Rhyming Dictionary

I haven't posted any poems lately because I've been concentrating on compiling a rhyming dictionary. Here're some words I worked on today. Do they rhyme for you?

Al

owl

foul

fowl

Hal

howl

Cal

cowl

corral

chorale

Val

vowel

This is a glaring example of English words that sound the same, but aren't spelled the same. Maybe English spelling needs to be revised or reformed.

Early Spring Park Fling

Early Spring Park Fling
26 February 2013

I stepped outside after playing canasta,
The weather was so warm, I said, "I just hasta."
So before it started to get dark
I drove a few blocks to Balboa Park.
Starting with Spanish Village art
I enjoyed the displays in that mart.
Strolling further along
Street performers sang a song.
By the Botanical Building were koi
For one and all to enjoy.
I had the unexpected happenstance
Of running into an acquaintance.
Walking a few steps more, how cool
To be enchanted by the reflecting pool.
Spanish Colonial style prevails
In the architectural details.
I had it made in the shade
Sauntering down the promenade.

Surprise Email

On the 31st of July I got a surprise email: "Congratulations! It is my pleasure to inform you that you have been awarded a First Place Gold Medal Prize for World Poetry Movement’s Best Poets and Poems of 2011 International Open Amateur Poetry Contest!" The award name is so long, I think they should have shortened it down to Best New Poet of 2011.

Here's the prize-winning poem:

Yesterday's Rose

dedicated to Hazel, Margaret, Betty and Doris

18 January 2012

While passing into my yard

By the white picket gate

I noticed the rose on guard

Had entered a wilted state.

When a faded petal goes

That's yesterday's rose.

Still wanting to belong,

Joining where she can,

Singing her own song

While hoping for a man.

Wearing old-fashioned clothes,

That's yesterday's rose.

She can still kick up her heals

And enjoys dining and dancing.

She know how it all feels

And what's life enhancing.

One of today's widows

Is yesterday's rose.

Looking for a good time

When she can whim it,

Spending her own dime

Within society's limit.

Not youth but wisdom shows

That's yesterday's rose.