You know,I came back to re-read this,one of the "in your face"poems that say more than just nice rhymes.When I got to this stanza I read:
Go to her bed
Doesn't mater she's a kid.
"She asks for it all day
Now it's time to pray"

One letter difference,just thought I'd mention it.This is what I thought it said until I took a closer look!

Originally Posted by Frankie Jasmine

EMBER OF LIFE
by Frankie Jasmine


Inside of me is a spark, flickering up,
Then sometimes settling down to a mere ember.
It threatens or gives hope of a great conflagration!

Why do I keep losing it?
It's almost a part of me, and yet it slips just past my grasp.
I want to grab hold of it, run with it, set fire to my life!
Then light up the world with it, share it, give it, hide it, expose it, control it!
Still . . . it is just barely out of my reach.
Why?

Yet, I can feel it there, taunting me to grasp it and run!!
Oh, how I want to reach it, own it!
How I want the power and very life of it!!
How I wish to possess it and never, ever lose it again!!!

Frankiest of Us All,

If you feel that setting fire to your life is what you long for I can console you: you have certainly set fire to this thread in the most positive of ways I can possibly imagine
Your volatile usage of language has become so subtle that I am thrilled time after time. Reading this one especially tonight is lightning up a otherwise rather dark and dull day.

Thanks ever so much!

Originally Posted by Doug Denslowe

You know,I came back to re-read this,one of the "in your face"poems that say more than just nice rhymes.When I got to this stanza I read:
Go to her bed
Doesn't mater she's a kid.
"She asks for it all day
Now it's time to pray"

One letter difference,just thought I'd mention it.This is what I thought it said until I took a closer look!

Doug, I also thought someone might automatically put in the word "play." I want to give some thought to this . . . how it could be worded in keeping with the horrific nature of the poem. I don't want an "automatic" word like "pray" or "play" to come to the reader's mind, which undoes the mood I've tried to set. Will think it through and run it past you right in this Reply Box. So keep an eye out! Thanks for the head's up!

Originally Posted by amaryn

Frankiest of Us All,

If you feel that setting fire to your life is what you long for I can console you: you have certainly set fire to this thread in the most positive of ways I can possibly imagine
Your volatile usage of language has become so subtle that I am thrilled time after time. Reading this one especially tonight is lightning up a otherwise rather dark and dull day.

Thanks ever so much!

Thank you, amaryn, and your comment has thrown light on my day/evening as well. Much appreciation for your continued support. I am further from that "illusive thing" written about now than when I wrote that . . . yet, I am closer to it than I have been at some disconnected times!! I feel more hopeful of finding it and grasping it again! Thank you.

When you think about it,they're all just as creepy.I think "pray"even more so than "pay".I think most folks WILL read it as written.I wouldn't change it.When you think about it,people might put in whatever creeps them out most!

Originally Posted by Doug Denslowe

When you think about it,they're all just as creepy.I think "pray"even more so than "pay".I think most folks WILL read it as written.I wouldn't change it.When you think about it,people might put in whatever creeps them out most!

I never thought about that, Doug. I read it through with "pray." It's odd how creepy that sounds--like she better be prayin' because something evil's coming her way!

You're right, THAT is creepy. As you suggested, I am leaving my words as written (so the true implication is certain). But, again, "pray" really sent chills up my spine. (This opposed to a parent or family member going in 'to pray with her,' which is what I thought you meant at first!)

I did mean it like "pray with her".If you have seen Carrie,you'll know what I mean.It's that"abuse me,then we"ll pray,because all is forgiven!"Either way,Creepy!

Originally Posted by Frankie Jasmine

. . .

SUN DREAMS

I walked in the rain
And dreamed of golden days

in the sun.

In the rain I found contentment--
The one contentment I knew.
But since then,
I realized that walking

alone
Was not for me,
So what could I do?

Find a Prince of the Sun?
But he's not the one for me.

I talked of nonsense
And dreamed of golden days

in the sun.

As I spoke, the words were destroyed
By reality, for they meant nothing;
Now I know
Why they disappeared

from
my world of
china and Kings.

"But where have they fled?"
The answer was dead for me.

I touched nature
And dreamed of golden days

in the sun.

As I felt the earth breathe
And the trees grow
And the brook cry,
I cried too; because this was the

One place I knew
was REAL, but
everyone passed it by.

Why did they leave me alone?
Because it was

somewhere
the sun
hadn't shone.

So, I walked in the rain,

and talked nonsense,
and touched nature
Alone.

. . . .


To not be alone, I knew,
Was to have someone who felt
That nature was

REAL with me;

Who talked of nonsense,
Yet made my dreams

In the sun
come true;

Not a golden Prince of the Sun,
But just one like you,

who would walk
in the rain
with me . . .

Frankie Jasmine
Age 16

This one shouldn't be buried so deep Frankie. I just had to bring it forward. I don't know if Tess has read it yet (apparently not), but I know she'd be all over that ending.

<3333333333333

Thanks, Moon, but that one is where it's supposed to be . . . with the posting of my teen poems from ages 13 through 18! Thank you so much for bringing it forward . . . maybe some others will see it.

Originally Posted by Frankie Jasmine

. . . maybe some others will see it.

That was my one and only intention

@FRANKIE!

Reading "ember of life" and "lonely corner", appearing on page 1 here , successively again I see so much optimism mingled with deep emotions, Frankie, and I like every bit of it! It is, as I understand, also one of the things you especially appreciate in your Turkish troubadour to whom you have dedicated a lot of space here, humbly stepping aside, nonetheless being present yourself.

Yes, my Turkish Troubador's voice, personality, and face always lift my heart.

Originally Posted by Frankie Jasmine

Yes, my Turkish Troubador's voice, personality, and face always lift my heart.

The same feeling I have when listening to Leonard Cohen (dance me to the end of love, Take This Waltz, Suzanne))and Jacques Brel( Marieke, Amsterdam, Chanson des Vieux Amants).

Leonard lifts your heart? Bless me, that must be a world first

"Give me a Leonard Cohen afterworld so I can sigh eternally"

-Kurt Cobain

. . . . .


HAIKU - [EACH POEM IS ONLY 3-LINES LONG] - BY DATE:



12-04-12

Memory flashes
Wild stallion on desert sands
Darts behind rocks, Gone
. . . . .


12-09-12

December day--
Warm rain, thunder, lightning
Sudden chill comes

[OR]

December day
Warm till passing of midnight
Winter chill
. . . . .


12-11-12

Elephant
Lumbering by slowly
Remembers
. . . . .


[The1st line of each haiku below was written by another ATL member as part of the Haiku Game on the HAIKU thread; 2nd and 3rd lines were written by me. Haiku in bold are entirely mine.]



12-14-12


Ponders cosmic doom
Giant puffer mushroom spews
Small world disappears
. . . . .


12-15-12

Waves embrace the shore
Kiss each grain of warm sand
Drag away their prey
. . . . .

Crashing waves
Foaming white water
Forms a smile
. . . . .


12-16-12

Hope
Spring grass
Emerging
. . . . .

Melting ice
From continental icebergs
Global warming
. . . . .


12-17-12

A haiku dedicated to my husband:


Ageless, strong
Family patriarch
Deep rooted
. . . . .


12-18-12

In the frost also
Rest the promised blooms of spring
Urging to burst forth
. . . . .

Slumber on
Amber glowing harvest moon
Lighting dark paths
. . . . .


Whispers in the light
Signal intimate moves when
Darkness overcomes


[Same haiku (senryu); new ending, suggested by OrchestraInside:]


Whispers in the light
Signal intimate moves when
Overcomes me, dark
. . . . .


Seamless golden streams
Converging in the river
Closing of the day
. . . . .

Represent the meek
Who cry out not for pity
But enduring strength
. . . . .

[Inspired by holy scripture:]

Your smile
Caresses soul, fondles heart
Every time
. . . . .

I live
Therefore I must
Breathe
. . . . .

Away
With brittle promises
Scoundrel
. . . . .

Hidden
Beneath solid earth
Molten sea
. . . . .

Oozing faith
Pandemic epidemic
Leaky boats
. . . . .

You and me
A pea and a bean in a
Happy pod
. . . . .

12-19-12


Strike the tone
All ears hear too well
Ring, Death Knell


[Alternate 2nd line:]


Strike the tone
All ears hear it loud
Ring, Death Knell

. . . . .


Exciting
Flamingos one-legged
Take flight
. . . . .

Deep sea
Silent brilliant colors
Speak up!
. . . . .


Two dedicated to Doug Denslowe and his new song, "Baby Won't You Please (Come Home)?"

A new song
Unbridled excitement
A new friend

[And:]

New music
Dances through my being
Old friend
. . . . .


12-20-12

Rest in peace
Your deep rough red bark
Sequoia
. . . . .

Ride to meet the shore
Emerald queens of the sea
Lay pearl eggs in sand
. . . . .

Days of joy shall hatch
Dappled by sun and blossoms
Soft, feathered bundles
. . . . .

Life - a leap of faith
Tadpoles change, emerge from pond
New locomotion
. . . . .

Carrying me to you
Winds of winter howl and lift
Land soft in your arms
. . . . .

Love them, Mother Earth
Cradle life warm in your womb
Give birth without pain
. . . . .


Slumber in her lap
White lilies of the water
Cast shadows below
. . . . .


Is it you?
Darkness shrouds, cold winds blow,
I sense warmth


[A sudden shift to blustery cold and light snowfall inspires me . . . or should I say:]


Sudden blustery cold
Snow dust on grass, pine needles,
Breath of inspiration
. . . . .


Waver, doubt
Bane of human existence
Sink like stone
. . . . .


Watch and learn
Infants of the Earth
With white hair


[OR]


Watch and learn
Infants of the Earth
Crowned with white
. . . . .


Eyes in eyes
Endless terrain, vistas
Eternal
. . . . .

Of my soul
No nightingales sing
Nor footfalls
. . . . .

A shy sky only
Speaks to first crocuses
Boldly breaking ground
. . . . .

Let the sunshine in
Gaps in the green canopy
Kiss the forest floor
. . . . .

Butterfly angels
Saffron, azure, crimson wings
Splash heat with relief
. . . . .

Burn the lies away
Fires of universal truth
Unite us as one
. . . . .


12-21-12


You already are
Here! roadside fern, fairy-wren
Countries down-under
. . . . .

You are upside down
Opossum hanging from tree
I am downside up
. . . . .

12-22-12


Silent canopy
Open caves with gaping mouths
Swallow treasures whole
. . .


12-23-12


Rip off all your masks
Show real faces to the world
See through babies' eyes
. . .


The essence of life
Tastes honey sweet and bitter
Savor the drops well
. . .


Both bitter and sweet
Way of predator and prey
The unexpected
. . .



[Dedicated to my husband:]


Gladly, I comply
Man of my own heart and soul
Because you are good

. . .



Rainbows shoot arrows
Translucent red, blue, purple
For all hearts on Earth
. . .


Green expanse
Painting hills, splashing mountains
Kentucky
. . .


From your lips
Both rabid curses
Mellow kiss
. . .



12-25-12


Hopefully with you
Penetrating eyes perceive
Depth within your heart
. . .


I hope this will do
White tablecloth on the ground
Wine, food, sparkling eyes
. . .



12-26-12


Into Being
The -estest of the -est
Egocentric
. . .

Love
Costs
Most
. . .

Abound
Fully, nature,
Comfort me
. . .

Please
Me well,
Rain
. . .

Rain
On tin
Peace
. . .

On us
Lies the onus
Arms
. . .

Holding
Tight the branch
Small wren
. . .

Holding
Tiny orbs in straw
Bird nests
. . .

Bare song
Floats on crystal air
Winter night
. . .


Candlelight
Oh! fairest of gleams
Illumine me!

Or

Candlelight
Oh! fairest of gleams, bathe
Me with youth!
. . .




12-27-12


Fault
San Andreas
Shake
. . .



12-28-12


Perfect red
On a blanket of snow
Still rabbit
. . .


Shock of birth
New star arrives tonight
An old man
. . .


Twinkling eyes
Of stars and planets
Watch our ways
. . .


Guard our paths
Keeper of the forest
Grant egress
. . .


Hear the birds'
Songs, in trees or on the wing
Listen well
. . .


More than words
Broken shingles, drifting land
Tsunami
. . .




12-29-12


Giving birth
To smiles, so painful
Depression
. . .


Hold me now
Said the little sparrow
Broken wing
. . .



12-30-12


Eyes wide shut
Sleeping, swimming deep at sea
Do you dream?
. . .


Frosty gloom
Unspoken words bounce around
Both of us
. . .


Beyond words
Two lovers in silence move
In great pain
. . .



12-31-12


Peaceful ponds
Glimmer in the moonlight
Quiet eyes
. . .

Hi Frankie! An elephant certainly remembers If the Haiku "peaceful ponds" refer to the date I feel satisfied and happy as it reflects peace of mind

Most of these haiku are from the Haiku Thread, therefore, the first line is from the last of the person before. It was a very nice line to dive into at the end of the year! I enjoyed it.

Golly gee,Frankie,these really should be collected in a book.I'd expect a signed Copy,natch!

Thanks, Doug. . . . Yeh, when I gain that fame, you'll be among the first to receive an autographed copy! Then I'll be so well-known, everybody will know what I look like! :S