"Destined Minds"

That single unit that constitutes the phrase
above another - identifiable
the minimal possible unit of reply
whose feature is undeniable

Will not be constrained by a hieracy
of grammatical restraints that oft are quantifiable
able to move with fluidty in
any way that it chooses to be and yet remain reliable

What is your worth if none can read
in the future - has it all been for nought?
To express a mulitude of feelings
the inner sanctum of the mind in thought?
For the written word is precious
to gain insight of what one ought!

Voice communicated over the airways
by "Bells" telephone or choose the
handwritten word that travels slowly
or send the word surfing in space and time

Lost, archaic and rare words
and those rarely in use -
words that seek to edify and those
whose character is best left for refuse

Choose your words carefully
for there are ears about
lest the words be ignored or
refuted or often tout.

Maree Long
(c) Maree Long 2007
www.freewebs.com/poetrybymareelong

just filling in time this morning

Poetry - What Is Thy Name?

Poetry - what is thy name
thy love of truth from
which thy words refrain

Or is thy lie that thou
regurgitate in sweetened
disposition of coherent discourse

Poetry thy name may be
but thou art mine and I know
thy heart for it is that, that
weilds the flow

tranquility of contemplation
thy name is older than the written
word precedeth stone and tablet

that allows mine hand to replicate
nature's song and heart of man
and in mine effort gives what my soul demands.

Maree Long
(c) Maree long 2207
www.freewebs.com/poetrybymareelong

Dedicated to my Japanese Friends who have taught much the value of
savoring the moment as I reflect our time sipping tea
in the gardens of Iris in full bloom
Kariya & Ezoe my dear Japanese families of my heart

WHAT IS POETRY V - My Island

Poetry is my island
secluded in a land so far from home
where my mind continuously wanders
and drifts often longing to roam

The people in my mind look
so very different to me
as they peer out of narrow slits
from beyond the widened sea

words clothed in detailed
ornamental fabric that bow so lightly
and tread carefully upon the feelings
that have been practised so politely

cha-no-yu the ritual begins
of prescribed gestures and phrases
that take a lifetime to learn of
accomplishment that brings the gentle praises

medicinal often a spoken word
that now transforms for pure delight of pleasure
ichi-go ichi-e - one time one meeting
that this is the moment to be treasured.

Maree Long
(c)Maree Long 2007
www.freewebs.com/poetrybymareelong

WHAT IS POETRY?

What is poetry but carefully chosen
words plied in rhyme or verse
that talks of things most
common to all manner of man

the reading between the lines
the hidden words and meaning
reflective thoughts and memories
that once in print they stand

Words and thoughts that create
a veil of mystery to be lifted
for those that seek a truth of
words that paint a picture

A piece that gives voice for the poet
that had long remained silent
but for the pen and ink that
glides and etches

a journal of a journeys never taken or
that records a life time of events
where the past comes alive
and imagination wages war and vents

where perception and process meet
and dare I utter those things I am
yet to understand and bring forth
life to words that I think are grand

illuminated reality a practice
of talking art as I give permission
to feel the interior of my being
no longer an orphaned silenced

carefully framed is the speech
not philosophy but my humanity
that evolves to share fragrant knowledge
and heartfelt passion

keepsakes of the wise so
exile not the words lift your
pen and make sound and lift
your eyes and not be cast down

solid is the clay tablet
as if lifted down from the mountain
that yeilds the ordinance of man
and this his frame work be

if anything rises of importance
keep the pure heart pure
and keep one's mind clear
before emotions and thought dissappear

Maree Long
(c) Maree Long 2007
www.freewebs.com/poetrybymareelong