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November 2023 Poetry Contest - $500 Cash Prize

November 2023 Poetry Contest - $500 Cash Prize

Published: November 6, 2023

November 2023 Poetry Contest Semi-finalists

These poems have been submitted to the November 2023 Poetry Contest. Below this list you will find the semi-finalist poems.

November 2023 Poetry Contest, First Prize $500 Cash!
Submission Deadline is November 30th. CLOSED.
Semi-Finalists Published here through December 6th CLOSED.
Winner Announced: December 7th
The Winning Poem is - "True Friend" by David J. Herring. Congratulations!

These poems have been submitted to the November 2023 Poetry Contest.

Chambers Of My Heart by Josephine Zavala-Florez
Evil Can't Kill Human Feelings by Teresa Zajewska
Mother by Jessica R. Wilson
Who Would've Thought? by Doug Benson
A Stranger Passed My Gate Today by Michael Quinn
Our Mum by Pauline Faller
No Denial Of Love And A Smile by Daniel H. Garza
"Attraction" by Fayette C. Goralski
The Bear In The Window (Strange Days Indeed) by Mike Cannon
Waterfall by Mary Green
Breaking The Cycle by Tonya R. Zuber
Blame Of The Innocent by Sennette Gaoses
Real Prediction by Laurentiu
Entrapped By Addiction by Chris Gallagher
Rosa And Rosie by Noel Avis
Tiny Light by Apryl R. Morris
Thief Of Happiness by Samantha K
Senses by Dpross1
The Pearl by Danielle Spencer
A Long Drive by Gabrielle M. Payne
The Airport Park by Colin Faucher
My Reality Within A Dream by Roderick Dupree
They Say I Rest by Spencer Foxe
Mary And The Mouse by Trish Moyles
Now I Know You're There by Trish Moyles
That Little Girl by Edna Lopez
Cheeky Beak by Mary Denise Lyons
My Heart Knows Her by Michael J. Lepre
Withholding by Anthony L. Maulucci
Reins Of Peace And War by Malike Seymenoglu
My Search For Real Friends by Danielle Anglin
The Father I Grew Up To Know by Philip Jorgenson
You'll Get Through The Day by Caroline T. Wallace
He Has A Story by Jodi M. Kucera
Nothing's Changed by Jack Bowden
I Wish Heaven by Watyne Greer
The Cardinal by Nancy Lombardo
Moving Away by Jessica Langner
My Christmas Wish by Sylvia Stults
Living The Gift by Audrey Klatkiewicz
Big Brother Arises Again by David H. Norton
Magnets by Marie22
I Hurt Too by Ingrid Pegram
A World Of Words by Writer's Block
The Real Me by Tonya R. Zuber
Mother Earth by Lisa K. Putnam
I Am Now The Butterfly by PeoplepleaserHJ
True Friend by David J. Herring
You Would Of Loved Her by Steven Anctil
Created by Lisa Jessie
Sing To Me, Autumn by Patricia Cisco
Observations by Christian Ledek
Fernweh by Brad Madsen
Embrace Of The Sea by Gabriela M. Sanchez
A Child's Fear by Susieque63
Love Is by Marie22
An Angel Walks Among Us by Tony L. McDonald
I'm Proud To Be by Carolyn V. June-Jackson
Air.. by John W. Coyle
The Lost: A Story by David Ward
The Zoo by Jerry N. BOCKOVEN
Twenty- One by Josephine F. Chambers
Ode To A Princess by Barry J. Robinson
Make It Stop by Amy Cutting
Mothers Reflection On Life by Samuel Aragone
A Fleeting Image by Avi Fleischer
Nonsense Needs You by Iola Zaan
Lest We Forget by Iola Zaan
Hollow Words by Richard G. Martin
Yesterday by Elizabeth James
Brighter Skies by Ann D. Stevenson
Lost In Time by Rayna Palacios
Unforgiveness by Regina M. Elliott
Listen To My Confessions by Michelle D. Deocampo
What Do You Think? by Laura Sanders
The Garden by Randall W. West
An Ode To The Komodo by Geraldine Craig
A Home Of My Own by Henrietta M. Moyle
He Almost by Rayna Palacios
Always And Forever by Judith A. Bell
You Are Salt by Ugo A. Odogwu
I Love You, Please Stay by Rebecca Siow
The Hunter by Michael J. Malone
Gamophobia by Ember Batista
The Little Christmas Tree by James C. Gordon
The Final Link by Sirrom
Cracked Windows by Zoraida M. Colon-Collado
Terrapin Soup by Karl H. Plischke
A Gift For You by Keith Burroughs
It's That Time Of Year by Ann D. Stevenson
Sometimes by Lucy Petersen
Whenever I See You by Emily J. D'Auria
Just Want To Be Me by Wade S. Boruck
Onomatopoeia by Bruce D. Jacobs
Dear Mum, by Rachel A. Rose
Little Cabin On The Hill by Kaitlyn E. DiVito
Godmother Katherine by Summer L. Cason
Mom And Dad by Regina M. Elliott
Elizabeth by Patricia A. Howard
What If by Marcia A. Newton
If Only You Could Have Stayed by Catherine Lamberton
Pain Ends by Katy A. Brown
In My Heart by Raelene J. Elliss
A Window In Heaven by Jac Judy A. Campbell
Broken by Shahinaz Soliman
Let Kids Be Kids by Jennifer Caldwell
Ascension by Anita Mareno

The poems below have been selected as semi-finalists for the November 2023 Poetry Contest.

Our Editors determine the winning poem based on content, but you can let us know your top poems by rating, sharing, adding to your favorites and commenting on your favorite poems.

View our Previous Poetry Contest Winners

47 November 2023 Poetry Contest Semi-finalists

Pain Ends
- By Katy A. Brown
- Published by Family Friend Poems October 2016 with permission of the Author.
Growing up, I always struggled so much with things going on in my mind. My parents were sick, I kept getting my heart broken, and I even got to a point where I started harming myself. Things cruel people had said to me always circled around in my head, and it made me hate myself. I was so lost. But when I turned 15, I met someone who made me see things differently. And I was finally able to let go. The war in my mind stopped. That's why I wrote this poem.

Encouraging Poem To Let Go Of What Hurts You

in Inspirational Poems

Breathe in the fresh air,
Put your mind at ease.
Let down your hair,
Let it flow in the breeze.

Breathe in the fresh air,
Put your mind at ease.
Let down your hair,
Let it flow in the breeze.

Let your eyes wander
To all the beauty to be seen.
If those toxic thoughts you still do ponder,
Then let out a scream.

Scream until the pain is gone,
Until you no longer feel afraid.
Open your eyes to a new dawn,
Let the darkness fade.

No longer compare yourself
Or your flaws to others' perfections.
Take the negativity off the shelf.
Focus on your direction.

Pick the sadness up off the floor,
Sweep it into the wind.
Close the door on self-hatred.
Never let it back in.

For the lies it would often tell you,
You will no longer agree.
Happiness and love are what you should hold onto.
They are whom you should give the key.

Pay no attention to the toxic thoughts,
Listen to those who adore everything you are.
Overthinking was what you once were taught,
But now those thoughts you put in a jar.

Focus on your goals,
Never lose your fight.
It's time to open new scrolls.
Everything will be all right.
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Love this poem, most of us go through our minds taking over in a negative way at some point in life, not just the young, all ages go through our thoughts that play over and over in our minds,...

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Sing To Me, Autumn
- By Patricia L. Cisco
- Published by Family Friend Poems September 2016 with permission of the Author.
Since I was a child, I've loved the season of autumn. I love its return each year with its vibrant magical colors, warm bright days, the change from the heat of summer into cool but crystal clear sparkling nights, and the aroma of the woods and spice in the atmosphere. It's like a familiar loved one or friend who's back for a visit. It's the same season each year, but it's always new and refreshing. We share our lives with the seasons. As we mature, we understand ourselves and all the world more intimately.

Autumn Personification Poem

in Fall Poems

Sing to me, Autumn, with the rustle of your leaves.
Breathe on me your spicy scents that flow within your breeze.

Dance with me, Autumn, your waltz that bends the boughs of trees.

Sing to me, Autumn, with the rustle of your leaves.
Breathe on me your spicy scents that flow within your breeze.

Dance with me, Autumn, your waltz that bends the boughs of trees.
Now tell me all the secrets you've whispered to the seas.

Sleep with me, Autumn, beneath your starlit skies.
Let your yellow harvest moon shimmer in our eyes.

Kiss me, Autumn, with your enchanting spellbound ways
That changes all you touch into crimson golden days.

Love me, Autumn, and behold this love so true
That I'll be waiting faithfully each year to be with you.
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This poem beautifully provides us an opportunity to feel connected with nature. As human beings, we have been born in the lap of nature, have grown under the protection of nature, but we’ve...

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A Fleeting Image
- By Avi Fleischer
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 2018 with permission of the Author.
Recently, a friend of mine died very suddenly and unexpectedly. He was a talented photographer and a fantastic human being who devoted much of his time to the happiness of others. I had seen him a few weeks before, and he was so vibrant and alive. The death hit me pretty hard, and for the first time in over 20 years I felt compelled to write and the words just flowed. This poem is not so much about death, more so it's about the fleeting nature of life and the uncertainty we feel as we navigate it.
In Memory Of Jakob Barak

Poem On The Fleeting Nature Of Life

in Meaningful Poems

So fleeting is this thing called life, we journey toward its end,
experiencing pieces of a puzzle we don't truly comprehend.

The hues of our emotion paint a picture of our past,

So fleeting is this thing called life, we journey toward its end,
experiencing pieces of a puzzle we don't truly comprehend.

The hues of our emotion paint a picture of our past,
as we hurtle toward a destiny that is not meant to last.

Youth a canvas all in white, not knowing what awaits,
feel caresses of a brush that which we know as fate.

Love so very true in reds, that beat within our heart,
shadows black take form as hate, which tears the soul apart.

Greens of joy and happiness, lush grass beyond compare,
sadness, shrouded depths of blue, the waters of despair.

Yellow screams of agony and pain which we endure.
Guilt and shame are shades of grey, a torrential downpour.

Earthy brown desires are that for which we lust,
the loss of which comes with age, like chrome begins to rust.

The image changing constantly as time plods slowly on,
taking shape in many forms, as the twilight replaces dawn.

We look into a mirror for the answers which we seek,
but we find no consolation as our eyes grow dim and weak.

The final touches on a painting created with much love,
as we realize that the destination is the gallery above...
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I love this poem. Very artful, well balanced, and full of depth. You struck a nerve with me. I often like to say that life has two real purposes. One, to find, build, and refine our...

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Sometimes
- By Lucy Petersen
- Published by Family Friend Poems September 2020 with permission of the Author.
A poem about the struggles of depression and finding a way to move on and smile again.

Fighting Past Depression And Anxiety

in Poems about Life Struggles

Sometimes I can't find the words
That fill my messy head.
Can't find the effort to smile
Or get out of my silly old bed.

Sometimes I can't find the words
That fill my messy head.
Can't find the effort to smile
Or get out of my silly old bed.

The world just sometimes feels like
I don't fit and don't belong,
And even when I make the effort,
A smile just doesn't last long.

I could pretend with all my might
That I am the happiest I can be.
Surrounded by the world, it seems
Lonelier I couldn't be.

Not sure what may be the answer.
Not sure if I'm really keen
To spend another day here,
Living this dreadful dream.

But I must find some courage,
Light a fire inside my heart
And find a love for life again,
And I know where I shall start.

I'll walk among the forest
And feel the crisp sea breeze
And lay among the meadow
And listen to all the bees.

I'll figure out the mayhem
And gaze at all the stars
And dance at every sunset
With a smile inside my heart.
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Few words to explain me. Thanks, dear. You are not alone.

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I Hurt Too
- By Ingrid Pegram
- Published by Family Friend Poems November 21, 2023 with permission of the Author.
My poems are about life experiences. I have worked in the age care sector for many years and have a passion and understanding as they evolve through life's struggles

Feelings On Putting Mother In Nursing Home

in Aging Poems

Do you feel the pain I feel when I leave you in this place ?
the heartache and the grief are etched in the lines upon your face
I truly hate to leave you...but you know the time has come
and you'll be so well cared for..in this lovely nursing home

Do you feel the pain I feel when I leave you in this place ?
the heartache and the grief are etched in the lines upon your face
I truly hate to leave you...but you know the time has come
and you'll be so well cared for..in this lovely nursing home

The staff seem all so friendly, and they'll care for you so well
so please don't look at me that way...I'm in my private hell
you'll always be my mother.. and my children's loving Nan
and I promise that I'll visit as often as I can

So you just cannot begin to know my feelings of despair
when I turn around and leave you sitting sadly in your chair
and you can't begin to imagine the agony of my choice
not to have you close at hand...or hear the comfort of your voice

But you'll have a lovely room. With a window and a view
it's not the same as home I know... but cozy and quite new
And flowers you can see and touch... just like the ones at home
the ones you could no longer tend, because of aching bones

So please don't look at me that way.. I ache inside as well
cause the choice I've had to make for you has been my living hell
I love you from the bottom of my sad and lonely heart
and grieve as much as you because life has dealt you this part

So in this lovely nursing home I've chosen just for you
please understand my reasons.. for what I had to do
I did not put you here to take away your home
but you could no longer manage... living on your own

So please don't look at me that way.. my grief has made me numb
because I have to live with knowing what I've done
You're here because I love you.. and you need a lot more care
but whenever you feel sad or lonely.. just call and I'll be there

So don't think that I've abandoned you or put you out of sight
I've agonized over this decision and hoped I'd done what's right
I know your mind is active and still very full of wit
but your body it has crumbled.. and just enables you to sit

So please don't look at me through tears.. it's hard enough to bear
I would not have found this place for you if I really didn't care
So if I've missed a day or two.. still know I love you Mum
cause the ache I feel on leaving you.. just makes me feel so numb
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Let Kids Be Kids
- By Jennifer Caldwell
- Published by Family Friend Poems July 2019 with permission of the Author.
Our poor kids nowadays have so many expectations to live up to. It seems like everything we sign them up for takes up all their time to actually enjoy life. We schedule them for multiple activities, one after another. They become anxious and have no idea when they get a day off how to enjoy life! I am guilty of this myself with my 4 children! Sometimes we need a reminder to just let them be kids!

Overscheduled Kids

in Children Poems

Let kids be kids; just let them be
Princesses, pirates; let the bath be the sea!

Let them stare at the sky and find animals in the clouds.

Let kids be kids; just let them be
Princesses, pirates; let the bath be the sea!

Let them stare at the sky and find animals in the clouds.
Let them dance in the rain and sing out loud.

Let them dream really big and wish upon a star.
Let them feel the wind in their hair from the window of a car.

Smell their dandelion bouquet like it's your favorite flower,
For they will grow up in what seems like just an hour.

Tell them bedtime stories each and every night.
Let them sleep in the middle when they awake with fright.

Shield them from evil and keep them from danger,
But teach them of acts of kindness for complete strangers.

Don't hurry them, overschedule them, and make them feel lost,
For if this happens it will be you who will pay the cost!

Let them build castles, do cartwheels, and find shells in the sand.
If they need a little help, then please give them a hand!

Let them walk barefoot and the grass tickle their feet,
For it's the small things in life that will make them feel complete!

Let them make couch cushion forts and sleep in a tent,
For this is the way childhood was meant to be spent!

Let them bring you breakfast in bed, let them burn your toast.
Someday it will be times like this you will miss the most.

Teach them how to serve others and be a good friend.
If you teach all these things, their love will have no end.

Teach them in life, not everyone will win.
And when they lose they need to accept with a grin.

It's not about the money you have and the things you have bought.
Life is all about lessons that parents have taught!

So let kids be kids, just let them be.
And our world will be a better place for you and for me!
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Wow! A truly amazing poem with a beautiful message for parents. Childhood is a special period with so much joy, innocence and wonder. It is a delightful stage. Besides, so much good can be...

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Cheeky Beak
- By Mary Denise Lyons
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 1, 2023 with permission of the Author.
I love robins, and this poem was inspired by a real bird who I christened Cheeky Beak. He was a friendly little robin who came to us to be fed and actually did many of the things in the poem, like hopping into the house to say hello. Another trick he had was to light on the door handle and tap on the glass with his beak if we were slow with his breakfast! Caring for the natural world is as good for us as it is for Nature. I hope that message comes across in the poem, and that you enjoy it!

Loving And Caring For Nature

in Nature Poems for Kids

Cheeky Beak's a robin,
He lives beside my house.
He's redder than a berry,
And rounder than a mouse.

Cheeky Beak's a robin,
He lives beside my house.
He's redder than a berry,
And rounder than a mouse.

Winter's hard on Cheeky Beak,
For food is scarce, you see.
But never fears my feathered friend,
For he relies on me!

First thing in the morning,
Come rain or hail or snow,
In slippers, socks and jammies,
To feed my bird I go.

In joy flies forth my Cheeky Beak,
With many a cheep and peep!
His feathers fluff, he steps right up,
While his fellows merely peek.

One day I left the door ajar,
And in my friend did step,
With eyes so black and bold and bright
And cheeky in his head.

'Where is my breakfast?', cheeped the bird,
With a sideways tilt of his head,
'I'll join you here and eat with you
And have some tea instead.'

I know I'd miss my cheeky bird
If he should fly away,
And if my bird I didn't feed,
I know that he'd miss me!
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Such a fun loving poem. This poem painted your chirping friend beautifully.

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Withholding
- By Duke Forrester
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 1, 2023 with permission of the Author.
This poem was written based on when I was a teenager and would not tell people about my emotions because I thought that was what was expected. These were more than just feelings, for as they grew, they gave me additional problems later on with mental illness. Hopefully through this poem, people can relate to hiding their emotions from others. Everyone has done this during their life to an extent, resulting in negative consequences.

Hiding Negative Emotions From Others

in Depression Poems by Teens

I learned to hold my breath in me
'Til my blue face blended in with the sea

Classroom of students in rows, front to back

I learned to hold my breath in me
'Til my blue face blended in with the sea

Classroom of students in rows, front to back
Thirty blank faces, one masks a panic attack

I learned to keep my breath bottled in
Like my S.O.S in the empty ocean

When my dad said I had to not mope
I told no other souls, privately I'd cope

I learned to keep my breath still
As the waters stagnating my boat will

Twelve hours in bed on a Saturday
Keep the depression in the mattress I lay

I learned to make my breath freeze
Like the iceberg's nine tenths no eye sees

A confused marker read my failing grade
She had not read my symptoms, I'm afraid
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True Friend
- By David J. Herring
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 1, 2023 with permission of the Author.
I wrote this poem for my friend of many years, also called David. Like myself, David and my wife Gillian enjoyed writing poetry, and we would read our work to one another, and the three of us enjoy conversation around poetry and our experiences of life's joys and troubles. David loved this poem I wrote about true friendship, maybe an ideal, but one to aspire to. Both friend David and my wife Gillian have now passed on, but I hope to see them again, in Heaven's Home!

The Best Of Friends

in Special Friend Poems

A true friend's like a sunny day
Of light, and warmth, and cheer,
That heals with hope along life's way,
Dispelling every fear.

A true friend's like a sunny day
Of light, and warmth, and cheer,
That heals with hope along life's way,
Dispelling every fear.

A true friend's like a summer rain:
Refreshing, gentle, kind;
Water of life for all life's bane
Of spirit, body, mind.

A true friend's like a flake of snow,
A pattern formed by Love;
Uniquely given to us below,
A blessing from Above.

A true friend's faithful, most of all;
Will never let you down,
And still is there if you should fall,
If smiles in tears should drown.

A true friend's like a melody
Of life, its joyful ringing!
An echo of Heaven's harmony:
True friends, for ever singing!
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Thank you so much for sharing - a lovely tribute after the amazing success of the poem, which I had told myself in advance not to expect, but which has caused rejoicing among my loved ones!...

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If Only You Could Have Stayed
- By Catherine Lamberton
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 2011 with permission of the Author.
I wrote this poem 6 days after my sister suddenly passed away. She had survived 2 heart transplants and was in GREAT health when she was taken from us. This poem explains everything I was going through at the time and am still going through now, 3 months later. My sister was an incredible wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend. She will always be missed!

Loss Of A Sister Poem

in Sister Death Poems

Constantly thinking,
never to be the same.
The tears fall quickly
just hearing your name.

Constantly thinking,
never to be the same.
The tears fall quickly
just hearing your name.

Silence is golden,
yet not anymore.
Silence brings thoughts
I just can't ignore.

The nights are sleepless,
dreams out of reach.
Crying in my pillow
to you I beseech.

Surrounded by family,
I still feel alone.
My heart is so empty.
This pain I must own.

I wish I could hug you
and just see your face.
But now I have memories
to stand in your place.

Gone but not forgotten,
that's what they say.
Of course that is true...
but if only you could have stayed.
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My beloved sister, my friend, just died 3 days ago of a sudden heart attack. I still have a hard time believing the reality of it that it took me few days to even able to cry or grieve...

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He Almost
- By Rayna R Palacios
- Published by Family Friend Poems June 16, 2023 with permission of the Author.
A Shakespearean 14-line sonnet that's composed of three heroic quatrains and a heroic couplet (each line is 10 syllable). It's not a traditional being "in love" poem but rather about falling back in love with myself again after I almost lost who I was after a toxic relationship.

Finding Freedom: Sonnet About Leaving A Toxic Relationship

in Sonnet Poems

I ask, why did you want to damage me?
My aching heart felt it all with blunt force.
So sad how you acted out savagely.
What's even worse is you had no remorse.

I ask, why did you want to damage me?
My aching heart felt it all with blunt force.
So sad how you acted out savagely.
What's even worse is you had no remorse.

I was weak and emotionally drained.
I felt sick, I worried about my health,
Toxic but mentally had to maintain,
It was time for me to distance myself.

It was time to redirect my focus -
Find me, 'cause I was completely off track.
Silly me, crying upon your shoulders,
Didn't see you stabbing me in the back.

You took up space in my life from the start.
Now it's so good to finally depart.
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Breaking The Cycle
- By Tonya R. Zuber
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 1, 2023 with permission of the Author.
Using rhythm and rhyme my poem encourages people to break the cycle with their generational trauma. I was abused, neglected, starved, mistreated, and unloved as a child. I take pride that my children have never experienced or felt what I've went through. They deserve a better life than I had, and they do because I broke the cycle, instead of repeating the same mistakes my own mother made.

Ending Generational Trauma

in Inspirational Poems

You're breaking the cycle
Its starts with you today
So with that power
This I want you to say

You're breaking the cycle
Its starts with you today
So with that power
This I want you to say

I am a cycle breaker
The trauma ends with me
I will not inflict the pain
That was once inflicted on me

Because I have the patience
And a love that is Devine
I will show my children a world
That was much different than mine

They will not grow up
In horrible disarray
Because I am a survivor
Who will pave a better way

I will live my life to fullest
I will not just survive
I will live it with such passion
That my children and I will thrive

That generational trauma
I will completely destroy
As I raise my children
In an abundance of love and joy

I will let go of the past
I will set my soul free
I will release the hurt and pain
That has had ahold on me

I will heal myself
I will be the change
A better and brighter future
I will get in exchange

I will be the difference maker
I've always needed to see
I will be the cycle breaker
It began but ends with me
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Entrapped By Addiction
- By Chris Gallagher
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 1, 2023 with permission of the Author.
In 2009, I lost my only brother to drugs. Within 2 more years, I lost 2 cousins the same way. These 3 young men left 4 children fatherless. The drug epidemic hits too close to home for me. I often still find myself wondering how life would be different for all of us had they all never tried drugs in the first place.
This poem is an appeal to society to stop the silence surrounding drugs and addiction, and especially appeal to today's youth to never try drugs because it destroys multiple lives.

Drug Addiction Impacts The Entire Family

in Drug Abuse Poems

We have a silent epidemic,
Killing off our next generation.
It starts with one poor choice,
And ends with a struggle against temptation.

We have a silent epidemic,
Killing off our next generation.
It starts with one poor choice,
And ends with a struggle against temptation.

No one likes to talk about it,
Until it hits close to home.
Even then most avoid the topic,
Because they feel they are completely alone.

The truth is it surrounds us,
And affects more people than you may know.
It may start off with a thrilling high,
But it always ends with demoralizing low.

As a society we must come together,
And find a way to fight for our youth.
They believe a one time high can't hurt them,
But we must make sure they know the truth.

Addition is a life-long battle,
Which starts from the very first high,
And no matter how "high" they may feel,
The battle won't end until they die.

Living high is no way to live,
Because it destroys you from the inside out.
You lose your friends and family,
And your future becomes nothing to dream about.

Before you know it you're living to get high,
And getting high to simply survive,
Everything else in your life has fallen apart,
And you're wishing you could find a way to thrive.

You want your life back,
But don't know how to make amends.
Destruction is your specialty,
And now you must find the strength to transcend.

How can you keep your dreams intact?
How can you avoid this affliction?
Make the right decision the first time around
To prevent being entrapped by addiction.
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A Child's Fear
- By Susan M. Reichennek Reid
- Published by Family Friend Poems November 17, 2023 with permission of the Author.
I am a 60 year old women with couples post traumatic stress disorder. I witnessed so much violence against my mother from my father as a very young child. To this day I am haunted by the disturbing and painful memories. I found writing this poem and a few others has helped me in a therapeutic way. Whether the poem is considered good or not doesn't concern me too much after realizing how writing it out has helped me. I do want everyone to like it but the journey to heal is more important.

Child Witnessing Domestic Violence

in Abuse Poems

As I lay silently, my heartbeat in my ear
The thunder of footsteps ringing in fear
The night is long and the anger strong
I wonder, is this where I belong?

As I lay silently, my heartbeat in my ear
The thunder of footsteps ringing in fear
The night is long and the anger strong
I wonder, is this where I belong?
I only want silence so I cover my ears
I rock back and forth and pray he disappears
He pulls out his belt, beats through her screams
Susie will hear you and wake up from her dreams
She cries out to protect me
Not knowing I'm right there
Under the blanket I whimper and stare
The belt hit me too , I'm there
They are wrapped up in violence
They are too blind to see
Their child is hurting and wanting to flee
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A Long Drive
- By Gabrielle M. Payne
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 1, 2023 with permission of the Author.
I am 16 years old and recently diagnosed as autistic. I didn't realise when I had to leave school without being able to take my GCSEs that I was in autistic burnout. I was in a very dark place, and I wrote this poem to help process how I'd changed from early childhood to now.

Struggling With Autistic Burnout

in Feelings Poems by Teens

At the start of the drive all the places seemed new
I roll down the window and I bask in the view
The breeze is so gentle
The temperature just right

At the start of the drive all the places seemed new
I roll down the window and I bask in the view
The breeze is so gentle
The temperature just right
The sun warms my face and the road ahead is bright

But as the light disappears and I'm plunged into night
My journey is clouded by darkness and fright
The stars are not twinkling
The moon just looks grey
All my innocence and fun is slowly slipping away

Where is the sun that woke me up every day?
Where are the places that I used to play?
Where am I now?
Am I all on my own?
Could the darkness have taken me away from my home?

I'm still driving in hope of finding tomorrow
But how can I go on with a heart full of sorrow?
This nighttime seems endless
I just want to crash
But my past and future would be thrown in the trash

I have to keep trying to find my way back
I know it's my energy and soul that I lack
I'm broken and tired
Please, where is the end?
There's only more darkness around every bend

Just as I'm about to act like a fool
I realize I'm not alone after all
My Mum and my Dad
My sister too
They're all in here with me, now what do I do?

The people I love are hurt because of me
I was caught up in misery and I couldn't see
Am I a monster?
I do feel like one
The things that I've said cannot be undone

I push down on the brakes and let myself cry
I just need a way out, I don't want to die
My family hug me
They tell me it's ok
They tell me 'together, we'll find a new day'

My Dad takes the wheel, my Mum hugs me tight
My sister forgives me and lets go of the fight
Two stars twinkle,
Then three and then four
And I know that the night can't hurt me anymore.
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The Pearl
- By Danielle Spencer
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 1, 2023 with permission of the Author.
This poem is about how uncomfortableness allows for growth and from growth comes wisdom.

Wisdom And Beauty

in Life Lesson Poems

I am but a small oyster
In a deep complicated sea
The waves pushing and rolling
Me

I am but a small oyster
In a deep complicated sea
The waves pushing and rolling
Me
I am stuck in the sand.
Danger is lurking
Stressors hide
Wondering
Watching
Waiting
Attack! Attack!
My body starts to fortify
Layer upon layer
Upon layer
Coating myself
Around my wounds
Deep within
It grows
As the strata shapes the shell
It becomes
smooth to the touch
Full to the soul
Filled as one
Beauty
In a scarce stone.
I was never the oyster.
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Love this poem. "I was never the oyster" You were all along the pearl. Perception at its finest.

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In My Heart
- By Raelene J. Elliss
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 1, 2023 with permission of the Author.
Written in memory of a dear friends late husband to bring her comfort .

Poem About The Loss Of A Soul Mate

in Husband Death Poems

You're not here
For me to see
My heart longs for
The day to be

You're not here
For me to see
My heart longs for
The day to be

In your arms
Nothing harms
No tears fall
Your voice will call

Sun setting skies
Seagulls cries
You take my hand
In the soft cool sand

Always with me
My heart can see
The voice in my heart
Says you're with me
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Created
- By Lisa D. Jessie
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 2015 with permission of the Author.
I recently lost the love of my life to divorce. It has nearly devastated me. I also have many friends experiencing the same pain. I don't write much, but at 2am, I started thinking of all the things that I could say to comfort my friends. As I was writing, I began to comfort myself also by including the things that I had read and heard about how God would want me to feel and think. The only thing that has kept me going is knowing that God has a better plan for me.

Poem About The Comfort Of God

in God Poems

When God created you,
He knew what he would see.
Someone that wasn't perfect,
Or in heaven you would be.

When God created you,
He knew what he would see.
Someone that wasn't perfect,
Or in heaven you would be.

He put you here on earth
To lead this life you live,
Learning as you go,
Giving what you can give.

He knew that you would stumble
And sometimes even fall.
He knew that you would suffer
And in Jesus Christ you'd call.

Mistakes and bad decisions
He knew you would make
To live and learn from them.
Sometimes more than you can take.

He's had a plan for you
From the very first day.
Frustrating times will be,
But soon you'll see his way.

Love, hope, and faith.
He'll give this all to you.
Patience please, my friend.
How only if you knew.

The love you have inside you,
All the good that you do,
This does not go unnoticed,
And he shall see it too.

He'll carry you if he needs to
And hold you when you pray.
He knows the pain you carry
Each and every day.

What's brought you to your knees
Some gave up on you.
God will only keep around
The ones that see it through.

One day you will see
What I've been telling you.
The love that he's been saving
He created just for you.
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This poem spoke volumes about myself, my feelings, my thoughts, and the love that my God has always poured in my heart in order to be able to love deeply and unconditionally. It also teaches...

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What If
- By Marcia A. Newton
- Published by Family Friend Poems November 4, 2023 with permission of the Author.
Poem is about having a best friend that you love and wondering if there is a future together as lovers.

What If Friends Into Lovers

in Just Friends Poems

What if I belonged to you and you belonged to me
and what if there's a future together that's not a fantasy.
What if riding a wave of ecstasy
is how it could be for you and me.

What if I belonged to you and you belonged to me
and what if there's a future together that's not a fantasy.
What if riding a wave of ecstasy
is how it could be for you and me.

What if friends turned into lovers
and we gave into passion for one another.
What if choices made are not a mistake
and won't cause sadness or extreme heartache.

What if two hearts can blend together
and heal and protect and care for each other.
What if two hearts can beat in harmony
and be happy together in a new life journey.

What if we're only scratching an itch
or if desire will remain too much to resist.
What if we fit together perfectly
Heart, mind, soul and sexually.

What if the best is yet to come
but we're stuck in the past that we can't move from.
What if we could find a way
to a new life waiting for us one day.

What if we found happiness in simple things
like holding hands, talking, or just simply sing.
What if our future is the good ole days
where happiness, laughter and desire come to play.

What if our days are in passionate surrender
and we treat each other with desire and tender.
What if we grab this chance as a precious gift
and turn our lives into the 'What if".
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Lost In Time
- By Rayna R Palacios
- Published by Family Friend Poems July 2021 with permission of the Author.
I wrote this because I was lost, hurt, and famished for a better life.

Fixing My Damaged Soul

in Lonely Poems

There are people all around me,
Yet I can't help but feel alone.
And although he says he loves me,
He no longer lets it show.

There are people all around me,
Yet I can't help but feel alone.
And although he says he loves me,
He no longer lets it show.

See, I've been trying to find myself again,
Seem to have lost myself in time.
Empty thoughts inside my head,
I have a therapeutic mind.

My eyes are wide open,
But I refuse to let them see
Just how broken I truly am
From him not wanting me.

I hate that we fight a lot,
Wish we can take control.
How can I fix a broken heart
With such a damaged soul?
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1 - 20 of 47

November 2023 Poetry Contest - $500 Cash Prize

47 November 2023 Poetry Contest Semi-finalists

A poem about the struggles of depression and finding a way to move on and smile again.

My poems are about life experiences. I have worked in the age care sector for many years and have a passion and understanding as they evolve through life's struggles

A Shakespearean 14-line sonnet that's composed of three heroic quatrains and a heroic couplet (each line is 10 syllable). It's not a traditional being "in love" poem but rather about falling back in love with myself again after I almost lost who I was after a toxic relationship.

I am 16 years old and recently diagnosed as autistic. I didn't realise when I had to leave school without being able to take my GCSEs that I was in autistic burnout. I was in a very dark place, and I wrote this poem to help process how I'd changed from early childhood to now.

This poem is about how uncomfortableness allows for growth and from growth comes wisdom.

Written in memory of a dear friends late husband to bring her comfort .

Poem is about having a best friend that you love and wondering if there is a future together as lovers.

I wrote this because I was lost, hurt, and famished for a better life.