A Flood of Tears

“Do unshed tears wait in little lakes?” *  
To rise higher and higher with each heartbreak?

The dams I have built to withstand the flood
Will ultimately shatter as my heart and break

The little lakes overflow into roaring rapids
An intense stride that no obstacle can break

Rushing unobstructedly and out of control
A futile attempt to avoid hell’s loose break

The pressure builds with forceful intent
Fighting, fighting until a cold sweat I break

Feel the tears flow through the flooded gate
Unburdened and grateful for the clean break

*Line chosen from Pablo Neruda’s ‘Book of Questions’

For dVerse’s MTB: Echoing Back, hosted by Laura.

I have attempted the Ghazal form. I apologize if I got the form wrong and appreciate any feedback.

Image created with Bing AI

For the Love of Lizards

Agama
(Native to West Africa)

Lizards abound in south Florida. Most are not native. As entertaining as the lizards are the people who hate them, jumping (even shrieking) when one scurries across their path. Though I must admit that I get a little twitchy when I spot a large alligator or crocodile basking on a nearby shoreline.

Brown Anole
(Native to Cuba and Bahamas)

Northern Curly Tail Lizard
(Native to Cuba, Bahamas and Cayman Islands)

Curly tail lizards were purposely introduced to Florida for pest control of the sugar cane crops.

Green Iguana
(Native to Mexico, Central and South America, Tropical Caribbean Islands)

Iguanas are extremely difficult pets to manage. They have strict environmental needs, a rapid growth rate, sharp claws and a weaponized tail. For more information about caring for an iguana, see my previously published article Meet My Iguana. It is not surprising that iguanas have been released into the wild by pet owners.

For RDP Thursday – LIZARD

American Alligator

She Wilts

Gifted the world
Natural beauty and intelligence 
Wealth and opportunity 
Loved and doted upon

There she sits
A wilted flower
Ask what she lacks
She will not (cannot?) tell

An easy smile
A dismissive shrug
Yet under the surface
Lies something profound

W3 Prompt #97: Wea’ve Written Weekly’s poet of the week, Jane, prompts us to write a three stanza poem inspired by the phrase ‘a wilted flower.’

Featured image generated by Bing

Metal Pairs

Old Metal Water Towers – Spencer, North Carolina

Pair of Metal Sculptures – Prague, Czech Republic

Stone and Metal Windmills – Trapani Salt Flats, Sicily

Cute Trash Can Couple – Markham Park Butterfly Garden, Florida

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC) – Pairs

Signs of Spring

On a lone flower
The first butterfly of spring
Drinks with great fervor
Laughing mountains discover
Colorful rainbows
March winds stir dandelions
Rooted in spring mud
Wintering insects take flight
After long winter slumber

Spring at last
Mortals sing with joy
Songs of hope

Colleen’s 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge, No. 24, 3/5/24

dVerse Quadrille #196 – Let’s have a Slumber Party! hosted by Punam.

White Structures

St. Mary’s, Georgia
Old or new
They come to light
Structures painted
In shades of white
Miami Beach, Florida
St. Louis, Missouri Wine Country
Cheraw, South Carolina

Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge – White by Sue W & Gerry C

A Nature Walk

Nature’s sweet call
Trees softly whisper
The caress of a gentle breeze
Birds mellifluously serenade
The spirit responds

Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt

Reckless Adventure

I am only fourteen
I don’t intend any harm
I just want to be seen
So I turn on the charm

I don’t intend any harm
It’s attention I seek
So I turn on the charm
Play it cool and sweet

It’s attention I seek
Recklessness adds to the fun
Play it cool and sweet
Watch it come undone

Recklessness adds to the fun
I just want to be seen
Watch it come undone
I am only fourteen

W3 Prompt #96: Wea’ve Written Weekly’s poet of the week , Lorraine, prompts us to write a Pantoum on the subject of childhood memories.

Featured image generated through Bing AI

Crimson Bottlebrush

Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge (FOTD)

Shade

Image credit: Darksouls 1 @ Pixabay
I come through the fog
An ominous shadow 
Cast by the light of the full moon
I rise from the earth
And walk upon walls
Carrying with me 
Answers to the universe
Prepare for my visit
You are the next chapter

Sadje’s What do you see # 227