Anthology of Chat

Issue# 09 for August 1997

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I would like to thank the authors of the following poems for their contribution and wish them much success!

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Untitled © Jonathan Arlon The sun comes dancing down And strikes a splash of merriment Among the laughing tossing waves And throws high the spray ! Send some E-mail to: THE AUTHOR of this poem.

SERVING LOGOS © David Hunter Sutherland Of this revelation there is weight, pounds and inches on an already robust belly of events, nerves on tempered edges that trace the bittersweet arrangements we serve with barb-wired grace and perfunctory gestures, a god whose manifest eliminates its charter. "Let us make man in our image..." to carve away, whittle away the skin, the erudition of bone to age, time-capsuled screams and fragments of demented wills wear the smiles that pass astern, your crown of buoyant tongues and limbs drift into a ghost bay of nets below a waterline of moss eaten debris these bruised lives and lost embraces choke on the remnants of carrion and crosses. Predilection is feeding in your parade devouring this meager lot of crumbs, and dines on the thumbs and joints of this _carus lusus naturae_ your beloved freaks, your whores, your word ! Now seated, now served. Send some E-mail to: THE AUTHOR of this poem.

BAD MAGIC © David Hunter Sutherland Along richly gilded aisles and sumptuous cushioned seats, or is it a pew ? In hymns filled with grace and cascading angelic voices, or was it the choir ? "Out of the mouth of false prophets, walk unclean spirits, rise the unworthy ! " but is it faith or bad magic. "Brethren put-on your spiritual armor, seize the harlot of these waters. On desolate ground we fight, of Holy, Holies we shall prevail ! " hellbent on heaven. Send some E-mail to: THE AUTHOR of this poem.

demons within--demons lament © B. G. Scroggins

What demon is this
that calls my name?
enticing me with a spell
sounding a song
lifting gossamer veil to kiss
this lesion so long hidden...
Which demon are you
in full charade, spreading
fragile truth
over lying perception...
plunging hypodermic
draining life
simply inserted
behind crimson love...
Which demon am I
in human-womanly form
dangling lascivious tears
to hold him here... when
the inner demon says
just go dear,
he doesn't care...
What demon laments
and spellbindingly chants
your name
in self-deceptive apparition
as you appear,
soul intact delivering loving words
to a world that
lives for a simple crumb
of what once
was considered
to be mystic and surreal...
No demonic power
lest you try,
can save me dear,
from you and I
and hellacious separation
of miles and states...
Midnight journeys ended now
as earthly wills must give
and say no more chorus
to our wailing
at demonic orb
glowing with laughter
at two, who solicited
euphoria...
only to receive
capricious laughter...

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tell me © B. G. Scroggins what do you do when you lose? you get up you move on what do you do when your heart breaks? you cry you rage you die inside what do you do when you're forced to say goodbye? you hold fear in your hands as you turn and walk away before tears fall... Send some E-mail to: THE AUTHOR of this poem.

Parading as Human © B. G. Scroggins

Being human...
Not good...
When you are human
you make
mistakes
that you are not
supposed to make.

You smile at someone
a little
too long
or talk to
someone who
takes it wrong...
or just say or not say
something the wrong way...

Human?
What the hell
does it mean to
be human?
Jealousy,
fear, anger,
confusion,
tears shed?
Are not human?
I'm not human then.
I guess I just don't want
to be human!!!

What am I then?
If not human?
I
am an
extraterrestrial
life form
parading around earth as a

WOMAN!!!

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A Poets War © B. G. Scroggins

a dying ember lay buried
among the ashes, deep inside my soul...
put there by the carelessness of man
buried there forever and a day
slowly smothering and disappearing heat...
what little warmth that could still be felt
being stifled by the remnants
of years of endless pain and loss...
feelings only going skin deep
asking aloud for earthly pleasure here or there....
begging silently for only one man
to care enough to fan the ember into a flame...
not admitting that silent need to the many
who tried to fulfill this insatiable want
for heart and soul to be unconditionally loved
nor even taking time to admit it to myself

then suddenly there you were
with your poets war of words
and your statement of what it is in life that you desire
the ashes began to shift away, leaving only a faint glimmer
from the ember buried there beneath the remnants
of all the men that could not find the strength
inside themselves to just be men
the poetry was thrown between us like arrows from a bow...
each one, peircing deeper into our souls...
Each one getting stronger, as we fought our way to now...
somewhere between your poetry and mine...
somewhere among our words that were written line by line
I found a man who was gentle, loving, and kind....
Between the inflections of your voice on the phone...
I found a reassurance in you that I had never known before...
you left an indelible writing inside my heart that night...
and as the ember began to slowly flare
some faint whispered hope was born...
into my heart and mind and soul....

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FROLIC © Michael Rayne Life need not be a sad reproof Of things we left behind, Nor shouts from top a dismal roof To rest our tortured minds. For all around us is the glow Of cherry-orchard skies, Of running fast, of running slow, Of sentilating highs. Reach up and catch a falling leaf And help it to the ground. Swim out to yonder crystal reef And watch the flyfish bound. Jump high to catch a falling star And laugh when you come down. Twirl with the winds from near and far And dive with nature's clown. Engage the sounds of laughing birds To let your spirits soar. Run swift and fleeting like the herds Of mystic dragon's lore. Release your heart to feel the warm Of sunshine's yellow light. Lift up your face, lift up your arm, And dance from dawn to night. Encircle all the love you see In children of the day, And listen to the sounds of time While watching ages play. Skip lightly o'er the sidewalk crack Hop gleeful o'er the stream. Fly high and then come spinning back. Enjoy your frivolous dreams. Such quick reprieve from drudgery Can catapult us on To FROLIC into destiny While singing happy songs. Send some E-mail to: THE AUTHOR of this poem.

Upon My Fair Skin © By Jana DeWalt He envelopes me with his warmth and sensitivity Enchanting me with his intoxicating poetry and prose Fearlessly unraveling my complexities His open mind embracing me- in my entirety He has made love to me many times Yet he has never felt my naked flesh upon his own For it is with his heart and soul he touches me His sweet words silhouetting the contours of my body My parched mind drinking in his thoughts faster than he can think them His enlightened spirit exuding a breathtaking brilliance That exceeds the limits of mere physical beauty Without hesitation I expose my naked misery to him He-having the insight to see beyond the emotional wreckage To the beauty carefully hidden behind my misery Allowing the mask to finally fall from my face As the tender light of vulnerability casts itself Upon my fair skin Nocturnal creatures of the night are we Together we take flight-souls intertwined Daring to discover What in the darkness lies Knowing we are always connected Even as we sleep and slumber Even as I sit here and write of him In poetic praise I sense my beloved is nestled comfortably Inside my soul His feelings for me like a current Running through my spirit And onto these adoring lines of prose My love spilling over this page And saturating-my beloved’s soul Send some E-mail to: THE AUTHOR of this poem.

Nights Illusion © By Jana DeWalt Every night before I drift into a long, lonely slumber I longingly gaze at your picture Smudging the frame with my sweet, sad kisses I hug the picture to myself In the hopes that for just a moment I can feel that you are right here with me, Instead of hundreds of miles away As I drift to sleep I envision How it would feel to hold you close to me The sound of you heart beat- playing like a sweet lullaby Contenting me to sleep As I feel whispers of your breath, Lingering warmly upon my neck It is here, within the confines of my dreams You come to me and we fly to another plane Getting lost in one another Spirituality and sensuality slowly intoxicating our senses Then the sun filters in through the curtains Shattering the nights silky illusions Reality nudging me to realize you are no longer next to me As I come crashing back to a conscious state of mind Time refusing to tell me- When fate will choose to place you within my reach So alone I lay wait-Resting my thoughts upon these satin sheets Wondering when our bodies, hearts, and souls will finally be able to bond With the slow, sensual, greeting of our lips Send some E-mail to: THE AUTHOR of this poem.

Our Lifetime © Trjordan

we are given on life
to do as we chose
we are raised one way
take it or lose
we are fed one way
and taught different things
if only we could see things
the same way
we often sit and watch folks pass by
and notice what they are doing
how they do it
and think often
how we would too
however do we stop staring
and ask
do we stop the wondering
and speak
do we offer a chance
to get to know the people
we see
to stop and say hello
to welcome them as they pass
to wish them a great day
to offer assistance
a smile
something personal
from yourself
for a short while
for that effort that you give
may be what they needed
to let them know
that the world is not half as bad
as they think
and that lil smile
that you share
maybe all that you needed
for you to see
we are all one people
in a big world
that could be friendly....

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GOOD MORNING...TO YOU © Trjordan

the second you awake from your dreams
you find yourself running to me
you find yourself going to freshen up
to make sure your breath is fresh
and all that good stuff
you rush in and iron your best
you want to make sure
i can spot you from the rest
you shine your shoes
and crease your pants
a job interview
not me no man
you go in and get a glass of water
so that your throat is clear
and you grab that glass of OJ
so that your day will be OK
as you go into the main room of the house
and settle down in your chair
as your computer boots up
you sit and stare
will she be there
i pray she is here
as you settle and get signed on
you feel the connection
she's on she's on
i see you have made it
and are online again
we are both happy to see each other again
back to hours of entertainment and fun
for we have our worlds to share
to each other you see
and we are enjoying every moment
we spend together
we are complete
simply because i found you
and you found me....

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The war is in our heads © Trjordan

a stranger to the world around us
the war is in our heads
the only place for hate is in the space where it is lead
there is no place of hatred in our hearts or in our minds
there's only place for love and understanding
its about time we look at our lives and realize
hatred is the key to all the chaos that exists
if we loved ourselves and our brother
its up to us to treat each other better
its up to us to understand we are the true inhabitants of this land
the war is going on however it exists from within
look in the mirror and realize we are the one who are in control
there's no place for hatred in our hearts
nor in our minds, no place for hatred
only loving life and each other, in our hearts
time after time.

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Poetry Is The Footstep Of Soul © Jay T Harding Poetry measures the miles I've traveled On earth, and in heartbeats I've counted; Every step is one more thread unraveled, The beats of my heart one more hillside mounted. Run sometimes, walk sometimes, creep up the slopes, Yearning and burning with high dreams and hopes. Is this song that I hear through the wind in the trees Some message from God is ITs talking to me? The most difficult part of this journey I've made Has been the expression of life as I've played Ever the fool or the wise man's trade. Footstep by footstep mark lines on a page, Over the rounds of war and peace; Obvious choices of words from the sage Tell in the final poetic release. Suffering, happiness, laughter and tears, Told in free form or the rhythm of rhyme, Evolve from a feeling whose essence is clear, Painstakingly scribed in the language of time. Of all the emotions and feelings I've known, First came the love, and then came the poem. Soul is a happy, creative bright drop Of love in the Ocean of God, and Using expression, It climbs to the top, Leaving poems on the path that It trods. Send some E-mail to: THE AUTHOR of this poem.

My Love © lisa slomin (qdaisy) It surprises me sometimes to realize ow much I need you I never knew that a love like this was possible my thoughts are always with you Even though you are not near You are always in my heart, and in my soul I want to spend every minute with you I want to share with you special days and not so special days I want you with me in good times and in bad times I want to know that anytime I might need you you will be there I want to know when you are happy, and when you are sad I want to be there to comfort you in times of need I want to laugh with you in times of happiness I want to share every bit of my life with you I want to hold you heart, just as you hold mine and I promise that I will always hold it carefully, never letting it come to any harm I want you to know how much i love you, and I want you to know that this love will never die Because every rare once in a while the soul finds its perfect mate and i have found this soulmate in you Send some E-mail to: THE AUTHOR of this poem.

Put Down Your Guitar © Ron Baron

I had a few years left I thought I'd spend in having fun
But first it seemed I had to have this marriage thing undone

I'd had a fling or two in just the not too distant past
Now I could not forget and I was growing older fast

I knew a place where I could hang my hat though not a home
A place where I could come and go and I'd be free to roam

It seemed that lately things were all mixed up and full of strife
My life seemed unfulfilled by church and things that pleased my wife

I'd listened to the word of God in preaching, prayer and song
But in my mind were tunes and times-each day for them I'd long

I couldn't give it all to Jesus though it seemed I'd tried
I couldn't shake the past- the lust for life and foolish pride

I bummed around the musicals and had fun for a while
But soon I came to realize they didn't like my style

I guessed I'd make a night-club or a tavern or a bar
I'd fool around and sing and dance but wouldn't go too far

I used to sing and dance and play and thought that I was great
But all the girls were drunk and only looking for a mate

I did my thing and sang my songs the way I used to do
But those who liked my corny jokes and songs were such a few

They liked a strange new sound that seemed to put them in a trance
Then someone yelled, "Hey Pop - go try the Senior Citizen's Dance"

I'd heard these slurs before and didn't really seem to mind
'Cause someone who would listen I could surely always find

I looked across the room and saw an old friend at the bar
I asked him how he liked the new way I played my guitar

He said, "old pal, the songs you sing are anything but new."
"They're just the sounds we listen to to do the things we do."

The tunes you play and songs you sing have always been around
Where pain and heartache, sorrow, sin and loneliness are found

You come here thinking you can find some friendship and some fun
But just like me you're empty when the song and dance is done

I sit here every night and drink my booze and cry my tears
And think of life gone by and look ahead to wasted years

I had a wife and family that was better than I thought
But growing old is hard and there were times we fussed and fought

I didn't realize how fine she was -how much she cared
I just forgot the good times of the life that we had shared

It seemed that I'd be better off alone and have more fun
So I stepped out and caused this married life to be undone

I now don't have a place to go or place I have to be
But also I've discovered no one really cares for me

There's no one there to listen when I hurt so deep inside
There's no one there at night I really care to be beside

There's no one there to wash my clothes and fix my bed just right
And care about my health and worry when I feel up-tight

There's no one there to fix my meals with tender loving care
In fact I've searched and love like hers I can't find anywhere

Now put down your guitar and listen close to what I say
Before I left I think that she had found a better way

I still remember how she prayed for God 's help from above
She said that He would mend our hurts and heal our hearts with love

So if you'll sing just one more gospel song-how God hates sin
I think I'll step outside and ask for one more chance again

And when I get to where I stay and sit down all alone
I think I'll say a prayer....and then...
I'll call her on the phone.

Send some E-mail to: THE AUTHOR of this poem.

Fantasy Love © Krista Brotzel You were my dream. You were my fantasy. You made me open up my heart again. You got so deep inside of me. I felt things for you, I never imagined possible. I cared for you, more than I ever cared for anyone. You amazed me. You said you loved me. You said you cared for me. You said together we'd always be. But you left me, To me you lied, and I could tell you how much it hurt, how much I cried. I could scream at you, and cry in front of you. But I can't hurt you, cause I still care too. I don't hate you, and there's nothing I regret. You'll always be a part of me, and you, I'll never forget. Send some E-mail to: THE AUTHOR of this poem.

A Child © Krista Brotzel A child is a treasure, who should be thought of as a miracle. A child is completely innocent. Their innocence is only gone once, we as a world teach them differently. A child does not deceive until we teach them to lie. A child does not detest until we teach them to hate. A child has a heart, and we teach them to love and care. A child should remind us of how we used to be. Not what we aren't now. A child is carefree and full of energy. We should not try to make them grow up, faster than they should. For one day they will grow up, and we will wonder where the time has gone. Send some E-mail to: THE AUTHOR of this poem.

Rapid Fear © Krista Brotzel Shaking as I move towards it, The sounds of rushing water, sound like screams of terror to me, Remembering that day. The rapid water, the tree we hit, My own screams ringing in my ears, The weeds that cut my hands, as I reached in fear for them. The rocks scratching me, the cuts on my arms, that were never noticed. The hole in the boat, that no one ever saw. My fear of that place, that I've never gone back to, that no one understands. Send some E-mail to: THE AUTHOR of this poem.

growing closer © Betty Ann Whitney was a time face to face we lost all touch about each other busy as we are my other and I walk not face to face but side by side... we take our time he looks one side I look the other before it happens we see at the same time the ripening fruit of an orange tree a meandering cat the color of Mosie he loved as a child a garden swing, like my grandmother had where she hummed of who we are... for the longest time we are simply there come inside out not face to face but arm in arm. Send some E-mail to: THE AUTHOR of this poem.

Why
Why me
Uninvited soul
Pure essence of life
Innocent and powerless
And I could feel you growing
And I could feel the life within me
You were a product of my love
And you were loved by me
The one that killed you
In the name of a
Cruel world
Forgive
Me

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Sadness fills my soul
When I look into your eyes.
The light once brilliant there,
Was strangled by your own hands.
And I'm a stranger to you now.

Rivers of tears flow,
When I hear your voice.
Still soothing to my senses,
Yet the words cut like knifes.
And I'm a stranger to you now.

My body trembles,
When I search your face.
Expressions once soft with affection,
Have turned to solid ice.
And I'm a stranger to you now.

Slowly I wake from the dream,
When I see the reality of you.
The man I once loved so completely,
Was only a cruel illusion.
And YOU are a stranger to me now.

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Tears match Raindrops,
Grey skies my thoughts,
Winds scatter all hope.
Can't see
Can't think
beyond this pain.

Life exhales icy gusts of sadness,
Love melts away like snow,
Nights shiver loneliness.
Can't breathe
Can't live
with all this pain.

Empty dreams frozen in time,
Eternal winter chills my soul,
Darkness extinguishes all light.
No feelings
No dreams
No love
only darkness remains.....

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Journey the sea of emotions,
I am the captain.
Breathe the air of uncertainty,
I yield to no one.
Cross the desert of pain,
I discover strength.
Fly the sky of reality,
I conquer my fear.
Dream the mirage of future,
I accept the challenge.

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Untouchable,
Yet I can still feel your breath.
Unapproachable,
Yet I can still feel your heart beat.
Unreachable,
Yet I can still sense your thoughts.
So distant,
Yet I can still hear your voice
You vanished,
But the shadow of your soul still lives in my heart
Always..

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Reality...
An illusion of our imagination.
Temporary and fluid.
Limited only,
By the depth of our creativity,
And our willingness,
To see the possibilities.

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Created October 28 1996 Regularly Updated