BEATING HEART

BEATING HEART
"Many a beating heart is silenced by the tyranny of indifference." ~Michael Faudet

THE PUREST PLACE

THE PUREST PLACE
"Retrace your steps and go back to the purest place in your heart… where your hope lives. You’ll find your way again.” ~Everwood (Trust Your Journey)

The Bible says

"a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of things which he possesseth."

31 March 2022

ANNETTE NASSER

ILA



ANNETTE NASSER

Our gracious lady,
born modest, 
a paragon of virtue,
who rules every page 
of ILA's poetry. 
Her heart, mind and soul 
pours out her soft voice,
admonishing us gently
over our deportment
and demeanor.

Her love of literature and the arts
takes her wisdom at length
to which she espoused 
creativity in us 
to our sheer delight.

Her generosity knows no bounds
with no fences jarred all around;
Her welcome gesture
makes everyone feel at home.
Her indomitable spirit inspires us
as she celebrates with us in
our shining moments in whatever
endeavour we aspire and have achieved.

The Language and the Arts
through her guidance
steers the neophytes to grow 
as we learn along with those 
who are far ahead of us.

Today is the beginning
of the National Poetry Month,
so we thought of honouring
her a humble will...
a token of our appreciation 
and gratitude.

On behalf of ILA Magazine Team
and esteemed fellow poet members,
To you, Annette Nasser, our much loved Founder and Administrator,
we gratefully confer this 
CERTIFICATE of APPRECIATION!



From The Executive Team of ILA Magazine Council and Group Members.

30 March 2022

MY DEAR JOAN

JOAN and WOW

SEPTET




MY DEAR JOAN 

My lady luck with a sweetest smile
A friendly poetess from across the seas
I met her in Washington DC
In poetry open mic way back sometime.
I sensed her accent in Englishy inflection
That's how she became endeared to me
She's far from laconic who chortles free!

Was it due perhaps to my funny way
In expressing myself so diff'rently.
Back to the stage where she stood
To recite her piece I was in awe
Her eloquence was without pomposity
She made me daydream while she tells a story
About her England home so far away!

My heart was taken by her heartiness:
Warm, congenial and beautiful she is!
Joan is her name in New York she resides
Laconic she's not, empathy beside
She chortles at every amusing thing
She heard from people from all walks of life.
I miss you Joan, glad to see you again!

© Leah C. Dancel
Copyright © March 31, 2022
All rights reserved
SH-AUSTRALIA
#ILAMagazine_Challenge
#Septet
#WOW
#ChortleandLaconic
#dedicatorypoem
#JoanLaius

-- One stanza SEPTET --

A laconic optimist
Rarely say a word
With wisdom she beholds
Her heart chortles within
Some amusing anecdotes
She silently read from the book
Of a happy go lucky raconteuse.

©Leah C Dancel
Copyright © March 31, 2022
All rights reserved
SH-AUSTRALIA
#ILAChallenge
#Septet
#Wow_ChortleandLaconic

From Joan:
THANK YOU MY DEAR FRIEND, I Am INDEED HONOURED THAT YOU WOULD WRITE A POEM ABOUT ME. THANK YOU AND SEND YOU ALL MY LOVE XX

24 March 2022

THE BYGONE

By DIPANJAN BHATTACHARJEE

Wherefore mourn for the casket thou?
'Tis deep beneath the earthen chest.
Peacefully in slumber in eternal rest,
And ne'er to return to the world of now.

More sands come from yon mount lands,
From weathered rocks to deserts bare.
And one an inch the buried layers,
As little dust sleep 'neath the sands.

Of blooming flowers adorning garths,
As to senescence wilt for sure,
And decay to dust with a soul so pure,
Awaiting an episode of another birth.

Each little child that's born on crust,
Gets a chance to grow each day,
And hushed childhood from a yonder bay,
Stands witness to a gleeful past.

All that's true to thine mortal eyes,
Shall a day to the dust but go.
And newness thence shall neatly grow,
And soar to the realms of yonder skies.

Weep not o man for the days foregone,
Embrace the road that comes thy way.
For new crust forms where graves once lay,
And thus the wheels of time roll on.




23 March 2022

BLUE HORIZON

By Leah C Dancel

At last we see the sun... 
To light the darkness man has made 
Bringing down his fellow human being
By the fork of his tongue 
Reliving past mistakes of others 
Unmindful of their own human flaws 
Perfected by self-righteousness 
Veiled in the pseudo truth of conversion 
Holier than thou is thy name. 
Light, may you cover the grim  hypocrisy 
Hiding behind a stoic facade 
As the cloudless  day reveals beauty 
Under a canopy of the blue horizon.

@Leah C. Dancel 
Copyright @2021
March 24, 2021
Australia

THE IMMACULATE POETRY

By Emmelia M

What have I done to deserve this dedication from Indonesia!!!

Thank you so much Emmelia M! 

🌹🌹🌹✍️✍️✍️🌹🌹🌹

THE IMMACULATE POETRY

To the hope
from the different globe,
futile in despairs,
drowning in solemnity,
rendering of agonies,
selflessly reaching out
the famine surroundings,
the untouched grassroots,
reflection of God's mercy,
filling up the nothingness,
into the love of different persuasions,
joy is overwhelmed
by your compassionate care.

©® Emmelia M.
Indonesia
March 16, 2022

Dedicated to dearly Ma'am Leah Dancel - Australia.

✍️✍️✍️

Oh lah lah! Thank you for this marvelous surprise my dear! I feel so honoured and flabbergasted. Awesome!!! Thank you for your humbling dedication. πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸŒΉπŸŒΉπŸŒΉ

METAPHOR

By Leah C Dancel

Am blessed with this Recognition by Annette Nasser  and ILA Magazine Team. Thank you so much.


METAPHOR

"Words pulsate in the veins of my pen"™ Leah C. Dancel

He introduced himself:
A scribe in littΓ©rateur;
French in his blue veins
Running in the stream.
He shot a query at her:
"Can you hold a pen?"
She countered back: 
"Not just a pen I hold 
My paper is parched
My ink is tinged-full
in black, blue and red."

It was a precursory line,
A harbinger of his divine intent.
To measure the breadth of her mind
To dig how deep is her faculty
To comprehend his rhetoric courtship.

He asked one more time:
"Are you a scribbler?
Do you mind dropping me a line?"
"Why?" she shot back.

That was the beginning of their affair.
An affair leading to a synergic rapport.
Between the editor and a writer.
Assured was he to know when
"Words pulsate in the veins of my pen!"™

©Leah C. Dancel
Copyright © March 17, 2022
All rights reserved
SH-AUSTRALIA
#ILAMagazine
#Metaphor 

NB 
Metaphorism is subtly used to camouflage  the writer's intent through hidden meanings.

22 March 2022

LIFE GOES ON

By Leah C Dancel

LIFE GOES ON

I bid adieu to mourning
I now leave the past behind
I move on as loved ones gone
It's time to face my own fate 
And stand where I stand.

I say goodbye to rhymes
And all unpleasant sneers
The snares of past had me trapped
By so so nondescript suburban minds.
I stand where I stand.

I wave farewell to alien's news
With prose circumventing lies
Peddling untruths to humankind
And the world goes in disarray.
I know where I stand.

I care not on others judging rights
Of those provocative minds
My life has been full on
In lickety split my life goes on!
And that's where I stand!

©Leah C Dancel
Copyright © March 20, 2022
All rights reserved
SH-AUSTRALIA

19 March 2022

PROMISE

By Leah C Dancel


PROMISE 

I took your heart with me, 
I keep it safe wher'er I'll be. 
It's my sunshine when shadows fall; 
It's my moonlight when darkness fall.

I took your love with me, 
I keep it warm in my mem'ry. 
It's my night-pillow to dream on 
It's my blanket to warm me on. 

On days when seasons are dreary, 
You're my strength when I feel weary. Your beams send me light from afar; You're far, yet so near, in my heart. 

It's you whom I hold dear in my heart I'm disheartened that we're apart. 
But in mind, you feel my presence 
I find comfort your promise brings. 

© Leah C. Dancel 
Copyright © March 20, 2022 
All rights reserved 
SH-AUSTRALIA

18 March 2022

I LIKE THE WAVE

By

I'm sad like wandering waves crashing on the shore
Splashing crystal white sorrow
Every wave curled up in the sand
Effervescent love broke into tiny pieces
Each song whispering and then getting strong
Listening to your life as a desolate wilderness
Screaming both day and night; I roaring 

Waves dancing in my heart earnest love songs
But the soul falls to the waiting carpet 
Of a time remembering the waves of love
Lazy clouds don't understand me at all

Birds kissing, flowers kissing each other
The wind kissing and whispering softly
Why do I dream so long?

Why can't I kiss you in a long dream?
Hey wave, isn't your love the air?
Let me get drunk and breathe the ocean of love.

©HΓ n Quα»‘c VΕ© 
Vietnam

NEVER LOOK BACK

By Leah C. Dancel

In dedication to my younger Sister Precy Bierbaum who passed away March 14, 2021. 

Edited Version
March 19, 2022

NEVER LOOK BACK

One day I will leave this earth.
The only thing will stay 
Are my broken bones and ashes.

My earthly possessions will be parted 
To whosoever hands they may fall, 
Hoping they'll find them useful.

My children will never care
To whomever I will share
All material blessings
That  drape my life today.

I know my life is temporary
For me to enjoy what God blessed
Which makes me grateful every day
To Him belongs all glory and praise.

Getting old is a privilege.
Even that, is denied to many.
Each moment is an opportunity
To do something good is an adage.

Except those who knew me true
We're all sojourners in this life through,
Strangers whom I met at every chance
Their insights have powered my mind. 

One day, I will leave this world
At a time when l can no longer hold
I pledge then, not to look back
All pains, tears, and cares
Silently, I'll leave behind.

@Leah C. Dancel
Copyright@2019
All rights reserved 
AUSTRALIA
March 19, 2019

πŸ’’⛪πŸ’’⛪πŸ’’⛪πŸ’’

NEVER LOOK BACK

One day I will leave this earth.
The only thing will stay 
Are my broken bones and ashes.

My earthly possessions will be parted 
To whose hands they may fall, 
Hoping they'll find them useful.

My children will never care
To whomever I will share
All the material blessings
That  drape my life today.

I know my life is temporary
For me to enjoy what God has blessed
That makes me grateful every day
While I still breath, in Him I praise.

Getting old is a privilege
Even that, is denied to many
Each moment is an opportunity
To do something good is an adage.

Except those who knew me true
We're all sojourners in this life through,
Strangers whom I met at every chance
Their mindful insights have powered my light. 

One day, I will leave this world
At a time when l can no longer hold
I pledge then, not to look back:
All the pains, tears, and cares
Silently, I'll leave behind.

@Leah C. Dancel
Copyright@2019
All rights reserved 
AUSTRALIA
March 19, 2019

Photo Credit to Raquel Geralde Villanueva

17 March 2022

AFTERNOON RESPITE

World Poetry Day Offering

Ferry Ride

The Spit Wharf 


AFTERNOON RESPITE

Who will come with me to a harbour cruise?
Nothing fancy there, just taking a lil' time
Away from the conundrum of day;
Dusting off yawns; mopping out tiredness
And enjoying a lil' token of happiness.

We'll see the glory of the harbour
And glimpse into this nation's history:
It began right here, two hundred and thirty five years ago.
As we go through the afternoon ferry ride.

You are not scared of the water, are you?
Oh the sea is not rough, only just a bit!
Enough for the ferry to dance and rock
But not rough enough to roll its frock.

The waves are even friendlier
Than they used to be, on days like today;
It's fun to taste their salty spray 
that washes boredom away.

As the bow plods with gusto crocheting a bubbly milky way
Of pure lacy bubbles as we go on a ferry ride.

Look at the sun! 
Isn't it blinding you?
See its reflection above the water!
Shimmering, glimmering from that bright afternoon sun!
What a glorious afternoon indeed!

Feel the breeze, fill the lungs:
Inhale, exhale  that iodised air from the sea!
It will do your soul a world of good
How sweet to feel the ocean chill!

Aren't you glad you've come with me to this ferry ride?
The ride is not scary at all, is it?

Those hidden islands over there;
They're moorlands for yachts and sailing boats
That shield them from nasty winds and wild weather.

That's Fort Denison over there!
A postwar fortress, the country's vanguard of freedom and safety.

Now here comes the great icon, Sydney Opera House!
See its Mother Pearl shelly shaped roofs?
Hear the phantom of the world's greatest sounds and voices, symphonies and arias.
Performed by the greatest of great renowned divas and divos the world over!

Here's the famous Harbour Bridge!
Supported by massive pylons from end to end.
Underneath are green mass of  parks, great for family and romantic rendezvous!
Still hanging proud on its 90th Birthday!
Unscathed by stormy seasons.

This beauteous harbour is our crown, our pride, a jewel of the ancestors' heritage!
What a blissful ferry ride, to spend an afternoon respite!

© Leah C Dancel
Copyright © March 21, 2022
All rights reserved
SH-AUSTRALIA
#Tourism_Australia
#SOH
#sydneyharbour 
#sydneyharbourbridge 

Note:
This is an edited/revised version from my original manuscript written in March 13, 2008. Taking inspiration while enjoying a ferry ride after work cruising the harbour from The Spit to Circular Quay. I set my eyes in focus watching every movement and action. I couldn't come up with everything in one writing. So this is something different, to add spice to my tedious collection of thoughts: a morsel of a treat.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my ferry ride on this day.

1.  2

3

4


INFINITE SEA

By D. A. Simpson

The clear waters 
of an infinite sea 
filter the pale sands 
That grace a deserted beach 
in the piercing light 
of a vernal sun 
Anchored low in the firmament 

As it hovers over the realm 
amid the empyrean heights 
Beneath vast skies 
of flawless blue 
Early one winter's morn 
afore the day is begun 

As the nascent day 
nudges at the horizon 
While the world is yet a'slumber 
~ d.a.simpson ~

Image: 12019 on Pixabay

Source: ILA Magazine
March 18, 2022

15 March 2022

ON MY RETURN



On my return:
Not as a wayward lamb
Nor a prodigal son
Nor a wandering Jew,
But as a bard
sadly askewed.
When I returned
In my amazement
I found that
The rice is still hot
On the table of grace.
The water tastes refreshing
from the spring of love
Filled in the jar of amity.
The sun subdued
from summer's daylight
The moon is blissful
And the sky stops crying.
The dying grass turns greener
The pasture is reviving.
In the middle of the lea
Filipino Poets keep flourishing
Nurtured and nourished 
by faithful and loyal lovers.
Everyone is arrayed 
In their beautiful attire
In the fashion of Blossoms;
Generous in their robust blooms.
Each one is a wonderful
Work of art, finished or
Unfinished!
MOTHER EAGLE stays true
To her name
She soars to look out
For the eaglets with weak wings
Whose spirits are infirmed
And nurses them back
To their state of  health
With Archangels, Seraphims
And Cherubims by her side.
On my return
Let me humbly bring
The best version of me.
"Experience is the best teacher!"

©Leah C. Dancel
Copyright ©March 16, 2022
All rights reserved
SH-AUSTRALIA

14 March 2022

GOODBYE MOON, HELLO SUNSHINE


(Terzanelle Poem)

Adoring the night skies, tried to reach the moon 
Within my universe I spread my thoughts 
The inspiration floating through your beautiful noon 

My days may be soon gone like a fading fogs  
But not for my night which always lingered by your magical motion 
Within my universe I spread my thoughts 

The colors of those verses are the rainbow of your creation 
Even night might lullaby you too fast by its tender grace 
But not for my night which always lingered  by your magical motion 

Day is your strength which I borrowed to enlighten my moon in phrase 
Your day may be lingered for greeting my beautiful night 
Even night might lullaby you too fast by its tender grace 

You may say  bye to your sunshine and hello to my moonlight 
Night now begin to caress through your sweet wonderful dream 
Your day may be lingered for greeting my beautiful night 

Day now is opening my window towards to the memory of your sweet sunbeam 
Night now begin to caress through your sweet wonderful dream 
Adoring the night skies, tried to reach the moon 
The inspiration floating through your beautiful noon

Yanny Widjanarko 
Indonesia

Source: ILA Magazine
March 15, 2022

AUTUMN



AUTUMN 

Autumn, like harvestime, has come
with glowing colours like fiery reds;
As they illumine the earth 
like the orb of the rising sun. 

They spread like wildfires
as thick as the red mists in the morning;
And as burning fireballs at dusk;
Like the kindling brambles
thrown into the furnace.

Autumn is like a colourful carpet;
With leaves as scarlet as the sunset. Fallen on the ground like a bed of roses
It's like  a portrait of life of ease.

~© Leah C. Dancel
Copyright ©March 15, 2022
All rights reserved
SH-AUSTRALIA


#ILAMagazine
#SimilePoemChallenge

Leah Dancel so inviting, the Autumn sunset, and descriptive of warm colors superbly written and expressed. (Annette Nasser), March 16, 2022

Picturesque Poetry ~Mariquita Nosce Tandoc

13 March 2022

WHEN WILL I SEE THE LIGHT?

By Jeffrey D. Cejero


 
When Will I See the Light?

Thinking of my old life
Can’t stop these tears of strife
To sharpen this cold knife
When will I see the light?

Dark clouds covered the moon
Stars stop to shine too soon
Hard rain brought by monsoon
When will I see the light?

Wind whistled its dark past
Hope looked like an outcast
Nothing’s left in this vast
When will I see the light?

Flowers wilted and died
Mountains are bare and dried
Abyss is endless wide
When will I see the light?

My own shadow left me
Have no friend, who would be?
I trust our Almighty
When will I see the light?

Waiting means to endure
There’s always hope, I’m sure
Won’t give up, there’s a cure
When will I see the light?

Time moved like forever
To give up is never
Trust this bright dawn ever
When will I see the light?

Source: FPB/March 13, 2022

12 March 2022

BEFORE DAWN

By Leah C. Dancel



BEFORE DAWN

Your eyes look far away
To that horizon blue
Casting spells of sadness
Asking where life goes wrong:

Before dawn, an old soul
Arose with care; slipped out
Of bed, scarf-covered head,
Walking in solitude.

I followed her, obscured;
Waiving off fears and braved
In darkling light alone,
Trembling in shawl of cold.

Behind the old fir tree,
I watched her sitting down
On drifted freak worn out
Log washed ashore by storm.

Her countenance glum-filled
Spirit ruffled her brows.
Her heavy laden heart
At last let go, she cried

In silence. The ebb tide
Gently leaned to her side;
And tenderly listened
To her pearly teardrops'

Story of love embroiled
In complex nature of
Law; imprecated by
Ancient lords. And dawn cracked!

©Leah C. Dancel
Copyright ©March 13, 2022
All rights reserved
SH-AUSTRALIA


Comments:

Teresita Sy Giok Liong - Beautiful as always

Lucy Gulle - My dearest friend is very intelligent and prolific poet.

Girlie Abbu - Beautiful poetry! You are so talented, Manang.

Mariquita Nosce Tandoc - Nice poem, Leah.  Just like you, I have delved into poetry but mostly during my younger years and not consistently like you.  The inspiration to write would just flash into my mind like electrifying streaks of lightning in the middle of the night, in the wee hours of the morning.  I have kept them all these years--lyric poems both in English and in Tagalog, some of which have been published.  I could share one with you and post it on Facebook if you are interested.  I'll make sure to tag you.πŸ€—☺️πŸ€—


11 March 2022

THE MOUNTAIN and THE SEA

ANYTHING Friday for March 2022

THE MOUNTAIN and THE SEA

Upon the highest mountain's loft,
A herm of clouds descend.
Finding a place in which to lay 
Among the filial trees.

Down below the woodland echoes
A dreamy vesper's song.
Crooning birds entreat to silence,
They chant the air away.

Birds on trees obey.

By the stream the water gushes
Out between cracks and rocks;
Gurgling sounds in a symphony
They ring a melody.

Strong winds scattered the clouds to rain
Down to the sea it pours.
Mighty waves are rolling ashore,
To cede its ebb in vain.

Waves on sea obey.

© Leah C. Dancel
Copyright © March 12, 2022
All rights reserved


#ILAMagazine
#AnythingFriday
#Painting_LoveoftheMountainandSea
#HΓ n Quα»‘c VΕ©



IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN for
                              ANYTHING FRIDAY!

Write whatever you want, a poem, quote, MICRO SHORT STORY or PASSAGE, share your artwork or photography, or, Art/Poetry combination.

Please leave out the offensive, negative literature and Arts.

Thank you!

Begins now, USA time, 11:52 AM, March 18, 2022 and ENDS on SATURDAY, USA time before midnight. No one is excluded. Admins/Moderators can enter (except me).

All will be recognized.

Looking forward to viewing your beautiful work!




7 March 2022

MY WIFE

By HΓ n Quα»‘c VΕ©

Women are flowers in the fragrant meadow
On the mountain
full of honey
This propinquity for my wife
Being the majestic shoulders of men

Footprints you have stepped everywhere
Love carpet for your heels

My honey, your smile reveals the moon
I was drunk with a swaying willow figure
Your hands are like the ocean clapping
Lifting the boat, my heart is filled with waves
Your lips are waving ruby

The hill is dreaming on the chest to catch the Spring wind
The ripe peach cheeks have attracted love
My feet are close and comfortable

I am ready to be the universe for you shining
I’m ready to be a sea of ​​love for you dancing 
I’m ready to be a diamond necklace for me wearing around my neck
I’m ready to be love honey, drink forever listen to me!

© HΓ n Quα»‘c VΕ©
Vietnam


THE CRADLE of HUMANKIND

March 8, 2022


THE CRADLE of HUMANKIND

Justice and dignity; hope and purity*
Are rights women all over the world seek
With respect to their honour and virtues they uphold.
Symbolised by green, purple, and white*
The emblem colour in propinquity to what they stand up for.

Today, women around the world
Clasp their hands together
With boldness of mind and spirit 
In a society laden with social ails
Of mismanaged laws and inequality 
Prevailing against them.

Silent no more, listen to their voices:
In the hall of injustices
In the corridor of prejudices
In the nook and cranny of abuses
In all forms that reduced them to ashes.

Today, I pride myself:
A woman that survive my own 
Past persecution and tribulation
With head holding high above waters.

I join the community of my fellow women
Around the world in joining hands with them
In chorus we sing: All hail blessed women
The carriers of the cradle of humankind.

May our world be  changed from chaos to peace
May charity and compassion reign
May we be guided by the Holy Light
That justice and hope and 
Dignity in purity of influence
and intention in us reside.

© Leah C. Dancel
Copyright ©March 8, 2022
All rights reserved
SH-AUSTRALIA
#ILAMagazine
#WOWPoem_Propinquity
#InternationalWomensDay



Leah Dancel, "Wow! A great poetic tribute to women the world over and the connected camaraderie embraced even when negative winds of injustices, abuse and prejudice filter in, empowerment with strength and the willpower to survive shall truly prevail." ~Annette Nasser




6 March 2022

SOVEREIGN HOME IN THE SKY

By Leah C Dancel
Edited Version
πŸ–‹️πŸ–‹️πŸ–‹️





SOVEREIGN HOME IN THE SKY

Skyline, you shape my home in the sky;
Contouring the southern hemisphere;
Here, in the Land Down Under.

The golden coastlines are outlined
By your gallant height
Looking down the best harbour in the world.
All you see is beauty 
that sweeps the coves and inlets 
with your charm.

Look around you!
From Sydney Darling Harbour
To Circular Quay -
You spread across all points
Encompassing wonders 
how adroit humans are!

Engineering its cityscape 
in brilliant scheme;
Visible from distant bays and shores;
Crown with pride by dashing Harbour Bridge
And down her feet, the icon's eyebrows raised!

It is a world renowned, our very own,
Distinctly sitting on its prominent dais,
The Sydney Opera House!
It dazzles from dawn, and, at twilight, its reflection glimmers down the quay.

Skyscrapers transcendingly appear
Making human life look like ants creeping on the ground.

These imposing towers vie 
their vestal fame in the sky 
like sovereigns' greed of thrones;
Glowing by day at the touch 
of warm southern sun.

Apparelled in magical fairies at night
Behold the sight of a thousand neon lights;
Mesmerising in their beauty, 
They beckon habituΓ©s.

As they dance over the water's silvery silky face
A blinking mystical mirror shimmers beside
They find romance to every passersby.
Pompous structures posed side by side.

Along old Victorian edifices and more
Reducing architects of bygone years to shame
They squeeze, they quash, others significant few
Proud to cast shadows of their overbearing view.

Leaving diminutives condescending to its rule
High and mighty, they spruce the skyline bright.
The spirited skylarks freely swing and glide
 Above your frame of prodigious pride.

Now they find their own abode to praise
Each day brings homage to their nest
Home in the sky, your beauty ever rest.

© Leah C Dancel
Copyright © June 4, 2007
All rights reserved
Quakers Hill - Australia

NB:
Originally written 7 March 2008, the time I went to Darling Harbour on A Free Day.


















5 March 2022

A QUEST

By Leah C Dancel

A QUEST

Wand'rers are few, but I alone
sitting on the beach; 
Resisting melancholy, I
opt to mind my thoughts.
I turn inward and refocus 
my objective view
About life: where I want to be.

Combing fine sand grains, 
sifting through the hour clock;
With slowing, aging feet
Warm feelings aroused.
Eyes on the horizon 
flaming fiery red;
Seasoned  breeze from the sea:
soft, tactile and fresh.

The sand bank makes a perfect place
To sit in comfort and grace.
To meditate and contemplate
To delve and span
the mystery of Earth.
In vain, my thoughts
become a vanity.

Again, I turn inward;
The voice within directs:
Look upward instead,
and there you find,
the answers to your quest.

© Leah C Dancel
Copyright © March 5, 2022
All rights reserved
SH-AUSTRALIA
#ILAMagazine
#AnythingFriday



3 March 2022

𝑩𝑬𝑻𝑾𝑬𝑬𝑡 𝑷𝑬𝑨π‘ͺ𝑬 𝑨𝑡𝑫 𝑾𝑨𝑹…

By  Myriam Ghezail Ben Brahim

#WOWchallenge

𝑩𝑬𝑻𝑾𝑬𝑬𝑡 𝑷𝑬𝑨π‘ͺ𝑬 𝑨𝑡𝑫 𝑾𝑨𝑹…

Peace is :

A flower that is offered with tenderness
A smile that blooms on the lips
A sun that illuminates every shadow
A dove that carries the olive branch
A flame that burns in your eyes
A melody that APPEASES the heart
A clear water that gambols through the earth
A poem that rhymes with brotherhood
A hand that reaches out to its neighbor...
Peace is simply Love!

War is :

A thorn that is planted with rage
A grimace that sows lies
An ANTAGONISTIC veiled moon that hides
A vulture that devours its prey
A fire that consumes every soul
A complaint that haunts the nights
A muddy water that bogs down life
A promise that is not kept
A hand that is mutilated by weapons...
War is simply Death!

© Myriam GhezaΓ―l Ben Brahim

AN IRISH FRIENDSHIP WISH




For years, I kept this meaningful message/verse from people I'd been communicating with.

AN IRISH FRIENDSHIP WISH

May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

Sent by Mrs. Margaret Adair
From Belfast, Ireland
January 13, 2003
Via Email

2 March 2022

LA NiΓ±a BLUES

By Leah C Dancel

Window Snap
March 3, 2022

La NiΓ±a Blues

There's no slowing or stopping
Neither slacking nor yielding
For heaven's sake stop crying!
Ain't you tired pouring your woes -
Over dry lands, plains and sods?

It's true that you quench my thirst.
Thirst which drought has long cursed.
Swift is the curse time immersed -
In this weather tempered by -
Incessant grief and good by.

La NiΓ±a from where comes rain;
Rain of misery undue.
La NiΓ±a take a li'l breath;
Breathe in deep and bid adieu.

© Leah C Dancel
Copyright © March 3, 2022
All rights reserved
SH-AUSTRALIA
#LaNiΓ±a_weather
#rainfall
#KawsarRhymingScheme

PEACE BRINGS PROSPERITY

March 3, 2022



πŸ•Š️πŸ•Š️πŸ•Š️πŸ•Š️πŸ•Š️πŸ•Š️πŸ•Š️



PEACE BRINGS PROSPERITY

Out in the battlefield, red poppies were laying on the ground;
A coloured emblem for true courage
and valour had been found.

The stout hearted combatants though  weary and distraught;
At every gunshot, the bullets spew and hard they fought.

They looked up at the skies, cloaked with blackness of hostility:
Whence this antagonistic conflicts would end perversity
Against humanity with freedom trampled; so men could live --
In dignity. Should God's law appease their ordeals and forgive ....
Their foes and dissipate their atrocities t'wards humankind?
That peace may prevail upon the land and good will for mankind.

Somewhere far from home, my father endures in agony;
Abhorrent of human's lust for power of greed and envy.
There seems no end to this worldly strifes
How earthlings deal with such hopeless life.

War is borne by mortal's iniquity.
It destroys life and livelihood of man.
Peace unites men of moral decency.
Prosperity of living will enhance.

May all kinds of wars be appeased with peace.
Antagonistic ideals be ceased.

© Leah C Dancel
Copyright © March 3, 2022
All rights reserved
#ILA Magazine Challenge
#PeaceandWar




1 March 2022

A LONG DAY ON THE ROAD

By Leah C Dancel



A LONG DAY ON THE ROAD
(A travelogue memory dedicated
to Chak V Walker)

πŸ’πŸ’πŸ’

She drove home 
from the airport
Alone.
After a short respite
from a long flight
Having a cup of coffee
And a little random chat.

It was already afternoon
It shuddered my imagination.

How could this elfy woman
be bold and fearless
to traverse the wilderness
in a dark-caved woodland
that spans a hundred 
zigzag kilometres
before it reaches
the clearing?

I looked at her
questioning her wisdom.
I know 
she has more
knowledge than I
do, to doubt her.
She knew better
the way to confront
darkness, nobody knew.

Undeterred; unfazed
Nonchalant about risks.

Dark-caved mountains
Open highways and plains
Narrow, steep and winding 
roads passing through villages;
Quiet, small and tiny.
Sometimes dead or ghostly.
Sombre clouds threatening,
And high wind areas
breaking the monotony
Of a traveller's monopoly.

How many hours passed?
Silence is company
Few breakers of laughter
In between the drowsy
deaf tone of the engine.
Running without fuss
Wheels aligned on heels
Off the road without dust
Tarred and paved
Till she reached the clearing!

The town came into view
Speed and velocity 
in their mighty roar
hastened the momentum.
Then, the rain came
tumbling down like
it was a baptismal day:
a postscript to a summer spree.

Home at last, 
but not yet.
For there's another 
wooded bogland she'd 
yet to drive through.
Though not as 
dark as the caved-dome
of the mountains, browned
with mossy barks
and strips of fallen trees.

Unmindful of darkness;
In the absence 
of moonlight and stars,
they're nowhere to be seen.
The sky too was clearing
and the balmy night singing.
Home in sight at last
To her lover's delight 
Her pedals brake at midnight
And autumn had just begun.

Leah C. Dancel
Copyright@lcd2019
All rights reserved
Australia
2 March 2019

March 2, 2014

Post Script:

On your homecoming, this I dedicate…

Chak V Walker - my boardmate, my long time friend, my family who adopted me without ado, my flatmate, my sounding board, my treasury,  my boss, my master, my manghud. πŸ˜πŸ˜πŸ˜πŸ˜˜πŸ˜˜πŸ˜˜πŸ’

While she drives, I shoot photos.

Comment from Jeffrey Cejero:

Wow! This is a very good example of free verse po nay! You have woven beautiful story, used clear metaphors, used beautiful words to create images....
I love the last stanza so much. There are so many hidden meanings po nay. Accept this darkness po nay, this evening... it's the way to your bright morning and beautiful autumn
 God bless po nay.