Rusted Sunshine



Image by Skip Hunt
as shared at Magpie Tales



Of clouded moments thickened stagnant air,

like towers of cumulonimbus dreams,

filled droplets of time, memories lie there,

yet sunstripped days wait to slice, thus it seems,

      showering this moment in fantasies,

      of your touch, cutting deep into the heart,

      always...forever, til death us do part.

Rusted sunshine twirls the blade so neatly,

cuts deep in time, of a long ago day,

the soul dies with a love shared once sweetly,

leaving pieces of dreams sprinkled this way,

      showering this moment in fantasy,

      of your touch, striking deep into the heart,

      always...forever, til death us did part.

Petrina Lesko
August 2011

This poem was written for both Magpie Tales which provided this wonderful photo prompt and for this week's Poetry Potluck over at Jingle Poetry where the topic is Love... and it's not being there.  I was also attempting my first try at the Rhyme Royal form, however, I think some of my feet are not in true iambic pentameter.  The rhyme scheme for this form is a-b-a-b, b-c-c or a-b-a, b-b, c-c.  I really like the possibilities of this form so I will probably continue to work on it.

Adding a link to dVerse ~Poets Pub for OpenLinkNight.

Petals of Rose

soft petals of rose

sprinkled on waters for thee

his last goodnight kiss

Petrina Lesko

July 2011

Over at Jingle Poetry the theme for this week's Poetry Potluck just happens to be on Nature and Life so I shall also be linking there as well.  Hope you all have a fabulous week ahead.  I expect mine to be rather busy.

Whispered Art

In your Art, I hear whispers... words
Linking worlds, born of another ear.
Gentle sighs, awed by the image,
Eyes widening, stretching to tear,
Brushed images on wings of birds.

Hues darken upon the shore's sand,
Waves play high to hear the music.
Standing before, standing after...
As the seagull floats majestic,
Does the ship come home to land.

Gentle sighs, awed by the image,
Standing before, standing after...

In your Art, I hear whispers... words
Linking worlds, born of another ear.

Petrina Lesko
July 2011

This week's Poetry Potluck topic is Painting Whispers.  It was to see what art inspires in each of us, allowing the whispers heard and felt to flow through our words.  This is my entry for this week's Potluck over at Jingle Poetry.  Hope you all enjoy my interpretation of the whispers.

Yet A Sapling Still

Yet a sapling still beneath the canopies,
Standing tall I stretch forth toward its glimmer,
Shadows cast over me and I bend in winds,
Seeds planted all around, shelled beneath as I,
Reach forth, my branches bend with weighted fruit.

Fruit... they tell me will sweeten with age, blossoms,
Only to behold the secreted days here,
Held in shadows of those who were before me,
Still, standing tall, branching forth with outstretched palms,
Listening to winds whistle, nettled glory.

Yet a sapling still beneath the canopies,
Fruited planes, smooth crisp lines ripe from used blossoms,
Free of shadows cast, hope glimmers before me,
As the flowering bud, gently holds its shell low,
Nettled glory listens to wind whistle.

Petrina Lesko
July 2011

When I wrote this poem, I had an image in my mind for a drawing I would like to do, maybe even eventually adding painted whispers of color.  Looking again at topic for this week's Poetry Potluck, I will be also linking this piece over at Jingle Poetry... it seems to fit so well.

Heaven's Gardens

artwork provided by Alias Jinksy for Two in Tandem #8

Worlds collide, exploding in pink,

Blue and green hues mash together,

Transforming the days' moments

Precious lives remembered like art,

Imprinted on the hearts of those

Remaining in the days to come.

Each speckling the world in their own way,

Leaving impressions of who they were,

Lest we know in our hearts, we too

Shall one day rise to the glory 

Of radiating heavens gardens, pink 

Blossoms mark the precious ones.

Seedlings spring forth to remind,

Everyday moments engraved in minds

Of loved ones, while angels guide,

A blessed trip only to be offered when,

Times between loved ones cut short,

Yet truly, it is their time to go home.

Petrina Lesko

July 2011 

This has been an incredible period of multiple losses, moments remembered in the hearts of those left behind, families struggling to make sense of it all.... When I stopped by Two in Tandem and found this wonderful piece of art as this weeks prompt, it so reminded me of Heaven's Gardens in which many of my friends are arriving at during this brief time.  Many others whom have gone before are welcoming these precious hearts home, angels guiding their journey to heaven's gardens.      This ones for all of you who have moved on and for the families of those continuing to struggle right now.  We miss you all so much already.

Arms Outstretched

Tonight is the new prompt for...

Jingle Poetry Potluck Week 41  'Our Theme of the Week is  "Saints, Monks and Meditation"!!   We (Jingle & Riika) offer you our warmest greetings to another fantastic week of Poetry Potluck. It is time to enjoy the peace surrounding us now in the form of mediation, the moment of tranquility within the prayers by the monks, and don't forget the teaching of the holy saints.'

Arms Outstretched

photo by Petrina Lesko

I sit, my soul bare to you,

Arms outstretched to touch your grace,

Beneath the warmth of skies of blue,

Far away, beneath the pathways.

My mind clears as the clouds from sky,

Solace within the crowds of life,

Asking of myself, asking why,

Busy days to this heart bring strife.

Seeking moments still in silence,

Joined with thee, in nature's way,

My heart bares it soul in pence,

Purity partakes, blessed this day.

For with my soul bare in this place,

Arms outstretched to touch your grace.

Petrina Lesko

June 2011

photo by Petrina Lesko



In Solitude...

Over at Jingle Poetry for the fabulous Poetry Potluck they have invited us to join in this week, as they "(poetically) sink into that feared world of  "Void, Loneliness and Sorrow" .... Don't be too sad though.. Just join us..and fight this fear together!!"


Today I sit in solitude, remembering...
Forty years, always knowing you were there,
Now, in my silence, is an unbearable loss,
For now I sit in solitude, bearing my cross.

The gardenia's spiced scent wafts silently,
Breezes transcend time... gently back to where,
Standing in the garden, together we would toss,
Life bits of conversation under the tree's moss.

Moments meant to last forever, always you'd sing,
For in this union we promised, until death's glare,
Would stare into one heart left... alone to bear loss,
Of the life long love meant to be... thine eyes shall gloss.

Gardens now are filled with the company of thee,
Friends and family have come forth to share,
Memories and moments all are quite dross,
For nothing can make bearable the pain, the loss.

For now I sit in solitude, remembering...
Forty years, always knowing you were there,
Now, in my silence, is an unbearable loss,
Today I sit in solitude, bearing my cross.

Petrina Lesko
June 2011

Another bit of dark poetry for me, though I think it meets the theme nicely.  A loss most of us could only imagine the depths of... one that I'm sure would carry much sorrow and loneliness. 

On a lighter note... I would like to thank Everyday Goddess for the Goddess Award and Toasting my post The Single Red Brick this week.  I am truly honored that she would share my post with all of her readers.

No Matter What...

Over at Jingle Poetry's Poetry Potluck the theme this week is "Dictatorship, Autocracy, and Despotism"!!   They allude to all of us experiencing this in some way and have asked us to share a poem representing the experience. 

Though we did all that we knew how,
Still... nothing ever was quite good enough.
They teased, they poked at the seams now,
Walked away once, you said he wasn't tough.
Stood tall to fight, called him a sow,
Still, you wanted more, for us to be thou.

Always we did what you told us to do,
Yet this still was not right, you told us each day,
For we did all that we knew you wanted us to,
Still... somehow nothing was ever quite the way,
Studied hard, passed the test, what is the roo?
What is it that will be enough for you to say...

Finished growing... torn apart from the world,
Always... no matter what... the despotism you furled.

Petrina Lesko
June 2011

Side by Side

Though we have walked side by side,
Oh for so long... years its been, hasn't it?
Still we must go our parting ways now,
I, long tired of your deceitful ways.

Though we have walked side by side,
You understanding my weakness...
Always there like a true and dear one,
Still, forever tempting into darkness.

Though we have walked side by side,
A false bravado given, then left alone...
To pass the time delinquent of mind,
Truly... now... a habit, an addiction.

Though we have walked side by side,
You shall leave with a roar I am sure...
Screaming in the headache of my mind,
Doubting once more, please can we still.

Though we have walked side by side,
An eternity it seems, many a mile left...
Yet now, I no longer wish this bravado,
As time calls forth in new directions.

Though we have walked side by side,
Today we must stand apart, stand tall...
To find our own strength, to go forth,
Into the destinies of days, free with will.

Petrina Lesko
May 2011

Linking up with OSW over at One Stop Poetry to share in this and all the other fabulous poems linked there.

Smoldering Hesitations

Over at Jingle Poetry  the theme this week for Monday's Poetry Potluck  is "Doubts, Fears, Inhibitions and Hesitations"...   These doubts and fears that have formed from our past experiences seem to smolder in the distance, always there, waiting to spark the wildfire to desimate all that is within its grasp.  I was working on my piece for this week's Potluck when I came across this fabulous prompt by Tess over at Magpie Tales.  I couldn't help but grasp it and combine for both prompts.




Smoldering Fires, Clarence Holbrook Carter, 1904-2000
Columbus Museum of Art
as shared at Magpie Tales #64



Like Whispers Upon Ears


Today... you walked a while with me,

Like old friends joined, together share,

I knew your steps as you knew mine,

Stepping along the path to see,

Hand in hand, alas we could dare.

The path familiar, took a turn,

For a moment we paused to look,

Stay on the path, follow the sign,

Eager to explore, more to learn,

In the distance, I heard the brook.

Desires to try within me burn,

Like wildfires in the distance know,

Come, let's go back, we will dine,

The water flows free 'on the turn,

Caressing the rocks just for show.

As the flow dropped, falling right there,

I longed to go forth, journey more,

Step forth, be you lost in the pine,
Darkness comes all too soon to dare,
For in the night, where is the shore.

Explorations curbed, this will be,

Moments unsure instilled my friend,

Like whispers upon ears of mine,

Words carry forth your doubts for me,

Deterring strength for journey's end.

Hand in hand, alas we could dare,
Stepping along the path to see,
I knew your steps as you knew mine,
Like old friends joined, together share,
Today... you walked a while with me.

Petrina Lesko
May 2011

To Touch with Grace

Over at Jingle Poetry this week for the Poetry Potluck the topic is "Muse, Art, Music and Poetry".  Giving much thought to this subject matter, it has brought me to this:  the task of the Muse in creating all Art, Music and Poetry....  This is what I came up with:

To Touch with Grace

Delving into places to reach,
Reach within the depths of the soul.
Touching tenderly there to breach,
As whales above the waters roll.

Leading the reader to a place,
To a place beyond simple words,
Connecting with their soul through grace,
Deeper meanings than mere thoughts spurred.

Like the artist placing his hue,
On the canvas layered with paint,
Yet the masterpiece dost ensue,
Catenation boldly or faint.

Thus leaving ever the footprint,
Embed within another heart,
The unforgotten touch of glint,
A spark ignites, the passions start.

Feelings... thoughts beyond the mere muse,
Tenderly touching deeper skin,
Simple selections, words I choose,
Gathered and placed like in my tin.

Treasures and wonders all are here,
Sharing with others, this we do,
Special gifts placed with care my dear,
These things written from me to you.

Treasures and wonders all are here,
Reached within the depths of my soul,
Special gifts placed with care my dear,
To touch with grace another soul.

Petrina Lesko
April 2011

Being that it is about time also for OSW over at One Stop Poetry, I shall be linking there as well.  Hope you all enjoyed this interpretation of the wondrous Muse.

Favorite Things...

Over at Jingle Poetry this week, the topic for Poetry Potluck is 'A few of my favorite things'...  I thought this would be a great opportunity for me to share a little more of myself than I usually do, and join others in sharing some wonderful poetry written by all the great poets hanging out there...  Please come join in all the fun.

Children playing, sliding on slides,
Climbing trees, swinging on swings,
Puppies discovering butterflies,
These are a few of my favorite things...

Taking a long walk in the moonlit night,
Sharing memories tender, for joy it brings,
With friends, spending time always feels right,
These are a few of my favorite things...

Walking down a forest path as it winds,
Sitting beneath the stars as the river sings,
Watching animals in nature, any of all kinds,
These are a few of my favorite things...

Reading poetry and words that are kin,
Writing tales to share, thought ponderings,
Listening to soft music, chocolates in tin,
These are a few of my favorite things...

Spending quiet time looking out to the sea,
Discovering life's mysteries and all it brings,
Creating art and words, these are for me,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Petrina Lesko
April 2011

Worn out Moments

To drive through open spaces,
To walk upon unending land,
To explore towns and places,
To rest my soul upon your sand.

The trip of eternal search,
Walking in the footsteps of man,
Simply resting to your perch,
To rest my soul because I can.

This to find what is unknown,
Leaving life to rest in its art,
Nothing taken to call my own,
Looking only for a new start.

Days of work within the race,
Worn out moments lost in the rhyme,
Serene feelings found in place,
This be the trip of a lifetime.

To drive within space and time,
Worn out moments lost within rhyme.

Petrina Lesko
March 2011

Over at Jingle Poetry this week's theme is Trips, Travel and Vacation for Poetry Potluck.  I will be linking this small journey there.  Please join us and share a journey you have taken, or will be...

Generosity of the Heart

Pondering the thought of mentors and role models.... What continues to go through my mind is "Do as I say, not as I do."  I've heard those words so many times in my life, so many times as a child, or from parents of children I know.  Yet the most profound thing that I can think of about those few people who I have considered mentors, the exact opposite is the resounding formula.  From each of those women, men, people... the greatest of their impacts was given by observation of how they lived their lives, how they treated everyone they came in contact with...

Generosity of the Heart

Generosity of the heart,
Silent words hidden beyond deeds,
Grace in life, framed by days like art,
Absent requests, fulfilling needs.

Generosity of the heart,
Nature so giving, selfless breeds,
First thoughts of others, always start,
Sharing worlds, to young ones she reads.

Generosity of the heart,
Preparing lessons, other leads,
Sharing meals, filling up the cart,
Gardens planted, sharing the seeds.

Generosity of the heart,
Absent requests, fulfilling needs.

Petrina Lesko
March 2011

Today over at Jingle Poetry it's time for Poetry Potluck and this weeks theme is Idols, Role Models and Mentors.  I've spent quite a few moments over the past week thinking about those people I would consider mentors trying to decipher why theirs held such an impact.  The above poem is what I came up with.  I hope you enjoyed it, to read others, click here.

Just popped over to the 'March Challenge' at the Cloaked Monk's Blog, tomorrow's theme is Abundance so it seems fitting to add this Haiku to connect there also.

ultimate sharing

generosity of heart

mentors' abundance

Petrina Lesko

March 8, 2011

Just for Me and You

Tweety speaks with his own world words,
Mickey sung by letters of his name,
Colored moments filling childhood thirds,
Beaming down, talking cats, its the same.

A snowman dances through Frosty days,
A beagle sleeps atop the roof,
Snoopy about the world, leading ways,
A dwarf lending his Grumpy ways aloof.

Tinkering her way, she flies in dreams,
The Pan Man, her superhero too,
All casted in our nights, yes it seems,
Dream world characters for me and you.

Petrina Lesko
Febraury 2011

Over at Jingle Poetry it's time for Poetry Potluck and this weeks topic is Cartoons, Sci Fi and Super Powers.  This was a bit of a stretch for me as I was never really into cartoons, even as a child.  But I thought it would be a challenge and thought I would give it a try.

Night's Rain - Updated

photo by Sean McCormick
as shared @ One Shoot Sunday

Night's Rain

I welcome you in from the night's rain,
Unto my floors do come, where lies grain,
Stacked about, turned out layered by stain,
Please, I welcome you in from the night's rain.

Built on staddle stones, shaped like mushrooms,
Heating naturally, this be thy rooms,
Forming moisture, your grain will be doom,
Forth right here within, I will it entomb.

But listen to my music, dance all,
Lineage comes from under the wall,
Shadows dancing, did you hear 'em call,
Lineage comes, on the floor must crawl.

I welcome you in from the night's rain,
Unto my floors do come, where lies grain,
Stacked about, turned out, covered thy stain,
Please, I welcome you in from the night's rain.

Petrina Lesko
February 2011

Thank you Sean for a fantastic photo (you can see more of his fabulous work @ http://www.neutralhillsstills.ca/index.php).   And thank you One Stop Poetry for another inspirational photo prompt here at One Shoot Sunday.

You Asked of Me

Today, in the still quiet moments,
Shared in hopes of easing the pain,
You asked of me... I knew not if...
Could I give you this, this glimmer,
Of hope, of a pain free moment.

Today, in the still quiet moments,
Shared in pain of not want for loss,
You asked of me... I knew not if,
Could I give you this, this glimmer,
No pain, of a hope filled moment.

Today, in the still quiet moments,
Shared in darkness, challenged my soul,
You asked of me... I knew not if...
Could I give you this, this glimmer,
Of peace, of a better moment.

Today in the still quiet moments,
Shared in love, friends till the end,
You asked of me... I knew not if...
Could I give you this, this glimmer,
Of life, of an eternity.

Today in the still quiet moments,
Shared together the struggles,
You asked of me... I knew not if...
Could I give you this, this glimmer,
Of victories, success in you.

Today in the still quiet moments,
Shared for all whom you touched,
You asked of me... I knew not if...
Could I give you this, this glimmer,
A reflection, gracing this world.

Today in the still quiet moments,
Shared by all who felt your love,
You asked of me... I knew not if...
Could I give you this, this glimmer,
A legacy, your moment in time.

Petrina Lesko
February 2011

One Stop Poetry offers a great venue, One Shot Wednesday where we can share with other writers, other poets the art that is our work.

His Cassey

His were the hands which gently placed

photo prompt for Magpie 51

Each stone with care, precision, placed

There to guide, lend direction for each

Step, leading the pathways of my

Journey.  Each stone adding the

Strength needed to seek the

Meditations of my days ahead.
The prayers written in stone,
Weathered with time...

Offering wisdom, guidance,

Peace with each interlocking

Pattern.  To seek from him

All that was within me,

I only needed to follow

This path laid before me,

Protecting me from the 

Dust of the earth, his

Mortar to endure the

Sands of time, all

Laid upon the

Foundation.

This was His

Cassay.

Petrina Lesko

February 2011



I am linking up this post, this poem with Magpie Tales for Magpie 51 (thanks Tess for another fabulous picture prompt) and with Monday's Poetry Potluck over at Jingle Poetry where the theme this week is Peace, Relaxation and Spirituality.