When very young, I’d oft times go
To places where break winds would blow.
The sense I felt, I can’t explain
Much later learned - that sense was “Flow.”
Each day that passed I would remain
Intent on joy - escaping pain.
When times were rough I’d seek that space
My comfort zone ~ Nature’s domain.
I longed to feel love’s true embrace,
See others care with kindly face,
Hear words of warmth, not angry tone
By those who prayed - then shared that grace.
So many hours I spent alone,
Anxious to leave this place called home,
Still, time would drag its feet at best
And idle hours my joy postpone.
A feeling burned within my chest
That what was Right, was not this Left -
And I set goals to reach for more,
To find that place where I could rest.
A challenge - Life, I couldn’t ignore,
I’d had to sort through more in store.
I felt through how’s and questioned why’s?
Reality, sure came hardcore!
When loyalty came well disguised,
I’d read of love through other’s eyes,
And yet my quest would never end
I was intent on bluer skies.
There were times I found a friend
Along life’s road, that did extend
A helping hand to show the way
A place to which I could ascend.
The joy I sought in fine array
Would have to start with my display,
And when I learned that simple key
My past would fast become today!
I greet each morn with grateful glee
And wake the joy inside of me.
I take the time for 'quid pro quo',
Then feel each breath of wind set free!
Why did it take so long to know
That joy of name makes joy to grow?
Perhaps you’ll find my simple verse
A place where Joy found joy could flow ...
© 2007 Joy A. Burki-Watson
Author notes
'quid pro quo' - noun: something for something; that which a party receives (or is promised) in return for something he does or gives or promises
Rubaiyat - noun
1. A Persian verse form consisting of four-line stanzas.
"Today, Tomorrow, and Every Day After"
A contest entry
- Deeper Meaning by star crossed.
335 points, ended December 17, 2007, 12 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Bring Me the Delight & Joy in Your Everyday Life by RunningFree.
525 points, ended March 25, 2008, 15 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Who are you? by zammy.
700 points, ended October 14, 2008, 25 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Thank You for leaving a comment about this poem ...
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
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Interesting title, and interesting poem. it was quite descriptive, and had a lot of different feelings in it. I would have preferred something a little more suited to the topic, but i did enjoy this, thanks for entering and good luck
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This is absolutely stunning, the flow and rhyme are both perfect and compliments the fine imagery woven inside each beautiful stanza. A pure work of art indeed. Well done and good luck in the contest with this truly wonderful piece of work.
Shaz xx
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To me Rubaiyat means contentment with simple pleasures and your piece expresses that contentment well. You found it in windy places and I thought of how I have always found it by bodies of water. Tranquillity would come to me when I was a teenager if I went to a certain shining pool, back in the bush.
Thanks for bringing back the memory of that. I like the form and the rhymes. Good luck in the Everyday Life contest.
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For some reason you can always pinpoint in your message exactly what I need to hear. That joy of simple escape, though often elusive, is well worth the wait and effort to find it. The form is masterfully done in a style I've come to expect from you. Best wishes to you in the contest and the coming new year.
Sincerely,
Leo Long
ps.How long should one wait
for freedom from guilt?
How long does it take
to tear down what was built?
How strong is the seal
on covenant’s trust?
How wrong is the will
to give in to the dust?
How strong are the arms
that endeavor embrace?
How wrong are the charms
that will make one unchaste?
How long should one wait
for life’s simple pleasures?
How long does it take
to suffer forever?
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Terrific
Wow! Yes! I do find it so -- joy, here, in me now, too!
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Very lovely
I love the rhme scheme here. It is one I've never encountered. it flows very well. thanks for entering and good luck to you!
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VERY BEAUTIFUL GIVE AND RECIEVE. I REALLY LOVE THE LINE THAT JOY OF NAME MAKES TO GROW. GOD BLESS
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