Fire Under Ice

Below is the latest edition to my quadruple quandary series. They are based on trying to connect with a woman who is recovering from a broken heart.

For this group of poems I wrote a sonnet, a limerick, a triple rhyme, and a haiku.

Song titles are hyper-linked to their respective videos on YouTube.

Enjoy!

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“Fire Under Ice”
© 2018 Langston Shakesbro
All rights reserved.

Must have heard it all before, I suppose.
Words that tickle your ears yet crush your heart.
Once a Jersey girl, now a Texas rose.
Broken promises tore your soul apart.
Your soft brown eyes swirl with fear and with pain.
With romantic things you’ve become jaded,
All can be washed away with summer rain.
Clearing the clouds and darkness is faded.
I hope you can heal – not for me; for you.
A pretty face wearing a mask of hurt.
You got to exhale and not let things stew.
No emotions on the sleeves of your shirt.
Careful not to make the same mistake twice.
A fire rages beneath that cold, thick ice.

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Being with you would be so nice.
You looked so good I had to look you over twice.
I know what I’m looking at because I’ve been around the block.
I’ve been on both sides so I do take stock.
A fire rages beneath that cold, thick ice!

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Enjoying your soft lips and your tender embrace.
You’re a special type of lady so you are worth the chase.
I’m willing to run with you in either a slow or fast pace.

What happened before needs to stay in the past.
Not to be forgotten, but a shadow it should not cast.
Today is a new day so work on building something that can last.

Hustling in the streets doing boss-lady things.
Getting that paper and championship rings.
Enjoying the trimmings that financial success brings.

You need a man that has been there and done that.
That understands where you’ve been and won’t over-react.
Who honors your requests and can do it right and exact.

The world is a big pie and you’re gonna get your slice.
You need another clown like Uncle Ben needs more rice.
Girl, I can see the fire raging under that sheet of ice.

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Passion wrapped in cool.
Lightning behind a curtain.
Fire under the ice.

I Hope He Fails…So I Can Have You Back

I hope you enjoy this sonnet inspired by R&B singer, Joe and his latest single, “So I Can Have You Back.” A hyperlink to the YouTube video of this song appears at the end of the poem. Also, the painting below is called Piano Man II, by Justin Bua. Please support this artist’s work.

“I hope he fails…So I can have you back”
© 2016 Tyrone Turner
All rights reserved

As I think back on our relationship,
I admit that its failure was my fault.
I so thirst for you and long for a sip.
When I call you, you remind me to halt.

Time was a commodity I wasted.
I should have spent it with you more often.
This pill is the most bitter I’ve tasted.
The crushing pain in my heart won’t soften.

Is he that good to you? Man of your dreams?
A good listener with tender, sweet words?
Sometimes things aren’t as good as it seems.
I hear that you two are like two love birds.

Joe’s song helped me understand what I lack.
I hope he fails…so I can have you back.

You Give Me a Feeling I Can’t Describe

Below is a sonnet that I wrote while on the train ride home last night.

I have a few song titles in this poem, so I’ve hyperlinked them to their respective YouTube videos for a multimedia experience.

I hope that you enjoy the poem.

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“You Give Me a Feeling I Can’t Describe”
© 2016 Tyrone Turner
All rights reserved.

My wax wings melt as I fly to the sun.

Striving to earn unconditional love.

Your teary eyes make your mascara run.

I’ve been a war hawk, but you’ve been a dove.

Your soft touch and sweet words are soothing.

You raise me up. You make me feel brand new.

I thought to quit, but you kept me moving.

When we met, I knew not what would ensue.

You bring me joy beyond expectation.

Pride and pleasure to have you at my side.

Kissing you is such a sweet sensation.

No mountain too high, no river too wide.

You’re nice to look at and I dig your vibe.

You give me a feeling I can’t describe.

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!

 

I was so sad to hear that one of my childhood heroes, Muhammad Ali passed away yesterday after a long bout with Parkinson’s Disease. He is such a larger-than-life person. He was a phenomenal athlete, a brave man that stood by his convictions, and a generous humanitarian.

The below sonnet is a poetic tribute to him.

“Rumble young, man rumble! AHHHHHHHH!!!!

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He so dazzled us in the boxing ring.

He also made the first amendment real.

Winning by knockout was his preferred thing.

An entertainer performing with zeal.

Courageous enough to let it all go.

Standing on principle over dollars.

Swimming upstream against the river’s flow.

Relating to common folk and scholars.

Strong and defiant before it was vogue.

Faith in his god and love for his people.

When others were passive he was a rogue.

 A man transformed who led men, not sheeple.

Cassius Clay became Muhammad Ali.

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!

For His Purple Highness, Prince

Rest in peace, Prince. You are by far my favorite artist. I will miss your awesome live shows. I’ve never felt so sad about the loss of an artist. He was so much more than that to me. His music is the soundtrack of my life. This poem is dedicated to you. #salute #prince #whendovescry

*Song titles are capitalized.

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© 2016 Tyrone Turner
All rights reserved.

Today, those in the spirit realm are going to PARTY LIKE IT’S 1999 and cause a HOUSEQUAKE.

Confetti is going to fall like PURPLE RAIN and people gonna do like Beyonce says and get in formation while wearing a RASPBERRY BERET and PINK CASHMERE.

Yeah he caused a lot of CONTROVERSY, but all of his fans would say that they did indeed ADORE him.

He would tell us to let others know that we love them and to give them 1,000 HUGS AND KISSES.

The best things in life are free and they don’t have to be DIAMONDS AND PEARLS.

Listen closely; WHEN DOVES CRY they are saying, “I WOULD DIE 4 U.”

Live your life and ROCK HARD IN A FUNKY PLACE and eat and drink what you like even if it is STARFISH AND COFFEE.

Avoid getting caught up in the POP LIFE, because all this craziness in the world is a SIGN O’ THE TIMES.

He made a right on ALPHABET STREET and has rode off into the horizon in a LITTLE RED CORVETTE being chauffeured DARLING NICKKI who cleaned up her act and is now a LADY CAB DRIVER.

He told us about THIEVES IN TEMPLE who try to rob us UNDER THE CHERRY MOON.

The Grim Reaper gave him a KISS that has made his body cold. He was the CREAM and he rose to the top.

He is a PARTYMAN, so I am sure his soul is doing the BATDANCE in the great beyond.

Thank you for being the prolific artist and true humanitarian you were.

NOTHING COMPARES TO YOU.

When You Can’t Be With the One That You Love

Here is the third edition of the Quadruple Quandaries series. I call it that because this format presents four poems with the same title and subject matter that will always be some sort of a predicament. The styles of the four poems will differ. They will be a sonnet, haiku chain, limerick chain and a triple rhyme.

As has been my custom here on my blog, song titles will be linked to their respective audio files on GrooveShark.com. Movie titles are linked to their respective pages on. Film titles are linked to their summary pages on IMDb.com.

I hope that you enjoy this installment.

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When You Can’t Be With the One That You Love [Sonnet]
© 2015 Tyrone Turner
All rights reserved.

I watch you from afar as I live life.

You are with another just as I am.

Sometimes I contemplate causing some strife.

Caution to the winds not giving a damn.

Is It a Crime to feel the way I do?

Yeah, I love and care for the one I’m with.

But when with them I often think of you.

Playing some sad songs sipping on a fifth.

Hmmm… Is it cheating or cheating oneself?

To tell that person how you really feel?

Bemoaning isn’t good for mental health.

To catch a fish just cast your rod and reel.

Pain from terra firma to sky above.

When you can’t be with the one that you love.

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When You Can’t Be With the One You Love [Haiku Chain]
© 2015 Tyrone Turner
All rights reserved.

The love that I lost.

We had a good thing, baby.

Laughter and passion.

There were ups and downs.

Cheer and gloom. Joy and Pain.

All helped me to grow.

I have a question:

Hey, Where Do Broken Hearts Go?

I’d like to go there.

I need to get there.

To repair what was broken.

Your heart is My Heart.

The two hearts are scarred.

Who’s Gonna Save My Soul Now?

The question I ask.

My heart is broken.

But it still has love for you.

Can’t love another.

Frankie Beverly.

Just Can’t Get Over You.

I’m stuck in a Maze.

You are difficult.

Sensitive. Moody. Leery.

Never a dull time.

Love and Happiness.

That is all I really want.

Real Love. Extreme Joy.

I have a great friend.

They are faithful and true blue.

Yes, I do love them.

But there’s a problem.

That I Do Really Love You.

What a quandary!

What is one to do?

Cant be with the one you love?

Love The One You’re With.

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When You Can’t Be With the One You Love [Limerick Chain]
© 2015 Tyrone Turner
All rights reserved.

Why can’t one have their cake and eat it too?

Love sometimes make you sick like the flu.

Love is a Losing Game.

I’ll Never Be the Same.

I Used to Love U.

To be honest, still I Feel for You.

Even though you turned my brown eyes blue.

There were more good times than bad.

You are the Best I Ever Had.

All the things that you can do!

 

Why do I love you when it is so hard and hurts so much?

We fuss and fight, scream and cuss, and carry on and such.

Maybe I’m just Addicted to You.

I don’t know and don’t have a clue.

I Can’t Stop Loving You and I Miss You Much.

But I’m now with another and faithful I must be.

I have shed enough tears to create a new sea.

Does it make any sense to Hold On?

Should I follow my heart and be gone?

You’re my other half and Another Part of Me.

When we were together, our quiet town was an Erotic City.

Us Against the World and on enemies we had no pity.

Ride or Die Chick like Eve.

A Ruffneck with a blade up his sleeve.

We lived The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

You asked, “Let Me Blow Your Mind?”

Over the years you did and I returned the favor in kind.

But now we’re not together and you’re with another.

Feels like I can’t breathe as but thoughts of you I can’t smother.

This fact indeed I do unashamedly opine.

It seemed that at one time were like a hand and glove.

An Earth Angel sent from the heavens above.

Never to be truly happy and at peace because You Belong to Me.

But unfortunately, this is how things will forever be.

When you can’t be with the one you love.

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When You Can’t Be With the One You Love [Triple Rhyme]
© 2015 Tyrone Turner
All rights reserved.

What’s Love Got to Do With It? A question that people often ask.

It can be hard on the heart and doing so can be an arduous task.

Sometimes its a circus and Tears of a Clown hide behind my mask.

Faking the funk by pretending I’m happy with the one I’m with.

The weight of it is a ton and not Seven Pounds like that movie with Will Smith.

Has me curled up in pain like I had a second brith.

 

It pains me that you’re with them and not with me.

I always put on a fake smile when you’re around because I don’t like what I see.

I don’t want you to be sad, neither do I want you to be filled with glee.

In someone else’s arms I see you enwrapped.

I’m in a relationship I don’t really want so I feel trapped.

When I see them kiss you I feels as if my first just got slapped.

I really shouldn’t feel the way that I do.

But my predicament is a lot to chew.

Why must I wait in the happiness queue?

Was it better to have loved and had lost to have never loved at all?

Who ever said that had a lot of gall.

Instead of larger than life, I feel empty and quite small.

An indescribable pain; the worst that you can think of.

Feels like molten lava from below, fire and brimstone from above.

When you can’t be with the one you love.

If You Don’t Know Me

This is the second piece in my Quadruple Quandaries series. I call it that because this format presents four poems with the same title and subject matter that will always be some sort of a predicament. The styles of the four poems will differ. They will be a sonnet, haiku chain, limerick chain and a triple rhyme.

As has been my custom here on my blog, song titles will be linked to their respective audio files on GrooveShark.com.

I hope that you enjoy this installment.

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If You Don’t Know Me By Now, When Will You? [Sonnet]
© 2015 Tyrone Turner
All rights reserved.

 

Forever In My Life I do want you.

To have, to hold, to Kiss and to Cherish.

We Have Something In Common; say “I do.”

Our love is so strong it will not perish.

My Boo, are you afraid of the future?

Don’t be; we planned so we are in control.

My wounded heart you did indeed suture.

You made a diamond from a lump of coal.

Once I was a boy, but now I’m a man.

I will not change except for the better.

Together we’re boundless like Heaven’s span.

Don’t dip your toe; jump in and get wetter.

Suns have risen and left their morning dew.

If You Don’t Know Me By Now, when will you?

 

If You Don’t Know Me [Haiku Chain]
© 2015 Tyrone Turner
All rights reserved.

Time to move forward. We’ve been stagnant way too long. What is the hold up?

Do you have questions? Is there something you must say? Come, let’s clear the air.

Ah! I think I know. Once we were Secret Lovers. Do you have concerns?

What could they be, Dear? That I’m Looking for a New Love? That The Thrill Is Gone?

Hey, Love Is a House. I am not Humpin’ Around. I am cool right here.

You’re a “gourmet girl.” I don’t want anyone else. I Want You. That’s all.

Become my wife, Love. Sharing our lives together. Half on the Baby.

Ain’t no mystery. What you see is what you get. Naked. Unashamed.

Girl, Act Like You Know. I want to take you higher. Seems Like You’re Ready. Right NOW is the time! The Night Time Is the Right Time. But daytime sheds light.

Light accents your eyes. Light highlights your lovely face. Shows your sihloutte.

What is the hold up? I Wanna Be Your Lover. Don’t you love me too? Two thing can stop us: If you did not know things; If You Don’t Know Me.

 

If You Don’t Know Me [Limerick Chain]
© 2015 Tyrone Turner
All rights reserved.

 

Many years have gone by since we first met. It was love at first sight so I knew I was set. You had such a beautiful smile. I asked for a number that I could dial. I gambled because I figured that you’re a good bet.

Through the Years, we’ve had ups and downs. We’ve Been Around the World to many towns. When I’m away I think of Home. Be I in Johannesburg or Rome. Your voice is the sweetest of sounds.

My Love is Solid Like a Rock. Good all day long; 24/7 on the Tick Tock. Now you seem to be confused. If you’re joking, I’m not amused. Don’t you know that you have me on lock?

What do I have to do to prove my love to you? I’ve gone to Hell and back and showed that I’m true. Through those dark, gloomy nights, I stood by you through many fights. I’m vested and don’t want nothing new.

I’ll pursue you from sea to shining sea. Because without you there is no me. Got me Wishing On a Star. Got me playing me blues guitar. You’re acting as If You Don’t Know Me.

 

If You Don’t Know Me [Triple Rhyme]
© 2015 Tyrone Turner
All rights reserved.

 

I’ve done all that I can to make you Stay With Me.
But every time I walk towards you your turn and flee.
Perhaps with me is not where you want to be.

If that is the case, I don’t like it but worse than that, I don’t understand.
The good times that we had were memorable and grand.
I was hoping that our relationship would burn brighter and expand.

I call you on the phone, talk to you face-to-face, email and text.
You oftentimes get flustered and appear to become vexed.
I don’t seem to have any luck with you these days so I must be hexed.

Maybe you’re afraid that one day things won’t be the same?
Or is it that you won’t own up to problems for which you are the blame?
If either of those scenarios are the case, that a shame!

I know that your family isn’t that tight and you’re pretty much a loner.
Me and my family got a lot of love to give so I’ll be your donor.
You’re Making Me High like I was a stoner.

We could have something great, so Let it Be.
Or is it that you don’t believe what you see?
As If You Don’t Know Me.

Something In the Water

Folks, I’m working on a new format of sharing my poetry. The working title for this format is called Quadruple Quandaries. I call it that because this format presents four poems with the same title and subject matter that will always be some sort of a predicament. The styles of the four poems will differ. They will be a sonnet, haiku chain, limerick chain and a triple rhyme.

As has been my custom here on my blog, song titles will be linked to their respective audio files on GrooveShark.com.

I hope that you like it.

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“Something In the Water” [Sonnet]

© 2015 Tyrone Turner

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

Full disclosure is what I try to do.

I want to keep you informed, in the know.

I’m an open book because I love you.

Why You Treat Me So Bad? Let Your Love Flow.

Yes, we’ve had troubles and hurt each other.

Words do cut deep when tempers are flaring.

Let’s Keep On Movin’; no more Back and Forth.

Not For Long should our voices be blaring.

Kanye’s from the west, Kim’s roots from the east.

Their love made north, so why did ours go south?

You get so mad I want to call a priest.

When hot fire and venom spew from your mouth.

Should I keep quiet and act as if mute?

Something In the Water Does Not Compute.

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“Something In the Water” [Haiku Chain]

© 2015 Tyrone Turner

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

Wow… the Sea of Love.

Best place for lovers to sail.

Serene, blue waters.

Could she Love me not?

The question I ask myself.

Staring into space.

I’m searching for her.

Have You Seen Her? Is she lost?

Will I find her soon?

I miss her big smile.

Longing for her dancing eyes.

Her sweet, sexy voice.

Ups and downs were had.

Now we are here. Can We Talk?

Let’s reason, sweetheart.

All This Love awaits.

The future cannot unfold.

Please let the past go.

I’m not your father.

You’re not your mother, okay?

But I’m me. You’re you.

You’re so defensive.

Dear, we both hurt each other.

Scars to show galore.

We have Crazy Love.

Yikes! When A Woman’s Fed Up…

Come and Talk to Me.

LORD knows that I try.

Hot one day, then cold the next.

Hanging On a String.

In The Glow of Love.

We can drink and bathe in it.

Do you understand?

Perhaps its because

You Never Knew Love Like This.

Maybe I’m not clear.

I’m under water.

Swimming upstream towards you.

Do you hear my pleas?

Hmmm… Computer Blue.

‘Cuz Something in the Water

Does not compute.

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“Something In the Water” [Limerick Chain]

© 2015 Tyrone Turner

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

They say all good things must end.

We just don’t now how, why, or when.

One must be prepared.

Even though they’ll be scared.

Who know what could have been?

That’s not a question I want to ask.

Here I am Baby, I’m not wearing a mask.

Ordinary People, but No Ordinary Love.

I’m sweet on you, my little dove.

If I have to keep fighting for us I’m up to the task.

But it takes two to tango.

A tomato is not nearly as sweet as a mango.

Living in the past makes one bitter.

And that will make them a sad critter.

I’ll chase you from here to Durango!

Peace be still and open your heart.

It Takes Two and I’m doing my part.

Please baby, Don’t Be Cruel.

Let’s practice the golden rule.

Focus on a brand new start.

I hope that my words are melodic like a flute.

I’m a man with Sensitivity and far from a brute.

I speak but you say nothing back.

Are you trying to give me a heart break attack?

Is it Something in the Water and do I need my wet suit?

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“Something In the Water” [Triple Rhyme]

© 2015 Tyrone Turner

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

Your such a Distant Lover.

Baby Don’t Be That Way, ‘cuz I don’t want another.

Can I be your Girlfriend instead of your brother.

I think of you on Two Occasions.

Day and night, is the answer so you don’t have to figure out any equations.

I try to show you using different persuasions.

In my rankings I have your Love On Top.

I’m tilling the soil so I can yield a good crop.

When it comes to loving you, I Can’t Stop.

Open your eyes, your ears and your heart.

We’ve learned from the past so let’s restart

Perhaps a cruise to Granada or St. Bart’s.

I wear my best cologne, spit shine my shoes, and don my nicest suit.

Don’t you know I’d Rather Be With You over having Bill Gates’ loot?

I’ve been trying to show you, perhaps Something In the Water can nurture our love that is a precious fruit.

Benevolence, Body, Brains and Big Bucks

It has been a while but I assure you that I have been hard at work doing meaningful, constructive things.

Okay, back to business…

This sonnet was inspired by black women who are kind, bodacious, intelligent and earn above average incomes.

They have what I call the “4 B’s”: Benevolence; body; brains; and big bucks.

Pictured below is the lovely face of a 24-year-old beauty from Zimbabwe named Lilian Ndlovu.

Movie titles and song titles are hyper-linked to their respective summary pages or audio files on IMDb.com or GrooveShark.com.

I hope that you enjoy this poem.

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“Benevolence, Body, Brains and Big Bucks”

© 2014 Tyrone Turner

All rights reserved.

You are generous, loving and gentle.

Oftentimes putting other people first

So compassionate and sentimental.

Giving others refreshment when they thirst.

Your beautiful face and curvaceous frame;

Causing men to lust and desire a taste.

Wisdom beyond your years; worthy of fame.

Calculating; knowing that haste makes waste.

You’re a Million Dollar Baby, sweetheart.

Strong earning from your job and your assets.

You got a Serious Hold on Me that won’t depart.

Jack Nicholson style — As Good As It Gets.

You Got It. The day we met was a crux.

Benevolence, body, brains and big bucks.

I’m Still Alive and Kicking

Hey there, folks. I’ve been quiet for nearly two months now. All is well. I’ve been busy at work and tinkering with a few creative projects. One of them is a short story. It may actually evolve into a novel. It is a historical science fiction piece. The story is centered around the Bloody Kansas period of United States history (right before the U.S. Civil War). It has historical fiction with a sci-fi and twist.

Another project I’m working on is a self-protection and at-home fitness book for middle-aged men.

I just wanted to let you know that I’m well and cooking up some new stuff for you.

Be well and I’ll blog something soon.