Category Archives: Poets

Borderland

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Borderland was where we met;
paths wove on stony ground.
Upon mare’s back you rode,
with stallion held to my command.

Masks pushed aside
amidst the faint red sky
revealed in wavering scene
where features lit the world.

Pitch black, your mount,
yet mine as white as day;
the stones of nature’s wrath,
the courtyard where we played.

The dust of haze suspended
in such desert place;
miasma to the senses
caught and there amazed.

The fall of hoof to earth
became remembered dance
before the desert wind
confused in wilder chance

where wisps of breeze
upon that border place
restored its pristine honour
given us in grace.

© G. Burns 26-Jan-2013

Woodland reverie

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The trees that blow in summer breeze
strip off their bark with careless ease
then dip their toes in waters there
without a thought, without a care.

Their leafy features casting shade
across the woodland’s green parade,
next to the waters of the creek
that as they rush to river, speak;

with babbling state their endless quest
to meet the ocean and find rest,
to all and sundry standing near,
to anyone who stays to hear.

Like birds that fossick for the worm
or grubs within the soil turned,
to possums sleeping in the trees,
in daylight hours taking ease.

We move across the greensward sway
to listen to its woodland say
the many pleasures and its cheer
to taste the waters’ foaming beer;

brewed in the mountains of delight
to then descend from greatest height.
Rolled down to them in barrel time
of high country and acres climb;

arrived from place where cattle graze
on rugged pastures where they gaze
upon the sky and watery clouds
formed from the lowlands and surrounds.

Rain weeps its tears of purest bliss
to grace the earth with gentle kiss
and roll delightfully to speak
into the hurried, rushing creek.

© G. Burns 11-Jan-2013

Time of flowers

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It was a time of flowers
carpeting the earth with colour;
captivating with their charm
as they scintillate in the sunshine.

Covering the chalk and clay
with crochet of kingly creation.
Sending aromatic cascades into the sky;
careering libation to the senses.

Nectar scents rising in circles;
sweet enticement to the insects
inducting them into
secrets of stem and stamen.

Country air hiding hints of chill
in coming caution of summer’s call;
crying life to crimson and carmine
in corncupiscent statements of sincerity.

Creation’s kindness crafted
into colourful curtains as
chromatic symphony of senses
soaring into season’s soliloquy.

Kisses coming collectively from
carnation and chrysanthemum
calling concentration to cupped corolla;
it was a time of flowers.

© G.Burns 26-Dec-2012

 

Naked

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I looked into the mirror,
Saw that I was naked,
Nothing hidden from view;
I stood
Somewhat ridiculous,
Totally exposed.

Folds of flesh
Making mockery
Of thought and mind.
A civilised veneer
Peeled away and
All revealed.

Chill rose from the tiles
Reflected in
Stark black and white;
Behind me warmth,
But winter grey seeped into
My reflection.

I saw myself there,
Naked,
Striped back to the essential;
Not much to see,
Nothing to desire,
Just me.

© G. Burns 2-Jan-2013

Walking on water

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I dined while watching men walk on the waves
While weaving white and blue threads in their wake;
with carefree act, no longer earthly slaves,
but glided there for joy and freedom’s sake.

The sky looked on, it’s gossamer white clouds,
saw water running relays to the shore;
the sandy strip of beach held waiting crowds
dots painted in the tableau that they draw.

My breakfast shared with family in peace,
viewed by the panorama of the sea
examined in the glory of release
by those whose earthly bondage seek to flee,

with silence far above and far away;
yet still my heart delights in all such play.

© G. Burns 2-Jan-2013

 

Cicadas

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The sky of blue and golden threads,
the breeze that tousles leafy heads,
cicadas singing in the grass
of fragile longings, hopes that last

nested snugly on day’s breast
taking solace amidst the tests
of summer time with mid day heat,
no evening breeze yet gives relief.

Sun creeps slowly over sky,
us older ones so softly sigh;
recalling times of youthful bliss,
of chasing girls who tease and kiss.

Remember how they used to flirt
with their pretty dancing skirts
flung to winds of straw or chance
within the barns abundant dance.

But now more mellow in our years,
full, life’s sorrows and her fears;
we live complete in joyous past,
hold delight in memory’s grasp.

Then as the sky turns gently grey
so branches sigh and softly sway,
evening comes as end of day
keeping still some heat to stay.

© G. Burns 31-Dec-2012

Temperance and Joy

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At exactly the same moment
From different spots they entered
And directly interfered
With perception of the other.

All who looked upon them could not
Help, but to see such pairing.
Innocent mistake
In limelight each deserved alone.

Beauty gracious soars inspiring
Gift praises both desiring
But now gathered here and there
In rivers bright and then so dark.

For in many places, brilliant
Was perception of their charm
But others deepest gloom
Their fate and ignorance beset.

Mind’s eye can see them still
Eternally heart now fulfilled
Singular beauty locked in time
Together, yet immortal shine.

© G.Burns. 25-Jun-2012

Lines

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Canyon lines of the spirit
Draw themselves across a face;
Smiling, laughing dancing lines
That tell a story from the heart.
Kindness hidden or harshness held
Hopes and hearts of things given
Promises made, kept or broken.

What kind of lines do you see?
Are they skipping ropes of youth?
Or dancing lines arrayed in rows?
Are they just lines for hanging clothes,
Utilitarian lines we know?
Perhaps lines that measure life,
Full of glory, full of strife?

What kind of lines do you see?

© G.Burns 28-July-2012

Fields of light

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A field of light
Grown from seeds of night
Startling crisp and glorious sight;

Heaven's parade,
Gone, yet glory stayed
Holding imprint those ones made.

Beauty returned,
Splendid sky lights burn
Surely as the world then turns

Bending their rays
To earthly lays,
Seeking mortal eyes to stay.
© G. Burns 25-Jun-2012

Autumn Leaves

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Autumn leaves
Hanging in the sky
Waiting for heaven’s breath
To meet oblivion,
A final dance
A serenade.

Above, the sky
Below, the green
Between, the air
Awaits unseen;
Lovers will rise
In dancing fly.

In cold and dark
Almost forgot
Their wind blown aspect
Swept quite bare
But still a little
Sigh rests there.

A pool of light
And colour falls
Upon the earth
Which gently calls
To gather those
Who downwards go.

© G.Burns 16-Jun-2012