Crows Calling At Night

Posted on April 22, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  dVerse Poets Pub - Poetics:  
China-Kingdom of the Poem  (posted by Laura Bloomsbury)

"The Poetics’ Challenge here is: Select any ONE of the above poems and with as many re-reads as you need, imagine what the poet has painted, what impressions are conveyed. Then:-

reinterpret the poem in your own style
OR for those of you who prefer a classical form then:-
  re-interpret the poem in the Chinese LUSHI style.


Smoke-shadowed walls, hint of blackbird's nest
Soft song of male will soon vanish
Piano music plays, her fingers too gentle.
The melody is lost as is her love.
She brushes her palms along the keys
Her tears are in sync with April rain.

(I used "Crows Calling At Night by Li bai)

https://dversepoets.com/
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Trust Me

Posted on April 22, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD - Day 21
"Write a (      ) Me poem."


I want us to get married
he said to reluctant me.
Wore me down; I acquiesced.
He found someone else.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-21
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What is Peace

Posted on April 21, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Go Dog Go Cafe - Tuesday Writing Prompt
(posted by Devereaux and Beth)

"Write a poem on what peace means to you."


There is world peace,
there is inner peace.
If wars end forever,
would we declare a 
State of Peace?
Struggle for peace
of heart and mind
is a personal challenge.
We can work at it all
our lives–this living
in the moment.

https://godoggocafe.com/
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“bleak as gravel”

Posted on April 20, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  The Twiglets #223 - "bleak as gravel"


Her outlook on life
was bleak as the color
of gravel.


Winter's blustery bleakness
blows through trees,
displacing gravel.


gray-speckled gravel
she sifts it through her fingers
bits of her life


               He was a man who loved to travel
              To his enjoyment, it was essential
                 His best friend was fearful
                   and he got an earful–
          Start to live; your life is bleak as gravel.

https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/
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Magazine Mishap

Posted on April 20, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  dVerse Poets Pub-Quadrille #126
'Come "bother" up a poem.  (Posted by whimsygizmo)


To:  U.B. Thick
       Gun Magazine

If you had bothered
to read my email–
letter following–of
April 1, 2021,
you would know
that I have no interest
in your magazine.  Please
unsubscribe me.  If this
is too bothersome, 
I will contact Consumer
Affairs.

https://dversepoets.com/2021/04/19/quadrille-126-come-bother-up-a-poem/
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Sally’s Alley

Posted on April 20, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Life After Fifty-
              Sadje's "What Do You See?"
              (luna's on line)


Smokers come to 
Sally's Alley, where
tables are set wide
apart, nondescript 
white ashtrays on
each.  A rustic sea-
side restaurant of
limited menu choices
making decisions 
easier.  Regulars
know that the little
drawer inside their
table contains matches,
bottle opener, and dessert
list for that evening.
By the way, bring your
own bottle.

  https://Sadje's What do You See #78
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Dealing With Boredom

Posted on April 20, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  One Woman's Quest II
VJ's Weekly Challenge


"How are you dealing with boredom in your
 corner of the world?"


Varying my walks changes up
the scenery.  The local park
has trails around a lake
with ducks, geese, and turtles
sunning on rocks.  The playground
is open, and bike riders 
have returned.

Walking along the blocks
of shops is heartening.  Slowly
doors are opening for indoor
dining.  I look forward to
seeing friends after this
tough years.

https://onewomansquest.org/
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They Call It Love

Posted on April 20, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD - Day 20
"Write a love and/or anti-love poem."


this idea of love
their eyes fixed on each other
heartbeats like bass drum
tune often heard together
now they have a secret song

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-20
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Elephant

Posted on April 20, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April PAD - Day 19
"Write an animal title poem."


Elephants never forget,
that is what they say.
It is not always true for me.

I love when people bring peanuts for me,
the scent of those people I never forget.
Do not feed the elephants, some say.

If I were to have my say,
I would ask you to bring spicy peanuts to me
but you would probably just forget

An elephant can never forget,
the scent stays is what they say.
Please come back and visit me.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-19
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Drifting Firefly

Posted on April 19, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  The Sunday Whirl, Wordle #499

Words:  drift, hearth, arm, prowl, pressure, spring,
        design, night, flicker, ponder, fly, virus


On a chilly Spring night
while light flickers
in the hearth, I drift,
flit as a firefly, designed
to delight children
and adults.  My arm lies
languidly; my wings are enough 
to prowl through the evening
air, no pressure, out of reach
of a virus that falls like
an invisible poison powder,
killing.

https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/
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Living In Between

Posted on April 19, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Sunday Muse #156



He wears camera
lenses with filters
to change ranges
of light.  Living
mostly in darkness,
his hands are inky 
fingers, his black, 
bushy mustache grows
unruly.  He has a
choice to make.

http://thesundaymuse.blogspot.com/
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In Harvest Gold Grass

Posted on April 18, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD - Day 18
"Write an ekphrastic poem"  (from a work of art)


I linger in harvest gold grass,
my mind far from a farm's many chores.
Feel a part of this field, alas
field lies at home; mine behind doors.

My mind far from a farm's many chores.
Life is lonesome for a farmer's wife.
Field lies at home; mine behind doors.
Here I am free in my secret life.

Life is lonesome for a farmer's wife,
tending to tasks from sunrise on.
Here I am free in my secret life.
I dream of dancing or gliding like a swan.

Tending to tasks from sunrise on,
feel a part of this field, alas
I dream of dancing or gliding like a swan.
I linger in harvest gold grass.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-18
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Gonna Get You

Posted on April 18, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD - Day 17
"Write a waiting poem."

I will crouch behind this tree calmly waiting
for that big-eared scoundrel who's always baiting
me.  Can't wait to watch his ego deflating.

Need to listen closely; he is light-weighted
Soon my rabbit stew will be marinating
I think I hear a rabbit promenading

My rifle is in my hand containing
all I need . . . but wait! that is a toy aping
a rabbit!  'What's up Doc?' Nuts, I've been outplayed.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-17
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A Day in the Life of a City

Posted on April 17, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD Challenge - Day 16
"Write a City poem"


In early rose-gold dawn of city
how bare-boned and empty buildings seem
on ghostlike streets, night workers only
returning home before streets teem

with nine-to-fivers, food vendors, chatter.
Lunchtime on sunny days find benches filled–
an hour to shop, eat, and banter
until day resumes, and work is fulfilled.

When rush hour ends and people are home
the City comes to life in lights–
marquees on Broadway, film, and Restaurant Row.
A city is magical at night.

We look forward to gaining back our lives,
and hope all our pleasures are revived.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-16
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Birds’ World

Posted on April 16, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Poets and Storytellers United
Weekly Scribblings #65:  Bird is the word
 
Shape your words around a particular bird or birds in general.
(posted by Rommy)


To wake to sounds of bird chatter
you know it must be Spring.
Variety of voices join in to sing.
Flying off to other branches, the clatter

settles, chorus changes tune.
While across the lake your hear
haunting cry of a loon,
and quacking ducks catch your ear.

Swans glide by two by two,
parrots squawk in jungle,
peacocks flash feathers in fan of blue,
and black crows form a circle.

It seems a life of leisure
to flit from here to there,
but not all is simple pleasure
they must guard nests from grave dangers.

https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/
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Good Intentions Story

Posted on April 15, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD - Day 15
Write a (______) Story poem.


We must go to the gym today,
have not been there since last Friday.
Appointments always in our way,
What do you say?  What do you say?

If weather permits we will walk,
my bones are wearing down to chalk.
Perhaps a stroll on the boardwalk
where seagulls squawk, where seagulls squawk.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-15
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The Constant Struggle

Posted on April 15, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Go Dog Go Cafe
Tuesday Writing Prompt  (posted by Devereaux and Beth)

Write a poem on "justice and equality"


Struggle for justice and equality rolls on,
longer than wars, longer than a person's
entire education.  So, maybe the solution 
lies not in merely educating people.  There
is a lack of willingness to open mind 
and heart to that which is unfamiliar.
Why do people find the unfamiliar 
so threatening?

     morning in dog run
     collage of colors chase balls
     joy in differences

https://godoggocafe.com/

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The View

Posted on April 15, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD - Day 14
"Write a "from where you're sitting" poem


Large animal, black and white
crawls along backyard fence
Possum?  No, feral cat a'fright.

Red-headed bird flies in.  Odd occurrence 
to see him perch upon a rail.
Too soon he flies off, I feel his absence.

From my seat, variety of tails.
I fancy them meeting up
and marching on a trail.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-14
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“mouthful of gum”

Posted on April 14, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  The Twiglets #222 - "mouthful of gum"


Although she had lost
all her teeth
she still had a mouthful of gum.



My best friend drove 
my father crazy
with sounds of popping
gum and blowing bubbles
whenever she visited.



lost in thought
feeling the heat of Summer
under sweet gum tree


          There once was a champion boxer
         not defeated, an excellent blocker
          'til he fought Keith The Beast
           who knocked out all his teeth
     Now he gums cakes made by Betty Crocker. 

https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/
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A Child’s Disappointment

Posted on April 14, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD - Day 13
"Write a Lucky and/or Unlucky poem."


Once there was a children's show hosted by
Sonny Fox.  Various schools were invited
to take part in the show.  Now it was our
turn.  Oh, the excitement!

The day before our debut, I came down with
a serious case of scarlet fever.  I watched
my class on television, and cried.

     chaos at feeder
     all hummingbird slots are filled
     one emerald bird hovers

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

Posted on April 13, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  One Woman's Quest II
VJ's Weekly challenge

"What is it that exhilarates you?
What is it that you chase?"


Awed by waterfalls,
I discovered spectacular
ones while living
in Oregon.  That continual
cascade of water soaking
the rocks below.  Sight, 
and rushing, swooshing 
sounds combine like
a crescendo in music.

https://onewomansquest.org/
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Announcer’s Excitement

Posted on April 12, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD Challenge - Day 12

"Write a six word poem.  Use at least 3 of 6 words:
convict, great, play, race, season, voice


'Great play for start of season six',
boomed the announcer's voice 
over the loudspeakers, spoken 
with true conviction.  'Ladies
and Gentlemen, he ran like a race horse.'

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-12
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For Adults Only

Posted on April 12, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for Sunday Whirl, Wordle #498

Words:  chime, tethered, shine, tame, erotic, lame, sign, card,
        found, soft, game


Tethered to chasteness,
a shining example of
virginity, she was 
too soft, too tame
for erotic games 
where cards were dealt,
names signed.  Whichever
name you found inside
was bound to be 
your partner as soon
as the bells chimed.  Lame
game you might complain
but you are curious
just the same.

https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/
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Wedding Math

Posted on April 12, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD Challenge - Day 11

"Write a prime number poem. That is, I want you to somehow incorporate a prime number into your poem. You could include a prime number in the title of your poem or use one in the poem itself. Or write a poem that has a prime number of lines per stanza or for the entire poem. "


Nine days to go before the wedding
Eight choices of bridesmaid dresses
Seven ways to group tables
Six guests are not speaking
Five vegan dinners
Four kosher meals
Three-tiered cake
Two lives–
One

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-11
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Get A Dog

Posted on April 11, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD Challenge - Day 10
"Write a Get (    ) poem."


A friend to lick your face with love,
who knows when you are feeling down.
A he or she to take care of.
Adopt me soulful eyes of hound

beseech you for a happy home–
a game of ball, a squeaky toy,
perhaps at times, a flavored bone.
Dogs keep you fit and bring you joy.

On Winter nights, they'll cozy up
to share a blanket on the couch.
Go get your self a needy pup.
I vouch you won't become a grouch.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-10
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Where’s My Home?

Posted on April 10, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for: April 2021 PAD Challenge - Day 9
"Write a persona poem (for an inanimate object)."


Do not know why I am hard to find,
overlooked because your are careless.
Did you misplace me?  Bear in mind
that dirt collects, and in all fairness
the rosy case you bought was designed
expressly for my protectiveness.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-9
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Where Did It Go?

Posted on April 9, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  dVerse Poets Pub - Meeting The Bar:  
The Body and Poetry  (posted by Grace)

"Whether it is to describe, persuade, inform, inspire, illustrate, sing and inscribe words to memory, our body is a wonderful celebration of our history & truths – whether in good health, or sickness or dying.   Body parts can be used as a metaphor (a poetic device), providing meaning and deeper emotional connection to the readers."

Writing Challenge:   Write a poem about the body parts (e.g. eyes, hands, feet) as a metaphor and/or story. 
My ass has disappeared
without so much as a
farewell nod.  It doesn't
care a whit about how I
looked firm and fit
in a pair of jeans.
If I turn halfway
round in the mirror, to my
horror, my shape has
changed into one
long line.  Seriously
where did it go?  I think
I have jealously spotted
it on others.  Imagine!

https://dversepoets.com/

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My Heart’s A’Flutter

Posted on April 8, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD Challenge - Day 8
"Write a metaphor poem."


Fickle
about landing
on edge of bush or leaf?
Think I will flutter over to
herb plants

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-8
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Best Friends Always

Posted on April 8, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Poets and Storyteller United
Weekly Scribblings #64:  Beloved Companions

"Write about your non-human beloved companions."


You can do no wrong
in their eyes
they love you.
Pets are loyal and protective;
do the same for them.

https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/

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Viral Sweep

Posted on April 8, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD Challenge - Day 7
"Write a villain poem."


Virus went viral,
Insidiously invading
Lands throughout the world
Leaving millions of people dead
And families torn apart.
Inside this monster's reign of horror
Neither politics nor religion were involved.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-7
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“it’s not you”

Posted on April 7, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  The Twiglets #221 - "it's not you"


Spotted a dark-haired man,
tall with a familiar gait–
but it wasn't you.


It's not you
nor is it me
we just were never
meant to be.


mourns over loss
of his younger man days
yet he's still there inside


              She scheduled a lunch date for two
                knowing this was way overdue.
                 They ordered their drinks
               She looks nervous, he thinks
      A breakup.  He knew when she claimed it's me, not you.

https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/
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Years of Wine

Posted on April 7, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  dVerse Poets Pub - Quadrille #125  (posted by Linda Lee Lyberg)
In Praise of the Grape

"So tonight I’ll be serving up anything and everything wine; we’ve got red, white, and all the colors in between. Or perhaps you prefer a wine cocktail- spritzers, mulled wine, sparkling cocktails, or sangria!"


Started out on Boone Farm’s Apple.  
In my early twenties it was all the rage.

Moved to Yago, Almeden, Mateus,
and the Blue Nun stage.

Eschewed the sweet when
palate changed.

Now I’ve found organic wines
and ensuing headaches went away–
Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet.

https://dversepoets.com/2021/04/05/quadrille-125-in-praise-of-the-grape/
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Just The Way You Are

Posted on April 7, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD Challenge - Day 6
"Write a Change and/or Don't Change poem."


I love you just the way you are.
Never change a thing for me,
just a slight change in clothes and car
I love you just the way you are.
Maybe trim that handlebar
mustache.  These days it looks bizarre.
I love you just the way you are.
never change a thing for me.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-6
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Nesting Along

Posted on April 6, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  One Woman's Quest II
VJ's Weekly Challenge - The COVID Lockdown

"Share your experience of nesting through story, verse, photos, or other."


Suddenly, a old side table seemed too unstable.
I bought a thick raw wood table, that cozies
me up next to the corner of the couch.  I cleaned more often,
but became bored quickly with that.  One sheet
set had been uncomfortable for some time.  I got
a new super-comfy purple set.  Makes me want
to stay in bed all day.  My sense of touch
became keen, and I only want to wear soft,
comfortable clothing.  

However, I raring to go when it comes to movies,
restaurants, and being able to see friends.

https://onewomansquest.org/
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Making Up For Lost Time

Posted on April 6, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Sunday Whirl, Wordle #497

Words:  wait, lift, above, below, defy, figure, table, blow, sigh, fly,
        sow, tip


He was a defiant figure
of a man.  Lifted weights
above his strength.  He tabled
his past inactivity.  Both men
and women far below his age,
without patronizing him, 
encouraged a short wait
between exercises–a tip
to anyone starting late
in life.  He sighed, blew
them off like annoying
flies.  He felt little 
time was left for him.  
He had to sow the seeds
left dormant for too
long.  He was a defiant
figure of a man, they said
afterwards.

https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/
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The First Concert

Posted on April 6, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD Challenge - Day 5
"Write a "The First (    ) poem.


Excitement built
our hearts a'tilt
Stadium filled
Here she is!  A thrill
Petite with voice that kills
Wailing blues–we're tear-filled
Encores, though not billed
Janis Joplin missed still

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-5

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So Close

Posted on April 5, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written For:  April 2021 PAD Challenge - Day 4
"Write an active poem."


Look at that horse go!  A champion.
Dad got a tip at Aqueduct. 
He leaned forward in his seat
to cheer on his winner.
Go, Go, Go, he yelled.
The horse was deaf,
slow-footed
and last
place.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-4
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Holding Strong

Posted on April 4, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Sunday Muse #154
Unwilling to cede
his Winter throne,
the lion attempts
to stare down
the milk-white
lamb of Spring,
soon to become
next king.  Each
animal reflects 
a season.

http://thesundaymuse.blogspot.com/

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Time for Bed

Posted on April 3, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD Challenge - Day 3

"Write a communication poem."


Is it that you do not hear
me?
Or have you deemed the subject as
unimportant?
I observe you through back door;
you see me.
Those raised ears are your
tell.
Just an aged dog staring up at
the stars.
Finally I see you limping over.
Arthritis is painful.
Time for you to come in;
you need to lie down.
Neither of us is a young pup anymore;
a firm mattress suits us.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-3
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Yearning To See

Posted on April 3, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  April 2021 PAD Challenge

Write a "what does the future hold?" poem.


Yearn to see
rainbow hands entwined
racism
abolished
compassion burning for all
beings of this earth

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-2
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Meet Bill

Posted on April 2, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  PAD April 2021 Challenge - Day 1
"Write an introduction poem"


Here is an introduction to Bill
He is better than taking a pill.
A comedian,
laughter his medium
except when vulgarity kills the thrill

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/2021-april-pad-challenge-day-1

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Willow

Posted on April 1, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Poets and Storytellers United
Weekly Scribblings #63:  Trees  (posted by Rommy)


"Use the word "tree" as a seed for your word art."


Why does this tree
weep?  All the sorrows
in the world seem to have
gathered on the willow, 
and bent its back.  Reflection
in a lake is one of sprawled
hanging branches, as if
the tree lived in a state
of confusion.

https://poetsandstorytellersunited.blogspot.com/
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The Delicate Washer

Posted on March 31, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  dVerse Poets Pub - Poetics:  Put Your
Words On Spin Cycle  (posted by WhimseyGizmo)
"Write a laundry poem"


The washer skates
across the floor,
poor shaken laundry
inside.  Jumping up
and down is another
activity it enjoys.
Less than two years
old, service has been
called three times.

There are a myriad
of cycles to choose
or abuse.  Except,
I am told, 'leave it
on the same setting
for big, small, delicate–
all.'  Then why have
so many settings?  I am
betting the washer is
a lemon.

https://dversepoets.com/
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“happier than her”

Posted on March 31, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  The Twiglets #220 - "happier than her"


My dogs are happier
than her dogs–
they get to take walks.


Her positive attitude
accounts for her being
happier than her
negative brother.


child sees happy frog
he frolics on lily pads
unrestrained freedom


          A happy woman was envied
      by folks who were not as friendly
           Why does she smile?
            Is it erstwhile?
   Just frozen by Botox injections a'plenty

https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/
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Short-Lived Beauty

Posted on March 31, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  dVerse Poets Pub - Haibun Monday
"Cherry Blossoms"  (posted by Frank Tassone)


In Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, I stroll through a promenade
of overhanging cherry blossoms.  I feel like royalty, 
walking down a pink carpet.

The camera bugs are out in full force, craning
their necks for closeups.  Like popcorn puffs, the
buds are clustered, yet so delicate as to take wing
in a Spring breeze.

             fleeting, nature's beauty
             pink petals, blonde daffodils
             mosaic skirt

https://dversepoets.com/2021/03/29/haibun-monday-3-29-21-cherry-blossoms/
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Snippets

Posted on March 30, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  One Woman's Quest II
VJ's Weekly Challenge

"Life is full of colourful moments, each of them stories unto themselves. We capture them in photographs, or as snippets of memory, randomly recalled. Pieces of our unfinished puzzle.

This week, let’s collect those snippets, write them down, or nosy through old photographs, and select a few. Who knows what might emerge as inspiration. "


Eight-by-Ten photo
of Mom and Dad, his
cigar clenched between 
fingers.  World War
Two.

In cleaning out Mom's
apartment, I discover
a love letter from
Dad.  So sweet.

Old albums, every
picture labeled
and dated by Dad. 
Mine are loose in 
boxes, some in
albums.  None labeled.

My sister keeps Mom's
hand-written recipe 
for brisket.  How come
ours never comes out
the same?

https://onewomansquest.org/2021/03/29/vjs-weekly-challenge-snippets/
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The Seder

Posted on March 29, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Poetic Bloomings 2 - Prompt #331,
I Didn't Sign Up For This . . .

All the family I took
for granted always sat
at this long table on
the first night of
Passover.  Most of them
are not here tonight.  Those 
who knew the prayers in Hebrew
and English, understanding
the true meaning, those 
who added laughter, those 
who told tales.  Each person's
presence, a vital part
of the whole.  Now we are
all the family.

https://poeticbloomings2.wordpress.com/
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The Choice

Posted on March 29, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for: Sunday Whirl, Wordle #496

Words:  inhumane, shame, suppress, line, wait, evil,
        spring, vote, water, hope, soul, race


Wait.  I know she
is next in line,
but I feel it would be
a shame to take her
now.  She was never inhumane
nor evil.  In fact, I do 
not know why you are racing
to suppress a soul
of whom you know little
about.  I should have
a vote.  There is great
hope for her.  You are
a wellspring of doom.
I am the pure water
to help her heal.
Wait.

https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/
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For A Dear Friend

Posted on March 29, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  Sunday Muse #153

I hear a deafening
roar of a firearm.  In
my gut I know you are
no more.  Two feathers
are all I find.  My brave,
intelligent friend–you
were taken from me, but I
sit in prayer wearing 
my most powerful amulets
and potion rings.  May
your soul soar forever
more.

http://thesundaymuse.blogspot.com/
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Foggy Forest

Posted on March 28, 2021 by purplepeninportland 
Written for:  lifeafter50forwomen.com #74
Sadje's "What Do You See?"
Image credit; Eric Muhr @ Unsplash
Two sides abut
a narrow path.  Left
side is sunny greenery,
moss climbing sides
of trees.  If I veer
off to the right
where fog occludes
the sun and texture
of bark, what will
I find?  Density
of fog thickens.
I might disappear.

https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/category/what-do-you-see/

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