Sketchbook  Cristian Mocanu, RO

 

Tanka forgetting the rest I write about St. Francis humming an old tune; outside, wild geese returning make the cold wind bearable. sunny October: listening to world music, trying weird dance steps. winter, all of a sudden is a hemisphere away!

 

Sedoka Last time I saw you your final glance swept over the flooded garden. As the water withdraws, I stop to utter farewell words to the sight your eyes embraced.

 

Two Sijo A fool adds water to a pot full to the brim already" "Insensitive barbarians break their own horses' back!" How is it that my heart can hold your tears, shoulder your burden?     Seagulls drift inland for their food, float over unknown lands the man-made lake, meant to be used, by no means for beauty would call them, but both its waves and its willows are silent.

 

Cinqku t's not warm enough the promised land: two homemade quilts cheer the migrants     hey, you winter moon, care for a chat? or are you dull, as per science?

 

Crown Cinqku Munich Airport Two girls bilingual German's for Batman; they save Turkish just for Daddy. The nun startled by being called "Ma'm" puts her smile back on with relief. Snack bar: the waitress meeting old friends— half her face joyful, half ashamed. Eating ciabatta: the old country ends here and the new begins. The young journalist on the cellphone: how many pages rode the waves?

 

Two Cinquain Empty Oktoberfest Youngsters seeking meaning in rap and beer, as if trying to hold on to the foam in vain...   Greetings From Melilla! They jumped, broke their limbs, tore the skin wrapping the bones, but they smile, tying the wounds with some hope.

 

Cinquain sequence Pictures From Angola 1 The bridge —only one left— is defying the flood. Swollen waters can't be tougher than bombs! 2 A school used to be here just one pillar is left... Start again here, where the echoes still live! 3 Ten years since the last Mass they forgot the answers but the faith in their hearts is still the same. 4 Squatting behind the fence. The last bus from Congo will bring loved ones home, give hope or kill it.

 

Sonnet Ad Personam You scrap the secret off the seldom sounds Which come your way: both passionately daring, And knowing it's their secret you're now bearing: Beyond them, there's a cognate heart that pounds. You go soul-searching on the hallowed grounds And take a snapshot of what minds are wearing. While drinking tea—who knows?—you may be sharing The thoughts of him who keeps the stars' accounts. And tunes surround you—all the jungle's bands Of birds, the emperors' bells, flutes from the sands. All this is nectar to your ears—and more! Don't hold your step, continue to explore. Yes, there are smiles and Evrikas galore On Boundless Love's unfathomable lands!

 

Villanelle Nightly Reflection On Prayer It's good to watch and pray while you're away. Hold out your weapons against time and space And knock at heaven's door, day after day. Your thoughts may wander, even go astray. Don't mind the holes in their tender lace It's good to watch and pray while you're away. Cassandras may well tell you not to play. Don't mind their nagging: play your secret ace And knock at heaven's door, day after day Yes, you should watch; but even if you may Drift into sleep; that doesn't "switch off" grace It's good to watch and pray while you're away. Don't be ashamed: if sorrow comes your way Just let your tears, like pearls, adorn your face And knock at heaven's door, day after day So span the oceans, keep the fears at bay And keep the hemispheres in love's embrace. It's good to watch and pray while you're away, And knock at heaven's door, day after day.

 

Rondeau The Poetry Bridge Taken aback by nature's hidden senses, Or stunned by love's first chime inside your heart. When Beauty jumps over your reason's fences. Why not expand the limits of your art? For Beauty's patient—even with offenses and takes advantage of the fact you're smart. Taken aback by nature's hidden senses, Or stunned by love's first chime inside your heart. So look at verse through different pairs of lenses. Focus on several things-like Bonaparte. As sonnets sing and haiku condenses meaning, do not let them drift apart, Taken aback by nature's hidden senses...

 

 

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