Tag: poem

Noble Residence?

Chris Hall60 Comments
The images shows arches of an old brick building and steps leading down. From the arches you can see some part of the building too.
We see the arches of an old brick building and steps leading down.
From the arches you can see some part of the building too.

Saffron rays stream
over ochre battlements
castellations contrast
with soft sapphire hills.

Walls whisper secrets
in this citadel of splendour
cruelty and kindness
hidden deep within the keep.

Fortress façade fit
for the finest queen
monument to a mistress
a woman never seen.


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Image credit: Vrolans @ Pixabay

Written in response to Sadje‘s What Do You See #111 photo prompt

The Story Teller

Chris Hall91 Comments
The image shows an old lady sitting with a young boy in a rural setting. The boy has a laptop open and is showing her something.
The image shows an old lady sitting with a young boy in a rural setting. The boy has a laptop open and is showing her something.

I remember that day
my Ouma and me
perched on the bench
in the shade of her stoep
making up adventures
like we always did.

I remember that day
bright brown eyes
crinkling at the edges
her words, like whispers
captured by the keys
as I typed, my new laptop
balanced on my knees.

I remember that day
my Ouma and me
mind filled with light
eyes button-bright
sharing her final story
with me.

My Ouma has gone
but her stories live on
and now I am
the story teller.


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Image credit: Sasint @ Pixabay

Written in response to Sadje‘s What Do You See #110 photo prompt

Killing Spree

Chris Hall61 Comments
The image shows a brown wooden house on lake near mountain under blue sky during daytime

Fish jumps, gulps a fly
bright waterdrops scattering;
cracking lake’s mirror.

Turquoise wings flashing
snapping beak swallows a fish;
bobbing waves diffuse.

Brown-fur dives deeply
leaving lacy white backwash;
dark head surfaces.

Fish flapping wildly
between sharp-clawed greedy paws;
nature in the raw.


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Image credit: Pixabay (free images)

Written in response to Sadje‘s What Do You See #109 photo prompt

Mind Block

Chris Hall89 Comments
The image shows a set of keys hanging from the door lock. The door appears to be closed.

build a wall, brick by brick
lay firm foundations
make each brick stick
over crimson clay
slather thick cement
leave not a crack
seal every chink

concentrate, visualise
this wall surrounds
a great oak door
close it tightly
turn the key
safe inside
you can’t
reach
me

locked within
my fortress
you can’t
hurt
me

anymore

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Image credit: Photomix company @ Pixabay

Written in response to Sadje‘s What Do You See #108 photo prompt

Castles in the Air

Chris Hall70 Comments
The image shows shows a castle in the clouds. A surreal image created by the clouds that surround it.
The image shows a castle in the clouds, a surreal image created by the clouds that surround it.

If I were able
I’d build a castle
just for you

A pearl-white, perfect vision
fashioned from daydreams
forged in the flames
of burning desire

If I were able
I’d offer my castle
only to you

A shining cerulean citadel
sculpted from fantasies
shaped by illusions
of anxious lust

If I were able
I’d trade my castle
to be with you

A glowing golden fortress
moulded from memories
shored up by recollections
of passions past

If I were able
I’d secure you
in my heart

And never let you go.

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Image credit: Google Images

Written in response to Sadje‘s What Do You See #107 photo prompt

The Wall

Chris Hall71 Comments
The image shows an elderly man and woman embracing. In the background, people can be seen going about their business.
The image shows an elderly man and woman embracing. In the background, people can be seen going about their business.

A country, carved into four
by the victors.

A city, divided
by ideology and
something more.

Erected in haste
assembled in the silent hours
while they slept
apart, in blissful ignorance,
concrete and iron
snaked through
their lives.

Three decades on
torn down in protest:

lovers reunite
whom time
could not
divide.

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Image credit: Gennaro Leonardi @ Pixabay

Written in response to Sadje‘s What Do You See #106 photo prompt

Enigma

Chris Hall49 Comments
The image shows a dog dressed in a woolen sweater and wearing round wire-rimmed glasses, staring seriously at the camera.
The image shows a dog dressed in a woollen sweater and wearing round wire-rimmed glasses, staring seriously at the camera

What lies inside your little world?
What secrets hide within?
Eyes disguised, emotions veiled,
concealed behind a mask.

Wide-eyed, yet poker-faced,
your visage a strange conundrum
reposed, composed and tranquil
in silent contemplation.

Cloaked in mystery, unperturbed,
let me plumb your hidden depths.
What lies inside your little world?
What secrets hide within?

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Image credit: Charles Deluvio @ Unsplash

Written in response to Sadje‘s What Do You See #105 photo prompt

Whispers in the Mist

Chris Hall86 Comments
The image shows a natural pool fed with streams. There is a mist on its surface and there are green moss covered rocks surrounding it.
The image shows a natural pool fed with streams. There is a mist on its surface and there are green moss covered rocks surrounding it.

before sun’s
pink fingertips
brush the face
of mother earth
by the sacred pool
clouds swirl, circle
murmurs rise
in silver streams
coalesce
in dew-drop webs
while incantations
spill silently
from her lips
enchantments
whispering
in the mist

Image credit: Sean Robertson @ Unsplash

Written in response to Sadje‘s What Do You See #104 photo prompt

Naughty but Nice

Chris Hall82 Comments
The image shows shows a tray lined with brown paper filled with doughnuts.

Oh, how I crave your
sweet succulent charms
long to smell the perfume
of your honey-coloured skin

Oh, how yearn for your
sweet yielding softness
ache for the touch
of your full fragrant form

I hunger to taste
your deep spicy sweetness
to nibble, caress and
sate my desire

temptation takes over
my lips are a-tremble
I close my eyes
and swallow you up.

Image credit: Jovan Vasiljević

Written in response to Sadje‘s What do You See #103 photo prompt.

Bethelbert’s marvellous mystery machine

Chris Hall61 Comments
The image shows shows a rocky landscape, near the ocean. Overhead an old house with a few mechanical devices is floating in the sky on a small piece of land.
The image shows shows a rocky landscape near the ocean. Overhead an old house with a few mechanical devices is floating in the sky on a small piece of land.

All aboard, all aboard!

Cogs whirr, chains clank
pistons pump and gears crank
hang onto your hats and don’t look down
Bethelbert’s ride is the best in town
feast your eyes on the folk down there
open-mouthed they stand and stare
passing over the hills and dales
the ocean’s in sight, do you see those whales?
clouds above and sea below
which way’s up I’d love to know
hold on tight and live your dream
in Bethelbert’s marvellous mystery machine!

Image credit: Xresch @ Pixabay

Written in response to Sadje‘s What do You See #102 photo prompt.