LTFR #1

5. Formed poem (excluding haiku/senryu)

Little fingers (Tanka)

Staring eyes looking
at a mothers face with trust
Little fingers cling
As little toes curl and stretch
It surrenders, yawns to sleep

6. Alcohol or Drugs

Broken Bottles

Sh*t!
He whispers as he once more pulls,
a green glass splinter
from his scarred foot
He wails,
as the splinter evokes memories
of loss and pain

His head throbs in agony,
and he throws himself down
on a bottle of his poison,
he chugs it all in one gulp

''This one's bitter too'', he thinks
and throws it to the wall,
watching it burst into pieces
and pushing the picture on the wall askew
It's no use anyway, that life is gone!

He looks upon the mess before him,
and downs one more bottle,
looking for the sweetness
in his tasteless life,
just like he looks for the sweetness
in his bitter addiction

7. 10-13 lines

No words

Deeply indulge in her eyes
Do not blink! Do not stare!
For ''eyes are a mirror to the soul'',
they say
and from it you know her more,
than she knows herself
Dive into her pupil, set her mind,
her dreams, and her thoughts free,
Provoke her tears
Make her vulnerable,
only to you

8. Must include a metaphor or similie

Drums beat loadly,
As I come closer
and my ears grow deaf,
when I lock my eyes into yours
We are only magnets,
in this vast universe,
and we connect,
we attract,
because we are meant to be
... one

1. Must mention ONE animal AND ONE NUMBER.

Unicorn

There is often truth behind a myth
as I would be more of a wordsmith
there're several animals with one horn
so it depends on how you define unicorn
the rhinoceros is not the only one
you should google one horn for fun

2. Wild Card

Master of humility

With the best of my ability
I tried to master humility
an exercise in futility
to take pride in fragility
my master is my best friend
who desires for me to ascend
there is no need to pretend
I don't need His grace to amend
the perfection that alone I lack
to the straight and narrow track

3. category : Life

Life (acrostic)

Light is a must for warmth
Intelligence needed for design
Fertile to carry on
Energy required to evolve

4. Must include the words of a club name on this site. Yes, you can use the same club twice

Club Battle

Fragments of poetry has the most
So the Club just cannot coast
The independents still seem engrossed
Free Spirits are steadfast at their post
The Flowing Riving is almost a ghost
Are the M&M"s just going to be toast?

5. Formed poem (excluding haiku/senryu)

True Colors (Triolet)

I have been searching for what is true
black, white and various shades of gray
other true colors come shinning through
I have been searching for what is true
Seems that the hues dominate my view
as the bright sun turns night into day
I have been searching for what is true
black, white and various shades of gray

6. Alcohol or Drugs

Drugs

Some think when you use a drug
you are not far from a thug
to be stereotyped and labeled
is close to being disabled
because society judges worth
by character on this earth
lives valued more than others
though we're sisters and brothers
sadly I have heard it discussed
when another one bites the dust
oh it is not that big of a deal
as if a death is not even real
keep you head high and stay clean
because so many judges are mean

7. 10-13 lines

Peace of Mind

If you want a piece of my mind
no better tranquility you'll find
is better for your peace of mind
is acceptance spiritually defined
to accept the way things are now
not so much concerned about how
to remove the speck from an eye
and cry until yours are so dry
foolishly worrying about the things
that are best left to the kings
serving one master above the rest
is a sure way to be truly blest

8. Must include a metaphor or similie

Michael

Hark I am the archangel
messenger of my God
if you find that disdainful
I find it very odd
as a protector of good
often misunderstood
who is like God, question mark
I have missions on which to embark

Must mention ONE animal AND ONE NUMBER.

Evolution
One ape was likely born from two
the ape evolved to something new
what was it before it was an ape
a question Darwin did not escape
which first, intelligence or design
is your oldest ancestor, same as mine?
to fundamentalist to miss the boat
would mean to one that's all she wrote

2. Wild Card

Same Page

In this modern computer day and age
it's hard for me to stay on the same page.
So many places to go in cyberspace
it is very easy to lose your place.
It does not matter what or how you perceive
There's always a source for what you believe
It takes so long to get it all unfurled
when most us live in our own little world
In this modern computer day and age
it's hard for me to stay on the same page.

3. category : Life

Poems About Life

I have always enjoyed rhymes about life
even before I married and took on a wife
I look for rhyme and reason in every season
hard to unring a bell as it is to unreason
My life was best when I didn't try to force it.
My parents warned me but could not enforce it
I have always enjoyed rhymes about life
though the truth often cuts like a knife

4. Must include the words of a club name on this site. Yes, you can use the same club twice

THE CLUB (The Pirate Ship)

I was in The Club before (The Pirate Ship)
was added to the original title of TC
I must admit it was what the hip call a trip
Take Jack off the ship but a pirate he will be

5. Formed poem (excluding haiku/senryu)

A Rulers Measure (English Sonnet)

From the longest rulers we desire release
to measure freedoms progress ever more
but as the keeper would by time increase
let servants serve as they did before
feed their light frame with substantial fuel
avoiding famine where abundance lies
yourself you know that would not be too cool
global warming now the world's new firmament

6. Alcohol or Drugs

Moderation is the Key

Nothing wrong with a little shot
as long as you don't drink a lot
Distilled spirits are fine
along with a bit of any wine
Do not fear a glass of beer
in a party full of cheer
Moderation and caution are the keys
if you don't have an addictive disease

7. 10-13 lines

Meditation

I clear my mind with closed eyes
in the silence that I prize,
breathe deeply and exhale slowly,
pray my spirit remains holy,
when every thing seems alright
I may decide I want to write
other times I just relax
if I fear panic attacks
often I need less medication
with properly timed meditation

8. Must include a metaphor or similie

Omnia mutantur, nihil interit

'Everything changes, but nothing is truly lost."
Though revolution rarely comes without a cost
stars shall burn while around one we turn
until heavenly bodies that rarely adjourn
return to a central back hole in space
where all metaphysically fits in one place

1. Must mention ONE animal AND ONE NUMBER.

Welcome to the Jungle

In the jungle the Lion is number one
it's natural enemies are next to none
A mighty king in its own right
there are few foes it can't outfight
welcome to the jungle though you'd best beware
there are many dangerous animals there

PLEASE NOW USE YOUR NEW PROMPTS.

1. Include a type of transport(car, train, etc) and mention the weather.

Rendezvous

She sat there,
alone, on the ledge,
over crashing waves,
not so down below
in complete
harmony

The breeze blowing,
on her serene face
so gently,
complementing
her angelic
features

Pitter patter,
went his heart
as the rain fell
all around her,
seeming not to
bother her presence

He approached,
guided to her towards
the platform
engaged in her aura
to the ship, where they
will begin their story,
together

2. Must have 3 verses (at least 3 lines each)

Copy Cat

Copy cat, sloppy cat,
doesn't know what to do,
leaving faults all over his work,
making lines askew

Copy cat, sloppy cat,
brags about his work
knowing that it is no use
people see his work

Copy cat, sloppy cat,
holds his head too high
we all know of his deception,
all his fraud, and every lie

3. Must mention royalty in some way (crown, heir, king, prince etc)

O, daughter of mine

His little princess,
has two front teeth,
yet he calls her m'lady
and bows before her,
pink ribboned shoes

He escorts her,
to her carriage,
and seats her
upon her throne
O' daughter dearest
will you come
to the gardens of joy?

She gurgles and plays,
for he has bought
the world for her,
with a smile,
and forever will he be
her knight and shining armor

4. include the words, "first time" or, base the poem on the idea of a first time at something.

Step by step

Drooling all over the couch
he stood, wobbly and unstable,
he lets go, and puts one foot in front,
of the other, his hands stretch out,
like a gymnast on a tightrope,
as if there is only one line of land below,
his feet move carefully and his smile extends
looking right into my eyes, steady now!
he smiles, then laughs, looses balance
and falls on his nappy-cushioned bottom

5. Wild Card

Afternoon dreams

I let out a huge sigh
As I lay back on my couch
and throw my legs up high

A cup of warm tea lays still
on the table beside me
as I look through my window-sill

The quiet song of birds is all I need
as I close my eyes and sink
into dreams from a book I like to read

6. Formed Poem

Revenge (Naani)

The hardening of heart,
and the raging of souls
to the point where right and wrong
no longer matter

7. Must mention a piece of clothing

Neat mess

My room,
a temple of things,
crossing over,
my perfum on tables,
bags and laundry on the floor,
a cluster of electronics,
lay between the folds of sheets,
yet I can still find
my favourite cardigan,
lying between the rubble

8. Category: love

Unconditional

Why do we forget,
the greatest love of all?
That of which our mothers carry,
in the warm folds of their wombs

Why do we forget the love,
that held us all for long?
That love so stong it holds us still,
though we run and hide so far

Why do we forget the love,
that we too hold right now?
For our lovely little creatures,
with no reason, no condition at all

1. Include a type of transport(car, train, etc) and mention the weather.

Lemonade

He sat there counting cars,
his eyes fixated on
one side of the road
through lemonade glass
three... five... fourteen cars
since the last shade,
the last soft wind to pass by
and he had lost count
of how many drops of sweat
had dribbled down his forhead

no one will come buying lemonade
when no one dares to face the sun
all hiding behind the cool waves of air
coming from the air conditioner

he carries the jug above his head
tilts his mouth up high
and drowns himself in cool,
sour and sweet lemony juice

2. Must have 3 verses (at least 3 lines each)

Boredom

Body stiff from lying around,
mug from the morning breakfast
still in hand beside the remote

Unconsciously I flip channels,
no not this one, nothing!
and yet the hand keeps pushing buttons

Phone lays still, no beeping sound,
Is it possible that noone has anything to say?
Time stands still as I keep on flipping through

3. Must mention royalty in some way (crown, heir, king, prince etc)

Queen Elizabeth

One of the most moving Queens
was Queen Elizabeth the first
She had royalty in her genes
that many subjects cursed.
Before separation of church and State
I understand why she broke with Rome
She had enemies that could not wait
to make her throne like sand and foam.

4. include the words, "first time" or, base the poem on the idea of a first time at something.

First Recital

The fist time I recited my poem in a cathedral
is an emotional experience I shall not forget
though I felt joy and sorrow answering my call
beginning with something that is not over yet
it was the fulfillment of my aunts request
the honor was then mine the glory hers and His
before friends and family I did my best
to confirm to those who know what was still is

5. Wild Card

Broken Fools (Triolet)

Some rules are made to be broken
like a heart quietly on the mend
after the dreaded words are spoken
Some rules are made to be broken
before master's sleep is awoken
many find a law they can bend
Some rules are made to be broken
like a heart quietly on the mend

6. Formed Poem

Arab Spring (Triolet)

I watched the Arab Spring unfold
witnessing its grass roots beginning
on facebook or so I have been told
I watched the Arab Spring unfold
when the angry protesters were bold
at times it looked like they were winning
some leaders are bought while others sold
I watched the Arab Spring unfold
witnessing its grass roots beginning

7. Must mention a piece of clothing

Blue Turban

I can't the blue turban off my mind
that's mentioned in a famous quatrain.
Nostradamus's prophesy intertwined
in a way not easy to explain.
Prophets of Allah and prophets of God
seem to have a problem agreeing
religion times only a facade
for nationalism we are seeing
I've heard cloak and dagger often dangle
when viewed from a politician's angle

8. Category: love

Love -0

love can be the most abused word
that many of us have ever heard
but when it's true, nothing compares
to a soul that really honestly cares
In that respect it cannot be overused.
Is there anything that cannot be abused?

1. Include a type of transport(car, train, etc) and mention the weather.

Ghostly Strike

Just minutes earlier there was no cloud in the sky
I spoke to my nephew, and before he could reply, the car we were in shook violently.
We both turned around to see what we could see
in the middle of the grave yard we were at
I thought I hit a hole, he thought it was a tree.
We shouted at the same time "what was that"
Time stood still from the spell we were under.
It seemed like seconds passed before we heard.
thunder
Just a month a building close was struck by lightning .
We were not harmed. but it was surely frightening .

2. Must have 3 verses (at least 3 lines each)

Wrong Song

I couldn't write a song
about everything that's wrong
in only three verses

I would curse what's right
about the songs I write
in only three curses

I couldn't nurse one part
of a broken heart
with three nurses