Poem a Week Campfire Started May of 2004, Now Extinguished! |
[Introduction]
The Milkman has a campfire that I really enjoy - Check it out to see how it's done -
In it you write a poem using a word given to you by the person writing before you. It can be a short haiku or a longer poem, rhyming or not whatever you want, just make it poetic. It can be about anything and be any type of poem. No restrictions except please respect the rating of this campfire. A while back, I started "A Poem A Week Campfire I" and we have worked to make a nice campfire. Now, after receiving a few requests, in order to include more of my friends and to make new friends (I hope - ) I have started another one! If your poem isn't in after a week, I'll skip so don't get your feelings hurt if I do skip you. This will move at least once a month, I promise. Unless I forget, then you can feel free to nag me about it, but I'll do my best to remember. And if I can't think of anything in a week, I'll even skip myself. Thanks to The Milkman for agreeing to be in the first one and for GENEROUSLY sharing his idea. Remember to not get your feelings hurt if and when you are skipped in this and everything will be fine and hopefully you will have fun! If you can't think of anything, feel free to skip yourself. Thanks for being in it! And if you want to be in it, please email me! Note: If you forget to give the next camper a word, I'll supply it or if I don't remember to do that - supply your own word! You can even try and give the next person a new word that comes from your own poem! |
First Word: Transform Roxie's Prayer Terrace robins light Spring in the Carolinas Camelias blossom February's mask Hides peristent winter ice Mountain snow invades Western Piedmont hills Wait for March warmth to transform Spring splash of color True giving angel Struggled in intensive care Beautiful kind soul Carried her neighbors' Burdens as her very own Blessed strong spirit Fought hard to survive Pray not to let her suffer Remember her love Give her some comfort Wrap your arms around her pain For those who love her So many love her May brought the warmth of sunshine Her journey ended Cinco de Mayo Celebrate the angel's life Lifted up to God Your word is splash |
I was sitting on a blanket on a beach writing my newest book- when suddenly I heard a loud splash! I raised my head to look and what did I see, a mermaid but she was gone in a flash! I looked around at the beach butI didn't see her again. I went back to my writing but I wasn't able to think. I slowly put down my pen and this time I saw the mermaid, she looked pink! Splash! Back in the water she went and I ran after her and fell in the sand! A woman yelled "Ashley, get out of the water, it's time to go home!" Just then a young man gave me his hand- as I got up and saw the mermaid coming out of the foam! It was a little girl you see, dressed like a mermaid so pretty in pink and green! I felt like a fool! That little girl was so mean! It's okay, I kept my cool. I thanked the young man for helping me up. I went back to my writing and I decided to write a mermaid story. I took a drink out of my coffee cup. I decided to write this story and hope it lead me to glory. Splash! I looked up and saw a unicorn! I ran off in a flash! What a day this has been! I rather go home and play my horn! Your word is: mermaid |
Haikus of a Mermaid Auburn tresses drift against her pale mermaid face, which was once smiling. Searching for a love that became a lost treasure in the buried sea. As the moon reflects salted tears of the ocean, she swims in sadness. Your word is: ambivalent |
How ambivalent is the snow? It makes the night time beautifully glow. But as morning comes quickly around, a shovel in my hand is always found. In one breath, I love the falling glistening flakes, then I'm cursing as I slide when I hit the brakes. The scenery looks like a Thomas Kinkade painting, it's a shame that all the work makes me feel like fainting. Your word is: meditate |
"Seasoned" As I sit and meditate Amongst the flowers, red and pink, I close my eyes, breathe in the scent. My head is paper, thoughts are ink. As I sit and meditate Amongst the leaves-- brown, yellow, red, I close my eyes, breathe in the scent, Allowing words to fill my head. As I sit and meditate Amongst the snowy pines, so green, I close my eyes, breathe in the scent, Drift back to all that I have seen As I sit and meditate Amongst the puddles, muddy brown, I close my eyes, breathe in the scent And greet the mist as it comes down. As I sit and meditate Amongst the seasons-- future, past. I close my eyes, breathe in the scent. A seasoned writer, I’m at last. Your word: silence |
Ah, Silence As silence screams it's deafening tone Once again we are gloriously alone This home is now again our haven To laugh and smile while we're misbehavin Laughter and joy of young voices Erased by passing years, replaced With sarcastic and demanding teenage remarks "I want...", "I need...", and "I deserve..." Now grown and finally gone, and at last Mother and Father sobered by their absence Silence left in their stead, ask "What do we have to do now that they've fled?" Sitting and listening to the void where Raised young voices once roared, a thought occured "We can go to bed early, and not have to worry they'll burst through our bedroom door." Although many years have passed we can remember What it was like to romp and play Our excited and loving marriage bed games, and Bask in the afterglow with no kids at our door Your word is: alligator |
Hiding her face behind gloved hands With a black, lace veil to cover her eyes Mourning her husband's sudden death She was a murderer in disguise She had really pulled the trigger But the cops labeled it a suicide Twenty-two years of marriage ended Alligator tears, the widow cried Sobs of happiness mistaken for grief A heinous crime she did commit Now rich off her husband's insurance money She had actually gotten away with it Your word is cancer |
A Symbol of Love Words softly spoken years ago Carefree on a summer breeze Promises of never letting go Memories he still can see. A reminder of love and devotion Given from the depths of his soul A gesture with so much emotion She accepted making him whole. A lifetime lived without regret Vows to honor and deeply cherish Not one moment did he ever forget Nor allow her memory to perish. Today he holds her diamond ring A keepsake for a new generation Smiling he knows it will bring Happiness from loves creation. Proudly the gem is given away Placing it in the hands of the son. A symbol for his love this very day His holy union has just begun. Words softly spoken today From two young hearts so true Innocence to remind and portray A love for him that only grew. Your word is: Flame |
Flame-Painting Long Feathery plume Of flame Brushes Inky black Billows Across a Once pale-blue Sky. Bright sun Smudged Out -- No rain, No relief -- Only Charred wisps Descend From Burned-meadow Clouds. Red tongues Leap and Devour -- Dry burned Reeds Crackle and Expire -- |
Your word is shadows It is so scary as I walk at night in this big, old house, What are those shadows on the wall? Oh please, let it be a mouse! I slowly find my way around in the dark, so I won't fall. The electricity is off and I walk with a flashlight, Those shadows are scaring me! I remind myself it's only the dark of the night. If only the lights would come on and I could see! I hear a pitty patter noise. I turn the corner and the eerie shadows are still there! If I only was a young girl again in my bedroom playing with my toys! Oh no! The shadows are everywhere! All of a sudden, a flash of light! The lights are back on and all is well! The shadows, what where they on this scary night? I look around and all I see is a big old shiny bell! This big old house is a present from my departed grandmother. I am a big girl now and I will have to learn to love this old house. It has beauty, charm and a lot to endure. I sigh and sit on the couch. Every house has it's shadows and life here will be alright. I read a book and I fell asleep and dream. I will get over my fright. I love this house when grandma was alive and we were quite a team. Good night, Grandma, I love you. You must have been the shadows.I am no longer scared. I cuddle my stuffed Winnie the Pooh- and I will always remember how much you loved me and cared. The next word is endure |
Living in Your Wrath I've been beaten, not only by your angry fists but, by your scathing words. What you call love has left me in pools of scarlet tears. What you call repsect has left my body bruised in shame. What you call devotion has left my mind twisted in torment. What you call life has left me blinded by death. How much longer can I endure the wrath of your wickedness? How much longer will I choose to die instead of live? Your word is: Orbit |
I gaze at the moon so beautiful and bright, and wonder what's among the stars tonight. Meteorites dancing in their orbit to natures sounds, passing many planets and Saturn's rings so round. Amazing sites from my telescope I see, among the twinkling stars is where I long to be. Nature's mysteries from the deep ocean to deep space, always leaves me in awe as the Earth stays it's pace. Your word is: Sacrifice |
Sorry, everyone! I've been on vacation! Sacrifice S- Savior and A- Almighty God, C- Creator of R- Righteousness, I- Instill in me F- Faith so I- I might sacrifice, C- Casting sins aside E- Eternally. Amen! Prompt: kayak |
A kayak just won't do I need a bigger boat One bigger than the fish I persue A motor would be much faster too My top half is cold and wet Cinched at the waist my bottom half is dry In this floating seafarers nightmare My foot itches and I can't reach it No, a kayak just won't do Just the other day Several huge whales breeched near Thought my little kayak was floating debris How lucky for me the tide had turned And I paddled my all the way home No, a kayak just won't do I need a bigger boat Prompt: more coffee, please |
Fantasy I will take a cup of fantasy And spread it over the sky and sea. I can put a little imagination And toss it with vivid creation. Watch what will be! I will take my pen and write A few words of magically light. I will throw this and that To create a fantasy bat And what a beautiful sight. I will send a picture to you Of falling elves into water yelling,"Boo!" Or knights, unicorns and birds of prey Imagine what they would say. What will I do and who? Trees |
Tree Haiku Rooted firmly in the ground, green children stretch their arms skyward.{c} The next word iswhisper. |
Whispers Soft breat flutters out On delicate translucent wings -- Gentle puffs of air Set sweet nothings aloft, Where tender breeze messengers Carry whispered thought packages away And deliver them to you Sealed with my loving kiss. |
I'm not sure which word to use but I chose wings. I want to keep the Campfire going. Enjoy! Wings Angels are precious and quietly fly as their wings brush against your skin. They smile at us and surround us with love. You may be reading a book or writing in your den. As they fly over us, they are a gift from Heaven above. Birds use their wings to fly. They build nests and live in the trees. They use their wings to fly so high. Be careful, they may fly by you when you unlock your door and take your keys! Pegasus has wings, Dragons have scales and wings, too. Maybe a unicorn used his horn to carry the wedding rings, As a couple said: "I do." Wouldn't it be great to have wings? We could fly anywhere and not need a plane. Our hearts could sing, Who knows? Maybe it would be fun to fly in the rain? Your word is spiderweb |
Hulks with strength, Thor with splender, Who can spin a spiderweb? Only Spiderman can! Leapin' lizards -- it's Batman. Racing in a car, The Dynamic duo can be found. ...But they can't spin a spiderweb! Storm and Flash, Bright in the sky. ...But only Spiderman can spin a web so high. Your word -- eerie |
Memory The night grew eerie and within my thoughts, I started to remember things I wished to forget. My past had always remained, but for a time I was able to erase the pain. Until the memory of you crept up like a storm, and never released me from my own darkness. Your word is crush |
Crush Crush my heart and stick me deep; kick me while I lay and weep. Slap me, please, oh, break my neck. Slit my wrist... hey, what the heck. Throw me hard against the wall; watch me bleed, or not at all. Breaking up is hard to do. I'm alone and where are you? I'd prefer you stay with me. Crush my heart and set me free. *No, this is not taken from my own experience as a victim. I was not going to add this to my port, but my hubby thought I should, as he thought many people might be able to relate to this. These words just poured out of me. Next prompt: scarecrow |
The scarecrow moved with the wind Up and down the birds did send They tried so hard to get to the corn Yet Mr. Scarecrow blew on his horn They tried to get him off his stick But Mr. Scarecrow was tough with his kick Next Prompt: Thanks |
Thanks: Thanks for my life My beer and my wife Thanks for my kids My land and my band gigs Thanks for fear Taquila and beer Thanks for the word twice Boy is beers nice Thanks for my carrer How it comes from my rear And lasts all year Bring me a tear When work comes so near Theres no need to conceal The way that i feel For after my great meal My wife so dear We gather so near My children and i play It last throught the day Can i? no shall i may That we simply stay that way Stop, i say nay So thanks to all taht has givin Drove, rode or riden Shall it never leave us stricken May we all stridden For the happenings at meridian Once again i give thanks For my troops in their ranks To the my ship with it's planks To my sides and it's great flanks That i give to great lengths Thanks Next word: Canter |
Canter he did over the hills His day of rest when no souls rise And pause abreast the top to see His people, all types, asleep he surmised. 'Tis a day for feast, a day for wine, This time he takes to rest, we live, A time for each of us to dine With Death, on his day off. Canter over the hills he did, Fed with love and sup, scythe low To rest one day, as he decreed, Our sometimes friend and sometimes foe. Next word: foot |
He'd taken this road before It seemed to go on Entwining Up to the horizon Now As much as then. Familier names and places gave way to thoughts of sadily long forgoten embraces Which delisciously kept one foot in front of another till he might know her again. Smiling, He kissed the air imagining Her laughter there As he touched her very soul and kissed her under the arches. next word: swept |
I swept the floor, The floor is clean. I even washed the door. Would I clean if I were a Queen? We all have bad memories of the past. I swept the bad things out of my mind. Hopefully, the good memories will last. Sometimes, we still get ourselves in a bind. Do good things for others and to your self, stay true. Relax! You swept away the bad things in your life. There is no reason to be blue. With the bad things swept away, you will have less strife! Say a prayer to the Lord above. Count your blessings and blow the world a kiss! You can sweep your problems away and fill the world with love. You swept the bad things away and now you can enjoy a world of bliss! |
The sparkle and splendor so far away, The black, the blue, the yellow, the gray, The magnitude of stars is majestic, they say, In the incredibly enchanting Milky Way. The stars dance and wink in the glistening night, For eyes to see and hearts to delight. Glowing beams against blackness fashion the sky into light. All assembled with great power, fine royalty and might. Your word: precious |
Whispers You're free in your words, But sometimes I wish You wouldn't be. I'm foolish to be asking, If I only fear the answers That fall from your lips. I just can't stop my silly mouth from inquiring, In hopes my ears will catch A precious whisper or two That you left somewhere Hidden in the trails. Your word: collide |
The world rushes by so quickly, No one notices the little boy Who is curled in the tight corner. His tears flow hotly down his cheeks, The turmoil of anger and hatred Collided into his private space. No where to run, so he hides, scared. People pass by and turn their head. A hand reaches in and pulls gently. "Come with me my son, to safety." No one notices the tears, He is just another orphan. Your word is: Savior |
My God is my Savior And my strenght throughtout The hardships and joys in life Without Him where would I be Where would we all be without Him Even the one that doesn't know God Has to say someone is there to comfort Love and seek soemthing beyond his knowledge We say we have angels that are Our saviors but they live in heaven With God so why now seek and pary to Him Thank you God for being my savior |
Jesus is Savior to those with a Christian heart What a great Savior Your word is: faith |
A husband and wife were eating out On their anniversary, When a gorgeous girl walked over And squeezed the husband’s knee. "See you later, darling," She said, then walked away. "Who was she, then?" asked the wife, Her face full of dismay. "Oh just my mistress" he replied. The wife said, "Right, that’s it! I’ve had enough of your unFAITHful ways, Tomorrow you get a writ." "Well just remember, a divorce .." Replied her shameless spouse, "Would end your Paris shopping trips, Your second country house; Your Caribbean cruises, Your diamonds and your Merc; You’d have to leave your country club, Might even have to work!" Just then the door opened And a mutual friend came in; On his arm a gorgeous chick On his face a grin. The wife turned to the husband, "Has Pete got a new bride?" "That’s his mistress," said the husband, "Ours is prettier!" the wife replied. Your next word is: Any word you care to choose from the above verse! |
Bones rotating, TURNING Flesh rubbing, burning The smell of rotten meat Scorches from head to feet The fire within surfacing The fire within menacing Flowing through the body and mind Leaving only our puddle behind The ozing flesh pool that was once you Canals down into the Dragon's drool Liquid napalm it des secrete Your fate does it have you meet In your last moments of being Your watery remains congeling Across the floor in one Slurpy mess Was the Knights and dragons last contest. |
HI, I was given no word so I shall use SHAMROCK 'Tis the time o' the wearing of the green No four leaf clover to be seen Just the emblem o' the Emerald Isle a three leaf Shamrock Never out o' style. Next word Blarney |
Gone to Carraig Donn And so you find the land of Ire, Blarney Stone, you kiss with fire St. Patrick's mountain in the west Climb it without so much as rest Westport pub, you find your seat, Matt Molloy's, your Smithwicks neat Cobble streets to Carraig Donn Shops of sweaters, money's gone! Your word is "Street" |
Walking down the road of my life I paused at an old familiar intersection. For a moment I knew the path to take But my heart tightened and grew weary. I started to trot down the first path, A dark street of broken asphalt. I trembled with fear looking ahead Deciding the path was not mine to take. The second choice was paved in gold, Such a delightful sight to behold. I smiled thinking of an easier life But that seemed so dull and boring. I turned to look back at the road I had taken Knowing I could never repeat that walk again. I lowered my head in shame and defeat, Feeling all the emotions and such despair. The only one left had several bends and curves But it was a trip that I felt like was mine. I took three tiny steps down that street And my heart tells me it will be all right. Your word is: Photograph |
A photograph Sits upon a shelf, Collecting dust, Waiting To be glanced at -- To awaken Memories And Reminiscences About The Past... Your word is: circus |
Circus I love when the circus comes to town- Especially, the lions, tigers and clowns. The loud music starts to play- and the ringmaster has his say. The tigers and lions growl. It's time for them to perform now. The animals did perform well. The circus sure does sell. The elephants have a job to do, too. Beautiful beasts they are. One has a baby just new. The elephants have done their part. The circus is like a work of art. The humans do their tricks as well. I like the animals better but I won't tell. The circus gives the animals a life. Hopefully, one without any strife. I love the circus when it comes to town. It's one of the times that I don't feel down. The circus will be back next year. It's one of the events that I hold dear. Your word is: Heart |
A Mother’s Heart Keeps you company While waiting For you to be born Constant rhythms Sounding Eternal Unconditional Love for you A Father’s Heart Bursting with pride and wonder Pounding The weighty measure of his love As his child is born A Child’s Heart The tiny creation of love Born Wailing The Child’s Heart Now Grown Strong Determined Death Defying The Mother’s Heart Filled with pride and hope Now waits impatiently For her child to come home A Father’s Heart The family’s pillar of strength and reason Reassuring, and comforting All concerned An American Soldier’s Heart Now beats in their son’s chest Your word is "sack" |
In that sack I shall put my colorful hat But it keeps coming out And I keep putting it back Until I saw this big rat And decided that is what it is about What do you put in your sack? You word: good deeds |
My heart aches at times But when I do the good deeds It brings me much joy Your word: Joy |
When my sister Joy plays Monopoly She nearly always ends up in jail; Whatever the number she needs to avoid She’ll throw it, almost without fail! She sure needs Get-Out-of-Jail-Free cards, So when she draws one she goes out of her mind! And everyone claps and cheers with her - Indeed, you might say our Joy’s unconfined! Your Word: Cloud |
(CLOUD) A tiny dark cloud Was hiding the sun from view Tears fell to the ground. Your word LOVE |
Too many cliches Surround the whole idea Love is a challenge It can last so long Or end in blink of an eye Spirit flies away Memory lingers Holding on to a fragrance melody remains Your word is "melody" |
The music plays as the instruments- make lovely soothing sounds in perfect harmony. Oh! Listen to the beautiful notes- as you hear and enjoy the melody! Your Word is: Harmony |
As a trubute to Steve Irwin, I wanted to write a poem about animals. Steve taught us that people can live in harmony with nature. I decided to borrow a poem from Data of Star Trek: TNG. This is his "Ode to Spot", in honor of his cat. Ode to Spot Felis Catus is your taxonomic nomenclature, an endothermic quadruped carnivorous by nature. Your visual, olfactory and auditory senses contribute to your hunting skills, and natural defenses. I find myself intrigued by your subvocal oscillations, a singular development of cat communications that obviates your basic hedonistic predilection for a rhythmic stroking of your fur, to demonstrate affection. A tail is quite essential for your acrobatic talents, you would not be so agile if you lacked its counterbalance. And when not being utilized to aide in locomotion, it often serves to illustrate the state of your emotion. O, Spot, the complex levels of behavior you display connote a fairly well-developed cognitive array. And though you are not sentient, Spot, and do not comprehend, I nonetheless consider you a true and valued friend. Your word: friend |
Table For One Your convincing words tell me no, but your friendly hands say yes. I struggle daily not to show, or let my feelings press. My heart's in a losing battle over your constant indecision. I'm mindful not to prattle, so I don't ruin your vision. As I mull over what went wrong while looking at images of you, the words from every love song seem to cloud my point of view. You can't explain how you feel, but you say that we're through. Now dinner has lost its appeal I'm at a table for one, not two. Your Word:tangible |
Far away lands once only existed in fairy tales Read aloud to you at night by loving parents Pristine childhood books Enticed you to fall gently, safely asleep at night Upon your bed of soft, clean, fragrant sheets and blankets Far away lands now loom tangible and unfamiliar Under the boots of every American Army battalion and platoon The land is constant and considerable sand – course and scratchy Army blankets and armor provide little warmth and lack a safe haven Beneath or within for you to fall gently, safely asleep Here, at home, your newborn son’s cries in his concerned mother’s arms The growing loneliness gives rise to the question, “Will you ever come back home?” |
Guess I will make a word up? sand I would love to sit on the sand And remember the childhood toys in hand To write a rhyme or two on land And to sing a song with Imagination Band next word: imagination |
I sit at a screen and try to get lost in thought. To write something on the word I've got. As silly and pointless as this poem may seem. I lack imagination... I need a muse or a dream. Next word muse |
My muse has deserted me Gone in the breath of morning One sad November day Was she my muse because of destiny? Or was there something to her reading to me as a child lying so quietly next to her? I need her now just as I needed her then She is gone in breath of morning So much to say to my muse But she no longer hears me Or does she? Is she gone in the breath of morning? Or there in the wispy clouds on a sunny day? Mother I miss you in the breath of morning, in the evenings we shared in your kitchen gone in the breath of morning. Thankful for the life you had My muse has left me To be with my dad Gone in the breath of Thanksgiving morning.... Your word is breath |
I sit around all day and think Why things are they way they are. I have many fears and one is I’ll sink And my wounds will leave unforgiven scars. I never thought my life would come to this And I’m doing my best to gracefully move on. There will be so many things I’ll always miss But the love I once had for you is gone. Sometimes a memory will filter through When my heart and mind least expects. I wonder if it happens to you, too But sometimes my thoughts are complex. Moving on after all these years is so hard But I know I have no choice at all. It was Us that you found easy to discard Something I’ll forever be able to recall. My true self and a new future I will find When my heart and mind truly heals. I will be able to leave you behind I’ll be numb and for you I’ll never feel. Dealing with such a loss can be tough When I thought I had trust and compassion But with you I’ve had just about enough When my heart seeks nothing but true passion. I have found on my very worst days That if I take a moment to really think I can find comfort in so many ways And I can smile and send a happy wink. I know I’ll be the one you’ll always miss And you know that now within your heart. I continue to breath and can send a silent kiss As I look forward to us completely apart. Your word is “Hope” |
Hoping I just want to dance in the dark Because I don’t know where the light is Because there’s a music in my mind, and I’ve found a melody So I’ll sing till dawn, if it ever comes There’s many things to run from, but nowhere to go And I’m holding out my hand To the shadows passing me by While I dance in the dark, and sing till dawn They want me to write my dark To script my anger But I’m telling you I’ll never let it go Dark is my dancing partner Anger my melody And right now, I just want to dance in the dark Cause maybe, I can sing up the sun your word is Daffodils |
Sunlight flickers on soft green fields Urging, Encouraging, Their crops to yield. Where once cold white covered my garden, Now small shoots Whisper their pardon Life snatched from Winter's cold jaw, As Daffodils majestically annouce spring once more your word is lanquid |
Sometimes life makes us feel languid. Too much to do in life. Invited to three special occasions in one day- Knowing you can't be in three places at once. A job can cause you stress. Deadlines and good impressions are a must. The reward and satisifaction in the end- This is why you make your job work out and do your best. We all want to succeed. Whether you are a writer, nurse, own a business, train horses or are Martha Stewart- No matter your position, no one wants to fail. Don't let the world get you down. We all have a talent for something in this world. Use your talents. You're worth it! Your Word is: Satisfaction |
Joys of raising kids When they shine in life so well Sweet satisfaction Your word: Halloween |
Halloween Fun Turtles, spiders, dinosaurs, goblins, and a ghost; Who might win this contest? Which one do we like most? Pumpkin kids and toilet seats, Batman and King Kong; American and Brat girls... The list is way too long. Why do we have a contest and only choose just one? Halloween is, after all, for kids to have some fun. Next word: bossy |
Thanks to everyone for being in this campfire. It stalled a while back so I am going to end it here. I enjoyed it and hope you did too! The End! |