Poems From the Porch 21
All shadows of clouds the sun cannot hide
like the moon cannot stop oceanic tide;
but a hidden star can still be smiling
at night's black spell on darkness, beguiling
— Munia KhanPoetry On Request
Once again, welcome to the porch on this rainy Thursday. Well, it was here when I wrote these poems. Thank you for visiting my porch whether you are a regular or if this is your first time. Just sit back, relax and enjoy a little poetry that other people requested. It is quite a diverse collection this week.
We are still getting plenty of rain and everything has greened up nicely. The only trouble is I am having to mow every week now whereas during the drought it was months between mows. I'm not complaining though, it is a small price to pay for regular rainfall.
If you have any requests or poetry prompts just ask in comments or send me an email and I will happily add your suggestion to my list.
Ruby Jean Richert
"We can't let this series die, so may I request one about a little Indian boy?"
Ruby, thank you for the request. I thought this would be easy but I didn't want it to be too childish so I did a bit of research and came up with this poem. More can be found out about Little Wolf by clicking this link.
At the time that I knew him, Little Wolf was a handsome man, with the native dignity and gentleness, musical voice, and pleasant address of so many brave leaders of his people.
— Charles A. Eastman
A Little Indian Boy ~ Little Wolf
There was a little Indian boy
Kuckunniwi was his name,
In white man’s speak called Little Wolf.
As an adult he’d gain fame.
When he was just a little boy
One winter, food was short.
He had not eaten all day long,
This was a lesson taught.
His mother saved some buffalo meat
And placed before her son,
“My child must first learn patience
Because there are harder times to come.”
But before the boy could take the meat
A starving dog appeared,
It snatched the meat and bolted.
The mother chased, aggrieved.
She caught the thief, for punishment,
To a post the dog was tied.
But, when she raised the whip to strike
Her son grabbed her arm and cried.
“Don’t hurt him mother, let him go!
He’s just trying to survive.
To risk a beating for some meat,
He’s hungrier than I.”
This was a sign of things to come,
Little Wolf put others first.
He’d give his last mouthful of water
To others suffering thirst.
Or in the midst of winter snow,
His robe of buffalo skin,
He’d gladly take it from his back
To warm others frail and thin.
As a chieftain of the Cheyenne
He fought in Red Cloud’s war;
Signed the treaty of Fort Laramie,
And sat in the Council of Forty-four.
From an Oklahoman reservation
Little Wolf led his people in escape,
The Northern Cheyenne Exodus
To Montana in the year of 1878.
So, just one little Indian boy
Whose concern was for his fellows,
Was chosen as Sweet Medicine Chief,
A primary culture hero.
Rosina S Khan
"For a long time, I have been trying to materialize some important goals. I say my prayers and recite the Holy Book. I read self-development books and articles. I have also written books and articles in this arena to help others so that in the process I feel inspired and receive help. I guess I still need a few more concrete tips to nail these goals of mine. So I would request you to write a poem on "The Beliefs I Should Hold to Manifest My Burning Desires"
Thank you for sharing that Rosina. I hope this poem goes some way to helping you find the answers.
If you're bored with life - you don't get up every morning with a burning desire to do things - you don't have enough goals.
— Lou HoltzMy Burning Desires
Why spend your life as just a bud
When you can become a blossom?
Turn your dreams into desires
That burn within your bosom.
Dreams are only wishes,
Something you’d like to see.
Burning desires you want so bad
You’ll ensure they come to be.
Make a plan and set strict deadlines,
Defeat your procrastination,
Praise each milestone on the way,
Celebrate with real elation.
Good artists copy, great ones steal,
At least so said Picasso.
Study those who’ve had success,
Learn from all past disasters.
Peel back the layers, strip down your goals
So every step is clear.
Make a journal, you’ll be amazed
How far you’ve come each year.
Discuss your desires with others,
Especially those you trust.
Their encouragement will motivate,
And they can prod you if they must.
So, burn your boats and bridges,
There can be no turning back.
The only way to go’s ahead,
Attack! Attack! Attack!
Burn Your Boats
The concept of burning boats traces back to one of history’s most inspiring leadership stories in 1519. Hernán Cortés led a large expedition consisting of 600 Spaniards via 11 boats to Mexico. The goal was to capture a magnificent treasure said to be held there in a place known as Eldorado.
Upon arrival, Cortés made history by destroying his ships. This sent a clear message to his men: "There is no turning back!." They either win or they perish. (source: www.success.com)
Lora Hollings
"I have a suggestion for you. How about writing a poem on February especially since it's coming up soon."
Lora, this was a first for me because I have never written a poem about a month before. I had trouble at first but think it turned out okay.
Groundhog found fog. New snows and blue toes. Fine and dandy for Valentine candy. Snow spittin'; if you're not mitten-smitten, you'll be frostbitten! By jing-y feels spring-y.
— The Old Farmer's AlmanacFebruary
The month of February’s here,
The shortest month in all the year.
When leap year’s fall just one in four
Let the ladies lead once more.
On the 14th day our true love shines,
Shared with our Valentine.
Chocolates, flowers, and other gifts
Give retail sales a lift.
For some a month of snow and ice,
Here it’s hot, so rain is nice.
The cyclone season’s just begun
So we’re prepared for flooding fun.
Wherever you reside on Earth
Embrace this month with mirth.
Don’t let the weather get you down,
Just learn to swim so you don’t drown.
Elijah A Alexander Jr
"How about an "ABBACDDCEFFG" rhyming scheme I have one or two I might post after you do yours, provided I feel like going to the Library another day soon."
OK, Elijah, you always challenge me with your unique requests. Here's a poem in the rhyme scheme you asked for.
Moom' and 'tomb' actually rhyme, which is something Dickinson hardly ever did, preferring near-rhymes such as 'mat/gate', 'tune/sun,' and 'balm/hermaphrodite.
— Connie WillisRhyming and Scheming
Poets write because they must,
Verse flows through all their veins,
Rhyme and meter clog their brains.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
Writing poetry is addictive,
Once you start it’s hard to stop.
Not many poets reach the top.
Some forms are quite restrictive.
This poem is for Elijah
Who had no preference for a theme,
Though he requested this rhyme scheme,
With a flourish of my pen.
© 2020 John Hansen
Comments
AUTHORI always appreciate you reading my work, Jason, and your encouraging comments. Glad you enjoyed these.
Great set of poems. I enjoyed them all. Especially loved Little Wolf. Very cool. You did an outstanding job on Lora's suggestion for the February poem. Loved it. Overall, the set was fantastic. Thanks for all the great content John!
- AUTHOR
What can I say MsDora other than thank you for reading and appreciating my writing. Bless you.
John, the first poem is off the charts. Great narrative and great message. The February poem is also classical and every poem in between only adds to your excellence. You're phenomenal!
Thanks Bro.
I only wanted it for the 10th. Sorry about the late appeal. Don't worry now. Stay blessed.
- AUTHOR
My pleasure MizB.
I didn't realize Lou Holtz was a philosopher, but come to think of it, that sounds like something he would say to rev up his football team. We loved him when he coached the Arkansas Razorbacks and really hated to see him leave. Thanks for mentioning him.
- AUTHOR
Thank you for your interesting comment manatita. Virtually since time began man has been conquering and displacing other people, in my own country Australia as well. You do hear stories of courage in the face of adversity by some among the vanquished people, as with Little Wolf.
I have done a few alphabet poems and a abecedarian poetry as well. February 10th is already here so I will not have a poem done for your birthday but I will try to include it as soon as I can. Happy birthday bro.
Job well done! Like Ruby, Shauna and past friends of mines here, I feel for the Indians. I'm practical enough to know that man has always been killing man, if not for race or territory, then for something else.
In this evolutionary cycle, I have learnt to accept, yet I appreciate your piece about these brave men and women too. India was full of them as was Cuba and indeed our sweet America also.
I Like Elijah's challenge. Not an easy thing to do and the Alphabet poem as we do it, is even harder. We use words with lots of 'a's, lots of 'b's, etc, until we get to 'z' to create a poem. Great fun!
I just sent condolences to a hubber for whom February reminds her of sad experiences. For me, it's awesome as it is the day I chose - God's Grace - to ascend or evolute from the womb of my earth mother.
So Bro, with little time on your hands, I'll be much obliged if you can do a poem for today, for my birthday, which is actually February 10th in Australia. Only the 10th. God speed!!
- AUTHOR
Congratulations on obtaining writing jobs with a company in California, Rasma. I will certainly wrote a poem for you..”California Dreaming” sounds like a song I know. Thank you for reading once again. I wish you well.
I loved them all especially the one for February. I have finally been successful in getting a California company interested in giving me writing jobs. Suddenly I wonder if California might be in my future. Could you please write a poem about the dream of going to California etc?
- AUTHOR
My brother Sean, it is so good to receive a visit from you. I am of the belief that we are directed to be places or read things at times those are relevant to us or God wants to give us a message. Sometimes we are directed to write things because there is a message he wants shared with others. “Little Wolf” May fit into these categories.
I was asked to write about “a little Indian boy” and chose to research a real one, that led me to the story of The real Little Wolf and learn about his selflessness. Others in turn have been touched by his story as well.
Thank you for finding the time to read this. Blessings to you and your family also.
My dear brother, John, I am so grateful for the gifts you give to us! I came here after some time, longing for your "colours" and I found a beautiful gem! "Little Wolf" has stolen my heart! I loved them, all, but this one is a piece of my Soul. Gratitude, my brother! God bless your luminous Heart!
Blessings to all family!
Sean
- AUTHOR
I am so glad you came back to watch the video too Shauna. It is comments like yours, and hearing that what one writes really effects the reader in some way, that really makes writing worthwhile.
I will look for your hub “The Winter of My Life,”and have a read. Thank you.
John, I had to come back and watch The Circle Dance video. I initially read this episode of Poems From the Porch at work and didn't want to play the video by muting the sound.
I'm so glad I came back. The tune had me dancing full-body in my chair. My Indian Spirit is very strong.
The dance and your poem about Little Wolf reminded me of a poem I posted here on HP in response to a poetry challenge Genna East posed in 2015. My response is called "The Winter of My Life". As I wrote it, I realized my animal spirit is the wolf and that's the tone of the poem. I think that's why I felt so connected to your poem and the subsequent history I learned of Little Wolf.
Thank you for this. You brought me back to me.
- AUTHOR
Thank you for continuing to follow and enjoy the series, Flourish. You don't need to choose one as long as you are entertained. Cheers.
I’m not sure which one I liked best. You continue to entertain and delight with your creativity. What a wonderful series!
- AUTHOR
Thank you Nikki. I always look forward to you visiting the porch and leaving your encouraging comments. Glad you liked those poems.
I loved 'the little indian boy' and 'February Month'. Great poems and delightful verses, John. Excellent work.
- AUTHOR
Yes, I agree Shaloo. It would be a better place. Thank you for reading.
I loved the little wolf. The world needs more people like him.
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Lora. Glad you liked "Little Wolf." Obviously an exceptional human. I had trouble with the February poem but it came together in the end. I appreciate you following this series.
Wow! These poems are full of life, love, and grit. I really enjoyed reading them. My favorite was "A Little Indian Boy." He was a true hero- full of compassion and courage. A real inspiration. I loved the music and the pictures in your video as well. And I really liked your poem for February. Artfully done! Awesome poems this week, John.
- AUTHOR
Lou Holtz the football coach, MizB.
Yes, Cortes certainly was a destroyer virtually wiping out the Aztecs etc.
Thanks for sharing about you Mom being born on groundhog day.
As for Elijah's rhyming scheme, well I kind of get it up until the last line that doesn't rhyme with anything. I just go with what he gives me and hope it works out haha.
Thanks for reading and for your interesting comment.
John, you’ve outdone yourself this week. You really touched my heart with Little Wolf. Thank you for the quote from Lou Holtz. But I must ask which Lou Holtz, the vaudevillian or the football coach?
Some ramblings for you. February was a nice poem. My mom was born on Groundhog Day and we used to ask her if she saw her shadow on her birthday.
Cortes was a great destroyer. He probably destroyed as much history in the Americas as Alexander the Great and Mark Antony did in the Middle East. Tis a pity.
I don't understand Elijah's rhyming scheme, but then I'm not a poet.
Thanks for a most enjoyable read.
- AUTHOR
I certainly will, Lorna. What a nice topic.
I was wondering John if you have time could you include a poem about stepping stones. I think our lives are a series of stepping stones. Cheers.
- AUTHOR
Oh Peggy, you humble me with comments like that. If I can entertain and inform my readers in some way I am happy. It is the suggestions for these topics by others that is leading me to research these things and increase my knowledge as well. Thank you for continuing to follow this rides.
Not only are you a poet of extraordinary talent, but you also inform us of things that we might never have known. Examples this week are about the history of Little Wolf and the Hernán Cortés expedition where he burned the boats. You are amazing!
- AUTHOR
Hi Chitrangada, thank you for following the series. I am glad you enjoyed this week's poems. Sometimes I look at the topics and scratch my head trying to come up with an idea...it may take almost a week but suddenly something just clicks and the words just seem to fall into place.
Wonderful poems and amazing creativity. I like your versatility.
Loved all the poems, great topics suggestions too.
Thanks for sharing another wonderful set of, poems from the porch.
Thank you.
Clearly true of your effect on my life to the good.
- AUTHOR
Well, Eric, as you probably noticed most of what I write has some sort of message or instruction for good living etc. It just seems to happen that way without really trying. Yep, burn those bridges and celebrate each day.
Sorry can't get a favorite here. Something tells me these are instructions for good living. They have a true embracing quality. I shall remember I am a write, too burn some bridges and to celebrate each month and day.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Bushra.
Good poems!
- AUTHOR
Lorna, always good to see you visit the porch. Thank you for the wonderful comment and glad you connected with "Rhyming and Scheming." You take care.
Another wonderful collection John which I am enjoying over a cuppa (or two). You have captured the essence of 'Little Wolf' in this delightful poem which I thoroughly enjoyed. Lots of great advice in 'Burning Desires' and yet it was the first verse of Rhyming and Scheming which summed up for me why I love to write poetry. Until next time.
- AUTHOR
I’m glad you are enjoying this series, Eric. Come back anytime.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Clive. Yes, I liked him too.
- AUTHOR
Pamela, thank you for your kind support. “Senior Citizens and Doctors” it is. See you next week.
- AUTHOR
Thanks Ruby. I knew he migrated to the US and changed his name but I couldn’t remember where he was originally from.
- AUTHOR
Hi Shauna, I thought “A Little Indian” boy may appeal to you as you have Native American blood. Yes, from all accounts Little Wolf (Little Coyote) was a very selfless and brave individual. For someone so highly regarded it is strange I hadn’t heard of him before. He had one incident of some disgrace later in his life while working as a scout for the US Army in 1880. There was some dispute and while intoxicated he shot and killed a comrade Starving Elk. He went into temporary exile and was stripped of his chiefhood.
How wonderful. I love this series. I will be back.
Nice poems. loved the kind hearted Indian boy.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Devika. Your kind comment is much appreciated. I love writing these poems at the request of my friends. That reminds me I have to check out a couple of your latest articles.
- AUTHOR
Hello Rosina. Thank you for being a regular on the porch and for your requests. It makes me so happy when you embrace a poem I have written for you. I also found the history behind “burn your boats” very interesting.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Ruby, I am glad The Little Indian Boy touched your heart. I couldn’t ask for more than for the “gift of love” to shine in my poetry, and I will certainly write about Kirk Douglas. He was one of my favourite actors and yes I heard of him passing at 103. I loved the movie “Ulysses” especially.
- AUTHOR
Thank you so much Nithya. You can’t beat a double thumbs up.
- AUTHOR
Hi Bill, thanks for the support of this series. Yes, you have one request pending.. “woodpeckers,” but I will gladly add “compassion” to the list. Cheers.
- AUTHOR
Hey Liz, thank you for the kind comment. I make a little money writing poetry for people on Fiverr.com but I certainly wouldn’t call it thriving and it is usually verse for children’s books or a poem for a partner’s birthday etc. not interesting and diverse topics. Maybe there is another way to go about it.
I enjoyed the poems on the porch as usual. This is something I look forward to each week, and these poems are excellent.I am glad
I thought maybe you could write about being a senior citizen and maybe doctors as I seem to spend way too much time in their offices.
I am glad you have rain after the horrible fires and drought. Now things are green, which we like despite the need to mow. See you next week, John!
John, I forgot to mention that Kirk Douglas just passed away at the ripe old age of 103. I think he moved here from Russia when he was a young man.
You've done it again, John! My favorite is "A Little Indian Boy". According to your poem, he had a huge heart. I'll be following the link you provided to learn more about him.
In "Rhyming and Scheming" I sensed how at home you felt in writing it. It's almost as if you exhaled and out the words spilled in perfect harmony.
So glad you have to mow weekly, John! Let the healing begin.
Hi Jodah your poems are amazing with such great emotions and with a perfect understanding of each. Requested by the best and you showed your best to us.
I loved all the poems. About my requested poem on burning desires, I found the second and last stanzas very helpful and worth reflecting. Here they are:
2nd stanza:
Dreams are only wishes,
Something you’d like to see.
Burning desires you want so bad
You’ll ensure they come to be.
Last Stanza:
So, burn your boats and bridges,
There can be no turning back.
The only way to go’s ahead,
Attack! Attack! Attack!
Also, I found the little history behind "Burn Your Boats" very intriguing. Thank you, John, for writing such a lovely poem for me.
Oh, how I enjoyed reading each and everyone. The little Indian boy was so beautiful, when he stopped his mother from striking the dog, tears welled in my eye's. You have the gift of love in your poetry and it shines so brightly. Now, I'm wondering if you might write a poem honoring the great actor Kirk Douglas?
Enjoyed reading all the poems, so well written. I loved The Little Indian Boy, so beautifully expressed. Double thumbs up!
I don't remember if I made a recent request or not...let's see.....how about "compassion?"
Love this series and those of us who are devoted to it will not let it die, so limber up those fingers and start creating, John!
Once again you have amazed me with your creativity and poetic versatility. Your poems written to order could be turned into a thriving business.
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