poemsbyninotaziz

Ecstasy

2012-02-12T15:54:00.001-08:00

i n e c s t a s y

Her breath - a perfume
That made men delirious

In the summer

Her translucent skin

Like a warm beacon, a promise
Of untold heights

Her hair - a snare
That entangled their passion

Deadly in winter.

Deadly.

_______________________________

For the Magpie Tales and Haiku Heights.

The Heart Remains

2012-02-05T16:59:00.000-08:00

All her days

Her heart led her deeds

Now - all of her

Remains.

__________________

This is an experiment for the Magpie Tales.

Yes

2012-02-02T06:52:00.000-08:00

Yes!

Despite the race against time
I say yes to this little moment
Of tenderness

It becomes a lifetime of memory

My pen glides
Against the smooth white paper
Of poetry and words

It becomes my work of a lifetime

My green fingers
Say yes to this garden
Of trees, shrubs and herbs

It becomes my solace and hideaway

My heart, will and soul
Say yes to this embrace
Welcoming him to my space

He becomes my other self

A buffer against the many reasoned 'No'

________________________

For Thursday Think Tank

The Parrot

2012-01-29T21:33:00.000-08:00

"Awk! Awk! I am over here!"

Trapped in a painting for telling the truth!

What did you say?

My master is a terrible painter, nothing looked real.

Sloppy too - he kept spilling his red paint!

____________________________

For the Magpie Tales

Hang Tuah's Sorrow

2012-01-29T04:22:00.000-08:00

What is my quest for one remains clear
I shall not waver in my cause
If my loyalty is worthy of its master
Even when all is lost, all is not lost

What am I, if not for my Sultan
Who is my Sultan without one so loyal
What is my people without our Sultan
Who is our Sultan without our people

For we are bound by the solemn oath
That of Demang Lebar Daun and Seri Teri Buana
Their fates and ours ever resolved
The new lands to respect the pact forever...’

____________________________________

Hang Tuah is our legendary hero
a warrior who lived during the Sultanate of Melaka.

During his lifetime, he travelled to China, Mecca and Rome
A skillful diplomat, Hang Tuah knew 12 languages,

and was a master of the silat, having trained under Guru Aria Putra of Melaka
and Sang Persanta Nata of Majapahit.

Today, 500 years later, the debate goes on whether Hang Tuah was a real person.

And yet, his purpose and personality was so strong,
until today he touches the lives of Malaysian like no other.

Tokoyo

2012-01-22T21:35:00.000-08:00

One wintery night
Tokoyo dived into the sea
To challenge Yofune-Nushi

Dagger between her teeth

The monster swam in deep blue
Gleaming in the dark waters
Tokoyo struck the beast true

At its heart, exposed by soft belly

In its death throes, the sea serpent
Rose to the surface
with Tokoyo on its back

Triumphant, she stood

In one stroke, Tokoyo
Saved the island, the emperor
And most certainly her father

The wronged Samurai, Oribe Shima

Released from his imprisonment
The noble one regained his life
- he knew, his daughter’s love freed him

Man's injustice undone by a girl's courage

___________________________________

Tokoyo was certainly no sushi
For the magpietales

Lady of the Lake

2012-01-16T23:18:00.000-08:00

Beneath the lake I wait
While the world turns
And centuries march on

Once I defied a great wizard
Refusing to be his bride
For his eyes were old and cruel

Instead I fell in love
With a dragon who seduced me
And my sensibilities

And my punishment
A thousand years
Of daily drowning

I endure, oh how I endure.

___________________________________

Happy Chinese New Year everyone!

For the Magpie Tales

Lady White

2012-01-06T07:56:00.000-08:00

A stone crushed by the river
Gives life to the plant
A plant gives life to the animal
An animal gives life to human
A human may become more
More than human

Sometimes, one is surprised by nature

and the order of life becomes obscure

***

In an ancient cave, a great big white python

meditated for a thousand years.
Then it stood up high on its tail, and disappeared
Later, a beautiful girl was seen leaving the mountain
In a flowing white robe and beautiful sandals

adorned with glittering gems.

In the city Hangzhou, there was a beautiful lake.
Many came to take lovely walks to enjoy the fresh air
To enjoy the day in its wake
To take boat rides to the island, to listen to larks

And one day, there was a beautiful lady
Who came to enjoy the simple human pastime

- taking a walk in the park.

She met a handsome youth whose name was Xiu Xian.

She told him her name – Lady White of the Mountains.

It began to rain. And by the time, the boat reached the main land

Xiu Xian was in love with the mysterious maiden

Before long, Xiu Xian was standing next to Lady White
Lovely in her bridal gown.

They bowed to Heaven and Earth, to their ancestors, and to each other.

They were now husband and wife.

* * *

The newly-weds, together with Lily their household lady in waiting

and their three other servants moved to another city

To open their own sensei shop - excellent with herbs and medicines

They knew exactly what to prescribe as a cure for all ailments.

Their life was blissful.

Soon, Lady White told Xiu Xian she would have their baby
To be born in the spring. In her condition,
Lady White often rested in the afternoon.
Xiu Xian did not want her to put her health in jeopardy.

One such evening, a Buddhist monk entered their shop and said.
“Master Xiu Xian, I must introduce myself. I am Fa Dhai
and I am the head of the Mountain Temple,
where your wife and her late father used to reside.”

Xiu Xian smiled and immediately said,
“Ahhh, you are family then. Let me call my wife!”

Strangely, the monk restrained him,”No, I have come to warn

you. Be steady. Your wife is a thousand year old snake

She hides her true nature for now but she can only do you great harm.

She is not true love but your everlasting bane!”

“You do not know my wife!” said Xiu Xian. “It is best you leave!”

Fa Dhai continued, “I knew you would say that. Ahh, well.

Make sure she drinks realgar wine for the Dragon Boat Festival.

She will transform back to her true self

and then you will look for me!”

Soon it was time for the Dragon Boat Festival

Everyone drank wine mixed with foul-smelling realgar

to drive away serpents and snakes.

Lady White begged to be excused and stayed in bed

Xiu Xian laughingly called out to her and said,

“We must share at least one cup of realgar wine!”

Xiu Xian then suddenly remembered the monk’s strange visit

and mentioned it to his wife absent-mindedly.

Lady White almost choked on her nightly cup of warm milk.

She knew then she was in terrible danger.

She stood up, and said, “I am feeling much better, husband.

Let us have some wine!”

Calling on all her powers to withstand the realgar, she drank one cup - so mild
Immediately she ran to her room, retching away.

Xu Xian hurried to get her medicine - when he came back with the potion,

He found a large white python on the bed.
The young husband in shock, collapsed.

Lily came running,“My Lady,” she called,

“Your husband has fainted from shock!”
Lady White knelt by her husband and wept.

“I will make the strongest potion to heal him," she declared

* * *

He recovered - Xiu Xian did. But he now avoided Lady White.

They were restrained with each other - she often sighed

He often took long walks - and on the bank of the Yangtze

Fa Dhai was waiting for him. Terrified and confused, Xu Xian asked, “What shall I do?”
“Come live at the temple,” said Fa Dhai. “There you will find truth.”

Torn between the love and fear of his wife,

At last he joined the monk's stride

Up the Mountain Temple - Xiu Xian was not allowed to leave.

This was the intention of the monk, to lure Lady White to him.

Meanwhile, Lady White waited anxiously
For her husband to return.

Deep inside she knew her husband was with
The monks of the Mountain Temple

Her nemesis and enemies for centuries

Fa Dhai was waiting for her at the temple gate.
“Abomination!” cried Fa Dhai. “Destruction is your fate!”

“I have helped many with my knowledge of herbs, medicine and venom,”

“Surely the one who separates a man and his wife
And soon to be born child is the cruel one!”

Fa Dhai was not in the mood to talk any longer.

He had devoted his life to destroy the mystical serpents such as her.

He called upon an army of heavenly warriors.

From the Yangze, Lady White gathered an army of serpents and water animals.

The two armies battled ferociously, led by Lady White herself

But when she felt a pull in her womb, fear for her baby’s safety made her retreat.

Lady White and Lily returned home

The lady was taken ill from all the fighting
Her own growing body heaving.
She was heart-broken, crying over and over
“He did not honour me, he did not trust me.”
Just then, Xiu Xian arrived. He heard the battle
And from within the temple prison,
Determined to stand by her,
He escaped, and returned

“I was kept prisoner— I love you and couldn’t bear
The thought of losing you!”
“My dear husband,” said Lady White angrily,
You forgot to honour me and trust me.
Hear me now.”

She told him the truth and all that had happened.
“And now,” she said, “you must decide.”

Xiu Xian replied softly, “I will honour, trust and love you.

"Always.”

* * *

Soon Fa Dhai came back and the battle was worst than ever

Endangering their son and Xiu Xian

Finally, Fa Dhai captured Lady White within his powerful alms bowl

There was no way to escape its magic
Lady White finally said goodbye to her husband and new born baby.

Then she told Fa Dhai, “Though you take me away, see! You cannot destroy our love.”

Fa Dhai was angry to hear this truth and ordered the warriors
To imprison her under the pagoda by the lake where they fell in love
“You can remember your everlasting love there!” he cursed her,
“Not until the lake dries up or the pagoda falls
Will you see the light of day again!”

* * *

Time passed on. Xiu Xian and Fa Dhai passed away
Then the son too at a ripe old age.

But Lily did not forget.
On the mountain where she came from
She transformed back into a young python.
She meditated and trained her might
Her powers to their greatest height

For one last time
She became human once again
Gathered an army of mountain animals
Marched on to the Pagoda On The Lake
All for Lady White's sake

The pagoda’s guardian spirit
Met her with his own army
But they were defeated and forced to flee
The might of Lily

Then her army set fire to the pagoda
Which quickly crumbled.

“My Lady, come out!” called Lily
And there from the ruins rose Lady White — at last, free!
But still heart-broken - deeply.

* * *

So Lady White retuned to the mountains with Lily and both swore
Never to associate with humans forever more.
That is why until today,
Snakes slither away

When humans approach and become
Fiercely angry when confronted by one.

They vowed never to love humans again.

Ever.

------------------------------------

An ancient legend from China

For the Magpie Tales

New Year's Eve

2011-12-27T16:18:00.000-08:00

Every year past Decembers

Cold and windy months

I created moment by moment

revelries for others

While all the while

As the euphoria of countdown settles

I was dreaming to be

with loved ones

This year I do not want the fanfare

I long for the quiet moment

Of deep content and giddy happiness

bubbling inside

________________________________

For the magpie tales

Happy New Year, friends and fellow travelers of the blogosphere !

I shall no longer be like the candle in the wind, creating glamour and radiance for others but not for those closest to my heart.

Drowning

2011-12-11T15:24:00.000-08:00

To the desert man
Nothing is more incomprehensible
Than the fear of drowning

In a vast ocean of water

He would rather stay grounded
On the shore
And retain his sanity

Than flee to safety.

_______________________________

Tribute to Frank Herbert's Dune
Courtesy of Magpie Tales

A burst of sunlight

2011-12-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

Often

Drudgery weighs you down
Nothing seems to be right

Coupled with trudgery
Life, a vicious cycle

A series of misfortune

Chin up and look around
Look for the light

At the end of the tunnel
Around the bend

A burst of sunshine awaits you.

-------------------------------------------

Inspired by the magpie tales no 94

The Waning Days of Fall

2011-11-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

Leaves sway and fall

gently to the earth

And the wind whispers,

Come away with me.

__________________________

written for the Thursday Think Tank

over at Poets United

Srikandi

2011-10-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

Sekar Budaya Nusantara

In the mirror, I hide from all eyes except my own. Only I can set me free. Free to embrace my past, my inheritance, my legacy. I am Srikandi.

Summer has no hold
over my restless heart
I seek the dance

The world has passed me by. It chases images, I chase dreams and the two are never the same. Sometimes I forget and I drown in limpid pictures.
I am Mutiara Hati.

The hikayat
calls me to return
to my art

Sacrifices must be made. Time. Place. Demands that must be phased. All shall mean nothing if I do not listen. To my heart. I am Suara Hati.

The pantun sings
But no one listens
Except the waves

The legends must be told. The audience must be awakened. For as they sleep and eat and play, their legacy fades away. I am Penglipur Lara.

The gamelan whispers
Upon brass instruments
The musicians long gone

Long gone...

Listen...listen to the words carried by the gentle sea breeze to your doors. I am here, let me in. I am your Srikandi.

THE WILLOW BALL 2011

2011-10-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

Poets charm and tantalise
At the Cyber Ball of the year
We meet and socialise
And live the life of a dreamer...

My escorts for the evening:

Misha, the extraordinaire

And the sublime

Alan Rickman

Sigh...Aren't they simply divine?

Join us at the Willow Ball 2011.

The Charms of the Day

2011-09-27T23:21:00.000-07:00

Drunk - on cherry blossoms
Swaying in the wind
Hearts on sleeves, flutter

----------------------------------

For Haiku Heights

The Fury of the World

2011-09-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

It came upon us
In the bluest of nights
Darkness cloaked it well

Deep within

In the light of day
A grey change settled deep
Into our hearths and hearts

Still unseen

In time, a storm gathered
Of purple hatred and gorged fury
A torrent slashing forth

At the seams

The blackened skies asunder
Shrieks of pure terror
Invisible, invincible

One with the wind

She, stepped forward
Illuminous, in the face of fury
Drank in the torrential pain

Victorious, it seemed

Golden peace returned
And yet our saviour
Disappeared forever

Bearing our burdens, unwanted trophies
Riding the invisible winds

-----------------------------------------

This was inspired by the MagpieTales and Arian Tejano
of A Noiseless Patient Spider

The Charmer

2011-09-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

Summer nights

He comes silently

And offers Manderley...

--------------------

Written for the Magpie Tales

Window

2011-09-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

I sit at the window
A little tired
Life passes me by

A sigh escapes

I look at my hands
Suddenly smaller
I look up, what do I see

My childhood friends
Playing in the sun
Rounders, I believe

A bat in hand

The ball soars high
The sun blinds me
I look away, what do I see

Three girls, dressed in gowns
Getting ready for the ball
Coquettish, eyes brilliant

A corsage at my wrist

Lights of a different place
Music much too loud
I ran away, what did I find

The sun once more
A shy young man on the beach
Strong and kind

A ring on my finger

The cry in the night
A new born babe
I looked down, what did I see

A perfect angel
In my arms
I never looked out

A window again

Instead turned to the one
In my heart
And I soared

To the blue skies

Lullaby

2011-08-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

He, who is free
The wind sings him lullabies
Dirt roads - his highway

Whisper

2011-08-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

Softest whispers
Against beating summer wings
Stronger and stronger
------------------------------
For Haiku Heights

Sherry's Summer Evening

2011-08-11T03:11:00.000-07:00

Sherry's Sunset over at Stardreaming with Sherry Blue Sky

The blues and violets of Sherry's sky
are tinted with the magic of pain
love and sacrifice

A dream too strong to resist

The golden hued clouds race
far beyond the horizon
to kiss the sundrenched waves

Whales come a calling in the mist

Are there rainbows, Sherry
in your spiritual land, where your heart
returns again and again

I can see you home in the midst

Of laughing 'refugees from the 60s'
dancing seas and shimmering skies
sunsets that call upon your dreams

In life, you have touched your ultimate wish

How many of us can say this?

-------------------------------------------------

For my friend, Sherry Blue Sky

Burden upon young shoulders

2011-08-07T23:32:00.000-07:00

Centuries come and go

Each with its economic crisis

That's what they call it

But how can we face our family

And say we do not have anymore

Left to eat

Nor place to live?

____________________________

Written for the magpietales

I am just feeling melancholy today. Didn't mean to drag anyone down...

Friendship

2011-08-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

Green grass tall

Heightened sense of joy

You and me - Oh, boy!

------------------------------

Friendship, formed in spring

Holds true to last til winter

Tried and tested

------------------------------

A dime a dozen

Fair weathered acquaintances

Childhood friends - priceless

--------------------------------

Written for Haiku Heights

To market, to market

2011-08-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

After the morning paper
I went to market today
Nothing wrong with the weather
Everything's swell I'd say

Yet, with unseen weight on my back
I bought three sacks of rice
Instead of one ten kg sack
Carefully checked the price

Four huge bottles of cooking oil
To last me three months at least
Butter in aluminiam foil
And cheese, flour and yeast

Cans and cans of sardines
Piled high in my pantry
Not to forget baked beans
And tonnes of dried chillies

For the paper's business pages
All carried the story
Cried out the obvious
God help our economy...

------------------------------------------------

Written for the Thursday Think Tank
Copyright 2011 @ ninotaziz

Don Quixote

2011-07-31T16:21:00.000-07:00

Gusty summer winds
Charge at noon
I am swept away!

-----------------------------

For Magpietales

Confession

2011-07-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

When I was an old woman turning older, I met you and the clock turned back for me. It was surreal but like the sun interrupting a cloudy day, you burst upon my loneliness. And I embraced myself like never before. Ever.

Sundancer, we tiptoed
Then threw caution
To the summer winds - Aha!

I was lost in an avalanche of emotions. And the wonder of your love and patience reigned over me.

Like autumn leaves
Your words and deeds
Healed me into acceptance

So now I know love. Real love. The kind that has deepened with time. Sparked by passion. Survived battles. Strengthened by forgiveness. Sailed into the night.

I drown in you
Winter is no longer cold
The fire burns bright

And I am no longer afraid. For I have known what it is like to be truly loved. No one can take that away from me. The greatest tragedy would be to forget.

But in this light
Of springtime dizziness
Love is in the air

And I smile the secret smile of Mona Lisa.

The Night Unmasked

2011-07-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

The night is never
dark and unending
always a new beginning

awaits at dawn
the horizon approaching
a razor blade silver

endless sky
that flirts with the sea
burst into crescendo

----------------------

The night
a woman, pregnant
with anticipation

masked
shades of emotions
serene, passion

revealed
at end of day
reborn at dawn

----------------------

The night
a celebration
throughout the world

fireworks
against the sky
jubilation

or simple
bonfire
huddled togetherness

----------------------

written for
magpietales, poetsunited
oneshotwednesday ends

Infatuation

2011-07-09T19:02:00.000-07:00

Breathless, cold wintry
weather - or the dazzling smile
Bewitching

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written for Haiku Heights

Vincent's canvas

2011-07-04T04:11:00.000-07:00

The sun ablazing
Unreal, but the heat
Arising from the earth

Burns

The bluest night
Of the cafe
Lingers til dawn

Inviting

Rolling stars
Upon the midnight
Blanket, the skies

Alive

The cypress trees
And crescent moon
Sick and tortured

Menacing

Irises dancing
In the wind
Lightness of being

Joy

Wound wrapped up
Pain, borne of rejection
Consumed by his art

The artist, forlorn

Le soleil brille,
Et la chaleur
montant de la terre

Brûlures

---------------------------------------

Written for the Magpie Tales

Sailing to Glendorra

2011-06-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hold my hand, Eva
And never let me go
Whisper in my ear, forever
How you love me so...

But the boats to Glendorra
Are sailing tonight my dear
Listen how the wind calls
Listen to my unspoken fears

Your wings, barely mortal
Your heartbeat next to mine
Charts our lonely existance
As your days measure my lifetime

I long to sail with you, I must
To the land of elven lore
But my hands would turn to dust
While yours, smooth forever more

And yet I would choose my path
Live a life on the journey
Gaze at stars, twinkling above
As the world listens to me

Singing on the boat to Glendorra...

Pour Glendorra

Je choisirais mon chemin
Vivre une vie sur le trajet
Aimez étoiles, un clin-dessus
Alors que le monde m'écoute

Chanter sur le bateau pour Glendorra

Mencari Glendorra

Ku belayar tinggi di awan
Pelayaran hidupku tersendiri
Ditemani bintang berkelipan
Dengarlah rintihanku ini

Berlayar mencari Glendorra

--------------------------------------------

Written for the Magpie Tales and OneShotPoetry

Anak Raja Gondang

2011-06-13T05:40:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time
On an island in the sun
A king, strong and kind
Awaited the birth of his son

His joy, unbridled

His happiness turned to fury
When not a babe was born
But a giant shell it appeared to be
From the queen's womb torn

Weakened and tormented

The queen was banished
None dared whisper her name
She in despair journeyed
Far to hide her shame

Her fall from grace

One day, out of the shell
A prince so handsome
Stood up strong and well
To bid his mother welcome

When she returned from toil

Mother, he said gently
I am your true son
The Conch Shell Prince
Here to right all wrong

She cried tears of happiness

And the prince walked away
After promising to return
His mother looked out everyday
Far out to the horizon

For his boyish smile...

Anak Raja Gondang

Di suatu zaman dahulu
Segak berdiri Duli Tuanku
Putera yang ditunggu
Bakal lahir menanti waktu

Alangkah hiba dan malu
Seluruh istana rawan dan pilu
Permaisuri diam dan kelu
Melahirkan gondang yang satu

Raja murka yang teramat
Permaisuri di halau di laknat
Terseksa jiwa terasa berat
Lemah nyawa hilang semangat

Gondang dibawa lari
Kehidupan baru dicari
Sehingga masa berlalu pergi
Istana tiada diingat lagi

Satu hari, terbelah gondang
Timbul putera terbilang
Menghibur hati ibu tersayang
Hingga tiba waktu balasan

Tinggallah ibu sementara waktu
Putera ingin mengadap Tuanku
Membela nasib derita ibu
Tiada gunanya hidup begitu

Saban hari ibu menunggu
Pulangnya putera yang satu
Di cari warta di awan biru
Di lautan dalam, di tasik bayu

Anak Raja Gondang...

--------------------------------------

Written for the Magpie Tales

Two thieves and a Wrought Iron Table

2011-06-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

They took away
My treasured table
But that is all

For the memories
Of garden tea parties
And quiet soiree

Shall be forever mine
As such, this rude intrusion
Is trivial and remain

A reminder for vigilance

------------------------------

The full story

The Garden

2011-06-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

After toil of the sweetest kind
I wish to rest my burnt out mind
And draw refuge for a while
From the simpler things in life

The white speckled orchids' scent
And all kinds of jasmines in my garden
Kasidang in the corner heaven sent
This is my private haven

Gamelan on you-tube beguiling
My scented bath - reviving
This is my slow awakening
Here, my passion for life igniting

The secrets of my garden beckon
My very own apothecary
The call of the ancient YlangYlang
A night cap of Earl Grey and Cadbury

I drown in the dreams of the pomegranate
Spice induced languid embrace
Night falls yet morning awaits
Here comes the rain for another day

And I sleep...oh how I sleep...

Upon the waves

2011-05-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

Upon the waves of loneliness
I call to my wings of rapture
Let my music dance afire

Find my lover's innermost desires

Upon the waves of the great divide
I call to my wings of peace
Let my words of humanity

Find my lost kin across the sea

Upon the waves of motherhood
I call to my wings of nature
Let my soothing lullaby

Find my baby in sweet slumber

Upon the waves of emptiness
I call to my wings of faith
And let my caressing voice

Find calm in a world of chaos

For I am merely
The enchantress of magical words

Come to do your bidding...

Sur les ondes

Sur les ondes de la solitude
Je donne la parole à mes ailes de l'extase
Que ma musique de danse feu

Et trouver le cœur de mon amour

Trouver le calme dans un monde de chaos

Pour tu...pour tu seulement

------------------------------------

Written for Writers' Island

The books of our lives

2011-05-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."

— Henry David Thoreau

From books of religions
Society came to be
But not before much debate and bloodshed
Bonfires razed to the ground
The holy words
That teach us the art of living?
Or dying.

A house full of mirrors

2011-05-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

A house full of mirrors
That reflect our lives
Give the illusion of space

And freedom of thought
As I gaze beyond
A blank and empty wall

Which fail to limit me
Doubled my pleasure
Of looking at you

And my favourite things
In life - plants in pots
And books on shelves

Ikesha dancing
A window to the other side
Limitless possibilities

The land of shadows and dreams

The legacy of seeds

2011-04-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

ninotaziz wrote:

Pomegranates lie in wait
From the precarious moment
Its seed germinates
Such is life’s momentum

From birth to blossoms
Bearing fruits in service
Until the earth welcomes
Newly scattered seeds

Seeds of awareness.

____________________

Pakcik's response:

Hamba berdoa
Hamba memohon
Harapnya berbunga
Sebatang pohon

[I pray for the blooms]

Biarpun tak berbau
Tak berwarna bunganya
Yang hamba rayu
Buahnya berguna

[Regardless of scent and beauty, I hope they become fruits]

Harimau dan Manusia
Belang dan nama
Semuanya
Apalah guna

[What is the use of the stripes of the tiger....and the fame of the man]

Kepada Mu Tuhan ku
Aku memohon
Dosa nya dosa ku
Semoga diampun

[To you God...I seek forgiveness for our wrong doings]

_______________________________________________________

I am blessed to have met quite a few distinguished people in their golden years
who have cared to share their life experience. Some through cyberspace like Sherry and Al-Manar(Pakcik),
some like Mak Ungku and Puan Sri Nik Daud, all whose life stories are
so rich in experience and lessons to be learnt,if only we listen...and listen carefully.

Recently Pakcik lost a good friend and his posting inspired the above poem,
which in turn inspired his own pantun.

I have inserted some English interpretation for ease of understanding.

The perfect one

2011-04-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

Breakfast in bed
On perfect china
I was pampered

Like a porcelain doll

----------------------------------

For magpietales

To the Stafford Rays of the world

2011-04-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

in our world
these are dark times
yet we are not alone

in this quest for the green light
to empower ourselves
and save this blue earth

from the corporate suits
to the businessmen cartels
we are one

in our resolve
to break free
from the prison

of decadence and capital pursuit

-----------------------------------------------

For One Shoot Poetry Sunday

The first time I met Van Gogh

2011-04-15T06:06:00.000-07:00

The first time
Van Gogh and I met
I was starry eyed

Aflamed by his starry night

I danced in his field
Of irises, and never
Knew such hues

A joyous sway of blue

And when I walked
into his cafe nuit
Laughters, secret whispers

Upon a brilliant canvas

A burst of yellow
Captured sunrays
That never fades

The artist creates

A perpetual point of reflection

------------------------------------------------
For Thursday Think Thank over at Poet's United
Thank you dear Carrie for a lovely prompt

I was first introduced to Van Gogh by my English teacher
Mrs Khaw Choon Ean 25 years ago.

Red Alert On Red

2011-04-11T22:08:00.001-07:00

it was a tiltilating evening
for the young debutante
the chinoiserie surroundings
lulled her guarded senses

and she ended up chained in a strange room

-----------------------------------------
beware our daughters : for magpie tales
I wish human trafficking did not exist

Random Headlines?

2011-04-08T05:29:00.000-07:00

1923
The Attorney General said
It was legal for women to wear trousers anywhere
on this day in history

1947
India gained independence
While Roswell gained fame
And 'A Streetcar Named Desire'
opened on Broadway

1965
US combat troops arrived in Vietnam
Malcolm X was shot to death at a Harlem rally
But not all was glum
For My Fair Lady won the Oscars
And The Sound of Music premiered

1985
Live Aid glued people together
Out Of Africa won best movie
And I was hooked on A-HA
Phil Collins, Madonna and WHAM
And we all believed
We Are The World

1999
Strange year it was
When the FCC gave a morning session
To The Wireless Access To The Internet
In The Commission Room
At 9.00am

And Y2K was the buzzword

Yet frozen in time for me
I am almost embarrassed to admit
Diana's wedding, and on the day she died
I was thinking what it would be like
If it was MJ...

-----------------------------------------------------
For Thursday Think Tank
which is making headlines

In The Rain

2011-04-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

skin upon skin
the rain cloaks
our oblivion

heightened senses
the rain mirrors
our abandon

exquisite relief
the rain welcomes
our release

gentle return
the rain envelopes
our breath

inner vision
the rain, a velvet sky
and i see stars

_____________________________

for more rain stories, seek out the magpie tales

Enduring

2011-04-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

A bewitching smile
Centuries old
Mysteries untold

Legends unfold

-------------------------------------

For Magpie Tales

Love

2011-04-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

Sundancer
My secret saviour
I was smitten

And surprised
Serendipity found me
To stay
____________________

For Thursday Think Tank

Yumiko

2011-03-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Japan was alien to me
Until I met Yumiko
And while the sea
and years separate us

I never let her go

She told me once, Ninot
How beautiful your city is
Smiles so genuine
Overshine that of Paris

The lights of Champs Elysees

I took her to our streets
In my little rackety car
She had durian, then KFC
While we watched Cyrano de Bergerac

Oh we were young!

And when the earthquake
Turned tsunami turned nuke
I called Yumiko anxiously
To offer sanctuary

If she needed to flee to safety

And yet when she answered the phone
As cheery as can be
She will take care of herself, she said
And told me not to worry

I cry for Yumiko

For her strength, for her smile, for her beauty

-------------------------

For Poets United Thursday Think Tank.

I first met Yumiko in 1991. She is now married to Katsu-chan.
I pray for their safety and I wish the people of Japan
some of the things we all take for granted

h o p e a g o o d n i g h t s l e e p p e a c e

Poets United Anthology

2011-03-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

THOUGHTS THAT BREATHE

Congratulations Robert and thank you for such a wonderful anthology.

You continue to inspire us with your dedication.

__________________________________________

Friends, I am lucky that my work is included in this anthology. Check out page 12.

Cathy

2011-03-12T03:19:00.000-08:00

my favorite ghost

for three decades

my innermost thoughts

she sometimes invade

she came from the wild

and tempestuous lands

i borrowed her from

bronte's sure hand

tortured soul she was

and tragically romantic

fell in love with force

with revengeful heathcliff

let me in...let me in...

---------------------------------------

I haven't written a decent poem in weeks, consumed by my book of legends.

This poem is written for the Thursday Think Tank

I smell of white paint

2011-03-01T03:18:00.000-08:00

I was deep in Jataka tales
And Tibetan folklore
Wondered at the Mongolian Badarcin
I couldn't take it anymore

And so I painted my kitchen doors!

------------------------------

Sorry friends. I just have to finish this book of Asian legends!
Everything else is put on hold...

The unvalentine man

2011-02-14T02:24:00.000-08:00

My husband

Does not believe in Valentines
Nor does he celebrate birthdays
And our anniversaries come and go

Yet, I am happiest with him

He does not read me poetry
Nor do we dance the salsa
And hold hands on the street

Yet, he is my soul-mate

Because he buys me perfume
For no reason at all
Seeks my no longer slim waist
In deep sleep enthralled

He calls me from work
To get sexy and ready
He says the garden is perfect
When I planted my frangipani

We cycle on the weekends
With the girls in tow
We dance in silence
To the music of life, so

My husband

Who does not believe in Valentines
Makes me so deliriously happy
He is all mine...

He is my daily dose of Valentine

--------------------------------------

Written for Poets United Poetry Pantry this week
Hosted by Robert Lloyd

Eden?

2011-02-14T01:50:00.001-08:00

Eden?

I must have taken the wrong turning somewhere.
________________________________

Written for Microfiction Mondays
hosted by Susan at Stony River

The Shadow of the Tree

2011-02-10T10:10:00.001-08:00

The tree
Stands alone
In wisdom

Witness
To havocs of time
Untouched

At times
Ravaged by hands
of fate

Its shadow
Falls upon the
Unaffected earth

And yet
In the desert
Gives comfort

The tree
Stands alone
In this wisdom

Words by ninotaziz Copyright 2011 © ninotaziz. All rights reserved.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written for the Thursday Think Tank

The House

2011-02-08T03:21:00.000-08:00

The house on Bank Street
Frowned at me
There are no secrets
In its rooms, so empty

Its smokeless chimney
and cold basement
Invites a memory
Of long gone occupants

The long and cold winter
and longer unemployment
Goodbye, do not be bitter
Do not blame the government

Ahhh..when will despair end?

------------------------------------

Written for the Magpie Tales
Happy Anniversary!

(Honestly, I do not know where this poem came from!)

Beguile in Blue

2011-02-05T15:33:00.000-08:00

Painting by Andrew Atroshenko

Her eyes took me in
A roomful of books
And I looked for Kafka

Her hands took mine
In grasp so tender
And taught me braille

Her lips whispered low
In my ear
Forget Shakespeare

For today - embrace Maugham

---------------------------------
Written for TheWriters' Island

Illusion

2011-01-28T22:52:00.001-08:00

Dali's painting

the bed, that is not my chambers
lies in wait
the room, that is not my sanctuary
stands still in time
the window, that does not look out
blocks out the view
the light, from the moon above
hovers within
the chequered floor, in the imaginary room
my only reality

the man, who is not my lover
where is he

----------------------------------------------
Written for The Writer's Island

Love Force

2011-01-28T18:21:00.000-08:00

Love Force #5 by Jonas Gerard

Buds awaken
Every fibre of being
Love force

Rain, hail and shine

---------------------------------------------------
Written for One Stop Poetry
Friday Poetically with Brian Miller

From Plato to Rousseau

2011-01-22T12:08:00.000-08:00

More than two thousand years ago, Plato studied from Socrates and believed in beauty, good and justice. But the crumbling Greek society disillusioned his idea of democracy. He replaced this ideal with the 'state', a living nation that rewarded hardworking citizens whose collective goal was to enhance its stateliness
beautiful architecture beautiful people beautiful minds

Plato lost faith
In ideals and sought -
to restore order

The Republic was born out of the belief that the state was above all. Aristotle continued this quest, unrealistic dream for the perfect state for mankind. The beautiful minds began the search for logic and science, dimensions and proportions and transfered this logical thought process to politics. To him, only the state can ensure the good life. The alternative would be chaos - therefore the state must be preserved

Politics took shape
Under Aristotle's rigid
Classifications

It took two thousand years to destroy the innocent view of the perfect world on earth when Machiavelli arrived with his book, The Prince, he who believed that political power was above all. By now, a unified nation must be achieved at all cost. And hail to the new Italian hero Cesare Borgia (who was not even Italian) - for which a little bit of brute force and deceit did not taint his pristine reputation - to which a citizen militia was all loyal

Cruelty, lies, bigotry
All ends justified
In the name of the state

Power politics was here to stay, borne of the overiding desire to unite the most fragmented of countries. Across the borders, centuries later, Voltaire urged man to move forward and leave the era of injustice. He warned, "Anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the power to make you commit injustices."

Son esprit caustique
Et plume cynique
Rejeté les reliques du moyen âge
Injustice

His caustic mind
And cynical pen recoiled
From the barbaric relics
of the Middle Ages

"Man is born free, yet he is everywhere in chains," reasoned Rousseau who with stirring words, turned men's thoughts from food and sex to bloody revolutions. For Rousseau believed in the individual, his rights to his person and reminded the free
we may acquire liberty, but it is never recovered if it is once lost.

To be continued...

(Tolstoy, Gandhi, Geldof)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written on a lazy Sunday before I start painting my staircase. Hopefully, it can help clarify some thoughts over at The Writers' Island. However, please note about one hundred years before Plato, Confucious emphasized personal and governmental morality, the correct social relationships, justice and sincerity. And his thoughts are as relevant today as then.

The three witches

2011-01-18T05:05:00.000-08:00

Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.

This little piggy will become king,
And this little piggy shall beget a line of kings.
This little piggy shall fall by one not born
Of a woman's womb!

By the pricking of my thumbs,
Something wicked this way comes.

--------------------------------------------
Written for the Magpie Tales - a wicked place to be
Dedicated to the Bard's Macbeth

I am The Spider Queen

2011-01-17T20:14:00.001-08:00

Photo by Camilo Posada

I am the Spider Queen
High up in the tower
Night after night I spin
Tales of legends and lovers

Mythical adventures

My web spins around the world
Across forgotten times
When all moved forward
Somehow, I was left behind

Cloaked by books

I love the dragons of Romania
The epic of Ramayana
The White Snake Lady of China
Dewi Tara and Samaratungga

Of Sailendra

Whether it is a Celtic tale
Or that of Mayang Sari
I take you far away
To lands of marvelry

Land of make belief?

Spin, spin day and night
Just like Shaherazad
Fantasy takes flight
Lost within fiction and fact

I am the storyteller.

Words by ninotaziz Copyright 2011 © ninotaziz. All rights reserved.
_______________________________________________
Written for the One Shot Wednesday - an adventurous place
All linked folklore stories retold by ninotaziz

In the beginning

2011-01-16T23:17:00.000-08:00

Izanagi held his halberd
Oh! His winter lost
Izanami, his beloved

Killed Kagutsuchi
Whose birth was the cause
Without mercy!

-------------------------------------

Written for the Microfiction Mondays
Japanese mythology served as appetiser!

Abandon

2011-01-13T07:19:00.000-08:00

Abandon
Craving for attention
Objection

Objection
To beautiful liars
Whatever

Whenever
The SheWolf comes around
La Tortura

Hips Don't Lie
_________________________________________
For fans of Shakira
Why ? Because the word abandon
Brought her to mind

That place on the moon

2011-01-13T01:08:00.000-08:00

Smoky Mountains by JVivienneC

On the moon
There are smoky mountains too
Though not as picturesque

I am sure

As our Blue Ridge range
Travelling the horizon for miles
Pink, violet and indigo

I am sure

The moon alone
Coverts its barren grey
Undulating landscape

I am sure

You and I appreciate
Our flora and fauna covered terra firma
To dwell upon nature's panorama

I am sure

We would never
Want our smoky mountains
Be barren like that range

On the moon

Words by ninotaziz Copyright 2011 © ninotaziz. All rights reserved.
_______________________________________________
Written for the Poets United's Thursday Think Tank - an adventurous place
Inspired by the wonderful Random Deviations at DeviantArt

Listen

2011-01-11T07:48:00.000-08:00

Listen to the rhythm
The song of the wild
The trees that rustle
The breeze that sighs

Listen to the waves
And the birds in the open
Flying higher as they brave
The vast and wide ocean

Listen to the silence
That keeps stars suspended
Up high in the heavens
Even as the song ended

Listen to the blood rush
Through veins so young
All the world hushed
Life was simpler once

Listen to the heartbeats
That march in tandem
Two lovers asleep
Together in abandon

Listen...listen...
Listen to the symphony of life

Words by ninotaziz Copyright 2011 © ninotaziz. All rights reserved.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Written for the magpie tales - a musical place to be

Metamorphosis

2011-01-09T17:43:00.000-08:00

Do not struggle so, my love
It will only take a while
Then we will fly to the stars
You and I

Words by ninotaziz Copyright 2011 © ninotaziz. All rights reserved.
___________________________________________________
Written for Microfiction Monday - a realm where the impossible occurs
weekly, here prey and victim take flight. Find more bizarre tales here.

Watch the Skies

2011-01-08T01:19:00.000-08:00

Photo by Diyana KamaruzA

If the moon can smile
With the stars across the sky
So can I, so can I...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written for the Poets United Thursday Think Tank prompt: Observation
For more smiley faces in the sky from all over the world, check here.

The Curse

2011-01-05T07:09:00.001-08:00

Once upon an old story
A hermit fell in love
With a vision of beauty

He fashioned her lovingly
The fragrant Cendana bark
Transformed into his lady

Happy was his hearth
With child, a precious girl
Of charming cleverness

Until Cendana betrayed him
For one who radiated strength
Like the sun above, on a whim

The hermit turned his back
On love and all worldliness
Cursed his wife - oh! so sad

Back to her original karma
Good and evil trapped within
The fragrant Cendana

Unlike her scent - never to escape.

Words by ninotaziz
Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written for the Magpie Tales - a mythical place to be
Today's offering is based on the Wayang Kulit story, Maharisi Burung Jerijit

A Celtic Tale of Forgiveness

2010-12-28T19:14:00.000-08:00

Art by Mac Harshberger (1900-1975)

Isolde of Ireland
winsome, sultry - lovely
arrived at Tintagel

with Tristan, of Lyonese
champion, full of chivalry
with her, so gentle

beguiling harpist

nephew of Marc
King of Cornwall
his liege, his uncle

welcomed Isolde
her hands so cold
the conqueror held

her hands in glove

the deepest cut
by the ones so dear
their cruel betrayal

Marc left his gloves
for her, the beloved forgiven
for him, his sword at his disposal

the sign never to return

Words by ninotaziz
Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.

_____________________________________________
Written for the Magpie Tales. Happy New Year, One and all!

Merry Christmas, One and All

2010-12-25T14:37:00.000-08:00

Send my heartfelt message throughout the world, Cupid...

Dearest dearest friends from Magpie Tales, Microfiction Mondays,
Poets United, One Shot Poetry, Writer's Island and all,

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year
A joyous time, my new found friends
Silent Nights to cherish

Willow, my desert rescuer
The awesome Brian Miller
All giving soul - Sherry

Robert, you are the man!
Ilyanka, thank you, girl
Gentle soul sister, Carrie

Pamela in Mexico
Susan in Ireland
Arian- the one and only

Leslie, the Moondustwriter
Oh the hilarious Stafford Ray
Gay, On The Beachanny

Thom, with heart of gold
Sylvia K, friendship spinner
Fireblossom - the fiery

Elizabeth who celebrates
And Ollie, quite a good guy
This Christmas, find Mary!

And Berowne, The Bard expert
Herb Alyette, how are you?
Weasel, who is so with it!

Prayer Girl, I pray for you
Hey Brigid and Lena
And the gentle Nimaruichi

Adam Dustus, how are you?
Someone Is Special IS special
And thank you always, Pete

Pauline, Sue J and Niamh
Startrek buff, Bill
Busy Mum, Hillary

Monkey Man monkeying
G-man, for all of us
Lovely thoughts, Gautami

Jingle, surely this is
The season that embraces you
And dearest dearest Gabi

Madam Butterfly, the incredible
Hi there, man of wit - Glenn
And stay lovely, Jinsky

Helen, always there
Annell, give me a smiley!
Merry Xmas, Rikka Infinity

Ellen aka Ella, my dear
Strong willed Diane
Dear dear Mary - be happy!

The Odd Inkwell, mysterious
Tumblewords, oh! what genius
Whoa, I miss Anthony!

Begin again Suz, love your words
And darling Theresa
I love Chocolate Chips!

Stand up for Everyday Goddess
She who embraces chaos
b k mackenzie!

Let us not forget Claudia
And Sender Up Words
Just Me Kristie

Thank you Kavita
And Mr Know-It-All
From my PU group, Bill

Mary writing in the Bachs
Rene, not the rockefellas
Kathe, with snappy repartee

Viv In France, all snowy
Rel reminiscing in New York
And in Trinidad, is Bee!

All of you, Christmas is the time
For giving all, giving love
All over the world, the time to be merry?

To love - One and all!

Written for Christmas, the merriest ever! And I share one of my favorite Christmas songs...still makes me teary after all these years...

My garden

2010-12-17T02:30:00.001-08:00

My garden, my true solace
Here I embrace
The wind, and scents
That envelope the space

Paradise on earth

------------------------------
Written for the Thursday Think Tank
For the prompt : Smell

A wondrous tale

2010-12-10T21:26:00.000-08:00

Once there was a storyteller who spun the most beautiful fairytales.

One day, a boy, not too short and not too tall came to see the storyteller and said,"I would like to live forever, Sir." And the wise storyteller replied, "I will do this for you if you help me send a message to my enemy, the Enchantress."

"She is beautiful beyond compare, but is evil and those caught in her lair stay there. Forever."

The storyteller continued,"The Enchantress wants more than anything else in this world, a wizard in the shape of a cat which stays in the black and white mansion."

"To go to the mansion, take this road until you see the moon. Enter the mansion, and you will see a lady dining with a leopard. Ignore her."

"Then you will enter a chequered room. There is a girl. And a cat. You must bow to her and say, "Good morning my lady.Tell me what your heart desires."

"The little girl will cry and tell you she wants to see her sister, the Lady of The Forest."

------------------------------------------------------------------

You will have to continue the story from here onwards.
Written for The Writer's Island for the prompt "Wondrous".

The Old Ways

2010-12-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

sometimes the old
ways are best
of all our days

are numbered
in exhaled breath
and gentle sighs

whispered upon
my brow, a frown
escapes tenderly

the butterfly
caught within
the spider web

that glistens anew
in the morning dew

Words by ninotaziz
Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.

--------------------------------------

Written for lovers, old and new

You are forgiven

2010-12-09T22:31:00.000-08:00

Forgive me for being blind
To the existence of this lie

Forgive me for being silent
When you are crying for answers

Forgive me when I disappear
While you are wrought with anger

Forgive me for holding you close
When you are confused the most

Forgive me for drawing you in
The lair of passion within

Forgive me for not letting go

Because I love you so

This is what I hear when you do not speak

____________________________________

Written for the Thursday Think Tank over at Poets United.

Not exactly what you were looking for, but what came to mind.

Inspirational Poetry in Motion: Gregory Colbert

2010-12-09T02:36:00.000-08:00

‎"Ashes and Snow, de l'artiste canadien Gregory Colbert, est une installation d'œuvres photographiques, cinématographiques et d'un récit épistolaire qui voyage dans le Nomadic Museum, une structure temporaire construite spécialement pour l'exposition. Ce travail explore les sensibilités poétiques communes des hommes et des bêtes.En date de juillet 2009, Ashes and Snow a été vue par plus de 10 millions de personnes, devenant ainsi l'exposition d'un artiste vivant la plus visitée de l'histoire de l'art."

Dancing With Elephants

Swimming with The Manatee

Feather to Fire

Merci beaucoup Pan.

The first sign of snow, 1983

2010-12-08T21:32:00.000-08:00

The air - crisp and biting
Snowflakes on the way to school
White blanket pavement

"Nino, are you sure this is
Your first snowball fight ever!"
Laughter, hits, misses - cheers

Blueberry pancake, maple syrup
A frozen tree in the backyard
Blizzard and snow, three feet deep

Trip to Buffalo, Christmas gifts
Running around red traffic lights
Studying together til midnight

The magnificent Niagara Falls
Frozen, crashing deep below
Maid of the Mist magic

Above all, open arms in friendship
________________________________
I dedicate this Magpie Tale to my Canadian friends of Thorold Secondary School
Chris McInnis, twins Debbie & Barb, Mike Honcoop, Larry, my bio lab partner, Sam and many many others.

Symmetrical

2010-12-05T17:02:00.001-08:00

Parallel angles
Breathe in tandem
Heartbeats racing

Escaping sigh mingle
Adrenaline rush
Moment in time

Right here waiting
____________________________________
Written for the PPP challenge over at One Stop Poetry

Jeanne d'Arc

2010-12-04T20:05:00.000-08:00

Jeanne d'Arc, slip of a saint
Led France to victory
Hundred Year War pain

But kings are afraid
Of truth and beauty
Burned her at the stake

Jeanne d'Arc, un saint belle
Conduit la France à la victoire
Guerre de Cent Ans de la douleur

Le Valois et le Plantegenet

Mais les rois ont peur
De la vérité et la beauté
son brûlé sur le bûcher

Une jeune fille de dix-neuf ans

----------------------------------------
Written for Microfiction Mondays - a historical place to be

My name is Questrina

2010-12-04T05:14:00.000-08:00

My name is Questrina
And I seek Earth's
Most illustrious treasures

Five in all

A single magical snowflake
Upon the world's pavements
At the moment before it melts

It holds the secret of life

I seek to capture the innocence
Of a child's wondrous heart
Open to magic and creation

Transcending disbelief

The essence of the earth
Lies in a leaf fluttering in the wind
Buried within your dwindling forest

The power to heal

Diving into the deep blue
I need to find a salt crystal
That contains the earth's wisdom

That holds all together

Most sacred, pray listen hard
The memories of the world
Thousands of voices of the past

Legends that have come to pass

Precious beyond words.

Words by ninotaziz
Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.
-------------------------------------------------

Written for The Writer's Island and the Magpie Tales.

The White Bull

2010-11-28T23:04:00.000-08:00

I bring the white bull

That cloaked Zeus
Bewitched Europa
Seduced Pasiphae
Mount of Shiva

Your pick, Oh King!

And the girl ?

----------------------------------------------

Written for Susan's Microfiction Mondays - a fun place to be!

Thank you

2010-11-25T08:41:00.000-08:00

Thank you for hope
That which turns the storm
Into silver lining

Thank you for belief
That keeps one anchored
In our journey

Thank you for faith
That allows one to pray
In the darkest hour

Thank you for peace
In which the new born babe
Grows strong and free

Thank you for love
That lifts one up high
Even when all alone

One is never lonely...

Words by ninotaziz
Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Written for Thursday Think Tank over at Poets United and posted as well for Writer's Island prompt : Gratitude

The wings of Icarus

2010-11-18T21:31:00.000-08:00

Painting by Herbert James Draper

Icarus oh Icarus!

Your father betrayed by King Minos
Was a crafty man indeed - a genius
But kings never favour those too clever
For fear of looking ridiculous

Daedalus built the Labyrinth
Which kept the Minotaur within
His mistake was to help princess
Ariadne and her beloved Theseus

Sworn enemy of her father, Minos

Yet mere walls and towers
Would not stop Daedalus
Wings of wax and feathers
He made for himself and Icarus

Do not fly too far, son
Do not tempt the sun
Do not fly to sea
And we will soon be free

Icarus soared through the sky
He flew beyond the clouds - so high
All the world a dazzling display
This was the most beautiful day

Alas ! It was his last
For the sun melted the wax
And Icarus fell upon his dream
Into the warm blue sea

But the legend and dream live on!

Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.
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Written for the Thursday Think Tank. I admit I have been thinking of Icarus a lot lately. For I am reaching for the sun, pushing the limits - for a dream I will not give up!

The Witching Hour

2010-11-17T22:21:00.000-08:00

Darkness has settled down
Deep in the night
Skewed perceptions abound

Sleep comes upon us
But not for shamans
Witches, demons, ghouls

And yet in the city
Far into morning
Lights keep skies lit

Benign and diabolical
Creatures find alleys
Invisible to mortal muggles

The witching hour
Comes for you
Fans of Harry Potter!

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Written for Magpie Tales to commemorate the latest movie of the Harry Potter series which just premiered this week!

The Icarus Quandary

2010-11-15T23:58:00.000-08:00

All my life, I play hard, write poetry with passion, love deeply. And since I was a young child I wanted to be three things – a writer, a better writer, a best-selling writer

Words - a trailblazer
Going out on a limb
Flying high

For a while, I forgot my dream. In the quest for the ordinary life, I forgot my burning desire to write, the poet and writer buried deep within a place dreams did not visit, hopes did not sing

Lost, I fell
From paradise at the tip
Of a pen

Then sparkling moments, the birth of my firstborn, finding my muse - the love of my life, me – embracing life as never before, moment upon moment leading me to this point in time

Awaken!
The writer within
Grasp your destiny

In the blanket of the bluest of nights, despair engulfs me, I know within me lies a poet of fierce nationalistic pride. Yet my country lies sleeping, unaware of the beauty of our land, our history, our people, our legends, our forest and skies. Sees only glimmering towers, eco-tours and jungle treks without understanding the turtle’s song of regret upon the waves of the ocean or the story of Onangkiu of Kota Gelanggi.

Tears like
Pearls escaping from
The broken necklace

I press on… for in this quest, my children’s children will continue the dream of the pomegranate – a story within each translucent seed of awareness.

Words by ninotaziz
Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.

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Written for the Writer's Island prompt, Quandary and for One Shot Wednesday
I also submit this to JinglePoetry's Potluck and the MagpieTales this week because this poem deals with my strong emotional attachment to writing - a lifelong relationship.

Catch more reasons Why I write Poetry over at my main blog, ninotaziz !

The Messiah

2010-11-14T20:01:00.001-08:00

Hit my stick

Once
Insects swarm earth
Twice
Plants overpower us
Thrice
The end of the world

Come to me
And you will be safe.

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Written for Susan's Microfiction Mondays - a prophetic place to be

The Monkey King

2010-11-10T21:24:00.000-08:00

The Monkey King, Hanuman
Once had his tail set on fire
Was he jester or the wise one
We will never be quite sure

He might have been a prankster
But never will you find one more loyal
Hanuman - ever mindful of his master
The lordly Rama, the one so royal

Sita Devi, his beauteous mistress
Had his undying devotion
And throughout all the ages
Revered her with utmost passion

From India to China, his fame travelled
Throughout the islands in between
The Monkey King renowned, revelled
Lived life to the fullest - inspiring!

So when you are down and out
And suddenly inspiration appears
Trust me, the monkey spirit is about
To help set you in good cheer...

Words by ninotaziz
Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.
------------------------------------------
Written for the Magpie Tales - a mystical place to be

The pyramids, then and now

2010-11-09T00:48:00.000-08:00

Ancient Egypt splendour
Three towering tombs
Old world wonder
Secrets of the Pharaoh's doom

Machu Picu of the Incas
Lost forgotten civilisation
Wisdom of thousand years
Secrets of our existance

The famed Hindu candis
Of Mataram, Prambanan
The passionate Javanese
Secrets of lost kingdoms

Modern structure, 20th century
Fragile upon Le Louvre
Pei's pyramid in glass and steel
Secrets for our future

Les Pyramides

Egypte ancienne splendeur
Trois tombes imposantes
La merveille du monde
Les secrets du pharaon

Et Le Sphinx monte la garde

Words by ninotaziz
Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------------.
Written for Jingle Poetry and and One Shot Wednesday.

Borobodur

2010-11-08T10:36:00.000-08:00

Built by rulers of ancient times
The Sailendra worshipped Buddha
Consummed their thoughts and lives

The great architect Gunadharma
Built the temple in his mind
Years before the first stone was laid

And the gentle King Samaratungga
laid the last Statue Buddha
In a guarded lotus shaped stupa

Before Mt Merapi rumbled afar...

Adventure

2010-11-05T23:17:00.000-07:00

Adventures
Biking Climbing Diving

Eating steamboat quill eggs

Stolen French kiss

(away from the kids)

Gliding Hiking Ice-cream

Jumping rope Kite-flying

Loving me on Mondays

NO Pole dancing, my back aches

(So does my no longer slim waist)

Queuing (for Cabbage Patch

Dolls - in the eighties back then?)

Rock Climbing? I prefer ....

Salsa dancing in the garden

Tender walks under Ultra Violet stars

Wine Mixing, non-alcoholic please

X-treme Reality TV, not tonight!

You and only you, taking risk

(Mad) Zebra-crossing at midnight

Little adventures with my knight

Adventures until the end of the trail...

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Written for Writer's Island - a great place to escape

Magic

2010-11-04T07:47:00.001-07:00

The magic of the wand
Bewitching

The magic of the eyes
Mesmerising

The magic of a child's mind
Engaging

The magic of touch
Healing

The magic of words
Connecting

The magic of apology
Mending

The magic of love
Accepting

The magic of the universe
Being

The magic of being
Believing

The magic of believing
The inner wand...

--------------------------------------------
Written for and inspired by love for Poets United hosted by Robert Lloyd - the Man!

The Warrior

2010-11-04T04:14:00.001-07:00

Magpie Tales # 39

The seasoned warrior
of the day keeps alert
But cobwebs distort
his short sighted vision

Awk! The warrior falls...

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Written for Magpie Tales - which I miss tremendously.

My grandmother

2010-11-01T02:48:00.000-07:00

My grandmother is no longer here
But her smile is in my heart
She is in a beautiful garden
A place of serenity - no more pain

And I am having tea from her teapot...

Ma grand-mère

Ma grand-mère n'est pas là
Mais son sourire est dans mon coeur
Je suis content - Elle est dans un jardin
Un lieu de calme et de pas plus de douleur

Et je faire le thé dans sa théière ...

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An Ode To My Grandmother - a celebration of her life can be found here. As well as my quiet reflection in the garden.

Hajah Rahmah Haji Nik

2010-10-26T06:05:00.000-07:00

My grandmother Hajah Rahmah just passed away.

Al-fatihah.

Schizophrenia

2010-10-24T23:48:00.000-07:00

Alayna by the lake, words danced in her mind. She was entranced. She
saw the words in gold rushing headlong like stones skipping on water.
Serendipity. White Horses. Knights.

The poet lies in wait
Her heart bleeds words
On pieces of parchment

Arianna the lovely, red wily tresses frame her perfect visage, yet empty eyes.
Softest lips of velvet promised heaven on earth and more. She saw the loves
of her life walking out the revolving door. Passion. Induced. Love.

The lover lies awake
Her heart bleeds sorrow
Empty tomorrows

Alex in earnest, spoke of the end of the world. Of thousands of years of hate.
A moment of insanity. Of love and humanity. She saw the writing on the wall.
Fear. Inevitable. Armageddon.

The teacher lies in fear
Her heart bleeds wisdom
Of the lost kingdom

She emerges as One.

Words by ninotaziz
Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.

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Written for The Writer's Island, a surreal place
With a hypnotizing prompt this week - Emerge

Les bourgeois de Calais

2010-10-24T01:29:00.000-07:00

Calais, beautiful French Port
Fell during the War of 100 Years'
If not for Philippa of Hainault
The city had to greatly suffer

All were doomed, unless
Six nobles were willing to die
And accept the English conquest
The burghers heroic self-sacrifice

Queen Phillipa's intervention
She begged Edward III for mercy
For fear of bad omen
Towards her pregnancy

The Queen's tears for her unborn child
Saved the burghers of Calais

Les bourgeois de Calais

Calais, port français tres beau
Défait pendant de 100 ans la guerre
Si ce n'est pas pour
Philippa La Reine Anglais

La ville a dû beaucoup souffrir
Tous ont été condamnés, mourir
Mais six nobles étaient prêts
Sacrifice ils vie, et accepter la conquête

Les bourgeois héroïque
Queen Phillipa dites
Edward, sil vous plait
Non! Pour notre bebe

Les larmes de la Reine pour son enfant à naître
Pour les vie les bourgeois de Calais

Mots par ninotaziz
Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.

Bittersweet

2010-10-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

Ugly is the heart that is breaking
Love turn to hate, love gone
Passion in the aftermath, arising
Bewitching is the forlorn

Poignant is the moment of truth
Bittersweet indeed, this resistance
Gone with the wind, with fading youth
Tears sparkle like diamonds

Anger gives a lilt to her cheeks
Her passionate plea for reason
Oh how lovely she is
In her desperate wild abandon

Slowly, gentle sobs wreck her body
How soft to touch, her perfumed hair
A tonne of strength to let her be
To stand still and see her crying there

At that moment she turns to go
Never has she seemed so beautiful
She, who just moments ago
Seemed intolerable, undesirable, awful

Goodbye, the sweetest of them all

Words by ninotaziz
Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.

-------------------------------------------------

Written for Thursday Think Tank over at Poets United
The theme this week is The Ugly that is Beautiful

Unleash

2010-10-20T02:12:00.000-07:00

“Lost Boat”, from Spanish artist Silvia

Be still, wind!
Let me listen to the waves
That gather at my feet
A soothing embrace

Be silent, seagulls!
Let me gather my skirt
And run to the shore
Where there is no more hurt

Be lonely, stars!
For I have claimed the night
As I walk up to my love
For my prize tonight

Be quiet, room!
Let me listen to heartbeats
Slowly in tandem
My paradise indeed

Be free, love!
Take me home now
The cradle of your arms
A gentle bough

I am reborn.

Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.

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This picture just begs to be written and I could not resist.
Anthony North is responsible for my visit to The Writer's Island.

The Mirror

2010-10-20T00:17:00.000-07:00

Tousled existance
What is real
Mirrored moments

Rapturous embrace
Whispered sigh
Erotic escape

Trembling quiver
Of the lips
Too sweet to remember

The lover who just left...

Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.

___________________________________
My heart - this week in love with Victor Hugo
Romances the Magpie Tales
Hosted by Willow, our kindred soul

Gold

2010-10-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

It is not gold or diamonds

From far-off mines I seek
Nor wealth and opulence

But the calm serenity

With the love of my life
Today, and for eternity

A cup of tea together
Our lives, entwined forever
Like a bouquet of flowers

In the sun...

L'or

Il n'est pas or
Des mines sud-africaines
Ou richesses et l'opulence

Mais, le calme et la sérénité
Avec l'amour de ma vie
Aujourd'hui et à jamais

Une tasse de thé ensemble
Notre vie en main
Comme un bouquet au soleil

Incroyable ...

Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This poem, I originally wrote in French last night. I hope you enjoy the
English version I wrote for One Shot Wednesday today. Have fun, everyone!

The prisoner princess

2010-10-17T05:07:00.000-07:00

Prisoner princess
Evil enchantress

Too lovely to behold
The King was told

A witch,out for his life
The victim of courtly lies
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Microfiction Monday - a magical world of mini stories
hosted by Susan over at Stony River ... come and join us!

The World's Rainbow

2010-10-16T20:36:00.001-07:00

The Iris of the world
Piercing violet
Trembling in winter

Deep sky indigo
Endless infinite
Winter nights

Brilliant in spring
Blue horizons
Above shimmering seas

Awakening summer
Slumbering forest
Cool green glades

Sun-streak land
Awashed in yellow
Stretched out desert

Autumn settles
Amber brown gold
Layered earth rest

Sunset at dusk
Reddish skies
Time to sleep again

Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.

------------------------------------------------------
Written for Thursday Think Tank
At Poets United hosted by Robert Lloyd

Breaking Free

2010-10-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

It was pure darkness - pitch black
Charcoal and ink pressing down
On my shoulders, back and neck
The air was hot hot hot all around

I touched, wondered, pushed at the wall
That seemingly had no end
Is this a passageway, a room, a hall?
I came to curves, bumps and a bend

Suddenly, after hours to eternity
A light shined through a window pane
In light, I was blinded - I could not see!
I forgot in the dark I was blind until then

I ran, I fell, I stood up straight again
Then I backed away from envisioned escape
The world outside seemed strange
The world outside seemed grey

I sat awhile to ponder and think
A whiff of memory of the old kingdom
brushed the cool air - whimsical whim
I neighed and embraced my freedom

I ran to the open fields...

Copyright 2010 © ninotaziz.
All rights reserved.

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This is a Magpie Tale - a mysterious and magical place
Strangers become fast friends truly embraced