Books and Poetry
Thoughts swirl aimlessly
Arise out of mist
Wrestle under the surface
Drag into the abyss
Mute sensory perception
Distort reality
Breathe in
Breathe out
A moment of reprieve granted
Freeing the mind
Just long enough
To find the car keys
Valentine’s day – a day for lovers
Expectations high
Acquire the perfect gift
Bestow in an idyllic setting
Certain to result in some broken hearts
~ True love begins when nothing is looked for in return ~
No expectations here
Content to avoid crowded restaurants
Romanticism preferred impromptu
Celebrations reserved for special moments
Gifting each other’s authenticity
W3 Prompt #92: Wea’ve Written Weekly’s poet of the week, JM Negi, prompts us to write a Puente on the theme of love.
“True love begins when nothing is looked for in return,” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Native to Florida and designated as a locally threatened species by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, I was fortunate to see several of these birds at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and at the natural/native habitat areas of the Miami Zoo.
I.J.’s Birds of the Week XLIX
Each winter I promise myself I will bundle up and walk in the frigid air. Occasionally, I keep my promise. Mostly I shiver at the thought and remain indoors. I breathe in the stale, dry air of central heating and the recirculating dust that seems to reproduce, despite regular cleaning and air filter replacements.
Walking in winter
Deceitful clear sunny skies
Crisp air freshens lungs
Haibun Monday 1-29-24: Breath by dVerse host Frank J. Tassone
We congregate in their living room
Watch football on the TV
Consume abundant food and drink
Enjoy each other’s company
The game is quite riveting
But a glance outside the window
Takes our attention from the TV
As the sunset steals the show
JusJoJan January 28th, 2024 – congregate
My daughter shall not know disgrace
By the atrocious man’s whimsical dictates
Early morning off we go
Across the lake I row and row
To the other side where my mother waits
Menacingly the man gives chase
But no doubt I will win this race
Smooth and fluid, stroke and flow
Free my daughter
Managing to keep up the pace
Fueled by fear of his distant face
From which cruel words echo
Faster to shore I let go
Running into mom’s embrace
Free my daughter
W3 Prompt #91: Wea’ve Written Weekly’s poet of the week, Aishwarya, prompts us to write a freedom-themed rondeau, inspired by Subramania Bharati (1882 – 1921).
When will this thirst for freedom slake?
When will our love of slavery die?
When will our Mother's fetters break?
When will our tribulations cease?
You may read the poem in its entirety here.
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Reena’s Xploration Challenge #315
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Linda’s Daily Prompt – JusJoJan the 26th, 2024 – Atrocious
Flowering beauty
Provider for wildlife
Nutritious seeds drop
From your toxic fruit
Named for your thick hardy leaves
Upon which autographs may be written
Write the truth
Survive at all costs
Strangle the host
These migratory ducks are among the many amazing birds that inhabit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Though they are common in many parts of the world, they are new to me. I slowly drove the 7 miles of one-way, limestone packed road called Black Point Wildlife Drive. Meandering through saltwater marsh, I spent over two hours, stopping frequently alongside experienced birders (of which I am not), viewing hundreds of resident and migratory birds. I regret that I did not have time to explore the national seashore as well and definitely intend to return to the area.
I. J.’s Birds of the Week XLVIII
Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge – Hobbies by Gerry and Sue
Great snowstorms up north
Winter’s wrath is upon us
Fleeing as a bird
Seeking respite from the cold
Frigid winds blow south
Sought warmth remains elusive
Bare branches taunting
Defying the need for green
No doubt I shall persevere
Settled in deep south
Biting northern winds muzzled
Cool breeze on bare skin
Thawed in the warmth of the sun
A gift of spring in winter
Colleen’s 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge, No. 18
JJJ Interactive Books