We are now at Day #23 in the A Muse Fuse Poem-A-Day Challenge. Today’s prompt is “willow.” The kitchen window, in the house I grew up in, looked out upon our backyard. There, in the center of our outside oasis, stood a weeping willow tree. Many hours of my childhood were spent playing around, under, and on that tree. It was a source of safety and comfort in those days of my youth. It is now a pleasant and comforting memory as time moves forward.
THE WEEPING WILLOW
I saw it from the window,
the tree so proud and tall.
It reached beyond the heavens
(so I thought, when I was small).
It reminded me of Daddy,
rooted firmly in the ground,
but was also like my Momma,
showing strength without a sound.
This tree will last forever,
though its branches gently sway,
for this weeping willow memory
is a part of me today.
Spark you creativity every week by working your way through the alphabet: one letter, one week at a time.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Day #22 - VALOR
Today is the 57th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War armistice. In World War II, my dad served his country as a plane mechanic, and my grandfather was wounded in France during World War I. We still live with the aftermath of the wars in Vietnam and Iraq. There seems no end in sight for the war in Afghanistan. Regardless of whether you are a hawk or a dove in military matters, there is no denying the courage of the men and women who regularly put their lives on hold to join the fight for freedom. With the prompt for Day #22 (“valor”), I take this opportunity to thank them all.
VALOR REMEMBERED
For all who answered quickly
and heeded duty’s call,
for those who put themselves at risk
and gave the job their all,
for those who fought for freedom
with their lives upon the line,
we thank you for your sacrifice.
Your valor withstands time.
VALOR REMEMBERED
For all who answered quickly
and heeded duty’s call,
for those who put themselves at risk
and gave the job their all,
for those who fought for freedom
with their lives upon the line,
we thank you for your sacrifice.
Your valor withstands time.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Day #21 - UKULELE
I'm so sorry for the delay in posting today's prompt. Yesterday, a storm came through that took out our cable line, which caused us to lose the phone, internet and tv. But now we're back, up and running!!
The prompt for Day #21 in the Poem-A-Day challenge is "ukulele." I can't think of that word without thinking of Hawaiian Islands, which inspired my poem for today.
ISLAND MUSIC
Beyond the western coast,
a paradise is found.
A daily dose of magic
brings enchantment all around.
So strum your ukulele
and dance in hula time.
The music of Hawaii
is a ballad so sublime.
The prompt for Day #21 in the Poem-A-Day challenge is "ukulele." I can't think of that word without thinking of Hawaiian Islands, which inspired my poem for today.
ISLAND MUSIC
Beyond the western coast,
a paradise is found.
A daily dose of magic
brings enchantment all around.
So strum your ukulele
and dance in hula time.
The music of Hawaii
is a ballad so sublime.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Day #20 - TINSEL
You’ve heard of Christmas in July? Well, incredible as it seems, this word and today’s date were not planned out ahead of time. My inspiration for today’s prompt “tinsel” comes from holidays gone by and good memories not lost in the passage of time.
TINSEL ON THE TREE
It seems like only yesterday,
when I was all of three,
I’d run and tumble down the stairs.
I’d squeal with childish glee.
And long before I saw the gifts
my eyes went wide to see
the gaudy balls, the bubble lights
and tinsel on the tree.
Through magic of home movies,
I can watch my family
enjoy the pleasures of the day.
But sadness smothers me.
For how I miss those moments
and how much I’d love to see
the gaudy balls, the bubble lights
and tinsel on the tree.
TINSEL ON THE TREE
It seems like only yesterday,
when I was all of three,
I’d run and tumble down the stairs.
I’d squeal with childish glee.
And long before I saw the gifts
my eyes went wide to see
the gaudy balls, the bubble lights
and tinsel on the tree.
Through magic of home movies,
I can watch my family
enjoy the pleasures of the day.
But sadness smothers me.
For how I miss those moments
and how much I’d love to see
the gaudy balls, the bubble lights
and tinsel on the tree.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Day #19 - SUPREME
The prompt for Day #19 is: supreme. One definition is "greatest, utmost or extreme." And that pretty much summarizes the weather today here in Baltimore. Not quite 11:30 in the morning and our temperature, with the heat index, is already at 101 degrees. While that may not explain my late post today, it certainly explains my inspiration!
HEAT SUPREME
Temperatures soar
higher with humidity.
The supreme heat rules!
HEAT SUPREME
Temperatures soar
higher with humidity.
The supreme heat rules!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Day #18 - ROT
Here we are at Day #18 of the Poem-A-Day Challenge with the prompt: rot. What a wonderful opportunity for me to, once again, stand tall upon my soapbox. Nothing irritates me more than people taking what the media says as gospel. Which brings me to my offering for today’s prompt.
NOT TO ROT
While others have a lot to say,
infallible they’re not.
Opinions must be researched well.
You’re not a mindless bot.
If you don’t exercise your brain,
your brain will surely rot.
NOT TO ROT
While others have a lot to say,
infallible they’re not.
Opinions must be researched well.
You’re not a mindless bot.
If you don’t exercise your brain,
your brain will surely rot.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Day #17 - QUEUE
There are now only ten days left in our poetic journey through the alphabet, and what a journey it's been. The prompt for Day #17 is: queue. This word can mean a braid of hair hanging down the back, a file or a line of people waiting for something, or (for our beloved computer geeks) an organized sequence of data or messages. How does "queue" infuse your muse? Below is my lyrical attempt.
INTO A QUEUE
A sale would start in minutes.
For shoppers old and new,
like pilgrims on a sacred quest,
anticipation grew.
Before the doors were opened,
a booming voice rolled through:
“Settle down, wait your turn,
and form into a queue.”
A ticket window sign said “closed”
and all who stood there knew
that when the tickets went on sale,
there'd be a ballyhoo.
A giant man approached the crowd
his job was to subdue:
“Settle down, wait your turn,
and form into a queue.”
An unexpected tragedy
brought death to quite a few.
The angry mob outside the Gates
could not believe it true.
But trying to restore control,
St. Peter’s whistle blew:
“Settle down, wait your turn,
and form into a queue.”
INTO A QUEUE
A sale would start in minutes.
For shoppers old and new,
like pilgrims on a sacred quest,
anticipation grew.
Before the doors were opened,
a booming voice rolled through:
“Settle down, wait your turn,
and form into a queue.”
A ticket window sign said “closed”
and all who stood there knew
that when the tickets went on sale,
there'd be a ballyhoo.
A giant man approached the crowd
his job was to subdue:
“Settle down, wait your turn,
and form into a queue.”
An unexpected tragedy
brought death to quite a few.
The angry mob outside the Gates
could not believe it true.
But trying to restore control,
St. Peter’s whistle blew:
“Settle down, wait your turn,
and form into a queue.”
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Day #16 - PIROUETTE
Day #16 in the Poem-A-Day challenge brings us the prompt: pirouette. Born with a total lack of coordination, I've never been able to master the art of dance. My inspiration comes from a gift I wish I'd been given.
A PIROUETTE ROMANCE
A tiny girl in leotards
awaits her turn to dance.
She watches those who go before
a child within a trance.
From first position, it is clear
she’s worth more than a glance.
This tiny youth has much to share,
a talent far advanced.
But gifts arrive at any age,
and hers was not by chance.
She shows the beauty of ballet,
a pirouette romance.
A PIROUETTE ROMANCE
A tiny girl in leotards
awaits her turn to dance.
She watches those who go before
a child within a trance.
From first position, it is clear
she’s worth more than a glance.
This tiny youth has much to share,
a talent far advanced.
But gifts arrive at any age,
and hers was not by chance.
She shows the beauty of ballet,
a pirouette romance.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Day #15 - OCEAN
The prompt for Day #15 calls me back to the place I just left. Four glorious days immersed in total relaxation where water meets land. I am hopelessly addicted to white, sandy beaches, the smell of salty air and the majestic roar of the ocean. Only one question bores through my soul: when can I go again? Enjoy the prompt. Enjoy the summer. And enjoy the moment.
OCEAN MOTION
I sit content at the shoreline.
The waves roll in.
The waves roll out.
Mesmerized by the scene,
nothing more important seems possible
than that gentle rocking back and forth.
As the wind picks up,
white caps appear
and the ocean begins to pummel the beach
with fierce determination.
Slow and steady, the waves come
closer and closer
to my sanctuary in the sand.
Retreat is not an option.
I surrender to the encroaching water
that envelops my toes in its salty wetness.
And still, I sit and ponder
those things that beach bums do:
much of nothing
and nothing much.
OCEAN MOTION
I sit content at the shoreline.
The waves roll in.
The waves roll out.
Mesmerized by the scene,
nothing more important seems possible
than that gentle rocking back and forth.
As the wind picks up,
white caps appear
and the ocean begins to pummel the beach
with fierce determination.
Slow and steady, the waves come
closer and closer
to my sanctuary in the sand.
Retreat is not an option.
I surrender to the encroaching water
that envelops my toes in its salty wetness.
And still, I sit and ponder
those things that beach bums do:
much of nothing
and nothing much.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
There is a quote that reads, “the only constant is change.” Such is the case here at A Muse Fuse. When I first began organizing the July Poem-A-Day Challenge, I had no plans to be out of town during the month. So, of course, that has changed. I will be unavailable from Friday, July 16th through Monday, July 19th. But to stay (albeit slightly) within the rather loose parameters of this alphabetical challenge, I have posted below all the poetry prompts for these four days. Choose one, choose two, choose all, choose none; whatever your schedule allows will be appreciated. I will see you back here, "live", on Tuesday, July 20th around 10:00 am with the prompt for Day #15. Have a good weekend, and be safe!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)