Category: Poetry

Two Things Thursday #25

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1. The Sheltering. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
2. Teddy Pendergrass, Latest, Greatest Inspiration

1. The Sheltering by Khaya Ronkainen is a book of poetry I read recently. I knew I would love every minute of this read, and I DID!

Below is the review I left for the book via Amazon:

“Not Fooled By the Cover

At first glance, regarding the cover, I didn’t know what to expect. My first thoughts were, “Will the poetry be gentle and childlike?” Or, “Will I actually need to take cover from its power once I’ve read it?” And after reading this work of literary art, it’s clearly the latter.

There is nothing lacking here. Every poem is a hard-hitter, dragging you down a rabbit hole of reminiscent recollections of pandemic’s past while battling the many paths we walk with grief.

A few haibun and visually structured poems struck several chords with me.

I knew the author would share something poignant and superb, but “The Sheltering” is practically flawless.

At just under 80 pages, there are various opportunities to connect and be alerted to spend more time with one’s thoughts while devouring the words shared in this book.

I agree with another commenter, “The world should read this book.” We were all there, and we still are.”

2. Teddy Pendergrass‘s Latest, Greatest Inspiration is such an incredible song. It’s the second share for this post, and if you listened to it via the YouTube video above, you’ll understand why I chose this song.

First off, I am a huge Teddy Pendergrass fan. I really hate that he’s not still around anymore to belt out beautiful ballads such as this one.

He died in January 2010 at the age of 59.

Why do I love this song so much? It is in the lyrics, the melody, and Teddy’s “Smooth-Like-Buttah” voice. One particular part melts my heart every single time,

Things never looked clearer, peace within never felt nearer
My burden’s gone, it’s turned to a song
Tender as a baby’s touch, I needed you, oh, so much
At last, my load is so light.

Now if that doesn’t connect with you, I can’t help you.

Latest, Greatest Inspiration will always be a top contender on my favorite songs list. I hope you’ve enjoyed listening to it just as much as I do each time I hear/play it.

You inspire me,
Inspire me!
Don’t you know it?
My latest, my greatest inspiration.

This concludes the Two Things Thursday series. Thank you for joining me every week for it.

stages

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many of us perform
on stages of our
own making which later
become our undoing,

yet we wonder why we
falter.

my new neighbor has
a funky attitude but
she owns a dog, and I
find that mysteriously intriguing.
how can you be callous and
care for something the
complete opposite of that?

I speak when I see her,
acknowledge her curt stares,
and nod to display kindness,
and that is the extent of
our exchanges.

I miss my old neighbor.

she moved about two months
ago to be on a stage
that life planned for her;
homeowner . . .
she doesn’t like her new
neighbors, either.
says they let their Pit
run amuck and loudly
bark at the comings and goings
of others.

she sends me text messages
saying she may have made
a mistake.
and I don’t want to agree, but
I don’t like this new neighbor,
so in my heart of hearts,
I secretly concur but instead
say, “Give it a bit more
time. It may end up surprising
you. None of us really ever
loves change.”

and on this stage I’ve
built for myself, I’m patiently
waiting for a future that
could lend me more
happiness.
of late, I’ve been searching
for it and it has been elusive.

but there’s always tomorrow.

Reading Is Still Fundamental

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A few Amazon reviews for your reading pleasure

All the Words I Kept Inside. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

Pooja Gudka, at LifesFineWhine, first book of poetry was recently published, and I knew I would enjoy the content.

I read it in one sitting; took me about an hour to absorb everything and connect with a few of the gifts she has given us with this debut book of authentically vulnerable & expressive poems.

Below is the review I left for it on Amazon:

“First, I’ll say if you have a problem with the explicit truth about depression and anxiety, and how the two combined can be incredibly damaging to a human being, this is NOT the book for you.

However, if you can appreciate someone digging deep within themselves to bring you the most vulnerable parts of themselves in the form of poetry, then sit back and revel in the short ride of a most exquisite debut book of poems.

I felt so many emotions while reading ‘All The Words I Kept Inside.’ Pooja did a phenomenal job with the placement of the poems in every section of the book. One thing is for certain, you WILL FEEL something.

And however you feel afterward, will stick with you for years to come. It is as though the depths of her very soul lie in the lines of this book.

You will walk away embracing the damaged version of yourself.

And that’s an incredible accomplishment.”

Being a Woman: Overcoming. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

After I read Pooja’s book, I dove into Michele Lee Sefton‘s first two books of the “Being a Woman” project: Overcoming & Becoming.

Both are light reads with just under 18 and 25 pages, so consuming the content was not a time-eating issue.

Below is the review I left for the first offering on Amazon:

“The author, Michele, is intentional with this book about her message. She is free to be who she is regardless of what society and the many men who make the rules believe she should be.

Her coming of age and into the human being she wants to be took place during the rise of a global pandemic in 2020. Not only was she able to still be creative, but she produced this work of art.

My only dislike is that it’s much too short.

If you’re looking for a quick read, with poignant poetry and brilliant artwork as an accompaniment, I recommend Being a Woman: Overcoming.“

Being a Woman: Becoming. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

As I stated above, after I finished the first book, I thumbed through the second one and knocked it out as well. 

Here is the review for the second offering of poems by the writer:

“Michele has a knack for tackling tough subjects without making the reader feel burdened. As the second body of work for the “Being a Woman” project, “Becoming” isn’t what I thought it would be, but definitely what it should be.

It is a compilation of tiny reminders, cultural embraces, and acknowledgment of the women who make this world go ’round. The accompanying artwork by her daughter, Sammi, is also something to be admired.

If you’re a stickler for completing serial works just as I am, you’ll want this book to add to your collection.”

We are surrounded by a deluge of talented writers and thinkers in this WordPress community, and I’m happy I have a chance to delve into the words of so many of your productions.

Peace and blessings.

Two Things Thursday #23

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1. Petals of Haiku: An Anthology. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt
2. Weekend Scenery for “casual weekend.” Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

1. Petals of Haiku: An Anthology, edited by the incomparable Gabriela Marie Milton is an illustrious work of phenomenal haiku by 160 writers, mostly from the WordPress community.

Below is the review I left on Amazon:

“As a writer and lover of haiku, Petals of Haiku: An Anthology, is one of the best compilations of the form I have seen come to fruition in a VERY LONG time.

Each writer understood the assignment and brought vividly beautiful and breathtaking haiku to this book. From petals to swallows to sunsets, heartache, love, and a deep yet fulfilling showcasing of all things nature, I fell in love with the turn of each page.

It is moving and an aromatic blend of allure. I am inspired and motivated and taken aback all at once. This anthology is one you will thoroughly enjoy on so many levels. Mark my words. You will not be disappointed!”

2. casual weekend is my 3-part haiku that was written from my being inspired after reading the above anthology.

the dog snores lightly
summer’s heat breaks through windows
casual weekend

mockingbird patrol
a selfish crow does not win
attack of feathers

balcony garden
thriving vegetables sprout
clean eating begins

the taming of fear

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an audio poem

Mindset Message. ©2024 Tremaine L. Loadholt

fear, uninvited, sat with me
on a dark and gloomy day.
I offered it a glass of sweet tea.
if it was going to be here for
a while, it might as well quench
its thirst.

I usually run straight toward it;
my arms spread out for a hug
that never comes,
but today was different.
I spoke to it on a faith-based level.
I informed fear that if it
planned on staying, it would
have to do some work around
here–earn its keep.

I need love and care, confidence and hope, trust
and reassurance, and I wanted it to
understand if it did not intend
to provide those things, the
portal to my life would close
soon.

so, fear tried to negotiate with
me; if it showed up on Monday
and Thursday, would I have time
for it?
I listened to its offer, bathed the
details in the back of my
mind, and politely declined.

I decided I no longer wanted to
be stunted by this marriage.
taming fear is taking time,
but we’re both learning and growing.
pretty soon, I believe it’ll
be able to get along in
life without me.

Two Things Thursday #19

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1. A Poem for Eustace R. Conway, IV created with Canva by Tremaine L. Loadholt

trapped trauma for the mountain man

a poem for Eustace R. Conway, IV

boy blue’d and black-hearted
made by a stubborn man
found himself peacekeeper
of the wild.

so sick of torture and
pinged for disobedience, he
trekked the world outside
his father’s home and made
love to the Carolina forests.

with nature as his mistress,
there was no place too
remote for this young man
trapped in his traumatic past
struggling to build a present.

he had loves who loved him
but he didn’t understand the
rules of falling in love, and
suffered heartbreaking consequences,
instead.

when fame found him
and plastered his noble features
on nationwide television, he
remained humble.
journalists, writers, and nosy
women wanted a piece of
Boone-infused pie.

his father’s namesake and his
mother’s favorite, he managed
to live up to his expectations
more than anyone else’s.

and even I, in my soon-to-be
mid-40s, can appreciate the
pain of childhood trauma when
it shapes and molds a
man into one who is
probably five times better
than his father.

or, that’s what I’d love
to believe to be true.

2. Lenny Kravitz. Photo courtesy of Essence.

1. I am enjoying the book I’m currently reading so much and the subject/character of interest, Eustace R. Conway, IV, that I was moved to write a poem about him.

My reading of the book led me to a few Google searches about him, and he’s really an incredible human being! I had no idea he was one of the most influential and liked characters of the no-longer-running show, Mountain Men on The History Channel.

Apparently, he’s uber sexy and intriguing to a lot of his fans and the envy of many men longing to learn more about mountain living and gaining sustainability in remote areas among nature.

2. Leonard Albert Kravitz, lovingly known as Lenny Kravitz, is a singer, songwriter, actor, father, and all-around beautiful human being.

He has had many musical hits and a signature, distinctive sound.

When you hear Lenny Kravitz, you know it’s him.

Here’s a YouTube video of my all-time favorite song by him: “It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over”. Enjoy!

It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over