purplepeninportland

They said He’s Never Pull It Off

Posted on June 7, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides Prompt #655

"For this week's prompt, give your poem a click bait title and then write your poem. A few examples of what a click bait title might be include the following:

This Person Picked a Daisy, and You'll Never Believe What Happened Next

They Told Her She Couldn't, but Then She Did This

This Weird Trick Helped Him Lose Weight and Eat More Food Than Ever

Poet Stepped Up to the Open Mic, Then the Unthinkable Happened

So create your own click bait title, or lift one that already exists, and then, write your poem."


They whispered to
each other.  He would
never be elected.  One
morning people awoke
to find him in office.
How could this happen?
They were incredulous.
A bully with limited
vocabulary of about
ten words was now
enthroned in the
White House.  Here
was a man who could
not stand to lose
anything, including
elections.  Even under
indictment, his fan base
remains stubbornly
strong.  Now, with
the advent of AI,
no one will be able
to decipher the truth.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/wednesday-poetry-prompts-655

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged bully, in my opinion, click-bait, Incredible, election | Leave a comment

“taste of mud”

Posted on June 7, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  The Twiglets #328 - taste of mud


Making mud pies
where the ocean
touches the shore–
sniffed but not tasted


And there's the difference
between animals and people


plays scenes from past
childhood games vivid in her head
the taste of mud


         A racehorse known to be a Mudder
         stood in his stall and blubbered.
                 He was OCD
             hated being dirty.
   Sugar cubes did nothing to lessen his shudder.

https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged Haiku, limerick, Micro-poetry, mud, racehorse | 6 Comments

Neatly Tucked Away

Posted on June 3, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Friday Writings #79 - Unfinished Projects

"write poetry or prose inspired by an unfinished project or 50."


I must have a look
at that book I was writing,
now so long ago.  Still in a box,
waiting, like an injured doll
needing fixing.  Why do I not 
remove it from its confinement,
read through it as a much older
person?  Will I recognize the voice
as my own, get under the skin
of the characters I created?
Fear.  Will the writing seem cliched,
predictable?  Will I still care
about the character's lives?  Fear
of my own rejection.  I hope one
day to open this box, and hear
myself.

https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged fear, long years, unfinished, writing | 19 Comments

The Old Black and White TV

Posted on June 1, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for Poetic Asides, Prompt #654

"Write a Sensitive poem."


Watching the old small box TV
that always seemed sprinkled with snow.
Those rabbit-ears never let us see.
Watching the old small box TV,
wrapping the ears in foil was the key.
Someone had to hold them just so. 
Watching the old small box TV
that always seemed sprinkled with snow.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged old, rabbit ears, television, triolet form | 5 Comments

The Recalcitrant Wife

Posted on June 1, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  dVerse Poets Pub - Acting Like Animals!
(posted by (sarahsouthwest)

"Have you ever noticed how some animals have become verbs? You can dog someone’s footsteps. You can weasel out of something – but nobody cats, and I’m pretty sure you can’t elephant. You can lark around, you can badger somebody, you can clam up, but you don’t dragonfly."

"Here are the animal verbs I can think of – you might be able to think of another one! I’m sure there are some animals that aren’t local to me that haven’t become part of my vocabulary."

ape
badger
beetle
bug
dog
ferret
goose
hare
hog
horse
hound
lark
parrot
pig
rabbit
squirrel
weasel
wolf
worm


Upon hearing
of his wife's
affair, he went
ape-shit.  No
amount of badgering
forced her to give
up a name.  The more
he hounded her
the more she gazelled
about the room
ignoring him.  He thought
he could ferret it
out of her, but the next
morning found her
gone, larked off
to a new life.

https://dversepoets.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged affair, anger, animal verbs, gone | 7 Comments

“breathing space”

Posted on May 31, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  The Twiglets #327 - breathing space


Licking my nose
first thing in the morning
leaves me no breathing space.


In quiet twilights
I breathe freely.


gazes at still lake
breathes easily in calm space
breath fogs water's surface


             Once in the State of Montana
          while enjoying last bite of banana
                Fred saw sky darken
            and someone said, hearkin!
  Storm's coming, get running, or you won't live to breathe mañana.

https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged calm space, Haiku, limerick, Micro-poetry | 9 Comments

Rhyming Peppers

Posted on May 30, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  dVerse Poets Pub - Quadrille:  Pass The Pepper, Please!
(posted by Punam)


When it comes to pepper pot soup,
please leave me out of the loop.
Even a cold Dr. Pepper
could not make it better.
Jalapeños, 
chile relenos
poblanos stuffed
might be enough.
I would be most pleased
to start off with pepper jack cheese.

https://dversepoets.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged pepper, quadrille form, silly | 12 Comments

Keep Tilling That Soil

Posted on May 29, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Bloomings2 Prompt #440
Experience Not Necessary


"write something about this Poetic Bloomings site. What do you like about it? Not like about it? What do you miss from it? Give something that says it continues to be a viable endeavor. What has your experience with it been like? Let us know."


The whole idea of being a working garden, where magical blooms appear, is
an incentive to keep tilling the soil.  We are like a happy family of
wildflowers, which blow in every direction spreading color and cheer.
This site means a great deal to me, and the prompts are always stimulating
due to our esteemed host.  Viable endeavor?  Absolutely.

together as one
long stemmed romantics, short sharp 
pansies, and always 
easy smiles

https://poeticbloomings2.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged gardens, Haibun, unity, varied | Leave a comment

Angel Queen

Posted on May 28, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Sunday Muse #261

Through my bare feet
I absorb all the pain,
and desperation of
people who dwell
in this city of change.
One whip of my
wings can smite evil
doings miles away.  Do
not look for me; I am
invisible in my travels.
If you should see a flash
of lavender, know that 
I am protecting you.  If
you feel the beat 
of my wings, know that
your planned diabolism
is thwarted.

http://thesundaymuse.blogspot.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged absorption, angel, invisible, protection, Written from Art | 21 Comments

Audacious Impertinents

Posted on May 27, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Friday Writings #78 - Artificial Intelligence


Intellectual children strive
to make our world a little less 
truthful, a little less
stable, a little less
private.  Our world becomes
their playground.  They
manipulate us, jerking
the strings of their
marionettes.

https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged high-tech, manipulation, scary | 12 Comments

Beach Meditation

Posted on May 4, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetics Aside #650

"Write a meanwhile poem."


I listen to a beach meditation
waves curling onto shore

and tears flow

I see blue waves in my head,
white foam splashing

and tears flow

My breath becomes rhythmic
to that of the waves

and tears flow

When I slowly open my eyes
my cheeks are moist.  I am
relaxed.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/wednesday-poetry-prompts-650

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged Beach, meditation, reaction, tears | 4 Comments

A Map of Her Face

Posted on May 3, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  dVerse Poets Pub - Quadrille #175 - mapping out
our poems  (posted by whimsygizmo). "Map"


She wears the map
of years across her face–
forehead frown lines
of disappointment,
crow’s feet circling
weary eyes. All
those instances where
she could not muster
a smile, pull corners
of her mouth into
a permanent frown.  She
imagines the future at 50.

https://dversepoets.com/2023/05/01/quadrille-175-mapping-out-our-poems/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged face, lines, quadrille form, weariness | 16 Comments

“happy nod”

Posted on May 3, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  The Twiglets #323 - happy nod


Her face bobbed
up and down
like a beachball.
as she nodded yes
to his proposal.


Alice nodded off
under a shady tree.
She woke to find herself
in a strange land.


sun sparkles lake
she nods her head happily
words would break the spell


          The strange thing about Mr. Mertz–
           his reactions worked in reverse.
               nodded yes to a hike
           with boy scouts he disliked.
   Adding woods and bugs, that nod proved he was cursed.

https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged Haiku, happy, limerick, Micro-poetry, strange | 5 Comments

Top of the Rock At Midnight

Posted on May 1, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  The Sunday Whirl, Wordle #603

Words:  night, flashes, you, mystery, bow, climb,
        emerge, grain, bearing, verge, heart, clash


Night flashes,
a mystery.  We seem
to be on the verge
of an emergence.  
We climb to apex
of grainy rock,
our hearts pounding
so hard we nearly
lose our bearings.
Clash!  An unknown
creature stands 
before us.  Bows.
'Who are you?' it
asks in perfect
English.  We could
ask the same if
we weren't frozen
in place.

https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged creature, Night, stunned, Wordle | Comments Off

Surprise Prize

Posted on April 30, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 30

"Write a surprise poem."


Really?
What is my prize?
Animal family?
That presents catchall of choices.
A chimp??

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-30

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged animal, cinquain, prize, silly, Written for Challenge | Comments Off

Escape

Posted on April 30, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Sunday Muse #257

It is daybreak,
and I am not
home.  He said
we were destined
to be together,
however, after
our sex-soaked
night, we fell
asleep.  He changed
his mind as day
broke.  What a joke.
I couldn't get out
of there fast
enough.  People
will stare at me
on the train,
but at least
I will be out
of that brutal 
rain.

http://thesundaymuse.blogspot.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged Emotions, escape, game, written from photo | 16 Comments

At The Dance

Posted on April 30, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 29

"Write a sight poem."


He has her in his sight.
She is dancing with Mike, the star
of football team.  The bar
he feels, is above par–no chance.
Suddenly, smack!  All glance.
Her hand slaps Mike; he blanches, stunned.
Serendipity's won.
Glides to her side, tears run
down her pale cheeks.  He hums
a love song, takes her hand.
They dance away. Slow music plays.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-29

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged chance, Dance, Luc bat form, Written for Challenge, young love | Comments Off

Looking Up

Posted on April 29, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Friday Writings #74 - The Act of Paying Attention





I find I pay heed
to more of
nature than
people passing. Clouds contain
much more enchantment;

they change in moments
to other
shapes, in front
of your eyes.  I see wildlife
of land and ocean.

https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged clouds, nature, shadorma form | 10 Comments

You Are A Beam of Light In The Darkness

Posted on April 29, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetics Aside 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 28

"Write a You Are (blank) poem."


When my voice is ragged, nerves on edge,
your calmness aids my speeding heart.
In softly spoken words you hedge

the demons that clamor for my breakdown.
You send me quotes by sage poets, long gone
whose words chip away at chittering sounds–

those thoughts that do not serve me well.
You separate tangles with your logic,
excessive issues I can't seem to quell.

The tone and quietness of your words
allow me to see a brighter side,
a winnowing of depression, a push forward.

I am fortunate to have you as my friend.
My hope is that it's mutual on your end.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-28

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged calm, friend, light, terza rima form, Written for Challenge | Comments Off

If . . .

Posted on April 28, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 27

"Write an anapodoton poem."  (unfinished phrase where a person
can fill in the blanks. - e.g.  If life gives you lemons . . .)


If at first you don't succeed,
find another hobby to pursue.

If pigs could fly
why not I?

When in Rome
it is complicated to use the phone.

If look could kill
I'd use my drill.

If the mountain won't come to Muhammad
you'd best make do with salad.

All good things
are like hot flings.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-27

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged anapodoton, silly, twists, Written for Challenge | Comments Off

The Forgotten

Posted on April 27, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 26

"Write a response poem."


Denial of compensation arrives.
No explanation is provided
by the Veterans Administration,
who simply state, you can appeal.
The Vietnam veteran is in midst
of dementia, residing in nursing home.

Where are they now?

Exposure to Agent Orange,
a poison; left with jungle
rot on both legs, for which
there is no medication
for the burning and itching.
The veteran has never asked
for anything.  Numerous requested forms
were filled out, and medical records sent.

Where are they now?

Young men, drafted, put their lives
on the line.  Thousands were lost.
He is entitled to compensation.  Why 
have a Veterans Administration at all, 
if they turn their backs on the very
people who served their country.

Where are they now?

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-26

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged Bop form, no help, VA, Written for Challenge | Comments Off

“you wear black”

Posted on April 26, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  The Twiglets #323 - you wear black


You wear black so well–
too many funerals


'Oh my dear
you should wear black
clothes only. After all,
you live in Manhattan now.'


black wide-brimmed hat
slants across her pale face
hides tears of sorrow


           A man, since the time of beatniks,
         sported goatee, and beret, looked slick.
            He dressed all in black
             in cafes, he slacked
      Fifty years later, he's simply a nudnik

https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged beatnik, clothing, Haiku, limerick, Micro-poetry | 3 Comments

Waking From A Dream

Posted on April 26, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 25

"Two-for-Tuesday - Write a dream poem and/or a reality poem."


So many day are odd, no longer even
except in my dreams, which I rely on
to embrace you, taste you.  Oh, the
thought of how we melded in night,
city lights illuminating room, my 
clothes strewn about.  My lover, my friend.
Then I wake, and remember how you died.

Golden Shovel form - sentence taken from
a poem by James Davis May

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-25

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged death, Friends, Golden Shovel form, lovers, Written for Challenge | Comments Off

I Miss Your Touch

Posted on April 25, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 24

"Write a touch poem."


You touched my heart with your piercing blue eyes.
Though an introvert keeping dark times buried,
you slowly opened up to me, and I
was glad.  An open book, myself, I worried

that we would not be able to meld.
To discover your sarcasm matched my own
was an absolute delight.  We gelled.
Restaurants we favored, Montauk was like home.

Those silly stocking stuffers–I once got coal;
you got your wish with a toy pony.
We began older years together, our goal.
Now you live in nursing home.  I am alone.

How strange, wise man who clasped my hand snugly
developed fear of touch–even by me.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-24

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged marriage, sadness, separation, Sonnet, Written for Challenge | 2 Comments

Green Eighteen

Posted on April 24, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 24

"Write a fear poem."


Eighteen.
Never been
on a plane.
She is traveling
to Mississippi
to marry her mother's
worst nightmare.

She boards with
anticipation,
and anxiety.  An
Air Force wife–
if she only knew
or had listened.
She aisles it for
this trip.  Claustrophobia.

In the seat beside her,
a bulbous-nosed man
nods at her, then
falls asleep after
takeoff, his crumpled
newspaper floating
to the floor.

Halfway to destination,
plane hits turbulence.
Oh no! Is this an augury
of what was to come,
if she even makes it
out alive?  In frantic
mode, she looks around
the plane in search of
someone to allay her
fears.  She spots two
nuns on a diagonal
from her.  They
are praying.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-23

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged omen, plane trip, Written for Challenge, young love | 3 Comments

First Date

Posted on April 24, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Bloomings2 - Prompt #435 - On The Menu

"We’re studying the menu today. Literal or slang, words can have two (or more) meanings. Today we’re doing it with food. Did you ever “butter” someone up? Do you cut the “mustard “? Have a “beef” with someone?

Think of food words in these terms, and serve your poem while it’s hot! Don’t be “chicken”!"


For their first date,
he gave her a box of dates.
He thought he was buttering
her up.  She accepted
the dates, and buttered
them.  Said she, 'I only
truly like them in date-nut
bread.  Do you have the bread
for that?'  Said he, Perhaps
you would rather have figs?'
Said she, 'I don't give a fig
about them.  I do love raw
clams, though.  He clammed up.

https://poeticbloomings2.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged double-meaning words, first date, foods, mismatched | 3 Comments

The Audition

Posted on April 24, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  The Sunday Whirl, Wordle #602

Words:  rising, willing, seven, bodies, granted, risk,
        yearn, gender, name, dancing, live, build


They lined up
for the audition–
seven girls with
beautiful bodies.
they were willing
to risk anything
to become rising stars
with name in lights.
Only one spot would be
granted for role
of dancer.  Tension
built.  Yearning
was palpable.  Each
performed their best
moves.  Waiting was
unbearable.  Then,
one by one, the girls
got their answers.
Seem the director 
had decided to switch
gender, and hire a
male dancer.

https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged ambition, audition, surprise, waiting, Wordle | Comments Off

The Hobo

Posted on April 24, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  The Sunday Muse #256

They found his spoon
and cup.  Knowing he hopped
freight trains all his life,
it was strange to find his
closest possessions
sitting in an alley.  He
never traveled without
them.  They felt it was
an omen.  He no longer
needed his possessions.

http://thesundaymuse.blogspot.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged hobo, possessions, Written from Art | 8 Comments

What Can You Do?

Posted on April 23, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetics Aside 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 22

"Write a 'What (blank)' poem.


Today is National Earth Day.
Sweep our planet of declension.
What color future do you see

from charcoal to candlelight shade?
See with eyes wide, pay attention–
today is National Earth Day.

Is everything you touch plastic gray?
Do away with needless pollution.
What color future do you see?

Some may see future as gold rays–
they work hard for reinvention.
Today is National Earth Day.

All play a part in their own way
making green choices with action.
What color future do you see?

Each species matters-see that they stay.
We owe the earth our protection.
Today is National Earth Day,
what color future do you see?

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-22

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged attention, earth, Villanelle form, Written for Challenge | 2 Comments

Time for Staying, Time for Going

Posted on April 22, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Friday Writings #73:  Time Affects All Things


The prisoner
was due to be
executed at midnight.
One minute previous,
the governor called.
Stay of execution.

-------------------------

In fanciful pink
clusters, the cherry
trees formed an
arch in the park.
Spring was here.
Summer nudged Spring
aside too soon.  Alas,
some trees were pre-
maturely green,
and others were 
dropping petals.

https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged changes, good news, sad goodbye, Time | 16 Comments

Six Word Poem

Posted on April 22, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 21

"Write a 6-words poem.  Use at least 3 of the words:"

    bow, lean, park, saw, tear, wound


He saw
she was in tears.
She needed her
violin for tonight's
performance of a new
play, 'Wound'.  He traced
their stops of the day
back to the park they sat in
for lunch.  Leaning against
a  worn green bench, was
the missing violin.  No
one had taken it.  
Triumphantly, he presented
it to her with a bow.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-21

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged park, set amount of words, triumph, violin, Written for Challenge | Comments Off

The Advantageous Turtle

Posted on April 21, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 20

"Write an animal poem."


I am
hurrying.  Can't you see
this whole race is a sham?
You are tall as a tree
while my legs are short-spanned.
You'd lose in the vast sea

for I 
can swim while you cannot.
With armor I am spry.
Sadly, it is your lot
to be stuck on land, sigh.
Go now; show off your trot.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-20

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged animal, Bob and Wheel form, opposite, short, tall, Written for Challenge | 5 Comments

Synesthesia

Posted on April 20, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 19

"Write a taste poem."

I lick the butterscotch disk
of sun, as clouds play
jazz in the sky.  Walking
through thick blades
of grass, I scent peppermint
candy. As a rule, I avoid
the sour lemon taste of
politicians.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-19

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged color, music, scents, synesthesia, Written for Challenge | 2 Comments

Roar

Posted on April 19, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  dVerse Poets Pub - Quadrille #174  (posted by Kim)
"You say you want a revolution"

"Today, I want you to write a poem of exactly 44 words (not counting your title), including the word revolution."


The zoo’s animals 
were fed up.  Enough
was enough.  After hashing
it out through Zoom,
they all agreed upon
a signal from Edgar
the elephant.  A roar
sounded and all
the inmates revolted.
They escaped,
and started an animal
farm.  The year was
1984.

https://dversepoets.com/2023/04/17/quadrille-174-you-say-you-want-a/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged animals, freedom, imagination, quadrille | 5 Comments

“curled page”

Posted on April 19, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  The Twiglets #321 - curled page


Page containing
her favorite poetry–
yellowed and curled with age.


Love letter
was tucked inside
the curled page.


Sit sits and reads
book in her lap, long hair curled
around page


           A girl named Shirley,
           hair long and curly
            would not have it cut
          though down past her butt.
   Got stuck to flypaper; curly Shirley grew surly.

https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged curls, Haiku, limerick, Micro-poetry | 10 Comments

Brief Beauty

Posted on April 19, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 18

'Write a love poem and/or anti-love poem.'


You light up my life with color,
in all varieties you shine.
Beauty arcs in umbrellaed line.
When petals float, I gaze in wonder,

knowing your time is short splendor.
For this treasured moment in time
you light up my life with color–
in all varieties you shine.

You leave a confetti cover
'round hem.  The effect is sublime.
First glimpse of you thrills me inside.
At cherry tree blooms, I linger.
You light up my life with color.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-18

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged awe, beauty, cherry blossoms, Rondel form, Written for Challenge | Comments Off

Doubt Turns to Miracle

Posted on April 18, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for: Poetic Bloomings2, Prompt #434 – Going Old School

“We’re going back to the very beginning for this week’s prompt. With spring having to creep in, can garden blooms be far behind? Every garden starts with a seed. A small part of the big picture; a beginning. And so we begin at Poetic Bloomings.

The prompt for this Sunday reflects that idea. Write a “seed” poem. It could literally be a seed of a plant, of an idea that sparks a greater effort.”

Gifted with a packet
of sunflower seeds,
I look doubtfully
at them, picturing
height of my favorite
flower–impossible.

The seeds sprouted,
sturdy stalks grew
higher and higher.
Soon after round,
brown velvet heads
looked up at the sun.

https://poeticbloomings2.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged miracle, seeds, sunflowers | 1 Comment

Skeletonics

Posted on April 18, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  The Sunday Whirl, Wordle #601

Words:  life, skeletons, listening, wandering, knees, want,
        dream, suffering, promise, call, block, dreams


Listen, and I will
regale you with tales
of suffering skeletons,
their wants and needs.
They had promise during
life, but now they wander,
knees clicking as
they pass a stream,
recalling dreams
now blocked.

https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/2023/04/16/wordle-601/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged dreams, imagination, skeletons, Wordle | Comments Off

Constantly Uncertain

Posted on April 18, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 17

"Write a nerve poem."

Insides shift, heart pound loudly.
He is now gone eight hours
driving when he should not be.
I know he's lost,
will not pick up phone.

How will they find him this time,
still roaming astray or hurt?
I shudder

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-17

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged Boketto form, lost, terrified, Written for Challenge | Comments Off

The Death of a Nation’s Children

Posted on April 17, 2023 by purplepeninportland

written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 16

”Write a “The (blank) of a (Blank) poem.”


Zephyrs of spring fill the air with promise.  Buds open,
cherry blossom trees bloom in clusters like sweet
pink candy.  Spring training tests our teams
as we await the cheers of fans.  Playgrounds fill,
Spilling with laughter of lighter-clothed  children
eager for their summer vacation to begin.

Then poisonous clouds of greed, of hatred descend
upon our children.  A multitude of mass shootings
take their lives away.  Get rid of gins, open
mental health clinics.  Do something.

trees in flames 
cries in the wilderness
animals starving 

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-16

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged children, death, guns, Haibun, Written for Challenge | Comments Off

A Glimmer

Posted on April 16, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 15

"Write a shadow poem."


He sits, a outline of former self,
says he is old and stupid.
I go to see him once a week,
hoping a glimmer exists within.

Says he is old and stupid.
No more books, crosswords, humor.
Hoping a glimmer exists within.
He knows I'm his wife, not my name.

No more books, crosswords, humor.
Outrageous dark humor, always made me laugh.
He knows I'm his wife, not my name.
Food and sweets his focus now. I bake.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-15

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged dementia, pantoum form, personal, Written for Challenge | 2 Comments

My View

Posted on April 14, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Friday Writings #72
”Write about writing.”


Writing is sharing, caring 
enough to be daring with
dark thoughts and words
that can also serve
to drive away the demons
in your nightmares, or
seeing something of beauty
you attempt to paint 
with words.  I pick up
my pen, and a different 
world opens.  I inhabit
the world my words create.


https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged daring, inhabiting, personal, view, writing | 19 Comments

Cartoons Always Know Where to End

Posted on April 14, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge- Day 14

”Write an ‘And Now For Something Completely Different’

Moose and squirrel
beset by troubles
stirred up by a double-

dealing pair-Boris and Natasha-
spies from Soviet Russia 
who scheme and plot with diabolical pleasure.

Flying Rocky and Bullwinkle J
Never let them get away.
They are victors, come what may.

Time to move on with the current,
as Bullwinkle easily implements 
by saying, “And now for something completely different”.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-14

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged cartoon, imagination Nonsense, Written for Challenge | Comments Off

The Letter

Posted on April 14, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 13

write a Forgive poem.


First, I ask myself what I need to forgive myself for. Deep
In meditative thought, ,I attempt to separate
the tangles of my past actions
and reactions. On some occasions 
I could have held my tongue. On others,
I, as victim of envenomed remarks,
stood silent instead of the brilliant 
riposte I later formed in my head. Now,
as age awareness besets me each day,
I forgive all those who have hurt me,
and forgive myself for those I have
hurt. There is simply no time 
to waste.


https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-13

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged Age, forgiveness, letter, Written for Challenge | Comments Off

Zoom, Zoom, Wail

Posted on April 13, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD. Challenge - Day 12

”Write a sound poem.”


Wailing sirens zip through street
Sounding like bleating sheep.
Bong, scrape, bong, scrape
Blaring sanitation trucks greet.
Zoom, zoom-muscle car suite,
Always after dark. Evening complete.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-12

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged Monorhyme form, noise, Written for Challenge | Comments Off

Form or Not

Posted on April 12, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 11

Two-for-Tuesday - Write a Form and/or Anti-form poem.


Discipline 
is required
in a form.
Poem has to flow
seamlessly,
you can’t force it.
You can ramble in free verse.




https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-11

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged discipline, whitney form, Written for Challenge | Comments Off

“ broke as a rock”

Posted on April 12, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  The Twiglets #320 - broke as a rock


My heart broke
when the rock
of my life shattered.


Blasting rock
and roll, broke
his eardrums


sits on high rock
in gray light.  Stares at rubble
after the storm


                He thought he discovered gold.
                To his chagrin, lo and behold,
                      he had it assayed
                     and became dismayed
           to find it was pyrite, not the mother lode.


https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged broken, gold, Haiku, heart, limerick, Micro-poetry | 4 Comments

How To Be Outsmarted By A Dog

Posted on April 11, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides 2023 April PAD Challenge - Day 10

”Write a How (blank) poem.”


How To Be Outsmarted By A Dog

You teach the dog to obey ‘come”.
Works In house, she eagerly runs.
When dog is in yard, you are shunned.
The dog plays dumb! The dog plays dumb!

She is smart enough to tease you.
She comes to door; you have no clue.
You open door, she flees from view.
The dog is shrewd! The dog is shrewd.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2023-april-pad-challenge-day-10

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged disobedient, dog, monotetra form, Written for Challenge | Comments Off

Charlie Byrd’s Piano Blues

Posted on April 10, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for: The Sunday Muse #254

This is becoming
quite boring.  I could 
be out eating worms.
Learned chopsticks
which should have
sufficed.  But no,
they insisted on
that classic, 
Für Elise, 
and I’m just not 
feeling it.  Not my fault 
that they cannot fly 
nor is it my fault 
that I cannot play?

http://thesundaymuse.blogspot.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged bird, bored, imagination, piano, Written from Art | 18 Comments

Mt. Loretto

Posted on June 5, 2023 by purplepeninportland

Written for: Poetic Bloomings2 - Prompt #441 - Subject Matters #1
"Let’s go with a haibun about something in nature. That’s your charge for today."

Tall stems tendrilled 'round acres of green plants
swaying in an early summer breeze. My sister and I walked
along trails. We found ourselves facing a small wooden platform with inviting benches that overlooked a vast lake. Turtles bobbed heads in and out of the water. Some sandy shells were designed in boxes, others were black-shelled tortoises.

Fragrant bushes lined a path that wound down to the water. Ducks and geese quacked and honked in the distance. Tranquility settled over us like a shawl of silk. A perfect day.

listening to language
of those native to the land
animals and birds

https://poeticbloomings2.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | 1 Comment