Monthly Archives: April 2012

Poetry

NaPoWriMo, Day 29: “Fortress of Solitude”

This poem was inspired by the Fortress of Solitude, the “home away from home” Superman has in Antarctica. While that was the inspiration, not every line in the poem applies to the place.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the final day of National Poetry Writing Month because I will write a type of poem I’ve never written before–a sonnet!

For now, enjoy today’s poem.

Fortress of Solitude

I retreat to a hiding place
Away from the world’s demands, others’ judgments, my problems.
Here, I savor the tales of heroes,
Wishing I was one of them.
Here, I am free to be me
When none understand who I am.
Here, I commune with my Father,
Hoping to find the strength to face the day.
It is my Fortress of Solitude:
A lonely stronghold protected by cold walls.
The door is unlocked—
I would welcome any who enter,
And share my dwelling with them,
So it may be a home and not a house of seclusion.
Yet few accept my invitation and none stay,
Leaving me alone in hallowed and hollow halls.

Poetry

NaPoWriMo, Day 28: “Escape”

This poem was inspired by my recent reading of the Book of Job in the Bible, specifically the titular character’s speeches. It’s a bit depressing, but it’s also honest (much like Job himself).

Escape

Job is my kindred,
For few understand my sorrow:
The pain of a righteous sufferer.
Injustice crushes me unopposed,
I am criticized or ignored by “comforters,”
Slander and lies poison my friendships,
Leaving my life to rot in mediocrity.
Oh, that I could shed this mortal coil,
And be with my LORD in Paradise!
My bones are weary despite my youth,
My heart leaden from despair.
If death is my only relief
And Eternity my only vindication,
Then let me escape this Purgatory—
Take me now that my suffering may end.
Or else grant me justice—
Cut out my naysayers’ tongues,
Restore me, bless me, heal me
Before I am swallowed by the Pit.

Poetry

NaPoWriMo, Day 27: “Avengers Assemble”

I totally “nerded out” with this one. With Marvel’s The Avengers opening next week (which will be one of the big movies for me this year), I decided to write a poem the superhero team. It was loosely inspired by the theme song for the Avengers cartoon airing on Disney XD: “Fight as One” by Bad City. I only have stanzas for three characters, but I may write some for the others later. Enjoy!

Avengers Assemble

There came a day unlike any other
When heroes united against a mighty foe.
In battle, each became a brother,
Fighting ‘til the enemy’s dealt the final blow.

Soldier, captain, a man out of time:
He wears Old Glory and wields the shield.
His is America’s spirit in her prime.
To no enemy will he yield.

Genius, billionaire, philanthropist:
An “invincible” knight seeking fame and redemption.
Though regarded by many as a narcissist,
His armor is strong and his loyalty without question.

Son of Odin, prince of Asgard, god of thunder:
He rides the lightning, clutching mighty Mjolnir.
Raising his hammer, he fills the sky with deadly wonder.
Evildoers who challenge him have their hearts melt in fear.

So now the battle has begun.
Together, they are strong.
Assembled, they fight as one,
Avenging Earth against all who do wrong.

Poetry

NaPoWriMo, Day 26: “Broken Wings”

This poem was initially inspired by an eagle statue sitting atop my bookshelf. Enjoy.

Broken Wings

Once, the eagle soared in the clouds,
Until a hunter’s bullet wounded his wings.
He waits for healing so that he may fly
And once again embrace the sky.
Now, his flight is marked with pain.
Flapping his wings is agony.
He does it in desperation without joy,
Wounding himself more.
So, he hides in his nest away from the hunters
And waits for his broken wings to mend.

Poetry

NaPoWriMo, Day 25: “Nonsense”

Once again, I’ve neglected to post poem for NaPoWriMo even thought I’ve done a good job keeping to the “one poem a day” requirement. Of course, with a poem like this one, maybe I need to quit (just kidding). This is a product of frustration, tiredness, writer’s block, and a deadline. It came about late at night while I was wracking my brain trying to come up with a new poem. This…random verse is the product of that. (This should tell you where my mind goes when I get tired). It’s appropriately titled…

Nonsense

A mind is a terrible thing to lose,
Especially when listening to robots sing the blues.
I need a poem for NaPoWriMo—
But my mind is clogged, there’s no flow.
I know! Another haiku!
What am I thinking? Not a clue.
All I write is nonsense, nonsense, nonsense.
Maybe I should burn some incense.
No, then I’d think I was a walrus
Like John Lennon did, which wouldn’t be a plus.
Time to stop acting like a scatterbrain,
Agonizing over a poem—what’s there to gain?

 

Poetry

NaPoWriMo, Day 24: “Too Good to Be True”

I’d tell you what inspired this poem, but I think the end of it explains that for me. Enjoy.

Too Good to Be True

There she was,
Smiling at me like she used to.
I stood and stared, flabbergasted.
Then she embraced me with reckless abandon,
And taking my hand, said, “I’m sorry.”
I was paralyzed with joy.
She had remembered the way we were,
And by God’s grace, came back to me.
Overjoyed, I kissed her cheek.
She giggled and blushed just like I remembered.
It was too good to be true—
I awoke to loneliness and a narrow bed.
Dreams are all I have left of her.
If only I could sleep longer…

Poetry

NaPoWriMo, Day 23: “Another Psalm”

I wrote another psalm for NaPoWriMo, although I don’t think it’s as good as the first one I wrote. I’ll let you be the judge, readers.

Another Psalm

I wait for your help, O LORD,
Why do You withhold it?
You are far away when I need You.

What must I do to rouse You
To combat the slander of my enemy?
His words are a scorpion’s sting,
Poisoning all who hear them.

My heart is weary from waiting.
Tears have become the tonic
To sooth my soul’s affliction.

If burnt offerings you required,
I would bring them with gladness.
But sacrifices are not what You seek.
No, You desire a blameless and loyal heart.

You, LORD Almighty, are a Righteous Judge,
So defend my cause and punish my foe
For Your Name’s sake.

Save me, O LORD,
Before I sink into the grave,
Where I can sing your praises no longer.
O LORD, do not forget me!

Poetry

NaPoWriMo, Day 22: “Warzone”

Not much to say about this one. It just came to me one day. However, any Transformers fans out there will know where I got the final line. (FYI: It was said by Dinobot on an episode of Beast Wars).

Warzone

I awake to Reveille
And the bullets pierce twilight’s veil.
The Enemy’s guns spray his lies,
Intent to take my head as his prize.
A few steps, and I come to a minefield,
But to the Enemy’s temptations my spirit won’t yield.
Around it I go.
It takes me into enemy territory, though.
But this is where my mission will be—
To fight until the prisoners are set free.
I will not watch their broken lives be purloined.
I am a warrior—let the battle be joined.

Poetry

NaPoWriMo, Day 21: “Run”

Today’s poem was loosely inspired by (no surprise) another song. This time it was “Run” by Kutless. (Yes, I know I have the same title, but I couldn’t think of anything better). Enjoy!

Run

Once, you embraced me.
Now, you flee from me.
Why do you run?
I am not your enemy.
Listen not to the Tyrant’s words.
He doesn’t know me
Or the joy I gave you.
His arms are a prison:
Safe but confining.
Why did you run?
In my arms you’d fly
To heights you never dreamed
And touch the sky.
If you’d only open your eyes,
You’d see he’s suffocating you
And run back to me.
Then together, we would run
Like the galloping stallion and his mare,
Boundless, unashamed, free.