Book of Past Challenges

Molly’s First Christmas

Molly’s First Christmas

She joined
our home months
ago, her kitten play
charmed all.
In my memory
I don’t recall
ever owning one
quite as entertaining.
She can be sleeping
like the dead
         one second
and the next dancing
across the kitchen floor
                   on her hind legs.

Now with Christmas looming
the tree went up
glorious in lights
and silver shiny globes
and instantly
         it came down
toppled by a flying cat
clinging to its branches.
Tinsel scattered
and ornaments tumbled
                   everywhere
gratefully only one shattered
into tiny sparkling shards.
Molly peeked out
from between flocked branches
         wide eyed wonder
wrapping up my heart
for many Christmases to come.
                   ~~Judi Van Gorder

30 Lines
A totally different poem with a more cheery Christmas theme. A little more personal.
"When the Light Went Out"  For "Day 7"  

Theme: Shattered Ornament
Words to use: shard, dance, memory, heart
Forbidden words: the word 'a', bounce, roll, crash, red, green, broken
Additional parameters: At least 20 lines.

Notes: ▼

Part 1
Pick and link one of the poems you've already written. Then either write a totally new poem following the prompt or significantly edit original as new item.

Part 2
Email Ren~HO HO HO out in the snow!! (176) and me Fyntabulous Fyn (793) by end of day tomorrow answering the following questions.
1. What you liked. The support of the participants and leaders. The daily challenges that took me out of my comfort zone and me think outside the box and stretch.
2. What you didn't like. Writing long poems. Way out of my comfort zone.
3. Which prompt was hardest and which was easiest for you. Hardest we’re the personal ones and poems over 20 lines. Whose face at Christmas? "day 8"   Easiest short poems and Note to someone to find in toe of stocking."day 28"  
4. What did you learn? So many things. First I really don’t like long poems but I learned they give a lot of freedom to the poet. However I’ve always believed poetry is condensed communication. Long poems often say too much or use too many words to communicate an emotion or thought. So this experience has pushed me to recognize both sides of the coin. To free myself and let my imagination fly but at the same time, practice the craft, "condense,condense,condense" Walt Whitman.I will very probably edit everyone of the poems entered after this is all over. 24 hours to write a finished poem is impossible for me, I have to let it settle. Walk away and come back with a clear eye.
5. Suggestions and/or compliments. I loved the experience, The quality of participation was inspiring. I appreciate and respect the effort of both leaders Ren and Fyn. A major undertaking. It was grueling as promised. It was also a valuable learning experience. Thank you. Once suggestion, or at least a thought, I wonder if judging could be shared in some way. To judge a minimum of 7 poems (early on, more) on a daily basis seems a daunting task. Maybe one or two days poems were judged by the participants themselves by a vote. Just ideas to play with.
DOING both parts counts. (What you say in Part 2 is a check mark that you did it and so you won't lose points.) WHAT you say matters but doesn't matter as far as your accomplishing Part 2. (ie; not judging what you say)