“Sonnet” — “Dark Words“ #amwriting


“Don’t start, not now.” Our dark words worn, rusted.

“Don’t hate me ‘cause . . .’ a shriek, a shout, whispers.

I despise it when we’re too proud, when nobody wins,

When we fight, but we need to move forward.

Nobody told me we would have to battle,

I thought love was easy, something you,

Slip into with lushness; but it’s a fight.

It’s sweet adoration, it’s engaging.

Let’s leave our spat behind, remind ourselves —

Why we first found hope, love that expanded.

Away with our black thoughts and nightmares,

No more biting words; if you nip me,

Do so ‘cause we’re playing as lovers do.

Remember that we’ve beautiful words too.

Mandibelle16 (2024).©️All Rights Reserved.

Poem: “You & I” #amwritingpoetry


Credit: Annie Spratt via Unsplash

I thought it would be both you and I, but that was years ago —

When your caramel eyes intensified, as I watched you across the room.

But, it wasn’t yet our time and some other girl earned princess in that story.

Now fifteen-years later, we both remember memories that mark how we first met,

How we’ve gone beyond wide-eyed stares, memories of basketball hoops, weight lifting, and English fairytales.

Excitement, my heart pounding, a shadow pulls me in; I knew you somehow when we finally met for real.

It’s difficult when my eyes open and only my ears know what’s real, and the image of you alive in my mind sears.

It stings when I miss the body language of a conversation deeply ingrained in my head.

So, I’ll make my way through this storm with you; hold my hand if you will.

Don’t conceal from me, I’ll tell you the truth & somewhere our eyes will align and you’ll be mine.

And, the biggest connection is the ones of sight & souls, and when we’re actually in each other’s grasp, please kiss my face as you like.

Laugh with me, promise you’ll talk with me, & that you’ll understand some of who I am — I’ll understand you too.

I will learn to comprehend your life story, the things that formed the one I love.

Let my hands go through your thick hair my lips to kiss you, to heal your wounds.

Remember you’re my person, so lets forget all your former princesses; I’ll be your queen.

Will both form our future, our life as it is and how it might be; the joy of Jesus molding and twining our paths together.

He leads you & I on despite the rudeness of life’s pain, & even when all we want is to be entwined.

I’ll remember not the hurt, but to clutch you close when you deal with yours, & hold you dear when I deal with mine.

So, forget the darkness and fall into the light, luminescence in my heart; you shine, through it all.

Let’s hold fast to the future & let the spirit lead us on,

My hands are so tiny, and yours so large, but somehow God knows, we fit —

Both you & I.

Mandibelle16.©️2024. All Rights Reserved.

Poem: “ Speak Of Jesus” #amwriting


Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/rvJBpwEX-1Y

I will speak of Jesus because it’s the truthful way to go, I’ll tell you of His wisdom, the knowledge that I’ve learned.

And, although we need the world to be full of goodness, of fresh clear mornings, and children’s giggling.,

I will speak of Jesus because he creates these special moments.

And, I’ll wonder what sentences I write or say, if they will be enough, What words will be perceptive and vibrant, full of peace not hate.

That’s why I speak of Jesus, for he died to erase all ire, and I’ll meet new friends and old, as I walk with Him each day.

Those friends of joy, gladness, sadness, those little ones who wear their food on their face, and what we all need in family’s much needed embrace.

Family that’s strong, not belligerent, family that gives and cares — I’ll even meet acquaintances everywhere I turn.

But, I hope, whoever I meet, that they’ll all speak of Jesus, because they sure need Him too.

I may have told them of His glory, but they’ve a unique path, to choose to walk with Jesus through, and I will speak of Jesus and care for other’s too.

So, I share my love of Jesus, and don’t get blown away by wants and needs, even the existence of another’s deepest love.

For God’s spirit told me how to love — has done so in a practical spirited way.

So, for this reason we let the Spirit talk whatever words to us He wishes,

He proclaims to us wisdom, from how it is to love another person to pieces, to hold them close so tight your bones ache.

To why we do what Jesus says: because then our paths stay straight.

And, if some morning, my love and I should not wake, we understand, that this is the will of Jesus, that we reach Heaven’s glow.

In ominous clouds and brilliant effervescence, we will speak of Jesus, for of us He has already spoken and has decided to keep.

And, trustingly, we both chortle & talk, we joke because it’s funny, and we love in the worst times, no matter if we’re damaged.

We know what works best of for us and you — that is to speak of Jesus, the way, the truth, the life.

We will both trust and speak of Jesus, will you choose to spread his glory too?

Mandibelle16.©️ 2023. All Rights Reserved.

Non-Fiction: “The Last Day” #amwritingnonfiction


Credit: Phil Hearing via Unsplash.

This last day I didn’t blink. I slid on my black long-sleeved dress, snug and warm. I tried not to think too much because then, this day would be over and that would be it. I attempted to let Thanksgiving exist as meaningful conversation, thankfulness, and gladness. Everyone else would easily do this, but it was our last day in our home (so I thought), so I wanted to absorb every moment, to listen. Would it actually be the last time in our house? The last time we all gathered together in prayer then feasted there?

It being Thanksgiving, my mom and my Aunt prepared succulent thanksgiving dishes: Perogies mushy with becel and bacon bits, scalloped potatoes, hot turkey, home made cranberry sauce, and ham with sweet pineapple rings . We ate green beans mixed with turkey and crisp cooked carrots, meat cabbage rolls, and soft white crescent rolls. For dessert there was fragrant pumpkin pie with whipped cream; with that came a chorus of mmm’s and ahhh’s. Feasts are like this, a place to gather with each other and to treasure the moments. They’re a place to form family and a place for everyone to hope for more joy and less hurt in life.

I didn’t know what memory would be the last in our parent’s beautifully finished house. This home has been almost completely remodelled, and my parents bought the house when I was 17-years old. It is located near dog trails, the North Saskatchewan river, and two family parks.

That Thanksgiving day, the fall leaves — brilliant red, orange, and yellow — were blaring. They lead to cheeriness in the remains of our family home.

Now all us kids, we’ve all moved away from our family house, so thank God for good company, for a final dinner cooked in it, and for pleasant conversation. Nevertheless, leaving the home still hurts, because our family home, a part of childhood, has disappeared. Will it host a holiday feast again? Will it remain part of our fond memories any longer?

There are far too many ‘lasts’ this Thanksgiving and that stings. My heart feels heavy and sad; although, we’re all mellow from wine and the delectable Thanksgiving meal. There’s a darkness here, hanging in the air, a frustrated ambience. Family, we had such a strong one, I thought, but even ours fell apart; so now we’ll rebuild.

Now, come next holiday, despite tears of missing what used to be, we will construct good memories and carry what’s best into the newness of the Christmas season. New people, new love, new lives, new sharing, so that we remember the true meaning of thankfulness, the truth of a baby in a manger — hope to the world.

Our home is no longer ours to covet memories in, to share wonderful times in. What was cheerful, good, and full of love, has become a dim hollow. For today is a last day celebration, but tomorrow is a first; a new home to live in ourselves & the relief when mom decided that she would carry on in the house and not sell it.

So, yes, we will all still come together, and we will unite in joy, in holiday seasons, in our old renovated home, and its history. We will look back for despite fear of heart ache. The house that formed us lives, and we even though we drive home from this supposed last day to our separate places, must accept change.

Instead of letting the darkness of life twist us, we must flourish, poinsettias plentiful, yellow Gerbera daisies of sunshine. We keep on living, smile into the effervescence of new homes, and old — of Autumn candles and memories.

Today (we thought) was a last day, but tomorrow is a first as forgiveness and family heals wounds — even that of almost losing our childhood home. This is still one of our last days here, in home we don’t live in anymore. And never tell me otherwise: That buildings don’t hold memories, even after their inhabitants have long moved on.

Mandibelle16. ©️ 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Poem: “Oh, my Soul, No Nightmares” #amwritingpoetry


Oh, my soul, you’re too quiet, & this pax, money cannot buy it.

I call to you Lord, and my soul finds rest; I’m normal, nothing so special,

But, you use me for little things, and little things resize, arise as bigger things each day in life.

Still, at times, life’s dim shadowiness sinks, the sun flashes and I inhale deep,

In the calm of dawn I repeat my prayer, over and over,

The glacial air of midnight fades, vapor in the quiet, in the morning air.

Rest, oh, my soul, oh, my soul, discover tranquility,

Be serene, and be still, let me know the peace, the dense protection in thickness laid safe.

Let my tongue call gently, and no longer let twilight’s eeriness overcome.

No matter my attitude, bring hope into silent mornings,

When I sleep deepest, provide warmth in your words,

The thickness of a leather Bible, verses remembered from the night passed.

So, now today, we arise with happiness,

Let the sky be a perfect blue, faded lapis luzila and cloud white.

Push away the dark night with its suffering, let it roll away as ancient tomb stones;

Be near me now, so the thick plum fog, the travesty of nightmares won’t linger.

Don’t forget your servant as she calls for aid — “Oh, my soul,” she cries as morning dawns,

Up the paths and down the aisles, natures natural kingdom, the finest architecture.

She asks for the sunlight to beam bright, and delights in split roadways home which, all lead one day to Heaven’s gleam.

Let’s walk in woodland too, and wander amongst trees old and strong,

A place of silence, a blessedness in afternoon’s glory, and the nights storm.

Help reveal the tranquility of daylight, of a life well lived, so that we’ll never be afraid of gothic nightmares.

The clang of steel, the violence of bullets, a crushing stabbing pain, and the iniquity of red violence,

It stuns everyone, carries fear into it’s bitter shambles.

Oh, my soul, oh my soul, let not their be garish nightmares, only the pleasure of the serene faith in my soul.

Bless my life with the silence of tiny moments, no vivid dream that stuns, only the reality of a calm day.

Let me rest away, contrite heart open, the Savior’s whisper echoing, “Be still and know that I am God.”

“Be still, be still, and know; be still.”

©️Mandibelle16 (2022). All Rights Reserved.

Poem: Free Verse – “Serenity” #amwritingpoetry


I’ve. humble words that must be said,

And, I pause with reason, as I consider,

Trying to understand the full measure of the Savior’s grace.

To struggle against painful steps in life,

Come out, come out, discover the message traced,

On every line of your hand and face, eyes wide.

I’m trying to comprehend why physically,

We must never forget we’re not ruined; He’ll fix you.

With Him we’ve hope and life, not a mystery dim,

Some people suffer most, but how do they stand after each,

Swift kick or punch, that bleeds and bruises deep?

Walk quickly, discover that with forgiveness we require healing,

We need Jesus’ sufficient undeserved mercy.

His shadow grand and black, to hide us beneath His shadowed wings,

His Feathers rumpled, let us sleep in wonderful peace.

Let’s delight in sleep and healing, discover mental clarity,

Let not our memories fade, don’t forget, let us be grateful,

So, I pray lift us up, when we’re ready to serve,

So, mental and physical tragedy never becomes the norm.

Only something suffered in a brief pause,

Be it standing or moving at a considerable pace,

Let us fly on eagle wings, let us feel renewed. in your promises.

Let us reveal heart, for all wander and require time,

Desiring to heal in Heaven’s glorified goodness.

And with each day of life, to do our best,

Not hurt too much, but to learn and experience.

To breath fresh air and take in the beauty of life,

Just a pinch of magnificence before our own glorious hour,

Walking in His footsteps in serenity.

©️Mandibelle16. (2023) All Rights Reserved.

Poem: Italian Sonnet — “Made Right” #amwritingpoetry


I didn’t think you’d hate me or worse,

Turn your face hard, flat as if I don’t exist.

As if all meanness in us persisted,

Couldn’t heal, and our pink bubble burst.

All this ire in our lives wouldn’t disperse,

Each word we spoke crashed, clashed as glacial winds,

No harsh sentence muttered would rescind.

Inside our bodies ached, felt sore, pain burst.

Despite our tiff, fireflies flew in skies of night,

And, a relationship broken turned right.

Wounds alleviated with moonlight words,

Calmness healed lies’ hurt, provided insight.

We swam the lake, ire to free; hearts birds,

With each fluttering stroke our pain reversed.

Mandibelle16. (2022) All Rights Reserved.

Poem: Free Verse — “One Opulent Summer” #amwriting Poetry


Who am I that I am meant to have this life? To wander in this marvellous world, and love nothing more than life’s sweet grace.

To be grateful and satisfied, to be whole or empty, but I’ve still room for others, to care for and with joy to fill.

I pray that I can trust people and that fear will disintegrate, that tranquility builds within me in these sunshine glory days.

Oh, summer sun, the cooling rain finds you easily, and it’s a glad night to be out among the streets when sunshine-showers hide the heat’s haze.

People serene, delighted, and out among each market stall, a little wet, but no one cares.

Markets and festivals are like that as rain drenches skin and the sun luminates; we choose our goodies —

Carrots crisp, peaches juicy, cinnamon buns fragrant, and red wine some Malbec flavor we’ll all enjoy tonight.

Ah, this plethora of delight, proof of the summer season — one of plenty, then, summer continued into Autumn.

But, of July and August heat we love best, in scorching sweet nights, people in shorts and tanks, sun dresses sweeping the pavement.

And sometimes, I heal among this summer haze of crowds, but sometimes I remain at a distance.

Then, I scent the aroma of food, homemade drinks, and tiny shops and stands full of goodies; my eyes grow wide.

And, I don’t have to think for a moment; these treasured times satisfy, as I fly back to dreams in the night.

Now, I’m awake, not bored, and full of great hope, blessed by plenty,

I know that whatever is bringing me down will not last forever, and that wherever I go (be it anywhere) I’m not alone.

Jesus walks with me down His chosen path for me; He will forever walk with me, and I with Him — I’m never alone again.

And, come sometime, we will all find freedom, never to be cast about by shadows; protected by Him, the only way to keep going.

So, lead us away, let me write of bold and insignificant dreams, of wonderful gifts, and blessings untold.

There are too many things to say and do before winter’s cold arrives and bitter snow falls.

And, I do not but take in everything, thought by thought, experience by experience, good times, trying — all of them,

Then, Autumn is alight with orange-pumpkin, yellow-taber corn, vegetables & goods from brilliant harvests,

Of things that are possible and real, full of all of life’s changes, miracles provided, food given.

I daydream in sunlight, the sky glittering full of stars at night; mostly, I appreciate those long summer days,

Swim suits near white sand, soft skin, Ombré suntan lotion, children hooting and screeching in pools, a time of joyful fun.

Let us all delight in summer, and never forget its warmth, as it carries over into Autumn’s harvest, colder, but never lost.

For now, stretch your limbs and amble by the waterside, summer memories held tight.

They must, for a bitter freezing comes with after opulent days of summer; it always tries to cheat us days.

Opulent summer sunsets, markets, walks, beaches, fresh cut grass; conversation in the purple sky.

Those are the days we’ll forever remember, and never be at loss to forget.

©️Mandibelle16. (2024) All Rights Reserved.

Poem: Free Verse — “The Fireworks: Canadian Dreams” #amwritingpoetry


http://www.middleeastexperience.com

I thought it more than magical, a brilliance of lights,

Coursing through the atmosphere, something beautiful aglow.

Your words rang true beneath the starlight sky persistant and calm,

And, I could breathe again, as the fireworks shot high into the night.

Such splendor in the sky, violent light plunging then taking off, twisting trails among the stars.

We shared in a crystal clear evening, an experience together,

A beginning of something sweet, as the lights carried into the emergence of another summer,

We gasped at fireworks bright and walked through vivid streets and roadways.

Sidewalks filled with chattering, a world full of singles and families, children awed by multi-colored light.

And in your arms, he smiled, a boy out to enjoy the night, perhaps; a shadow of one who will be ours,

Only, a small child, but he was full of energy as the the fireworks whistled madly into the sky.

And it struck me again, as the lights descended, ending in pearls of dew, red sparkled-delight,

That one day you would hold our own son, and we might entertain him at a similar event.

You and I, hand and hand beneath the God-given sky.

Smiles, a longing in your eyes as all kinds of fireworks released, and ballooning thoughts of what could be silenced all.

Ten-minutes later, and the light-show ended, and we’re a beer away from more deep thoughts of endless wonder,

You put the child down, gave him back, all the way home he titters;

He was full of summer joy, and that joy overtook us too as the night sped on.

Oh, country in whom we’ve no disturbing plight, God’s grant us time to linger, and sit in quiet dark and summer sun.

We’re no longer alone, or are we?

I, stuck in this apartment, you beneath the sun’s dusk of glories.

But, as my writer’s mind sifts, I rediscover our language, one of lovers, with calm and delight;

Language spoken in stuttered sentences then smoothed out as whisky into a glass, an amazing uplifting feeling of freedom relished.

Words and dreams together, forming our night, a one day history of us, hope for our future lives,

Fireworks, liberty, a child’s laughter, beer: all Canadian dreams.

©️Mandibelle16. (2022) All Rights Reserved.

Poem: Free Verse – “Walking the Line” #amwriting poetry


Crédit: Unsplash

You’ve walked the line, been down that road,

You hear that roar, cars fly past you into the distance.

You’ve walked the line for good reason and the brilliant light is calling:

Come closer now, the end is near,

Come closer now, from Heaven our Savior beckons.

You may stumble , you may fumble, and the light at times will dim,

But, however you walk, however you run,

Keep moving, keep driving downwards towards that effervescent line.

Walk your road in His holy name,

Promenade and don’t be all ashamed of this life.

Of every little fumble — repentance means you’ve recovered.

Know my love we’re ours, and you are mine,

So, keep marching, motoring with your hands on the wheel.

Keep calling out with your voice loud, your courage proud.

Because you’re mine, and I’m yours, we’ll walk towards that line.

Keep loving, keep up the pace;

Precious one, oh heart of mine,

Starlight so talented and rare.

Let the stars across the sky streak in orangish light.

Keep the dance going and follow the steps.

Keep going, keep training because we’re each other’s,

And we’ll tumble down that hill and follow the maze towards that line.

Translucent diamond pink rare, graphite pencil, granite counter, all matter alight as we hurry on foot;

We’ll discover nature’s beauty in this once beautiful place.

We face degradation, yet we grin our eyes wrinkled,

Our feet moving onward —God knows why.

So, be mine and let’s stumble together towards that stunning sky.

Unto the end let’s go and never fear because we’re each other’s, and we know where the line begins and ends,

We know what it is to pause and smile delighted.

When the effervescent light breaks and night turns into stunning sky bright, don’t forget that line.

Because you’re mine, I chose to walk the line with you.

Never will I forget, our path,

Hands tough and joined with yours,

Let’s stumble this sacred line as one.

Let’s walk the line to Heaven’s glorious sight.

©️Mandibelle16. (2021) All Rights Reserved.,