Our word for the 25th letter of the alphabet is “yesterday.” You can look at this word in many different ways: with fond memories, with regrets, with laughter, or with tears. I give you two poems for today’s prompt. Only Yesterday speaks of days gone by and how they created who I am. Under "Comments," in my haiku, To Change Yesterday, I reflect on a longing to change things that can’t be undone. How do you think of yesterday? Let the days of your past supply your poetic inspiration for today.
ONLY YESTERDAY
It seems like only yesterday,
I started off to school
to learn to read, to learn to write,
to learn the golden rule.
A uniform and saddle shoes
defined me, in a way,
and formed the mind of one so young,
that child of yesterday.
It seems like only yesterday,
my mom and dad were strong,
the ones I always turned to
when my world was going wrong.
The words they gave in wisdom
defined me in a way,
and brought me through the troubled times
that haunted yesterday.
It seems like only yesterday,
I lived with silent tears.
My empty heart had secret needs
encased by mounting fears.
But unexpected love to come
defined me, in a way,
and made this woman wise enough
to move past yesterday.
Spark you creativity every week by working your way through the alphabet: one letter, one week at a time.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
PROMPT #24 – XERIC
Those who follow our journey through the alphabet know that we began on the premise of finding inspiration from the simplest of words. So far, we’ve lived up to that premise. But now, as we reach the 24th letter of the alphabet, we find ourselves in a quandary. There are a limited number of “x” words to be found in the dictionary. While there are still a few, relatively easy and familiar words to use, we’ve opted to save them because they might be better suited to the next A Muse Fuse Poem-A-Day Challenge (coming in February 2011). As a result, we are left with the rest and, this week, we bring you the word “xeric” (pronounced “zer’ ik). Research has provided three definitions for this word: (1) of, pertaining to, or adapted to a dry environment; (2) of, relating to, or growing in dry conditions; and (3) relating or adapted to an extremely dry habitat (succulents such as cacti, aloes, and agaves are xeric plants). You may not find this word fusing your muse, but it is guaranteed to stretch it! I offer my attempt below.
THE XERIC BEAST
He roams the arid desert
on slow, deliberate feet.
Unlike the rest of nature,
he can tolerate the heat.
The sun beats down upon him,
but sweat, he does not do.
His body holds renewal,
be it in one hump or two.
THE XERIC BEAST
He roams the arid desert
on slow, deliberate feet.
Unlike the rest of nature,
he can tolerate the heat.
The sun beats down upon him,
but sweat, he does not do.
His body holds renewal,
be it in one hump or two.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
PROMPT #23 - WATER
With two hurricanes and a tropical storm raging through the Atlantic, it’s easy to figure out the decision behind choosing today’s prompt. I watch these kinds of storms with fascinated respect. For all those in nature’s way, I pray for your safe passage through the day. I offer two poetic attempts for today's prompt: a poem called Water Worries and, under "Comments", a haiku I've called Water Ways.
WATER WORRIES
The farm fields look to sun-filled skies
to heed their pleas and hear their cries.
But clouds that hold their precious cure
refuse the call, their needs ignore.
A barren wasteland dry as dust
can barely live, but live it must.
Without the gifts the soil brings,
our fate depends on future springs.
WATER WORRIES
The farm fields look to sun-filled skies
to heed their pleas and hear their cries.
But clouds that hold their precious cure
refuse the call, their needs ignore.
A barren wasteland dry as dust
can barely live, but live it must.
Without the gifts the soil brings,
our fate depends on future springs.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
NEXT PROMPT ON 9/16/10
Due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 6th, the A Muse Fuse weekly prompt will not return until Thursday, September 16th. We will then resume our alphabetical journey with the letter "W." Enjoy your holiday weekend and be safe!
Prompt #22 - VALUE
First, I apologize for the lateness of today’s post. Our 22nd muse prompt is the word: value. I have written and rewritten several poems for today’s prompt (hence, the posting delay). Many fell victim to the delete key, but I think I’m satisfied with my final product. Realistically, though, there are not enough megabytes to fully express the extent of what I value. And that makes me blessed and grateful.
WHAT WE VALUE
What makes us unique
are our differences.
What makes us similar
is not necessarily what our values are,
but that we all value something.
We value our families, our friendships,
our faiths and our freedoms.
We take offense when what we value
is compromised by outside opinions.
Words can sting and leave a mark,
but words alone cannot hurt us.
We have the privilege to live our lives
according to our own, particular needs.
And if we value nothing else,
let us embrace the value of liberty.
WHAT WE VALUE
What makes us unique
are our differences.
What makes us similar
is not necessarily what our values are,
but that we all value something.
We value our families, our friendships,
our faiths and our freedoms.
We take offense when what we value
is compromised by outside opinions.
Words can sting and leave a mark,
but words alone cannot hurt us.
We have the privilege to live our lives
according to our own, particular needs.
And if we value nothing else,
let us embrace the value of liberty.
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