“I'll write, because I'll give - You critics means to live; For should I not supply - The cause,
the effect would die."
POEM OF THE MONTH
THE EXISTENCE OF YOU
by Jason Sturner
Morning—delicate
thirsty
the sky yawns
earth stretches . . .
You near the ending of a peaceful, romantic dream.
The silence of night subsides, you open your eyes—
two emeralds shine beneath the sun.
thirsty
the sky yawns
earth stretches . . .
You near the ending of a peaceful, romantic dream.
The silence of night subsides, you open your eyes—
two emeralds shine beneath the sun.
Another day is born,
another morning blessed.
Such simple truths are easily told
by the existence of you.
Such simple truths are easily told
by the existence of you.
Night—romantic
alive
the stars shine
earth sighs . . .
You smile and all things are curious—
a shooting star passes over your essence.
the stars shine
earth sighs . . .
You smile and all things are curious—
a shooting star passes over your essence.
Another twilight has come,
another night takes the stage.
Standing ovations are easily understood
by the existence of you.
Standing ovations are easily understood
by the existence of you.
I hear them . . .
I hear them whenever I'm around you—
the subtle, graceful heartbeats of angels.
They surround you like butterflies gone mad.
the subtle, graceful heartbeats of angels.
They surround you like butterflies gone mad.
And all my love for this world,
all my love for beauty, for nature;
all my love for beauty, for nature;
all my love for life was awakened
by the existence of you.
by the existence of you.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This poem was first published in The Art of Love, a 2004 poetry anthology from Londonart.co.uk.
JASON STURNER
was born in Harvey, Illinois, and raised in the western suburbs of Chicago. He
has published three books of poetry: Kairos,
10 Love Poems, and Selected Poems 2004-2007 (all available
as free downloads; see website). He resides in Wheaton, Illinois and works as a
botanist at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. Contact Website
FEBRUARY'S FOREVER LOVE
by Floriana Hall
There's so much love to
share
In February
Valentine's Day and tender care
Married, single, or about to marry.
Birthdays, anniversaries, receptions and parties
In February
Children's crushes on classmates,
Valentine notes, puppy loves that vary.
Cold winds and crystal icicles
In February
Do not dampen the spirit of love
That consumes those who are merry.
Thrill of skiing, sledding, and skating
In February
Rosy cheeks and near-frozen fingers
Bundling up may be necessary.
Sitting by a fireside toasting marshmallows
In February
Alone or cuddling with loved ones
Is as sweet as it can be.
In February
Valentine's Day and tender care
Married, single, or about to marry.
Birthdays, anniversaries, receptions and parties
In February
Children's crushes on classmates,
Valentine notes, puppy loves that vary.
Cold winds and crystal icicles
In February
Do not dampen the spirit of love
That consumes those who are merry.
Thrill of skiing, sledding, and skating
In February
Rosy cheeks and near-frozen fingers
Bundling up may be necessary.
Sitting by a fireside toasting marshmallows
In February
Alone or cuddling with loved ones
Is as sweet as it can be.
FLORIANA HALL was born in 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is a Distinguished Graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School, Ohio in June 1948, and attended Akron University. She is an author and poet of 17 inspirational books, nonfiction and poetry. All of her books are available on Amazon.com. She has five children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She is the founder and coordinator of THE POET'S NOOK at Cuyahoga Falls Library. Contact Website Website
~~~~~
VALENTINE
by Patricia Crandall
Outside, the snow
Is wintry bright.
Inside, my heart’s
A warm delight.
Be My Valentine.
~~~~~
HEART OF SOUL
by Susan Marie Davniero
Enlighten start
Full of heart
Unwrapping emotions
Feeling the motions
Source within climb
Through ends of time
A loving heart
Giving your part
See your goal
Heart of soul
SUSAN MARIE DAVNIERO is a published poet listed in "The Poet's Market 2011." She writes in traditional rhyme verse and has been published in various publications including Pancakes in Heaven, Coffee Ground Breakfast, Long Short Story, Great South Bay Magazine, Write On, The Poet's Art, Creations, Poetic Matrix, Pink Chameleon, Shemom, and others. She has also written essays and letters published in newspapers and magazines including the New York Times, Daily News, Newsday, Ladies Home Journal, and Saturday Evening Post. Her blog “Susan Marie” is her writing history. They don't know her; yet, by way of writing they might. She is never at a loss of words. She has found her place as a writer and a poet. With every poem published she is inspired to write more. Writing feeds her soul - literally food for thought. Contact
~~~~~
NEW AT THE GAME
by Patricia
Wellingham-Jones
Newly widowed, she went
out
to a former neighbor’s
home.
Not so newly widowed
he met her at the door
with champagne.
Uh oh, she thought,
thought she,
sat by the fire and raised
her glass,
reeled off a set of rules
newly devised to make her
feel safe.
He smiled in that sweet
way
she came to know well (for
thirty years)
and agreed to every term,
every tiny detail.
Then he poured more
champagne
on that first Saturday
night when,
newly widowed, she went
out.
PATRICIA WELLINGHAM-JONES
has a longtime interest in healing writing and the benefits people gain from
writing and reading their work together. Her poems, stories and articles are
widely published; chapbooks include Don’t
Turn Away: Poems About Breast Cancer, Voices
on the Land, and End-Cycle, poems
about caregiving. Contact
~~~~~
TO MY LOVE
by Shirley Securro
You're my hero, you're my friend
So in love I've never been
You're there for me when I am down
You can turn anything around
You lift me up when I am blue
I'm so happy that you are true
You are the wind beneath my wings
To me you will always be all things
You inspire me to be
All that I was meant you see
I've waited for you all of my life
to live, to love, to be your wife
SHIRLEY SECURRO has been
published in "Best Poems and Poets of 2005," "Who's Who In
International Poetry," "Famous Poets of the Heartland," and
more. She was a finalist in a chapbook contest with AMERICA "Let Freedom Reign" OUR SACRIFICES OUR HEROES
by Bear House Publishing. She has designed two book covers for other authors
and does poetry readings for churches, weddings, funerals, and meetings. Contact
~~~~~
IDLE THOUGHTS WHEN YOU’RE NOT HERE
by Debbie Hilbish
Sitting here surrounded by our home,
Taking in all we have collected that echo
The coming together of ourselves,
Missing you yet feeling so full of you at the same time
Your very essence permeates my soul
And I marvel at my love for you.
Sometimes I must reconfirm I am
my own being.
I taste the temptation to become one with you,
To be totally enveloped and consumed
Until I know no separation,
An experience like no other
I have had in my place and time on this earth.
At the beginning of each new day, I sing praise
you are with me.
What ecstasy!
Joined in comfort by familiarity
And awed by the wonder of new pleasures.
I feel the beating of your heart and it's quickening
at my touch,
let it always be so.
DEBBIE HILBISH has been writing poetry since she was a young teen. Her first book of poetry was published in 2007, followed by a published chapbook in 2010. Debbie has held poetry readings throughout the southwest and had seminars, sponsored by Arizona and New Mexico libraries, on poetry appreciation for young adults. She also hosted an eight week author’s fair at The Reader’s Oasis bookstore in Quartzsite, Arizona from 2008 through 2012. She is presently directing her energy towards working on her first novel. Contact
~~~~~
by James G. Piatt
It was a soft balmy day,
I stood silently by a
Rose arbor: Noticed a
Single rose, it stood fulfilled
In its redness against pale
Pink blossoms: I dreamed
My love stood beside the
Rose and her scent was of
Ancient flowers and lost
Memories.
JAMES G. PIATT: Dr. Piatt is a retired professor, writer, and poet. He is the author of the poetry book “The Silent Pond.” His second poetry book “Ancient Rhythms” will be released the end of 2013; his third poetry book is scheduled for released in 2014. He is also the author of 2 novels (“The Ideal Society” & “The Monk”), over 465 poems, 32 short stories, and 7 essays. His poem, “The Night Frog,” was recently nominated for best of web 2013. His books are available on Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. Contact
~~~~~
A MEMOIR
by Susan Marie Davniero
A story in all stages
When you turn the pages
To unlock your memory
Telling of life’s journey
Each chapter derives
The shift of our lives
With life passages gone
Only to have looked upon
The fountain of age
Flows from every page
Words for eternity
The tide of destiny
What I once saw
I can see no more
A memoir will let
Me not to forget
SUSAN MARIE DAVNIERO is a published poet listed in "The Poet's Market 2011." She writes in traditional rhyme verse and has been published in various publications including Pancakes in Heaven, Coffee Ground Breakfast, Long Short Story, Great South Bay Magazine, Write On, The Poet's Art, Creations, Poetic Matrix, Pink Chameleon, Shemom, and others. She has also written essays and letters published in newspapers and magazines including the New York Times, Daily News, Newsday, Ladies Home Journal, and Saturday Evening Post. Her blog “Susan Marie” is her writing history. They don't know her; yet, by way of writing they might. She is never at a loss of words. She has found her place as a writer and a poet. With every poem published she is inspired to write more. Writing feeds her soul - literally food for thought. Contact
~~~~~
THE MOODS OF LOVE
by Floriana Hall
In romance,
Affairs of the heart,
There is no remedy for love.
Platonic, passionate, blind,
It comes like a thief in the night
And leaves us with our awareness.
Love shapes and fashions us,
Though, like a ghost, can't be seen
But is composed of many sensations.
Ecstasy, possessiveness,
Selfishness, selflessness,
Consuming of purifying.
Loving the lover, or loving love,
Passing quickly
Or enduring forever.
Being loved for inner,
Not outer beauty,
Wanting happiness for someone else.
Love can feel deprived
Or even depraved.
Love is the equivalent of what we give.
FLORIANA HALL was born in 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is a Distinguished Graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School, Ohio in June 1948, and attended Akron University. She is an author and poet of 17 inspirational books, nonfiction and poetry. All of her books are available on Amazon.com. She has five children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She is the founder and coordinator of THE POET'S NOOK at Cuyahoga Falls Library. Contact Website Website
~~~~~
TANGO (Cinquain)
by Lucille Gang Shulklapper
Dancing
bougainvilleas,
garlands circling my heart,
quick-stepping over arteries
long paved.
LUCILLE GANG SHULKLAPPER is a widely published poet and fiction writer with work appearing in journals including Long Story Short, Slant, Prose-Poem Project, Red Booth Review, and Consequence, among others, as well as in four poetry chapbooks, the most recent titled In the Tunnel (March Street Press, 2008). She has led poetry workshops for The Florida Center for the Book and those facilitated through the Palm Beach Poetry Festival community outreach program, taught reading K-college, made recordings for the blind, and raised a family. Contact
~~~~~
MIRROR vs WATER
by Changming Yuan
Both can collect
As much light and
Imagery from beyond
Their frames, while
The mirror stores
Everything in its
shiny
But skin-deep surface
The water keeps all
Its reflections murky
Deep in its heart
CHANGMING YUAN, 7-time Pushcart nominee and author of Chansons of a Chinaman (2009) and Landscaping (2013), grew up in rural China but currently tutors in Vancouver, where he co-publishes Poetry Pacific with Allen Qing Yuan and operates PP Press. With a PhD in English, Yuan has recently been interviewed by [PANK], and had poetry appearing in Best Canadian Poetry, Best New Poems Online, Exquisite Corpse, London Magazine, Threepenny Review and 769 other literary journals/anthologies across 28 countries. In 2013, Yuan has been bitten by 3 poisonous snakes. Contact Blog Facebook
~~~~~
SWEET RECONCILIATION
by P.K. Deb
We ought not to be
lost in the mass,
Separation and weeping
are the fees
Paid to the DESERT-
lies between us;
Hence, reconciled we
will be in an oasis.
Let our silent
loneliness be averted,
The same smile be
preserved on the lips,
A party is
always to be
celebrated
And the happiness be
embraced that now peeps.
Let the hesitation of
a new lonely friend
Be effaced and the
friendship be accepted
And the flow be
continued in the trend
That once kept us
blissful and collocated.
Look at the flying
clouds, returning to their sky,
Feel the thrill of the
mild shine of the new sun,
The pain one day must
gain the wings to fly
Away for replacing our
sweet reconciliation.
PIJUSH KANTI DEB [P.K.DEB] is a new Indian poet with more than 100 poems
accepted or published in many national and international magazines and
journals- print and online since June 2013. He is an Associate Professor in Economics. Contact
~~~~~
DREAMS OF A HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
(In Memory of Helen Fischetti)
by Susan Marie Davniero
In the night’s air,
In my dream Mother you are there
To bring back
The love I lack
A guiding light beams
Mother into my dreams
And I can have my say
To wish you, Mom
Happy Valentine’s Day
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Show your heart on Valentine’s Day. One
night after Mother’s passing I had a comforting dream when Mother gave me her
heart. In my dream Mother was there. I told her how much I loved her and she
said “I know.” I knew then that a mother’s heart is always there. My
dream was poetic…
 |
Valentine’s Day with Mom, Credit: Susan
Marie Davniero
|
SUSAN MARIE DAVNIERO is a published poet listed in "The Poet's Market 2011." She writes in traditional rhyme verse and has been published in various publications including Pancakes in Heaven, Coffee Ground Breakfast, Long Short Story, Great South Bay Magazine, Write On, The Poet's Art, Creations, Poetic Matrix, Pink Chameleon, Shemom, and others. She has also written essays and letters published in newspapers and magazines including the New York Times, Daily News, Newsday, Ladies Home Journal, and Saturday Evening Post. Her blog “Susan Marie” is her writing history. They don't know her; yet, by way of writing they might. She is never at a loss of words. She has found her place as a writer and a poet. With every poem published she is inspired to write more. Writing feeds her soul - literally food for thought. Contact
~~~~~
LOVE IS
by Shirley Securro
Love always was and will always be
Love is like the eagle;
Love has wings and can soar above
Love has power
Love is stronger than death
Love lives on and never dies
Love makes all things right
Love overcomes and overlooks
Love is healing
God is love!
SHIRLEY SECURRO has been
published in "Best Poems and Poets of 2005," "Who's Who In
International Poetry," "Famous Poets of the Heartland," and
more. She was a finalist in a chapbook contest with AMERICA "Let Freedom Reign" OUR SACRIFICES OUR HEROES
by Bear House Publishing. She has designed two book covers for other authors
and does poetry readings for churches, weddings, funerals, and meetings. Contact
~~~~~
ST. VALENTINE'S DAY
by Floriana Hall
When thinking back to childhood days
During the month of February
Cards were given, messages vague
Did a cherished classmate care,
Or was it just routine?
A crush on one special girl or boy
Gravitated to the highest emotion
When Valentines were passed out
Did the recipient even care,
Or did it just not matter?
Hearts pounded like a drum roll
Wondering if 'I love you'
Truly meant that, or was just repeated
In some hazy way.
Should excitement be present
Only if love is returned?
Something to look forward to
In the bleak days of winter
Even today I would like a card
Saying, 'I still love you'
Will you be my Valentine?
I will be yours.
FLORIANA HALL was born in 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is a Distinguished Graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School, Ohio in June 1948, and attended Akron University. She is an author and poet of 17 inspirational books, nonfiction and poetry. All of her books are available on Amazon.com. She has five children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She is the founder and coordinator of THE POET'S NOOK at Cuyahoga Falls Library. Contact Website Website
BID me to live, and I will live
Thy Protestant to be;
Or bid me love, and I will give
A loving heart to thee.
A heart as soft, a heart as kind,
A heart as sound and free
As in the whole world thou canst find,
That heart I'll give to thee.
Bid that heart stay, and it will stay
To honour thy decree:
Or bid it languish quite away,
And 't shall do so for thee.
Bid me to weep, and I will weep
While I have eyes to see:
And, having none, yet will I keep
A heart to weep for thee.
Bid me despair, and I'll despair
Under that cypress-tree:
Or bid me die, and I will dare
E'en death to die for thee.
Thou art my life, my love my heart,
The very eyes of me:
And hast command of every part
To live and die for thee.
Thy Protestant to be;
Or bid me love, and I will give
A loving heart to thee.
A heart as soft, a heart as kind,
A heart as sound and free
As in the whole world thou canst find,
That heart I'll give to thee.
Bid that heart stay, and it will stay
To honour thy decree:
Or bid it languish quite away,
And 't shall do so for thee.
Bid me to weep, and I will weep
While I have eyes to see:
And, having none, yet will I keep
A heart to weep for thee.
Bid me despair, and I'll despair
Under that cypress-tree:
Or bid me die, and I will dare
E'en death to die for thee.
Thou art my life, my love my heart,
The very eyes of me:
And hast command of every part
To live and die for thee.
Read the entire poem at:
For the poet’s biography, see:
Quoted for educational purposes only.
All work the copyright of the respective authors.
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