The Writing Forum Presents Poetry by Scarlet ASSOCIATE  MEMBER The Writing Forum’s Poet of the Month - July 2007   POET’S BIO: I am a native Floridian and have been writing professionally since college. I have written everything from commercials for radio and television to documentaries and a screen play or two. However, my first love is poetry. I have never had anything published. Although, I’m asked about it all the time. I wrote poetry in Southern "tawk" for a good number of years. Perhaps it was because of my "Scarlet" name or probably because I was born in the south.. it came naturally to me. Most of it was meant to be humorous! After 9/11, as so many writers did, I turned to more serious writing. However, I still prefer to take a bit of a humorous look at things from time to time. My main thought is to give the reader something to think about! And, if they happen to leave my writings with a smile of their face.. then, it's a good day for me! In 2006 I was asked to write poetry to go over the amazing snow scenery and music on a DVD and to recite the poems. The DVD is still available. For more information on “Snowetry” please click here. To read my short stories published here at The Writing Forum, please click here. To visit my own space on the web, “scarlet’s rhymes”, please click here. Email: mjktjax@yahoo.com   To access the special page for my continuing “Mo Tee Suh” Series, please click here.   Page 1 of 8 Archives   POEMS - Page 1: (click on the bullet next to any poem title below to be linked to that poem’s location on the page) THE NEW RECIPE HOW'S YA MAMANEM? GRANDMA'S THANKSGIVING MO TEE SUH A LOCAL TRAIN RIDE THE LOUSY PICTURE THAT HATED WORD LAZY OL' BUZZARD FERNE'S WEDDING PEANUTS MAKIN' HAY IT ISN'T FALL READING GLASSES LIKE SWEET CARDBOARD TIME CHANGE CHOCOLATE SUCH A DEAL REMEMBERING THE LOVE WAITING HAPPY HALLOWEEN IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS CRACKED PAINT RED A WALK BACK IN TIME PIER A DOG'S LIFE A LONELY ROAD WELCOME TO AUTUMN BY THE SEA THE LAST ROSE OF SUMMER THE FIRST LEAF OF FALL DESSERTS EMPTINESS FOLLOW ME TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH FEELINGS WHEN I WRITE DEMURE I REMEMBER HAIKU YOU DO! THE BRAIN OF A MAN WELCOMING YOU HOME AWAKE AT DAWN IT'S BAD TO GET SICK INDIAN CORN YESTERYEARS THE PHONE CALL   THE NEW RECIPE I cleaned and chopped and cut and baked I really had a head start But, this was a new recipe OK, here comes the bad part! How was I to know about it? I never made it before And, those that did know about it Left me behind a closed door Try it you'll like I promise Fateful words as I think back Rhubarb pie and fresh pie crust There's some talent I must lack! I found the rhubarb at the store And, the crust was not so bad I made it first and it was cool Help is what I wish I had! Who knew you had to pre-cook it? Rhubarb doesn't look so tough I could have cooked it for FOUR days It would not have been enough! So, when some bright cook recommends That you try a recipe Look them square in they eye and say Get the hell away from me!   HOW'S YA MAMANEM? He was born and raised in 'Bama So he spoke the southern talk He told stories of his childhood Road a horse before he walked He fell in love with a yankee girl His Mama got the vapors His Daddy tried to stop him quick But, it was in the paper They got married and moved back home He wondered how she would do Mama had a long talk with her And, Daddy had just a few Time went on and things went real nice She learned all the southern talk In fact she go so good at it He really started to gawk! One day she showed off this accent Batting her lashes at him He'd just been visiting his folks "Hon, how's ya Mamanem?"   GRANDMA'S THANKSGIVING Grandma's house was full of people Around Thanksgiving time There was more food in that one place Than I have room to rhyme! Ol' Tom Turkey was basted well I think Grandpa was too Gals were cookin' up a storm There was so much to do! Sweet potatoes with marshmallows Veggies from the garden The whole house has a strong odor Oh! I beg your pardon! The best cornbread dressing ever With giblet gravy too You never wen away hungry When Thanksgiving was through Six pies were on the windowsill Grandma wanted two more Daddy offered his "expertise" She pointed to the door We sat in chairs and on the floor Any place we could find I was worried about my plate Not where I sat my 'hind Full of people and full of food Grandma liked it that way I think about those wonderful times Every Thanksgiving Day!   MO TEE SUH He looked ar her with such questions What she said was quite a blur She handed him the stained menu And, politely called him "Suh" He looked over the selections The blue plate special looked good She brought him iced tea with lemon He said water if you would He wasn't from around these parts A yankee lost in the south He fell deeper in confusion When she opened up her mouth “We ain't got no fried chicken now Mama-sed it'd come latah But, we gots somethin' tastes jest like it How 'bout tryin' sum gatah?” He heard the words and smiled right back Never knowing what she meant But figured just to look at her Was time and money well spent She put the plate in front of him He looked at her in a blur She smiled one of those southern smiles, “Wud ya like sum mo tee suh?”   A LOCAL TRAIN RIDE They stand there looking every bit the part Perfect in every single way There's the porter carrying the luggage Kids leaving a school bus to play The passenger stepping up to the train Three folks getting tickets to ride The train station looks so very busy As the train pulls up to its side I remember it so well from my childhood A set of trains and people too Running on schedule down in the basement A world apart from normal view Little figurines just standing there But, somehow they did steal the show Everyone knows about the fast trains But, there's a lot more we don't know.   THE LOUSY PICTURE The picture taken yesterday was not so funny I didn't think it worth the time or the money Especially since the final results were so over blown The face in that show was no one I have ever known! Like it or not it was over and done and in print You'd think a lousy picture wouldn't cost me a mint Now I find the good part is I can hide it away You'll never see this picture in my house on display In fact, it will only be seen as a last resort When the official says, "Ma'am, may I see your passport?"   THAT HATED WORD She said, "I have cancer..cancer..cancer..cancer" It echoed long and hard through my ears I know she said it yet I couldn't believe it So stunned that there weren't any tears How and why and what now and oh my All collected in my brain to say I just didn't have the ability to form words In a make sense sort of way So I listened to her as best that I could She had things for me to know But, the echo was so loud in my ears I didn't hear her at first, you know?   LAZY OL' BUZZARD! You sit way up high on your lofty perch Snoozin' your life away You never have very much work to do And you like it that way You are the one who "cleans up" all the mess After the work is done You just swoop in and enjoy your big feast Aren't you the clever one! In truth you're just a lazy ol' buzzard Born and bred that way too Never having to work for a damn thing Who wishes they were you?   FERNE'S WEDDING A red haired girl from the Northside Is how it all began A great tomboy playing softball But, did she have a plan? Was there a man in her future? Did she have a big dream? Beating the boys on the ball field In her eye was a gleam Time moved along while she waited Life was not always kind Yet this "flower" of the Northside Kept her nose to the grind There were times when she wasn't sure That her hopes would come true Then she crossed paths with Ronnie The gleam in her eye grew There is no more waiting for Ferne The marriage is now here And the memories I share with her Are so perfectly clear Raise your glass to the red haired girl As I remember "when" My love and my best to you both Happy wedding my friend!   PEANUTS MAKIN' HAY Back home where peanuts fill the acres Of land owned by hard workin' farmers You'll see it grow through various stages Until it gets 'round to pickin' time Ah, but when those peanuts are just new formed The farmer picks a few that are "green" He brings them home to boil them up right fast To make the best treat in the whole world! Ever eaten a bag of boiled peanuts? Don't go knockin' it until ya try! Hot and salty and so delicious I wish I had some with me right now This time of the year peanuts are all gone The fields have hay bales lined up in rows Remnants of those peanuts plants are useful Feeding cattle through the winter's cold Gotta love the history of a peanut! I hope you'll remember it too They really do "make hay" when the sun shines! Can that be said of me and you?   IT ISN'T FALL The leaves are starting to fall .. but,it isn't Fall Not here In Florida The grass is still bright green .. but, it isn't Fall Not here In Florida Snow is falling up north .. but, it isn't Fall Not here In Florida Times like these are good .. but, it isn't Fall Not here In Florida   READING GLASSES I need reading glasses horror of horrors What a pain in the butt they are I don't need them all the time for seeing For reading and writing so far But, when I don't need them where do they go? No place really suits me well I could buy a string and tie them around my neck "Hey there, Grannie!" folks will sure yell I may have come up with a solution And it will work I will assume I'll just buy a whole package of glasses And keep a pair in every room!   LIKE SWEET CARDBOARD Oh I get it alright you clever things So innocent as can be All decorated up in your packaging Waiting for folks just like me But wait we mock you for what you are No one ever has liked you Nothing more than a slabe of sweet cardboard With empty calories too Unless you are toasted so nice and warm That brings out all of your best I bet there ARE folks who really DO like you Giving them that certain zest Those quiet lovers may be the smart ones Joy when their taste buds have soared I have learned a lot from you dear Pop Tart Life is just like sweet cardboard   TIME CHANGE I'm sure there was a good plan Created years ago When the decision was first made It probably SEEMED real good But, time goes by and things change It's not so good now I'm speaking of the time change It's just a big pain And, makes no sense in this day No one works that way I vote for leaving it be Does anyone care? I get up at 5am Don't make me get up a FOUR   CHOCOLATE I fell into a vat of chocolate Not so long ago It was as if I fell on a brown cloud Wondering where to go The almonds swirled the caramel was sweet Where would this all end When all at once I was wrapped in plastic Gift wrapped to a friend!   SUCH A DEAL I put it out there for folks to see I was so afraid at first Would they like it as much as I thought Or think that it's the worst? I carefully watched it everyday Answered questions as I could Time was ticking by very slowly Being patient as I should Finally, the end was drawing near What would the decision say I jumped for joy when I read the page I made a MINT on eBay!   REMEMBERING THE LOVE I found it in some of his old papers He left in his desk years before Lost in the midst of yellowing folders No one cared about anymore It almost went out in the next day's trash A loss I would never have known But, somehow I managed to find it there And quickly claimed it for my own He called it "Remembering" and he did Of a chapel 'neath the big pines Where a gathering for Homecoming Was on center stage of his mind As I read the paper the tears were flowing They still do as I write this now Why did I find this most precious of poems I'm not sure if I will know how Dad's words wrapped around me in sweet comfort I'll share with family and friends "Remembering" his words and his sweet love That even with death did not end   WAITING Ponytails and Dad's big hugs A date for my first Prom Learning to drive my own car The look I got from Mom Dreams of my little girl days Flood into my thoughts now Softly caressing my heart Like the cradle of a bough Here I am in smiling pose Waiting for the next part When life will be planned for two With the best of one heart This little girl's been waiting To take a walk with Dad Down the aisle to the future A memory to add.   HAPPY HALLOWEEN Bubble bubble toil and trouble She stirs her witches brew Throwing in an "eye of newt Or, will she make it two? Ghosts and goblins gather 'round Scaring everyone they can Hiding at the top of the stairs With a candle in each hand! Trick or treaters wonder what to wear Will it be something creepy? Looking for a bag to tote Never showing they're sleepy! Halloween night is almost here What a scary night it will be! Will you go out and join the fun Or, be scared at home.. like me!   IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS I called in "sick" today I deserved some time on my own you see? I've been workin' so hard I needed to kick back and just be ME! I'll get up late to start And, will plan on doing nothing at all! If I go ANY place It'll be no further than I can crawl! No need to put on clothes My nightgown and housecoat suit me just fine! And, whatever I do This day is most importantly ALL mine! So, sit back and watch me While I experience a day of bliss Compared to my REAL life It doesn't get any better than this!   CRACKED PAINT What did it look like when it was new So many years ago Was it something that could make you proud I'd really like to know The years have taken away so much Nothing much left here To remind all of us when it was A fine fishing pier It's just cracked paint that catches your eye But, there is must more The pier keeps secret the special days Forgotten by yore   RED Compared yet unexplained I am Primary of colors seen Born to show passion and sweet fire Romantics find me serene Bold and outrageous some will say The speed in a car is shown Others gather like wannabes Lesser colors must atone Too bright or too strong I am not Let my power be seen now Proud in tradition and power All others must take a bow   A WALK BACK IN TIME Just look at that old railing It has memories so sublime A few short steps beside it You'll take a walk back in time Was it an old barn or shed? Who owned it when it was new? It's wonderful to imagine things When history emcompasses you Maybe fifty.. sixty.. seventy years Have gone by yet it still stands And all the people who have lingered here Feel them take you by the hand Shall we take a walk together And makes the old become new What a wonderful way to travel Taking a walk back in time with you   PIER Ahhh.. another day at the beach A perfect one indeed The beauty just beyond my reach Yet I find what I need The pier reaches out to touch the shore And it makes me feel so grand I'll want to linger even more If we walk there hand in hand Fishermen sit and watch the waves Do they ever catch a thing? Or, is it time alone they crave? To listen to the seagulls sing Take my hand let's see what's there For you and I to see Will we lose all of our cares As we walk by the sea? Just like life.. a walk on the shore Will offer you many diferent things The sand.. the wind.. the waves.. much more Just listen to hear your heart sing!   A DOG'S LIFE Hey, a dog's life can get pretty rough! It's not all 'walks in the park' for me! I tell you my days can get really tough There's a lot to do... don't you see? I'm the first one up at dawn's early light To get the family ready for the day! They would never, ever get it done right If they didn't have me in the way! I must stand guard and watch the home While the family goes outside I'm not really sure where they roam I don't always go for the ride Then, when they come back, it's up to me To jump and bark and pant To let them know how much they missed me! Ignore them? No, I can't! Oh, and there's the exercise they get When taking me for a walk I wonder if they appreciate me yet Hmmm... I sure wish I could talk! And, as the day ends and they all go to bed I walk around and stand guard And, think of the last time I was fed You see a dog's life IS really hard!   A LONELY ROAD As I walk along this lonely road My head is down... thoughts are racing My shoulders support a heavy load My stress is high... time is wasting The trees put on a brilliant show My mind is full... eyes do not see My life is scattered everywhere My world is bad... where is me? Then I stop and understand My head comes up... eyes are racing My shoulders feel less of a load My stress is low... time isn't wasting Oh lonely road what have you done? Do you protect... encourage me? I no longer face a maddening world You've lightened my load for me!   WELCOME TO AUTUMN Can you smell the autumn leaves? It seems as if you can Can you feel the cool breeze? Summer is at an end! Look up! See the orange and red Mother Nature is all aglow Look up! And turn your head There's quite a spectacular show! The bright orange pumpkin takes it's place As the "star" of Nature's show And pretty soon it will show it's "face" As a Jack-O-Lantern... just so! Flowers add beauty and grace With their own touch from Nature's hand Showing off a colorful face Looking elegant and grand Autumn is here... the leaves are falling Can you smell them... I don't know But you may hear them calling To come share in their annual "show"   BY THE SEA Come stay by the sea where the seagulls play And the view goes on and on The cliffs way up high the clouds so far away And the sun rises up at dawn Bring your stress and your weary mind And park them here by the door It won't be very long before you find They aren't bothering you anymore Come stay by the sea it's not so very far In a moment it will all seem clear Just close your eyes and wherever you are When you open them you'll be there There's a little place here for you to live To enjoy whatever you do All that's requested is the time that you give To sit back and just be you   THE LAST ROSE OF SUMMER Sweet rose! You brought such beauty To a glorious, warm, refreshing day It's sad to think your time is over And, autumn colors now line our way So fine! The aroma of your garden When time allowed us to visit there To smell the sweet fragrances That did waft through the air! But, hark! Winter is calling us And, the autumn colors will soon be gone As the seasons press ever forward Marked by each new day as it dawns Sweet rose! You are a fine memory Of all that you brought to a summer day We will cherish our time with you And, look forward to your return someday!   THE FIRST LEAF OF FALL Mother nature reminds us now That summer has had her run The long hot days in bright sunshine Will fade with the season's fun The first leaf of fall reminds us That there's a new "show" in town Featuring all the fall colors Bright orange, yellow and brown Autumn is here in it's splendor Breath in the magic she shows Soon it will be a fond memory As you put on winter's clothes   DESSERTS Chocolate brownies and carrot cake Apple pie with a crust that flakes Double scoops of neopolitan ice cream A bowl of pudding with some whipped cream Boston Cream pie and a banana split A coconut cake that just won't quit Banana pudding with lots of 'nilla wafers Eaten with a small spoon.. might be safer Strudel with apples ... tarts with pears Bring it all on ... because I don't care I'll eat every bit ... I'll never give up Unless of course ... I happen to wake up!   EMPTINESS Summer reaches towards the fall Every school opens their doors Children gather in the classrooms Wishing they could play outdoors Playgrounds sit in all the quiet No laughter is heard today Summer's end makes for emptiness Where the children use to play Yet time moves along to quickly Before you can count to ten Empty swing sets will be busy When summer returns again!   FOLLOW ME TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH What a great time of the year! Harvest time at the pumpkin patch! All of us are quite the same Yet none of us ever match! Everyone comes to see us And, they walk around just so To see which one is "perfect" Then, off to their house we go! Sometimes kids draw on us And, make a funny line Or, we get a spooky face When carved up oh so fine! Sometimes we get made into a pie For the family's Sunny dinner But, anyway you look at it A pumpkin is a sure winner! Yes.. follow me to the pumpkin patch We'll have lots of fun! You'll be sure and pick ME out Because I'm the cutest one!   FEELINGS WHEN I WRITE I use to wish that the poems I write Would make someone feel just right That these mere words would set afire The deep, deep feelings of their desire The words would fall in the right place Bringing sweet reflection on the face No one before had written in form Words that make the reader so warm Now I have a whole different process That's still quite involved nonetheless I have no idea where it will end I'm still nervous as I begin In a few short moments it is complete I don't consider it some huge feat I'm just happy you waited for this As I seal this poem with a loving kiss   DEMURE She's alone in her thoughts and her passions Not wanting to share all she knows You must guess what lies beneath the surface Wonder what pretense she does pose Such a game she plays or it is just ours? Guessing what lies 'neath that wide brim Does she speak in soft and flowing whispers? Would we find her life just as prim? She will never tell us of her mystery How she holds us with her allure Our thoughts are all we have to understand Her power is known as demure   I REMEMBER I remember that beat up truck He loved it so much! Haulin' everythin' back and forth Fussin' at the clutch When I would come to visit him He'd say "Let's git goin'!" He'd take me for a special ride Somethin' needed show'n! I loved ridin' along with Pop He was a great man Sharin' his life with little me Now, I understand   HAIKU YOU DO! The sun came up this mornin' I was in bed fast asleep Then smelled my breakfast cookin' I leaped! I ran into a plum tree Got scratches on my belly Plums squashed upon the ground Plum jelly! I walked in a flower shop Found daffodils and roses What a fragrance filled the air! Full noses! Johnny isn't all that smart He tried to steal Sue's plants Found her slingshot just in time Burnt pants! I wish I could fly in space To find what I suspect I'll see what's really out there Star Trek! Never have written this way But, it does seem kinda fun If you stuck with me this far I won!   THE BRAIN OF A MAN Why is it that the brain of a man Contains a selective memory? He remembers things that he should not Forgetting the rest casually! It's not just about important dates That a man can't seem to remember What was said yesterday and by whom He wants to remain unencumbered It's a "woman's job" to remember "Why should I do the same thing as you?" Sure makes for better conversations When will this man ever get a clue? I gave up on him remembering My charge now is to help him forget That can be done with some real effort But, can it be done without regret?   WELCOMING YOU HOME There are no words that can really say All the feelings that are there The haunting looks and clinging hugs Reveal such soulful despair How do you say good-bye not knowing What the future has in mind Will there ever be another hug Dare the angels be so kind? I fill my heard with wishes and dreams That someday you'll find your way And when we next meet I'll find the words Welcoming you home that day   AWAKE AT DAWN Have you ever been awake a dawn To see the warm sunrise That big bright light shining thru the coulds As you open your eyes? Nothing can compare to that great sight Especially if you see The multitute of colors it brings Rising from the dark sea The sky begins to show off a tone That heralds what's to come The faint light soon will broaden itself In colors pink and plum Don't blink as you see it all begin It's over very fast You'll find yourself coming back again Hoping the sunrise lasts   IT'S BAD TO GET SICK It’s bad to get sick When it comes on so quick And, really for no rhyme or reason Your friends are all sad 'Cause you're feelin' bad But say "It's just the season!" What season is that? Not for fur-lined hats Should I get sick in the summer? The AC is on Grass is tall on the lawn This virus is such a bummer! I longed for the time To share a few rhymes When you and I write together Now, I'm feelin' fine Writin' a few lines And, no longer "under the weather"!   INDIAN CORN It happens every year about now As fall colors take the stage You can be seen on many doorways Never showing your true age Created so many years ago A blending of colors raised From yellow, red, white and even blue Every farmer truly praised Indian corn is how I've known you From history books that I read Representing life from the ages As you weave a common thread Show off all of your colors today Let's remember what we learned Your history brings more lessons to us A mantle of honor earned   YESTERYEARS Was it twenty years or maybe more Life moves along so fast Remembering all those precious times We thought would always last A time when all the days were carefree Yet we didn't know it then It's only with time that those days shine Looking back at them again Oh happy times from days of yore Makes the yearning heart reach out Knowing those feelings and all the years Makes us glad to think about   THE PHONE CALL The phone rang late one night I picked it up on ring number three Before I could even say "Hello" The voice said "You gotta help me!" "I'm hot and I'm sweaty and I need you!" "I can't go on this way!" I was shocked as I sat and listened Not knowing what to say I must have stumbled over some words Because the voice said "Shhhh!" I waited to hear what was said next I heard heavy breathing "Whoooosh!" My heart was racing a mile and hour I said "What do you want me to do?" The voice said "I'm hot.. so hot" I knew that I had to hang up This phone call just had to stop! Then, the voice said in a breathy voice "Oh baby.. this is more than I can bear!" I said "Who the hell is this anyway?" The voice- "Isn't this Jake's Heating and Air??"