Poet Laureate of the MidSummer Poetry Fest

[Deb]

Yes. To my eyes and 'inner ear' at least.

Other opinions may differ.

Gyppo

Thank you Gyppo. I agree. It looks better. I looked at it on my tablet and what a mess! Who knows what everyone else was seeing? I saw single words in a sentence tossed off to the side, completely off-kilter. I also appreciate your comment on the little girl. She has indeed been freed to skip through the meadows and chase butterflies.

I do not comment often on this or any site mostly because I get lost, press the wring buttons, fall into technical confusion. But this one poem of yours above, is a powerful gem. It merits publicity for its honesty and daring and courage. I'm a retired psychotherapist. I have heard countless accounts of betrayals and resiliency. This poem is not "a groaner". It is an UPPER. Bravo. Lecram

Thank you, Lecram. That is kind of you to say.

Yes, it is a deeply personal poem, that's what makes me worry about the groaner part. I've heard over and over how this stuff is done to death. However, If I thought it would be of help to anyone else, I'd share it. I'm sure there is plenty of relatable content there. I hope more people than not have the resiliency to keep rising like the Phoenix. I've had my share of depression but life is truly a gift and I do my best to make the most of it.

I think too many people can't get the pain out in words because expressing them is owning the truth of it. I had to cut this down to bare bones because it went on, and on, and on. I struggled with chopping off the part about the two weeks I had with my siblings each summer and the inevitable gut-wrenching goodbyes. I can't even write it without crying.

Something I joke about is that there should be a support group for people with A.D.D. and depression called, On and On and On Anonymous. Some people do not find it amusing but it suits and makes me laugh. If I can still laugh, I'm doing okay. Thank you for your comments and encouragement.

~Deb

[Deb]

This one is recycled from 2019 NaNoWriPo and tidied up a tad. It fits the Summer theme.


Tides

Mindless games
of Solitaire and Mahjong -
weak levies
against the turbulent tides
of an incandescent ocean
bursting with life.

Sanity ceases the gentle lapping
on the shores of my memories
as a tempest
threatens to break my grip
from the rocks I cling to.

I lose my grasp
on these thoughts
in a tumultuous
waterspout of words.
Snippets splashed away.

Logic escapes
in churning angst.
Thoughts remain
dancing in kelp gardens
awaiting the next storm.

I welcome the antagonistic,
ireful, rising swell
because I know
when the seas settle
an upsurge of anguish follows.

Then the ocean calms
to reclaim
its rhythmic push and pull
of memories
in tiny grains of sand.

The sunken ships
of my regrets,
recovered in the haunting depths
by luminous corals and tropical fish
wearing stained-glass wetsuits.

Low tide creates
a mirror
on the shoreline,
an orange and yellow sunset
with blushing clouds.

I find a sand dollar
and marvel at its wonder.
Catch a glint of well-traveled sea glass
and appreciate the undercurrents
that smoothed its sharp edges.

An intricate, empty seashell
held to my ear,
I listen to the ocean of my life
echoed back to me,
resonating in my soul.


~Deborah Manning-Galarza

[indar]

Canals of Mars
 

Unnaturally straight lines crisscross the face of Mars,
possibly canals,
signs of intelligent life, some guessed
a once flourishing culture
that wore the planet out.

Sci-fi books were written.
I read one about the irrigation of giant cabbages
that both housed and fed the inhabitants.

After a century of speculation we know now
it was nothing more than wishful thinking,
hope scrimshawed on a distant neighbor.

Some people seem to be born lonely,
a sense of cosmic abandonment
drives the search for aliens,
perhaps more advanced, who can guide us.

What if it turns out all we'll ever have is each other?

I think of whales and polar bears
out there in oceans of water
swimming for their lives.

I'd like to have them for friends, I wish I could talk to them.
I would say it was just us all along.
I would explain we didn't mean for this to happen. 

Reply 

[Deb]

Indar, I was wondering where you were and looking forward to you showing up. Apparently, you've been herer all along. I think I get tunnel vision around vacation time.

Great poem. My favorite stanza is this.

Canals of Mars

After a century of speculation we know now
it was nothing more than wishful thinking,
hope scrimshawed on a distant neighbor.

Reply

Especially liked the last line.


~Deb

[ajduclos]

....... I cannot find the un-sobbing words.....................

Aj

[Colm Roe]

Touching and poignant poems ladies. 
I love these events (like NaPo) where we are allowed to just appreciate poetry without feeling obliged to offer detailed critiques. And I can just say I adored these poems...thank you.   

[Tracy Mitchell]

Touching and poignant poems ladies. 
I love these events (like NaPo) where we are allowed to just appreciate poetry without feeling obliged to offer detailed critiques. And I can just say I adored these poems...thank you.   

Ditto, ditto, ditto!  

[Tom]

Yay!!! 

The time for submission has expired as of noon today and we have five worthy contestants.

Look for the Voting Thread -- it is pinned at the top as a sticky.

Cast your considered vote for the best poem here.  

Cheers.
T