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."

30 July 2023

THE CARAVANERS CREED

31 July 2023



@Allgifts Australia 


As we travel down the highways with our caravan in tow,
We pray to the almighty that the forecast rains won't show. 
We ask that roads are solid,  roos and wombats nowhere near 
And with some luck by afternoon we're settled  with a beer. 

Our camping site is not five star, not four or even one,
But we don't care for such fine things,  as long as there is sun.
As long as there is kindling close for our BBQ to fire. 
To us five star is not a room, but a lifestyle to desire.


The open air, the sun, the moon, the stars at night so bright.
The freedom that our travels bring, the worries all so light.
Except of course the dreaded curse of every travelling man.
When it's time to park and rest the eyes - the backing of the van.

Now every Vaner knows that at each and every stay, 
A "backing expert" waits and stalks for his new prey.
Like a  hunter in the wild he will watch in silent wait,
And at the moment of reversing he'll shout - "I'll do it for you mate".


It's hard to describe to others, the life of travelling in a van
No clocks or phones or timetables,  imagine if you can
Just maps and charts to study for destinations new.
And at each place a drink is had, a quiet one or two!

The friends we meet along the road all tend to be like us.
With greying hair and glasses, and a lifestyle lacking fuss.
Some say that we are nomads, with no place to call our home, 
But this is no offence to us, for it's Australia that we roam.

Copyright @ Allgifts Australia 

BURNING BUSH

By Leah C Dancel



BURNING BUSH
(An Ode To Sunsets)

The bush is glowing embers
like a fireball;
With asperity so peculiar
for this sunset rare;
It illumines the sky
in earthy, fiery suit.
A scenic spectacle at nightfall
as construed by light ---
I feel entranced  to its magic spell:
A burning bush is what it seems
It warms the cold in winter night.

@Leah C Dancel
31 July 2023
All rights reserved
#ILAChallenge
#odetosunset

Comments 
Annette Nasser: 
Leah Dancel beautifully written and expressed dear, your ode, I love in all its entirety but last two lines resonate...."a burning bush is what it seems it warms the cold in winter night."

TO BE ALIVE

By Samantha C. Lourie


"I want to rid myself of clocks 
And live by the rising sun.
To be guided by the moon
And walk off the beaten path.
To live on my own terms.
And not be scared to fall in love 
With everyone I meet.
To collect lots of stories.
To pass them on. 
To make my own.
To free my soul. 
To realise I've always been free. 
To be...
To be alive in it all."

@Butterflies and Pebbles
31 July 2014


24 July 2023

TO IRENE

By Leah C Dancel




TO IRENE
(Just be.. )


Be the child of affection
Be the girl of aspiration
Be the lady of admiration
Be a woman of inspiration
Be a mother with conviction
And a wife of compassion.

@Leah C Dancel
25 July 2023
#birthday_dedication
#IreneM_Allard

WISHFUL THINKING

By Leah C Dancel


WISHFUL THINKING
(When You Wish Upon a Star)

I tried to reach the sky
To see the moon and stars
So I rode on a plane
It went up, up on high.

By the window I saw
Dream clouds floating by
The moon and stars only shadowed
Above the plane who heard their sighs.

I only wish to touch them
And hold them in my heart
But they look too elusive
In a club for the exclusive.

I'm one who can't give up
And no universe to offend
My wish to reach my dream
Is to bribe my phone to catch them.

@Leah C Dancel 
Copyright ©️ 24 July 2023
All rights reserved 
SH-AUSTRALIA 







22 July 2023

THE LAW of SILENCE

By Leah C Dancel


THE LAW of SILENCE 

Things will get better in time 
Though silence made us estranged;
It's cowardice  to uncut the rimes; 
Leaving us cold in darkest bane.

Silence that's conceived in the dark, 
With doubts and fears bound to haunt,
Is set in stone from a rocky start -
Not one story book worth a pound. 
 
Down unchartered minds
Riddles and enigmas keep teasing 
Like unspeakable notion that grinds -
The law of silence has no bearing. 

Things will get better in time 
If we give way to abandon coldness buried in silence.
Let it speak and break the wall sans unwanted strains 
And speed up to efface all errors of time. 
 
©️ Leah C Dancel 
Copyright ©️ 23 July 2023
All rights reserved 
SH-AUSTRALIA
#Words_Australia 
#ILA_Magazine
#LeahCDancel 

21 July 2023

TRAGEDY

By Caroline Dancel Garcia

Tragedy—

You loved me like the colors of a wildfire 
The siren sounds in my heart cannot be tamed
One look at your burning desires from within…
My heart beating nonstop to the energy you summoned 
Its a miracle today and a curse tomorrow Two strangers dancing the tango of love or not
Never will the flames be seen again because you burned my heart. 

©️ Caroline Dancel Garcia

TOKENS OF LOVE

By Leah C Dancel


TOKENS OF LOVE

Dawntime awakening comes with old age;
Meditating through a divine commune.
Grateful for my  life, preciously given;
For each day I live,  blessings are many -
To count one by one,  in songs and prayers.
Joy in giving help is worth a pleasure
According to the willingness of heart.
Everything is measured back unto you
With the right  spirit,  all things become new;
Resplendent in virtues: tokens of love.

@Leah C Dancel
21 July 2023
#Mushtaque Barque
#ILAMagazinePrompt
#10lines
#10syllables
#10habits 

MY VIOLIN AND I

By Leah C Dancel



MY VIOLIN AND I
(Dedicated to Ray Chen, Star Violinist)

There he goes, basking on the city street.
I give my heart a nudge, pointing to his direction.
Deep within, I sighed feeling desperate.
What is he doing to my violin?
With It's broken-hearted string?
The bow tried to play winsome notes
But only a dull tintinnabulating sound
Pierce through the damaged string.
Somewhere in my heart, I  heard voices squabbling
There were restrained order of tunes,
but they're no mistaking for guffaws
Tchaikovsky’s BEAUTY and ROMANCE
Said my heart to him,  go slow from the start.
But he absent-mindedly drifted off instead.
Flustered with confusion, my heart bleeds in crimson sunset
Yet, quick-wittedly changed the notes
To what was left on the clef.
We're both forgiving, and kiss each other peace.


@Leah C Dancel
21 July 2023
#ILAPROMPTCHALLENGE
#WOW
#WINSOME/GUFFAW/TINTINNABULATION 

20 July 2023

MEMORIES OF BRIGHT, VICTORIA

My first come back offering to ILA
By Leah C Dancel

Theme: Memories
Background Story:
Trees in Bright
The town's major tourist attraction is its proliferation of European deciduous trees including oaks, elms, poplars, maples, dogwoods and chestnuts many of which were planted as early as 1866.
 



MEMORIES OF BRIGHT, VICTORIA 
By Leah C Dancel 

My sight caught this flaming red trees between the streets
With fascinating allure that took my breath away.
Avenues of trees swirled in colourful fleets 
Desired by many, delighting their wits at play.
The sight brought laughter to my children's palates
In profusion of fiery red to paint everything they imagined that day 
The thought  of Mother Nature who knows what's best 
For earth's fashion, flamenco  red is the only way -
To dig some memories of Bright, has me blest
It's a town renowned for Autumn Feasts far away. 
Bright flaming allure, fascinating with passion,  flair and sweet.

©️Leah C Dancel 
Copyright ©️ 21 July 2023
All rights reserved 
SH-AUSTRALIA 

Photo credit to Google.  We'd been to this place twice, 20 and 18  years ago, respectively.  It was a wholesome experience to see this beauty at the early days of Springtime.  I lost all my Nature Photos when my first account was hacked. Hence, I extracted this from the internet

Comments 

A momentous comeback, highlighted by a superb poem. Welcome....! ~Gus Perez Amio 

"A wonderful entrance that illuminates the heart both you and your poem, which by the way, written beautifully in chromatic imagery of words and lines." ~Annette Nasser, ILA Magazine Founder,  23 July 2023

Like a dream, the place is heavenly! ~Kathleen Valleser 

Looks like a painting brought to life by your verses. ~Jadj Dancel 

WINTER REFLECTION

By Leah C Dancel
Photo: Home Backyard
 


WINTER REFLECTION

I watched in silence
as the day slowly breaks -
away from darkness.
I savored the  stillness -
to find solitude
with peace in my soul.

The light gives way
to brighten the sky;
The winter morning
doesn't look bleak,
nor sober, than I thought -
in contrast to what
I feel in my heart.

I fathom not the wonders
how the heaven creates -
those fluffy ivories
hanging behind
the bare tree.
And hear the birds
gladly singing,
though Spring
is still far away.

@Leah C Dancel
Copyright @ 21 July 2023
All rights reserved 
SH-AUSTRALIA 

12 July 2023

HALLE'S NEW SCIONS

By Leah C Dancel

Repost

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened." ~Anatole France 

My three Sweet Babies contentedly nestling in my arms. Taken in 5 November 2010. I named them Pretty, Beauty and Lovely.


Her new scions are born into the night
In a vicinity deprived of cosy space.
The round crystal ball provides the light;
Lest they stumble in that sombre place.

A distorted summer dream tarries long.
I hear no wind whimpering from trees nearby.
Even the birds are anxious to sing their songs
I see no moon radiating from the sky.

HALLE'S scions bring me a basket of surprise!
With amazing purry coat in pure black and white.
A blessing of joy to see when I arise
Lovely kittens greet me with great delight!

©Leah C. Dancel
Copyright © February 9, 2009
All rights reserved
SH-AUSTRALIA

6 July 2023

A Wonderful Tree

By Lenore S Caytiles 

(My poem written 2 years ago. 
Wondering how can I write again.)

A Wonderful Tree

In a nearby farm
a farmer planted a tree
He told the tree
To grow tall and sturdy.

But the tree had other plans
When he saw the tall trees around
The little tree is intelligent
He planned to be different.

He grew big at the very start
Then, midway he decided to be apart
He split into two
So he wouldn't be lonely
He would have his twin 
To keep him company.

Both branches grew bigger and bigger
And people who pass by
Stopped and wonder
How these two big branches love each other
The ruffling of their leaves seem they are laughing, giggling and talking
At tlmes, they wave their small branches 
They seem to be dancing.

Sometimes when a lovely pair passes by
The tree makes magic
He lures the couple to sit on the low bench where the branches split
The lovers start to whisper sweet nothings
The two big branches start giggling 
Began rocking, moving like a swing.

5 July 2023

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

By Leah C Dancel





LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Never mind if it's Winter 
Don't worry if it's cold 
As long there is a sun
And the sky is blue
The air smells fragrant with love. 
When the clouds meet 
In their own terms 
Without a sign of causing havoc 
Nor threaten a menacing storm 
Your day looks glorious 
as you want it to be 
Whether you're at home ,
At work or on the road. 
Let love arise in your heart 
and be your vision 
On a mission impossible. 
So be it!

@Leah C Dancel 
6 July 2023
#birthdaydedication

4 July 2023

TO INDAY BELEN

By Leah C Dancel
5 July 2022
 

Photo taken on her 50th Birthday 
Vagabond Dinner Cruise 
Darling Harbour 
5 July 2014

To Inday Belen 

May your beauty forever glow 
May your days always bright
May your stars bespangled
May your sun keep shining 
May your life be filled with goodness
May your fortune multiply.
May your smile be the reason
To thank the Lord today
Because He added one more year
To enjoy a blast full birthday feast 
To celebrate!
Many Happy Returns of the Day!

Love from Leah and Friends
(Chak, Rose, Marlene, Virgie, Jill and Tini)

2 July 2023

You Don’t Just Lose Someone Once…

By Donna Ashworth


Art by Clouded Dreams

You Don’t Just Lose Someone Once…

You lose them over and over,
sometimes many times a day.
When the loss, momentarily forgotten,
creeps up,
and attacks you from behind.
Fresh waves of grief as the realization hits home,
they are gone.
Again.

You don’t just lose someone once,
you lose them every time you open your eyes to a new dawn,
and as you awaken,
so does your memory,
so does the jolting bolt of lightning that rips into your heart,
they are gone.
Again.

Losing someone is a journey,
not a one-off.
There is no end to the loss,
there is only a learned skill on how to stay afloat,
when it washes over.

Be kind to those who are sailing this stormy sea,
they have a journey ahead of them,
and a daily shock to the system each time they realize, they are gone,
Again.

You don’t just lose someone once,
you lose them every day,
for a lifetime.

@Donna Ashworth 


Lifted from Grace Celeste Chan Abbu

SHE CARRIES IT SO WELL

By Becky Hemsley 

She opens up her suitcase
And it’s loaded to the brim
She simply doesn’t have the room
To squeeze more baggage in

Her hold-all’s filled with years and years
Of things she has endured
But you think she has no hold-all
‘Cause she acts so self-assured

But just because she’s confident
And acts like she’s alright
It doesn’t mean her baggage 
Is inconsequentially light

For though her life looks rosy
It doesn’t mean to say
That she doesn’t carry burdens
That weigh her down each day

She’s fought off many monsters
Often swam up from the depths
She’s walked through many fires
And pulled herself back from the edge

So never think she walks on air
When she’s actually walked through hell
You just don’t know her load is heavy
Because she carries it so well. 
-Becky Hemsley

1 July 2023

THE BLUE LAGOON

By Leah C Dancel 

"Nature has abundance of peace. 
Be inspired. " ~Leah C Dancel 

 
JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN 
Auburn Botanical Gardens 
1 July 2023

THE BLUE LAGOON 

I stand tall as a shadow 
Beneath the blue lagoon.
There, in the midst of trees,
A scenic mirage calmly speaks.

Stillness surrounds in solitude;
Astutely  connives  with the universe;
My silhouette has no room to hide
In that open dormant space. 

Above the water rocks appear:
Like pillars of old, their strength reveals -
The secret power of the forest 
Lying beside a tranquil edge.

Ruled by a mystic being,
My shadow conspires with him;
I pledge to keep all tenets in the wild
Under the deep cobalt blue sky.

©Leah C Dancel
Copyright © 2 July 2023
All rights reserved
SH-AUSTRALIA