These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

NaPoWriMo: "National Poetry Writing Month"

Have a thought, that you would like
to rhyme, and say with rhythm's best?
We have a month for you to strike
out, vanquishing each poet's test.

But if the rhyming, rhythm thing
is not the way, that you would go,
then strike out on your own,
making words your tools
to serve your own behest.

haikus speak of life
nature growing where it may
bloom in peace right now

When Shakespeare wrote a sonnet from his heart,
'twould be to him a thing most near and dear.
The thoughts he'd share at poem's launching start
would be of things so oft unfair, unclear,
But then he left the harbor of mind's rest
to brave the waves of something new, unknown.
There'd be a jarring, and great striving's test,
before his latest state was fully sown.
The Tempest of his senior days and isle
the consternation of a lifetime's work
was brought to fore without a swift denial.
He owned to last with ne'er a word to shirk.
The catholic tones of these confessions, rare.
A Purgatory short was lived o'er there.

We end with hymns of praise
to God, Who paid Salvation's fee.
We end these earthly days
a-leaning on the arms of He.

Amazing Grace of Greatest Friend,
And Can it truly Be?
Unclouded Days He'll always send
in Love He Lifted Me.

Diverted best when with my Lord,
I find secluded bliss
for in His hopeful, daily Word,
I feel the Savior's kiss.

But if the words, that rhyme, give you no lasting hope,
I'd urge you to stop. Find a quiet place.
Write to your heart's content in longish lines or short,
then find your peace in unrhymed words,
and let the rhythms be just of your core.

I once knew a man of great stature and thin
his folks could not start to his naming's begin,
but his fam'ly ate poke,
and this lasting green joke
brought his name to the fore, for Slim Rick could now win.

The month of poetry is near end.

by Jay O’Toole
on April 25th, 2022