Poems From the Porch 14
Christmas is Coming
Christmas is closing fast, and while we, in this part of Australia are experiencing sweltering heat, those of you in the Northern Hemisphere are probably dreading the approach of snow (if it isn't already.)
You will notice that the first poem even has a Christmas theme. I hope your Preparations are under way and you have done most of your present buying already to avoid the last minute rush.
So, pull up a chair, sit back, and enjoy the poems requested by you or your colleagues. p.s. you may have a cat or two rub up against you or jump on your lap, so be prepared.
FlourishAnyway
Try as I might, I can’t find FlourishAnyway’s original request, but she did ask that using ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas as a guide to write about “the Impeachment.”
She did add the following prompt a little later:
”’Twas the Night before Christmas and all through the House
Not a creature stood neutral, not even a mouse ...
Just a suggestion. Looking forward to the results!”
Well, I haven’t been following the Impeachment proceedings very closely, but from what I have seen I came up with the following poem. I hope you like it Flourish.
A president cannot defend a nation if he is not held accountable to its laws.
— DaShanne StokesHo Ho Hum ~ The Impeachment ('Twas the Night Before Christmas)
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the House
Not a creature was neutral, not even a mouse;
But no one outside of America cared,
If President Trump was impeached or spared;
We Aussies were nestled all snug in our beds,
While Democrats and Republicans kept butting heads;
I am sure my dear wife would give me a slap,
If I woke her up from a much-needed nap;
When on the News Channel there was such loud chatter,
I sat up in bed to see what was the matter.
Apparently, there was a sudden news flash,
Saying President Trump was acting quite brash!
Well, that wasn’t something I needed to know,
My disinterest just continued to grow.
Other key witnesses were called to appear,
It seemed this Impeachment would see the New Year.
Then it was all over, so easy and quick,
I changed the channel with one remote click.
Political debate is really quite tame,
Compared to the thrill of my favourite game.
Ruby Jean Richert
” I am into several sports, my favorite is tennis. I could sit and watch Rodger Federer all day. I wonder if you would write a poem about tennis? Thank you.”
I enjoy tennis too Ruby, so I didn’t have to struggle too hard to write this poem. I hope you like “The One Across the Net.”
Tennis is a psychological sport, you have to keep a clear head. That is why I stopped playing.
— Boris BeckerThe One Across the Net
Of all the sports I love to watch,
Or those that I have played,
The one that I enjoyed the most
Is still the same today.
Although I like athletics,
Cricket and football,
Tennis is my favourite sport
That overtakes them all.
With champions like Federer,
And Raphael Nadal,
Fresh faces like Ash Barty,
And Alex de Minaur.
There’s Love, 15, then 30,
40 all is deuce,
Advantage, then the next point’s Game,
But someone has to lose.
Tennis goes from strength to strength,
An elite and high paid sport,
Where players strive to be the best
On the Centre Court.
Who’ll be Number One this year
Is anybody’s bet,
But ever player tries to beat
The one across the net.
Chris Mills
“I'll make a request for sometime in the future. I'm thinking of my family now. My late wife was a science teacher. Her favorite subject was geology. For that reason, she, our two sons, and I became "rock hounds". Everyplace we traveled around North America, the Maritime Provinces of Canada, Iceland, and Norway, we collected rocks. In our home state of Michigan, the State rock is the Petoskey Stone. We find them on the Lake Michigan beaches near our home. So, in honor of my late wife, the Rock Lady, write a poem about, "a rock". That's it. No further instructions, just "a rock". Go wherever you like with it.”
Chris, it was my pleasure to write a poem to honour your late wife. As soon as you said the topic “a rock” one thing came to mind..hence the following poem “The Rock.”
Geologists have a saying - rocks remember
— Neil ArmstrongThe Rock
A rock sits alone and stark
Like a land-locked red iceberg
Amid a dusty plain.
The landscape flat and bare
Making it conspicuous,
A sandstone monolith,
Towering high and bold
In magnificent splendour,
Over the Red Centre.
People used to travel far
To photograph and climb
The Rock.
Once “Ayers Rock”
Now “Uluru.”
A stoic sentinel,
An oasis in the desert.
Changing colours
As the sun rises and sets.
No matter what it’s called,
It will always be known as
“The Rock!”
Facts About Uluru (Formerly Ayers Rock)
- Located: Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, Northern Territory, Australia
- Height: 348 m (1,142 ft) high, rising 863 m (2,831 ft) above sea level with most of its bulk lying underground
- Circumference: 9.4 km (5.8 mi)
- Distance extending underground: 2.5 km (1.553 mi) approx.
- Colour: appears to change colour at different times of the day and year, most notably when it glows red at dawn and sunset
- Type of Formation: Uluru is an inselberg, literally "island mountain".It is also often referred to as a monolith, although this is a term that is generally avoided by geologists.
- Geological Composition: composed of coarse-grained arkose (a type of sandstone characterised by an abundance of feldspar) and some conglomerate
- Climbing Banned: As of 26th October 2019 climbing the rock has ceased. Anangu, the traditional owners, have requested that visitors not climb Uluru because it is a sacred men's site, and because they feel cultural responsibility over the high number of deaths and injuries incurred from Climbing. There have been 37 confirmed deaths since the 1950s
(source: Wikipedia; The Guardian)
The Value of Poetry
Do you consider poetry and important form of writing?
Goodbye, Adios, I Bid You Adieu
Well, that's it for another week. I know it doesn't seem like it because last weeks edition was a little late and this one is early. I actually wanted to get this one finished and published as quickly as possible so I could fit another in before Christmas.
I want to thank everyone who has responded with new requests. So far I have enough for at least two more hubs in the series. The next edition should feature poems requested by Rosina S Khan, Lora Hollings, Bill Holland, and Lorna Lamon.
Until then, bye-bye, sayonara, and so long for now. if I don't see you before then, have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, or whatever you celebrate.
© 2019 John Hansen
Comments
AUTHORIt is never too late MzB, you will get to them all in time. The Rock, Uluru isn’t too menacing save for the Azaria Chamberlain case (Google that if you need to.) I’m glad I did ok with the Impeachment as I am not following too closely , but still interested in the final outcome. Cheers.
John, better late than never. Some day I will catch up on your porch. Loved the Rock. I love rocks, too. I guess it was because I grew up next door to an abandoned sandstone quarry, and we kids would hop from ledge to ledge as we played among the cut stone. Looks can be deceiving. Your Uluru doesn't look so menacing.
I was doubly impressed with your "Impeachment", but I have to say it's because we are sitting here watching the Senate Trial (aka. the Senate Kangaroo Court) on TV. I've been accused of being psychic, but this is one time I won't even try to predict how it will end.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Lawrence. You just reminded me I still need to check out you latest “Spaceship Earth” article.
John
Really enjoyed these poems.
If John allows, Peggy, I didn't expect him to last as long as it has. A messenger or Angel is supposed to force Trump out of office (Dan. 4:33) and instruct him who is to replace him. It's supposed to be the Second Christ with a Girl vice to reverse what happened in the garden in Eden.
- AUTHOR
i am glad these p[oems resonate with you Peggy, and thank you for following the series. Yes, I am sure democracy will win in the end and something will happen one way or another. have a wonderful New Year.
All three of these poems resonated for various reasons. We undoubtedly hear much more about the impeachment fracas over here, but the world is also watching and waiting to know results. If nothing happens before next November, I am sure that our elections over here will be the change that many people seek. You are so very creative! Enjoy the rest of the year and wishing for you a very happy new year ahead.
- AUTHOR
Chris, I am so glad you asked/me to write a poem for you about “a rock.” I try to sense what the person requesting a poem from me needs or is looking for. I am glad I did that successfully in your case, my friend.
Your comment, your rereading, and the effect the poem had on you touches my heart. Oh, and I checked Petoskey Stone and can see why you and Sandy were both captivated by them (containing fossilised coral.) Yes, “The Rock” is certainly all those things you describe..still rugged and unspoiled. Merry Christmas to you.
John, I just read, The Rock, again. It is very much like Sandy herself...pure, the real thing. She much preferred a rough stone to a polished gem. It was all about nature, untouched, unspoiled by human hands. Look up, Petoskey Stone, if you have not already. When we find them in the wild places of nature, there is nothing captivating about them, until a wave washes over them and reveeals the unbelievable beauty. Look for them. That is what this poem and this place called The Rock is. It is real. It is rugged, it is unspoiled beauty. That is what Sandy was all about. Thank you for sensing that when you wrote this poem, my dear friend.
- AUTHOR
Hello Shauna, yes that surprised me too. It seems to me that the whole thing could have been a total waste of time if he isn’t made to leave office.
Yes, Chris’s response to “The Rock” really touched me.
John, I love the impeachment poem. Trump has been impeached but is still in office. I guess I should have paid more attention as to what impeachment means. I thought once a president is impeached, he has to leave office.
After reading Chris' reaction to "The Rock", I realize what a wonderfully intuitive response to his request this is. Touche, my friend!
Merry Christmas, John!
- AUTHOR
Thank you for visiting Alyssa. Yesterday was a scorcher, but today is milder thank goodness. There is a smoke haze everywhere and they are expecting record high temperatures later in the week.
I am glad you enjoyed those poems and have added “The Rock” to your must visit list. You have a great week also.
I thought of you yesterday as I was scrolling through Twitter and saw a news piece on the intense heat streak Australia has been dealing with.. especially since here in the US Midwest we're experiencing some harsh winter weather. I must say, Fanny the cat is adorable! your Twas The Night remake made me laugh.. how true it is. The Rock was my favorite and I appreciate the fun facts you included about Uluru. I've added yet another place I want to visit in this world. :) Have a wonderful week!
- AUTHOR
Thanks for coming back, Shannon. I actually enjoyed writing The Impeachment poem even though I find the actual event based on something rather trivial. They could have found a lot more serious things to try to impeach the President on. Here in Australia you could choose the top 100 most popular newsworthy discussion topics and the Impeachment wouldn’t make the list.
Had to come back to finish reading them. My favorite from this series is the political one still. It's becoming so repetitive to me, all the talk of how bad Trump is and such. I find your perspective from Down Under to be refreshing. LOL
- AUTHOR
Shannon, I appreciate you taking the time to wave a quick comment. Feel free to return later.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Shaloo. It is challenging but fun.
These are great! But I'm at work and my break is almost over, so I am leaving this quick comment to remind myself to return here later.
It's amazing how keep challenging yourself with diverse themes and come up with beautiful verses. Loving this series!
- AUTHOR
Thank you as always MsDora. I do my best to meet the requests. I appreciate your kind comment. have a great Christmas.
Jodah, your poems are all excellent! Each poem is the best that it could possibly be. You're a genius of a poet.
- AUTHOR
Ok Devika, I will do my best.
Hi Jodah please I would like a poem about me thanks. You have enlightened me of your talent. Poetry is deep in emotion and I am enjoying your series from the porch.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Clive. Much appreciated.
Great Job John.
- AUTHOR
Haha Charlie, I think you may be right. I’ll have to hire a few more.
That porch is getting busier need more chairs for all these visitor :)
- AUTHOR
Haha welcome back, Eric. You are always welcome here.
Sorry, the bad relative who does not leave.
- AUTHOR
Good to see you Li-Jen. Thank you for your insights. I totally agree that the impeachment takes some of the focus away from Christmas especially for those in the USA. Sport does unite people through a common interest, and yes, the Rock is in fact just a rock..a big one. Haha that made me laugh. Thanks for reading.
Hi Jodah, funny how you brought up politics for the impeachment poem. I think it takes away the attention from Christmas. The one about tennis has gotten our brains exercising because it's also another challenging request. You made it simple by talking about what the sports is about, which is really what sports lovers are interested to know. It's nice to have common interests with others and sports can be continued to be played by the younger generation like the fresh faces, as you mentioned. It's a wonderful idea to talk about the Rock. Ironically it's just a Rock but the travellers would appreciate its changing colours. Thanks for sharing.
- AUTHOR
Thank you manatita, bro,
Merry Christmas to you also.
Greetings, Bro.
I may not always remember but I seem to like poems 1 and 2 more in your series so far, although there may have been exceptions. Job well done, I say. Excellent work as always. Merry Christmas!!
- AUTHOR
Hi again Nithya. Glad you enjoyed these. Much appreciated.
All great poems, I loved the poem about the Uluru rock and tennis. I was chucking all through the impeachment poem.
- AUTHOR
Audrey, I really appreciate your generous comment. I really thought I’d struggle writing a poem about the Impeachment but once I started it seemed to flow quite smoothly. Glad it gave you a laugh. A very Merry Christmas too you as well.
Wow, John, you win the gold medal for this one! Absolutely remarkable! I'm still laughing out loud from your poem on impeachment and I share your feelings on this political debate. Ho-hum.
I love poetry that sticks to a solid rhythm and you are a rock star.where rhyme and rhythm are concerned.
5 stars, John, and Merry Christmas.
- AUTHOR
Hi Linda. Ayres Rock had its name changed to Uluru when the native title was transferred back to the land’s original Aboriginal owners. The Australian Government has a 99 year lease. Along with The Great Barrier Reef it is our most iconic natural wonder and is World Heritage listed.
Thanks for sharing the information about Uluru as well as the poems. I've heard of Ayers Rock but am glad to know about its new name. It looks and sounds like an interesting place.
- AUTHOR
Hi Pamela, thanks for continuing to follow this series, and I am glad you are still enjoying what I write, especially the tennis poem.
- AUTHOR
Lora, your comment made me very happy. I try my best because I am filling the requests by others. When you receive a response as heart-felt as Chris’s it really makes this so worthwhile. Glad you got a chuckle from the Impeachment one, and way to go..tennis.
I enjoyed you poems as always. The tennis one was especially good to me. The poem for Chris was definitely special as well. You always do a great job with poems for the porch.
Your poems are certainly a wonderful tribute to the sport of tennis, The Rock and yes, The Impeachment. That's a classic, John. I couldn't help but chuckle all through that one. What wit and flair! And just like you, tennis is my favorite sport too. A job expertly done with humor, profound wit and awesome description!
- AUTHOR
Chris, I don’t know what to say other than I am so happy that I did the rock justice and that your wife would have been impressed. It is such a pity you never had a chance to visit Australia and see “The Rock” together. Thank you my friend. have a Happy Christmas.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Rasma. I really appreciate that comment.
- AUTHOR
Hi Linda. Yes, the Impeachment poem could go on, I only used half of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to write this from. Haha I bet you are almost living in Bedrock with your hubby being a geologist. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Ruby. i am pleased you enjoyed the tennis poem especially.
- AUTHOR
Eric, I am glad that you had time to relax with some tea and good music as you read. Thanks for visiting the porch.
- AUTHOR
Hi Genna, good to see you visiting the porch again. I am happy you enjoyed this collection.
- AUTHOR
Thank you for sharing Nebuchadnezzar, Elijah, and how it relates to Trump. Yes very interesting that the impeachment proceedings are happening so close to Christmas too. We shall just have to see what transpires.
John, my dear friend, you have successfully reduced me to a state of pathetic blubbering. Seriously, you brought the tears on. Here is why. I can see from your poem, your information following the poem and the song that "The Rock" is an iconic land formation in Australia. Simply the name, The Rock, would have attracted my wife's attention. But the fact that it is also predominantly underground like an iceberg is mostly underwater makes it even more down my late wife's avenue of interest. Icebergs calved off glaciers which were very important in geological history. If we had been so fortunate as to have visited your country while she was alive, you can be assured that Ayer's Rock, Uluru, The Rock would have been at the top of her list. We never visited the tourist traps anywhere we went. We went where nature called.
I thank you, John. The Rock will be on my personal list of places to visit if ever I get to Australia.
Applause and well done. Loved your creativity on the Impeachment
The impeachment poem could be a continuing series (for a few more weeks, at least). Rocks? Gosh, we have oodles of them. My husband is a Geologist so each one comes with a story.
May you have a blessed Christmas.
I really liked them all, but Federer was the star. The one about Trump made me laugh. He is such a jerk. ( My opinion )
Don't mind me I will just have some tea. I was listening to
"A Flag of own" and reckon sittin on yur porch
Loved this, John -- from the title to the selections. This collection of poems is intriguing, eclectic and so well written! )
As I have already noticed, John, You did both requests justice, I thank you for the opportunity to read them.
As far as "The Impeachment ('Twas the Night Before Christmas)," it reminded me of what I found concerning Christmas as related to Christ. In the Bible is a feast of some kind to represent both Christs but there are none I've found to babe anywhere close to Christmas. So if there's anything about Christmas that represent him the name would have to be changed to Christ-unmasked. No man know the day nor hour he is to "come into his temple" but Because Trump was typed in the Bible by Nebuchadnezzar (https://hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/Why-A-Pro... because the impeachment attempt appear to have intentionally made to happen so close to it.
- AUTHOR
Peet, lol thank you.
Beautiful cate
- AUTHOR
Thank or sending all the love Bill. It makes the world go round...and makes this poet keep writing.
- AUTHOR
Thank you for following the series Rosina. Yes, look for your poem next week.
- AUTHOR
Hello Liz, yes temperatures have been around 40 C here for a couple of weeks. Much too hot with only one day of any rain. Well I’ll try to do my best with Brexit, but like the Impeachment I don’t know much about it.
Loved the one about impeachment. Loved the dedication to Chris's lost love....and I love this series.
That about covers it all, a whole bunch of love heading your way.
It sounds like you are having record temperatures. No snow as yet for us. I enjoy the variety of your poetry subjects. This week has a great range. I think the UK, caught up in our election, is similarly immune to President Trump's impeachment proceedings. You covered tennis well and your poem about a rock was great. I wondered if you might consider writing a poem about Brexit some time please?
Loved all the poems in this collection- as usual, they are lovely, John. Can't wait to see how you craft my request next week!
- AUTHOR
I am glad my poems made you feel happy Crezyl. You can make your request here in the comments or email me through "contact the author" on my profile page.Thank you. I look forward to receiving your request.
- AUTHOR
It sounds like you have an amazing rock collection, Eric. I think I hold the racket wrong by today's standards too...most now use a two-handed backhand.
I felt happy while reading your poem John and I even feel better that I know those persons you're dedicating your poem with. Those are good poems ❤ i love it! how will I be able to request like them?
Dang it. I was working on a piece. And I just lost a full half hour here. Gabe and I decided to count our collected rocks including my rock garden. Then including those from our polishing machine, and ones given by his siblings. We got bored at one hundred. And went on to kicking the ball.
My mom hired us a tennis coach. I still hold the "racket" wrong.
- AUTHOR
Hi Bill, I know you are an avid traveller so I hope you do get to visit Australia one day and get to see "The Rock." Even though you can no longer climb it just being in the vicinity and walking around it is pretty awesome. I always enjoyed playing tennis as a kid and still do now and then, but love to watch it.
- AUTHOR
Thank you for visiting Mr Happy. I appreciate your kind comment. I would also love to visit Canada, but doubt I will ever have the opportunity. I also have a bit of a rock collection at home. Anyway, you have a great weekend too.
Great job, John. Loved all 3 poems. I have always wanted to visit Australia to see “The Rock.” As a kid I played a lot of tennis and still follow it closely. It’s one of my favorite sports. Regarding the impeachment proceedings I just wish it would all go away, including the president.
I love the fact that You take requests and write poems on those requests. That's a fabulous creative exercise and shows that You got it. Awesome!
Love the Rock poem and I love that Red Rock but I love all Rocks. I got all sorts of Rocks at home, from different regions that I have travelled through. None from Australia though. I don't know if I'll ever make it there 'cause it's so far and there's only so long I can sit put in an airplane.
Alrighty, You have a great weekend - all the best!
- AUTHOR
Hey, Flourish, so glad you loved the poem. I hadn't heard that outcome so it did work out just right. Good news.
Loved it, worth the wait and given that yesterday the House committee voted to impeach the scoundrel and send the issue to a full House vote, the timing was just right.
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