mikefrawley

[mikefrawley]

Wish For A Goddess As unique and lovely as her name with emerald eyes and golden hair and any man who might win her heart would never wish to wander anywhere Awakening misty mountains in the spring a vision of loveliness, grace and style they implore her, goddess, won’t you stay and share the beauty of your smile By summer she floats over the ocean her glow outshining even the sun Neptune joyfully waves as she sails by once again pleased to see the golden one But alas father time, he deals the cards placing us mortals in a game we cannot win and while usually I quietly accept my fate for her alone, I wish I could be young again

[mikefrawley]

“It’s almost too easy and anyone can side with the winners. How infinitely more rare and noble by far are those special souls who intentionally choose to champion lost yet worthy causes. Even the very angels in heaven must rejoice as they accept the inevitability of defeat with grace, peace and equanimity, extending to all beings that most precious of virtues, loving kindness. Though most of us may never be counted among the spiritual giants, we can each add our tiny candle to love’s sacred flame by showering mercy, kindness and compassion on all who yet stumble blindly in their darkness.”

— Love’s Sacred Flame

[mikefrawley]

Get To Know The Poet. Sir Mike Frawley...The Interview

what wound or moment first made you reach for poetry instead of silence?

Very dark times. I had been recently fired from my career job due to my addiction. For no special reason, I wrote three poems. Probably only because I was bored and needed something to keep my mind occupied. I still have those poems today.

what’s a line you’ve written that scares you to this day?

No special line, but I used to worry about writing F Bomb Poems too often, or my few daring sexetry poems. I thought everyone would hate and unfollow me since I was supposed to be the “nice” poet. I’m pleased to say we all survived.

do you write for yourself or for the world, and has that balance shifted over time?

Originally, I started writing regularly because my friends at work encouraged me to. I came upon it almost accidentally, but my greatest joy has been the ability to hopefully touch, encourage, and help others feel via words.

what have you sacrificed for poetry that you wish you hadn’t?

It’s funny, but likely based on the shall we say interesting life I’ve led, which includes addiction and being diagnosed as Bi-Polar Type II, writing has greatly helped me with my ongoing journey to wellness. I believe writing has been a very kind gift given by someone or something far greater than me, and I remain very grateful. I honestly don’t feel like I’ve sacrificed anything.

whose approval still matters to you, even if you pretend it doesn’t?

Your honor, I refuse to answer on the grounds that it may incriminate me. LOL but true. Thankfully, it used to be of MUCH greater importance than it is now, and I vehemently deny having ever said any of this. Here’s something a friend at work told me many years ago: you’re much nicer when they (Tumblr) like your poems.

what’s a poem you wish you had written, and why?

That’s a very easy question to answer. It would have to be Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”. I first read this when I was yet very young, and to this day I still remember the last verse by heart.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

- Robert Frost

do you think poetry should comfort, provoke, or wound—and which one are you guilty of leaning toward?

Of those rather eclectic options, I would definitely choose comfort. I truly enjoy writing poetry and prose that uplifts people’s spirits.

what part of your life do you keep off the page, and what part refuses to stay off?

I’m not sure if I actually avoid anything, but I have been accused of hurting someone a time or two, and I’ve apparently angered people a couple of times. I’ve never intentionally tried to hurt anyone with my words, and that I will always try to stay away from them. I won’t however, allow possibly angering someone stop me if I believe in what I’m saying.

when do you feel most fraudulent as a poet?

That’s another tough one, but here goes. As far as poetry, I write as myself, and I wouldn’t know how to do it any other way, so it’s pretty much what you see is what you get.

what’s the harshest critique you ever received, and did it change you? Other than a couple of trolls along the way, most people on Tumblr have been either very kind or simply quiet. My ego and insecurity have by far been my harshest critics, which reminds of another favorite 12-step quote from long ago, “I’m an egomaniac with an inferiority complex”.

how do you know when a poem is finished, or do you ever really know?

Sometimes it’s so obviously done you don’t even worry about it, while others it’s more of a that’s all I’ve got, I hope they like it.

who do you secretly write to, even if you’ll never admit it?

Currently, no one, though at least four muses have inspired me over my twenty plus years of writing. If any poems were ever written “secretly”, the person who inspired my words would probably be 100% certain it was for and to them.

what’s the ugliest truth you’ve ever had to put into words?

Personally, it would have to be my only brother’s suicide when he was 19. At first, I wrote about it as therapy for myself, only to discover that suicide is an irreversible tragedy which affects far too many of us. A few people have told me how my words on this topic have helped them. I’m very grateful to have been given that opportunity.

do you believe poetry can actually change the world, or only the poet?

Both. Yes, I probably danced around that one a bit, but all of us can help with our words and with our hearts. All we need is enough people to care.

when people remember you, do you want them to remember your poems or your life?

Before I attempt to answer that, I want to say thank you Kevin! I’m honored to be invited and can’t wait to see more of our friend’s stories showing up on my dash. Now to answer your question, I believe my life has actually written my words for me, so either would be fine. My greatest wish would be for a few people to remember me with “He always brought the heart”.

**Kevin's Note** First, I want to thank everyone's favorite poet, Mike, for agreeing to do this. With these questions...it could have gotten ugly quick! ;-) Thankfully, Mike handled them with his usual calm and easy tone. I have another interview scheduled for next week, so stay tuned!

[mikefrawley]

Through a Glass Darkly

Oh how my heart indeed grows weary of your endless diatribes and chatter me me me, that’s all you ever see  as if no one else could possibly matter  Aha, and now you want to mock me while choking back a chortled scoff that’s it, I quit, I need a new friend mirror you’re starting to piss me off

[mikefrawley]

A New Day, A Few Tears

Today calls through my window a single star floats in the sky a memory, a moment a sniffle, a sigh Asking what the day may bring will it be lies, will it be true uncertain, unseen no us, no you My memories are watching me drowning in my darkest fears oh well, what the hell a new day, a few tears

[mikefrawley]

Watching the Sky Fall Down at Dawn

Watching the sky fall down at dawn exploding in a myriad shades of blue Serenely seated searching for angels with hearts healed by morning dew Wolves walking silently in the woods watched as darkness faded into day And sparkles shining in the distance were only the forest's faeries at play The clap of thunder touches treetops dancing to their ancient celtic tunes A druid priest peaceful and powerful awakens to the magic of olden runes Mountain paths meander by the river where the witch who lives on awaits Many walk there seeking her wisdom and to find fortresses of golden gates Some say a light shines just beyond where the river empties into the sea And elven ships sail beyond our fear there I pray my love yet waits for me Inspired by @samirafee and the videos she has recently posted of celtic and medieval songs. I enjoyed them so much I've listened to several more, and yes it has been a most peaceful morning. 🕊️

[mikefrawley]

Moonbeam Whispers

The past has passed while forever awaits a single silver moonbeam radiates we may win and we too could lose should you try again I’ll risk all for you  arrayed in their silken splendorous delight the stars feel somehow extra close tonight  blinking and winking as if they understand there are but three words left to whisper  you answer me by silently taking my hand

[mikefrawley]

Chasing Clouds

The sun gladly welcomed us as we set off to reach the sky soaring on our untried wings assured it was our time to fly Playing catch me if you can while serenaded by the wind laughingly as one we floated chasing clouds until no end Awakening from the dream our hearts are ready to feel and even though it changed we can both see this is real

[mikefrawley]

Our Innocence (did not yet know)

Carnival clowns and tilt-a-whirls beaches, bonfires, good time girls    angels dancing in the clouds bassinets, birthdays funeral shrouds  our innocence did not yet know it could ever feel so long ago spirits bold, our faith was strong mere children on this journey long candy apple kisses at the fair savoring moments never there then as wind and seasons changed first time lovers, long estranged nostalgic hearts breaking within and poems to take us back again rainbows, romance passion play wondering where we’d be today I love you whispers soft and low a prom night dream to be the show our innocence did not yet know it could ever feel so long ago

[mikefrawley]

Both Sides Now Rows and flows of angel hair And ice cream castles in the air And feather canyons everywhere I’ve looked at clouds that way But now they only block the sun They rain and snow on everyone So many things I would have done But clouds got in my way I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now From up and down and still somehow It’s cloud’s illusions I recall I really don’t know clouds at all Moons and Junes and ferries wheels The dizzy dancing way you feel As every fairy tale comes real I’ve looked at love that way But now it’s just another show You leave ‘em laughing when you go And if you care, don’t let them know Don’t give yourself away I’ve looked at love from both sides now From give and take and still somehow It’s love’s illusions I recall I really don’t know love at all Tears and fears and feeling proud, To say “I love you” right out loud Dreams and schemes and circus crowds I’ve looked at life that way But now old friends they’re acting strange They shake their heads, they say I’ve changed Well something’s lost, but something’s gained In living every day I’ve looked at life from both sides now From win and lose and still somehow It’s life’s illusions I recall I really don’t know life at all I’ve looked at life from both sides now From up and down, and still somehow It’s life’s illusions I recall I really don’t know life at all

[mikefrawley]

Be Who You Are

Taste the sky  feel the ground savor the silence touch the sound Fear not the dark fade into the light reflecting by day shining by night Float like a cloud glow like a star share your smile be who you are

[mikefrawley]

Life is a Gift

Life is a gift you're not on trial walk with love and lead with a smile Rivers flow while angels soar you have it all why ask for more First breathe in then breathe out peace is now release all doubt Smile child for love is here you are hers and needn't fear Exit darkness step into the light leave the past today looks bright I pray you see my words are true and remember I will walk with you

[mikefrawley]

Paris is Lovely

She said I’m off to see the world don’t cry dear boy, please don’t mind I’m dying here in this dead ass town I’ve a missing piece my heart must find I’ll dance with the Aurora Borealis as it streaks across the northern sky stand before the Sydney Opera House and watch snowflakes falling in July My soul longs for the lights of Paris the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees I’ll find a cafe by the Arc de Triomphe for crepes, croissants and Cabernet They say fondness grows with absence perhaps sorrow would be a better word the postcard said only, Paris is lovely I smiled and thought, so I have heard

[mikefrawley]

There once was a lovely young tart who turned love making into an art once men kissed her lips she would wiggle her hips and say come taste the sweetest part

[mikefrawley]

There once was a lovely young tart who turned love making into an art once men kissed her lips she would wiggle her hips and say come taste the sweetest part

[mikefrawley]

Limerick Tuesday?

Okay, if the big guy @takingstockofwhatmattersmost say it's Limerick Tuesday, then it is! I borrowed Kevin's line from many moons ago when I attemped to send an anonymous message to one of my young friends, saying something like I was an an anonymous fan, and she replied, Mike you forget to check anonymous. Great was my chagrin, but Kevin raced to the rescue, adding to the post, If Mike says he's anonymous, then he's anonymous! 😂 Those were good days indeed. Anyway, I decided to try my first limerick today, and needless to say, it may well ruin my blog's family friendly sfw image. I already shared Kevin's Post and will be sharing mine shortly. If I see any other limericks today, I will try to share them on @dontcryitsonlyreblogs as well. Love to all, Mike

[mikefrawley]

You Were Always Beautiful

You were always beautiful though you alone never knew what they told you as a child not one hurtful word was true  Who can say when or why but that was oh so long ago it’s perfectly clear to all of us isn’t it time for you to know I see hope within your eyes can we put this to an end listen to me it’s plain to see  you are beautiful my friend