WHEN THIS VESSEL IS GONE

November 17, 2018

By Estelle Cortes

I struggle to find solid ground,
Where my knees won't shake,
And my heartbeats don't race,
Where hearts don't lie
For friendship's sake.

I struggle to find meaning,
To this very existence,
'Cause love matters as much as
My will to live-
A thirst to be quenched.

I don't need to look for my Soul,
It has lived a thousand lives,
Long before this lifetime unfolds,
It has fought battles,
And won.
It will linger on
And live again
When this vessel is gone.

~Estelle~

Source: FB,  May 8, 2021

I SPOKE TO YOU IN WHISPERS

By Neil Andrew

I spoke to you in whispers

As shells made the ground beneath us quake

We both trembled in that crater

A toxic muddy bloody lake

I spoke to you and pulled your ears

To try and quell your fearful eye

As bullets whizzed through the raindrops

And we watched the men around us die

I spoke to you in stable tones

A quiet tranquil voice

At least I volunteered to fight

You didn't get to make the choice

I spoke to you of old times

Perhaps you went before the plough

And pulled the haycart from the meadow

Far from where we're dying now

I spoke to you of grooming

Of when the ploughman made you shine

Not the shrapnel wounds and bleeding flanks

Mane filled with mud and wire and grime

I spoke to you of courage

As gas filled the Flanders air

Watched you struggle in the mud

Harness acting like a snare

I spoke to you of peaceful fields

Grazing beneath a setting sun

Time to rest your torn and tired body

Your working day is done

I spoke to you of promises

If from this maelstrom I survive

By pen and prose and poetry

I'll keep your sacrifice alive

I spoke to you of legacy

For when this hellish time is through

All those who hauled or charged or carried

Will be regarded heroes too

I spoke to you in dulcet tones

Your eye told me you understood

As I squeezed my trigger to bring you peace

The only way I could

And I spoke to you in whispers......

Photo: Goodbye, Old Man 

by Alan Livingstone MacLeod

Source : FB/The Quiet Australian 

April 25, 2021

WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER

By Author Anon 

When this is all over,

And sanity's restored, 

Don't take life for granted, 

As we did before. 

When this is all over, 

The clouds will all clear, 

Take hold of your loved ones, 

Hug and hold them near. 

When this is all over, 

We'll hear the birds sing, 

Listen to their melodies, 

The joy that they bring. 

When this is all over, 

And children can play,

Let them wild and free, 

To make up for lost days. 

When this is all over, 

Remember the brave, 

Who wore scrubs and gowns, 

And the countless they saved. 

Source : FB,  Covid 19 Era circa 2020-2021

THE WISDOM OF BABYLON

by Rado Gatchalian 

Wisdom is given by Nature 

so that we can walk with the trees knowing well that our roots 

are the most beautiful part of 

who we are. 

Though every rhythm sounds too enigmatic

the message is eloquent

to a soul who not just listens

but admits that he knows nothing:

when one submits,

one receives.

He who bends his ego

creates a masterpiece

that is only revered by gods —

but why?

because only the same sacred

can see the same light. 

A blind can never see

what is beautiful: 

he who is in the dark 

lives only in his own shadow 

and never would want to be free. 

When Nature speaks of hate —

she instructs like no one does: 

only few words are spoken 

but it will invalidate the very existence 

of any strong alphas, including the 

strongest.

The Gate of God is awaiting: 

a birthplace of knowing, 

but as we walk towards a tower 

one needs to quiet the mind and 

to seal the lips, but with open heart — 

so that the monument of greatness appears to us. 

When Nature speaks of love —

she adores like no one does:

we become the art itself,

we become what love is —

indefinable but glorified forever

even after death:

that is love."

THE BROKEN GIRL

By Natasha Jordan 

Welcome to my broken home, 

There's nobody here I'm all alone. 

The walls they scream of things once said, 

They constantly echo in my head. 

The door in front it never closes as people never stay, 

The hatred and guilt always drives them away 

So welcome to my broken home 

I don't have anything to offer you, 

No love, no face 

I'm out of place and there's not much 

I can do. 

I sit in here and do nothing at all, 

But stare at these empty walls. 

It portrays the life of hurt and hate, 

My destiny, my anguish, my solitaire fate. 

It's like a projection screen playing a never ending show, 

It's like it's in slow motion, so painfully slow. 

So run now from my broken home, keep the door open as you leave, 

Because being trapped in here 

I still need air to breathe. 

Tell now about my broken home of all things heard and said, 

Because even as a woman that house still lives in my head. 

That little girl trapped inside, well that little girl is me, 

Even though I'm older now the horrible thoughts won't me be.

THE BOOK OF HOPE

(A Meditation on Isolation) 

By Rado Gatchalian 

Perhaps if tomorrow’s sun 

Shall bring the sweetest light to you —Now is the time to look at (for) your soul, You listen, and you know, 

You whisper, and you hope. 

You may not endure this loneliness 

But always try to catch the silence 

Of the wind, of the soft voice of meadow.

Perhaps in this darkest hour

Some of you are dwindling like a dust,

And some, breaking into pieces,

And more, becoming like a stone:

Gazing at nowhere, and heartless like you.

If today — you feel you are alone

And no one with you but the moon,

Be still and speak as gently as a poem.

If this world is empty and lonely

Walk and speak to every leaf in the woods:

There is a shadow that speaks no fear.

You look beneath the rocks and you see only yourself:

Ask if what you see is who you are

Or is the image a forgotten remembrance

Of a vivid day when you were still young.

And when you find it, speak to him like a child.

Truthfully, strive to cherish this time,

For tomorrow life will be chasing again,

Then, it is too late to find contentment And reasons to live and be at peace.

Remember, silence is a virtue:

But only if it is spoken with love and by lovers.

And yes, in the stillness of the night

There is no truthful beauty but the stars.

A STONE IN THE SAND

#Poetography by Rado Gatchalian

Among the million things that stand (or float),

The most contemplative if there is one:

A saint among the stars, fading or bright,

There’s an atom that is a billion years old

But people still inhale and exhale until now.

Eternity exists in the shadow, in darkness,

Quietly hiding in every particle in the universe:

We are born, and when we die,

We become one stone, everywhere, all the time.

When all truths become one piece —

The moon, the sun, and the earth

Become a little piece of rainbow of Time.

As beauty overpowers intelligence:

Love becomes the most beautiful stone there is.

Source: Facebook April 17, 2021

IF THERE’S A WAY, THERE’S A WILL

 By Rado Gatchalian 

Even the brave walks slowly

On a mountain where rocks

Are a symbol of timeless glory.

When we are at the altar of eminent grace

We submit not because we are weak

But because we recognise a power

greater than ourselves.

But even the weak steps a higher ladder

On a field where grasses and wild flowers

Are living testimony of inner strength.

When we kiss such immutable beauty

Every form of being becomes a constant reminder

That we suffer not because we are fragile

But we are given the opportunity to redeem ourselves.

Whether we run like a tiger

Or crawl like a wandering snail:

The exact measure of winning

Is not decided by who comes first 

But who endures pain with such grace

That even a mountain of great might

Bows to a warrior whose power is in the heart.

THE BEST PLACE

This is where time has brought meSome stolen moments in the land of fantasy.

I left my drama behind.

Temporarily, to ease my mind.

I summon the forces of the universe.

I'm chanting verses without rehearse.

Alamada Mountains here I am.

Swallow all my troubles in your calm.

My tears reflected in your sunset's glow. 

This pain... in the rain just make it flow.

Looking back, I should have known...

Here is the best place, my troubles are blown.

By Melanie Amante Mabao Maguindanao

March 15, 2021

HUMANITY

Photo: Credit to the owner 

By Leah C. Dancel 

In a solitary moment

Musing as I skywatch from my window Observing some monumental acts

But clusters of white puffy clouds

Are pinned in the sky, sitting in stillness Ignoring my prying eyes 

Unperturbed in their own mindful state. 

Spring is fanning its gentle breeze

As mildly as a bright calm day

With leaves of the trees swaying

Gracefully in branches and twigs

Albeit, in the absence of birds that sing and dance

Life seems dull and uninspiring; without them

Their music is what I long to hear like yesterday.

In such a time with so much space

To colour my day with gaily impression

What thoughts could be more enthusing

Than an effervescent mind that comprehends

The natural order of life tainted with pragmatism

Alluding a predicated chaos and confusion

At alarming scales, disarm humanity.

Humanity, the solemn word that brings back memory

Of those young boys trapped in a cave of darkness

Saved by desperate group of strangers to free them

As time was running out, and the process was slow

Tempered with uncertainty, yet risk had to be addressed

In everyone’s heart and mind, 

“God help us do the best we can”

And the answer came, so it shall be… 

Humanity is still alive! 

When trust, tact, and teamwork unite all hearts

Irrespective of colour, race and belief

Non-judgmental perspective, undivided ideology

Political partisan aside, as people work side by side

There’s no obstacle turn disastrous

When all hands join together in one common goal

An impossible mission for humankind is what we aim to do. 

Source : DX Lab State Library of NSW

September 27, 2020

NB. This poem has been inspired by the story of THAI CAVE RESCUE, June 23-July 10, 2018 where two notable Australian Cave Divers played a pivotal role in saving those young children and their coach in Thailand.

LET EARTH ENDURE

 By Jesu Ben 

A pox, a blight, a cursed end

An instance of regret

Let hope ring out – a message send

That love will pay the debt.

Let Earth endure, and hands be lent

Give edge to fading age

Let faith assert and stars assent

the damage assuage

RAIN OF BLESSINGS

Winter didn't hibernate

But the rain we couldn't wait

Drought thickens parchedness
The season under humourless spell.

That spell breaks its long silence
Weeping wet the earth not with sadness
For the earth around us rejoices
When rain to us at last descends.

From the sky covered with starkness
Blue and clear with cloudless days
Then sometimes rain clouds hovered by
Posing hope that soon all will be well.

Morning mists steamed through darkness 
It moved around to sweep clean the air
While the sky has long withheld the burden 
Today is here when heaven disposes.

Rain without you this land cries of affliction
Though you scourged with rage in diverse places
Floods and strong winds bring down calamities 
Here and there fires break through like hell.

Today, you decided to show us your mercy
Your strength of power as mighty as the sea
You rain down blessings to dispel aridity
Rain, we long to embrace you with divine graces.

Leah C Dancel 
Copyright@2017 

All Rights Reserved
20 October 2017
Australia

BY THE SEA

 By Leah C. Dancel

On this beach by the sea
I pore through the sand of memory
Wash by the rough edges of the waves
Reminiscent of home far away.
The rocks form a fortress
From intrusive waves of injustice
They're my citadel from the enemies
Who in silence rob my happiness.
A place of solace from loneliness 
To which tranquil of vicinity
Drapes me with peace and serenity.
Just as how it was in my days.
As I watch the blue waves roll
Fleeting from the deep far end
They beckon me to stroll 
Quietly I obey and bend.
With pride their forces play
To show their grand display
Their spray comes in wonder
Cohesive and majestic as the sea!

@LCDancel
25 September 2018
East Beach
Kiama NSW

THE RAIN WASHED UP THE DIRTY LAND CLEAN

By Melany Amante Mabao Maguindanao

 

I saw the rain washed up the dirty land clean.
The trees were dancing vibrant green.
The leaves that lost their coats of dust...
With scented freshness float at last.
The sky looked fresh and clean, and blue. 
It brought the world a brighter hue. 
The sun shined bright 'til time to set...
No hint of darkness, no, not a bit.
The moon that followed bathe the night...
With shimmering bright and silvery light.
Forever I wish, my vision will stay,
But fear caught up the image away...
The strong wind blowed and stole ...
This humble dream of a fool.

But who needs some silly wish on the moon...
When the firelight burns in your heart?

March 15, 2020

LIKE DROPLETS OF VERSE

By Yesu Ben

Like droplets pushed towards time’s barren shores

Our incidence will bear us to our goal

Not by the wind but each time like before,

By certain will and character enrolled.

The scythe shall every sculpted grassland shear,

And shall have them killed long before they’ve dawned,

And it sees neither greenness nor the years

for we all shall be merged with sea and gone.

The process is a long dark winter night,

A spiteful earth and window-shatt’ring storm.

Glass-like shadows will sneer at breath and sight,

transforming us unknowingly in form.

There is a day that waits but far ahead

It hides in verse that is yet to be read.

SAVE EARTH, SAVE HOME, SAVE LIVES

By Stuti Tandon

The beauty of the earth

Is where the wind blows,

The greenery in the garden

Is where the wind goes…

Winter’s cold wind

And pleasant summer sun,

The voice of the rain

And little children fun…

Stop cutting the trees

Stop making fires,

No more construction

Our earth will get tired.

Source: Your Quote

HOW I SURVIVED THE STORM

By Mandy Kocsis 

I’ve lived my life in Wonderland

It’s a place that’s like no else

Full of darkened fairy tales 

Where one must save one’s self

Each journey to survival

Is different from the rest

To each one there’s a lesson 

And you’ll have to pass a test

There’s rabbit holes and rainbows 

There’s madness with a blade

A royal heart to kill you

And a place where dreams are made

I’ve lived my life in  Wonderland 

It’s where my soul was born

And here I’ll write my story

Of how I survived the storm.

@2020 “Soul Survivor “ /FB

TO THE BEREAVED

By Patience Strong 

Trouble not your weary eyes

with gazing after vanished dreams.

Follow not into the past

echo of forgotten themes.

Burden not the memory

with too much dark and heavy grief.

God is good and offers you

the balm that gives the heart relief.

The dead have passed into His care,

What more could we desire to know?

They have travelled on ahead

unto the place where all must go…

Links with heaven we possess

through those dear souls beyond our sight.

Through their passing we, too, move

a little nearer to the Light.

GREAT THINGS ARE YET TO HAPPEN

By Doe Zantamata 

I look back with forgiveness,

both for myself and others.

I look to the present

with appreciation,

For those who are in my life

as well as those who are not.

I look to the future 

with faith and optimism

that things which never made sense

someday will.

And that great things

are yet to happen.

Source: POEMS/FB

MY FIRST LOVE

By John Miles 

Music was my first love

and it will be my last.

Music of the future

and music of the past.

To live without my music 

would be impossible to do.

In this world of troubles,

my music pulls me through.

Source: Ups, Downs and Roundabouts/FB

RETURNING ONCE MORE

I love you like a river which understands that 

It must learn to flow differently over waterfalls 

And to rest in the shallows.

I love you because we are all born

At the same source, with the same joys

And fears.

But when we feel weak, 

All we have to do is wait a little.

The Spring returns,

The Winter snows melt

And fill us with new energy.

Thank you, Spring,

For returning once more.

~Paulo Coelho~

WE ARE WARRIORS FOR THE GREATER GOOD

We use not guns, we use a hoe
We drop not bombs, but seeds we sow
We don't kill, we make things grow 
We don't pretend, we are what we show

We wage not war with our fellow mankind 
But with their affliction in body, heart and mind 
Poverty, ignorance, apathy and despair 
To destroy these things we will dare

Our heart is for the people and the earth 
We see them for what they're really worth 
Setting all the energies we have in motion 
Towards single-minded devotion 

We are a few persons in this existence
But as focused rays of light are intense 
And can burn a really big hole 
Such is the greatness of the human soul 

We are warriors for the greater good 
Yearning for a loving brotherhood 
Across the world with hearts unfurled 
We can make this real in our world 

We call upon all the people alive :
Do you just want to survive or to thrive? 
With your life you can make a difference 
One that will last ages and ages hence 

What you choose and what you say
They really matter alot 
Show us your answer to this today :
Do you want to change the world or not? 

We ask you this , our friend 
What will be your life's end? 
What will you make of your biography? 
What will you have given to humanity? 

We challenge you while you still have time 
In this short life of ours and thine 
For your own generation and the children
Make a difference... you'll thank me then

Get involved. Take a chance . Make change. 

BY FELIX AKICHO

Source: FB

September 6, 2020

JOURNEY THROUGH THE SPRING

Photo Credit to Karen Smeed-Verschoor

Snowfall in Bathurst NSW

June 10, 2021

By Leah C. Dancel

Days hasten towards dusk;
Cloudy skies chasing daylight.
Soon twilights settle in revealing,
What veils the mystic darkness that deem.

Snow clouds feather the air;
Wafting freezing blows of wind;
Ready to imperil the cautious days;
Icy drops pelting without mercy.

Like a lazy kite, it's movement seems
Confetti of snowflakes flying slow;
Like cotton balls from the pillows;
They dance amidst the unrelenting gales.

The blanket of dense whiteness
Fills the ground neatly trimmed;
Capping mountains, covering the hills
Spectacles of beauty; fresh and crisps.

Days are short, nights are long;
Shiver sends thrills to the bones;
Patient notes of enduring anticipation;
The journey ends as coldness reels away.

Author's Note:

I wrote this poem years ago reminiscing our Winter in Orange NSW. I took a mental note of everything that happened during snowday that occurred at daytime. We happened to live in a house on top of an elevated ground (that could be a hill way back) and I was fascinated watching from our loungeroom window  the snowflakes gracefully gliding on the air as if they were dainty Ballerinas. I was full of curiosity as it was my first time to experience winter, let alone seeing the snow until they settle down on the ground, in my whole life. ❄️❄️❄️.

Submitted August 31, 2020 to THE DIARY FILES-DX Lab STATE LIBRARY of NSW

PS.

Written in August 2006 and finished it off in September 25, 2006 when my poetic muse resumed to work after a temporary hibernation. I have had originally titled it Journey Through The Winter. 

TILL THE STORM PASSES BY

Till the storm passes over
Till the thunder sounds no more
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky'
Hold me fast, let me stand
In the hollow of Thy hand
Keep me safe till
The storm passes by.

Source: The Journey of Faith

Photo Credit to Elizabeth Martin via Bohemia Rain

MAKE YOUR MOVE

"As you're reading this,
your life's getting shorter.
Its ticking away.

I'm not saying this to frighten you.
Or even scare you. Though it may.
I'm saying this to awaken you.

To inspire you.
To rise you out of your deep slumber.
To really know you wont live forever.
To share your unique gifts.
To ignite your great inner fire.
To ignite your great inner strength.
To ignite your great inner light.
To shine. Brightly shine.
To awaken your great inner beauty.
To motivate. Yourself and others.
To love. Yourself and others.
To paint. To write. To teach.
To innovate. To sing. To dance.
To care. To feel. To listen.
To learn. To laugh.
The clocks ticking.
The world needs you.
Make your move."

~Mike Litman