Thursday, December 31, 2015

Monchielle (4) Rabcb six-syllable lines

 I Thank You, Loving God

I thank You, loving God
For sunshine on my cheek
For blueness of the skies
For trees that offer shade
For all which satisfies

I thank You, loving God
For warm and friendly smiles
For laughter and to dance
For traveling the miles
For ruling circumstance

I thank You, loving God
For all nutritious food
For clothes I like to wear
For warm and comfy home
For tender morning prayer

I thank You, loving God
For strength, hope, comfort, peace
For justice and free will
For everlasting life
For eagerness and zeal


Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Minute poem three stanzas 8444, iambic pentameter, couplets


 Midnight Snack

My tummy grumbles in the night
It wants a bite
It keeps me up
It longs for sup

I stay in bed and start to pray  
It is my way
And then I sleep
But not too deep

I wake up then and head for food
It seems so rude
I’d like to stay
In bed all day

Monday, December 28, 2015

Minnesang abbcaa, iambic tetratmeter, except last lines iambic hexameter, unrequited love

Twitterpation

Like Disney’s Bambi and Faline,
once twitterpated, so in love,
their countenance, a certain sheen,
they thought they’d fit like hand in glove.
They learned that passions ebb and flow.
They’re in and out like intermittent radio.

So what’s two deer supposed to do
when twitterpation fades away?
Should they stay faithful, tried and true,
when nothing’s left to do and say?
There’s more to love than that great high.
It’s being there for each other until you die.

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Memento 8a6b2c8a6b2c

Listening Ear

He waits for me in faithful love
To set to-dos aside
And pray
I knows He hears me from above
His Spirit is inside
His sway


Saturday, December 26, 2015

Friday, December 25, 2015

Line Messaging, last lines of each stanza make a message

Christmas Morning

Longing for love
Peace, hope, joy
Kind words
Wishing

Appreciating friends
Gifts
Warmth
You

Thinking 
Of the greatest gift
God in a package
A Merry Christmas

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Limerick aabba

There once was a woman named Nell
Who worked up a sweat till she fell
Coworkers did scoff
And carted her off
They couldn’t put up with the smell

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Kyrielle Sonnet AabB, ccbB, ddbB, AB 8 syllables

Devine

I’m at Your service, Lord, today
I’ll take some time to learn and pray
Please whisper in this heart of mine
I am a branch, You are the vine

Open my eyes that I might see
Please, help me hear spiritually
And block out things that take my time
I am a branch, You are the vine

I want to flourish in Your grace
And branch out all over the place
May others drink of Your new wine
I am a branch, You are the vine

I’m at Your service, Lord, today
I am a branch, You are the vine 

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Haiku 5 7 5

Hubby shovels snow
While I’m inside, safe and warm
Spring blooms in my heart

Monday, December 21, 2015

Genesis 3 stanzas of abaCab

Genesis 3 stanzas of abaCab

Why Do They Persecute You?

Jesus, I hear You weep
when evil inflicts so much pain.
I know they hurt You deep,
And yet deeper, deeper down.
Deep in the last sleep.
Your heart feels the strain.

I am safe for now.
I’m bound, yet free, in my vow.
Safe and secure for a time.
Feeling like a clown.
Or caught in a crime.
How much will You allow?

They’ve wounded Your heart.
Mine burns aflame.
Your love is pure art.
Anger is not in Your frown.
I pray for a new start.
I rest and trust in Your Name.





Sunday, December 20, 2015

Saturday, December 19, 2015

The Florette, 8,8,8,12 a,a,b,a Fourth line requirement: internal (b) rhyme on syllable 8.

Priorities

Up in the wee AM again
It would be nice to sleep till ten
But maybe I can get things done
And have some time for bit of fun, get tired and then

I’ll sleep away the day today
And wish I took the time to pray
I should spend time with God first thing
Allowing freedom to take wing, live life His way 

Friday, December 18, 2015

Etheree 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Friends
Travels
Kayaking
Swimming, walking
Electric biking
Hiking up a mountain
Drawing, painting and writing
Reading, hot tea, No-bake cookies
Chicken and rice, broccoli, salad
These are a few of my favorite things. 

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Poetic Asides Standard Epulaeryu-about delicious food, 7, 5, 7, 5, 5, 3, 1!

Whip Cream

Whip cream is hubby’s standard
It is a must-have
All else is secondary
He likes it on bread
And just by itself
Lite, fluffy
Good!

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Duo Rhyme aabbbbbbaa


The Key

Humanity looks for a key.
But thinks the answer’s lost at sea.
The unknown haunts, the questions slay.
And we so often go astray.
Yes, all we want to do is play.
Loss will incite our hearts to pray.
With God we do an odd ballet.
And offer prayers like a bouquet.
The loving God will hear our plea.
We’ll find the key on bended knee.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Dodoitsu 7, 7, 7, 5


Snow paints the world white and gray
Ice grips the land in its teeth
Frozen air squeezes chest tight
I nestle indoors

Monday, December 14, 2015

Dizain a-b-a-b-b-c-c-d-c-d.

Faith’s Like a Rope

The devil and the Lord just don’t agree
It’s to my Lord I will so truly cling
Avoiding obstacles I can’t foresee
To Him I will give praises, thank and sing
As worship flies upon an angel's wing
I give Him troubles, and He gives me hope
I put my trust in His all- knowing scope
In Him, temptations, we can all withstand
He gives us faith just like a cowboy’s rope
To lasso blessings from His loving hand 

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Ducain ababbcbcaa, iambic pentameter

Kindness

You can announce your love on a bold dare
You can say the three-word phrase many times
You can invest a lot of time in prayer
You can compose love poems with fancy rhymes
And even play along with jingling chimes
You can offer hugs and kisses, quite a few
And skywrite “I love you” up in the air
You can smile, offering a “How are you?”
But words don’t mean a thing unless you share
An act of kindness shows someone you care

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Constanza--Five or more 3-line stanzas. Eight-syllable lines. First lines can be read as an independent poem. a/b/b, a/c/c, a/d/d, a/e/e, a/f/f…etc.

The Comforter

In times of tears, in times of strain
When all seems dark though it’s not night
When nothing seems to come out right

In times when you feel so insane
Appears that all the rules have changed
And life becomes all rearranged

In times when efforts seem in vain
And future looks so bare and bleak
You try so hard, but end up weak

In times when sorrow seeks to reign
And you’re completely in its grip
It’s hard to stiffen upper lip

The Comforter will ease your pain
Spend time with Him in peaceful prayer
He’ll keep you in His love and care



Friday, December 11, 2015

Clogyrnach 8-8-5-5-3-3, and the rhyme scheme is a-a-b-b-b-a

Stuck

Lethargy’s got a hold of me
Nothing accomplished, I foresee
Spellbound by Facebook
Just can’t take one look
I’m a schnook
I must flee

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Poetic Asides Pushy

Pushy

The problem
with being pushy
is that people point
and publicly
proclaim
predicaments
are positively
your responsibility. 

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Choka 577577...

Christmas Time

Christmas lights twinkle
Carols play on radio
Snow falls from the heavy clouds
Children make snowmen
Shoppers scurry here and there
Christmas cards arrive in mail
Gifts wait under tree
Manger scenes mix with Santa
Christmas trees point to Heaven


Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Chastushka abab or abcb or aabb, trochaic tetrameter, humorous, satirical, bawdy, or ironic

Baby Jesus in the manger,
Poverty was not a stranger.
Some folks say faith makes you richer.
What is wrong with that whole picture?

Monday, December 7, 2015

Cascade: Each line of first verse are last lines of subsequent verses

When Women Pray

When women pray as one
Our love shows heart to heart
The Holy Spirit flames
And hope is born anew

Forget the grievances
And seal the gossip lips
Identify with hurts
When women pray as one

Beseech the Lord for good
To come to each beloved
We share the smiles and hugs
Our love shows heart to heart

We wait expectantly
We're still and know He’s there
We feel His love’s embrace
The Holy Spirit Flames

We pray with strength and grace
The words are not our own
We know He’s heard our prayers
And hope is born anew

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Byron's Sonnet a-b-b-a a-c-c-a; d-e-d e-d-e.

I Must Have Been Dreaming

Last night I dreamed about a friend
I’d never met him face to face
So everything was out of place
And in this dream that had no end
The last we met was sixteen years
He greeted me with joy and tears
Sobriety was a godsend

He told me he was doing fine
He had a gadget on his belt
That kept his habits right in line
His how are you was quite heartfelt
And then his gadget became mine
So I ate right and then grew svelte 

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Bref Double Quatrain 1 a/x/b/c Quatrain 2 x/a/x/c Quatrain 3 a/x/a/b Final couplet a/b (x doesn't rhyme)

Taking Heart

Afraid to go to shopping mall,
Or anywhere where there’s a crowd.
Quick look around to see who’s there.
Take a deep breath and carry on.

Mass shootings happen frequently.
Has my own life slowed to a crawl?
Are days of peace completely through?
To travel just for those who dare?

No longer standing brave and tall,
But waiting for the next bad news.
When will the bombs begin to fall?
Our days are shadowed by a shroud.

In Christ, I find my wherewithal.
I’ll sing His praises long and loud! 

Friday, December 4, 2015

Alouette 557557 aabccb

Christmas Time

Sing of Christmas time
Let silver bells chime
And shoppers tramp through the snow
Decorate the tree
So joyful and free
Let cheery Christmas lights glow

A time of giving
And for hearts to sing
Time for magic, love, and friends
A time to recall
The best gift of all
On One whom our hope depends 

Thursday, December 3, 2015

PA shopping, Shardorma 3 5 3 3 7 5

Christmas Shopping

Some people
Are shocked at crazies
They’re fighting
They’re screaming
But I often wonder why
More folks don’t lose it

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Rhyming pattern of Alouette

The Best Tree Ever

We drag the tree from the yard
For Dad, it isn’t very hard
It looks much bigger in the house
Mom gets trimmings from the attic
Yes, the children are ecstatic
Now, to scurry like a mouse

Twinkling lights go round and round
With an angel, tree is crowned
Homemade crafts that look so clever
Shiny ornaments from here and there
Memories hung with tender care
I swear this is the best tree ever

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

L’Arora a, b, c, d, e, f, g, f. At least 4 stanzas

The Death of Me

These kids will be the death of me
While one cries, the other destroys
While I clean one end of the house
They’re making a mess in the other
Their noise overpowers a rock band
I play doctor, maid, umpire, cook
While they torment me all day long
I’d much rather sit and read a book.

These kids will be the death of me
I must run them to all their games
Teachers conferences, recitals,
Plays. Don’t forget their costumes.
Where are their shin guards?
Why can’t mismatched socks be in style?
Why can’t I ever be anywhere on time?
Can’t we just do nothing for awhile?

These kids will be the death of me
One minute ecstatic, the next they’re morose
Past midnight and they’re still not home
I worry, then ground them. I’m the bad guy.
They’re rooms are messy and posted “Keep out”
Dare I go in there and see what they’re up to?
I wonder if they’ll survive their teen years.
Aren't there things in this life more fun to do?

These kids will be the death of me.
Their grown now, but need my support.
Will they call? Are they okay? They’re on their own.
I survived young adulthood despite my stupidity.
Surely they will do fine. But what if they don’t?
It’s not up to me to meet their every need
I’ll just entrust them to the Lord, and what?
I have about five hundred books to read.





Monday, November 30, 2015

PAD 30 Let the Moment Begin

Let the Moment Begin

When “I love yous”
need not be analyzed.
When gifts won’t
be questioned.
When we’d hear
what each other said.
When laughter rings.
When smiles, hugs,
and kisses would
flow like healing oil
down to our toes.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

PAD 29 Open Letter

Open letter to All

If you see my husband and me
walking hand in hand,
after all these years,
know that it’s more than,
“Awww, that’s sweet.”
What that is
is proof
that God
still performs
miracles.

Saturday, November 28, 2015

PAD 28 It was a blank and blank night

It Was a Long and Frustrating Night

When we drove cross country,
you’d insist that I keep you awake
and I’d fall asleep and dream
you were running off the road.

I’d whack you in the ribs
and you’d yell that it wasn’t
you that was asleep.

Or we’d pull over at a rest stop to doze
and I’d wake up in the dark thinking
I was driving and try to slam on the breaks.

 I’m glad we don’t do that anymore. 

Friday, November 27, 2015

November 27 leftovers

Leftovers

“First Vulture Rights,”
you say as you root
through the fridge
opening each lid,
examining your prize—
tasty morsels, dull tidbits,
or something on the verge
of expiring.
It’s pretty nice, though,
to not worry about mold
or throwing things away.
And then there are times
when I bring home
a take-out container
from lunch out with a friend
and you ask if I want it
and I lie and say no
and get some kind of
saintly satisfaction
for making a small sacrifice
to feed your pleasure.

Thursday, November 26, 2015

November 26

Luxury

The turkey in the crockpot
The dynamic duo sleeping in past eight
Hearing your deep voice break the stillness


Wednesday, November 25, 2015

PAD 25 echo

Echoes of the Past

Your beard is multicolored now
A little brown, red, black, gray, white
We chat a bit about the past
When kids were small and things were tight

Like bubbles floating to the top
Good time we’ve had will come to mind
Like sediment the bad drift down
Our memories become refined 

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

PAD 24 love/antilove

Our love is like a cedar
clinging to the rocky cliffs,
digging its roots in deep
defiantly flourishing.

Monday, November 23, 2015

PAD 23 apology

I’m Sorry

I’m sorry
for the rocks
I threw in our path.

I’m sorry
that when you fell
I blamed you.

I’m sorry
that the clock
is ticking.

PAD 22 Waiting for blank

Waiting for Inspiration

While you smash macaroni
I wait for the inspiration to hit
And our man makes puppy sing
And our woman drinks her shake
While my muse hides in a corner

PAD 21 strange

Strange

What you think normal
I think strange
You like things the way they are
I like change

You like to stay put
I like my travels
One stays calm
While the other unravels

You work away
While I stay home
You get things hopping
While I write a poem

PAD 20 wordle: relent, horrendous, artifact, lagoon, wobble, plunder

Catch Up

I will not relent
at my horrendous
to-do list
stacked up
like artifacts in a museum,
though I’d rather be whisked away
to a peaceful lagoon.
My determination won’t wobble.
I’ll go after my tasks
like pirates after plunder.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

PAD 19 thing

Wrinkle Release

House work is not my cup of tea.
I’ll tell you what’s been a blessing for me.
It’s brought to my mind a little peace.
Just a spray bottle of wrinkle release.
I don’t have to iron, just spray it on,
And like magic the wrinkles are gone.
I take it with me wherever I travel
So of crumpled clothes I can’t cavil.
But I’ll tell you something funny I did.
It may make you laugh like a little kid.
One day, when the air was stinky and stale,
I thought deodorizer would improve the smell.
So I spayed it from the front to the back,
But then I discovered this startling fact.
I hadn’t sprayed air freshener at all,
But the wrinkle release up and down the hall.
It wasn’t deodorizer that I had sprinkled,
but at least now my carpet’s not wrinkled. 

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

PAD 18 idea

Balance

You think out of the box.
True, sometimes it’s so very
far out of the box
that it’s beyond practical.
I go to you
to see the big picture.
I’m a person who likes to pinpoint
the exact truth,
while you explore the boundaries.
You bring me balance.