Sleek

By Scott Bailey © 2016

Sleek and seductive
A scent that teases and tempts
The fried egg sizzles

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #108 Sizzle&Sleek

Fried Eggs

#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge

The Fisher King

By Scott Bailey © 2016

Cherry petals float
On the tumbling mountain streams
Kingfishers heart beats

kingfisher-bird-aviary-color-nature

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #120 Heart&Petals

#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge

Time and Tide

By Scott Bailey © 2016

Albatross hovers
High over surf scattered sand
All will pass in time

 In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #113 Beach&Time

Albatross

#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge

Flower of the Vale

By Scott Bailey © 2016

Flower of the vale
Sings to the sky in her joy
Spirits often do

Flower of the Vale

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #106 Sing&Flower

#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge

Spacetime

By Scott Bailey © 2016

As the journey grows
On, from moment to moment
We feel time passing

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #105-Time&Grow

Spacetime
Image from Pixabay

#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge

Beginning

By Scott Bailey © 2016

Lightning flash charges
The rain drenched primordial dawn
A spark of life stirs

Beginning

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #96 Lightning&Rain

#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge

Dragon’s Jaws

By Scott Bailey © 2016

A silk-lined invite
Lures the hedonist inward
Down the dragon’s jaws

Dragon Jaws

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #95 Dragon&Invite

#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge

Thought

By Scott Bailey © 2016

Pearls of wisdom fade
Becomes as hard as diamond
Implacable thought

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #94 Diamonds&Pearls

#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge

Morning Vale

By Scott Bailey © 2016

The vale veiled in mist
Treetops fray misty tendrils
Sunlight melts it down

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #91 Fray&Veiled

Mist
Image from Pixabay

#Ronovan #Writes #Haiku #Challenge

Missing Meadows

By Scott Bailey © 2016

Intent on life’s path
We do not see the meadow’s
Beauty all around

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #92 Life&Path

#Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge

Capital

By Scott Bailey © 2015

Clawing
Avarice
Pouncing
Insidious
Taxing
All
Lies

Cash
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Light Play

By Scott Bailey © 2016

See the sunlight play
In every dancing drop
A laughing shower

Light Play

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #89 Shower&Play

#Ronovan #Writes #Haiku #Challenge

Filters

By Scott Bailey © 2015

Through glasses
Through windows
Through windscreens
Through the artificial glare of the plasma screen
Through a camera’s lense
Filtered life
Protecting us
From rain and wind
And
Real steel
Real cold
Real hot blood
Real

Filters

Resistance

By Scott Bailey 2017

Resistance is futile
So they say
Sometimes
It certainly feels that way
But from resistance
We get the heat
Without which
We would be
Incomplete
Heat is energy
That turns into action
Action and reaction
The turning of the engine of
Revolution

In response to the daily prompt Resist

Resistance

#DailyPrompt

Where the Wild Wood Weaves

By Scott Bailey © 2015

Where the wild wood weaves
And the willow weeps
Where the deep dark dwells
And the savage sunlight sleeps

Where the serpents writhe
Around a blood-red spear
Where the wicked glance
Then turn away in fear

Where children’s happy sighs
Are swallowed in the night
Never really here
Just memory’s separate sight

Where my heart does plunge
In the empty space of dreams
Where vision fades from eyes
And air congeals with screams

Where ancient stone walls fall
Where poets finally cease

Cease.

Woven Woods

There’s a Storm Coming

By Scott Bailey © 2015

There is a storm coming
What do we do?
Plant daffodils and discuss
Have bake-offs
Write poetry
Document and photograph
So at least the survivors of the storm
Will have
An accurate record
Of the things we did
And did not do

Storm

Child’s Eye

By Scott Bailey © 2015

When the last heartbeat of the last child
Has faded into silence
The mighty universe
Will not care
Which is a
Shame
For
There
Is nothing
That can magnify
Its vast magnificence
More than the wonder
Reflected in the shine of a child’s curious eye

The Colour of Dreams

The Few

By Scott Bailey © 2015

On a dark peak
In a lofty castle tower
Firelight glints on gold
The flames are the consummation
Of a million dreams
The gold is the gifts
That the few exchange
As they gather
To sharpen their swords
Hone their skills
Readying
To chase away the wolves
Release the hounds
And take control
Of the docile cattle herds

The Few

Only Us

By Scott Bailey © 2014  

We don’t understand
The fight between them and us
There is only us

Division

Soon

By Scott Bailey © 2015

Soon
They will realise
That their spin
Their media hype
Is failing
Now
One has come
To threaten
Their way of life
Not ours
As the spin machines spews
But theirs
Their way of life
Of easy deception and greed
Of spinning tales of woe
Cutting and taxing
While smirking with contempt
And lining their pockets
With our aid
Let’s see
What happens
When they realise
The spin
No longer works

Politicians

Manipulation

By Scott Bailey  © 2015

A drowned boy
Drawn from the sea
Fled from death to death
Burns in our minds
Burns in our hearts
Fans the flames of passion
Just before
The call to war

War

Warmth

By Scott Bailey © 2015

A warming curry
A red beer in a tall glass
And Only Connect

Curry and Beer

Rooms

By Scott Bailey © 2015

Shacks stacked
Corrugated walls
Tetering high
Rambling high

Shambling streets
Congested flesh
Diluted souls
Wasted lives

One hundred
Million dollars
Empty rooms
Cloudy palace

Rooms

Sense

By Scott Bailey © 2013

Red sky, grey smoke high.
Silver tear, deep blue cloud.
Black and White.
Golden smile.

Flint and mortar, tower high.
Radio waves, beamed away.
Shifting sound, dusty leaves.
White smile.

Sweet scent, soft white.
Blue sight, twinkling bright.
Red rose, silky smooth.
Open smile.

White mount, pearl touch.
Flowing gold, windswept.
Red shine, white page.
Welcome smile.

Golden Day, blue sky.
Warm day, ever long.
Shining heart, echoes soft.
Pure smile.

Colours

Numb

By Scott Bailey © 2015

Beaten
Blind numb
Afraid
To dream
Without sleep

Broken
Blind dumb
Weary
Time worn
Plodding

Time Worn

Tithe

By Scott Bailey © 2015

This is my tithe
The part of my life
That I give to my lord
To survive

My uses are his
My flesh and my blood
So I am here
On this field

Shoulder to shoulder
With my fellow men
Shields edge to edge
Spears raised

For the right to go on
Feed my wife and my son
To stave hunger away
One more year

Death faces us down
With it’s bloodstained gown
As the line ahead draws
Ever closer

The enemy jeers
Clashing their spears
Moving their wall
Close to ours

And I see in their eyes
They are bound by their tithes
To kill for their lord
Just like me

Cash
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

 

The Shadow of Fear

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Fight or Flight.”

By Scott Bailey © 2015

Flight or fight
They say
But that first day
The looming shadow
The bully
I was pinned
Couldn’t run
Couldn’t fight
Jellified with fear
Neither response available

For many years
That shadow stalked me
Until one day
I fought
And it fled

To Me

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Audience of One.”

To Me (Senryu)

By Scott Bailey © 2014

To my younger self
Don’t be so bloody afraid
Have fun and prosper

Oasis

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Oasis.”

A storm is brewing
Clouds gather
Crowds coalesce
Grief and anger
Answer hate
Where’s my oasis
Of peace

Storm

Brighten Your Day With Poetry

My new poetry collection offers 365 moments of contemplation. Explore a variety of forms and emotions, and let each poem brighten your day. #PoetryCollection #DailyPoems

Dive into a vibrant world of poetry with 365 pieces crafted from dreams and emotions, each one a daily gift for an entire year. This collection features an array of forms including haiku, sonnets, katauta, lanturnes, and free verse, each poem reflecting the myriad moods of life. Experience the ebb and flow of sadness and grief, joy and love, captured in every verse.

Let these poems be a bright spot in your day, offering a serene moment of reflection amidst the chaos of life. Embrace the opportunity to pause, contemplate, and see the world through a different lens.

A Delightful Escape into Fantasy: A Lighthearted and Enchanting Poem

Slow down and savour the depth of my fantasy poetry collection. Each long poem is a story that unfolds with time and attention. #FantasyPoetry #LiteraryDepth

The Star Dancer

The Tales of the Star Dancer

Dive into a world where imagination knows no bounds with this enchanting poem. Unlike the dark and heavy themes often found in modern poetry, this piece offers a refreshing and whimsical escape. Its unique format, characterised by twinned verses, adds an intriguing structure without confining the magic within.

This poem is a joyous flight of fantasy, a celebration of magic and wonder. It’s a playful journey through a world where anything is possible, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, and where every line invites you to let your imagination soar.

As you read, you’ll find yourself swept away by the sheer fun and freedom of the verses. The playful rhythm and enchanting imagery will transport you to a realm where reality fades, and the fantastical reigns supreme. It’s a delightful reminder of the joy that comes from letting go and simply enjoying the ride.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of poetry or just looking for a lighthearted read, this poem is sure to captivate your heart and imagination. It’s a perfect antidote to the stresses of everyday life, offering a moment of pure, unadulterated fun.

Don’t miss out on this charming escape into a world of fantasy and magic. Embrace the whimsical, the magical, and the lighthearted with this delightful poem. Get your copy today and let your imagination run wild!

Embrace the Challenge: A Collection of Poems for the Patient Reader

In an era of instant gratification and fleeting attention spans, I’ve chosen to go against the grain, offering a collection that embraces both length and depth.

The poems in this collection span a long period and were crafted for diverse purposes. They vary in theme and style, but they share two key characteristics: they are lengthy and they present challenges. Each poem challenged me to maintain a high quality of writing over an extended length while adhering to strict forms, all the while telling a compelling story. They also present a challenge to you, the reader: to set aside the rush of everyday life, to resist the urge to hurry, and to take the time to immerse yourself in a more substantial reading experience.

Such an effort deserves a reward. These poems are not meant to be quick fixes or one-time reads. If you invest your time and attention, you will find a lasting payoff. Whether through contemplation of the themes and stories or through revisiting and rereading, discovering new layers and insights with each read, these poems offer a depth of content that extends beyond mere quantity.

So, I invite you to accept this challenge. Slow down, take your time, and dive deep into these poems. Allow them to unfold their richness and provide you with a meaningful and enduring experience.

Daily Poetic Peace

Find a moment of peace in your busy day with my collection of 365 poems. From joy to sorrow, each poem is a reflection of life’s many moods. #Poetry #DailyInspiration

Uncover the magic of poetry with our latest collection! This anthology features 365 poems, each crafted with dreams and deep emotions, published daily over a year. Experience a variety of forms—haikus, sonnets, katautas, lanturnes, and free form—that capture a wide range of moods and reflections.

Each poem offers a moment of contemplation, a brief escape from the stress of everyday life. With themes of sadness, joy, love, and grief, these poems provide a touch of inspiration and a fresh perspective.

Invest in this collection to enrich your daily routine and find beauty in every day. Dive into the rhythm of poetry and let it transform your world. Don’t miss out—get your copy today!

Fury

By Scott Bailey © 2015

I have lost my way
Forgotten how to play
This game
Fury are my bones
Propping up flesh
Seeking the earth
With groans
So
Fury keeps me going
Until it is doused

Fury

Fire in the Mist

By Scott Bailey © 2015

There’s a fire in the mist
Down in the green sleepy valley
There’s a fire in the mist
A cherry glow shrouded by grey
Growing
If it grows much more
It will burn off the grey sleepy tendrils of morning
And lay waste to the trees

Fire in the Mist

Colours Galore!

Colours speak louder than words! Discover my latest poetry collection, where each piece is inspired by a different hue, reflecting the myriad shades of life. #Poetry #ColourfulVerses

While organizing my poetry collection, I aimed to compile a selection of new, largely unpublished works. However, I discovered a recurring theme: an intrinsic connection to colours in my poem titles and content. Inspired by this realization, I decided to create a second collection centred around the theme of colour. This anthology captures a spectrum of thoughts and moments, reflecting on the infinite hues and variety of our universe.

I am excited to present this vibrant collection to you. Dive into a kaleidoscope of emotions and experiences, all beautifully intertwined with the essence of colour.

Allure

By Scott Bailey © 2015

A golden charm hangs
Twisted tear between her breasts
Hungry wolves look on

In response to RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #75

Reflections in later life

Reflect on the unfulfilled dreams and daily battles with this poignant poetry collection. #MiddleAge #PoeticTruths

The Well of Sunken Dreams

Being a middle-aged aged man – I do middle-aged man things. Sometimes. One is meeting with my middle-aged friend and getting nostalgic over a pint or two of beer.

Like many others.

We contemplate how things were better, how the youth of today are missing out on what he had.

Out of these conversations came a realisation, one that we found was articulated with frightening clarity by Mark Fisher in “Capitalist Realism, Is there No Alternative”. He makes the observation that we are of a generation that was sold a dream, a dream that did not come true. We were told that if we worked hard, and dedicated ourselves we would do well.

Well we did, work hard, for many years. Blood sweat and tears making our employees successful, generating profit and success.

But not for us. We still struggle in the day to day reality. We fight the rising cost of living and the shadow that were a few bad weeks away from homelessness or worse.

The dreams was a lie. And there is nothing left we can do about it.

This collection of poems is a reflection of my thoughts about this and other darker aspects of modern life. In my other collections I like to balance this side of my ruminations with more optimistic explorations. This did not seem appropriate here. This is my equivalent of a grunge phase.

It also contains largely previously unpublished works that have not appeared anywhere else.

So, stick on those goth tunes and wallow in the well of sunken dreams.

A Spring of Dreams

Embark on a poetic journey of 365 pieces, each a unique expression born from dreams and emotions. Spanning diverse forms like haiku, sonnets, and free verse, they mirror my daily mood—ranging from sadness to joy, grief to love.

Amid life’s chaos, these poems offer a brief respite, inviting readers to pause and view the world through a new lens. Join me in discovering solace and reflection within the lines of each verse.

Mindful Poetic Moments

Find a moment of peace in your busy day with my collection of 365 poems. From joy to sorrow, each poem is a reflection of life’s many moods. #Poetry #DailyInspiration

A Spring of Dreams

Discover the magic of poetry with 365 poems crafted from dreams and deep emotions, published daily over a year. This collection includes haikus, sonnets, katautas, lanturnes, and free form, capturing a wide range of moods and experiences—from sadness and grief to joy and love.

Take a moment each day to pause and reflect on the world through these diverse and heartfelt poems. They offer a brief escape from the stress of everyday life, providing a fresh perspective and a touch of inspiration. Dive into the rhythm of poetry and let it enrich your daily routine.

Enter the dreams of Escape

Discover a collection of poems that defy the trend of instant gratification. Each fantasy poem is crafted with care, challenging you to linger and discover its layers. #Poetry #FantasyLiterature

Including

A poetic tale of magic, ambition and its consequences. Four powerful courtiers use their magic to summon a perfect golden man, pouring their dreams and desires into him. But of course, their aims secretly conflict against each other and within this being of ultimate power!

The Golden Man

In an era of instant gratification and fleeting attention spans, I decided to defy the trend by offering something with both greater length and depth.

The poems in this collection were crafted over an extended period for various purposes. They are diverse yet uniformly lengthy and challenging. Each poem posed a personal challenge to maintain high-quality writing over a long duration within strict formal constraints while still telling a compelling story. They also challenge the reader to escape the constant rush of daily life, to slow down, and take the time to truly absorb the content.

Such effort deserves a reward. These poems are not meant to be a quick fix. If readers invest their time and effort, they should reap the benefits through ongoing contemplation or by revisiting and discovering new insights with each reading. My final challenge was to provide this depth of content – ensuring it offers more than just quantity.

A poem a day…

…. keeps the stress away. Dive into my collection of 365 poems, filled with various forms and emotions. #PoetryLovers #365Poems

A Spring of Dreams

Three hundred and sixty-five poems in all shapes and sizes, sprung from dreams and emotion. Published day after day for a year. There are haiku, sonnets, katauta, lanturnes and many other forms – including free form. The moods are as varied as the forms and often reflect my mood on the day. There is sadness and grief, joy and love.

If nothing else – these can provide a small moment in everyone’s stressful lives to stop and contemplate the world in a different way.

Take time, Escape and Contemplate

In a world that rushes, my new poetry collection stands still. Dive into long fantasy poems that reward patience and contemplation. #FantasyPoetry #DeepReading

I danced upon a midnight cloud,

As stars sang out your name aloud.

I danced so much, I slipped and fell,

A trail of stardust following.

The Star Dancer

In these times of quick gratification and short attention spans, I decided to try and buck the trend and present something not only with greater length but also depth.

The poems in this collection were written over a long period and for different purposes. They are varied but they are all long. And they all represent challenges. Each was a challenge to myself, to sustain a quality of writing for a long period and within tight constraints of form while still telling a story. They also represent and challenge to the reader. The challenge to throw off the pressure of everyday life, the pressure to hurry, hurry, hurry to take the time to read something, absorb it over time.

Such effort needs reward, these poems should not be a one-time quick fix. If the reader is going to put that effort in then there should be a payoff, they should be able to continue to get something from it afterwards. Whether that be from contemplation of what they have digested or from revisiting, rereading and seeing things they missed the first time around. So the final challenge to me was to provide this depth of content – not just quantity.

The Spectrum of Dreams

Dive into a spectrum of emotions and thoughts with my new poetry collection, where each poem is rooted in the beauty of colour. Experience the infinite variety of our universe through vibrant words. #PoetryCollection #ColorsInWords

The Colour of Dreams

I was perusing my poetry collection with the intention of putting together a collection of new, largely unpublished poems. This collection is not that. As I was going through all my poems I noticed that I have a tendency to use colours in the titles, and even when I do not the poem is often rooted in the idea of colour.

So, I decided to do a second collection while I was at it. A collection of poems bound together by the theme of colour. A spectrum of thoughts and moments reflecting the infinite colour and variety of the universe in which we dwell.

The Dream that was a lie

Reflect on the illusions of success and the harsh truths of modern existence with ‘The Well of Sunken Dreams.‘ These poems are a haunting reminder of the dreams that never came true. #Poetry #Illusions”

The Well of Sunken Dreeams

Being a middle-aged aged man – I do middle-aged man things. Sometimes. One is meeting with my middle-aged friend and getting nostalgic over a pint or two of beer.

Like many others.

We contemplate how things were better, how the youth of today are missing out on what he had.

Out of these conversations came a realisation, one that we found was articulated with frightening clarity by Mark Fisher in “Capitalist Realism, Is there No Alternative”. He makes the observation that we are of a generation that was sold a dream, a dream that did not come true. We were told that if we worked hard, and dedicated ourselves we would do well.

Well we did, work hard, for many years. Blood sweat and tears making our employees successful, generating profit and success.

But not for us. We still struggle in the day to day reality. We fight the rising cost of living and the shadow that were a few bad weeks away from homelessness or worse.

The dreams was a lie. And there is nothing left we can do about it.

This collection of poems is a reflection of my thoughts about this and other darker aspects of modern life. In my other collections I like to balance this side of my ruminations with more optimistic explorations. This did not seem appropriate here. This is my equivalent of a grunge phase.

It also contains largely previously unpublished works that have not appeared anywhere else.

So, stick on those goth tunes and wallow in the well of sunken dreams.

New Poetry Collections Alert!

“The Well of Sunken Dreams”


Dive into the depths of reflection with this raw and poignant collection. Explore the disillusionment of a generation sold a dream that never materialized. Through unfiltered verses, uncover the truth of modern existence and confront the harsh realities of unfulfilled promises. This is poetry that speaks to the soul, offering solace in shared experiences and a glimpse into the shadows of our collective consciousness.

“The Colour of Dreams”


Experience the world through a kaleidoscope of emotions in this vibrant anthology. Journey through verses intricately woven with the hues of life, each colour painting a unique narrative on the canvas of existence. From the depths of sorrow to the heights of joy, explore the myriad shades that define our dreams and aspirations. Embark on this poetic odyssey where words and colours intertwine, inviting you to immerse yourself in the beauty of expression.

Both collections promise an unforgettable exploration of the human experience, inviting you to delve deeper into the realms of thought and imagination. Get ready to be captivated, inspired, and moved by the power of poetry.

Poetry Exploration

Explore the beauty of words in their various forms. “A Spring of Dreams” is a poetic treasure trove, offering a glimpse into the author’s moods and emotions over a year. Dive into the world of haiku, sonnets, and more.

A Spring of Dreams

Three hundred and sixty-five poems in all shapes and sizes, sprung from dreams and emotion. Published day after day for a year. There are haiku, sonnets, katauta, lanturnes and many other forms – including free form. The moods are as varied as the forms and often reflect my mood on the day. There is sadness and grief, joy and love.

If nothing else – these can provide a small moment in everyone’s stressful lives to stop and contemplate the world in a different way.

Where Dreams Have Colour and Meaning

Step into a world where every shade tells a story. ‘The Colour of Dreams’ invites you to explore the universe through the lens of colour and imagination. #Poetry #Dreamscape”

Immerse yourself in a poetic tapestry that weaves together a myriad of emotions and experiences, all connected by the vibrant thread of colour. This collection invites readers to explore the kaleidoscope of thoughts and moments that mirror the endless hues and diversity of our cosmic existence.

Gothic Poems for Gothic Moods

Set the mood with goth tunes and immerse yourself in ‘The Well of Sunken Dreams.’ This collection is a haunting exploration of shattered dreams and lost hopes. #Poetry #Gothic”

Dive into the depths of reflection with this raw and poignant collection. Explore the disillusionment of a generation sold a dream that never materialized. Through unfiltered verses, uncover the truth of modern existence and confront the harsh realities of unfulfilled promises. This is poetry that speaks to the soul, offering solace in shared experiences and a glimpse into the shadows of our collective consciousness.

Dreams Flowing, Day after Day

“A Spring of Dreams” is a poetic odyssey that offers solace and inspiration. Explore 365 poems that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect. Get your copy now and let the power of words and emotions embrace your life.

Three hundred and sixty-five poems in all shapes and sizes sprung from dreams and emotion. Published day after day for a year. There are haiku, sonnets, katauta, lanturnes and many other forms – including free form. The moods are as varied as the forms and often reflect my mood on the day. There is sadness and grief, joy and love.

If nothing else – these can provide a small moment in everyone’s stressful lives to stop and contemplate the world in a different way.

A painter in my mind

Step into a world where every shade tells a story. ‘The Colour of Dreams’ invites you to explore the universe through the lens of colour and imagination. #Poetry #Dreamscape”

Immerse yourself in a poetic tapestry that weaves together a myriad of emotions and experiences, all connected by the vibrant thread of colour. This collection invites readers to explore the kaleidoscope of thoughts and moments that mirror the endless hues and diversity of our cosmic existence.