Sunday, July 31, 2016

PB 7 summer rain

Summer Rain Play

Skipping along
in summer rain.
Soaking it up.
Tilting our heads back,
opening our mouths,
letting drops tickle our tongues
until it brings giggles.

Dancing around
in the summer rain.
Whirling about
with arms outstretched.
Laughing together.
Letting rivers pour
down our faces.

Stomping and splashing
in wide puddles
after the rain.
Taking deep breaths
of air washed clean.
Letting soggy grasses
squiggle between bare toes.


Saturday, July 30, 2016

PB 6 triolet comparison

Summer Plums

Ripe summer plums which fill the tree
Like promises fulfilled by God
His loving proof to you and me
Ripe summer plums which fill the tree
Just hanging there for all to see
To taste and know that He is good
Ripe summer plums which fill the tree
Like promises fulfilled by God

Friday, July 29, 2016

PB 5 World within

Begin the Day

I begin this way
on a summer day
with the screen glowing
while the birds chirp outside.

Soon shapes will appear
as the sun rises
and wordless people call
wanting up and breakfast.

And I say, “Hi Lord,
walk with me hand and hand.
May I get outside today
and enjoy the things You’ve created.

“May I catch a glimpse of You.
And may I live in such a way
that others will get
a glimpse of You, too.” 

Thursday, July 28, 2016

PB 4 Opposites

Summer
Green, hot
Swimming, gardening, picnicking
Creeks, rivers, lakes, hills
Sledding, skating, skiing
White, cold
Winter

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

PB 3 Midsummer Night's Dream


Midsummer Night

The moon shone through dark, twisted, tangled limbs
Their shadows writhed along the ground like snakes
The bats and owls flew by on ghostly wings
With haunting sounds, thus giving me the shakes

My footsteps crackled crunchy twigs and leaves
I pushed through brambles all along the way
With pounding heart compelling me to breathe
I longed for dawn and sunlight of the day

To my alarm there rose ahead of me
An eerie figure looming dark and still
At first I thought it was a gnarly tree
Then I saw it coming at me for the kill

As I let out a prolonged, piercing scream
I realized it was nothing but a dream 

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

PB Day 2 Smiles of a Summer Night

Summer Senses

Lightning bugs blinking in the night
Woody smell of a crackling campfire
Sweet, biting burnt black marshmallows
Friendly voices sing, “The Cat Came Back.”
Cool luxurious moss with hot bare toes
Warmth, smiles, and sunshine in inner soul

Monday, July 25, 2016

Poetic Bloomings Summer Fun Day 1 Summer Breeze

Summer Breeze Caregiver Version

With the Dynamic Duo tucked in bed,
we retreat to the sofa on the porch
and hold hands in the summer breeze.

As caregivers, we added an extra life stage.
When people our age our planning trips,
we dream of leaving the house alone together.

It reminds me of the dating years
when we’d watch for opportunities
to escape into the night.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Poetic Asides Getting...



 Getting Lost

I’ve become quite adept at getting lost.
One time, camping, as teenagers,
my friend and I walked in the woods
while my parents went fishing.
I didn’t want to go back the same way we came.

We got completely lost, then found a road.
We followed it until a single car went by
and we asked directions.
We arrived just before my parents returned,
saving them some worry time.

One time, I dropped my sister off in Lincoln
so she could return something at the store.
As the rain poured,
I was to drive around the block.
I didn’t want to go back the same way I came.

As I weaved my way through the streets,
my sister waited in the rain.
When I finally found her
she was pretty upset and wet
She has forgotten about it. I haven’t.

One time, a friend and I would go shopping
But first she had to finish a college project.
I’d walk around the unfamiliar campus
and meet her in an hour.
I didn’t want to go back the same way I came.

Three hours later I found her.
I had forgotten the name of the building.
“Hens lick,” she said flapping her arms
and wiggling her tongue in and out.
I still remember if forty years later.

In finding another way back
I discovered some interesting things,
but it took me awhile to learn
I don’t always have to be a trailblazer.
Retracing steps can be a good thing.

Especially for those who worry about you,
are getting wet, or are waiting to go shopping.

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Poetic Bloomings Love poem to movie character

David

Your great height, big glasses,
and even your stuttering charms me.
You’re the sensible one in the bunch.
Your bravery and concern
override your phobias.
Next time you save the world,
take me with you.


David played by Jeff Goldblum in Independence Day and Resurgence 

Friday, July 22, 2016

Poetic Asides Craving

Calling

Sometimes I feel
it’s you pursuing me,
seductively calling my name.
But I know it’s my own lusts
desiring to devour you,
O, chocolate.

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Poetic Asides Assembly

Poetic Assembly

Let’s all get together
Gathered in one place
To meet face to face
And poem, poem, poem
Our hearts out.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

PB prompt

Next Week’s Appointment

I lost something small,
hardly noticeable at all,
except to me.

Now that it’s gone
it practically ruins my day
I’ve lost my way.

I’m aware that it’s missing
every moment
and I’m wishing

as the week passes
to replace the stem
for my glasses.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Pathya Vat

Nap Interrupted

I took a nap
this afternoon,
and woke too soon.
I was a grump.

The day was fine,
but for the bump.
Felt like a lump.
Like in a dream.

I moved forward,
building up steam
and joined the team.
Let me sleep, please.



Monday, July 18, 2016

Change movie ending

Jack and Rose

Oh, Jack and Rose were meant to be
Titanic was designed to float
They found themselves in icy seas
Without a rescue raft or boat

Two dolphins came from underneath
And carried them to New York’s shore
So Jack and Rose were safe and sound
Their love alive forevermore 

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Anacreontic verse

A Day

Cars zip by
Hurrying on
Wherever
Trees in full dress
Birds nesting
Sun beating down
Weeds growing high
Yard’s a mess
Worked today
Achy muscles
Now relaxing
Soft music lilts
Family
One in bed
One watches TV
One plays solitaire
Lights are dim
Paperwork
So behind
Play catch up
Go to bed
Rascal cricket
Sings indoors

Saturday, July 16, 2016

week

Sunday

 church-center on God
make stew, eat lunch, take a nap
watch Netflix at night

Monday

take care of people
homework for online college
pray and walk with friend

Tuesday

work on tween novel
yardwork, line up SCWA speaker
phone son and color

Wednesday

set up poems for week
study Puritan writings
write three devotions

Thursday

Facebook Words with Friends
spend afternoon with hubby
get haircut and dye

Friday

doctor appointment
everybody gets a bath
grocery shopping

Saturday

write a school paper
host home family phone calls
son and daughter chat






Friday, July 15, 2016

Based on a game

Splendor

The obsession
to grab for riches
when chips are down
may beyond understanding
but we do it over
and over again.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

sun

Splendor

Like little moles
scampering around
under ground,
we’re ill equipped
to see brilliance.
To take in the sun,
take in the Son.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Make...

Make a Mess

Mommy went to the store today.
Daddy’s watching TV.
What’s up there in the cupboard?
I’ll climb up there and see.

Sugar, flour, shortening salt.
I’m going to start baking.
Peanut butter, syrup and jam.
Can you name what I’m making?

I’ll stir it all together.
And now it’s time to guess.
What it is I’m making
Is a big ‘ol glorious mess.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Ryuka

Scribble some words on a napkin
Tuck it away in your pocket
It might become a published poem
Or dissolve in laundry

Monday, July 11, 2016

Poetic Bloomings prompt

Poem Zone

Like reclining in a plane seat
jetting off to fun places,
I recline in the living room and
venture to the land of poetry
where anything can happen
with no need to pay $7.00
for a sandwich or settle
for pop instead of hot tea
with sugar and cream, or be
squashed between passengers.

Sometimes take-off is difficult
so I play a few games of WWF
and borrow the best words
for lines for my poems,
exploring the landscape,
playing and having a little fun.
Sometimes there’s turbulence
or long layovers of busyness.
But overall the trip’s short
with a precision landing.

Sunday, July 10, 2016

A Boketto

Morning Moment

Deejays discuss poor children.
Hubby’s voice booms out the time.
I feed man as he walks by.
Lady jokes, laughs.
Toy says, “Wow, cool, wow!”

Thoughts will bubble to the top
when trio goes out the door. 
Wow, cool, wow!

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Magic 9 Placed #10 in PA Challenge

The Cage

She dwells within a cage of grief.
She’s jolted into this life’s stage.
No strength to search for calm relief.
The hawk of death searching for prey
dove down and took him like a thief.
Her people give what they can give.
While they bring casseroles and quiche,
her heart lies wounded in the cage.
Recovery will not be brief.

Friday, July 8, 2016

Magic 9

Warrior

She ached for things to work out right
Her good intentions paved the road
But savage rumors dimmed the light
No avenue for which to pass
So she grew sullen at her plight
Depression crept to take control
Her spirit gashed from unseen fight
Then at her cry the Spirit flowed

Thus proved no longer neophyte 

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Magic 9 form

Time’s Disguise

A tear crept out of unclear eyes
He leaned upon his cane
Nobody knew that he was wise
Was lost in all the haze
A VIP in time’s disguise
A buried treasure chest
He’s not forgotten or despised
God feels his every pain
God knows and hears his moans and sighs

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

A request

A Request

I make a request of my feet
For each night they’d take me home
I listen to the rhythm of their beat
As my dress swishes along in time
Hurrying along in spring sleet
In warm boots, my feet feel fine
Thoughts can be bitter or sweet
All can make a good poem
But a warm home—always a treat

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

dead end

Hood Ornament

Her street dead-ends into her yard.
She sits in her recliner at night and
sees headlights coming straight at her
and she hopes that her entire living room
will never end up as a hood ornament
of some irresponsible drunk’s car. 

Monday, July 4, 2016

dead end

Not-So-Dead End

It’s a let down
after spending time
weaving in and out of streets
searching for a location,
only to reach a dead end.
But it’s like Edison said
about his “failures.”
He learned what didn’t work.

Sunday, July 3, 2016

Important

Important

I mperative, a must, it’s got to be done
M ost significant, valuable, and fantastic, the
P rincipal thing and the most worthy to
O wn the center of attention, the foremost thing
R elated to the chief and eminent answer and
T he key to focus on and not forget but
A lways remember, the most weighty and
N otable matter and vital to existence is
T he critical and crucial… oh, I forgot. 

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Details

Important Matters

Why do we focus on the details,
those little things?
Are they important?
We rarely think about that inevitable day
when we’ll be still and quiet in our coffins
and what comes after.

Even thinking of death,
Mom thought about the details.
At her request, she wore
her black-velvet dress
and pearl necklace.
But her lipstick color was off.

My aunt said we should tell the funeral director to change it.
I didn’t, because it seemed so unimportant, but was it?
Are the details actually more important than the big things?
Like where do you go after you die?
When I die, I want my ashes to be planted with a rainbow tree
in my daughter’s back yard in Phoenix where rainbow trees can grow.

But I plan to be a long way from Phoenix and somewhere a lot cooler.

Friday, July 1, 2016

Taking Off

Taking Off


I love
that feeling of relief
after making it to the airport
figuring out the kiosk
getting the ticket
checking the bags
shuffling through the lines
finding the gate
taking the seat
and clicking the belt,
anticipation of the destination.