Candles on a Beach

A line of candles smolder 

on a lonely beach.  

Waves lap closer, 

but they’re just out of reach.

Rocks from the jetty

cast long shadows 

thanks to the white light 

of the full moon.

Fishing boats dot the horizon,

like symmetrical stars 

rising in the night. 

No music, 

save the rumbling surf.

So many bright lights in this darkness 

each illuminates for another. 

As it should be. 

Friday Distraction

I joined a poetry group on LinkedIn of all places and answered the challenge to share a poem about attraction without using the word. Here's what I came up with.


Friday Distraction 

She pulls you toward her,
Like north to south.
She speaks with her eyes,
And blots her mouth.

She clears her throat
In a subtle way
As the waiter takes
The plates away.

You suggest dessert
Or just peruse the list.
Making mental note of the time,
And the several trains you’ve missed.

She beams at the choices
Of chocolates and liqueur,
Of cakes and cobblers
And other treats that blur.

She is mesmerizing,
Alluring, a pleasant distraction.
Then she startles you
With her sudden reaction.

“None for me.
Too rich, too sweet, too soon”
You nod your clouded head,
Still floating like a ballon.

A peck goodnight
Across the cheek.
Your legs still tremble
As you try to speak.

She hushes you,
Gives a wave,
And departs across the street.
Red heat flushes through,
But you did not cave,
And kept it all discrete.


You can read other poems by visiting Wooing of the Mind. Throw me a challenge and let's see what I can come up with.

Wednesday Night Poetry

It's a Wednesday night, so why not use that as an excuse to share some poetry. This one is titled, "Where are the Poets?" from my Wooing of the Mind Collection.


Where are the Poets?

Where are the poets, the dancers
the dreamers who make things come true?
Where are the leaders, and believers
and the folks who know what to do?

Why are there quarrels
and debate
over things of nonsense
rooted in nothing but hate?

Why are there cracks in solemn foundations,
born forth from greed?
They sprout and spread persistently
like rats, or lice or weeds.

What are the lyrics
that makes a nation pause?
What notes must be strung together
for each of us to admit our flaws?

Where are the engineers, the doctors,
the carpenters with wood?
There are bridges to be built,
and underprivileged to be understood.

Call out the peacemakers
armed with diplomacy and grit.
Silence those who wage foolish war
with contracted guards, and arguments unfit.

Paint the future, sketch a dream,
sing out in fervent praise!
For the end is nowhere close to us,
so do not countdown the days.

We enjoy the setting sun,
and provide lights to darkened skies
so dare not fear for us,
tomorrow with certainty, we will again arise.