Books and Poetry
A balmy evening.
Lounging inside the screened porch;
A good book in hand;
A glass of red wine in reach;
‘Til bird song fades in twilight.
Prompted by “W3 Prompt #56: Wea’ve Written Weekly” poet of the week, Suzette: “Write: A) a haiku, OR: B) a tanka on the theme of ‘a favorite way to relax / unwind.’”
“Tanka is a classic form of Japanese poetry related to the haiku with five unrhymed lines of five, seven, five, seven, and seven syllables. (5, 7, 5, 7, 7).”
Yes I grow older
But my inner child lingers
Wild and untethered
Prompted by https://ronovanwrites.com/2023/05/22/ronovan-writes-weekly-haiku-poetry-prompt-challenge-463-child-and-grow/
Reposting this piece of prose from 2021 in response to “Moonwashed Weekly Prompt – #143 – 5/16/23 – Picturesque.”
It all starts with a vigorous walk in the woods. An opportunity to stretch my legs and get my heart and lungs pumping after a prolonged period of sedentary isolation. I divert from my usual route (a wide, moderately traveled path) and follow a narrow animal trail along the creek. The diversion helps get me out of my head. I immerse myself in nature, inhaling the scent of damp earth and admiring the early spring wildflowers that dot the landscape.
It must have been fairly late when I broke free from my tomb, as the darkness now descends quickly. I know my way around these woods and have no difficulty making my way back to the wide path. As I emerge from the animal trail, I intend to take the left turn that will lead me back to the security of my prison, but to the right there is firelight and the sound of laughter. I know it is them. My instinct is to flee as I always do. My feet, however, appear to have a mind of their own.
I walk toward the firelight. Of course they know I am coming. The banter and laughter continue, but there is an underlying anticipatory tone. I cautiously make my way to the clearing and stand among them. The communication ebbs as eyes fall upon me. It has been a long time since I have stood in their presence. I know I am a pathetic sight. I, having once been their leader.
We had flown together, disbursing our magic among the unfortunate. A thankless job, I grew tired and weary and could lead no more. I withdrew from the fairies, despite their efforts to console me. I isolated myself in the woods; my wings lying limp. I have no desire to reclaim my position, but I miss my family and the loneliness weighs me down. Do I dare ask their forgiveness? They are waiting.
Mirror gazing, I am told will
Evoke compassion toward the person reflected there;
Diminish fear of failure and inadequacy;
Illuminate insecurities and release them;
Train acceptance through an
Attentive mind;
Target a deeper understanding of
Insight and intuition;
Open my mind to
New possibilities.
Prompted by dVerse host, Merrill’s “Quadrille: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall” and “W3 Prompt #55: Wea’ve Written Weekly” poet of the week, Punam.
A perfect marriage? Almost… Just a few idiosyncrasies that marred the otherwise harmonious existence between them. A little coolness at the other’s touch. A snappy retort at the other’s constructive criticism. If only they had disclosed the demons of their past. [Skeletons lurking beneath the surface. Their grins wide and mouths gaping with stories untold.]
Kindred spirits they were, yet the reticent couple never knew that their partner had endured an upbringing of comparable unfortunate circumstances. A deeper connection and great empathy would the couple have realized from a simple transaction of shared secrets. [Nothing is simple about secrets.]
Prompted by “May 9: Story Challenge in 99-words” at carrotranch.com.
Light drenches the earth
In a waterfall of stars
Bask in its cascade
Prompted by Rebecca’s “May 2023 Poetry Challenge.”
Pathways -
Winding endlessly.
For what purpose?
Affording a tedious ramble.
Wearisome.
Pathways -
Promise adventure.
Those mysterious avenues;
Delivering the invigorating escapade.
Thrilling!
Wea’ve Written Weekly’s poet of the week, Sadje, prompts us to “write an ‘elfchen’ poem; [e]xtra challenge: write a second elfchen poem, which opposes the first one.”
Prompted by Sadje’s “What do you see #185.” Image credit: Jenna Hamra, Pexels
Treasured cuddles;
Sweeten the early morning wakeups;
His little hand in mine;
Adventurous outings;
Squeals of delight.
Time passes;
Out of boyhood.
Ah, well…
Mother to a grown man;
Relishing the occasional warm embrace.
Then arrives his own little boy;
Squeals of delight;
Adventurous outings;
Hand in hand;
Sleeping over;
Waking me up with treasured cuddles.
A mermaid’s last wish;
Feet to explore the landscape;
Her flippers transform.
Prompted by Ronavon Writes Weekly Haiku Challenge .
Walk away —
a feeble attempt to circumvent reality.
Your “happy face” surely
incongruent with your circumstances.
My nod reveals understanding
and my empathy is genuine.
But, the turbulence you attempt to escape
is only compounded by your cowardice.
Prompted by Misky at https://thetwiglets.wordpress.com/2023/05/02/twiglet-323/.
JJJ Interactive Books