Poets Forum by Dennis Patton
WALKING IN WINTER
The exercise track is deserted today except just for me and another.
My coat is too thin and I think with a grin,
“I wish I had taken the other.”
My feet pick up speed as I near the bright sun.
The shade that I craved all last summer I shun.
The sun’s rays are friendly and help keep me cozy.
If I’d stayed home, I’d be feeling quite dozy.
As I turn the next corner and face the north wind, a squirrel questions my right to be here.
I smile at the anger and promise him then in a short while I won’t be near.
But the day is too nice to have stayed in the house. If I’d holed up and vexed, I’d feel like a louse.
So I head toward the sunlight with unseemly haste And I hope all the walking is whittling my waist.
—Betty Lynn Walker Benton
HAIKU
swing full of snow while the sun shines the wind pushes
— Pat Laster Benton
IT BEGAN WITH BRIGHTNESS
It fell in white sheets
Like a storm of feathers Blanketing the world Burying the darkness Banishing the sorrow
Until all that remained
Was a blinding newness-a world reborn and
Waiting to be discovered.
— Robin Burrows Crawford Conway
GOD’S GIFT
Just a thought about season’s change, a miracle of God’s great range.
Spring that brings new life from its birth, such world-wide beauty on this earth.
Summer’s growth brings life’s great treasures, warm sun, food and man’s fine pleasures.
Fall leaves circle ‘round tree’s great girth, such world-wide beauty on this earth.
Winter’s coverings, shining bright, change the world from dark to light.
Joy and mirth come from Jesus’ birth, such world-wide beauty on this earth.
— Cathy Parker Alexander
APPLES
It wasn’t easy for Eve in the garden where she stood alone, looking, longing to touch.
The surprised visit with daring talk happened to chalk up one which proved too much.
Adam later made his play, offered his excuse--her fault. She was ushered on her way.
Adam followed suit.
Play it forward to modern time.
Men still choose and have to lose.
Looking back it’s still a crime to taste the tainted fruit.
— Dennis Patton
Alexander
To submit poems for publication, please send poems of 16 or fewer lines to Dennis Patton, 2512 Springhill Circle, Alexander, AR 72002, or patton_dr@hotmail.com.