Components

Posted on December 4, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Friday Writings #4 - Pain in Ink 
(posted by Magaly)

"Write poem or prose that explores psychological or 
 physical pain."


When anxiety levels catch
up to depression levels,
I feel like jumping
out of my skin.  Spinning
in my head are Chinese
fortune cookie slips–
all thumbs down.  Overwhelm
is in overdrive.

https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/2021/11/friday-writings-4-pain-in-ink.html#comment-form

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“underneath my ribs”

Posted on December 1, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  The Twiglets #255 - "underneath my ribs"


My dog had skin
and fur overlaying 
his ribs.  Now his
ribs ride on top.


So chilled, I felt
the cold creep
underneath my ribs.


child cries, breath shallow
has been starving for so long
ribs are visible


            Oh how he loves eating spareribs,
           so much sauce he requires two bibs.
                Felt sad for baby
               snuck in some gravy.
       All sticky, she finger-printed her crib.

https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/
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Sniffle, Sniffle

Posted on December 1, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Poetic Bloomings2, Prompt #362
Baby, It's Cold Outside.  

"Write a cold poem."


I hope I don't catch a cold,
and panic it's much worse than that.
As virus mutations grow bold,
I hope I don't catch a cold.
Seems like they have no strong hold
on what formula will combat.
I hope I don't catch a cold,
and panic it's much worse than that.

https://poeticbloomings2.wordpress.com/
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Witness in the Shade

Posted on December 1, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Sunday Whirl, Wordle #529

Words: free, morning, why, papers, truth, shiny, witness,
       strive, engine, wings, split, price


Why did this witness
come to light
right before 
deliberations? Hope
this case was not
engineered by council
for the defense.  All
the tabloids printed 
story in last night's
edition.  Public
opinion was split.
New witness seemed
a bit on the shady
side.  Still, defendant
is looking like
a free bird this morning.
"Truth will out," he
decries.  Good news is
maybe he will finally
ditch that shiny
suit for a higher-priced
number.  Strive for
an innocent look.

https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/
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Virtual Meetings and Friendships

Posted on December 1, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Miz Quickly - Day 30

"I hope you have enjoyed yourselves, and have found things you wouldn’t have otherwise written. Keep your head on your shoulders, your eyes on the prize, and your nose to the grindstone. Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, we’ll all get together again soon. 

Write about meetings."


If it wasn't for 
this site, I never
would have met
a talking bunny!

Virtual meetings
have provided me with
a whole new family.
It is possible to feel
warmth, caring, 
and understanding
without the actual
hugs and hands.

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/30/qnv-30/
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Evening Peace

Posted on December 1, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 30!

"Write a The End and/or The Beginning poem."


When darkness falls, I feel at peace,
with one dog curled up fast asleep
beside me on his blanket, warm.
It's after nine; my pen has ceased.

A time for thoughts to drift, no qualms.
Perhaps a film where no one's harmed,
with dish of ice cream piled up high  
or if cold, hot chocolate's my norm.

A day is ended, now the sky
is abstract silver with moon as guide.
Tonight there's nothing to decide.
Tomorrow far as the sky is wide.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-30
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Winding of Eras

Posted on November 30, 2021 by purplepeninportland

Written for: Miz Quickly – Day 29 

"At my grandparents’ home when I was young [Yes, Miz Bunny was once young] there was a wind-up dog that did flips, and a monkey that banged cymbals. Each one wonderful in its way.

Write about winding.

Crank up that Jack-In-A-Box,
watch that clown pop up
and terrify me.  

My favorite wind-up of
all time, was my Pink 
Panther, who looked
from side to side,
and clashed cymbals
while dancing.

Ah, but it's a long
and winding road,
I suppose.  The only
item we wind up now
is an old grandfather 
clock.

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/29/qnv-29/
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Long Gap of Changes

Posted on November 30, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 29

"Write a next poem."

When next we get together, sooner I hope
than this last gap of fifteen years, while we cope
each with their own demons, through cigarette smoke.

So splendid to see you happy in your world,
grandmother, mother, and daughter–you're a pearl.
You are like a grand flag, finally unfurled.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-29
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Stupid Questions

Posted on November 29, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Miz Quickly - Day 28

"There are questions that are never answered to anyone’s satisfaction."

For example:

Why is the sky blue?

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

How can you (eat, do, ask, believe, etc) that?

Why did the chicken cross the road?

What’s with chickens, anyway?

Have you been drinking?

Why can’t I have a dog?

Why does God always tell people he is theirs and theirs alone?

and the infamous

Do you love me?

"These are, of course, only a scant and jaundiced sampling of the eternal questions.

You probably have your own.

Write, answering an unanswerable question. If the question is compact enough, you might use it as the title, then write about something else, leaving everyone who reads it scratching their heads and saying: What was that about?"


You fumble with
the doorknob,
keys jiggling.
Stumble into
the kitchen. Eyes
are red-ringed glass.
Cheeks are Santa-rosy.
Scent of whiskey
permeates your coat,
wafting through rest
of the house.  Your wife
asks, Have you been drinking?
You look at her with incredulity.
No answer required.

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/28/qnv-28/
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Pearls

Posted on November 29, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for Miz Quickly - Day 27 - Marquee Moment

"Staying with the theme of bringing world events into poetry:

Sometimes in an old movie or television show we catch sight of a newspaper, an ad, a marquee, something that tells something about the times and the life of people then without directly commenting.

Think you can do something like that?"


Though I am not
a pearl person, I 
glance at necklaces
of pink, and onyx
in jeweler's window.

I am reminded of
black and white
television show,
Mother setting
dinner table–sliced
white bread, pitcher
of milk for two
children.  She bustles
about in her shirt
-waist dress, sensible
heels, and a single
strand of white pearls
'round her neck.

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/27/qnv-27/
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Missing

Posted on November 29, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 28

"Write a slow down poem."


               You
           race through
           all your days
          missing out on
               life

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-28
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Nature in Autumn

Posted on November 29, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 27

"Write a remix poem.  Take one or several of your poems,
and make a remixed version that is new."


No dye or paint can match
Ambers, apricots, or crimsons
That nature arrays for
Us in Autumn.
Rising sunflowers,
Even in their abdication to a new season,

In lowered heads,
Nod in doe-eyed velvet

And pining petals.
Under leaf-sailing trees, dogs and cats
Trample piles of crunchy leaves.
Unless you keep close watch, you will
Miss squirrels foraging for winter.
Night falls and blankets all of nature's creations.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-27
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Sales, Sales, Sales!

Posted on November 27, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Miz Quickly - Day 26 - State of Things

"The Rabbit is writing these ahead of time, and has no idea what the current state of affairs might be.

Write about something in the news, something that the future might value a normal person’s opinion on. [Yes, you]"


Black Friday, Cyber Monday.
Wow, they sure do sound like fun days.
Stores are boasting big sales for gifts;
money gives Thanksgiving short shrift.
Ads put people in a panic.
Holidays should not feel manic.

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/26/qnv-26/
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Dad’s Chapeaus

Posted on November 27, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Miz Quickly - Day 25

"If you have a minute or three, write four lines.
Include a hat."


Dad's collection of hats:
Captain's hat in summer - no boat involved
Winter wool caps - barely creeping over the top of steering wheel
Fancy black fedora, worn with herringbone coat

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/25/qnv-25/

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Merits

Posted on November 27, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Miz Quickly - Day 24 - "Merit"


When I first met
my husband, he smoked
four packs of Merits
a day.  Rationalization
was that lowered tar
and nicotine would
merit him allowance
of extras.  After a
short time, he quit.
Switched from beer
to wine, and gained
eleven pounds having
assimilated into my
family where sweets
were as natural
as breathing.

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/24/qnv-24/
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Well, Colors Are a Personal Choice

Posted on November 27, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 26

"Write a Well (Blank) poem."


I know you love navy,
which makes me think of waves of suits–
Wall Street types in cahoots.
I would fancy some boots, purple–
plum color, nothing dull.
Also liking playful orange.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-26
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Thanksgivings Past

Posted on November 27, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 25

"Write a thankful poem.


Mom orchestrated Thanksgiving for years.  One year, I recall
a long, rectangular table filling the living room, covered
in white cloth.  This gathering was larger, with the inclusion
of cousins we adored.

Turkey was the least of it for Dad, who laboriously scored
X's in fresh chestnuts for roasting.  Out of the oven,
they were then chopped for stuffing.  In addition, Mom made
cornbread stuffing, her own cranberry relish, as well as
Dad's favorite–sweet potato casserole.

I look back in awe and admiration of Mom who so seemed to 
seamlessly glide through those dinners.

           mother dog gives birth
           sets up her corner alone
           six puppies suckle

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-25

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Goodies of the Past

Posted on November 25, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 24
"Write a response poem."


Blue bottles were labeled Good Health
bubbles of wealth
White glass bottles were filled with milk
never spilt
Our best delivery was cake
already baked

We loved our Hoffman soda's taste
I can still smell the black cherry.
Too bad those days are history–
bubbles of wealth–never spilt–already baked!

(continuation of my Day 7 - Good Health)

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-24
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Entranced

Posted on November 24, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Miz Quickly - Day 23 - Desire


Eyes of burning coal
hold you captive. Cannot
move your gaze.  Fevered
flush moves downward
from face and neck.  Skin
prickles, willpower melts.
Is it lust?  Is it desire?
Does not matter.  You go 
for it.

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/23/qnv-23/
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Out of Touch

Posted on November 24, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 23

"Write an Unplug and/or Plug In poem.


silence
serene space
unplugged from sound
no words bombarding you
peace

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-23
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Munch on Maize

Posted on November 24, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Go Dog Go Cafe - Tuesday Writing Prompt
(posted by Devereaux and Beth)

"Write a poem from the viewpoint of a turkey."

First of all, you
confuse us by changing
the date of your
so-called 'holiday.'
We run from one spot
to another, like
chickens with their
heads cut off.  Oh,
too graphic for you?
How about giving
your thanks without
involving us?

https://godoggocafe.com/
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“from here to there”

Posted on November 24, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  The Twiglets #254 - "from here to there"


From here to there
is a longer distance
than you think.


Splotches of colors
here and there,
do not a painting make.


here is my heart
a fragile, beating comfort
you will not find an equal


         There once was a man from here
        whose dream was to go over there.
         When he reached there he found
           there was no one around
     'cept for poisonous snakes and stale beer.

https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/
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Impossible

Posted on November 23, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Miz Quickly - Day 22 - Impossible

How can it be
true?  Both parents
gone, when I thought
they would live forever.

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/22/qnv-22/
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So Many To Save

Posted on November 23, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 22

"Write an animal poem."


Wish that I could save them all-
hippos, giraffes, each dog and cat.
Stand up for their rights, they call–
doe-eyed, silent, as their habitat
ebbs like tides, home gone to urban sprawl.
Shortage of food while humans grow fat.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-22
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The Release

Posted on November 22, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Sunday Whirl, Wordle #528

Words:  turquoise, tension, one, dissonance, female,
        themes, release, speaks, easy, shh, stay, with


See that turquoise
sign - the one that
says, Release?  Brand
new female-owned
speakeasy.  Some nights
they have color-themed
drinks, each a shade
of the chosen color.
Oh, shh!  What did
you hear?  Well, I am
not surprised.  She 
enjoys being dissonant
as a jarring wrong note.
Tune her out.  You need
to come and stay for
a while.  Tension melts
away.  You tell them
Louise sent you.

https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/
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Smaller, but Thankful

Posted on November 22, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Poetic Bloomings #361 - "We're Thankful"

"Now, we stand on the cusp of our Thanksgiving holiday in the States. The precursor to Christmas is almost nigh. So we are asked to write our obligatory “Thankful” poem … anything with the word THANK in the title or in the body of your poem would be greatly accepted!"


Family is shrinking.
I am thankful for everyone here,
glad we are all in sync.
Family is shrinking,
but I am thinking
how I hold you all dear.
Family is shrinking.
I am thankful for everyone here.

https://poeticbloomings2.wordpress.com/
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Behind The Green Door

Posted on November 22, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Sunday Muse #187


Unpleasantly perplexed,
Joe faces a door
without traces that
anyone has ever been 
inside.  His uncle
bequeathed this work-
shop to Joe, who had
no knowledge of it.
Joe figures the interior
is probably worse
than the exterior.  As
he ponders his situation,
the green door begins
to creak open.

http://thesundaymuse.blogspot.com/
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Language Mishap

Posted on November 22, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Friday Writings #3 - A Different Interpretation

"Take a well-known saying, and interpret it differently."

Tell us your recipe for cooking the books


Magda enters
a local bookseller's
shop.  she is overwhelmed
by the sizable collection.
Proprietor sees her
furrowed brow, asks how
he can help.  She blushes.
Knows her English is not
up to par.  'I want to
cook books,' she says.
Suppressing a smile,
he leads her to where
the cookbooks are located.

https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/
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Tears

Posted on November 22, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Miz Quickly - Day 21 - Emotion


tears tumble down
she fears there is no way out
until she can float


https://imprompt.wordpress.com/author/mizquickly/
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Van Gogh’s Sunflowers

Posted on November 22, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 21

"Write an ekphrastic poem.  That is, write a poem based on a painting, photograph, sculpture, or other piece of visual art. "


Just like showering snowflakes
differ, so it is with sunflowers.
From deep chocolate
to brilliant gold, they
superimpose each other's
beauty.  Never still.  Buds
burst open, velvet eyes
expand, and petals push
in every direction.  Commonality
is that all sunflowers lift
their faces toward the sun.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-21
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Impressive Ego

Posted on November 21, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Miz Quickly - Day 20 - Important

"Take the abstract word ”IMPORTANT” and illustrate, define, personify—do something to make it real. You do not have to use the word itself. You can. You can use it over and over. That isn’t important. The energy, Dr Frankenstein, should make the word LIVE."


His money makes him prestigious
in his own mind.
Yes, it is easy for him to buy
the look, walk that purposeful
walk.  People listen 
when he talks.  He holds 
meetings, sends greetings, 
carries leather.  Whether or not
there are significant papers
inside, is anyone's guess.  
Dress the part; command
an audience. Does anyone dare ask 
what he really does?

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/20/qnv-20/
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If I Were You

Posted on November 21, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 20

"Write a (Blank) You poem."


If I were you, I'd be cautious
You who have wronged so many
Thoughts of you make me nauseous,
a Poster boy for bad penny

You who have wronged so many
So far you've gotten off scot-free
Thoughts of you make me nauseous
Is revenge cold?  I'd like to see

So far you've gotten off scot-free
Do you sleep like a log at night?
Is revenge cold? I'd like to see
What you have stolen cannot be set right.

Do you sleep like a log at night?
Those damaged have no moments of peace
What you have stolen cannot be set right.
If karma exists, your life will cease.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-20
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Miss Rose

Posted on November 20, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Miz Quickly - Day 19

"The Rabbit knows some subjects just want to be written about.

trees light water fire– all the googobs of other “poetic” things

Like a cat underfoot or a droning speaker their wants can be downright tiring.

This may not work, but give it a try.

Personify some wearing poetic subject, look it in the face, and tell it what you think."


Yes, I can see
your red-petaled
beauty, Miss Rose.
Many choose to write
about you from
prose to odes.
(watch those thorns!)
You are not the be-all,
and end-all of flowers.
Personally, I prefer
peonies and sunflowers.
Your ego causes
your petals to droop
too soon.

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/19/qnv-19/
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Cloudy With Sun Spots

Posted on November 20, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 19

"Write a future poem."


Future is hard to see clearly.
Present life changes every day,
a formless lump of modeling clay.
Current mood can make future drear.

Some hope to see a new frontier
in which they'll have a part to play.
Future is hard to see clearly.
Present life changes every day.

Ofttimes I face future with fear
'though I don't dwell on yesterday.
Friends are scattered.  Hoping one day
to see them,those I love dearly.
Future is hard to see clearly.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-19
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Alice Decides to Take Her Leave

Posted on November 19, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Miz Quickly - Day 18 - Quilt Pt. 3

"Write a poem based on your cento."


Heads roll,
as the Red Queen's
temper fires her 
face.  Playing 
cards shake
in fear.  Cat
grins maniacally
then vanishes.  A
nervous white rabbit
is running late,
and a smoking
caterpillar is
stoned, and rude.
Alice is displeased
with the direction
her adventure
is taking.  Why,
she thinks, they
are all mad here.
I hope it is not 
contagious.

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/18/qnv-18/
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Thursday Meetings

Posted on November 19, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 18

"Write a Thursday poem."


she waits in sunshine
nice weather every Thursday
his only day off

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-18
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Reconstruction

Posted on November 18, 2021 by purplepeninportland 

Written for:  Miz Quickly - Day 17 - Poem on a Quilt, Part 2

"Without bringing in more words, rewrite your cento. This should be recognizably the same poem, so don’t go hog-wild. Break the lines, move a phrase of Ginsberg into a space between two lines of Blake, alter punctuation. If you need to, remove an extra word or two (but exercise restraint)."


Comes to me in daylight,
a morning glory at my window.
A butterfly.  We have to get
quiet.  Our life is a faint
tracing–a moon moving
around the barn.  We are
all mad here.  What matters
most is how well you walk
through the fire.

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/17/qnv-17/

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The Crystal

Posted on November 18, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 17
Write an object poem.


A disk of crystal inscribed
with date from which I can't hide.
Although twenty years have passed,
this disaster fills my eyes.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-17

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Interject Levity

Posted on November 17, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 16
"Write a form and/or anti-form poem."

A form can be strict
depends on which you pick, 
and what you wish to depict.
I would have to predict
the poem will be imperfect.
Think of a gimmick
that may make it click.
Do not get panicked,
there will be no verdict.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-16

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Deconstructed Cento

Posted on November 17, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Miz Quickly - Day 16 - Quilt

Poem on a Quilt

This is a three-parter.

Make  Cento

Deconstruct

Write Poem

(If you skip steps One and Two…well, don’t)

For our purpose today, a cento is a patchwork of whole lines. They can be lines from several works by one poet (please, for this exercise, do not use your own work) or from a number of  poets. Ten to twenty lines should do for the poem, but be sure to have plenty of extra lines–some of your choices, you can be certain, will not work well with others. Note the author and poem for each line as you copy.

Choosing the lines, each with its own meaning, is the beginning of your creation. Play with them. Move them around. Find new meanings with juxtapositions. Look for patterns. Listen for common sounds.  Find an order that pleases you.


morning glory at my window
comes to me at daylight.
I am a butterfly, not
a collector.  We have 
to get quiet.  Tonight
a new moon moves around
the barn.  Our life
is a faint tracing.  What
matters most is how well
you walk through the fire.
Remember, we are all mad
here.  

(Walt Whitman, Susan Dion, Jane Kenyon, William Stafford,
 Annie Dillard, Charles Bukowski, Lewis Carroll)

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/16/qnv-16/
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Halves

Posted on November 16, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Miz Quickly - Day 15 - Mid-November
"Write about a half."


Half a pie
is healthier than whole.
Half moons–
not as bright as full.
Half the time
I enter a room and wonder why.
Half for you
and half for me–yours seems larger.
Half and Half 
is equal parts milk and cream.
What to make of fat-free Half and Half?
Perplexed as to how cream can be
fat-free.

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/15/qnv-15/
Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Move!

Posted on November 16, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 15

"Write a Speed Up poem."


You had better speed up, dear;
show starts in one hour.
You take all day to decide what to wear.

People are focused on the stage;
those tickets cost a fortune.
Speed up!  We are never on the same page.  

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-15

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Greaser in Miami

Posted on November 15, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Sunday Muse #186 - "Illusion"
This is not a guy. She’s a drag king (name not given.) Looking good!
Dark sunglasses cover
half the face.  Is it
cover or is it a prop
for cool?  Looks like
a Miami hustler crossed
with a greaser.  Hat
is perfect for this look.
If I didn't know, I would
never have believed it.
Gives whole new meaning
to 'You can't judge a
book by its cover'.

http://thesundaymuse.blogspot.com/
Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

Legend

Posted on November 15, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Sunday Whirl, Wordle #527

Words:  spark, icy, legend, brew, scented, stone, few,
        spread, breath, clue, enchanted, feather


I am a legend
made of feathers,
scented in lavender,
resting upon an icy
stone.  I spread
enchantment with my
breath to those few
who can see my spark.
In this messy brew
which life has become,
I hope my legendary 
self can provide you
with clues and hope
for the coming year.

https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/

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Old Seasons Die

Posted on November 15, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Miz Quickly - Day 14 - The Falling Line
Cascade Form - "Write a line that can bear repetition."


Piles of leaves ready to sweep
Some still sport bright hues.
Most crunch underfoot
bringing Winter near.

Looked out at backyard heap
knowing what I'll have to do.
I could not read my book,
piles of leaves ready to sweep.

Garaged my garden statues, deck is bare.
My dogs eagerly wait for snow. At least
then tree branches will look festive.
Some still sport bright hues.

Changing of seasons impact
me.  Looking out, I'm sad.
Black leaf-filled bags at curb.
Most crunch underfoot.

See the sky, fading to pale blue
over beaches cold and empty now.
Squirrels and chip monks gather food,
bringing Winter near.

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/14/qnv-14/
Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Why Would You Pick That?

Posted on November 15, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  November 2021 PAD - Day 14

"Take the phrase, (blank) That"


Disapproving mom points,
alluding to purple dress,
refusing to accept my
choosing of a non-earth tone, I guess.

Shopping together never worked.
Copying her taste was not in me.
Flopping down, we'd  take a break,
stopping for ice cream.  We both agreed.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-14
Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Crossroads

Posted on November 14, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Miz Quickly - Day 13

"We all know the truth about sequels. The truths. There’s something in the original we can’t let go of. Something we want to make love to, or finish, inhabit, watch come to completion. The sequel isn’t a part of the creative impulse. No one has much hope for it, tacked on years later in a time with different sensibilities, different emotional palates.

Doesn’t matter.

Pick a famous [ poem ]. [movie] [song] [painting] and write its sequel. Try, as best you can, to maintain something of the flavor of the original. But if you can’t, do it with your best kung fu."


A crowd gathers
'round the piano
calling out
requests.  Tom is
obliging.  He enjoys
seeing people from
other countries  
meeting in this
American bar, off
the beaten path 
for many.  The owner
is in transit, hoping
to return next
evening.  Tonight
is busy, much of
the bar taken up
by a loud party.
Time wears on,
and Tom closes
piano for the night.  
Front door jingles.  
Tom turns his head.
His eyes bulge
in disbelief,
as she enters.

https://imprompt.wordpress.com/2021/11/13/qnv-13/
Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

A Doduitsu

Posted on November 14, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for: November 2021 PAD - Day 13

"Write a luck poem."


She used to smoke Lucky Strikes
Don't know if they're still around
I look at her past ten years
Lucky's brought no luck.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-13

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Food Obstacles

Posted on November 13, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Go Dog Go Cafe - Donna Matthew's challenge:
Poetry form:  "Ae Freislighe"

. Quatrain stanzas (4-line stanzas)
. 7 syllables per line
. Lines 1 and 3 rhyme together, but they rhyme as three syllables
  (xxa)
. Lines 2 and 4 rhyme together as two syllables (xb)
. The final syllable, word, or line of the entire poem should be the
  same as the entire poem begins (the poetic term for this is dunadh)
  
Poem can be as concise as one stanza and scale out as far as a poet wishes to push it.


The sight was most surprising.
Meat bins were missing turkeys–
a shortage, I'm surmising.
I will not eat tofurkey.

Cannot find the cranberries.
by this time bags are displayed.
Hope guests will have sympathy
if we must eat out today.

https://godoggocafe.com/2021/11/10/fears-be-damned-by-donna-matthews/
Posted in Purple's Home | 5 Comments