The First Lady

The First Lady

Waikiki's first lady, this grand hotel,
On O'ahu Island, weaves its own spell.
'Moana', it stands on volcanic shore;
Tourists and limosines come by the score.
Tropical flowers and palms waving high,
All bid 'aloha' while waves roll on by.
Surfriding tradition...monarch's delight,
Gath'ring of people while surf's at its height.
Tall pillars standing, yet breezeway floors slant...
Palatial grandeur...but somehow one can't
Justify windows that stand at half mast...
Soft mournful breezes...war's shadow still cast.
An artist's portrayal of unspoken sound;
Architect's splendor...myst'ry all around.
Victorian elegance holding sway...
Verandah, spindles...grand piano play.
A banyan tree terrance, shaded white beach...
Extinction of monarchy...branches reach
Far back in history, ancient folk lore...
Hawaiian mem'ries erupting once more.

W. Diane Van Zwol

Sheraton 'Moana' Surfrider Hotel

Waikiki Beach, O'ahu

1901-2001

There Is A Gift That You May Give

Rocky Shoreline of Lake Superior

Photography by Amazon Art Reproductions

Copyrignt 2009 AD

There is a Gift That You May Give

There is a gift that you may give:
It's deep within your soul.
It is the one thing all man needs
In order to be whole.
It springs from love within your heart:
You feel it deep inside.
Compassion is that special gift;
In you, it does abide.
The race of man cries in his pain;
Each one can hear the cry.
In answer to his humble plea,
Please open wide your eye,
And see his need, that deepest need,
For what his heart still seeks.
When you allow your soul to move,
Then your compassion speaks.
Compassion is that unique grace
That you'll need someday too.
Oh share the gift, that you may give
And some may share with you.

W. Diane Van Zwol©

Published in 'Best Poems of 1995'

The National Library of Poetry (1995)

Poetry is a gift of love that is given to you to share with others!

What you choose to do with it is entirely up to you!

Why not share your poetry with others that they might know your love and feel your compassion?

Sleep On, O Gentle Giant

Sleeping Giant At Sunrise
Photos by Austin


Sleep On, O Gentle Giant


Sleep on, O gentle Giant,
while the morning breezes slumber;
If we would haste to count your days,
the years, we could never number.
Sleep on, O gently Giant.
Know early sunrise light will show
A new peace within each dawning,
as Nanabijou love does glow.
Sleep on, O gentle Giant.
Lake Superior's waters roll,
From high waves to little wavelets;
its rhythm ever calms the soul.
Sleep on, O gentle Giant.
You'll rest forever and a day.
So much joy you shall awaken,
in morning's beauty you portray.
Sleep on O gentle Giant.
Your myst'ry ever shall run deep;
Perhaps no one will ever know
all the secrets that you shall keep.

W. Diane Van Zwol

Wee Laddie

Wee Laddie

The wee laddie marched on as he played.
Stalwart did he seem; to watch, I stayed.
The bagpipes were piping loud and clear;
Crowds began to gather close to hear.

His kilt swayed so gently in the breeze.
Ev'ry song he played, the crowd did please.
I thought as I saw him standing tall,
Surely Love inspired him, was his call.
The wee laddie played and marched along,
Round and round his stage with ev'ry song.
Now and then someone would wipe a tear,
As his music roused a mem'ry dear.
The melodies, yes, one that I heard,
Resounding as sweetly as a bird,
Showed me the wee laddie in each man,
Softly playing bagpipes in God's plan.

W. Diane Van Zwol©
Published in 'The Sounds of Silence'
'The National Library of Poetry' anthology
1998

Water color painting by Greg Zelinski

Art reproduction - TDI Systems Ontario

The Mist Of Green Mantle

The Mist of Green Mantle

As you stand beside the river and you feel the misty breeze,
Try to let your spirit wander, wherever it might please.

Take a moment just to ponder and let history unfold,
The ancient Indian legend, the Ojibway tribe oft' told.

The chief of the Ojibway, Ogama Eagle was his name,
Had a daughter named Green Mantle, who was soon to come to fame.

A tall and graceful princess, with dark black eyes and jet black hair,
At seventeen, was a captive of the Sioux Tribe warring there.

While being forced to guide her captives, Green Mantle led the way,
Down the Kaministiquia River, toward her camp that day;

Seeming to betray her people, travelled to the waterfall.
Some say that she swam the river; some say that she gave her all.

Today the mist of Green Mantle speaks of Love of a rare kind,
Love that is so sacrificial, Love that one can seldom find.

In the mist above the water and the sky, yet one can see,
The spirit of the Princess, down the 'Old Road', flying free.

W. Diane Van Zwol©

Water color painting of Kakabeka Falls, Ontario (Canada) by Greg Zelinski

Artwork reproduction by TDI Systems (Ontario)

Ol' Friend

Ol' Friend

What pathway brought you home, Ol' Friend,
The road you trod that had no end?
What tender pasture did you graze?
How have you spent your younger days?
There's much about you I don't know
But still you have a certain glow.
Your quiet manner, gentle way,
Speaks more than any words might say.
'Twas Love that brought you here for me.
I see your peace, serenity.
In warmth of pasture's gentle sun,
I know you want to jump and run,
But time gone by forbids that joy
And other tasks that would employ.
The days of yours, soon winding down;
If you could smile, there'd be no frown.
You stand there contemplating still,
Your path of life and always will.
Within my soul and depth of thought,
I'll think about you as I ought.
So thanks for coming home, Ol' Friend;
God brought you round that stormy bend.
Together, we are safe and free
As destined from eternity.

W. Diane Van Zwol©

Water color painting by by Greg Zelinski

This is the first piece of artwork with poetry, in the 'LOVE 2000 AD' collection.

Watercolor artwork reproduction - TDI Systems Ontario

Custom Poetry

Lone Tree

Photography by Amazon Art Reproductions

Copyright 2009 AD

Artists, Photographers and Poets

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