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~The Roseman~
Madison County, Iowa
Photograph ©AK English
All Rights Estate Reserved
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“Midnight Wind Creations”
The Poetry Archives of AK English
12/02/1964 ~ 7/22/2006
Welcome to the wondrous world of the photography and poetry of AK English.
In her own words: “My favorite thing to do is pack a bag, get in my car and take off, nothing pre-planned. My jeans, my camera, pen and paper, a cooler, and away I go.”
Often those trips were excursions to photograph covered bridges, especially the covered bridges of Madison County, Iowa, which is now her final resting place. The photo above, The Roseman, was her favorite bridge, it was used in some of the location shots for the making of the movie, “The Bridges of Madison County.” She sent me an enlarged and framed copy of the photo which hangs in my computer room. Each of these four pages will feature her poetry and a different photograph of the remaining covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa.
The Roseman was built in 1883 and stands 107 feet in length. It’s the only remaining bridge that stands in its original setting. Legend says it is haunted because of a story in which the sheriff and his posse where chasing a thief toward the bridge while other posse where charging from the other side of the river. When the thief passed through the bridge he vanished leaving no trace.
The poems on these pages came from a variety of sources: all of her poems from her previous web pages here at The Writing Forum; from her website, Windows of the Soul which she maintained with love and devotion for many years (several current members of The Writing Forum were also members of that website); and from the file of poetry we both kept to use for a book of poetry we planned on co-authoring before she became ill. If you notice any duplicates, and there may well be some, I make no apologies - they deserve to be read again. AK English was a member of this website from its inception until she became too ill to continue writing. She was our first Writer of the Year.
The poems on the four pages, are listed in random order. I’ve done it that way so they will be read as if you are reading a book of her poetry. She was a published poet but her book, “Windows of the Soul”, is out of print and no longer available for purchase.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with her works, reading her poetry will give you insight as to why we admire her poetic voice and held the person she was, and our memory of her, in such high esteem.
Amber Kathleen English, known to the poetry world as AK English, lost her valiant battle with cancer on July 22, 2006. The world lost a great poet. I’ve lost a great friend, a mentor, and a soul sister, Heaven has embraced a beautiful soul.
To see the last picture taken of AK English, please click here.
NOTICE: All poems on these pages are ©AK English, MidNight Wind Creations, copyright protected, and may not be used for any purpose without the express written permission of her estate.
Marcia Miller-Twiford
August, 2006
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The Bridge
I can hear the sound,
of my own heartbeat, with each step.
Many times, at twilight
I have walked the weathered planks.
In the cool of the evening,
I think, of all the moments,
of love, tears, joys, smiles and
of broken hearts whose
paths I crossed, in silence.
I touch the wooden beams,
let my hand slowly move across
the names, frozen in time.
She is magic, a strong presence,
is felt, even in her silence.
I stand with my hand, on the rails
that guide you to her, peer over into
the river that flows beneath.
Soft gentle sound of flowing water,
rippling whispers of other times.
Silver streaks across the sky
As the purple hues mix with blues,
and the sun kisses the night,
while fireflies hover all around,
You feel the life within,
This Magic Lady of Dreams,
The Roseman.
©AKEnglish
MidNight Wind Creation
5/08/2001
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MIDNIGHT WIND
Something you love....want and need....but can never hold.
Flowing over your body giving life....with a sweet gentle touch of love.
Lifting you with its strength....taking you to heights....
You have not known before....bending...lifting....loving...
Seeking what we do not know....
But forever searching far from home....always moving....
Feeding off your touch....needing you......
Touching your soul....to make it all worthwhile.
Leaving you wandering....wondering....
If you will ever feel the wind again....
Fear not....for it will always need your touch...to live again.
Feel the Wind....Reach for it....Let it give you Life.
Bridge of Time
Alone and safe within my world
My Path takes me....to the Bridge
Standing before me...its beauty I see
Feeling....what was....once within
Warmth flows out to me....see what is
Come walk this land with me
Take my hand....stay with me
I shall love you as none before
Cross into another world
Bring back my breath to me
Give us back....the life that was
A place in time....meant for you and me
This Bridge is covered....from the storm
Let your life flow into its light
Reach for the other side....for what is real
Stands and waits for you....
Let my light cover you....and hold you within
Never more to roam...upon the winds of time
Listen to the music of the Wind....
Take flight....cross the bridge....come home to me..
Whole once more....we shall be........................
Circle of Smoke
Today I watch the embers of my life
showly burn within
as the circle of smoke flows skyward
for I know the truth of who I am
I am one with the circle of smoke
No longer do I rush forward
without purpose seeking unknown meanings
for home is where the heart is
and home is within my need to be
Enjoying the bounty of lost times
when things were simple and without harm
running water and endless visions
snow caped mountains, green valleys
thundering across the open sky
forevever with the circle of smoke
The wind of my life
taught me to understand
be all that I am for it must be
this circle of smoke is who I am
at one with myself forever to
ride upon the wind
Within the circle of smoke
I learned to wak this earth
as a woman proud of who I am
only taking that which I need
giving thanks to the old ones
for they have smiled upon me
The drums of time I hear
forever sounding within distant places
calling me back always knowing it must be
and when my soul takes its
final journey to the other side
it shall be within the circle of smoke
Home once more I shall be
VAIL OF FIRE
Like the elusive oasis, our passion promises to cool my fever...
and yet, that is just as much an illusion.
In truth... it is the desert heat sublime.
I am mezmerized by the veil of undulating warmth
as it shimmers before me. Knowing, deep within you
lies the resplendent pool where this thirst can be quenched.
Pausing, watching the flow of heated air dancing.
Stepping forward... drawn in by the magnetic seduction,
I revel in the pleasure of this fiery union.
Rising up... lifted by the pulsating strength of desire,
held in the warmth of the embrace... we dance.
Closer and closer we move towards that promising pool.
Through the Spiraling Heat, I sense our need to bathe
in that satisfying coolness... drink it in and feel its promise fulfilled.
My thirst grows stronger as the dance fans the fires of my soul.
How long I have held this flame in quiet secrecy, waiting.
Waiting for the time of the becoming, no longer able to deny it.
Now, dancing in the blazing warmth of trust and caring,
it is your face I see, and I give thanks to the great mystery
to have crossed paths with one such as you...
The Dream of You
within the darkness
of another night
I reach...for all that is you
I wish for nothing more
I pray for nothing less
with...each breath I inhale
It brings me back to...yet
another night of you
breathless passion like no other
Feelings unknown before
a lifetime of waiting to end
lost once more...I am
in the Dream That Is You
The Candle
Warm soft and gentle light....do you burn for me
Or is it....the soft breath of life....that you feel
linging, fleeting stares afar....cast aside....
drawing aire....glimmering bare....your life
gentle flickering....softly moving....in my night
I watch the change....as the years of your life are but my hours,
the whole of your days are just one night....
as I watch your life melt away....but knowing with your ending
your light....has glowed brightly for me.
Unspoken Words
As I move and awaken within my life
unspoken words...haunt my being
the years have faded...the words remain
will they ever...let go of me
reflections of what could have been...
now existing....with what was not
movement within time itself....
holding back unspoken words
the day will arrive...when you wish
to hear....the silent sounds of yesteryear
so take my hand....and listen to
the sounds of unspoken words...
life no longer holding back time
moving forward it seems...to the sound of
unspoken words....as you reach for
the heights of your being....
Sunshine and Shadows
loving touch, caressing my skin
soft and gentle, as the dawn…
reaching for the sky
warm moments to start
loving thoughts of yesterday
no sadness, no pain
no shadows upon my face
only joy of life now found
knowing what will be will be
nothing moves forward
upon your path
only what time you allow
for when your face is turned
toward the sun
you cannot see the shadows
left behind
Stranger of My Heart
endless nights of pleasures
just moving shadows of night
burning embers now just a soft glow
close my eyes, but you do not appear
my soul cries, forever it shall weep
no longer do I hear your heartbeat
nor smell the scent of your being
body moving to the song of ages
moving to the edge of time
sweet touch, painting my soul
soft sounds of hunger I hear
song without end
pulsating moments in time
Stranger....could you not feel
how I have loved you
across time and space
time to heal, has seen rebirth
Stranger
Stranger in the mirror…
Looking back at me
I wonder….do I know you
Or shall you always be
A Stranger looking back at me
Or is it me….that's afraid to see
Who is looking back at me
I see a smile…that resides
Behind a wall of stone
Weathered solid by time
Always a hunger, growing there
While you hold back time
Waiting for what never was
Show your true face to me
Stranger….give back the life
Yet to be
Shattered Dream
this day I...listen for the
silent sounds of my world
so long ago it seems
when the heart was
wild and free
each day... gave life to the next
I rode the wind... thinking of
things yet to be
each storm I road... gave back... by
taking a small piece of me
i still held my face to the sun
seeking the path just ahead of me
still reaching for a never ending need
then one day... I know not when
tired of the storms and the path ahead
i no longer felt the sun on my face
nor the wind at my back
silence had come to my world
in this soft silence a voice
came from rooms of the heart
do not wonder if you have lived
and the pieces that are scattered to the wind
are the shattered dreams we never lived...
You are still the master of the destiny...
You've yet to live...
Petals on the Wind
Breath of Life...you are
your scent upon the wind
closing my eyes to feel
your breath upon my skin
a touch of life
like none before
do i dare reach for
the petals of the wind
will you flow softly
back once more
let me hold you
only within my dreams
petals, brushing my cheek
scented velvet, holding me near
reaching, caressing, life-giving
Petals of the Wind
Moon Shadows
High upon this hill....I stand
velvet night...moon shadows
for my light
hands above my head...reaching
for the night
sound of wings in flight
moving ...upon the soft
breeze of night
once more warm
I shall be
protected by silver wings
as I take flight
this night...to a special place
beyond the realm of time
so different this time...and place
two that take flight as one
reality lost to the dreams
of the night
for no other place I wish to
be this night
INSIDE
I find myself
listening to the sound of my own making
as I walk within another world
so many hearts and notes carved
upon the beams that have weathered time
imortal names that now live in time
love, faith, hope eternal ....seeking
softness, light and dreams of tomorrows
resting there safely covered by the bridge of time
always....they shall be
i alone
i stand in a room of darkness
portals of time, all around
which one, which way, do i flow
wrapped within this dark,
blanket made of eternal dreams
towards me a warmth
like no other, descends
scent of anciant wonder, i feel
waking to life,
feeling of glowing embers
beneath my skin
do i dream beyond time,
seeking what never was
reaching, waiting, for my
dreams of the night
timeless splendor,
raging hunger of my soul
breathe into me life
this night, i alone wait for thee
Ripples
standing...upon another shore
seeking another time and place
moving ripples of my mind
will I once more...reach
for all that I am...or do I stay
watching the ripples move away
will i find...that light...that gives me life
glowing...upon another shore
is it real....or only ripples of my mind
seeking moments in time
Dreamwalker
I close my eyes....and he's there
The warmth....reaches for me
Soft tender breeze...touching my skin
Once more....I breathe.
I seem to feel no others...
Within this night...he gives me life.
Why....is this to be....
Closing my eyes...I feel
This strange need to be....
A Path....that has no end
Yet knowing....this need to be
When once I felt....the other side of me
Just once to feel....what was real
This Soft light....within my Life........
Lost in Time
so much love.....i have known
so many feelings...i have felt
then why do i go on
when will my time come
to understand the feelings i give
can be received....if i could need
why do i turn and run another way
when i feel the need you exhale
a touch of ages...flows within
weaver of dreams...yet to unfold
a mender of hearts...in pain
a small magic light that glows
i wonder....as i set within my
broken dreams of another time
will i ever again.....believe
will my ship turn ashore once more
Moments in Time
I do not know you....but yet I do
I cannot feel you....but yet I can
In the shadows of the night...
you have reached for me...
I take your hand and walk with thee
When you are here....I seem to know
whatever face you show.
When you reach for me...I feel your need.
One who knows....you are not as you seem.
Bound by Golden Cords...we know
a light that has an eternal glow.
Two Wild Hearts....that cannot be....
but now ....the light flickers...for you and me.
But the moments....shall forever glow...
For Two Wild Hearts....that just wished to be.
Whatever reasons...you walk this land....I
shall always feel your gentle hand.
Others ...come....fadeing as they go....
But when we touch...we know...
some things in life....will always be....
While Touching.... Tender Memories.
We cannot direct the wind....
but we can adjust the sails.
The Wind...forever upon my back..
I now sail without thee....for Ashore I
can no longer be...but forever....Tender Memories.
Ride The Wind
Together we take flight.....upon the morning light
As the sun bends to kiss the dew
The day begins so fresh and new
Your voice.....I hear....twinkling with delight
Another time and place we go....without fright
The old ones smile ....as we reach for the sky
Together a journey...like none before
Reaching a height....upon a winged flight
The wind I feel....as I listen to your voice
Its song so sweet ....as my love of thee
As I spread my wings...in pure delight
I soar....to yet another height....
I fold my wings....downward...I fly
High upon a hill...you wait for me
Your arms bidding me home....
And home is where I wish to be.....
Protected by your Love of Me.
Ribbons on the Wind
As I soar....within another night
My ribbons flow upon the wind
Will I return to that which I am bound
Or do I leave my reality.... far behind
Softly this sound of freedom...do I know
Granted this time....within another place
Thankful...for moments....just to be
The old ones smile upon me once more
Upon a mountain...to meet my soul
Dark Eyes...of my vision....waiting
Decending from...blue velvet
Shadows moving .....across the silver one
Upon this mountain....I decend
To where....I wish to be
Returning to the Ridge of Time
Within the Myst of Night....
Someone calls my Name.....Little One
Bring home....my ribbons of the wind
I hear it always....night and day
Journey home once more...to rest
Come take my hand.....and walk with me
Ride the Wind with me.....over mountains high
Two that flow as one....once more Complete
Endless night....Endless flight....Endless glow
Eternal....are my Ribbons of the Wind.......
In My Garden
Summer sounds are living
Turning the windmills of my mind
Soft and low does the breeze blow
Pulling all that I am within
My willow swaying in time
Warmth of the sun...touching me
Green are the ribbons ....within
Flowing evermore....This life I feel
Hunger in spring....unflolds
Rocking softly....my cradle
Giving all that I am....a sweet embrace
Forever moving.....the windmills of my mind.
Cradle of The Wind
Soft gentle breeze do I feel
As I turn the windmills of my mind
Soft gentle swaying in time
Here in my cradle of the wind.
Sunlight touches not my face
Nor the heat of the day
Here within the shadows of life
I feel your sweet embrace
Embracing my need of thee
As the earth needs the rain
When will I know...this light
Here in my cradle of the wind
Rocking to and fro....keeping time
With this motion....yet to be
Soothing the cravings of my fever
As I feel your coolness ...wash over me
Wrap me in your blanket of warmth
Rock me as I dream once more
Within this endless....shifting night
Here in my Cradle of The Wind.
It Must Be
Some things never leave us
Some....go as if never here
I greet each morning with pure delight
I sigh....at its ending... for it must be
Raindrops...run down your window pane
Rushing forward with a need to be
Greeting each other....flowing into one
Is it an ending or a beginning...for it must be
Moments greet us....warm glows thrill us
Tasting a new delite....gives us light
Some Moments....shall last a lifetime
Others die before they live....for it must be
Take my hand...walk this land with me
Can you show me....your need to know
Forever searching....always moving
Flowing .... to those moments for it must be.
The shadows of night....give way to dawn
LIfe moves once more...reaching for moments
Thirsting for a new day.....like none before
Feeling once more that need....for it must be
Now the Sun is hot upon my face.....I seek
The shade of my willow...my tree of life
I stand alone....waiting...once more
For the winds of time...to cool my skin
Forever my ribbons of life flow upon the wind
For that is how.....each moment begins
Life moves on....always forward it seems
I shall always rush to greet it.....for it must be
Silence
when to my silent thoughts I return....I smile
for most of all...I shall remember you
as you turned the windmills of my mind
sepembers wind song...whispering my name
little things...that still grow within
wings that take flight...upon the wind
silent is a heart...that once beat
hopes of tomorrow....have faded from view
long and silent are my thoughts of you
yet I smile....for I return to you
eternal is the light you left within
WIND AND THE WILLOW
Once more I feel the breeze of spring
Sweet and gentle it blows for me
For I know it....its breath of life
My Sweet light....comes to me
Over and Over I feel its glow
This light....will make me whole
Back from its winter sleep
Touching me ....giving me life
It feeds upon my soul...for it must be
Winter worn....in need of life
This Sweet breath of my Life
Touching ....then to dream
Gentle meadows....bids them home
Once more to flow as one
Ending all mortal strife
The Wind and Willow
Just needing to be
Two for all eternity....
Reality...no longer found
Within a gentle touch they entwine
Bound with a need to be
Soft Gentle Breeze of Life
Dancing with its Willow
Holding back reality
Waiting for a gentle spring I am
Gift
once more i feel the winds of time
for summer has faded...now into fall
winter’s kiss is now ahead
but i feel the life you left behind
behold these gifts you gave to me
the gift of your light that lives within
the beauty of your mind
a special love that transends time
shared beauty of things great or small
wild heart ....beating to the drums of time
warm and wonderful moments in time
as you wrapped me in your warm blanket
and rocked me softly....as we road the wind
listening to the sounds of another time
knowing we shall never lose the need to be
as we once were... within another time
Wavd.....Agilvdi Hia Unole
Usti Saquui
Night Wind
Within the softness of my night
I close my eyes and the whispers come
Little One....come home to me
I am here....where you....left me
Feel my silken touch...as before
Come touch my soul once more
For I am as before....wishing to be whole
Evermore....this strange need to be
Softly blowing thru this Golden Heart
Flowing forever within this night
Cool breeze.....caressing my skin
Night Dancer....moving with the wind
Forever your song....sings to me
Sweet memories.....within another time
Moment to Moment....I feel your heart beat
Forever..... your ribbons flow upon the wind
Dark Eyes....caressing this soul of mine
Touching.....feeding....my hunger
As I close my eyes.....this night
You and I are forever upon a winged flight
Fire light dancing.....with the wind
Soft sounds of the night....taking hold
Waves crashing home to shore
Soft breeze fans the fire once more
Drums of Another Time...within this night
Sacred Spirits....In Flight Once More
DRIFTING
Something.....drifting in the shadows....
Just beyond your range of vision.
You turn to see....but it isn't there.
Or doesn't appear to be...
But you close your eyes and the smile comes....
As you know in other ways....What it was and is.
Turning you over in the Night....
Pulling you closer into your flight
For the hand you felt on yours...Made your eyes open....
It wasn't there....but you saw and felt....
Its Gift of Life.
I Am
i am, but i’m not....as i need to be
i love, yet i dream....of what is not
whispered and said outloud....yet i have no voice
i rain and i sunshine....but yet thirst
i love, when all else fails....why this need
it keeps me from remembering all my wants
oh how i need to believe once more
seeking moments in time
joys of the heart unfolding
upon a hill...in my valley of life
wings in flight...once more
Seeking....my Willow
my tree of life
Tender Memories
when into my memories....i fall
another time and place of long ago
was it a dream or was it reality
those memories of sweet meadows
when life was in bloom....all around
should i feel....a timeless flight
into another time and place
those sweet thoughts of the mind
gentle memories....of a summer's song
within the meadows of my life
it was real....this soft mist of my life
or was it....of another time....i dream
it had to be....for the memories live on
forever more....within my mind
I see another time and place.....
Echoes
why do i seek a light....like
a meadow praying for a gentle rain....
to give it life....echoes of a summer’s song....
never ending....waves crashing....once more
to shore....in the silent shadow of passion....
comes a light....echoes....shall always be....
within the mind....life grows....the flowers
bloom....green is my land....the dead leaves
of fall....awaits winter’s kiss....the darkness
never ending....seems only to be
darkness warming....reaching for light
spring....once more giving life....
summer’s glow....as it will always be
forever....my circle of life....repeating
echoes....of the mind....
wind rider
as you take flight
upon wings ...of the night
listen for the wind
calling you home
soft and low it will sound
not often will you hear
feel its life in motion
as it flows around you
soft and warm
caressing all that is you
feeding off your touch
wishing only to know
the beauty within you
once more within this night
two will take flight
as one
waiting
as the sun makes way for the night
as the fire within my life glows
i wait ...beside the flowing water
my breath flows into the air
as the smoke from my fire
he's near ...my askaya
my eyes cannot see...but I feel
the warmth inside my soul...
tells me he is home
this man that gives me life
touches my soul as no other
he crosses the waters
his dark eyes...bright with life
the smile comes...from a proud face
and once more....I know the reason
for my being...my askaya
he is my life and the life
of breath within my soul
Breath
Breathe unto me life........that I might become Reality
Once more whole....within this night....feel my light
Feeling my warmth....as you reach for me
Shall hold you in my dreams....cradle you upon the wind
Feel the soft breeze of my night....flowing around you
Giving life...once more....as I surround you
My arms encircle you....as we move...with the wind
Within this night.....as you dream....you belong to me
Here I shall love you.....as none before....
I am but a dream within.....a dream
But without you....I am not complete
With you.....I am as before
Close your eyes.....and breathe....
for it is I....that you ....inhale
As you sleep within the arms of the wind.....
the dream of you
within the darkness
of another night
i reach...for all that is you
i wish for nothing more
i pray for nothing less
with...each breath i inhale
it brings me back to...yet
another night of you
breathless passion like no other
feelings unknown before
a lifetime of waiting to end
lost once more...i am
in the Dream That Is You
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