Promptly Poetry Challenge (2024-2025)

I've added a new entry to my book, "Weekly Poetry Challenge Five" :
         "week Four Birthday Ode to the WDC" 


Ode to my writing friends at WDC

When I retired
From the U,S .Foreign Service
In 2016,
After 27 years service
All over the world./

Travels to over 55 countries
And all states,

I vowed I would become
After I retired,
a published writer, blogger
Poet and podcaster.

And I have achieved
those goals.

I am self-taught
As a poet and writer
When I found this site
I quickly learned
This was the place for me.

I started joining
weekly challenges
Learning every week
The essential tricks
Of the poet’s trade.

And over time I learned
What works for me
Is free-form neo-beatnik
Outlaw poetry.

I learned
I do not do
Traditional metrical poetry
Very well, just not my forte.

My attempts are lame
But I persist
From time to time.

Along the way
I have met

Many virtual friends
Who have offered
Words of encouragement
And advice.

And so I will continue
To be part of this writing family
For a few more years at least.

As I turn 69 soon
I know that I will soon
Be slowing down.

But I still have
A lot to say
And this is the place
For me to say it.

Happy 24th birthday
Thanks Writing Com
For all that you do

From one of your
Many devoted fans.

It's WdC's 24th Birthday Week!!!
Write a celebratory birthday poem to WdC.