MISSOURI POETRY.COM
Featuring Missouri Poetry and Events

Dear Readers:  I have a confession: my hero is Mark Twain. Even as I built my own rafts on a nearby creek as a boy (and stayed with them as they sank into the mud), I thought of Mark Twain. His influence is with me always. I once read a critic who wrote in detail about Mark Twain and revealed him for the man that he really was. That critic had more fun exposing Twain than any critic I had ever read. That 'critic' was Mark Twain himself, writing in his own autobiography. Of all Twain's books that remains my favorite.

I hope to use this site to bring recognition and prestige to Missouri poets and poetry. I hope I can have your support. The goal is to promote poetry, poets and poetry events throughout Missouri. If you have poetry news or events, contact me at:

Send mail to: Steven Robert Heine

Native Publishing Company.

PO BOX 7574

SALEM, OR 97303

WE NEED YOUR NEWS! SEND IT ON OVER AND HELP US BUILD THIS SITE!

THIS SITE IS A PUBLIC SERVICE BY:

Steven Robert Heine.

PRESS RELEASES:

MyMissourian.com. We a are
grassroots journalism website and newspaper that is interested in getting
written submissions from the community to share with our online and print
community. It is our belief that people have stories to tell, but that
they can tell them better than a professional journalist. However, more
often that not, people are not asked for their stories. I was wondering
if members of the Missouri Poetry have stories, poems, essays, etc. on
any topic that they would be willing to share with our website. Every
submission is free, and there is no limit on length of submissions.
People can submit as much as they feel is necessary to the website, and as
often as they would like. We are trying to unearth the voice of
Mid-Missouri through writing. All submissions are reviewed and will be placed
on our website within 24 hours. We also supply content for a Saturday
print edition that accompanies coupons and circulates in Columbia, and
there is potential that any submissions can appear in the print version
of our publication.

This is also a great opportunity to gain some attention to your
organization by adding information about meeting times, projects that you are
working on, etc. for other people that may be interested in joining a
writing organization. You are also welcome to write a piece on tips to
improve poetry, and mention the organization that you work for. There is
no required topic.

If you or your members are interested, log onto MyMissourian.com for
more information on how to submit content. Feel free to email me with any
questions, or to ask directly through a link on the website.

Thank you,
Michelle Stern
MLS6D5@mizzou.edu

The WynBrick in Liberty is in need of poets for their monthly coffee house event.  This is a family oriented evening which showcases area musicians, poets and artists.  If interested, please call Traci at (816)792-1275 or email tjscheible@earthlink.net.  

MISSOURI POETRY LINKS:

Mymissourian

Missouri State Poetry Society

Missouri Poets & Friends

Meeting The Muse

The Writing Place

Underwood Poetry

SOS, Missouri - State Library

Mark Twain Museum

Missouri Dot Com

MISSOURI UNIVERSITY LINKS:

Mizzou: University of Missouri-Columbia

UM-St. Louis Home

Missouri State University

University of Missouri Rolla

Missouri Valley College

Missouri Baptist University

Steven Robert Heine Web Site

POEMS BY STEVEN ROBERT HEINE

A WEDDING POEM

This day you shall rejoice together,

for in your hearts love's spirit flows.

Stand tall and proud and walk together,

as through the years your young love grows.

The silver moment, locked in time,

when you would somehow meet...

has caused your souls to cry with joy,

and raised you to your feet.

Take now the cup of God's provision,

and drink richly through eternity.

For in His Plan from time's beginning....

your love was meant to be.

© copyright 2002 by Steven Robert Heine.

AMERICA

In Humbletown a flag still flies.

Floating proudly in the breeze.

And down below the farm folk toil

in fields that roll like lush green seas.

A builders hammer pounds the air,

as a church is raised from virgin wood.

Three children play, not far away

in a park built where a shack had stood.

An old man looks out from his porch

exclaiming with a heavy sigh:

"America, America

long may your proud flag fly."

© copyright 2003by Steven Robert Heine

DAWN

I count the moments till I see you,

but always they are too many.

In years long lost, I starved for love,

but never had I any.

The daughters of the darkened moon,

played painful games that left me cold.

But honest eyes of rarest warmth,

have healed my wounds with love untold.

I see your smile as sunset bursts,

upon the deep blue sky.

With courage born to soar the stars...

I shed my gloom and fly!

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine.

HAPPY NEW YEARS

In every year

if a man is lucky,

he'll meet two or three people

who become true friends.

And he'll set new places

at his table of feasting

as he celebrates

when at last the year ends.

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine

DREAMER

Look far away

for a little while,

and tell me the dreams

that you see.

From the fountain of love

that flows from your heart,

great things will soon come to be.

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine.

A REQUEST

You cannot see

the silver seeds,

my restless soul hunts after.

But hold me now,

inspire me

with love and pain and laughter.

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine.

OASIS

You were first

to fill my glass.

Sparkling love

you freely shared.

Thousands passed

my wretched way.

But none till you,

reached down and cared.

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine

SUNSHINE

You are in my heart

and there to stay.

Like the sunshine

you warm me,

in a special way.

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine

MARGE

There came one cool, crisp Halloween,

a princess I had never known.

Who led me to a World I had not yet seen,

but long had hungered to be shown.

Her eyes were like the Autumn moon,

her voice like the Autumn air,

and I feared my dream would end too soon,

as I drew her close and held her there.

Like tiny, precious drops of gold

were the moments that we shared.

Embraces were exchanged and secrets told,

but real love was never dared.

For she was destined to become but a memory

and I knew I'd soon have to go.

So I told her that she'd always be a part of me...

and she always will, I know.

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine

MEDAL OF LAUGHTER

If I've made you happy then I've won,

a victory over sorrow done.

If knowing me has made you laugh,

then raise a toast in my behalf.

Everything that I could do, to make your load lighter for you...

I did enthusiastically, that fondly you'd remember me.

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine

A DEEP LONGING

I wish you weren't so far away,

so horribly, terribly far.

I want very much

to share your laughter...

but far away... you are!

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine

ONCE A RACEHORSE

Once a racehorse born in time,

to fight against the mocking hordes.

Cursed to plow a farmer's field,

he rose to meet the race of Lords.

Beside the multitudes he stood,

stumbling, shaking at the first.

Determined ever in his quest,

his legs leaped forth with one great burst!

A thousand knights stood on their toes

to watch him duel the pious kings.

And then they wrapped him in the joy

that victory over hunger brings.

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine

THE LOST KING

Frog eyes, mud pies and days gone by.

When I was a boy each day brought new joy

and I never knew how to cry.

Up a strawberry hill I'd climb for the thrill

and pronounce myself a king.

I'd wave my hand across the land

and command the earth to sing.

And the earth would obey and the plants would sway

and rubies would appear at my feet.

Then I'd smile with pride, feeling hungry inside

and choose a strawberry to eat.

But those days flew past and I grew old fast

and now live in crumbling health.

Though I still recall being king of all

and living in infinite wealth.

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine

LILIES

Writing, I think is for younger men.

Whose eyes see more hope than mine.

Whose pens float freely through the night,

like cups overflowing with wine.

Writing is for dreamers, whose dreams like roses bloom.

Who hold the hearts of the World in their hands

as they sit alone in their room.

Writing is for less freer men,

who have never been chained by defeat.

Unscarred by love and courageous by habit,

they conquer each hurdle they meet.

Writing is for less wise men, who have never known great pain.

Believing in beauty as much as themselves,

they create again... and again!

So the lilies of the field do blossom in the spring.

Falling gently to the earth when they've given everything!

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine

PRAY FOR AMERICA!

It will make a difference!

MISSOURI POETRY.COM

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PROFESSIONAL WRITER: resumes, press releases, articles, advertising copy, books, publications. Fees by project. Send e-mail describing your project and I will send you a free estimate.

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STREETS OF GOLD!

GOLF DIVISION

Arkansas Poetry Dot Com

Louisiana Poetry Dot Com

Oklahoma Poetry Dot Com

Missouri Poetry Dot Com

Our Favorite Links:

New York Poetry Dot Com

California Poetry Dot com

America For Fun.com Cams and travel information for all of America. Our new flagship!

Oregon For Fun.com This site features travel information on Oregon and fun things to do.

Other Sites.

Nebraska Poetry Dot Com

New Mexico Poetry Dot Com

Missouri Poetry Dot Com

THE LOST KING

Frog eyes, mud pies and days gone by.

When I was a boy each day brought new joy

and I never knew how to cry.

Up a strawberry hill I'd climb for the thrill

and pronounce myself a king.

I'd wave my hand across the land

and command the earth to sing.

And the earth would obey and the plants would sway

and rubies would appear at my feet.

Then I'd smile with pride, feeling hungry inside

and choose a strawberry to eat.

But those days flew past and I grew old fast

and now live in crumbling health.

Though I still recall being king of all

and living in infinite wealth.

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine

SUNSHINE

You are in my heart

and there to stay.

Like the sunshine

you warm me,

in a special way.

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine

 LOOKING AHEAD

I talked pollytics with a pollywog

who glowed with great ambition.

He said: 'I can't wait to become a frog,

in the throat of a politician'.

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine

 ALONG THE WAY

Fame and fortune

don't amount to too much.

For what matters most

is the lives that you touch.

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine

HARVEST OF LOVE

I believe in God and He believes in me.

And He provides the inspiration for my poetry.

I didn't ask for this gift; it was quite a surprise.

But by the sweat of my brow

it will bloom in full, before His eyes.

My life is short and my goals are many.

And I fear I might die before I accomplish any.

But I hope He may find when my life is done,

a harvest of love, that my labors have won.

© copyright 2003 by Steven Robert Heine

COUNTY FAIRS DESERVE THANKS!  Several county fairs on the in the United States have added poetry to their exhibits. Poets now have many more places to exhibit their work and get it read. If your county fair doesn't have a poetry contest, tell them to contact us  and we will help them to set one up. For a detailed article on how to set up county fair poetry contests, visit stevenrobertheine.com

HOW TO SET UP FAIR POETRY CONTESTS:

If your State or County Fair does not have a poetry contest, ask them to start one. Tell them you or your poetry association will be glad to help manage it.

Here are some sample rules:

HOW TO SET UP A POETRY CONTEST

1) All entries must be matted.

2) No entries may use wood frames, glass in frames or metal. (Glass gets easily broken at a fair and can be dangerous. Wooden frames are difficult to hang).

3) The fair is not responsible for copyright protection of each poem.

4) All poems must be original.

5) All poems must have a secure means of hanging on the mat.

6) All poems must have at least a size 14 font. (Poems written too small cannot be read when they are displayed).

KEEP CLASSES OF POETRY SIMPLE!  Poetry displays at Fairs are designed to draw people to poetry that many not have a knowledge of poetry.

Sample classes, learned from years of displays.

• Rhymed.  12 to 32 lines.

• Free Verse. 12 to 32 lines.

• Children's Poetry.

• Teen Poetry.

• Fair Theme Poem, 8 to 24 lines.

• Short Poem, 2 - 8 lines. (can include haiku)

• Artistic Form. (poem put into artwork).

Why not sponsor a cash award for your fair to give out in your name?

FUN LINKS FROM ALL OVER!

Louisiana Recipes

TESH.COM

Online Slang Dictionary - Welcome

Mark Twain Museum

Howstuffworks

Dollywood

Federal Publications  Many Free!.

OLD TIME CHURCH HYMNS

Missouri As Seen From Space cam!

Steven Robert Heine Official  Site

Bible On Line

Billy Graham Ministries

FREE TICKET TO PARADISE

VIRTUAL TOUR of Silver Creek Falls Park

Our Favorite Links:

California Poetry dot com

Oregon Poetry. Com

America For Fun. com Cams and travel information for all of America.

Oregon For Fun. com This site features travel information on Oregon and fun things to do.

New Jersey Poetry Dot Com

Steven Robert Heine Web Site

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life"

“Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.'” —Psalm 16:1-2

Romans 8:28 "and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God and who are the called according to His purpose".

Psalms 37  "Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart."

God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure He will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again. Philippians 1:6

Acts 13:47 I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.

PSALM 1

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight  is in the law of the lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the  judgment, nor sinners  in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

PSALM 2

Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The  kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill." I will proclaim the decree of the Lord: He said to me, 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery." Therefore, you kinds, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.