MY SUNRISE WALKABOUT

MY SUNRISE WALKABOUT

By Leah C Dancel

I went on a walkabout one day,

On this promenade I found by chance;

Just on my own, alone by myself,

Enjoying the vista of the sunrise by the sea!

I didn't mind the crisp coolness of the early day;

As my heart was warmed by the beauty I see

While ambling on the sea breeze wafted over me

Lovely to savour that took my breath away.

I stopped for a while to lean on the railside;

Soaking in the tranquility of the tide;

Silently watching the horizon glimmering

In lambent pastel golden glow.

This boardwalk is a safe place to stroll:

A great hideaway from the humdrums of life;

A place of refuge when cares tend to overwhelm ...

Just walk with peace your heart desires - right in here! 

© Leah C Dancel

Copyright © September 18, 2022

All rights reserved

SH-AUSTRALIA

Photo credit to Peter Baxter

Kings Beach, Caloundra, Queensland

September 13, 2022

PICTURE PERFECT

By Leah C Dancel

PICTURE PERFECT 

(Dedicated to a young budding artist:

Jema Elizabeth Abellera Cejero)

Perfect brush 

on edge of the canvas; 

elaborate stroke contoured

with finery in detailed control -

it's an artist's landscape

of her imagination.

Transfixed into the unknown

as she explored her hands

onto the board of mastery.

Beside the easel is a palette

of nature's endowed colours: 

red, yellow and blue;

orange, green and violet.

They're somewhat akin 

to a rainbow 

that hangs in the sky. 

Garbed in witty art smock,

she, in peace, found pleasure

and smiled at her own work of art:

To what I see is Picture Perfect!

©Leah C Dancel

Copyright © September 17, 2022

All rights reserved

SH-AUSTRALIA

BIO: 

Jema Elizabeth A. Cejero

13 years old, high school student.

Her passion for art begun at 4 years old from humble scribblings like what most toddlers do who learn to hold a pencil on blank sheet of paper. Born to parents who are both school teachers.

GALLERY 

Original Artworks by Jema

The Road Known As Life

By Jeffrey Cejero

The Road Known As Life

The road known as life

Has many ups and downs

There are uphills

And sometimes, downhills.

The road known as life

May lead you to a direct path

But most of the time, 

It’s a long winding path.

The road known as life

Is traversable in all seasons

It’s open in spring, summer or autumn

And even in winter, life must go on.

The road known as life

Is not always made of perfect concrete

Sometimes, it’s a rough road and rocky

And there are times, it’s slippery and muddy

The road known as life

Is adorned with blades and thorns

You might even bitten by a snake 

Or a victim of a hit and run along your way.

The road known as life

Is also shining with opportunities

And at the end of the journey,

You could even give your brightest smile.

9/11/22

THE ROAD

By Jeffrey Cejero

The Road

The road

Has many ups and downs.

There are uphills

And sometimes, downhills.

The road

May lead you to a direct path

But most of the time, 

It is tiring and winding.

The road

Is traversable in all seasons.

It’s open in spring, summer or autumn

And even in winter, the journey must go on.

The road

Is not always made of perfect concrete.

Sometimes, it is rough and rocky

And there are times, it’s slippery and muddy.

The road

Is adorned with blades and thorns.

You might even bitten by a snake 

Or a victim of a hit and run along your way.

The road

Is also shining with opportunities.

And at the end of the journey,

You could even smile as you peacefully close your eyes.

(C) Jeffrey Cejero

9/11/22

Footprints On The Shore

By Lucky Stephen Onyah 

#Footprints_On_The_Shore

There are footprints on our shores

Inconsistent pattern without trace

None could tell if its an entry or exit

Every evening the tides wipe it clean

By morn will appear fresh footprints

Ours isn't a ferry way nor is it harbor

However, 24/7/365 men ceaselessly

Breeze in and out with the flow of tide

Had I not enquired from the captains

Off course, this out of cheer curiosity

The destinations intended from it all

How much it is worth for such a trip

Perhaps the reason behind this drive

It dawned on me that its true worth:

Bad news, its a ten years wage cost

Worse of it all is the wayfarers plight

Worst on the list is the unknown path

Not comparable to the migratory bird

Which via mere instinct roam in hope

These anywhere lands appear ahead

For in as much as the shores bustling

And sweet voices onshore are calling 

These birds hop out, follow fate's call

Not knowing for certain what awaits

As men troop out to what is foreign 

So also we welcome daily strangers

Then I wonder why all the mad rush!?

By Lucky Stephen Onyah

All Copy Rights Strictly Reserved

            14th September 2022

Image credit to right owner

There is a place

©Hedda Tady

There is a place where we all dwell that’s hidden from plain view. How I wish I can show you.

Heaven is what you wish.

Never knowing you’re already there. Paradise is home, there’s nothing out here that’s a balm to all the wounds you think you have that are yet to heal.

But you were made to think your life is but a poor substitute for what your lords have, had and will continue to have for such is their curse. ‘Tis not a gift to never have walked barefoot, bare skin on ground ‘neath your feet. If only you knew how to feel beyond your flesh. 

Wind on your bare face untouched  by dyes that masquerade as beauty. Sunkissed cheeks that glow under a moonlight. Eyes that meet under the refuge of trees as old as time.

How do I show you all these? 

What gestures do I have some power over so I can take the cobwebs off your eyes so you may truly see? 

Life is fading away from this little body. Much wars has it won and fought. Wars that had nothing to do with winning, but more in freeing… freeing that, and those, who I am uncertain truly wish for liberty. 

Alas, being blind they would rather choose. For at least in it, they can delude themselves they are life… or joy… or bliss.

‘Tis not so, I know.

Does not matter. 

The illusion is a win for some.

Does not matter that it ain’t so for you.

Source: FB

"DET VOBIS PACEM IN PERPETUUM"

Tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 

(April 21, 1926 - September 8, 2022)

RIP

"DET VOBIS PACEM IN PERPETUUM"

(Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022)

Your crown is jewelled with love, duty and service

You're stout-hearted, having a sound judgement -

With embracing soul worthy to the Stone of Destiny.

Your life is wholly dedicated to the oath you pledged 

Devoted in faith - you vowed  your reign, 'be it short or long'.

A queen of dignity, honour, and power ;

Unrelenting to worldly pressures, stoically unmoved; 

You have given all till your spirit gave up

You've surpassed life's strifes over and above the will under heaven.

Your outstanding hold is beyond incredulity

The strength you possessed - unmatched by heroes, living or dead.

You're a legendary monarch in  modern history

None of world leaders has claimed the essence of that name.

Your frame became fragile of age, 

quietly in the absence of 'strength and stay'

The Crown upon your Head of Honour

you've now bequeathed to the anointed King, 

In silence you surrendered your will to the Almighty.

Farewell dearly beloved Queen 

May you journey on to the highest realm.

"Det vobis pacem in perpetuum.."

("May He give you peace forever")

© Leah C Dancel

Copyright © September 14, 2022

All rights reserved

SH-AUSTRALIA

Comment:

Beautiful tribute to the Queen. It comes from the heart; that’s why it’s so meaningful. from Teresita Sy Giok Liong,  September 15, 2022

Phillip came to me today

Poem Tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Written by  JOANNE BOYLE, September 8, 2022 published at Poetry dotcom

Phillip came to me today,
and said it was time to go.
I looked at him and smiled,
as i whispered that "I know"
I then turned and looked behind me,
and seen I was asleep.
All my Family were around me,
and I could hear them weep.
I gently touched each shoulder,
with Phillip by my side.
Then I turned away and walked,
with My Angel guide.
Phillip held my hand,
as he lead the way,
to a world where King's and Queens,
are Monarch's every day.
I was given a crown to wear
or a Halo known by some.
The difference is up here,
they are worn by everyone.
I felt a sense of peace,
my reign had seen its end.
70 years I had served my Country,
as the peoples friend.
Thank you for the years,
for all your time and love.
Now I am one of two again,
in our Palace up above.

WINTER

MICRO PROMPT

by Leah C Dancel

The London Visit (Dipolog Glimpses)

By Rosemary Miranda

The London Visit (Dipolog Glimpses)

For an English Major wayback in college

a visit to the Queen's place to pa homage

is a dream come true for this gal from a village

to breathe in the very air for the queen

andsomewhat feel a bit of royalty with fine women from the local scene

the grandeur of the place of great bards

the magnificent giving of prestigious awards

who can forget the chilly air in the gardens

the smart guards on constant alertness

the savory taste of scones and tea,endless

the tingling feeling of setting foot in castles

watching operas and praying in cathedrals

riding in its left hand drive taxis and buses

or taking snapshots outside red phone boxes

staring at the Eye and the stately Big Ben

passing through London Bridge of my dream

Feeling the Harry Potter fever

add to it Sherlock Holmes of Baker Street

Kneeling in St.Paul's Cathedral

a two-day trip to Scotland was a bonus

Holyrood Castle and Lochness cruise

museums galore fill the senses

All this a tribute to an earthly queen

who chose to leave this world

on the day the heavenly Queen was born

Farewell Queen Elizabeth  II

(rapmiranda 9-9-2022 7:02am)

MY BEAUTIFUL FAMILY

By Leah C Dancel

"The heart has its reasons, 

which reason does not know… 

We know truth, 

not only by the reason, 

but also by the heart." 

~Blaise Pascal

Katoomba NSW

August 16, 2020

My beautiful family.

We rose from the ashes,

not knowing that the ember

of fiery trials was on our side.

We rose from endless hurdles,

keeping our heads afloat,

above the flotsam of lack and want.

All life's upheavals were shaken off -

like dust that powders the surface;

They were storms we braved on -

that made us stronger day by day.

We just picked up the broken pieces; 

Quietly, we trod the road to recovery.

© Leah C Dancel

Copyright © September 8, 2022

All rights reserved

SH-AUSTRALIA

Comment:

"Excellent description of family's trials and overcoming the difficulties encountered in life." ~Teresita Sy Giok Liong, September 8, 2022

  

THE LADIES

By Dr Deena

The Ladies

You are so Special and so heart-warming, 

so kind, loving and graceful, each and everyone of you. 💖

You nurture the future selflessly,

You ensure our species' immortality,

Nothing makes you happier than seeing those you love, happy. 😊🙏

Dignity comes naturally to you like love is drawn to children. 

Your eyes are so compassionate and loving and your voice is so soft, 

like an exhilarating breeze on a beautiful day. 

From you emanates life and love and hope and so we look at you with awe and joy, 

and adore, cherish, worship and protect you as much as we can. 

God bless you all,

The gentle women we know. 

How fortunate has the planet been since the All Mighty blessed us with you. 💖

Deena Padayachee

Source: Facebook

September 4, 2022

UNTITLED by Leah C Dancel

MICRO POEM

(Inspired by Jeffrey Cejero)

Waking up to a rain, my heart searches in vain;

A sunny face I long, but how could I be wrong?

The day seems utterly grim and with a look so dim;

I will hold my head high, not letting out a sigh.

© Leah C Dancel

Copyright © September 4, 2022

All rights reserved

SH-AUSTRALIA 

Photo: Sydney Harbour

Circular Quay

August 31, 2022

Comment Verse

For you have us to make you smile.

But should you need to let out a sigh,

Here are our shoulders, for always, not just for awhile.

©Jadj Dancel 

The Grass That Was Me

By Jeffrey Cejero

#AnythingFriday

The Grass That Was Me

I was born a loser, always felt a loner.

Destined to kiss the land, ne'er to touch the sky grand. 

I am easily swayed and have nothing but blade.

Puddles can make me drown, summer can burn my crown.

I wish I were a tree that could grow tall and free

Whose fruits could touch the sky and leaves would never dry.

Here is a wild flower as fresh as a shower.

It blooms with a sweet smile, attracting bees from miles.

One extreme summer day, a lightning struck the hay.

Fire spread and burned us all, and we were judged to fall.

The wild flower was gone, the tree had no more dawn.

The low-lying weak grass that was me, turned to dust.

The bright moon waxed and waned, and dark clouds rolled and rained.

The burnt earth seemed weeping, thirsty roots were growing

Until my first leaves grew, giving me life that's new.

Life is full of wonders, a puzzle to ponder.

I may not be a tree as tall as you can see.

I'm not a wild flower that blooms smiles of power.

All I have are green blades, my source of hues and shades.

Happiness is a choice, a million to rejoice.

(C) Jeffrey D. Cejero

       09/03/2022

Australia Postcard Micro promot

By Rosemarie P Miranda

Number 1

Rated Excellent 

Micro Prompt Quatrain Free Verse

Australia of my Dream

The magic and mystic of this continent

is the dream of a lifetime for a wanderlust

the rolling hills,clear azure waters beckon

wonders of nature and man combined

The woodlands teem with life

the cities regal,buildings stately

the perfect place for a family get-away

the winds chime,music sublime

 A land  down under overwhelms the senses

gustatory delights for the  picky taste buds

The museum and opera houses cradle

its culture artistic proofs of man and nature

Bring me to this place of wonder

to flap my wings,unleash my words

to shape a poem of simple grandeur

My fervent wish for next year's spring

(rapmiranda 9-2-2022 1:24pm)

September 4, 2022

#MicroPromptQuatrainFreeVerse

Rated: Marvelous 

Australia

Australia, a distant land

Where the aborigines live

Arid land and immense deserts

Side by side with the most intense cities.

Australia queen of Oceania

Where the roads go on forever

A coral barrier appears

We come from far away to admire it.

Australia island land

Where the water is always so clear

An island lies beside it

Tasmania it was named.

Australia mountain area

Where the desire to be free wins us over

Uluru, Kata Tjuta, sacred mountains

Are wonders to visit.

© Myriam Ghezaïl Ben Brahim 

2/9/2020

LIFE IS SIMPLE

Posted with permission by Sai Prakash

LIFE IS SIMPLE !

My dear child Life is so simple 

All you need is  Sea,Sun and sand 

Never complicate life 

Get up early in the morning

Take a stroll to the beach

Sit for a while on the golden sand that reflect each ray of the Sun

Many life lessons you can learn

Watch the Sun rising from the vast expanse 

Meeting the horizon 

The relentless efforts of the waves  to wash your feet 

As the sand beneath acquiring warmth 

Life is simple my dear 

Learn from each experience

Sea , Sun and sand the best teachers 

Teaching you the intricacies of life 

Sun to be punctual on all days 

What may come ,what may go 

Sea a momentary calm before the storm

Sand the mute witness to the celestial events 

My dear be close and part of nature 

You can learn your life lessons the easiest way

(C) Saiprakash

Photo courtesy: Dr.Addala.S.Narayana

END of TIME

By Leah C Dancel

Lurline Street

Katoomba NSW

August 15-16, 2020

On My 70th Birthday 

Inspired from the song

"MY Grandfather's Clock" 

END of TIME

No one can race against time

Nor time will pit against our will

It has no boundaries set

For men to choose his end.

It's only through God's  divine power

That He set our afterlife timepiece

At certain point of our earthly journey 

His nod stops us, as we reach the end.

© Leah C Dancel

Copyright © August 31, 2022

All rights reserved

SH-AUSTRALIA

Posted at ILA Magazine