purplepeninportland

To Holiday Cookies!

Posted on December 3, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Bloomings2 - InForm Poet
Christmas Cookie Pantoum

"As we begin preparations (I know of a guy who is twenty-four days away from one hundred poems to Christmas) for the big season, we see the staple of most Christmas tables rising to the top. CHRISTMAS COOKIES are on our minds and so we will use that as fodder for our poetic pursuits, incorporating them into our poetic form which is the PANTOUM."


Do not use a plastic cookie press,
only iron or stainless will do.
You'll be able to tell a tree from the rest.
Cutout cookies will work well too.

Only iron or stainless will do.
Sprinkle with red and green sugar mix,
then move on to thumbprints–all will thank you
as they decide which flavor jam to pick.

Sprinkle with red and green sugar mix;
now you are in the holiday spirit.
Hope your oven does not go on the fritz,
If so, sing Christmas songs; you know the lyrics.

Try baking some gingerbread folks.
Do not use a plastic cookie press.
Resist temptation to give them pokes.
You'll be able to tell a tree from the rest.

https://poeticbloomings2.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged cookies, holiday season, methods, pantoum form, singing | 2 Comments

The Date

Posted on December 2, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Go Dog Go Cafe  (posted by Devereaux & Beth)

"Today’s prompt: Write a piece of prose or poetry that uses the words highway and finishing touches."


She had not
had a date in
a long while,
and hoped to be
wearing a chic
enough style.
Lipstick was
her finishing 
touch; did she use
too much blush?
She wanted 
and needed a night
on the town, but not
via Hell's Highway.

https://godoggocafe.com/2020/12/01/tuesday-writing-prompt-challenge-tuesday-december-1-2020/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged date, looks, nervous, woman, written from words | 3 Comments

“my right shoe”

Posted on December 2, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  The Twiglets #205 - "my right shoe"


My right shoe
would be
a red leather 
high heel
in another age.


Each pair of shoes
I own, has a stretched-
out right shoe.


one new right shoe
near a tree-lined playground
found late morning, alone


          A right shoe was found by a gumshoe,
          a glittering high heel of light blue
                but where was the left
                 the right was bereft
         Thought the gumshoe, it must be a wrong shoe.

https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged colors, Haiku, limerick, Micro-poetry, puzzle, shoes | 4 Comments

Caffeine and Poetry

Posted on December 2, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  VJ’S WEEKLY CHALLENGE #123: WARRIOR

"That’s my warrior self. (Well, one of them.). Now tell me about yours."


Caffeine and poetry
reading as I listen
to Soundscapes.  Check
out day's challenges,
and meditate to unwind.

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged coffee, meditation, music, poetry reading | 2 Comments

Breathing Bubbles

Posted on December 2, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Sunday Muse #136

breathe, bubbles
easy, free-floating, at peace
framed in water

http://thesundaymuse.blogspot.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged bubbles, free, girl, Haiku, water, Written from Art | 8 Comments

Abide by My Side

Posted on December 2, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  dVerse Poets Pub - Quadrille #117 
The Dude Abides  (posted by MSJadeli)

Today’s challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to write a quadrille poem. If you’re new to dVerse or the quadrille, it’s simply a poem of 44 words (excluding the title.) You MUST use the word “abide” in your poem.


Abide by my side,
 become my bride.
 Let's put aside our pride,
 we have nothing to hide.
 My heart is open wide
 to hold your love inside.
 When our children arrive
 we will see that they thrive.
 Together we’ll go for Sunday drives.
 Abide

https://dversepoets.com/2020/11/30/dverse-quadrille-117-the-dude-abides/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged abide, monorhyme, proposal, Quadrillle | 4 Comments

Drear

Posted on December 2, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Sunday Whirl, Wordle #484

Words:  wall, narrow, throw, hold, want, tape, morning, 
lead, black, stories, after, small


An ominous lead sky
de-joyed the morning.
After holding back,
rain railed against
the narrow windows
while out in its midst,
backyard umbrella flew
across the deck.  I wanted
to peel back the black tape
of sky.  An indoor day.
Wanting old stores, small
cups of chocolate comfort,
and a thick wall against
the outdoors–family fortress.

https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged dark sky, indoors, rain, warmth, Wordle | 2 Comments

For The Lost and The Survivors

Posted on December 1, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides PAD November 2020 Challenge - Day 30

"For today's prompt, write an exit poem. Some exit gracefully; some make a scene. However you wish to exit, do so poetically now."


Chimera spaceship plagues people of earth.
News depicts it with suction cup feet.
Sadly apt as it leaves a dearth
of millions infected at record speed.

Plaintive cries of families ripped apart,
loved one's lives riddled with holes.
We are sequestered and fearful with broken hearts
wondering if this horror will leave us whole.

To all dear people departed too soon,
may you be at peace, your suffering ended.
To those who are left in depths of blue
may you find that sorrows can be mended.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-30

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged death, elegy, plague, sorrow, Written for Challenge | Leave a comment

Wanting Peace of Mind

Posted on November 30, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for: Poetic Asides PAD November 2020 Challenge - Day 29

"For today’s prompt, take the phrase "Wanting (blank)," replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write your poem. Possible titles could include: "Wanting Less Leftovers," "Wanting More Leftovers," "Wanting All the Leftovers," "Wanting a Second Chance at Creating Possible Titles," and/or "Wanting to Leave Making Titles Up to You."

Meditation allows me to imagine
I am walking through umbrellaed trees,
diamonds of sunlight sparkle branches

So much braver to take chances
on a virtual stroll where I can examine
nature's beauty bestowed on me.

Choose your path whether mountains or seas.
What do you see that nature enhances–
colors of flowers that you can share in.

Imagine a painting of trees with diamond branches.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-29

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged imagination, meditation, nature, peace of mind, scenery, Trintina form, Written for Challenge | Leave a comment

Meaning Of Loss (remixed)

Posted on November 29, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides PAD November 2020 Challenge - Day 28

"For today’s prompt, write a what's next poem. Do you see hope and optimism? Are you only able to see doom and dismay? Or is it possible you can see a mix? Whatever the future means to you, write what's next in your poem."


Why were we in
her house
without her?
Reality throws
a gut punch
casting a blue
shadow over
our hearts.  
A house brimming
with quick wit
and laughter falls
silent, cold.
Community friends 
and family gather
to celebrate
her life.  As I
read a dedication
poem, I turn toward
the doorway, expecting
her to walk in.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-28

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged free-writing, Written for Challenge | 3 Comments

Respect for Dignity

Posted on November 28, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides PAD November 2020 Challenge - Day 27

 "For today’s prompt, write a what's next poem. Do you see hope and optimism? Are you only able to see doom and dismay? Or is it possible you can see a mix? Whatever the future means to you, write what's next in your poem."

 Twenty-Twenty has been a miserable year
 All our lives upside down by end of March
 Political climate increased our fears,
 trickling information left us parched.

 With mixed messages we had to make a choice–
 wear masks and practice social distancing.
 Finally people were giving voice
 to Black Lives Matter, countless deaths for nothing.

 A new year is upon us; what to hope for?
 End to a killer virus, more openness.
 May businesses and health be restored.
 May we reunite in pleasantness.

 Respect for other's views is the key
 to regain our country's dignity.


 https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-27

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged deaths, hope, Illness, New Year, Sonnet, Written for Challenge | 6 Comments

Fortunate

Posted on November 27, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for: Poetic Asides PAD November 2020 Challenge – Day 26

"For today’s prompt, write a thankful poem. Write an ode to someone or something. Or compose a sonnet that expresses thanks--either from you or as a persona poem. Of course, you can also take this in the opposite direction and write a "thanks for nothing" poem."


Have a roof over my head,
not going hungry.
Sleeping in a cozy bed.

Thanks is not often said
aloud enough by me.
Have a roof over my head

Poverty is widespread,
so I am extremely lucky,
sleeping in a cozy bed.

Pandemic has left many dead.
The gravely ill have nowhere to flee.
Have a roof over my head

At times I feel that I am hanging by a thread,
awash in a turbulent sea, but truly
sleeping in a cozy bed.

I could immerse myself in books instead
of thinking about places I'd like to be.
Have a roof over my head,
sleeping in a cozy bed.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-26

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged comforts, pandemic, poverty, thanks, Villanelle form, Written for Challenge | 2 Comments

Crowded Room

Posted on November 26, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for: Poetic Asides PAD November 2020 Challenge-Day 25

"For today’s prompt, write an exaggerated poem. Make it bigger; make it smaller; and/or make it whatever, as long as you exaggerate! Have fun with your poems more than ever today."


Clearly the elephant stands
in a small-spaced room.
He is not uneasy.  Ideas
arise among those 
who are uneasy.  He makes
them uncomfortable.

What to do with discomfort

The elephant is politely asked
to leave the room.  His trunk
sways, knocking over tables
and chairs.  Dense grey feet
dig in.  Elephant is not leaving,
even though everyone wants him out.
Discussion drones on, largely ignored
by the elephant.

What to do with discomfort


Decision is made.  Time to bring in
the new animal–a rheumy-eyed 
hippopotamus, who attempts to edge 
the elephant toward the door.
Finally, success.  The elephant stands
outside against the door, unmoving.

What to do with discomfort

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-25

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged animals, Bop form, small spaces, stubbornness, Written for Challenge | Leave a comment

Thanksgiving

Posted on November 25, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for: Go Dog Go Cafe (posted by Devereaux & Beth)

“Write an acrostic poem using the word FAMILY or THANKSGIVING.”

Toast to
Health for everyone
And
No more pandemics,
Kindness and kisses instead.
Sailing on a new boat
Going around the world
In hopes of learning
Values and cultures of people
In other countries, and
Never forgetting to be
Grateful for what you have.

https://godoggocafe.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged acceptance, acrostic, grace, learning, thanks | 3 Comments

“o solo mio”

Posted on November 25, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for: The Twiglets #204 – o solo mio

"o solo mio,"
I said in best
Italian accent.
No answer.


Ask Stevie Wonder
for deeper understanding.


o solo mio
echoes from a gondola
a kiss in Venice


            A gondolier sang his heart out
         while his passengers started to shout.
              They were having a feud
              missed out on full moon
            and o solo mio was drowned.

https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged feud, Haiku, kiss, limerick, Micro-poetry, song, sunshine, unreciprocated | 5 Comments

Special Dinner

Posted on November 25, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for: Poetics Aside PAD November 2020 Challenge – Day 24

"Today is the final two-for-Tuesday prompt day (and it's the one I share every challenge). You can pick one prompt, pick both prompts, or even write one poem that attempts to do them both.
 For today’s prompt:"

 - Write a love poem, and/or…

 - Write an anti-love poem.


In love with a girl who cooks
She prepared our first dinner
First bite–gagged on unknown meat.
The dog was happy.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-24

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged dodoitsu form, dog, Love, swallow, Written for Challenge | 2 Comments

Dreaded Call

Posted on November 24, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  One Womans Quest

VJ’S WEEKLY CHALLENGE #122: THE PHONE CALL

Let your imagination run wild with this one. One phone call can change the state of things. I know I can easily think of of a number of phone calls in my life: some funny, some tragic, some bursting with promise.


Dad was in rehab, 
though we knew
there was not much
they could do.  Water
built up, organs were
failing.  We went to
see him and held
his hands.  His eyes
fluttered, body shook.
We corralled a nurse
who assure us that Dad
would be much better later,
after more nutrition 
was provided.  We left,
already bereft, feeling
like we should have stayed.
Back at Mom's, family
gathered.  Within ten
minutes, phone rang.
The nurse told me
my father was gone.

VJ’s Weekly Challenge #122: the phone call

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged Dad, death, dread, phone call, rehab | 5 Comments

Ode to a Turkey

Posted on November 23, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides PAD November 2020 Challenge - Day 22

"For today’s prompt, write a bird poem. You can make the title of your poem a specific type of bird and write from there. Or you can mention a bird (or several birds) in passing in your poem. Maybe poeticize the movements of a giant flock. Or take it in a completely different and creative direction."


Oh turkey
gobble, gobble
wobble, wobble.
I think we have
similar necks,
but on you–
devine.  I have
seen you as wild,
oh turkey.  You
point your beak,
and a vibrant palette
of pinions forms
behind you.  I have
seen you walk with
your poults following
in line.  You keep
your family together.
Oh turkey, you have
much prestige. A country
is named after you,
as is a bourbon.  But,
although I admire you, 
I also eat you.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-22

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged guilt, ode, turkey, Written for Challenge | Leave a comment

Intimate Group

Posted on November 23, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Bloomings2 - Prompt #313 - Gathering

"Our gathering (if we’re able to gather at all) will be something else all together. Can you imagine Thanksgiving or our gathering in that dynamic?
 So as a twist (see?), we bring out our old friends, metaphor and simile to pull off this trick. In your “Gathering” or “Thanksgiving” poem, incorporate either a simile or metaphor to convey the thought."


The dried corn
hanging on front
door was not
as high as
an elephant's
eye, but hearty
in colors of yellow
and brick red.  This
is a Thanksgivette,
not quite a spread.
There were few
family members, 
and an embarrassed 
miniature turkey.
Yet, as embers glowed
in the fireplace,
we gave thanks
for what we did have–
much warmth and love.

https://poeticbloomings2.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged comfort, gathering, Love, miniature, warmth | Leave a comment

The Sheep’s Dine Out

Posted on November 23, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Sunday Muse #135  (posted by Carrie)

Where are ewe
and the kids?
The table is set,
a bit formal
for my graze,
but we promised
to attend.  Did
not check out
menu yet, but 
you can be sure
they will not be
serving lamb.

http://thesundaymuse.blogspot.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged dining, menu, Sheep, Written from Art | 15 Comments

The Old Cabin Home

Posted on November 23, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Sunday Whirl, Wordle #483

Words:  wind, home, gratitude, tender, frill, feed, flow, silver, mince, road, finger, family


Wind slipped through
fingernail cracks
in the old family
cabin home.  Difficult
to find the dirt
road if you are
unfamiliar with this
no-frills area.  Family
noses sniffed out scent
of fragrant turkey, tender 
sweet potatoes, and mince pie.  
Perhaps not as many to feed
this year, but the flow
of silver conversation,
and grandparent's gratitude
was sufficient for all.


https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged family, holiday, old home, small town, Wordle | Leave a comment

“colors of life”

Posted on November 22, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Carpe Diem #1839 colors of life

"This month I have chosen the theme "autumn leaves", and as it says it's all about kigo for autumn. Today I have chosen the theme "colors of life" and that has to do with autumn, but also with life itself."


rustic red
leaves dance to the new season
under Autumn's light

http://chevrefeuillescarpediem.blogspot.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged autumn, Haiku, leaves, red | Leave a comment

Tell Me When He Is Gone

Posted on November 22, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides PAD November 2020 Challenge - Day 21

"For today’s prompt, take the phrase "Tell (blank)," replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write your poem. Possible titles could include: "Tell the Truth," "Tell a Lie," and/or even "Tell Me Something Good for a Change." Of course, I'll also accept titles like "Teleprompter" or "Telephone."


Please
tell me
when he's gone.
I need to breathe,
awake to morning
no longer in mourning
for country's loss of respect.
Please let me know when smoky sky
clears, and fire has been extinguished.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-21

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged breathing, calm, fire, Nonet form, Written for Challenge | 3 Comments

practicing

Posted on November 21, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for: Poetic Asides PAD November - Day 20

"For today’s prompt, write a target poem. People shoot at targets with guns as well as bows and arrows. But they also aim at targets when pitching in baseball, rolling a bowling ball, and/or trying to hit someone in dodgeball. Of course, quarterly and annual targets are important in business, and there are moving targets in so many different walks of life."

she practices words
what will she say to him
his heart is her target
she hopes he feels the same way
if his eyes meet hers, she'll know

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-20

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged hope, Love, tanka, Written for Challenge | 3 Comments

I Saw You!

Posted on November 20, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides PAD November 2020 Challenge - Day 19

"For today’s prompt, write a confession poem. Maybe you ate the last piece of cake or broke the family television. Perhaps, you married too early, fell in love too late, or never did a good deed without an ulterior motive."


I shook the container
sounded like remainder was not
quite enough to save, but
I put it back on top shelf, closed
the fridge.  Did not suppose
anyone would expose culprit.
My brother witnessed it.
Selfish act to commit.  I'm sorry.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-19

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged empty, guilt, Luc bat form, sorry, witness, Written for Challenge | Leave a comment

Two Years

Posted on November 19, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for: Poets and Storytellers United
Weekly Scribblings #46: Let's Celebrate! (posted by Rosemary)

"So I had a birthday. Did I what! Which, dear wordsmiths, many of you already know from having seen it on facebook and showering me with good wishes.

That made me pause to realise, gratefully, how many friendships poetry has brought me over the years. Not all my fb friends and well-wishers are poets, but the majority are.

So let’s continue the party mood here! I invite you to write something celebratory. Or else to tell us about a particular celebration, real or imagined. New writing please, one per person, poetry or prose. Prose – a maximum of 369 words excluding title – may be fiction or non-."

Two years have passed by swiftly.
This is the anniversary
of the day he began
to become a different man.
His life has changed, his outlook, too.
Smiles and laughter replaced the blue.
He works with others to help them see,
how to find their own way, worked for me.

https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/2020/11/weekly-scribblings-46-lets-celebrate.html

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged celebration, changes, two years | 15 Comments

Snowy Forecast

Posted on November 19, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Bloomings2, InForm Poet-Snow Way Triolet

"Today, we started getting our firsts glimpses of snow for the season. So, we will write a Triolet about something snow. That’s it and we’ll see how it goes."


The forecast is for snow today
but I won't get my hopes up high.
I don't sense it coming this way.
The forecast is for snow today.
How I'd love to ride in a sleigh,
warm up with cider by and by.
The forecast is for snow today
but I won't get my hopes up high.

https://poeticbloomings2.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged forecasts, hope, sleigh, snow | 2 Comments

Blue Diamond Eyes

Posted on November 19, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  dVerse Poets Pub - Poetics:  Look into my eyes
(posted by Mish)

"Pen a poem about eyes or choose a photo where the eyes
speak to you."


Blue diamonds shine
under bushy brows,
usually furrowed,
forehead needing
an iron.  The diamonds
may have lost some
dazzle along the way,
product of a troubled
mind.  But blue diamonds
always keep their value.

https://dversepoets.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged color, diamonds, eyes, shiny | 10 Comments

From Ocean Homes

Posted on November 19, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides PAD November 2020 Challenge - Day 18

"For today’s prompt, write a sea creature poem. Your sea creature could be the garden variety sea creature, like a shark, dolphin, or seahorse. Or it could be something more exotic like Godzilla, merfolk, or the kraken. Whatever your sea creature (or creatures) are, have fun poeming."


What has both a body and fins?
Mermaid who swims

Eight legs wiggling willy-nilly?
Octopus, silly

So petite, and sweet of course?
Tiny seahorse

Many sea creatures have great force
Never met a snapping turtle,
wouldn't even flirt a little.
mermaid who swims, octopus-silly, sea horse

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-18

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged Ovillejo form, sea creatures, Written for Challenge | Leave a comment

Hotel Nightmare

Posted on November 18, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Go Dog Go Cafe Tuesday Writing Prompt
(posted by Devereaux and Beth)

"Today’s prompt: Write a piece of prose or poetry that uses the words hotel and porcelain skin."


Her creamy complexion
was like porcelain
skin on a doll.  Her
silk gown was laid out
on the hotel bedding,
as if she was planning
to attend a formal event.
A shame she was found dead.

https://godoggocafe.com/2020/11/17/tuesday-writing-prompt-challenge-tuesday-november-17-2020/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged beauty, death, Micro-poetry, woman, written from words | 3 Comments

“rephrase it”

Posted on November 18, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  The Twiglets #203 - "rephrase it"


You said, we're done–
can you rephrase that?


a phrase is only as good
as its words.


young girl recites
edge of lake at a picnic
audience puzzled


                 A comedian who was well known
               came back to his home town alone.
                  He did one show for free,
                 heard someone gripe, jeez,
           same stale material, past date shown.

https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged comedian, Haiku, limerick, meaning, Micro-poetry, stale | 6 Comments

Differing Viewpoints

Posted on November 18, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides PAD November 2020 Challenge - Day 17

"Today is another two-for-Tuesday prompt day. You can pick one prompt, pick both prompts, or even write one poem that attempts to do them both."
 For today’s prompt:
 Write a nice poem, and/or…
 Write a mean poem.


My favorite thing about you is your smell
in Summer when the days are long.
The love-gift of a fairytale 
beneath such dreamy weather.

You puzzle me a lot.
You don't see the person they are,
you see the person they have
the potential to be.
Sex takes the consent of two.

(This cento was composed from lines of poetry by
  Rupi Kaur, Lewis Carroll, and Ogden Nash)
 

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-17

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged Cento form, found poetry, hers, his, Written for Challenge | Leave a comment

Pondering Possibilities

Posted on November 17, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for dVerse Poets Pub - Quadrille #116 (posted by De)
"Poem Those Possibles"

"In this crazy year when things are constantly getting cancelled, restricted and restrained, let’s open up a poem window of possibility and let some sunshine in, shall we?"

I ponder the possibilities.
 Which are possible
 for me?  You make it
 un-possible to have
 a conversation.
  
 It’s possible for me to think
 of many things 
 for which I am grateful.
 On Thanksgiving, I like 
 everyone to share one
 reason to give thanks.

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged grateful, possibilities, thanks | 16 Comments

Facets of Intimacy

Posted on November 17, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  One Woman's Quest

"This week, I want to talk about intimacy. For many years, I limited thoughts of intimacy to sexuality, however; age and challenges have altered that perception."


According to Webster's Dictionary:

closely acquainted; familiar, close: intimate friends | they are on intimate terms.
 • (of a place or setting) having or creating an informal friendly atmosphere: an intimate little Italian restaurant.


Have you been intimate?
Oh yes, we are close friends.
We share our lives.  We vent.
Are you intimate with yourself?
Yes, when I face truths about me.
What about sexual intimacy?
Ah, Level Ten!

VJ’s Weekly Challenge #121: intimacy

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged atmosphere, Friends, intimacy, self-knowledge, sexual | 2 Comments

Response To Lies

Posted on November 17, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides PAD November 2020 Challenge - Day 16

"For today’s prompt, write a response poem. You can pick a favorite quote and respond to it with a poem. Or pick a favorite poem and write a response poem. You can even do what I did and respond to an earlier poem you wrote from this month."


Have you matured since you were two?
Did you not learn that sometimes you lose?
America, your country, faces danger.
As President, false claims will not do.

Your ego is your prominent feature.
Division of people can't be plainer.
In handling pandemic, you were obscure–
so many dead, could have been saved.

It is time for you to close the door,
and graciously open it like those before
you, who wished their successor well.
Stop mocking science–earth will not endure.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-16

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged in my opinion, Interlocking rubaiyat form, response to danger, Written for Challenge | Leave a comment

We Feel Their Presence

Posted on November 16, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Bloomings2
Prompt #312 - Is Dinner Ready

"As poets, we all bring something special to the table. As friends, we will give thanks and bring a tasty poem to our “feast.” Think a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and choose one item or dish you relish during this time."

Through my sister's hands
the recipes, and love
that went into them,
lives on.  Mom baked
two stuffings–one 
of chestnuts, and
one of cornbread 
and sausage.  My sister's
are every bit as wonderful.
Right here, even though
we are supposed to pick
one item, I couldn't leave 
without mentioning 
the cranberry relish 
which I hated as a child, 
and now relish.

https://poeticbloomings2.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged food, memories, Thanksgiving, traditions | Leave a comment

Covers

Posted on November 16, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Sunday Whirl, Wordle #482

Words:  print, face, lace, softly, slit, embrace, trace, listen, still, infinite


In print her face
is softly lit
without a trace
of worried lines.
Her dress is 
sewn of lace,
a slit running
down the side.
In this still
photograph, fans
embrace her 
infinite beauty,
and seeming youth.  
They fail to listen 
to their own minds.  
They believe in print.

https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged beauty, cover, unrealistic, Wordle, youth | 2 Comments

Meaning of Loss

Posted on November 16, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetics Aside PAD November 2020 Challenge - Day 15

"For today’s prompt, take the phrase "Meaning of (blank)," replace the blank with a word or phrase, make the new phrase the title of your poem, and then, write your poem. Possible titles could include: "Meaning of Life," "Meaning of Love," "Meaning of This," and/or even "Meaning of Socks Constantly Losing Their Pairs."


Stomach is the first body part
to react when hearing bad news.
Someone you love departs
this world, leaving a shadowed blue.
Tears at your heart
Rips you in two

Realization dawns with a start,
you cannot deny it is true.
Now your tears begin to fall 
for a person filled with life, her death appalls.
Tears at your heart
Rips you in two

Seems impossible that she will not enthrall
you with her foibles or weird phone calls.
I read a poem to those gathered
to celebrate a life that mattered.
Tears at your heart
Rips you in two

Many rise to toast her sense of humor
though her life was ever fractured.
She was a person set apart,
caring through and through.
Tears at your heart
Rips you in two

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-15

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged disbelief, grieving, loss, Rondelay form, Written for Challenge | 6 Comments

Onlooker’s Conversation

Posted on November 15, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Sunday Muse #134 (posted by Fireblossom)

Talk about banging your head against a wall.
Not only that, he's wearing his brains
on the outside.  Well, at least he cleared
the barrel.

http://thesundaymuse.blogspot.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged jumping, stunt, written from photo | 20 Comments

Talking Weather

Posted on November 15, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides PAD November 2020 Challenge - Day 14

"For today’s prompt, write a memory poem. Dive into your own personal memories. Or use them as a springboard into an imagined memory. Or combine this memory prompt with the persona prompt from a few weeks ago."


It was a day of rainy weather
or so we thought, 'til sun shone through.
I had just folded by umbrella
when suddenly, the sky broke blue.

Do not look at forecast,
look out your window.
Wrong so often–
those weather people.

I tried to estimate percentage–
the ratio of rain to sun,
and have concluded to my chagrin
it was a day of rainy weather.

(mixture of persona poem and memory)

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-14

Posted in Purple's Home | Leave a comment

Bird Woman

Posted on November 14, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poets and Storytellers United
Weekly Scribblings #45:  Artistic Interpretations  
(posted by Magaly)

Beautiful, YOU Are, by Magic Love Crow
“You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful.”
~ Amy Bloom ~

Soft whisper of white
smoke turns to hearts,
your love flows from depths
of brilliantly colored robes–
wings on a woman's body.

https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged bird, color, Love, smoke, woman, Written from Art | 11 Comments

Nature’s Gifts

Posted on November 14, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetics Aside PAD November 2020 Challenge - Day 13

"For today’s prompt, write a luck poem. Good luck, bad luck, a mixed bag. You decide and then write it."


Lucky penny, heads up
reflected in the sun.
I stoop down.
Will I have good fortune?

reflected in the sun
a rainbow in a puddle.
Will I have good fortune?
Walk down to the lake,

a rainbow in a puddle.
I see two black swans.
Walk down to the lake.
They swim in sync.

I see two black swans.
I stoop down,
they swim in sync.
Lucky penny, heads up.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-13

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged lake, lucky, pantoum form, penny, rainbow, swans, Written for Challenge | 2 Comments

2 4 6 8

Posted on November 13, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for: Poetic Asides PAD November 2020 Challenge - Day 12

"For today’s prompt, write a number in the title poem. And yes, it's as simple as it sounds. Include a number in the title of your poem. The actual title could just be a number without any other explanation, or it could be something like "5 Little Pumpkins" or "39 Lines" (sestina, anyone?). You can even pull a "14U" type of title."

Two pieces of rich chocolate cake
in one sitting–that's what I ate
producing a slight stomach ache.
At four I wake, At four I wake.

At six o'clock in the morning
one dog goes out. I am yawning.
By eight o'clock, it is storming.
Dogs bark warning, Dogs bark warning.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-12

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged cake, dogs, monotetra form, overindulgence, Wake, Written for Challenge | 6 Comments

Unwilling To Question

Posted on November 12, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  dVerse Poets Pub - Prosery  (posted by Merrill)
"Of Houses, Walls, and Whistling Winds"

"I was browsing through Brainpickings, and I came across a poem by Liesel Mueller. I’ve selected this sentence:
 “there is nothing behind the wall
 except a space where the wind whistles”
 from “Drawings By Children” by Lisel Mueller"


Following the erection of a stone
wall by order of town's mayor,
people were puzzled.  Why was it
built on the outskirts of their
lovely town–a town filled with greenery,
scenery–a myriad of color as birds
sang flying from one tree to another.
Humans and animals alike could not scale
the wall.  Townspeople spoke among themselves,
but never broached the subject in
town meetings.

Time rushed in.  The elderly died out,
and a new generation populated the town.
They were perplexed by the wall, still
standing with cracks blemishing the facade.
Decision to dismantle it was unanimous.
Everyone took part.  As the wall toppled,
people stared.  "What was the reasoning
for this?" asked one.  "There is nothing
behind the wall except a space where the
wind whistles." 

https://dversepoets.com/2020/11/09/of-houses-walls-and-whistling-winds/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged People, puzzlement, questions, town, wall | 4 Comments

Complimenting Violet and Yellow

Posted on November 12, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides PAD November 2020 Challenge - Day 11


Autumn, while beautiful, means death
for all those purple petunias, while
lavender lessens in color, and eating
plucots comes to an end.  On a
table yellow and violet candles lit
for a cheery ambience, make for a delightful dinner.

(Taken from a line in a Charles Bukowski poem entitled
The Circus of Death)
  "Death while eating a candlelit dinner"

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-11

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged candles, colors, flowers, Golden Shovel form, Written for Challenge | Leave a comment

“be fearless”

Posted on November 11, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  The Twiglets #202 - "be fearless"


The lion said to the mouse,
'be fearless.'  The mouse
did not listen.


If I were fearless, I would:
     go skydiving
     parachute jump
     ride a motorcycle
     not need any light in a room
     not panic in a crowded elevator
BUT:
I am not fearless.


he is one-legged
stands apart from others
pigeon lifts his leg and flies


                   A man who was frightened of flying
                was told by his friend, you'll be gliding.
                      There's nothing to fear
                       being up in the air
            but the man said, on a train I'll be riding.

https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged fear, flying, Haiku, limerick, Micro-poetry, safety | 8 Comments

Willow Wooing

Posted on November 11, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Go Dog Go Cafe  (prompt by Devereaux and Beth)

"Pick three of your favorite words beginning with the
letter "W", and use in any form of writing."


Wooing you is my passion.
Can't you see what I am asking?
My wiles do beguile,
I hope you will agree.
I am down on a knee
under this willow tree,
proposing that you marry me.

https://godoggocafe.com/2020/11/10/tuesday-writing-prompt-challenge-november-10-2020/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged lovers, proposal, tree, Written from three "W" words | 3 Comments

Days of Dark Times

Posted on November 11, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Asides PAD November 2020 Challenge - Day 10

"Today is another two-for-Tuesday prompt day. You can pick one prompt, pick both prompts, or even write one poem that attempts to do them both.

 For today’s prompt:
 - Write an easy poem, and/or…

 - Write a difficult poem."


Days of dark times,
Infinitely worse due to
Face Masks not being worn,
Friends and family having large gatherings.
Isolation is taking a toll on seniors,
Children, and those who have 
Underlying conditions.  Stores are closing–
Lack of customers.  All of this contributes 
To this heavily depressive state.  We wait.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2020-november-pad-chapbook-challenge-day-10

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged Acrostic form, closings, depression, Illness, Written for Challenge | Leave a comment

Meeting His Parents

Posted on November 10, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Onewomansquest (VJ) - Challenge #120:  Frivolous


She did not want
to appear frivolous
to her fiancee's
family.  She knew 
her laugh was higher
pitched than most,
but if she stifled
it, she might seem
to be choking.  Her
fiancee's family's 
good graces are
what she coveted.
Hopefully, no one
would say anything
funny.

https://onewomansquest.org/2020/11/09/vjs-weekly-challenge-120-frivolous/

Posted in Purple's Home | Tagged meeting, nervous, Written from one word | 6 Comments

Wood Well Used

Posted on December 2, 2020 by purplepeninportland

Written for:  Poetic Bloomings2 - #314 - Leftovers

"Today we’re putting away the Thanksgiving leftovers. We’ll be writing of repurposing or recycling or bringing something to its natural conclusion. Let’s write of something “leftover” and then put it away." 


Handmade wooden cradle
rocked the baby
to and fro.
When baby turned
toddler, the wood
of the cradle was
refashioned into
a child's rocker.

https://poeticbloomings2.wordpress.com/

Posted in Purple's Home | 2 Comments

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