wet through and home too big brown juicy snails
I remember calor gas and the old style mantle lamp
Always flickered with a most distinctive smell
I remember all the bedding was fusty and rather damp
All the spiders made my little sister yell
I remember for an August the weather was quite rough
Thunder/lightening and the never ending rain
I remember after four days all agreed we’d had enough
So went home and vowed to never go again
poem by David Threadgold (2008)
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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My Memory Of You
My Memory of You…
I can remember the first time we met, the way
Your smile just lit up my day
I can remember how you kept helping me up
When I was down
I remember everything about you,
Your hair, your eyes, and that smile
I can remember your piercing blue eyes…
That make me weak
I remember our first kiss, and the way
You were so nervous
I can remember how shy you
Used to be
I don’t have to remember how much I loved you
Because I still can’t live without you
I remember all the pain, hurt, and fear
You put in my heart and my head
I remember how much I wanted to embrace you in my
Arms and not let any thing hurt you
I somehow can remember all of this… but
I can’t remember why… why you tried
To take your life
I remember how scared I was that you
Would actually do it this time
I remember all those things
I remember you
This poem was written by
Racheal Vincent
poem by Ray Racheal Vincent
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Nothing To Worry About!
I don't fear nothing at all,
but when nothing becomes something
and it growls with sparkling pointed white teeth,
i shake in my shoes and
my legs quake beneath;
and i run and i hide and think darkly inside
and remember (as much as i can) ,
I don't fear nothing at all; and,
nothing becomes something
and that something is tall,
and it casts a great shadow
that blocks out the light,
('cause i'm small) .
Then i run in the shadows
and tremble with fright.
until i remember
(as best as i might)
It's nothing i'm fearing
(nothing, that's all!):
but it's dark in the shadows
with ropes that can bind,
and i can't clearly see
what it is that I find.
I think it's a poisonous snake
that can hiss
until finally i get that snake
out of my head,
and wake up to find there is nothing (to fear) ,
I am alone and there really is not
something else here.
poem by David Taylor
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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