Sample Poems

 

Introduction


LOVE HITS THE GROUND RUNNING.





"When love is in the heart, and the mind is well, there's no desire to harm or kill,
but rather, a desire to protect and spare, and to show loving thought and care."
The poet, author


Yes, twelve sample poems, and a tincy bit more of what to expect.
The poetry, and other, on my website, covers many subjects.

What's put on this page may or may not be found elsewhere on my website,
and any poem or other that's here might be replaced and put elsewhere at anytime.

For notes regarding my poems, and the usage of my work, see my page Author's Pen which is found on my page
Yours Sincerely.


BY THE WAY, AND POEM WISE:

On my website you'll find:
Rhyming poetic stories;
Rhyming poems;
Ground breaking rhyming poems in the sense that they bridge the gap between poetry and prose with their varying longer lines (depending on the poem, of course), thus freeing poetry from its somewhat rigid constraints;
and
Alternative rhyming poems, poetry and prose fusions, or simply prose (all marked by few full stops, somewhat rap like, but not so). These all have an orange title, and have also been presented in bolder print. Likewise:
Capitalised alternative poetry or prose which is treated differently, and is generally untitled.

 All in all, poetry that simply does its own thing.


BEHIND EVERYTHING
 — DEBATE, CONCERN, ADVICE, INSTRUCTION, IMPLEMENTATION, CENSURE, PENALTY —
 THERE SHOULD BE LOVE.


"Given all the signs, this world's desperately in need of changed hearts and minds."

"We either fly on the wings of love's goodness, or slither on the belly of hatred's evil."
The poet, author







 
Begining with a light-hearted poem.


On The Road


As well as a petrol stop, there needs to be a regular hug oasis,
A mood enhancing top up centre in various accessible places.
No credit card necessary, the service free, hearts pumping welcomingly,
And thus one ready to go again, one’s mood tank never on low, or empty.

Yes, a hug oasis in various places, attendants ready and waiting,
And a sign as large as can be, which, “A free hug on the journey,” is stating.
Oh, what a difference such would make, road rage a thing of the past, tickets too,
Everyone cruising calmly and smilingly, seen waving at me and you.

By Lance Landall


"Love is a hugger and not a mugger."
The poet, author





General, secular.


As Corny As It May Sound


Yes, as corny as it may sound, and given how love’s been abused, made soppy;
In other words, sentimentalised to death, exchanged for a weakly copy,
Love should be the beginning and end of everything that we say and do,
And everything in-between, what represents me, and what represents you.

Oh yes, love the essence, the core, the heart of every plan and desire,
And why too, of everyone’s best interests and health we should inquire.
True happiness and joy never secured by inwardness, but outwardness, and
That’s what love’s about — OTHERS — never us, which too many fail to understand.

Yes, love is real, love is true, love is everything but what it’s not, and so
What love is, we need to know, lest in our ignorance, the opposite we show.
And love knowing certain things should be said and done, but according to its way,
And until such becomes our way too, things will inevitably go astray.

And so, as corny as it may sound, given how love’s oft been poorly portrayed;
In other words, murdered by undue praise, dulled by not calling a spade a spade,
Love should be the flag on every pole, the banner of every parade,
The bottom line, and far from commercial, but rather, delightfully homemade.

By Lance Landall


"Love seeks every heart, but not every heart seeks love."
The poet, author





You're Not Alone


I wish I could remove your suffering, or is it heartbreak you’re going through?
But all I can do is show that I care via word or act, thus thinking of you.
'Cause who’d ignore a fellow traveller struggling with pain or grief? No, not I,
This world having given me many a reason to sigh, cry and question “Why?”

Yes, there’re many of us who’ve suffered too, though I’ve no desire to talk of me,
But rather, to let you know that you’re not alone, though feeling so, possibly.
And if so, understandably so, for this world can be very harsh and cold,
Or so it seems until the cheer of a caring rosebud is seen to unfold.

Perhaps it’s just a hug you need, or arm around the shoulder, such no mere token,
'Cause sometimes greater thoughtfulness is shown via an act where words aren’t spoken.
In fact, words oft getting in the way, some folk kind of clumsy with what they say,
But meaning well, though who among us never errs, isn’t seen to wrongly weigh?

Yes, be it physical or emotional, some things are very hard to bear,
And why it’s reassuring to know that folk who truly love and care are near.
'Cause though they can’t wave a magic wand, they can seek or pray on our behalf, and
In the meantime, via word or act, show that they really feel for us, understand.

By Lance Landall


"If love had its way, it would have all the say."
The poet, author





May It Be So, Son


May your gratefulness for another day, the wonder of life and creation,
Steer your course on this Earth, your thoughts, words and actions in every situation.
You mindful of the gift of life that you have received, and that others have rights,
And that too few are heroes and heroines, which your attention thus invites.

Yes, may your birth produce much kindness, a love for man and every creature seen,
Your eyes and ears sensitive to every cry, your heart and conscience sound and clean.
And you, always prepared to lend a hand, more attuned to other’s needs than yours,
And never turning to any means but the right means, a man of peace, not wars.

May your treatment of women be nothing short of outstanding, you thus a man,
Not someone trying to pass himself off as one, chivalry hardly his plan.
But rather, you protective and honourable, speaking out despite the roar,
Your mum and dad proud, your wife experiencing that happiness she foresaw.

Yes, may it be so, son, this Earth having been the better for your presence here,
And all whose path you’ve crossed, come that time when beneath graveyard clods you disappear.
'Cause too many misuse the gift they’ve been given, leaving this Earth all the worse,
Hence why I’m praying that your entrance will prove to be a blessing, not a curse.

The truth is, that men come and go, they either selfish or selfless, women too,
And as far as those selfless men go, and in the scheme of things, they rather few.
Most men saving their own skin, out for their own ends, simply living for the day,
Rather than searching for truth, living to serve, and desiring a better way.

By Lance Landall


"Love likes to steal the show, but it needs the stage, and everyone's say so."
The poet, author





Window Dressing


There’re many religions with their varying beliefs, this or that ritual,
But it’s all just window dressing if love’s not at the helm, and behind them all,
If they’re not passionately anti-violence, anti-war, and anti-hate,
Anti anything that harms or injures another soul, shows some evil trait.

Yes, they can speak of Jehovah, Allah or Buddha, and have their set of rules,
But if love’s not their every word and action, they might as well down their tools.
Yes, if they’re not deeply committed to gutsy, tender loving thought and care,
Nor bleeding and raging within over maiming and killing, their heart’s cold and bare.

If they’re toting guns, or waving placards that would do a zealot proud, and are
 Wanting to enforce rather than influence, and turn a chat into a spar,
They’re not only a very real threat, but more a black hole than a shinning star,
A bad example, even false witness, whose words and ways simply punch and mar.

Yes, too many wear their religion rather than live their religion, and how
Hypocrites abound, and how love often takes a back seat to some sacred cow.
And all when love should be first and foremost, in and behind everything, which
Shows the truth of the matter, state of one’s religion, despite some clever pitch.

All why those hollow religions might as well down their tools, for what do they gain
If they’re just another set of rules, not there to change, but more command and train?
Hence that need of changed hearts and minds, that inward change, which religion’s surely there for,
And if not, it’s no better than civil law, broken at will, love not at the core.

By Lance Landall


"If love ran for president, supported by every resident, it would never be out of office,
and would set a beautiful precedent."
The poet, author





It's So Easy


It’s so easy to look at others (and sound evaluations must oft be made),
But it's clear we all have our own sad flaws and failings, and some price for wrong have paid.
Yes, most of us needing more than just a cut and polish, and yet, pointing harshly,
And this, when many are struggling with who knows what, or they're clinging perilously.

Yes, insensitive words and acts can act like boots on fingers, and down many go,
Cutting stones and rocks showering them as they plummet; other R.I.Ps below.
And we with all the excuses as to why they have only got themselves to blame;
Well, one way or another, and self-righteousness too often adding to our shame.

Yes, it’s true that many have caused their own dilemma, having acted foolishly,
But hey, it’s better to give them a helping hand and not leave them feeling angry.
For anger that's fuelled by frustration or desperation can kick back at us all;
Well, one way or another, and why it pays to show heart and make the better call.

And where’s our humanity, that milk of human kindness, that selfless love, and,
That mercy that's also long-suffering, that attempt to try and understand?
After all, friend, what if the boot was on the other foot, and thus we in their place?
For life has a habit of toppling thrones and rebuking any who don’t show grace.

By Lance Landall


"If love blew into town, a smile in each holster and not a frown, every negative would go down,
despatched in a positive gown."
The poet, author





Never Wound A Woman's Spirit


I was thinking about you, Son, and how stress can oft get the better of you,
And hence that flying oft the handle, or that harshness, which so much harm can do.
All why I feel for your wife, Son, and you’re very lucky to have her, you know,
So hey, never wound a woman’s spirit, but only loving, tender care show.

The truth, Son, is that while wounds may heal, the scar still remains in the memory,
Be it betrayal, humiliation, something cruel said, or physicality.
The latter a no go path, of course, and a path that I’m sure you wouldn’t take,
But reckless words and actions are bad enough, and can have her lying awake.

Yes, you don’t want her thinking, Son, so mind all those things that you might say or do,
Because once you wound your wife’s spirit, Son, you damage that love she has for you.
Some things one can get over, Son, but a wounded spirit doesn’t always heal,
Because you’ve pierced her very heart and soul — and believe me, son, that’s a big deal.

By Lance Landall


"Love should be in charge of every relationship, the overseer of both intimacy and companionship."
The poet, author





Harm Earth, Harm Us


The Earth is as surely us as is our body, ’cause when we foul the Earth, we
Destroy what sustains us, thereby attacking our very selves, effectively,
’Cause we’re as dependant on Earth as we are on our bodies, ’cause mess them up,
And both will cease to be — and thereby, we having placed poison in our own cup.

Just like us, our planet’s a living, breathing organ that’s easily harmed too,
And all why sense shouts, “Look after both!” — carelessness seeing either go askew.
Yes, our body’s us, and Earth too, they so dependant on each other, and so,
We looking after them and they looking after us, so mind what seeds you sow.

In other words, we and Earth are intimately connected — wedded, lets say,
Utterly in need of each other, and hence why we’re caretakers, by the way.
In other words, clearly called to look after both, ’cause when we don’t, there’s trouble,
And the sad consequences of such soon bursting some selfish, thoughtless bubble.

And that bubble now one that’s worldwide, sadly, folly having gone on for years,
Pollutants, deforestation, plundering and the likes soon followed by tears.
Unheard of storms, raging fires, famines, pestilences and more to follow,
Unless we act now! — and might it be too late given those in sleepy hollow?

By Lance Landall


"Love has only one set of clothes, and each item will fit you, so why not wear them too."
The poet, author





The Absence Of


Have you noticed how world leaders never talk about love, nor changed hearts and minds,
But rather, anything but, which clearly shows a world that’s in tragic decline.
Sure there’s peace talks, ceasefire negotiations, but not the root cause of it all,
That corruption of humanity, or what Christians refer to as the Fall.

Oh yes, there’s been a fall alright, the world full of hate, anger and injury,
Criminality and suicides, and there're wars and rumours of wars, sadly.
Yes, selfishness, thoughtlessness, lawlessness and recklessness has got us nowhere,
And hence that mess we’re in, never learning, simply acting as if we don’t care.

And all why naught will change until we change, gone morals, standards and principles,
Which has ushered in the many woes we have — and hearts and minds too, full of ills.
Yet still that talk about anything but love, that need of renewed hearts and minds,
Those critical foundational qualities, necessary demarcation lines.

Yes, politicians come and go, other leaders too, promising this or that,
But all disappointing, and so it’ll remain, until people learn where it’s at.
Yes, character it’s called, and having a deep love for humanity, but no,
All we see is ambition, agendas, spinelessness, those who just go with the flow.

Thus liberty and free speech always under threat, even human life, and why
There has got to be a people change, gone the facade, pretence, fudging and lie.
Goodness not coming in a can, nor alternating, its needle true to the pole,
Thus love behind its every thought, word and action, encompassing the whole.

And that’s the presidents, prime ministers, mayors and so on that are needed here,
Not zealots, not enforcers, but those who’re balanced, compassionate, true and fair.
Noble men and women, not hypocrites, religious fanatics, nor braggers,
And nor those charlatans who hide behind things with their trickery and daggers.

Yes, leaders come and go, mostly of the same ilk, thus repeating history,
A corrupt society producing corrupt leaders — yes, more injury.
Thus truth always having its martyrs, and falsehood its persecutors, and yet,
People still choosing poorly given they’re no better, hence that flow of regret.

By Lance Landall


"Where love doesn't govern the conscience, the heart needs an ambulance."
The poet, author





Christian poem.

 

Gracious Love


There’s nothing more amazing than that love and grace manifested at Calvary,
A love and grace that’s still manifested today on behalf of humanity.
A love and grace that’s beyond our comprehension, even our mortal dimension,
A heavenly, intentional and generous sacrificial intervention.

Yes, a love and grace that everyone should embrace with open arms, heart and mind,
'Cause such has always sought both the present and eternal well-being of humankind.
Yes, unfathomable love that’s showered upon undeserving humanity,
And gifted grace, grace that saves, frees, empowers, grace that’s guaranteed and heavenly.

In other words, gracious love, love that provides hope, and lightens and brightens each day,
Love that despite Adam’s fall and our own rebelliousness, has provided a way.
Love that paid a price that cannot be matched, love that beggars belief and description,
And that on the hands and feet of its source — Jesus — bears our personal inscription.

Yes, gracious love, love and grace combined, a heavenly blend with you and I in mind,
'Cause God so loved the world that He sent His only Son in order to save mankind.
A Son whose love but merely reflects the Father’s, a Son whose actions said it all,
Actions that love and grace had in readiness should humanity succumb and fall.

So much could be said, and often is, regarding such love, such grace — yes, such mercy,
But suffice to say, love found a way, the only way, via that cross at Calvary.
'Cause love knew only grace could save, not an ounce of human endeavour (perish the thought),
'Cause we, fallen and sin sick, wouldn’t have a hope, if via our works, we Heaven sought.

Hence why we sing “amazing grace,” 'cause we don’t deserve such, never could, shouldn’t try,
'Cause Christ did it all, and we’re unable, though were we able, in self we’d glorify.
Thus grace it is, and grace alone, that Christ be glorified, and deservedly so,
'Cause there’s only One who’s worthy, truly righteous, and to whom much gratitude we owe.

Oh yes, what love, what grace, that willingly took our place, and suffered on Calvary,
That we, via our response, could receive power from on high, and immortality.
Yes, what love, what grace, that leaves every author, artist or preacher scratching their head,
'Cause such will never be fully grasped regardless of what is penned, painted or said.

By Lance Landall


"Time is a thief that ends in grief, and hence that need of a hope-filled belief."
The poet, author





Alternative capitalised poem.


IF YOU LOOK AROUND THE WORLD TODAY, WHERE THERE'S GATHERING CLOUDS OF GREY, IT'S CLEAR THAT IT'S NOT LOVE LEADING THE CHARGE, SAD TO SAY, EVERYTHING BUT, MOST EYES AND EARS SHUT, AND HENCE THE MESS WE'RE IN, CALL IT FOLLY OR SIN — OH, WHERE TO BEGIN?
AND HERE IS WHERE WE ARE WELL AND TRULY STUCK, JUST LIKE A HEAVY TRUCK IN SODDEN MUCK, LOVE NEEDING TO COME TO THE RESCUE — A SAVIOUR, ULTIMATELY, WHO MANY BELIEVE IS DUE — SO MUCH ASKEW — YES, CHANGE SO BADLY NEEDED, WISDOM NEEDING TO BE HEEDED, AND LIKE I SAID, LOVE AT THE HEAD, NOT SELFISH AGENDAS, EVIL AGENDAS, WARMONGERING, A GLOBAL GRAB (OPPS, SHOULDN'T BLAB) — YES, THE WORLD FULL OF OFFENDERS, LAW BREAKERS AND BENDERS, HEARTS AND MINDS FAR FROM SOUND, ALL WHY EVERY ILL IS SEEN TO ABOUND, AND HENCE THAT DAMAGE TO THE SEA, SKY AND GROUND, AND THAT CARNAGE WHICH IN SOCIETY IS FOUND, IT ALL BAD NEWS, AND ALL WHY SOME TURN IT OFF, AND THUS IGNORANCE CHOOSE, OR ARE SEEN TO SCOFF, WHEN WHERE WE'RE HEADING NEEDS TO BE FACED, AND CHANGES MADE, A NEW PATH LAID, AND WE'VE NO TIME TO WASTE, BECAUSE JUDGMENT IN THE FORM OF WHATEVER, FRIEND, LIES JUST AROUND THE BEND — SAY, IS THIS THE END?
AND A GENERATION WITH NO FOUNDATION, BORN INTO VIOLENCE, CORRUPTION, FALSEHOOD AND PORN, IS A WORRYING SITUATION, ANOTHER SOBER TRUTH ABOUT TO DAWN.




Alternative poem.


Simply Older


I can see you don’t recognise me anymore. Well, I’m still who I was before, but simply older — yes, a lot older, and age has taken its toll, for I can’t stop those years that roll, and that my original appearance stole, but that left me with the same emotions, passions, feelings, even desires, that one from birth naturally acquires, and that when much older, against one, oft cruelly conspires.
Yes, I’m still who I was before, and as far as wisdom goes, I like to think I’ve more, and that my words and deeds are more praiseworthy, and I, displaying more compassion and sensitivity, having put behind me that which was foolish, having grown less childish and selfish, though sadly, less physically appealing, given things that maturity is unkindly revealing.
Yes, I’m still who I was before, though edging closer to life’s closing door, hence any infirmities, and those other tell-tale signs one sees, which rather than attract, seem to repel some, and that certainly detract, which can see me crying or sighing inside, resenting that downward slide, and knowing that behind that aging skin, and perhaps an embarrassed smile or grin, I’m still who I was before.
So please don’t treat me differently, nor even make fun of me, but rather, life’s ravages snub and ignore, given that you too, aren’t absent from that queue, that’s edging its way down the same corridor.

By Lance Landall





Like I said, not just poetry.





SOME WISDOM DRAWN FROM THE ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL WORLD

MIND WHERE YOU POKE YOUR NOSE. DON'T GIVE ANYONE LIP (ANOTHER WORD FOR CHEEK), PUT YOUR FOOT IN IT, POINTLESSLY TREAD ON TOES, GET UNDER ANYONE'S FEET OR SKIN, GET ON ANYONE'S NERVES, NOR CHILDISHLY POKE YOUR TONGUE OUT. KEEP YOUR FINGERS AND KNUCKLES TO YOURSELF. KEEP OUT OF EARSHOT OF OTHER PEOPLE’S BUSINESS. DON’T OPEN YOUR MOUTH TOO SOON. FACE UP TO THINGS. LEARN TO SHOULDER BLAME AND TAKE THINGS ON THE CHIN. AVOID THE HARM AND WEAKNESS OF SOME CRUTCH. DON'T BE A HEEL. DEVELOP A STRONG BACKBONE. DON’T BE WEAK-KNEED WHEN IT COMES TO STANDING UP. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE BALL. ALWAYS ARM YOURSELF WITH THE NECESSARY FACTS, KEEPING ABREAST OF THINGS, AND DON'T GO OUT ON A LIMB (KEEPING SOME THINGS CLOSE TO YOUR CHEST). CHEW THINGS OVER CAREFULLY, USING YOUR HEAD AND KEEPING WISDOM AND SENSE CLOSE AT HAND. MIND YOU’RE NOT UP TO YOUR NECK IN ANYTHING YOU SHOULDN'T BE, NOR CAUGHT UP IN A TISSUE OF LIES, OR FOUND DOING ANYTHING SPINELESS, THUS NOT BEING A NUMBSKULL, AND THEREBY AVOIDING THE JAWS OF FOLLY, LIKE A STRETCH OF TIME IN A CELL. KEEP AWAY FROM CERTAIN JOINTS, AND ALSO KEEP YOUR SENSES ABOUT YOU. EXERCISE IN ORDER TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN YOUR MUSCLES AND EVEN IMPROVE YOUR WAISTLINE. SOMETIMES IT’S BETTER TO RAISE YOUR EYEBROW RATHER THAN YOUR VOICE. TRY TO GIVE OTHERS A LEG-UP, HELP ANY SOLE PROVIDER, AND CONSIDER THOSE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SCALE. ENCOURAGE GOOD BEHAVIOUR VIA A THUMBS UP, OR VIA A "HIP, HIP, HOORAY." DO SOME BRAIN STORMING IN ORDER TO FIND SOMETHING PRODUCTIVE THAT YOU CAN GET YOUR TEETH INTO, AND IN THE VEIN OF WHAT INTERESTS YOU, AND PREFERABLY WITH A VISION IN MIND. BY THE WAY, A WRIST WATCH CAN COME IN HANDY TOO. REMEMBER THAT A WINK CAN BE EITHER WORTHY OR UNWORTHY, AND THAT YOU REALLY SHOULDN'T RIB ANYONE. AVOID THE HEALTH RISK OF CARDIAC ARREST BY NOT LETTING YOUR BLOOD BOIL, NOT BURSTING YOUR FOO-FOO VALVE, NOT VENTING YOUR SPLEEN, NOR GETTING IN A BAD LIVER, AND BY MINDING THE HAIR RAISING. STEER CLEAR OF THOSE WRINKLES THAT COME VIA FROWNING, GRIMACING, OR PULLING FUNNY FACES. DEAL RIGHTLY WITH THOSE THINGS YOU CAN'T STOMACH. DON'T BE ANYBODY'S FOOL. ALSO AVOID NAVEL-GAZING, AND MAKE SURE THERE'S NO SKELETONS IN YOUR CUPBOARD; EXCUSE MY SEMICOLON, BUT I PUT MY HEART AND SOUL INTO THIS (JUST QUIETLY, RATHER THAN AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS, AND LEST I HURT MY THROAT AND REVEAL MY TONSILS, AND SOMEONE GIVE ME THE ELBOW).

By Lance Landall





And again.


THIS WORLD APPEARS TO BE HARDWIRED, BECAUSE...


Things often SHOCK.
There’s usually some CURRENT trend.
People get CHARGED for, or over things.
SPARKS often fly between couples.
Sometimes the atmosphere in a room is ELECTRIC.
Many get a BUZZ out of things.
Some people have short FUSES.
Some people are very SWITCHED on.
Some people get their WIRES crossed, or are considered a LIVE WIRE.
Some people can feel a sudden SURGE of POWER.
Some people choose to be a CONDUCTOR.
Some people are fortunate enough to get a public relations PLUG.
Many busy people suffer from OVERLOAD.
A lot of talented people do the CIRCUIT, though some illness being a CIRCUIT BREAKER.
Some people aren’t very EARTHED.
Some people go through a certain CYCLE or PHASE.
There’s often a SPIKE in certain behaviour, and some people METER out punishment where there’s RESISTANCE.