
A palace visit bathed in gold
Regal was the sweeping vista
Of Versailles’ lawns manicured
I stood awe-struck
And barely spoke a word
As the magnificence I took in
Padre
Weekend Writing Prompt #200 – Vista in 29 words
A palace visit bathed in gold
Regal was the sweeping vista
Of Versailles’ lawns manicured
I stood awe-struck
And barely spoke a word
As the magnificence I took in
Padre
Weekend Writing Prompt #200 – Vista in 29 words
Before the internet,
And that Web World Wide
When far away places
Were seldom ever spied
Views of landmarks famous
Could come into view
By clicking a lever
A time or two
Pyramids, and Great Walls
And palaces grand
Were at your fingertips
As into the light you’d stand
Padre
There were many aspects of the Philippines that gave the impression of a tropical paradise. There was dense greenery, and bright sunshine which seemed to hit its peak daily before the afternoon rain. After duty hours there was the nightlife, which all too often led to making our way back to base in the dark. Some of the features which still feature in a carved desk set of mine were the mountain peaks, one of which was the ill-fated Mount Pinatubo.
Tropical green peak
Volcanic supernova
Brought the mountain low
Padre
Haibun Paint Chip Poetry Prompt
I served in the Philippines about a decade before the eruption, but the desk set with the mountains is a real thing.
Towel and soft white robe
Of Egyptian cotton
A cup of hot cappuccino
To start the day
There is no other way to describe it
It sure was a luxury stay
Padre
Tank full, put it in gear
Kids all buckled-up in the rear
An outing for the day – on the road
Shovels, spades, picnic – all part of the load
To the seaside we turn our face
There will be queues so there’s no need to race
But nice music on the radio and drinks at hand
We drive down the tarmac
Taking in the views as we gaze at the land
Padre
Apples juicy – just slightly tart
Layered in pastry perfect
Sugar and cinnamon bring in the sweet
And sumptuous – gelato completes
A dessert delicious
An experience grand
It is one of my favourite things
In altes Deutschland
Padre
One flight ended, another yet to start –
Making tight connections is not for the feint of heart.
There are those that prefer – a longer wait instead –
Using a suitcase for a pillow and a hard seat for a bed.
In hectic crazy terminals – for distant gates you chase
Only to learn of flight delays – at the end of your race.
But at last with connections made –
Your journey can proceed,
And you swear that next time around
It will be a cruise you need.
Padre
Maria Antonia’s 2021 Photo Challenge includes a category of Sunlight/Moonlight. This photo I think captures that transition period of sunlight’s retreat before yielding way to moonlight. It was taken on a cruise near the Canary Islands.
Sunlight retreating, yielding way
Off for a rest at the close of day
Sister Luna shall take oversight
And hold her vigil throughout the night
Then like clock-work at the dawn
The sun shall return with a stretch a yawn
Padre
When doors were open and journeys made
Wanderlust filled my soul
Waterways and seagoing cruises
Filled my spirit and made me feel whole
Experiencing cultures and new things explored
Growing in Wisdom and knowledge was my goal
Padre
Tuesday Writing Prompt: Pick 3 of your favorite words beginning with the letter “W” and use in any form of writing. Boldface or italicize the words so they stand out for readers.
“I really love this view,” Anna said admiring the sun-kissed sand and turquoise waters.
“Well I thought we deserve it,” Steve replied. “It cost a bit more, but with what we saved on the flights, it seemed only fair to get the best.”
“It is so peaceful, I could stare out at it all day,” Anna said dreamily.
“You don’t need too though,” Steve reminded her. “If you push this selector button you can get the snowy mountain scene, or press it twice and get the pine forest.”
“Do you think we might see the real thing next year? I kind of miss real holidays.”
“Well who knows? If we are lucky they might just have a vaccine by then,” he replied.
Padre