William Henry Jones

Lake San Marcos, California

Bill seriously started writing poetry in 1995 having written only three poems in prior years. He is a retired Navy Captain with over thirty-seven years of service commencing with WWII. Bill is married with a son and daughter and five grandchildren, all of whom serve as an inspiration for much of his poetry. He is now published in thirty books by The National Library of Poetry and Sparrowgrass Poetry Forum, as well as various newspapers. "Writing poetry is a constructive way of using my leisure and serves as a mirror of my innermost thoughts."

Devil's Wind

The wind blew strong
though not for long
but destruction it hath wrought;
turning white capped swells
into Devil's tails
smashing ships upon the rocks.

Cursed wind, why so angry
casting sailors in the sea?
Your howls so cold and chilling
causing pain and misery.

Damn you to a Devil's end!
What caused your destructive spree?
For ships have been your loyal friend
and sailors your company.

Now wander 'round the earth alone
no place to hide your head;
for you have lost your only friend
and turned blue seas to red.

Condemns you to the depths below
no solace in your tomb.
Seeds of destruction no longer sow-
Return you to the Devil's womb.

Poetry - Why Poetry?

Some have asked why I write poetry
the answer is personal and deep
When my mind is fraught with troubles
it records happy moments to keep.

All one needs is a piece of paper
and a pen for thoughts to compose
Encapsulating poetically
providing tranquillity in repose.

It is like going to confession
a rejuvenation of the soul
All documented for reference
should someone at sometime care to know.

One poetic raindrop is never heard
until raindrops become many
Like a collection of poems
spilling over the poetic jetty.

A poem written in solitude
often provides a resolution
For one's concerns, while in quietude
giving poetic absolution.

When I compose a happy poem
it is like a wisp of the wind
Giving momentary pleasure
but inspiration to try again.

Poetry for me is a catharsis
renewing my faith in God
A sort of map to show a better way
from troubled paths I may trod.

Others may have other reasons for poetry
that's why there is poetry of all kinds
All providing a peaceful interlude
but for me, reverie, when I have a troubled mind.

All poems Copyright © 1996 William Henry Jones. All rights reserved.