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My writing of poetry since the start |
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? |