The second of my collections of poems written for "Express It In Eight." |
As usual these days, I choose blog format because it offers more space for the work. |
Procrastinate Now! No finer time than the present if only the future weren't there with blandishment incandescent and its acres of space to spare. The past is done and recorded so I’ll give yesterday a miss with today bought and afforded tomorrow might still earn the kiss. Line count: 8 Rhymed abab For Express It In Eight, 05.22.25 Prompt: Procrastinate now! |
A Naughty One North Pole said to the South, “I’m the king of the castle.” and South said to the North, “I’ve wrapped up a brick in a parcel and sent it to Spain with a note to explain it came from an Englishman’s limerick.” Line count: 8 Rhymed abcbddef For Express It In Eight, 05.21.25 Prompt: Write a conversation poem between opposites. |
In the Restaurant “Good things come to those who wait,” the chef becomes forgotten - gratuity for those who bring the plate, the maker’s hopes are rotten. Of course, it is not always true and cook be complimented - in truth he might say, “Thank you too,” though wry and discontented. Line count: 8 Rhymed abab For Express It In Eight, 05.20.25 Prompt: Good things come to those who wait. |
Rumbling Pushing this walking frame around on the wooden floors upstairs, I can’t help but reflect upon the rumbling suffered by those beneath. Still, it has to be better than being the one tracking my progress, building my irritation at the thoughtlessness of others. Line count: 8 Free verse For Express It In Eight, 05.19.25 Prompt: Write a rumbling poem. |
A Jarring Tale Shrunken head kept in a jar a story that my mind doth mar the image will not let me go such gruesome things within us grow and if I read such darkened tales I feel my soul doth shrink and fail perhaps I should horror eschew and ne’er again the like review. Line count: 8 Rhymed aabb For Express It In Eight, 05.18.25 Prompt: Write a poem about something in a jar. |
Signpost Never assume there is no room for choices more than two. I’ll not deny nor question why you have an answer too. But beyond your way there’s more than I can say. Line count: 8 Rhymed aab ccb dd For Express It In Eight, 05.17.25 Prompt: Write a poem about “my way or the highway.” |
Underground Encounter Scorpion skittering away in the darkness and dust, the first and last of my experience, and so small, so scared of my looming presence. So much for hallowed reputations, as if your frightened and miniature existence, less than an inch in old money, could live up to the tales of your poisonous intent. You’re welcome to my cellar. Line count: 8 Free verse For Express It In Eight, 05.16.25 Prompt: Write a poem about a find in a dusty attic or cellar. |
Beyond the Meaning Who pays the piper calls the tune what’s earned in May is spent in June and those who play with borrowed dime will be in rags a later time. What goes around will come around all music starts as just a sound to blame the piper for the song is but to wish you’d got it wrong. Line count: 8 Rhymed aabb For Express It In Eight, 05.15.25 Prompt: Write a poem about living beyond your means. |
Drive-through Line If only I were stronger I wouldn’t wait for longer - I’d shout with stentorian voice from the seat of my Rolls Royce, “Can I get some service here? I’ve been waiting for half the year and though I’m known for my resistance I am losing my persistence.” Line count: 8 Rhymed aabb For Express It In Eight, 05.14.25 Prompt: Write a poem that includes three robust words. |
Stardust "We are stardust, we are golden," wrote Joni Mitchell of Woodstock, and so we sang, emboldened with happiness in wedlock. But now the days are old and grey and the universe seems narrow - the golden years, as they would say, are due to end tomorrow. Line count: 8 Rhymed abab For Express It In Eight, 05.13.25 Prompt: Stardust. |