Here, There be a Writer

Sunday, October 31, 2021

OctPoWriMo: The Final Sprint! (Days 30 and 31)

I finished with 17 minutes to spare. Not really sure I ended the way I wanted, as I write the last 2 weeks of poems in haiku. It was fun, but I was hoping for more of a challenge. Though maybe with everything else the haiku was the better option. It did give me a chance to improve my haiku skillz. So, not a loss...

Enjoy!

Day 30 - Diary (Haiku)

Written words hide away,

I tell them to none, but me--

My sister still reads.


~~~~~

Day 31 - Goodbye Train (Haiku)


Loading up the train,

My vision, cloudy from tears--

Next time take the bus.


Thursday, October 28, 2021

OctPoWriMo Day 29: Still On Track

Still writing haiku? You bet, Dear Reader!

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Day 29 - Paris (Haiku)

Dreams of Paris-serie


Wish I could say that

I traveled to your city--

The Champs-Elysees.


But no, I cannot

Boast such lofty adventures

Though I wish for it.


Viewing the lights glow,

Smelling the patisserie’s

Fare that is baked fresh.


Wednesday, October 27, 2021

OctPoWriMo Days 25 thru 28 (finally a day early): Haiku Around

Day 25 - Circle (Haiku)

Wrapping around you

See the path, walk on, Stranger,

And around you go.


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Day 26 - Heart/Aural (Haiku)


Beat, Beat, pounding beat

I can hear it rumble under--

Lub dub, Lub dub, Lub…


~~~~~~~

Day 27 - Wish/Wait (Haiku)


Anticipation--

Breathing in and waiting for

A moment to come.


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Day 28 - Tea (Haiku)


Feel heat, emanate

From porcelain to clay cups--

With cream only, please.


Sunday, October 24, 2021

OctPoWriMo Day 24: When I Almost Missed It...

The title says it all. A haiku before midnight keeps the muse at bay...

Day 24 - Balance/Load (Haiku)


Upon gilded scales

You can find out, unbalanced.

Is better to know.

 

Saturday, October 23, 2021

OctPoWriMo Day 23: (To Cheat on Your Diet)

The title might suggest otherwise, but since today's prompt is open ended, open wide, and has no boundaries, I thought I needed a snazzy title. This of course means that I can write anything. Been trying to stay afloat with my projects-it has been hard. Going to take today to write something short and sweet, about something sweet, and call it my cheat day.

Day 23 - ANYTHING!!!


To begin again,

Must finish what was started--

Pass the ice cream, please!


Friday, October 22, 2021

OctPoWriMo Days still left in this journey....?!?!

 Days 20 through 22: I always feel like I am writing like I am running out of time. Hamilton makes so much sense in that. That is a constant rush, a incessant hurry, and I never seemed to be done. This year is no exception, as I have been last almost every day, yet, I still sojourn on.


I love the word Sojourn, btw.


Dear Reader, I present my three most recent writing fare for you. Please enjoy, drop me a line or some love in the comments section. I promise to review comments this week. 

Halloween is prepping and there is still much to do. But, fear not, there is pumpkins coming...

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Day 20 - Exchange/Introduction (Etheree); 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10...


Creative Process


Thought!

Maybe

An idea…

Tell a friend who

Will tell a friend, then

Suddenly the idea

Grows past the introduction

And you have a living story,

Birthed by a family of others.

This is the connection authors strive for.



~~~~~~~~~

Day 21 - Joy/Effort (Acrostic)


Completion


Can it only be 31 days?

Or does that seem too easy?

My brain tells me to go for it,

‘Please,’ thinks my heart, ‘it is only a month.’

Let’s begin

Everyday I try to write, but

There is only so much time.

I can’t seem to find the time now

Oh, I am always beyond, I think, except 

Now I am not.


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Day 22 - Past/History (Pantoum)


Remember Me


Funny how this space feels,

It is so much larger than it actually is.

Standing tall throughout the years,

How many lives lived here.


It is so much larger than it actually is,

When you feel the walls;

How many lives have lived here,

Before you came to be.


When you feel the walls,

Are they cool to the touch, or

Before you came to be, 

Is there a pulse, echoing through plaster?


Are they cool to the touch, or

Standing tall throughout the years

Is there a pulse, echoing through the plaster?

Funny how this space feels.


Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Still Here in OctPoWriMo: Days #18 and 19

Here I am, sitting in the middle of OctPoWriMo; still write poems late, but still trying to write a poem a day within the suggested poetic form and/or writing prompts. I got a couple of doozies for you, Dear Readers: a Chant Poem and a Song. There are reasons why I don't get paid to write songs, but I digress a little.

Enjoy tonight's fare...

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Day #18 - Traditions/Break Bread (Chant Poem); Appreciate, Time


Bringing Together


When break the fast or the bread,

It is the time that has come.


Gathering ‘round, the generations greet--

It is the time that has come.


Slice the fruit, spread the jam;

It is the time that has come.


Share the stories of the past,

It is the time that has come.


Sing the songs of your people--

It is the time that has come.


Laugh and cry at the table round.

It is the time that has come.


~~~~~~~~~

Day #19 - Storytelling (Song); Unlock, Magic


Storytelling Song


Write the words that beg to hear

Sing the lyrics to those near.

Maybe what was said will come,

Or rather inspire some.


It is this moment,

Granted only one that we are given!


Weaving the words to pass the time

Sitting by the fire’s side, sublime.

Listening to the last words as they

Trickle from what the storyteller’s say.


It is the moment,

Granted only one that we are given!


Lessons to be learned here,

Maybe heeded if you listen this year

To the stories past down,

Before the last round.


It is the moment,

Granted only one that we are given!


Then you will be left to pass,

Or else these tales will be, alas…

Removed from memories of elders

In the slowing dying embers.


It is the moment,

Granted only one that we are given,

Do  not forsake it.


Sunday, October 17, 2021

Continuing OctPoWriMo 2021 (catching up...)

Tried to stick to the rules. I really did. 

Day #16 was a sonnet. I just don't have it in me. And I really wanted too, to. The thought of rhyme, meter, imabic feets, and beats, and everything. It just isn't going to happen, mostly because today was a long day that made thinking difficult. I am posting the last three days so I can at least be caught up.

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Day #15 - Leaves (Free Verse); emerald, saffron, leaves


Leavings


Leaves the emerald past,

Coming of the saffron

And 

Bring forth the vermillion.

It is the time of change

And 

Leaving.

Goodbye Summer

I’ll miss you,

But now comes Dear Autumn.


~~~~~~~~~~

Day #16 - Love (Free Verse); Erotic, Breath

Connection

Breathe into me,

I can feel your heartbeat,

In time with my breathing.

Cannot control,

Pulses leaning in closer,

Sweaty bodies,

Tightly pressed.

I only want you,

here,

In this moment,

Not alone,

But

Breathing as one,

Pressing together.


~~~~~~~~~

Day #17 - Adventures (Momento); a/b/c/a/b/c (x2) [8/6/2] {used 6/8/2}


Toronto Adventures


Riding fast and further

Than anything we imagined,

Underground.

I’ll go where you go, Sir

Rome or Byzantium summoned,

northbound.


Come with me to gardens,

Wandering not forgotten paths,

We are.

I am forward, beckoned,

To bring you back by the bypaths,

To boudoir. (***)



***Also, Dear Readers, I need to note that in the last line of the Memento poem I used 3 syllables, instead of 2. Not trying to cheat, but the imagine I was going for and the rhyme scheme I was using, well, there was no other way.


As always, please leave me some love in the comments, or a critique if you will. I enjoy seeing your reactions to my poetry. Thank you!


Thursday, October 14, 2021

OctPoWriMo #14 - Shape Day!!!

 It's shape day!!


I usually skip day, or shape poem day (a Letterkenny reference.) If anyone is familiar with Letterkenny, and 'to be fair!' not many are. But, 'TO BE FAIIIIR' it is actually a good show. Today's poem is written in the shape the the subject matter. I don't always like trying to write a poem in the shape of the subject matter/theme, but today I did think, 'why not?'

Dear Readers, I present today's writing faaaaaaaaaaare...


Day #14 - Rain (Shape Poem); pelting, drip

Raindrops

Pat

Pat

Pitter 

Pat pitter

Pat pat...

Pelting &

Drumming

Oh, the drumming

I can hear it

The raindrops

The rain

Falling

Down.

Drip!


Wednesday, October 13, 2021

OctPoWriMo Day #13

 Day #13 - Theatre (no form suggested - Oddquain); 1, 3, 5, 7, 1


Wings,

Waiting in

Feel the heartbeat pound

Glancing into the darkness--

Wings


Tuesday, October 12, 2021

OctPoWriMo Days #11 and 12

Maybe today in the I get caught up and stay caught up?!?! One can hope.


I feel less confident about these 2 days poems. Not really sure why as I had clear pictures and emotions tired to the ideas, but now that I am writing, Well, they have fallen a bit flat. Of course, that might just be my own head talking.


Sticking to my laurels, I am trying the poetic forms given in the prompts. I do think that they poems work, I just am second guessing myself tonight. Please, Dear Readers, enjoy and leave me some love in the comments section.


Thank you!


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Day #11 - Horses/Parade (free verse)


Parade Day


Marching in line,

Dressed to the nines

With tails tied

With ribbons and bells--

The beauty of the ball,

Stepping high

And only a little out of sync;

A musical cacophony, jangling.

To the delight of the children

Sidelining the roads.

Only what they see with blinders,

But they hear all

When they deposit on the road.


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Day #12 First (Ode)


Ode to Being First


Feeling new,

When the day begins

Feeling alone,

On the streets.

There is peace here,

A peace that is craved,

Desired,

Because while others seek it out,

It is only here and now

That it is received.

It is the first.

 

Saturday, October 9, 2021

OctPoWriMo 2021: Days 9 and 10

Still behind, but not for long. I have included links for these poetic styles, which are brand new to me.

Day #9 - Refresh (The Bop) 6/8/6: refrains


Refreshing Problem


The problem is so very simple

When you want a drink

The water seems so far away,

Across the miles and over the river

To someplace you have never been,

Only wishing to go.


You can taste it in your dreams--


Imagine lying there,

Far removed from everything.

You are lying, cocooned away,

Maybe bound by something,

It is warm and comforting,

But you are still thirsty,

And nothing is in sight,

Except the darkness.


You can taste it in your dreams--


What if I say that it is time to wake up,

Open your eyes,

Maybe uncurl from the blankets

To find that the water, 

It is sitting on the end table,

Waiting for you to reach for it.


You can taste it in your dreams. 


~~~~~~~

Day #10 - End/Stop (End/Stop Poem!!!) see Day 10/9


Making the Change?

It is a never ending process.

To see the changes within the world.

Maybe remember that you can do it too?

Make changes within yourself too!


OctPoWriMo 2021 (Days 1 through 8)

 It's that time again, Dear Readers.


It's funny to note the last time I posted to this blog was last year's OctPoWriMo. What a year (or two) it has been?!?! Sometimes I can't believe where I am now versus where I was, but here I am, still writing poetry. That part hasn't changed. It's just been a while and I don't always write everyday.


Dear Readers, so much has happened...

    I got married. Moved twice. Changed jobs. Discovered I have anxiety and possibly ADD (undiagnosed). Self-published two children books. Realized that I like shows like "Schitt's Creek" and "Letterkenny".  Lost a lot of faith in humanity, but still manage to function is society. (I usually prefer bullet points, but not today)


This post will be a long one. I have eight poems to post and a ninth one later tonight. I decided that this year I will try the recommended poetry type for each days poem, even if I don't like and struggle with the style. ~I am looking at you Villanelle~ There will be no edits to the poem, so they appear as I completed them, and hopefully no egregious spelling errors. #noapologies 


Day #1 Anticipate (Cascade)


Floral Anticipation


Is waiting,

Always the waiting--

There is no patience.


Spending the time

In the garden, wandering and 

Is waiting. 


Just the impatiens,

Full in bloom they are

Spending the time


Growing, swaying in the breeze,

Passing the time they are

Just the impatiens.

~~~~~~

Day #2 Expire (Tanka)


Expiration Date


Too much time has passed,

Waiting in the garden and 

Seeing the seasons,

They are changing, I am not.

Left wondering why don’t I.


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Day #3 Contemplation (free verse)


Song of the Procrastinator


When left alone,

I think.

Moire thinking,

Less accomplishment of my tasks.

You would think,

That with this time

All that can be done,

Is done.

Ha!

There is much to be said of contemplation

Of the task,

And the realization 

Of the procrastination.


~~~~~~~

Day #4 Cool Nights (Pantoum)


A Walk in Autumn


After the sun has gone down

The light hides away, making

Streets dark and unfriendly seeming,

A cool breeze, blowing.


The light hides away, making

Shadows fall long against

A cool breeze, blowing.

It is a cool night.


Shadows fall long against

The dying daylight,

It is a cool night,

The beginning of autumn.


The dying daylight,

Crisp, crunchy leaves and

The beginning of autumn

Is not scary,


Crisp, crunchy leaves and

Your favourite sweater

Is not scary, 

Just a sign that seasons change.


Your favourite sweater--

Streets dark and unfriendly seeming,

Just a sign that seasons change

After the sun has gone down.


~~~~~~~

Day #5 Path (Mirrored Refrain) x/a/B/A; x/b/A/B; ....


Remembered Path


If you walk this path;

Know that you walk alone,

Between the trees pass

With footsteps that hone.


Echoing against the trees;

You are the lone lass

With footsteps that hone,

Between the trees pass…


Remembrance of the past;

Memories that you have sown,

Between the trees pass

With footsteps that hone.


Giving the long forgotten gift;

Looking back into the glass

With footsteps that hone,

Between the trees pass... 


~~~~~

Day #6 Dream (Villanelle) a/b/a; a/b/a; a/b/a; a/b/a; a/b/a; a/b/a/a


Truth in Dreamland


Barely a glimpse caught

The barren and hidden trails,

You will only find it naught


Weaving between memories handwrought, 

Hearing the songs of nightingales

That has you distraught.


Thinking of the things forethought

And sadness comes of fails;

Your memory of the thought.


Only can this be an afterthought,

When travels upon Nod’s travails. 

Leaves me to unthought

The process begat to me in distraught,

I am only dreaming of sails

That has me here, brought


When I fell into the aforethought

Domain, Nod’s details.

My only chance , to find ought

That woke me from what I sought.


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Day #7 - Scales (Prose Poem)


Molt Prose


It is merely a covering of your skin,

More like your actual skin,

And if I pull it off, you will hurt.

It is not my way,

Little one, to hurt you, 

Yet I can see that your skin is peeling.

You are growing,

And out growing your skin,

Your scales.

They flake off,

Feel slowly to the floor,

Gathering in circles,

Like cairns to the ancestors.

This is normal.


~~~~~~~

Day #8 - Rainbow (Tanka) 5/7/5/7/7


Spectral Burst


After the rain falls

Between the misting rain drops

You can see light bend,

Stretching to be caught by eyes

In these colourful bursts.


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Please leave me a comment, question, or some love in the section. Thank you, Dear Readers!