The Poetry Marathon

The sweet taste of chocolate and peanut butter on my tongue

Take me back to the days, when I was really young.

I would nibble around the edges first, careful in my quest

Then I would gobble up the middle, it always was the best.

When I was but a child, they came in packs of two

I could never get enough of them, never wanted something new.

Now I am a grown-up, and I still eat them up

The yummy and delicious, one and only Reese’s cup!

I would climb a mountain for you; rocky, steep, and snowy

The mountain would speak to our souls, clouds floating around our heads

We would make the trek to the treacherous peak, silent and together

We would take in the marvelous views, pikas and mountain goats.

We would bake in the sun, even as the snow swirled at our feet.

I would take on this fantastic journey, my body pushed to its limits

I would experience the highs and lows, fear of the great heights

With struggling breaths we would journey on, fighting for the summit

With trembling limbs we would trample on, the path a slippery slope

I would find the strength to tackle this goal, breath coming hard and fast

I would climb a mountain for you, rocky, steep, and snowy

I would take on this fantastic journey, my body pushed to its limits

With no thoughts to our safety, just the ultimate target of accomplishment

I would follow you to the end, feet bruised and back aching

But you would never ask me to climb a mountain with you

Because our paths have never crossed.

Blue streaks in my hair for B

A mask covering my face

I sent this picture to my son

During my workday at Pace.

The blue is for a precious boy

To whom Nanna is my name

The mask was to keep safe my kiddos

As I worked with them each day.

My hair is turning white

But a smile is behind my mask

If you want to know what I’m thinking

All you have to do is ask.

Dear Felicia,

Remember the days of playing Wonder Dog

Jumping off the pump in the playground

Crawling around on all fours and barking

Laughter filling the air.

Remember when you moved and we lost touch

You returned and it was like our friendship

Never even paused or was interrupted

By this crazy life.

Throughout almost half a century your presence

Has been a quiet bit of happiness.

Even when we have been far apart

At least in distance.

I know this last year has been hard for you

Always know that even if I am not there

You are always in my heart

A forever friendship.

Your forever friend,

Deanna

With sunhat in hand I make my way

Beyond the edges of the pavement grey

I find a hidden forested space where

I sit myself to rest.

I lean back against an oak tree

Let my eyes wander to a scree

With grateful heart, I grab my satchel

As I sit myself to rest.

Out of my bag comes a wine glass

(to this venture I add some class)

A hardback book soon follows

As I sit myself to rest.

A sunflower is on the front of the book

And I nibble my nail and take a look

I grab some cheddar cheese to eat

As I sit myself to rest.

What a beautiful day to be alive

Instead of knitting, I chose to strive

To enjoy some time in nature

As I sat myself to rest.

I climb into a rocket ship for a vacation to the moon

It might take a minute, but I’ll be there very soon.

As I gaze out the porthole, glittering stars I see

The space attendant offers me a drink, and I choose moon tea

A short while later, as we land, on the moon so dark

I gather up my scattered things, and then I disembark.

I make my way into the station, my eyes widen with delight

Who would have thought 100 years ago

We could have made this routine flight?

Cerulean blue heavens with a dusting of clouds

Drift down into a morass of vivid pinks

Fuschia, flamingo, mauve, and rose

A tree bursts forth dressed in magenta clothes.

Rosewood hills rise up in the distance

Dancing with meadows, oh how they blush

A smattering of ruby tantalizes the eyes

As carnation petals sail up to the skies.

I amble on my evening walk
By myself, I do not talk
Between the woods and frozen lake
I spy a gallant, soaring hawk.

 
He is flying so very high
Against the glowing twilight sky
The dying sun begins to fade
As he peers down with watchful eye.
 

He swoops swiftly toward the ground
His mournful cry the only sound
His talons scooping up a meal
Away he flies, homeward bound.
 

In this twilight, as my meandering ends
I contemplate, silent thoughts I send
Between the woods and frozen lake
A circle of life as nature intends.

The italicized, bold line taken from the Robert Frost poem: Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening.

As I slowly waken in my bed
The gentle sounds of plip and plop
Go lightly fluttering to my head
As the deluge of rain begins to drop.
I stir, I sigh, get out of bed
I open my eyes, as the dreams give chase
In this early morning summer storm
To the pitter patter of the comforting race
of raindrops.

Hello! My name is Deanna Ngai and I moved to Airdrie, Alberta Canada almost 7 years ago. Before that, I spent my life in South Alabama on the Gulf of Mexico. I am married to a great guy and a mom to two sons (grown) who both have significant others. I am Nanna to 4 kiddos…Calin (13), Kinsley (10), Maelynn (9), and Brycen (8).

I have been writing as long as I can remember, but mostly in a way that was personal. Since finding the Poetry Marathon I have totally enjoyed getting back into writing. I have met so many amazing people from all over the world and I look forward to this every year. This will be my 5th full Marathon and I cannot wait.

Looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones!

We got this!

Deanna