Anthology of Poems

My daughter asked me to put my writing in one spot, so here it goes. I was writing a story, and my muse went on an extended road trip - If you see her, tell her I'm still waiting for her to show up. The following poems are just things I've come up with - whether for contests, or just for something to do. Many have prompts, but not all.

The beginning:

Banging my head against the wall
Tears flowing freely from my eyes
Utter despair won't go away
Failure rears it's ugly head - again



This day is dragging
Nothing spectacular
Just another "meh"
Kind of day

Surgery tomorrow
At least I hope
If not, then I haven't an
idea on how to cope

Exercise, diet, meds
Blood Pressure measured
It sometimes just gets to me
Boredom is the enemy

Guess I'll wait and see
How the day pans out
Early to bed and to rise
Friends wish me well, praying

Still this day is dragging
Nothing more to report
It's just another "meh"
Kind of day



Patience isn't a virtue,
Not of mine, anyhow.
Chomping at the bit,
Needing to do things now.

Take my time, don't overdo
I hear time and time again
But don't they understand
For me, waiting is a strain.

I've got places to go,
and things to do
I just feel so contained
One step forward, two steps back
is really just a pain.

Even so,

I have to wait, I have to bide my time
I need to "cool my jets".
Patience isn't automatic,
I haven't learned it yet.





Gift me not with flowers
Nor with diamonds that glitter
Shower me not with praises
That in the mouth taste bitter.

The only thing I wish
Is for your friendship true
An excellent starting place
For such alliances are few



A dreary day, ending
with a thunderstorm.

The rolling thunder comforts,
while the storm rages on.

The roads will flood, but I care not;
Safely tucked inside my house.

Writing my musings and ramblings
While the ground soaks in the water.




The hardware store holds products
pledging to rid us of our fears
Tape and traps and poisons circulate
All within our personal spheres

Pests within, pests without
Tis a common thread
In our angst to be rid of them
We only heighten the dread

We cannot do this ourselves
We need to hire a pro
They can get in where the cretins lay
And wander to and fro

The cost! The smell!
Is it worth the darkening pall
Questions linger, and I wonder
at the sanity of it all

Perhaps it best to my mind
To let them have the house
Rather than to blow it up
On account of a single mouse



20 lines abcb form (at least I think so)
8/28/22




Voices in my head
Cacophony hurts my ears
Go away I beg them
Down my face roll the tears

I haven't felt so good
these past several days
I've only wanted to sleep
Heavy my heart does weigh

Finally! Quiet does come
A Hallelujah I do say
Sleep will be so precious
I fall in without delay

How long I have slumbered
I do not really know
But the Voices have come back
And consciousness comes slow

Everywhere I hurt, I ache
What is happening here?
I have no idea what's going on
And I begin to shake with fear

Turns out I really was sick
Giving the kids a scare
I really did nearly die
And slept without a care



8/29/22
24 lines
abcb rhyme format





Psalms 33:18-22

18 The Lord watches over those who obey him, those who trust in his constant love.

Waiting, watching
Looking for that one
Who trusts Him
Who longs to obey


19 He saves them from death; he keeps them alive in times of famine.

Though hungry
Shall not starve
Though dying
Shall not die

20 We put our hope in the Lord; he is our protector and our help.

Our Protector guides
Our hope prevails
Our Lord rescues
He shall not fail


21 We are glad because of him; we trust in his holy name.

Because He is
We are made glad
Because He is holy
We trust in Him

22 May your constant love be with us, Lord, as we put our hope in you.

Our constant prayer
Your Love Shine through us
Our hope eternal
You shall lead us home


8/29/22
I saw something similar in Cubby's writing on the Edmund Fitzgerald. Drew inspiration from it



Once Upon A Time
There was this cat,
She did what she wanted
As cats are obliged to do
She ate, she drank, she slept
She hissed, she clawed, she purred
Orange, tan, black and white
Green eyed, tortoise shell
Her favorite thing to do was bring
A headless mouse to me as a gift




I think about you from time to time
Your life here was so short
Taken, just at your prime
Cancer, your life did distort

Thick as thieves we could be
Plotting some crazy scheme
Or angry as honey bees
We made a compelling team

We grew up and apart
As we were bound to do
You were always in my heart
But our contact days were few

Now you are gone from sight
Ashes in a ceramic urn
I hope you took wings in flight
From here ne'er to return

My sister, Kathy
16 lines
abab form poetry
Gone, but not forgotten *HeartBroken*




With words we do relate
To things others cannot
We strive for perfection
Alas, fleeting as it is

Words bring us comfort
Sometimes they make us cry
Encouragement can come
Criticism rears its ugly head

We are bound up in words
Cannot live without them
We are different, sometimes, yes
But still we are here

Our lives matter too
Difficult our path may be
Poetry our breath, our song
Living in a different world





8/31/22
Writing Prompt for Micro-Monologue: Poets remain in a different world!




My Day shall be a glorious day
Not a cloud shall be in the sky
We shall have ice cream
Along with strawberry-rhubarb pie

Balloons of all shapes and sizes
Shall be hung up and down the street
Not a frown is to be had
When the different folks shall meet

The grandest parade shall be ticker-tape
And go off without a flaw
And I shall sit in the last float
To the shouts of "Hey, MeeMaw"

I laugh at the thought of a "Me Day"
I am usually the one who plans
For other's fun and enjoyment
I don't have too many fans



16 lines
All About Me Prompt for Merit Badge Projects
abcb rhyme format
8/31/22
"MeeMaw" is a pet name from all my kids' friends (unofficially adopted LOL)




Tomorrow is the first
September morning of 2022
So much time has flown
And still so much to do

The rains continue to pour
The energy crisis still looms
Cost of food is outrageous
The politicians still fume

Life goes on; there's no doubt
I read, I write, I review
Hopefully soon I shall cook up
A palatable witches' brew

Of poems and stories and puzzles
For contests and other such riches
For now, I bid you a fond farewell
And the best of all night wishes




Dear Dad,

When you chose my mom,
You also chose me
You didn't have to
But you decided "Yes"

Thoughtful, kind, wise
I didn't think of these words
As I was busy growing up
Trying to become my own person

But you were there through the
Tantrums, bike-riding, learning to drive
Even though it broke your heart
When I changed my last name

How I've come to admire you
Not with the starry-eyed love of childhood
But with grown-up adoration
Knowing you are human, as well as Dad

I remember wanting to be just like you
Even though I was a little girl
Now I wish to reflect your character
In my grown-up life as a woman

Words are not enough
They cannot reflect all that is in my heart
But saying "I love you, Dad"
You mean the world to me.

Love,
your little girl





It's late; very, very late
So why did you wait
To tell me you love me
when I was resigned to this fate

I'm unsure if I can forgive
the neglect, the lies, the wrongs
Your calling at this hour
with no flowers, no candy, no songs

I've given up on what
I thought to be a love so true
I was already in bed, asleep
You showed up out of the blue

So go home to your house
I shall stay in mine
The 22nd hour is past the time
Your overtures, I must decline




9/2/22
Prompt: Write something with the number 22 as a domanant theme, topic, or idea in honor of WdC's 22nd birthday celebration.
Written for "The Whatever Contest." *Right* "The Whatever Contest -- Closed for Now"
Word/Line Count:16 lines






Fluffy, floppy, full of love
Soulful eyes that search
Sloppy tongue that kisses
Such was sent from above

Black, brown or yellow
A friend you have for life
To follow you round about
and is such a good fellow

Playful, happy, and content
to lay by one's feet
To chew on a bone (or slipper)
Is his love's portent

Fluffy, floppy, full of love
I marvel at this pup
Petting, and hugging
Such was sent from above




One time the make-up

Two times the shoes

Three times the dress up

Four times the rouge

Five times the worry

Six times the wait

Seven times now hurry

Eight times now late



Diet Dying Days

A careful diet I must eat
To be cautious of what I ought
But there is one day before me
That all may come to naught

Turkey, peas and carrots
Casseroles of green beans
Cranberries, potatoes mashed
Turnips, assorted greens

Rolls buttered aplenty
The thought makes me sigh
To drink there's tea and coffee
Later on there's cool-whip topped pie

What shall become of my diet
A catastrophe I dread
When it comes down to it
I should just hide under my bed



School Daze

New classes, new pens *PenB*
Old teachers, old books *BookStack*
Jockeying for position
Defying the dirty looks *Angry*

"Not good enough" or "too good"*Crown*
The cliques do abound
Jocks, band, rebels, nerds *Football* *Cool* *Geek*
The labels go round and round

Finding a locker *Binoculars*
Figuring out the lock*Lock*
Finding the bathrooms :
Where the gaggles all flock

Where is English class?*Headbang*
Where is the gym? *Ball*
Where is biology lab?*Frog*
The thought of dissection, grim *Sick*

So lunch time comes *Apple*
The cafeteria is small
What is on my plate *Broccoli*
I don't recognize at all*FacePalm*

Now History, which I like *Smile*
Then Government, not so much *Smirk2*
Math, eh, meh, ok
with calculations and such*Calculator*

Ending the day with study hall *Reading*
A blessing, that I swear
Getting homework done at school *Writing*
Going home without a care. *Home*




What is this? A repeat day?
What did I do to get this?
Crazy, goofy old groundhog,
whom I tried to kick and missed.

How do I fix this?
How do I get out?
Putting on my thinking cap,
Trying not to shout.

No sense being cranky,
I didn't do you any harm;
I really don't like to repeat
It doesn't hold any charm.

So, if you please dear groundhog
Please, forgive and forget;
that I once tried to kick you,
I'll forget that we ever met.

*BootR* *Shock2* *Sun* *Crazy*




16 lines
Prompt for 9/7
Write a story or poem about a Groundhog Day (2/2) gone wrong.



Flowers, ribbons and lace
Giddy girls giggling
Little boys are bored
Mom is in tears
Dad is proud
The 22nd, this morn
She walks down the aisle
On her Wedding Day

Flowers, ribbons, lace
Somber mood, and yet
A celebration of life
Rich and long-lived
Memories shared
With tears and quiet laughter
Her body left behind this 22nd morn
Her soul's Resurrection Day



16 lines - free form
You have to write about a double celebration, happening on the 22nd of a certain month. Bold the two celebrations, and the date for tomorrow's judge to find.




Summer is winding down;
Making way for a cool evening.
Sweaters will become common
to wear by the back-yard fire pit.

A wonderful season is capped
by good friends aplenty;
Even the sound of the snoring dog
gives comfort to me.

Now I wait patiently
for the snow;
And in its own turn,
The spring, with monarch butterflies.



The ashes are gone
The twisted metal has been taken
The ghosts are all but memories
Life, it seems, goes on

Cramped and busy
People all around
Trapped by technology
Walking alone

Where were you then?
Where are you now?
Do you even remember
that day so long ago?

Traffic stood at standstill
Planes grounded all over
People fighting for their lives
and the lives of others

Our promises to never forget
seem a shadow of the past
Scarred over by time
Never quite healed




The ashes are gone
The twisted metal has been taken
The ghosts are all but memories
Life, it seems, goes on

Cramped and busy
People all around
Trapped by technology
Walking alone

Where were you then?
Where are you now?
Do you even remember
that day so long ago?

Traffic stood at standstill
Planes grounded all over
People fighting for their lives
and the lives of others

Our promises to never forget
seem a shadow of the past
Scarred over by time
Never quite healed


The Queen

An image of a Queen is forever *Crown1*
stamped in my mind
Quiet, gracious, duty-bound
Regal, dignification personified *BagP*

What a sad day for us *Sad*
When you went away
Although I'm sure you were happy
To be reunited with your Prince *Tophat*

The angels sing Hallelujah *Angel*
as you made your entrance grand
I just wonder if your gown is colored
And topped with a matching mad hat *PartyHatO*



Whenever life gets me down
As it is bound to do
I look up to the heavens
His love will see me through

His promises abundant
His presence he wants to share
If only I look to Him and
All the chaos is laid bare

Take me by the hand
Lead me in Thy way
Let me not be caught up
In my own troubled display

Be my strength and fortress
Refuge in you assured
Be still my foolish heart
Rest in You preferred


Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”




Crusty the Crocodile
It's time to take a bath
But I don't want to, he fussed
I'll take another path

But you'll make a smell
That will be hard to take
A bath will fix you up
A sweet scent you'll make

But Momma, he cried
As babes are wont to do
Tears and tantrums
of all kinds naturally ensued

But Momma held firm
As mommas are meant to
Bubbles arose from the bathtub
And Crusty was good as new



The VERY first day of school can be scary.
All of the supplies in the pack;
"What if they don't like me?"
"I don't want to go back."

"I'll hold your hand, sweetheart.
You have nothing to fear."
"I'll be by your side,
Tomorrow, and all year."

"What about at recess?
English class and Math?"
"Don't worry, my child;
Now go take a bath."

"What about the teacher?
If she's mean, I'll scream!"
"I'm sure she will be nice.
And after, we'll get ice cream."

"Now go to bed, darling;
You'll be up in no time."
"Good night, mommy;
See you in the sunshine."


20 lines abcb format
September prompt: First day of School. Written for Writing 4 Kids 9/17/22



Seriously?


It doesn't matter where you are
There always seems to be a crowd
Everyone wants to get out of here
And the throng seems so loud

We are one behind the other
Anticipating our own turn
Patiently, or not so much
Our delay we decidedly spurn

Finally, the time has come
Our turn, in an undefined whine
We can get out of here and
We can stop waiting in line.


Those Times


Seems to me this is a thing
Helping one another; when
In times of need, we all do
Need a hand now and again

Iron sharpens iron
Friends are friends, indeed
Prayers and love, we support
From the chains and shackles, freed

Encouragement plays it's part
Lifting up one another
Giving comfort and time
to a sister or a brother

To pay it forward, this is
The only thing required
As you've been blessed, bless others
This is what's desired.


Oh what fun to write a poem
Books and papers everywhere *Books1*
Using a fountain pen to write *Writing*
Giving it an artistic flair

A sure hit I cannot guarantee
You may not see it in a store *Cabin*
But the feeling I get is amazing *HappyCry*
So that evens out the score

Yes, writing poems does my heart good
It is a discipline, and yet *Thinker*
I cannot think of any venture *Books3*
Where my words I won't forget




You must keep this to yourself - tell no one!
Those words haunted my thoughts and dreams
Little did I know what was in store
The laughs, the tears, the freakish screams

The clues were all there, for us to see
A broken doorbell greeted our way
Crazy wind chimes bade us welcome
We decided to enter; come what may

On a weathered table in the foyer
A blank envelope was there
Held down by a ceramic feather
The scrawling note said "Beware!"

I wouldn't have gone along, if I had only known
The wind around us began swirling
I believed it a prank, but with muffled laughter
The claws of the beast came curling

We had no chance, no time to run
I don't know how I got away
But my friends were not so lucky
On this Halloween night's fray



20 lines
Writer's Cramp Prompt for Sept 24th.

Begin your STORY or POEM with this line, bolded:
"You must keep this to yourself - tell no one!"




Fall From Grace

How beautiful and majestic
How glorious your place
The honor bestowed
The sweetness of face

You knew all these things
Yet you wanted more
"I will be like God"
You started a war

One-third you provoked
Into following your lead
But it was not enough
To satiate your greed

So war ensued in the heavens
With those angels you stole
From heaven you were cast
Pride took it's final toll


20 lines

Prompt for Sept 25: "Fall From Grace"
My interpretation:
Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you. By the multitude of your iniquities, in the unrighteousness of your trade you profaned your sanctuaries; so I brought fire out from your midst; it consumed you, and I turned you to ashes on the earth in the sight of all who saw you. All who know you among the peoples are appalled at you; you have come to a dreadful end and shall be no more forever." (Ezekiel 28:11-19)



A Little White Lie


A little white lie told so long ago
What a mess was made
What history may have been
These moments shall never fade

A serpent, so cunning, told a lie
the woman, naive, was enchanted
You can trust me, the evil devised
and the seeds of doubt were planted

You shall not die, that is the truth
Why would I lie to you?
I know, but - the woman protested
She should have thought things through

You've got to me believe me he crooned
And with that, she heartily agreed
The woman took and she ate
Giving in to her greed

The die was now cast
The Fall was completed
From the garden banished
Eternal life was cheated

Thank goodness the story
Does not end there
Our lives have been redeemed
With a love beyond compare

So we may once again
Have a garden to obtain
Trusting in our Lord and
With him we shall reign


28 lines

Written for Writer's Cramp for Sept 26, 2022

Write a story or poem about a little white lie that causes a strange chain of events.



Wild, twisted winds *Wind*
Upheaving torrential rains *Rain*
Ice balls in varying sizes
Giving no recourse but to hide

On land, tornadoes loom *Tornado*
on water, typhons bring disaster
Or hurricanes, depending on the ocean *Wave4*
Thunderstorms rage without relent

Is it Global Warming, or Climate Change *Earth*
Is Mother Nature just upset *Angry*
Is it just cyclical patterns run amok
Is it the end of days

Right now, I need a shelter
An umbrella is of no help *Umbrella*
Praying for the end of the storm
And a rainbow in the sky *Rainbowl**Rainbowr*


16 lines Written for Writer's Cramp - for Sept 28, 2022
Prompt: Your story/poem must involve a thunderstorm.
One of your genres must be NATURE




Who Dunnit?
A mystery has unfolded,
A perpetrator emboldened;
Captain O'Leary is astounded,
The townspeople are confounded.

Who would hurt the poor Chef
And stuff him under the table?
How and why are the questions -
Who could be so unstable?

A dastardly crime, no doubt;
Someone had some clout,
To do the poor Chef in,
Let the unveiling begin.

I believe since there is no Colonel Mustard
The evidence would be clear
The poor Chef tasted so much
The use of a poison is severe.

The one who committed the crime,
A deed most assuredly foul;
The mayor is the culprit!
Causing the townspeople to howl.

The mayor did in the Chef;
for "exchanging recipes" with the Mayor's wife.

22 lines
Written for The Bard's Hall contest.
9/30/22




He closed his eyes in slumber
For the last time in this life
Coming back, one does wonder
Is there peace or only strife

This time it seems
That he becomes Gen. Custer
Given orders to invade
With all that he can muster

But what if he chose
Not to partake in this path
To not attack the Indians
To not provoke their wrath

It is a choice for him to make
Would history be changed
Would it be repeated
Graves not rearranged

If only one could see
What the future holds
To make those changes
For a purpose to unfold


Lines count: 20

Written for Writer's Cramp Oct 19, 2022

Write a story or poem about someone who is "preincarnated" -- when they die, they come back as a famous person in the past. Who do they become? What do they do?





Ding Dong
"Trick or Treat"
What if I choose "Trick?"
Confused faces stare back;
They only want candy

Ding Dong
"Trick or Treat"
I want a "Treat"
And hold out my hand
Again, blank faces

After a few times,
I hear no more
Ding Dong
"Trick or Treat"
So I get to eat the candy



Monsters, pirates, witches *WitchHat*
are all walking about;
Looking for treats and *Candy7*
making some shout. *Shock*

A haunted house! What fun! *FenceBl*
A friendly ghost greets; *Ghost*
I wonder if I ask nicely,
Will I get some treats? *Candy5*

I walk to the door, *Door*
The ghost says, Boo!"
I shriek with delight -
Candy comes into view. *Candy2*

I leave the door smiling; *Smile*
I am filled with such glee.
The ghost disappears inside - *Wind*
He must have been set free.




Waking up is hard
Especially when it is rude *Angry*
I'd rather cover my head
The words I utter are crude #!?*#

I stumble into the bathroom *Yawn*
Starting out the day
I stayed up late last night
Now the piper's come for pay *Coins*

Coffee! Where's my coffee? *CoffeeBl*
I wonder out loud
There better be some made
Or murder's to be allowed *Knife*

Getting ready for the day *Sneaker1* *Sneaker1*
I am almost there
I should have slept last night *Sleeping*
But then I didn't care

Grabbing at my keys
I let myself out the door *Door*
This day's gonna be tough
Coffee needs to even the score *MugY*





The lines were drawn
Confrontation was clear
Henry wanted out of his marriage
And no one should interfere

The Pope told him "NO"
That did not sit well
So he decided that HE
Would be the one to tell

He garnered some men
Who would not tell him no
Made them "clergy"
Their opinion they'd show

Katherine was out
Anne was now in
The Pope is irrelevant
Henry now decided "sin"

Strife continued
For many, many years
Religion's many faces
Caused a multitude of fears

He made the people swear
That Henry could do no wrong
Or their lives would be forfeit
It was decreed to the throng

Henry changed the face of religion
He who once stood firm
But because of a frailty
His mind he did turn



Taking the day
Just to unwind
We have to be free
From the daily grind

To shrug off our cares
That we do so find
To take a deep breath,
And focus our minds

Healing does come
In its timeless fashion
An inner peace with
Such compassion

Our goal complete
Our day of rest
Back to it tomorrow
Let karma do its best


Looking over quiet fields
Where fallen soldiers lie
Flags by stones mark places
Tears fall in unspoken cry

Remembering loved ones
Frozen forever in time
Regaled by their stories
Now quiet, sublime

Youthful, exuberant, and then
The older, more wise
Lay side by side in shadows
No more sorrows or sighs


Written for Bard's Hall Dec. 4, 2022

Write an Acrostic Poem by choosing one of the Holiday/Winter Prompt/Banner below and create your acrostic masterpiece!.

SILVER BELLS



Silver Bells



Sound the bells!
I long to hear them ring; Let them
Loudly clang throughout the town.
Vibrating through each person's heart.
Everyone celebrate the birth of the King
Reverberating in jubilee.

Believers rejoice
Everywhere they go!
Love abounds, a gift from our
Lord -
Sound those wonderful bells!



Opening presents one by one
Christmas day has finally come
Thanking each person as I go
Opening carefully, each one bestowed

I spotted one gift, as yet not claimed
I saw no tag, nor written name
Curiosity got the better of me
I lifted the gift from under the tree

Whose gift is this? I wanted to know
A wonderous box topped with a bow
No one knew from where this gift came
So I opened the gift without any shame

Inside, there was a written verse -
It was a blessing and not a curse
"Your life, a gift was given back to you
Don't waste it now, it's yours to choose"

I closed my eyes, eternally grateful;
For last summer, a health scare fateful
To encourage and give back, now my desire
More than any presents I could now acquire.




T'was the night of Thanksgiving *Turkey*
Leftovers are all put away;
People up from their naps and ballgames *Sleeping* *Football*
There is no time to play.

Grabbing their keys and wallets *Key2*
Out the door they do fly;
Gotta get the Christmas deals *GiftP*
Before they pass us by.

The parking lot is full,
There's no buggies to be found; *Cart*
I can't believe I'm doing this -
The madness, the riots - the sound! *Shock2*

Checkout lines are stacked
To the very back of the store; *Think*
There are a few cashiers, *People*
Good Heavens! They need more!

The tale has taught one thing,
And this I believe,
Computer shopping's the answer *Computer*
For the stress to relieve. *Headbang*




Please, Mr. Cupid...
I don't wanna go.

Please Mr. Cupid...
Don't hit me with that bow!

I don't wanna fall in love
Please don't make me try!

It hurts to fall in love...
It makes me wanna cry!

Please, Mr. Cupid...
I don't wanna dance...

Please, Mr. Cupid...
I don't want the chance...

Go find another...
And please make it quick!

Plunge the arrow elsewhere
And please make it stick!





Where there is love, there is a warmth, a glow;

The world cannot comprehend.


Where there is love, there is a camaraderie

Few will understand, or even believe.


Ours is a one-in-a-million,

Putting each other first, and


Holding on to each other

Through any and all pitfalls that come.


Our love will stand the test of time;

It's not for the faint of heart.


We shall stand and fight to keep it burning;

True Love will keep us alive!





Christmas time, o Christmas time
It's joyful anticipation.
Everyone becomes a child again;
In wonderous fascination.

A time-honored tradition,
Chasing the kids back to bed;
Waiting for the presents to come,
Waiting for breakfast to be fed.

Finally! time to get up,
And see the magic come.
Controlled chaos happens,
And to it we succumb.

After all is said and done,
The paper, the ribbons gone;
Back to normal activities they go,
And I, back to sleep with a yawn.




Spooky, creepy,
frightful time of year;
Thoughts of ghosts and bats
fill my mind with fear.

Slimy, green witch's brew,
in a smoking black pot;
Filled with frogs and bugs
And who knows what.

Skulls with a toothy grin,
Bid you a fond welcome;
Be careful, though;
The rest of the bodies
will soon beckon.

Spooky, creepy
frightful time of year;
Thoughts of ghosts and bats
fill my mind with fear.




Grace abounds
Nothing less
Than my best
To please You
O Lord

My prayers
Answered
Even if not the
Desired outcome

Trusting You
Must be my
Constant focus

Looking forward
To Your return

Thank You, Lord




My place is your place *Cabin*
as the saying goes
But follow these simple rules *Scroll*
Or I will step on your toes

One: Don't feed the dog *Dog1*
He likes raw meat
A fresh kill for him *Burger*
Is no mean feat

Two: Clean out the tub *WaterDrop*
The zombie likes a bath
If you don't clean up *ZombieHand*
He will be on your path

Three: Turn off the lights *BulbY*
When not being used
The ghosts don't like them *Ghost*
They will blow the fuse

Four: Keep the doors closed *Door*
It's a good idea
For keeping out critters - *Bats*
A good panacea

Five: Don't cut yourself *Knife*
I shall advise
Drac loves his blood *Vamp*
It will be your demise

So there you have it
A new boarder- we'll see *EyesRight*
How long you last
Before hung in a tree *BareTree3*


Line Count: 28

Writer's Cramp for 10/20/22
New Prompt:

Use as a title for your poem or story: My house is your house
and make a list of at least five rules that the person who is coming to this house has to keep.



Freely falling
In a dream-like state;
Will I be caught?
What is my fate?

To trust and have faith -
I must adhere;
So my destination
Will finally be clear.




Happy days, sad days
'Round and round it goes;
How do I get off this wheel?
Seems nobody knows.

"Chin up", "Keep on"
Are the words that I hear;
But keeping on is the
One thing that I truly fear.

What if I stumble?
What if I fall?
What if I don't do
Anything at all?

Letting go of the fear;
No matter what it brings
Whether ups or downs;
No matter how it stings.

Failure will not be an option-
At least not for me;
So on and on I go
Until at last I am free.


Cleanse Your Body, Soul and Spirit

To cleanse - to make clean and pure again. Literally by water, or figuratively by actions.

Cleansing your body - to make it fresh, to take away germs.
Cleansing your soul - to make amends with those you've wronged; to practice charity.
Cleansing your spirit - to delight yourself in our Maker, and His Word; obedience and faith.

Cleaning away the toils and cares of this world;
Leaving the good to remain.
Each day we should practice this
Art;
Not giving place for filth in our lives.
Seeing with more than just the
Eyes - seeing with the heart of the Father.


February comes from “februa,” a Latin word meaning “to cleanse,” and was named after a month-long purification festival held this time of the year. Write a story or poem about a cleansing, either literal or metaphorical. Use EMOTIONAL as one of your genres.



A blood red rose
A symbol of love
Frozen in time

Has my love gone cold?
Where has the passion gone?
Is it frozen in duty or obligation?

God forbid!
Rekindle the love and desire -
Do not let it become a memory fading with time.



I'm just in a good mood today. I will take it however I get it, as I'm sure that rough times will show its ugly head at times.

I think part of the gladness stems from the sunshine, and getting out and moving about.

Humming along,
Altogether at
Peace with my surroundings.
Prayerfully
Yearning for that

Day that our Lord shall come.
Always watchful, not knowing the time;
Yet always optimistic

A silly poem, yes. But I'm in a silly mood today.




Happiness is a choice -*Smile*
Circumstances not withstanding;
We may not like where we are,
But we may have peace in the journey.*Dove*

Holding on for dear life - *Wind*
It seems like it sometimes;
But standing firm in my faith *Cross1*
Gets me through it all.

I choose to be happy - *BigSmile*
I choose it for me;
I shall not be ruled by
What the world says.*Earth*




Winding down the dusty road
Not knowing where I am going;
Trusting that You will be
Going on before me.

I know not what this life holds;
But then, that is not my job -
I come to You in faith, not fear
Clinging to Your promise.

Thank you, Father, for loving us;
Giving Your Son unselfishly.
Allowing His death to bring freedom
To the children of Your heart.




Having abundance of grace and mercy.
Always having a song in my heart, regardless of my feelings.
Preparing for the future.
Prepared for His coming.
Interaction with others - being able to share my hope
Not getting bogged down with the "what ifs"; in
Everything being thankful.
Surety of mind and heart.
Secure in my faith.

Happiness wins the day;
Always striving to be my best.
Placing my cares,
Problems and strife
Into my Father's capable hands.
No trouble shall overtake me;
Even if all hell rages.
Sweetly confident in the
Son, who

Won the victory.
I shall give Him praise,
Not knowing the path at times.
Surely His goodness is great.




What happiness means to me:

It doesn't mean I'll not be sad,
Nor not be depressed or even angry.

It means that in spite of what is going on in my life,
I will still have peace.

Happiness is fleeting; enjoyable, yet
Not self-sustaining. Stubbing your toe
Makes you realize that. *FacePalm*

No I enjoy happy times, like anyone else;
I just cannot base my life on being happy.
I must choose a Fruit of the Spirit - one that has durability.
I choose peace.




Happiness is an emotion -
One I don't feel today; *Think*
I'm not sure what is wrong
I'm not sure what to say. *Cry*

I know that I go by faith
And not by my feelings. *Pray*
However, today has me in knots;
I feel as though I am reeling. *Worry*

So, Lord, help me this day,
To trust and depend on You. *Hand1**Hand2*
For it's by your Grace and Mercy,
That today I muddle through.*Shovel*




I am thankful that I have a loving family.
I am thankful that all of my needs are met.
I am thankful that I have a loving Creator who is with me always.

Thinking that I
Have
All of my
Needs met, and
Knowing that I am
Fulfilled in my heart;
Until the time my
Lord calls me home to Himself.




There are days
Happiness is over-rated.
When I'm in a contemplative mood.

It's not that I'm unhappy, per se;
It's just that I'm not over the moon giddy.
There's something for that, I guess.

I'm looking for a direction,
I'm wanting to be useful;
Getting to a place of acceptance
Is not/has not been easy.

I'm not unhappy,
Far from it.
Perhaps a better word would be content -
But I'm not even sure of that word.

So going on, Seeking the One who holds
My life, and the
Answers that I seek;
I will trust in Him.



A mysterious moment
Left me scratching my head;
How in the world did that occur?
I'm still puzzling it out.

Then, it became quite clear -
It was Professor Plum
In the Library
With the Candlestick.



The past is the past, we cannot go back;
Except in our minds - It can lay a trap.
Keeping us occupied and afraid
Of the future - a trap perfectly laid.

Letting go can free us -
Being able to go forward.
A brave new adventure awaits
If we do not hide and cower.



Standing still, no kind of
Turbulence
Always still like a statue;
No movement at all.
Defying inertia -
In all of its forms;
Nothing taken, and nothing
Given.



Feb 4th

A face unrecognizable
With feelings unknown.
How should we answer?
It cannot be shown.

Fear the unknowable,
Treat it with utmost care
For it is inescapable
And all is laid bare.



Feb 5th

Come to the water,
Come with utmost haste
Come to the water,
There's no time to waste

Leave your sins in the water -
Be washed white as snow;
Leave your sins in the water -
Letting all your past go.




North - To the top of the world - the Northern Lights
South - To the bottom of the world, seeing penguins *Penguin* *Penguin*
East - Land of the Rising Sun *Sun*
West - Beautiful sunsets, have gun; will travel

A compass may tell the direction you will head, *Compass*
But it will not give you the direction you seek;
A useful tool, indeed
But alone it's just metal and gears. *Gears*



Wouldn't it be a shock
To find out God was real?
Wouldn't cause a fuss?
Knowing how people feel.
It's kind of scary.
To choose one's destiny;
Based on a feeling -
When in reality,
To be sent reeling,
Out into eternity.


Chaos, sweet mess
Who knows what
Treasures I'll find
Looking through your shelves?

Memories, patterns
Yarn and material;
One day I'll have enough energy
To put it all together.



BEin an adventurous sort,
Willing to go the extra mile
I thought I'd try to give this a shot -
Living on the wild side.
Describing bewildered in 8 lines
Extra care must be given.
Remembering to stop short, while
EDiting at the end.


28th-

Being a lover of music
Most any genre included;
I wonder if the musical instruments
Dance in the heads of the composers.

I think that it does,
And if it's done right -
Those self same instruments
Shall dance in the head of the listener.



29th -

Robert Frost lived a life
Of the working class -
Writing his poetry and
Taking care of his family.

New England was his home,
Though he did do some travelling,
Reciting a poem for JFK
At his inauguration.



Erosion takes away
Usable nutrient soil; *Skull*
Volcanoes rumble deeply *MountainsG*
Causing geysers to boil.

Earthquakes shake in
the weirdest places; *No*
Landslides give way
Intruding on man's spaces.




The road of life has taken me
on many different paths. *Sneaker1*
Some have been extremely satisfying
While others have left me decimated. *Sad*

Still, I travel on this road, *Wind*
Grateful to be alive;
Taking nothing for granted (anymore) -
With a song in my heart. *HeartP*





How about having a party
*ConfettiP* "Just Because" *ConfettiR*
A good enough reason as
Life is hard enough.

Bring on the hats and balloons! *PartyHatO* *BalloonB*
Bring on the cake and ice cream! *CupcakeP* *IceCreamV*
I refuse to feel guilty -
Life is reason enough to celebrate. *GiftO*



Many plans carefully made,
Still can go awry;
It matters not what skill is used,
Making grown men cry. *Cry*

Man makes many plans,
But God orders the way,
We may want to go somewhere,
When God want us to stay. *Hand*


You can only be young once.
But you can always be immature.
I prefer to be young again,
But I didn't get a vote.

Being older has its perks,
But on the other hand -
It also comes with
Quite a few "check engine" lights.



Why there is so much hate
in the world?
Why sadness has
taken over?

Why can't we all
just get along?
To me, it's
INCOMPREHENSIBLE


When in doubt
Ask questions;
Don't be afraid
Of learning something new.

You may find a treasure
In the asking;
And be made a
Better "you".


--------------------------

Falling asleep is easy,
Too easy, if you ask me;
It's staying asleep that's hard.
It's also inconvenient.

Up and down through the night -
Not fun at all;
Makes it hard during the day
Especially if I want to read. *Yawn* *Sleeping*




The quiet has come-
The inhabitants retired;
Waiting in slumber
Until the break of day.

When life surges again
In this forgotten spot;
No one looks here
Where pain does linger



"You can't handle the truth"
So the saying goes -
But God comes to us in truth
Through His Spirit it flows.

He doesn't give us more
Than what we may bear;
Hold tightly to His promises -
That is, if you dare. *Pray*



Some people say that it's
Better safe than sorry -
I think they may be hiding
behind a fear of failure.

Perhaps it's better to think -
Nothing ventured, nothing gained;
That way you may know
That at least you tried.




Oh if life were so simple
Just to reach up for a key;
To open up a life,
Instead of just wandering.

But life is what we make of it;
Pitfalls and triumphs
Life is gloriously messy,
If only we embrace it.


Sunday, Jan 8

Oh, beautiful morning!
The sun is just now peaking,
To love the softness of the light
Before the dawning of a new day.

Oh wonderous evening,
The setting of the sun;
To love the softness of the light
As darkness starts to envelope.




Monday, Jan 2

Where would I be, nerd that I am?
Without Star Trek in my life -
A wonderful world it is;
Albeit it still has it's strife(s).

Bless you, Gene Roddenberry,
For giving us such a place;
For adventures and stories
Out there - in outer space.


Tuesday, Jan. 3rd

Somebody messed up, somewhere;
"Giving Alaska away" -
Who knew there'd be gold, and oil
Reserves we could put away.

I guess we should thank Russia
for being quite greedy;
Although, I'm sure they're not so happy;
Being that they're quite needy.




I lie awake watching the sky,
Stars are twinkling all around *StarfishV*
My thoughts soar free in my mind,
Though my body is earthbound.*Earth*

My thoughts do wander
Out there, aimlessly - *Planet*
Is there anyone out there *EyesLeft*
Looking back at me?