Following are the two poems submitted for the July awards on the IBPC board. Note they are little behind and the May results were just posted at: http://ibpc.webdelsol.com/2010/05  Remember; Poetry Circle’s first submissions are for the June awards, which I guess we’ll see at the end of this month. Congratulations to David and Tom for these fine poems.


Full beam   by David C. Man

When we stopped for that picnic,
flopped down between the thistles
on a springy quilt of grass,
the summer buzzed around us,
busy with its messages.
You ate a sandwich slowly,
literally forced it down.

From where we sat a lighthouse
top, its pinnacle of glass
and cunningly wrought metal,
was visible, shining like
a hat fit for a hero:
someone on a fateful path,
a figure set apart.

In the silences that fell
upon the loving chit-chat,
you looked out over the rocks.
You seemed to see very far.
Your gaze, coming back to us,
was like a fond full beam that
lingered briefly and moved on.


The American Gladiator  by Tom Riordan

Some mornings seem to be waiting, deliciously, for me to speak first.
So, take off your blouse and arms, let me view you in your glory, Venus.
The seventeen year locust is in sync with the Julian census,
The circadian rhythm of dies irae is love before death
And all the oracles advise in concert: give the man what he asks.

But he wants to be standing when Hesperus arrives with his game bag,
He wants to survive Sol's sharpest darts, shadow and light's stark high noon duel
Over the daisy petals fluttering, “She loves me, she loves me not.”
Wise men say something more substantial waits behind romance's facade—
Beneath the wool lurks true companionship or true betrayal—so, which?

No roses. No chocolates. No capes cast over gutters. No “I love you's.”
Bring on the wrecking ball, and let's stand, you to the right, I to the left
Calling out ballet positions for each other to assume, let's start
Right now to show how hard we are, let's open our arms wide to damage,
Spend this hour baring to Caesar what we cup in us that can't be spilt.

It is my right to speak first this day, my right to ask for love plainly.
Take off your arms. Let your entire robe fall. No art.

cangrats, Tom and David.

tiko

Congratulations David and Tom!

Yes, congrats indeed.

Both are lovely, glad to see them picked  - Michelle