Poems Written Solely For Contests

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

Touching Sweeter Dreams, Memories To Hold, Sharon's Acrostic

Touching Sweeter Dreams, Memories To Hold
(A Double Acrostic)


Timeless love, romancing dreams, sweet and great
On soft dream-clouds, dancing in love's tango
Under Autumn moons, I slow waltz with you
Cases of pictures, in our home's attic
Having you with me, to always cherish

6-27, 2017
Sharon Gulley's
(Touch Me With Words), Contest


Copyright © Robert Lindley | Year Posted 2017


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Oppression and Cruelty Meted Out By Ancient Kings

Lord and master hunted across his stolen lands
with his diamond dogs purchased with stolen loot
giving little mercy in his raging commands
head in stocks, or brutal kicks with his heavy boots

Baying hounds, he hunted through jagged rocky crags
for unmanly sport and to cure his lust to kill
he shot snipes, proudly gutted the forest's red stags
his demand, no hunt stopped until he saw blood spill.

Of English birth, proud heritage and ancient blood
brutality he learned from war's bloody fights
with boot and lash, he savaged the peasant crude
while sleeping quite peacefully each and every night.

Kings ruled with the help of titled ladies and lords.
Oppressing those thought filthy, rabble-rousing hordes.

R.J. Lindley,
Sonnet, ( Tears And Deaths Of The Oppressed)
June 2nd, 1971
Copyright © Robert Lindley | Year Posted 2018

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

Realizing, Yearning For Lost Youth Had Birthed Poetic Aches

Just past forest green, field of cold and hard stones
there in his youth he oft sat, rejected, sad and alone
blissful in solitude and mindful of dark world's hurt
poet in deep thought, how best to write and atone.

Creating realms to shatter earth's hardest day
well beyond this world's mass of whirling decay
in ragged jeans and older brother's torn shirt
searching, searching for life and a better way.

With pen in left hand and an armada of words
scribbling out verses, only to please singing birds
with heart's pure joy in each word gushing spurt
he deeply scrutinized all his well sprung words.

Years flew by, sanctuary was lost to worldly greeds
slowly, ever so slowly he gave way to selfish needs
his desires, he in prideful arrogance sought to convert
thus raising his own sorrows from lust's thorny seeds.

Racing back, searching for that field lonely dreams
a child again, escaping world's darkest schemes
he found, truth and joy replaced by life's great hurt
flowing forth in never ending black raging streams.

Then one fine dawn, he remembered that sad, sad place
cold stones that spoke, spoke to him face to face
regain thy true soul, plant seeds in fresh, fertile dirt
for thy youthful years, no poetic words can replace.

With far greater knowledge, his grief he forsakes
realizing, yearning for youth had birthed poetic aches
he sat there in new bought jeans and bright shirt
writing new poetic verses, during his coffee breaks.

August 2nd, 2017
--------------
For the 'The Poet's Ache' contest - Greg Barden

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

I Once Held Moon And Sky Hostage For You


Far better a lost love than none at all,
with epic pains serving well to remind-
Love and sweetness before sorrowful fall,
into deep, dark pits, broken and stone blind.
Curse so bad; unbreakable chains that bind...
love's reprieve in a dim-lit shattered mind.


While your love and morning glow spellbound me,
I once held moon and sky hostage for you-
Carved our hearts and our names in that old tree,
lost in rivers of love, once were we two.
You once kissed me and swore to say I do,
swearing to not ever say, we are through.


Now that many decades have flown on by,
I still hold out hope we can reunite-
For you, I still hold up both moon and sky,
defeat nightmare's dark warriors each night.
Dawn's bright brings our loneliness back in sight...
with sorrows deep woven in our sad plight.
Do not weep for my agonizing pain...
Unto death, this faithful heart shall remain.

Robert J. Lindley, 1-31-2018
Urban sonnet, (Subject lost love and hope never abandoned)

'Urban Sonnet ' Contest Info
Sponsor Laura Loo
Contest Name Urban Sonnet | Enter Contest
Deadline 2/20/2018 12:00:00 AM
Note From Sponsor No updates yet...
Contest Description

​I created a poetry form called the "Urban Sonnet". They now use this form at Oakland University where I'm a TA weekly.

​Form: Rhyme scheme: ABABBB- CDCDDD- EFEFFF-GG​

10 SYLLABLES PER LINE

Syllables Per Line: 10 10 10 10 10 10 0 0 10 10 10 10 10 10 0 0 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Total # Syllables: 200
Total # Words: 160

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

Modern Poetry, And Its Apples

Real apples we do not ever need
give us our shallow feeds.
Spread sweeter lies on our dark toast
truth, let us burn and roast.

Your poet pen we must enslave
our blindness we must save.

Real pies let us never dare bake
let us deliver fake.
For good, we our false images make
we burn truth at the stake.

Your poet pen we must enslave
our blindness we must save.

Real art is to be repainted
its glory thus tainted.
We demand gold for shallow words
that all follow in herds.

Your poet pen we must enslave
our blindness we must save.

Real apples we do not ever need
give us our shallow feeds.
Spread sweeter lies on our dark toast
truth, let us burn and roast.

Your poet pen we must enslave
our blindness we must save.

Robert J. Lindley, 9-11-2018
Rhyme (What The Wise Old Owl Saw)

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

Memories Of The Long Sad Journey

Bitter cold that Saturday morning, I could see my breath parade before me.
No breakfast as I had quietly left the house and started my trek back to our old home.
Memories flooded my brain with each new turn along that dusty road.
Along with questions about why I was now so rebellious.

Quicker, walk quicker my heart and soul demanded. Do you not want to touch the
bedroom door where your father slept? Slept before that long dark sleep.
Slept in such pain and sorrow?
Yes, bellowed back my invisible friend.

frosty morning dew
loose pebbles crunched beneath feet
earth, morning sky paled

Halfway there, with my heart racing and anticipation heightened
I could almost imagine a real touch. A real touch of he- now lost to all eternity!
What wild thoughts come to a teenage soul and mind in its greatest of pains and sorrows.
Can death be denied? Can one bring back even for the briefest moment a loved one..
A father, a father!

blackbirds silent view...
wrapped in winter's sheen
light ahead, welcomed beacon

Walking up the short drive and onto the front porch. Only gone away half a year and such change found!
Silence, silence engulfed my thoughts. Struck numb as I entered our vacated home.
Home were my father had exhaled his last breath. Hand shaking as I reach for that doorknob..
What would I see? His ghost? Would I dare touch his ghost?
Walked into a cold and lonely room--nothing!
No smile, no hug, no long awaited touch!
Only tears, tears by the bucketful.
What had I come to find? Was I crazy to want to see, talk, touch one more time?

one old shoe, lonely
broken window, dusty mounds
bleak abandoned walls

I knew, knew this was it. Life gave no overs and no going back to happier times.
The terror of that reality, would it ever leave. Would it?
Father was dead and my life was over.
I walked out into this dark world ready to fight.
Fighting to be left alone, with my never ending sorrow and its sweet cuts....
Cuts embraced to keep my rage, to yet again feel,
defeat the icy numbness in a rebellious teenager's aching heart.

Robert J. Lindley


*******

Written for new Haibun contest..-TYR

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

Do Not Sad Weep, For Long Lost Ships

I know you too
Your heart fast beats.
Once we were new
fate, life oft eats.

Hold my hand now
chase love with me.
Yes, I know how
to live, be free.

Let nights gift more,
let dawn's sun shine.
Both hearts, one shore,
on love we dine.

Come dance with me,
swirl the dance floor.
Love is a sea,
who wants much more?

Touch my soul deep,
kiss these soft lips.
Do not sad weep,
for long lost ships.

See morn's bright dew,
wake to my touch.
Love holds we two,
need you so much!

Send love's deep kiss,
wait day's great call.
You I do miss,
why did we fall?

Bird needs its tree,
sky needs its sun.
When love was we,
we had great fun!


Robert J. Lindley, 2-03-2018


Syllables Per Line: 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Total # Syllables: 128
Total # Words: 128

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Poetry Contest Deadline: Wednesday, February 28, 2018
28 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered.
Sponsored by: Silent One |
Contest Dealine:
2/28/2018 12:00:00 AM
Note from Sponsor:
Have done another example called: Charm like harp strings.
Contest Description

After writing a poem called 'When souls spark', I was asked by a number of poets to do a contest on this form.

4 words per line all 1 syllable each. So 4 syllables per line.

32 line poem, so in total 128 words.

Rhyme poem aabb

Please check syllables on www.howmanysyllables.com

Good luck and have fun

****************************

Edit-- Contest has now been judged, this poem took second place..-Tyr

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

Within Hall Of Heroes His Soul Must Surely Be

Within Hall of Heroes his soul must surely be
for courage and steadfastness surged in his veins
this he truly lived for one and all to see
he fought bravely for truth and right, not worldly gains!

As teenage youth, I did such a great man befriend
and discovered what a true blessing had been given
I was away that day his life came to an end
now mourn he that for honor had always striven.

Years flown by as I look back at such a fine man
a granite rock upon which any friend could rely
I recall campfires, fresh fish frying in a pan
And will see his smiling face until day I die!

Within Hall of Heroes his soul must surely be.
Man that taught me, takes faith and courage to be free!


Robert J. Lindley, 6-18-2020
Sonnet, Tribute- ( Treasures That Life Oft Gift Asking No Payment For )

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

A Slow Hand, Deep Thoughts And True Pen

Each time I write of my crashed hopes and dreams
mind falls into black-depths, sends cold shivers.
Tempted to falsely praise my misdeeds and schemes
I return to my vow, embracing realm of true givers.

Such leaning towards positive and the good
once was abhorrent, not in my prideful style.
When lightning bolts struck me as they should
I found my life was a massive rubbish pile.

With pen and paper I then sought truth to tell
of life, love, loss and darkness once embraced.
O' yes, I did not hide my parades in hell
nor innocent young life I once so disgraced.

Years flew by and age gave its usual aches
far too oft, I swore to give my poetry up.
Darkness whispered, take well deserved breaks
porch lounge sit, empty thy hot coffee cup.

Ah, but my muse, she heard and was not amused
up she bolted, screaming like a raving banshee.
Reminded me of my past, my life I had so abused
what a coward I would be if I now sought to flee.

Pen in hand and regretful of my wasted past
I write to send some light and truth boldly tell.
Praying some good comes, a few words may last
redeem myself from youthful days dancing in hell.
8-21-2017
( Seek to do good and watch darkness flee)

Written for -- The Poet's Own Contest .. may edit later if needed..-Tyr

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

I Saw Hurt Speak So Loud


I saw hurt speak so loud,
as you stood weak but proud.
Your sad eyes told me more,
red stains on your front door.

I sought to touch your soul,
stop the loss and its toll.
Win your heart, join to mine,
on sweet love we would dine.

Hope in each heart and breast,
we spoke, love did the rest.
From loss, look of ash gray,
we held hands, knelt to pray.

Spring came, we wed as two,
as love's gift was our due.
Day brought light and much more,
nights spent on safe new shore.

Life then gave joy to live,
we each sought true to give.
Now with our hearts in line,
love's depths, each day will shine.


Robert J. Lindley, 2-07-2018

SilentOne's 20 verses , 6 one syllable words per verse, (120 words contest)

Syllables Per Line: 0 6 6 6 6 0 6 6 6 6 0 6 6 6 6 0 6 6 6 6 0 6 6 6 6
Total # Syllables: 120
Total # Words: 120

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

Collaboration With Silent One Contest
Title omitted

Lingering light dwindles among the horizon
Twilight fades with a farewell from the sun
Shadows disappear as stars sprinkle the sky
with the moon illuminating those who walk by
Woods appear so much more ominous at night
silent blackness causing an overwhelming fright
Trees are like charcoal – inky blankets all around
as nocturnal animals hunt without making a sound
Country paths seem lifeless in the eerie dark
occasionally disturbed by a guard dog’s bark
Temperatures fall with the mid winter freeze
people feel the chill with the cold air breeze
Day light sneaks in as the sun begins to rise
the moon and stars hide away in disguise
Patiently waiting for the darkness to reappear
so they can play again, when humans disappear.

Behold in pitch black the silent phantom I seek
wanders through the crevices to take a silent peek
its pallid face behind a ghostly purple veil
one must wonder if it is from this world or Hell
Icy the winds in this slow creeping winter scene
moonlight returns, with its golden glorious preen
standing aghast, my heart shutters skipping a beat
A glimpse seen of hideous claws on phantom's feet
Never shall I again this forbidden place tread
I have discovered that its creatures are all dead
Finding in Nature such horror was not my goal
Now silent terrors grip this my unblinded soul
Lo! One can not unsee such darkness and despair
As in this growing gloom, phantom flies through the air
I search for a return path to make my way home
swearing to never again onto this path roam.

10/18/2020
Collaboration with the Silent One Poetry Contest
Title left blank...

Copyright © Robert Lindley | Year Posted 2020

My entry is the second half of the poem..
Silent One composed the first 16 verses. Tyr

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

Ancient Shadows, Dreams From Love Lost Past

With gnarled trembling hands fumbling to get dressed
So old, even his dreams were slow
Yet once love embraced and his soul caressed.

Ancient shadows drifting in ancient mind,
As fierce and cold as North winds blow
Now victim of Time, best days far behind.

This world, burning sorrows into his brain,
Thirst for happiness now long gone
Was deep misery all that would remain?

Praying for Time to bring its promised end
For her touch and kiss again
He begs send me to my love, my best friend.

With gnarled trembling hands fumbling to get dressed
So old, even his dreams were slow
Yet once love embraced and his soul caressed.

Robert J. Lindley, 8-23-2017

Copyright © Robert Lindley | Year Posted 2017

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

Poet's Words, Inspired From Picture In A Book

There in ancient times, a high rocky ridge
surrounded by enchanted forest green.
To cross over to it, a rock arch bridge
much as a great painted artistic scene.

From Nature had this true beauty been made
with only immense power it oft wields.
Time and erosion, its red color oft shades
far below, sunlit flowers in meadow fields.

Poet's words, inspired from picture in a book
and all the history stored in his head.
There he lay sleeping in a rocky nook
as if resting upon a feathered bed.

What more could one want to ink flying words
about sailing ships on restful blue seas?
Or the beauty of colorful, flying birds,
sweet as the golden honey of honey bees.

In his mind's eye the nook is left behind
he treks in the forest to scenes anew.
Dawn's morning showers gifted treasures to find
matters not if it will be only a few.

Finding the meadow, its flowers in full bloom
he sat with pen and paper in ready hand.
He fills page as if decorating a room
hearing Nature's music from its own band.

Task done, the book he slowly laid aside
reviewed his words as true, found all is well.
Content, away on sailing ship he rides
resting his poet's hand for a brief spell.

Robert J. Lindley, 2-18-2018

Copyright © Robert Lindley | Year Posted 2018

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

In Night Dreams, We Go On, Forever True

A time, a star shining from distant view
romantic dancing, all summer with you.
A clinging, like moss on a strong oak tree
golden paradise, our time being free.

In night dreams, we go on, forever true
our world was romance and loving was new.
Under bright moonlit stars you sing again
my only one, my lover, my close friend.

A place, enchanted by your dazzling eyes
sunny rays, beach sands under blue skies.
Pray I, wondrous dreaming shall never end
blessings our past love will forever send!

Your beauty seared into feverish mind
O' that true romance, love the deepest kind!

Robert J. Lindley, 8-31-2017
Sonnet, ( Lost Love In Sweetly Welcomed Dreams)


Syllables Per Line: 10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10 0 10 10
Total # Syllables: 140
Total # Words: 102
************************************************** *

Note- Contest write.. may edit later.. -Tyr

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

End Of The Road
Why Did Wine And Music Thus Lose

Wine and music soothed our joined souls
when ebb tides washed away.
We set fame and wealth as our goals
found none in Frisco bay!

When quick passions our lost souls ate
clear waters could not stay.
Nothing stopped darkest Hands of Fate
should we have thought to pray?

Where loving-sight lost its clear views
good no longer danced.
We both fell, forgetting our dues
gone was life we romanced!

Why did wine and music thus lose
to Fate we did not choose?

Robert J. Lindley
Jan. 6th, 2017

For- Poet's Choice - The End Of The Road - Just Friends - Poetry Contest

Rhyme Scheme - abab, cdcd, etc.
Syllable count : 8-6-8-6
Nicola Byrne : Contest sponsor

Copyright © Robert Lindley | Year Posted 2017

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

For SilentOne's new contest.
COMPOSE A POEM BASED UPON PICTURE OF YOUNG GIRL GIVEN.


She Had Paint And Brush, No Canvas Needed

Dawn, she rose to paint agony away
placed sorrows in with colors she blended.
Painting portraits, kept her demons at bay
relieved dark blues of love that had ended.

Morn's sun, she mixed misery into swirls
cleaned her brushes to dab bright colors on.
Still yearning to be one of the good girls
she paints only what beauty has shown.

As months became years, art became her all
painted colors became her young new skin.
New beauty seen in mirrors on the wall
she felt her deep pain fleeing from within.

That splendid morn, mist had vanished away
she knew time was right, all must be finished.
As she conquered her fearful dreams that day
her soul and heart's joy were both replenished.

She had paint and brush, no canvas needed
with great skill she painted her hands and face.
Banished thoughts of how she had once pleaded
knowing that it was not she in disgrace.

With joy's tears and lavishing brush touch
every color was so carefully placed.
Life's gifts were restored and she knew this much
lost love's ache had forever been erased.


Robert J. Lindley,
9-07-2017


Syllables Per Line: 10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10
Total # Syllables: 240
Total # Words: 184