constructing poetry

five short poems to greet and to part

1.

the only reason I don’t hate it
when you’re outward bound,
is that when you come home,
I feel our heartbeats sync,
and I love you again.

2.

finding a stranger who
becomes a friend
is like reaching for a golden ring
and winding up with a star—
as we meet, you shine.

3.

from you, I learned more
about how my stories worked,
about how to trim and polish—
we leave now, for new horizons
and adventures. thank you.
I’m better for your influence.

4.

good morning, Mother.
today you join my blood obsession,
one glucose check each morning,
a new custom. and I know you fear.
I promise I will guide you
stand by you, as you always do me.

5.

when I first knew you, we thought
to cleave unto each other, forever.
but time and distance cleave us apart,
and I fear I’ll never know your voice again.

line count: 22

Prompt ▼

Subject or Theme: In the Tang dynasty, anyone with an education was expected to greet as well as say goodbye to another person in poetic verse composed on the spot. A person would do this upon greeting or saying goodbye each person at a gathering. Imagine a gathering comprised of the following: Write greetings/ or farewells for 1. Your spouse or significant other (or an ex!) 2. a total stranger 3. your favorite - or least favorite teacher, 4. a parent and 5. your best friend. (not necessarily in this order.) These quick poems were usually 4-6 lines long and brought out an emotion you feel upon seeing them. Negative feeling were expressed in such a way as to appear positive.
Word(s) to Include: Use at least 5 of these and each stanza must include at least one. You may use more than one in a stanza if you like. If you repeat one of the words, you must use its alternate meaning. Contronym list https://www.dailywritingtips.com/75-contronyms-words-with-contradictory-meanings... (or any derivatives of these words)
Forbidden Word(s): None (or any derivatives of these words)
Additional Parameters: You should have at least 20 lines or a max of 30 lines. in 5 stanzas.
Remember, do not use forbidden words ANYWHERE, including title or the brief description.