Poetry Corner - Original works by GoldToken members. Hosted by HeatherN
Please read the Discussion Board Rules before participating in the discussion boards.
Current Poll
Which is your favourite fictional character clerihew (Comp # 33) - Link to poems: Vote for your favourite Clerihew about a fictional character (comp no 34)
Sherlock Holmes 41%
Elmer Fudd 32%
Captain Kirk 27%
22 votes ]   [ More Polls ]
 
Religious or political poems that use this board as a means to debate, and overly sexual poems will be moderated.

When posting a poem or lyrics, please cite the source or author for copyright purposes. Thank you


  • Please read the description of each competition before entering your poem. They must fit the criteria as described for each competition, including any line restriction or other style requirements. Have Fun Thumbs up

  • You could win one of this board's specialty tokens. Offering flower

(unknown photo)1(unknown photo)2(unknown photo)3(unknown photo)4(unknown photo)5(unknown photo)6

Winning Poems - Competition no 33: Write a poem using rhymes with a given word?

Remember Me by Spades Master

I hope someone remembers me when I die
Fighting with honor, sheer pride in my eyes
I joined the Corps, to be all I can be
I lay down my life, so that others live free

I’m a simple man, just a regular guy
For love of country, didn’t have to ask why
I followed my calling, to protect and serve
A peaceful nation, is what we deserve

Just pin my medals, across my chest
Please tell my mama, I did my best
Don’t worry ‘bout me, there’s no need to cry
I’m now one with God, there’s no goodbye

66666666666666

Large Arrow Right Current poetry writing competition Competition no 35 - Write a poem from the viewpoint of an animal High five
Post a new comment                         Expand all messages                         Show all boards                         Subscribe Subscribe

(#5588137) Re: POEM
Posted by squirly138 on 18 Mar 2024 at 6:42AM
Please delete this poem, I messed up and sent this before I read it.
(#5588135) POEM
Posted by squirly138 on 18 Mar 2024 at 6:26AM
A polish legend tells the tale, Of tiny kittens, oh so frail. Along the rivers edge they chased, With butterflies they played and raced. They came too close to the rivers side, And thus fell in, their mother cried. What could she do but weep and moan? Her babies fate was yet unknown. The willows by the river knew Just what it was that they must do. They swept their graceful branches down, Into the waters all around. To reach the kittens were their goal; A rescue mission, heart and soul. The kittens grasped the branches tight, The willows saved them from their plight. Each springtime, since the story goes, Willow branches now wear clothes. Tiny fur like buds are sprung Where little kittens once had hung.
And that's the legend so they claim, How pussy willows got their name.
                                                             
    Ramblings of the claury
(#5588130) Poem by Dot McGINNIS
Posted by squirly138 on 18 Mar 2024 at 6:15AM
A polish legend tells the tale, Of tiny kittens, oh so frail. Along the rivers edge they chased, With butterflies they played and raced. They came too close to the rivers side, And thus fell in, their mother cried. What could she do but weep and moan? Her babies fate was yet unknown. The willows by the river knew Just what it was that they must do. They swept their graceful branches down, Into the waters all around. To reach the kittens were their goal; A rescue mission, heart and soul. The kittens grasped the branches tight, The willows saved them from their plight. Each springtime, since the story goes, Willow branches now wear clothes. Tiny fur like buds are sprung Where little kittens once had hung.
And that's the legend so they claim, How pussy willows got their name.
                                                              
     Ramblings of the claury
(#5581403) Rubble
Posted by phil on 22 Feb 2024 at 8:46AM
Smashed up places. smashed up spaces, smashed up faces.
Once homes, now rubble, is it much trouble, dragging body's from this rubble?
Is it a struggle dragging body's from this rubble?
Homes now rubble.
Reminds me of the London blitz, and the NAZI's
(#5580663) A Dog's Tail of Joy
Posted by Jodie701 on 19 Feb 2024 at 12:59PM
In the morning sun, my tail's a-flip,
A furry comet, on a joyful trip.
Eyes shining with pure devotion,
I'm your four-legged, tail-wagging emotion.

With each dawn, my day begins,
Sniffing adventures, and wagging grins.
Through grassy fields and concrete streets,
I'm your loyal companion on countless beats.

The scent of your return, oh sweet delight,
My world brightens, everything feels right.
Furry hugs and paw-taps galore,
In your presence, I ask for nothing more.

I chase my tail in a whirl of glee,
A goofy dance, just for you to see.
The ball you throw, a game divine,
Fetching it back, in a perfect line.

Nap-time comes, I find my nook,
Dreaming of squirrels I'd love to hook.
On your lap or by your side,
I'm your furry shadow, on this joyous ride.

Through rain or shine, through thick and thin,
I'm your dog, your confidant within.
In this furry tale, as chapters unfurl,
I'm your loyal friend, your pawed-up swirl.
(#5569718) Re: I want a home
Posted by junelee on 9 Jan 2024 at 8:15AM
So sad and yet sweet
(#5569065) I want a home
Posted by crow57 on 7 Jan 2024 at 9:55AM
The world is cure and cold
When I walk the streets
I just want a place to call my own
Just a few meals a day would be fine
Give me some fresh clean water that would be nice
Why are people so mean to me
I just want a place to lay my head down
I want to feel safe
I was one of six
Born in an old box
My mama taught me to hunt for my food
Grap some scrap that was thrown away
I just want a safe place to sleep
Out of the wet and cold
I ask for little
But gain my trust
And I can learn to give you my love
I just want someplace to go
And for someone to care for me
I am so small I don't need much
But take me in
And I will give you my life
I will love you for the few years I live with you
Groom me feed me give me a bed
Take me to a vet even if I fust
But don't take me to the pound
I just want a home
(#5568382) More animal perspective poems needed
Posted by HeatherN on 4 Jan 2024 at 5:50PM
So far we have only had one entry for this contest. More emtroes are needed. Please see link at the top of the board for instructions.

Happy New Year!
(#5561720) Re: My Fate as a Holiday Turkey (contest #35)
Posted by HeatherN on 14 Dec 2023 at 4:53PM
That's great. Spread the word.....
(#5561696) Re: My Fate as a Holiday Turkey (contest #35)
Posted by Spades Master on 14 Dec 2023 at 2:07PM
true. that's why i enter your writing contests. theyre both fun and theraputic ;-)
(#5561648) Re: My Fate as a Holiday Turkey (contest #35)
Posted by HeatherN on 14 Dec 2023 at 10:42AM
Well even this poem is bittersweet. Poetry is a great way of processing feelings and dealing with mental health issues.
(#5561579) Re: My Fate as a Holiday Turkey (contest #35)
Posted by Spades Master on 14 Dec 2023 at 7:10AM
thanks, heather. as someone with severe ptsd, it's sometimes hard to write a positive ending to any of my stories.

but i try.
(#5561552) Re: My Fate as a Holiday Turkey (contest #35)
Posted by HeatherN on 14 Dec 2023 at 4:56AM
Love it! I can really feel for that turkey, and I love its accent. Well done! And, for once, your poem ended happily Grinning
(#5561459) My Fate as a Holiday Turkey (contest #35)
Posted by Spades Master on 13 Dec 2023 at 8:12PM

My Fate as a Holiday Turkey
By Tony Hall

I sits here a-wonderin, what’s fer dinner?
My life’s as rich, as a lottery winner
The nice farmer’s always a-feedin’ me
Gobblin berries n’ corn, I’s glad as can be!

All-I-can-eat, I’s growin plump n’ fat
No cares in the world, like a Persian cat
Today the farmer comes, with hatchet in hand
He’s my loving Pa, we’s best buds in the land

What the frick?! He chops-off my head! I be defiled!
Neck spews blood, my headless body runs wild
Tricked by a ax murderer, my trust misled
Pa, you back-stabbin fink, you done killt me dead!

Life fades… I hears the wind whisperin in my ear –
“Dyin be only the beginnin. Have no fear here.”
Flyin high as a eagle, my soul’s set free
Look’it me soarin, o-ver the sea!

Pure bliss! Bless-ed joy! I’S NOW FREE!
(#5561454) Competition no 35 - Write a poem from the viewpoint of an animal
Posted by HeatherN on 13 Dec 2023 at 7:40PM
This won the vote by 9 votes to 7.

To enter you need to write a poem as if it were written by an animal.

Any style of poem is acceptable, but must not exceed 40 lines.

Any of animal can be portrayed, and the animal can be talking or musing about anything you like.

You must write in the first person - i.e. use "I" and "Me" etc and not "he" "her" etc.

Here are some examples:

A Popular Personage at Home by Thomas Hardy

‘I live here: “Wessex” is my name:
I am a dog known rather well:
I guard the house; but how that came
To be my whim I cannot tell.

‘With a leap and a heart elate I go
At the end of an hour’s expectancy
To take a walk of a mile or so
With the folk I let live here with me.

‘Along the path, amid the grass
I sniff, and find out rarest smells
For rolling over as I pass
The open fields towards the dells.

‘No doubt I shall always cross this sill,
And turn the corner, and stand steady,
Gazing back for my mistress till
She reaches where I have run already,

‘And that this meadow with its brook,
And bulrush, even as it appears
As I plunge by with hasty look,
Will stay the same a thousand years.’

Thus ‘Wessex’. But a dubious ray
At times informs his steadfast eye,
Just for a trice, as though to say,
‘Yet, will this pass, and pass shall I?’

___________________________________________

An Old Cat's Dying Soliloquy by Anna Seward

Years saw me still Acasto’s mansion grace,
The gentlest, fondest of the tabby race;
Before him frisking through the garden glade,
Or at his feet in quiet slumber laid;
Praised for my glossy back of zebra streak,
And wreaths of jet encircling round my neck;
Soft paws that ne’er extend the clawing nail,
The snowy whisker and the sinuous tail;
Now feeble age each glazing eyeball dims,
And pain has stiffened these once supple limbs;
Fate of eight lives the forfeit gasp obtains,
And e’en the ninth creeps languid through my veins.
Much sure of good the future has in store,
When on my master’s hearth I bask no more,
In those blest climes, where fishes oft forsake
The winding river and the glassy lake;
There, as our silent-footed race behold
The crimson spots and fins of lucid gold,
Venturing without the shielding waves to play,
They gasp on shelving banks, our easy prey:
While birds unwinged hop careless o’er the ground,
And the plump mouse incessant trots around,
Near wells of cream that mortals never skim,
Warm marum creeping round their shallow brim;
Where green valerian tufts, luxuriant spread,
Cleanse the sleek hide and form the fragrant bed.
Yet, stern dispenser of the final blow,
Before thou lay’st an aged grimalkin low,
Bend to her last request a gracious ear,
Some days, some few short days, to linger here;
So to the guardian of his tabby’s weal
Shall softest purrs these tender truths reveal:
‘Ne’er shall thy now expiring puss forget
To thy kind care her long-enduring debt,
Nor shall the joys that painless realms decree
Efface the comforts once bestowed by thee;
To countless mice thy chicken-bones preferred,
Thy toast to golden fish and wingless bird;
O’er marum borders and valerian bed
Thy Selima shall bend her moping head,
Sigh that no more she climbs, with grateful glee,
Thy downy sofa and thy cradling knee;
Nay, e’en at founts of cream shall sullen swear,
Since thou, her more loved master, art not there.’

__________________________________________________

Poem by my Cat By Michael Rosen

Michael is OK
but the trouble with Michael
is that when he stands up
he doesn’t have a lap.

______________________________________

Try to put yourself in your chosen animal's skin. Imagine what the animal thinks, feels and how it sees its world.
(#5561447) Vote for your favourite Clerihew about a fictional character (comp no 34)
Posted by HeatherN on 13 Dec 2023 at 7:00PM
The task was to write a Clerihew about a fictional character. Information about clerihews can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clerihew

These are the three entries - vote for the one that appeals to you the most!

Elmer Fudd

There was a hunter they called Elmer Fudd
he was often seen falling with a great thud.
He would get angry and yell dagnabbit!
Why can't I ever catch that wascally wabbit?

Bunny EarsBunny EarsBunny EarsBunny EarsBunny EarsBunny EarsBunny EarsBunny EarsBunny EarsBunny Ears

Sherlock Holmes

The great detective Sherlock Holmes
Came across some garden gnomes
Asking "What are you doing here?"
They answered "We,ve come for the beer"

BrewBrewBrewBrewBrewBrewBrew

Captain Kirk


Starship Enterprise Captain, James T. Kirk
This galaxy is where, he treks for work
His libido, gets him into binds
But he finds green girls, to unwind in kind

Beam me up!Beam me up!Beam me up!Beam me up!Beam me up!Beam me up!Beam me up!Beam me up!Beam me up!Beam me up!Beam me up!
(#5561444) Re: That wonderful day
Posted by HeatherN on 13 Dec 2023 at 6:43PM
Thank you for your lovely seasonal poem - you will receive a token for your contribution at the next awarding session.
(#5559294) Who's who
Posted by Jools on 7 Dec 2023 at 11:10AM
Who's who

I used to think nurses
Were women,
I used to think police
Were men,
I used to think poets
Were boring,
Until I became one of them.

By Benjamin Zephaniah, who died today aged 65
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Zephaniah
(#5558929) That wonderful day
Posted by junelee on 6 Dec 2023 at 8:14AM
It's that time of year
Someone done turn off the heat
Rain turn solid
Turning the world white
The kids are marching off to school
The house stays clean till they return
Halloween and Thanksgiving have come and gone
It is time to rush out shopping
Put up some lights
Put up a tree
Trim it up
So it looks like nothing in nature
But more like a fairly tale
Now wrap the gifts
Oh so neat
Under the tree they go
Everyone wondering what they will get
Listening to songs of Christmas
Trying to forget the horrors out there
But soon the cooking starts
The house will be filled with family
They come far away
The kids act so nice
For they believe the fat man knows
Once a normal house
Is turn into a show place
The lights
The smells
Up early
But not off to work
For this is the day we waited for
Family and friends are here
Oh how we waited all year
For this day
We are all kids
Eating treats
Eating great food
All getting our fill
Opening gifts
The once wonderland of the house
Is turn into a dump
I shall clean tomorrow
But this only comes around once
And I am thankful
We met at someone's else house next year

June Lee A.2023
(#5558701) Re: Poem
Posted by HeatherN on 5 Dec 2023 at 1:40PM
Nice one. Thanks for sharing
(#5557356) Re: Poem
Posted by Jools on 1 Dec 2023 at 12:27PM
that's great
(#5556371) Poem
Posted by squirly138 on 28 Nov 2023 at 10:03AM
To My Rescue Dog...........
                                         
There's no need to flinch when I raise my hand No need to cower each time I stand No need to run when I come near No need to tremble- I see your fear You can sleep with both eyes shut, Don't need to jump when you wake up. Your food is yours to eat in peace No need to fight to keep your feast You don't have to lie upon a hard floor The beds and sofas are yours to explore Don't need to sit out in the rain The house is your shelter, your new domain. I can not erase the memories and fears I can't compensate for the wasted years All I have is what you see But I give it all and I give you me. I give you these arms to comfort and hold I give you this voice for the joys you'll be told I give you my heart and abundance of love I give you my soul and I hope it's enough
                                         
*Author unknown
(#5554393) Re: Comp 34 Explanation!
Posted by HeatherN on 21 Nov 2023 at 1:00PM
I understand.
(#5554392) Re: A couple of test samples to see if I've got it...?
Posted by HeatherN on 21 Nov 2023 at 12:58PM
Sorry, I missed your question, but I've now answered it elsewhere. For anyone else who reads this, the name has to be at the end of the first line (or constitute the whole of the line), unless there is a well-recognised title such as "Ace Ventura, Pet Detective", which I would allow.
(#5554124) Re: current poll
Posted by HeatherN on 20 Nov 2023 at 2:59PM
I know... these can be very easy or quite difficult.
(#5553982) Re: current poll
Posted by Jools on 19 Nov 2023 at 7:57PM
Hmmm back to the drawing board
(#5553904) Re: Sherlock Holmes
Posted by HeatherN on 19 Nov 2023 at 2:15PM
I like it kiwiyeti - welcome to the board!
(#5553903) Re: Elmer Fudd
Posted by HeatherN on 19 Nov 2023 at 2:14PM
Excellent, Dawn!
(#5553901) Re: current poll
Posted by HeatherN on 19 Nov 2023 at 2:13PM
Sorry, I didn't see your question. If the job is part of the person's title, then it would be allowed, e.g. "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective", but if their job is not usually associated with their name e.g. Shaggy, ghost hunter, that would NOT be allowed.

However, it is good that your name is hard to rhyme as that makes for a good clerihew!

Here is one of Bentley's original clerihews -

“I quite realised” said Columbus,
“That the Earth was not a rhombus
But I am a little annoyed
To find it an oblate spheroid”
(#5553049) Elmer Fudd
Posted by dawn1968 on 15 Nov 2023 at 7:48PM
There was a hunter they called Elmer Fudd
he was often seen falling with a great thud.
He would get angry and yell dagnabbit!
Why can't I ever catch that wascally wabbit?
(#5552967) Sherlock Holmes
Posted by kiwiyeti on 15 Nov 2023 at 2:47PM
The great detective Sherlock Holmes
Came across some garden gnomes
Asking "What are you doing here?"
They answered "We,ve come for the beer"
(#5552912) Re: Clerihews Wanted
Posted by Jools on 15 Nov 2023 at 10:36AM
I was waiting an answer to my question

Can the first line be the character's name and job, in that order?
The person I have in mind may be difficult to rhyme
(#5552738) Clerihews Wanted
Posted by HeatherN on 14 Nov 2023 at 5:31PM
Only one entry so far for Comp no 34. Please follow the instructions and submit your clerihew. They are easy and fun!
(#5551144) Re: current poll
Posted by HeatherN on 8 Nov 2023 at 4:25PM
Yes it should
(#5550924) Re: A couple of test samples to see if I've got it...?
Posted by Jools on 8 Nov 2023 at 12:58AM
Can the first line be the character's name and job, in that order?
The person I have in mind may be difficult to rhyme
(#5550923) current poll
Posted by Jools on 8 Nov 2023 at 12:54AM
Presume that should be Comp 35?
(#5550859) Re: A couple of test samples to see if I've got it...?
Posted by HeatherN on 7 Nov 2023 at 5:52PM
Thanks

Now you've had the practice, you can enter the clerihew competition! Just remember to end the first line with the character's name (or have the character's name as the whole of the first line)
(#5550853) Winner of Competition no 33 - Poem with rhymes with a given word
Posted by HeatherN on 7 Nov 2023 at 5:26PM
The winning poem was "Remember Me" by Spades Master He will receive a poetry token, as will dawn1968. Both entries were great in different ways!

phil and marcmandy will also receive tokens for their contributions to the board.

Spades Master's poem will appear at the top of the board, and will remain there until the winner of Competition no 34 is announced - which will be Spades Master again, unless anyone else enters - Come on, come on - more entries required!

If you would like to head to Recognition Tokens, I am about to request your tokens!
(#5547513) Re: A couple of test samples to see if I've got it...?
Posted by marcmandy on 27 Oct 2023 at 9:59AM

Thumbs up

and welcome back!
(#5547485) Re: Captain Kirk (contest no.34)
Posted by HeatherN on 27 Oct 2023 at 8:24AM
Consider it done! Another sterling clerihew😊
(#5547470) Captain Kirk (contest no.34)
Posted by Spades Master on 27 Oct 2023 at 6:13AM

hey, heather. can you please cancel my bond poem and replace it with this? thanks much!

Captain Kirk

Starship Enterprise Captain, James T. Kirk
This galaxy is where, he treks for work
His libido, gets him into binds
But he finds green girls, to unwind in kind
(#5547459) Re: Bond - James Bond (Contest No.34)
Posted by HeatherN on 27 Oct 2023 at 5:07AM
Hi Spades Master. That is brilliant. Unfortunately, one of the criteria is for rhyme scheme AABB, and yours is AAAA.I have not been able to find any examples using AAAA. Would you mind rewriting or submitting another?
(#5547343) Bond - James Bond (Contest No.34)
Posted by Spades Master on 26 Oct 2023 at 7:13PM
Bond - James Bond

Her Majesty’s secret agent, Bond - James Bond

On a war-torn mission, across the pond

With shaken martinis, and bad guys conned

You know in the end, he’ll abscond with the blonde
(#5547342) Competition no 34 - Write a Clerihew about a fictional character
Posted by HeatherN on 26 Oct 2023 at 6:50PM
A clerihew has the following properties: (Quoted from Wikipedia)

3 It is biographical and usually whimsical, showing the subject from an unusual point of view; it mostly pokes fun at famous people. It has four lines of irregular length and metre for comic effect,

3 The rhyme structure is AABB; the subject matter and wording are often humorously contrived in order to achieve a rhyme, including the use of phrases in Latin, French and other non-English languages.

3 The first line contains, and may consist solely of, the subject's name. According to a letter in The Spectator in the 1960s, Bentley said that a true clerihew has to have the name "at the end of the first line", as the whole point was the skill in rhyming awkward names.

3 Clerihews are not satirical or abusive, but they target famous individuals and reposition them in an absurd, anachronistic or commonplace setting, often giving them an over-simplified and slightly garbled description.

Your task is to write a clerihew about a fictional character. This could be from a book, poem, TV or Film, comic strip, video game etc..etc..

Here are the essential criteria. If you do not meet all these requirements, I will ask you to rewrite it or submit another one:

1. Your clerihew must have four lines

2. The rhyme schems must be AABB i.e. the first two lines should rhyme, and the last two lines should rhyme.

3. The lines should preferably be uneven for comic effect

4. The first line should end in the character's name or consist entirely of the character's name

5. It should be amusing, poking fun at the character, but not abusive or derogatory to the character.

6. Ideally, it should say something about the in an unusual way

7. For the purposes of this competition, the subject of the clerihew must be fictional, not a real person.

8. Do not use a character that someone else has used - first come, first served. There are thousands of fictional characters in existence!

Rhyme Zone is a useful source for finding rhymes if you get stuck.

https://www.rhymezone.com/r/rhyme.cgi?Word=Potter&org1=syl&org2=l&org3=y&typeofrhyme=perfect

Any questions please ask

As an example, I am making up a clerihew about Lady Chatterley from D.H. Lawrence's novel "Lady Chatterley's lover"

Lady Chatterley
It seems you were utterly
By Mellors beguiled
And he fathered your child

Not very good - I'm sure you can do better!



(#5547333) Re: A couple of test samples to see if I've got it...?
Posted by HeatherN on 26 Oct 2023 at 5:54PM
Hi Marc, your clerihew is spot-on, except that a name is usually used in the first line - however, you mentioned a son so that would probably do instead of a name!

Your Terza Rima is okay, but you used rhyme scheme

ABA BAB AA

Usually a new rhyme would be introduced in each stanza to make it ABA BCB CDC DD for example. There is no definitive number of stanzas.

There is no restriction as to meter either, although most poets use iambic pentameters (10 syllable lines).
(#5547330) Competition no 33 - vote for your favourite poem using words rhyming with a given word
Posted by HeatherN on 26 Oct 2023 at 5:25PM
There were only two entries to this competition. The task was to write a three-stanza poem featuring six rhymes with a word chosen from a given list of words

Here they are:

This poem uses rhymes with the word "cool"

Gold Token

GT has many games that require a
pick from the pool,
We all know that sometimes that
pick can be cruel.

Sometimes we get what we need and
think WOW that's cool,
Then your opponent straight-up
takes you to school.

There has been many a time that
I felt like a fool,
that I headed straight back
out to the vestibule.

Looking coolLooking coolLooking coolLooking coolLooking coolLooking coolLooking coolLooking coolLooking cool

The second poem uses words rhyming with "why"

Remember Me

I hope someone remembers me when I die
Fighting with honor, sheer pride in my eyes
I joined the Corps, to be all I can be
I lay down my life, so that others live free

I’m a simple man, just a regular guy
For love of country, didn’t have to ask why
I followed my calling, to protect and serve
A peaceful nation, is what we deserve

Just pin my medals, across my chest
Please tell my mama, I did my best
Don’t worry ‘bout me, there’s no need to cry
I’m now one with God, there’s no goodbye

CryingCryingCryingCryingCryingCryingCryingCryingCryingCrying

Post a new comment                         Expand all messages                         Show all boards                         Subscribe Subscribe