The next person up to bat as Guest Host, is another outstanding poet and wordsmith, and was also a Poet Laureate at Poetic Asides. It’s always an honor to share the stage with De Jackson.
***
De Jackson hails from the desert of Southern Nevada in Henderson, near Las Vegas, where she lives with her gorgeous groom of nearly 16 years, two crazy kids, a beloved neurotic terrier, an aloof cat, a bearded dragon, and various members of the insect and arachnid world. She breathes best with inky fingers and salty, sea-soaked toes, but she’s also blessed to bloom online alongside some incredibly talented creative souls (you all know who you are.) De’s words have somehow made their way onto the pages of such journals as Curio, Garbanzo, Burning Word, Shot Glass Journal, Sprout, Tuck and others, and she was honored as a Poetic Asides 2012 Poet Laureate. De’s a full-time mama and a paid published poet (if you count journal copies, garbanzo beans, and one time, a whole dollar). She occasionally writes ad copy for money, but scribbles poems in the margins of life daily. You can pay her a visit at www.WhimsyGizmo.wordpress.com.***
Think of 10-12 good reasons to do something. The “something” is the subject of your poem. Write a list poem including as many of your reasons in the body of your work.
WALT’S REASONS:
CELEBRATION
I’m my father’s son!
(I’m my mother’s prodigy!)
I’m having a good day!
(Any day alive is a good day)
I’m turning a year older.
(39 never gets old)
My job promotion came through.
(Then I wake up and go to work)
My muse refuses to slow down.
(And that’s a good day)
My cholesterol numbers are better.
(Making the right changes for a change)
Just because.
(Reasons? I don’t need no stinking reasons.)
It’s my favorite season.
(Steeped in tradition, I am)
The Bills haven’t lost in 2014.
(They haven’t played in 2014)
I’m celebrating 25 years of wedded bliss today!
(Happy 29th Anniversary, Janice!) 🙂
(C) Copyright Walter J Wojtanik – 2014
***
DE’S LIST POEM:
THE REASONABILITY OF SOLITUDE
Find yourself alone, let the record show:
Because the sound of your own breathing is a heartbeat rhythm spent.
For the sake of all things buried deep, steeped in salt and silence.
Because words flow best in whispers, wrapped soft in breeze.
For the taking of stars, shattered pieces of sea glass; pocketed scars.
Because hope is a feathered thing, too easily startled.
For the attention span of sky, moon at full attention, spotlight shone.
Because knowing your own syllables requires a more quiet song.
For the ache of growing, groaning, grounding lightning to jars.
Because the world is loud and proud and lousy with shouting.
For the persistent casting of pearls from stones.
Because you don’t need a reason
for finding yourself. Alone.
(C) Copyright De Jackson – 2014
POETIC BLOOMINGS 
Responses
Loved them both… just got home, so I will sleep on this prompt, Thanks!!
Such lovely examples for us. Congrats, Walt. I hope you enjoy your day beyond all measure. And De, it’s so good to see you here and in front of the class (hem–the raised flower beds. 🙂 Solitude is highly underrated for both its importance and its mentoring properties.
I’ll be back in the morning with something for this interesting prompt. See y’all then.
Hi De – intrguing prompt, which needs thinking about. I doubt there are 12 reasons to make me do ANYthing.
Welcome De Jackson! Thanks again Walt for another prompt.
WHY I WRITE
It’s my right to contemplate
the storied halls of the universe and write what I see.
Overflow this heart of ink of mine
that’s been encompassing me.
I write my joys, my wounds, my pain
all things exciting or just mundane.
For it would be insane not to. This is nature’s chronic plea, to be seen and heard through mystic mountains of prancing word. I write for there is a story swirling within me. A song, a word, a writer crafting poetry.
Hear, hear! This is so beautifully expressed, Benjamin. Gorgeous!
Amen to that.
Nice, Benjamin! I can visualize those swirling stories and prancing words — and nature DOES plead to be noticed & captured!
Thx Pamela
Oh, Benjamin.
“the storied halls of the universe…”
YES.
I also love the way your piece builds from poem to prose, a story building on itself and spilling loose freely. Well done.
Thanks De!
Lovely, Ben. It speaks for any writer out there, but especially poets, I think. Great poem.
I think a lot of writers have the same things in common. Thanks
Good one, Ben! I like mystic mountains of prancing word”
Thanks Connie!
Oh how I love this: ” I write for there is a story swirling within me. A song, a word, a writer crafting poetry.”
Thanks Deb!
Beautifully written from the heart, Benjamin.
Thanks Sarah
Walt and De. This poetic heart’s dream team!
Hi, you. I miss your writing, ma’am.
Ditto.
It’s good to see your eye peering at me on the screen!
Oh, YES! Walt, your Celebration is such FUN and so YOU! Congrats to you and your lovely (39 y/o) bride! 😉 De, simply beautiful — from start to finish! Adding this assignment to my “to do” list. Hope to be back with something to share….
Pamela, neither of us are anywhere near Jack Benny’s age. But that’s the last one I admit to! Thanks for the good wishes.
of all the hundreds I have read of De … this may be my favorite. Well penned.
Awww. Thanks so much, Mark.
Small Things
By David De Jong
The wisp of hair that caresses your cheek
Strands of blonde and silver, shimmering sleek
Green color of your eyes reflecting light
Soft breaths from your lips as you sleep at night
Radiance of sun on your darkened skin
Rings on your fingers, delicate and thin
How we walk hand in hand where e’er we go
Even while we sit and watch an old show
The curve of your waste under apron strings
How your hands create such delicious things
The sound of your voice answering the phone
Knowing you’re there before I get back home
The inner-most spots in your tender heart
How you nurtured our family from the start
Soft silk of your skin to my calloused touch
Small things about you, that I love so much
Just beautiful, David. There is so much love in these words, and what a blessing to be noticed in such small ways by your husband. I especially love the second stanza, the focus on the eyes, and then when they would be closed, upon the “soft breaths from your lips.” Just beautiful.
This is so beautiful, David. Such a lovely tribute to a lover, wife, and partner. I got such pleasure reading this. Thank you.
Sweet!
Sweet and heartwarming.
This should be sung. Love it.
Actually, far from small things. This says so much.
Ah, yes. Very beautiful David.
LEARNING A LITTLE PATIENCE
In my younger days these legs of mine
were strong enough to carry me
as far as these eyes, sharp back then, could see.
I could dash from Point A to Z in no time.
Now the inner voice that whispered “Go slowly”
speaks loud enough for these old ears to hear.
I take one step, then another, wholly
aware I’ll win no races, merit no cheers.
It forces me to keep a normal heart rate,
my lungs inhale sans that persistent
hacking, and at the table take time at the plate.
Back then I was brash, cocky, much too insistent.
Patience is a lesson worth earning A’s.
Why be in such a hurry! I’ll get there
sooner or later. Practicing patience pays.
Travel fast or slow, there’s no difference in the fare.
What a fool I was! I’d tell God to grant
my every prayer right now without delay,
a creature commanding God, like a flower plant
telling the gardener how to satisfy its day!
Now I take the time to praise and thank the Lord
instead of asking for still another gift.
In fervent prayers I speak less and listen more.
Being patient when once I wasn’t is quite a shift.
And as for this world in which we live, though
finite with its falsely glittering neon light,
I take the moments as they come, say no
to saying yes too quickly: I don’t bite.
Embracing patience has helped improve my craft.
Where once I rushed through a story or a rhyme
and called that first run-through a final draft,
I now ignore my clock and red-pencil line by line.
How else has patience brought me peace of mind?
I live and love and laugh each day, so glad
With how the moments go, content with what I find,
Not missing for a second the impatient life I had.
#
“Practicing patience pays.” YES.
Wise words here, Sir, throughout. There is such peace in patience. I feel yours here. LOVE the gratitude in the third stanza. The practice of daily gratitude is a gift.
Well penned.
Wonderful, Sal. Age can definitely teach patience. Yet for some it also sends a surge of urgency to complete those things not yet done, as buckets lists grow and production lines pause. 🙂 Really enjoyed this.
Yes, ,much wisdom in this one
Good advice… I’m better than I used to be at least. I like this, Sal.
So much wisdom flows through this. Wonderful.
Beautiful poem of learning to enjoy life’s simples.
Electric Bike
I’ve never had such fun in my life
than when I rode an electric bike.
Steep hills are no problem, up you zip.
You can keep up with the young and hip.
You still pedal and keep yourself fit.
You are not too old, you need not quit.
Easier than a regular bike.
It beats walking or taking a hike.
The cost is cheap, compared to a car.
You’ll get fresh air and you can go far.
So save your pennies and zip along.
With electric bikes, you can’t go wrong.
Ha! I love this, Connie. I’ve been in advertising for over 20 years now, and this is delightfully reminiscent of a time when ads actually had real persuasive copy, and a fun vibe (instead, for example, of a scantily clad couple zipping along on one, off into the sunset.) 😉 The pace of your piece fits perfectly, and gives me one more reason to want to come along for the ride. 🙂
I thought it came out sounding like a commercial. I don’t have one yet, but it’s on the list.
I meant that in a good way. 🙂 I know I’m sold. 😉
nice, Connie
Oh, ho, Connie. We were talking about these just the other day and how convenient and helpful they’d be. I just wish I could see well enough to do traffic safely. Guess I’ll have to cruise around my living room instead in a stationary position. 🙂 Love it.
thanks for your comments
Nice Connie. This sounds like fun! I never rode on an electric bike before.
I’m sold, too. Nice, Connie.
Broad smiles here.
I like this, Connie.
Here’s my contribution for the day.
Journey Home
It began with the need to see
One who’d been neglected far too long,
For want of finances, for want of access.
It began with a rising tide
Of urgency, swelling to a surging undertow,
Beckoning the prodigal homeward yet again.
It began on an asphalt ribbon
Across states never traveled, in a state unraveled
Amid emotions uncalled for and seeking release.
It began by answering a geas,
With purpose unknown, traveling blind, alone,
Moving to a rhythm not of personal making.
It began on arrival with tears
And days later it ended with arms wrapped around
Granny’s thin shoulders, heaving last breath’s rhythm.
It began as my journey home,
It ended as a final homeward journey for one I loved,
As the geas lifted, purpose complete, reasons known.
Beautiful phrasing, Claudsy,
Thanks, Connie.
I like the “It began” Poignant and lovely
Thanks, Debi. Somehow it just felt necessary.
Magnificent
Thank you so much, William. I’m glad you liked it.
Love this well written, touching Poem, Claudsy. It felt like a journey.
Thanks so much, Sara. I’m glad you enjoyed it. And you’re right. I was definitely a journey, in so many ways.
This is so tender…what a beautifully expressed experience. Thank you for sharing this, Claudsy.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Hannah.
Love how you crafted this Full circle Journey. I followed you the whole way.
Thanks so much, Jlynn. While a sad memory in many ways, it also reminded me that sometimes the universe pushes us to complete something left undone, something more important than whatever we’re doing at the moment or whatever excuses we put in its way.
Just beautiful, Claudsy. I’m especially drawn to:
“It began on an asphalt ribbon
Across states never traveled, in a state unraveled”
I love your use of repetition, pulls me along like a winding ribbon road. I also love that I had to look up the word “geas,” and it is now part of my language center. This is a lovely tribute, and above all, a journey of the heart.
Thanks, De. Muse and sleep brought this into mind this morning upon waking. I kept dosing off again while the lines ran through my head and the memories that went with them. I guess it was time to revisit that chapter and finally put down the feelings. And I know what you mean about a new word for my personal lexicon. 🙂
I’m so glad you liked it.
Welcome De, good to see you here. Happy anniversary Brother Walt! Super poems both! 🙂
Just Do It
Do IT for love –
for the love of all people,
for the love of yourself.
Do IT because it’s the right thing to do –
for you,
for them.
Do IT because you want to –
for you want to give,
for they need you to give.
Do IT for happiness –
yours,
theirs.
Do IT for the good feeling –
you will get
and they will get.
Do IT to help
anyone in need or
yourself be the best you can be.
Do IT to make yourself a better person –
you will benefit from it
and so will everyone around you.
Do IT to make a difference
in your life
and theirs.
A proper reminder for all of us, Michelle. Terrific.
This is great, Michelle. Love the repetition here. And good advice, indeed.
I like this so much better than Nike’s. I’m glad you did it.
The drumbeats here are insistent; this reads like an old-timey sermon at a revival meeting.
This is wonderful, Michelle!
Hi Michelle, I love the inspiration in this.
Good one Michelle. I almost did something like this but it didn’t quite come together.
To Believe
Sparkly Stars
Mercury and Mars
A baby’s coo
A wooly ewe
Roots on trees
Elephant’s knees
Pinks and lilies
Red hot chilies
Geysers and falls
Twitters and calls
Bolts and thunder
Awe and wonder.
Nature’s signs
of fine design.
Impressive, Debi, and fun. Are you going to make it into a kid’s song? It would make a good one. When I read it, I kept hearing it in my head with children’s voices singing each phrase and they played on a playground. Great image and wonderful little poem.
If I could carry a tune in a bucket maybe : )
Haven’t you heard? iTunes can go anywhere now. 🙂
: ) ha
Children’s book!!!!
That too!
AWESOME! What a great list of things to believe in, and reasons to believe in life, and laughter. Love this, Debi.
Wonderful, and in thyme too.
If not a song, perhaps a book?
I love the fast flowing beat to this and how it embraces nature so fully. Beautiful, Debi!
Hi De… (Oh, my, I started to pun Cab Calloway-I’ll refrain.) Nice to see you conducting the symphony this week.
“Reasons to stay in bed”
I slept with Mister Migraine again. Third time
this week. A cool pillow, A few Advil kisses and
I’ll cuddle into his arms just a few more hours.
Yesterday, Mister Alzheimer’s answered the phone
when I called mom. (He hates me cause I cry.)
She doesn’t hate me but she forgot my birthday
this year. Again. And so did dad. Again. (I wish I had.)
My birthday is in Spring and with the mounds of pollen
in the air it takes a double layer cake of Zyrtec to fight
this war but fog brain . . . slows me. Down. To. A. crawl.
What is an exhaust manifold? Cause it’s broken.
Three red light flash at me So that makes two
more broken car parts with big names so I can’t
buy that cake of Zyrtec just yet. Child is squinting
at the cereal box. Says, “Mom, I need glasses.” and
“Mom, I need braces.” and “Mom, I need clean—”
“Honey, I need you,” a deep voice calls. (what is he, nuts?)
But, I put on my socks and patter down the stairs
carrying Mister Migraine on my head to play with
Darling’s glitchy computer.
Oh, my, Jlynn. What a litany of experience all at the same time. That you could put this together while battling–sword of justice in one hand and medical shield in the other–amazes me. This has to be one of the most amazing and effective pieces of narrative prose poetry I’ve ever seen. Brava, my friend, on all fronts.
Claudsy, You are too kind. You have a knack for encouragement. I hope you know that.
Aw, thank you, Jlynn. That’s very nice.
Oh, J.lynn. This is a wonderful stream of barely conscious. 😉 I have been there (Mister Migraine and I are well acquainted.) There’s a fun air to this that is just delightful.
Wow. I’m exhausted, reading this.
Wow! I know all about the phone calls, but I wish you no more migraines.
My parents haven’t acknowledged my Birthday in years and neither one of em has Mr. A but hey…
This is humorous also overwhelming and expressed very well…thank you.
I am so sorry for your migraine but you have written a terrific poem here. Love this.
Thanks, Debi.
(Poem w/image: http://lettheballoonssailmeaway.wordpress.com)
“Walking and talking are two very great pleasures, but it is a mistake to combine them. Our own noise blots out the sounds and silences of the outdoor world;…The only friend to walk with is one who so exactly shares your taste for mood of the countryside that a glance, a halt, or at most a nudge, is enough to assure us that the pleasure is shared.” C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy
A Quiet Walk
Just BE with
me
Silent and holding.
Love the quote, CS Lewis and your treasure of truth.
Thank you, so much, Debi!!
“treasure of truth”
YES. That’s just exactly it. Perfection.
“Be still.”
I love how you’ve combined a quote and the haiku written to exemplify it. Really nice work, Hen.
Thank you Clauds!!
You’re more than welcome, Hen. 🙂
❤ !!
Superb!
Thank you, William!!
De, my thank you comments don’t want to print… Thank you, again!!
Beautiful and love the quote that inspired!
Congrats, Walt. You and De have started us out with excellent poems.
Go to the Beach
To calm the beats of my heart
Listen to the rhythm of rolling waves
Make footprints in the sand,
knowing their impermanence.
Let little feet of foamy sea water
tickle my own.
To think undistracted
Not to think at all
Put my problems in perspective
in a vast space
To smell salt, and sea creatures
Walk the shoreline, and collect
shells that call out to me
To feel my father’s presence
watching over me
“To think undistracted
Not to think at all”
Love the juxta-position of these two lines…and you emotive closing…well written, Sara.
Oh, yes… wish I were there now.
Lovely, Sara. A marvelous sharing of beach experiences and perspective. And the images conjured up are terrific. I managed to relive each of them. Thanks for the walk along the shore this morning.
Mmmmmm. Yes, please. I don’t ever need an actual reason to want to go to the beach. And yet, this list increases the desire tenfold. Wonderful, Sara.
Thanks De!
For me, the final lines wrap this up; it sounds like a gift. The whole effect is soothing. I love it.
Lovely! Takes one right there with you — for all the right reasons. 😉
Thanks, Pamela!
Thank you all so much. I am honored.
[…] Creative Bloomings- PROMPT #152 – “GIVE ME A GOOD REASON” : GUEST HOST – DE JACKSON […]
Walk
Because it’s raining
or because the sun’s shining,
go when it’s foggy
or snowing
go because you’ll see the heron wading in the creek,
the widening rippled V of a duck or a beaver swimming.
Go knowing that you might smile at someone who needs it…
perhaps you’ll find a new lucky white striped stone
or the first of spring’s blooms.
Put one foot in front of the other because you can
and because you’ll sure feel good,
do it to breathe
and to connect with that living world
just outside those walls that’re holding you in.
Copyright © Hannah Gosselin 2014
These are beautiful reasons to walk.
Beautiful, Hannah!
Nice, Hannah. Wonderful reasons for going for a walk, most of which we seldom consider. Great job!
Love the action of “go” here, Hannah. A call to action, a demand, a gentle prodding out the door. And so many wonderful reasons. “do it to breathe”…YES.
For me, this poem has a subtext: “Don’t just stand there.” Superb.
Oh my! Just getting back here to read and it appears we were on the same page again, Hannah. I love your reasons and enjoyed walking with you! 🙂
This is wonderful, Hannah, especially because it makes you stop and consider why walking is so wonderful.
De!! Yay!! I love your poem…so many beautifully crafted reasons… sigh.
Congratulations, Walt and celebrate indeed!
Thanks, Hannah. 🙂
Blues and Greens
My dreams are the colour green
in sweet shades of fresh mint tea
in long grass that whispers wind
in tumbled tarragon on the breeze.
And yes, blue, too. Blues and greens
in the colour of misty salt, sea-soaked
in shades emerald clean and tart
in skies shining spring after winter dark.
So, yes, my dreams do dip and tint
into green
into blue
and on Tuesdays I dream
in turquoise, too.
Love this, Misky. It reads so smoothly for me and places my senses on alert. Great morning gift.
Thanks, Claudsy. 🙂
You’e welcome, my friend.
Ooooooh. Turquoise is my favorite color, any day of the week, so you KNOW I love that last line. Gorgeous, Misky.
Oh, so brisk with color Misk. Love that fresh mint tea!
Thanks, Benjamin. 🙂
For me, this is a smiling poem. The final line seems like a wink. Wonderful.
I love this, Misk, especially, ‘tumbled tarragon.’
[…] for Poetic Bloomings Prompt #152 – A list […]
Lovely mood – love this
“On the trophy shelf, next to the grass stains”
Because rain
is itself beauty
as it deepens the colors of everything
and earth holds the secrets of life
and viscosity (the state of being
thick,
and sticky,
and semifluid)
is worth understanding
and the question
of what constitues perfect
must be explored
by all right thinking folks,
we stand
ankle deep in mud
so thick
it pulls the shoes
from our feet
leaving our toes
in their natural state
and our shoes
as monuments
to the moment:
We dared to pass.
I really like this, Jerry. It says so much, gives so many impressions and fleeting images, and gives us something to think about later as we flush our memories to sweep out those times of our own experience.
Love that definition in the middle, Jerry, and the flowing spill of this. It seems to build on itself, and then re-simplify with that awesome end thought.
LOVE:
“and our shoes
as monuments
to the moment”
🙂
Yes, indeed.
Ahhh… beautiful, Jerry! A perfect paean for living in the moment.
Excellent, Jerry! I find this unique.
WHY I CRY
I cry a stealthy tear
to release the pressures
pent up within me
Like a sage vintage wine
anticipating its discharge
from the bottle
dribbles of me
make manifest
stream down my cheek
I pray no soul
sees my strain
takes a peek
and spies the pain
in this weak vessel
strewn across
a fractured countenance
shivering
trying to prevent
a crumbling
But I cry if I must
to defy the gravity
of my pride
in fear that I may hide
then bust
or implode within
and all will see
hidden secrets
splayed open me
across the pavement
free game
for all
I cry in disgust
to shed parts of me
to the earth
I cry because its
human
I cry because
its healthy
Such a strong poem, Ben. Excellent and moving. Powerful because it relates to all, whether we know it or not. Terrific!
This is GREAT, Ben. Love love LOVE your subtle rhyme (my favorite kind).
These speak to me so much:
“dribbles of me
make manifest
stream down my cheek”
and
“to shed parts of me
to the earth”
I love the evocative phrasing here, notably, “defy the gravity / of my pride”.
That’s the way it feels sometimes.
Thx
Oh yes — for ALL those reasons! Nice work.
Thx Pamela
You caught this beautifully.
Muchas Gracias!
TO GAZE AT SUNSET SKIES
Blazing skies of sunset will make you feel simply beautiful !
As the golden glow will fill your heart you will see silent scarlet faces come alive
Orange grace will stir melodious zephyrs from distant stars that will twinkle in your very own mettle
The softness of the pink will drape silk petals around all your hurting world
and mauve swirls will trace innocent silhouettes across silver lined clouds
As you gaze into that portal, where your dreams unfurl, your heartbeat will pump in splendid lavender hues
and you will hear its deepened echoes across the tranquil blue.
As quick as it comes, when the sun turns his face,
this moment will pass, so pay attention to your breath — as you are left with lingering velvet grains in your shadow of thoughts.
Priti, this just bursts with color, so beautifully. Especially love those “lingering velvet grains.”
I absolutely adore “orange grace”.
This makes the spectrum sigh. Wonderful.
You’ve painted a lovely picture here, Priti!
Gorgeous, Priti. Took my breath away.
SPECTRUM
When I am happy,
color me yellow as the rising sun;
when I am content,
color me green as the springtime grass;
when I am angry,
color me red as a prairie fire.
When I am lonely,
color me blue as the rim of the ocean,
but when I am no longer lonely,
color me blue as the sky in June.
When passion comes,
color me purple;
when passion goes,
color me brown.
When life seems devoid of life,
color me black as the colors that have vanished;
but when life is full of life,
color me white as the noonday sun,
for all the colors that have returned.
And when I finally learn who I am,
color me gold.
copyright 2014, William Preston
“And when I finally learn who I am, color me gold.” Wonderful!!!
WONDERFUL, Bill. There is always, always reason for color. And yet, color defies reason. I love your emotive match ups, and that last line is pure gold.
Wow, this is special William. I love the color spectrum!
Agree with De on the color/emotion pairings, and the last lines — yes, gold. I also love how blue falls on both ends of the emotional spectrum, William!
Wonderful imagery, William, and the end knocked me out.
This brings me a sensation of the aura and the spectrum of colors there…this closing portion is powerful, too especially the white light…wonderful list poem, William!
WHY I DRIVE
1. My soul seeps deep into winding
road, until joys untold are lost
in it’s trodden path.
2. Simply at ease, in nature’s breath.
All is at rest, in the subtlety of
her embracing breezes.
3. Unperturbed in journey; hugging,
seizing every curve.
4. Drinking in the countryside,
(down the hatch) pondering
what I heard.
5. Liberate from reeling mind,
ever staggering from daily stress.
6. Digress and undress hidden
wounds, apply healing balm
of oil and wine.
7. Unwind from the daily grind,
recalibrate the system.
8. Tune in; to nature’s radio,
and bask, in the season’s broadcast.
9. Appreciate old heaven and earth,
as it stands, until it breathes it’s
last.
10. To be lost in the wind again, blown
astray, evanesce in it’s path.
© Copyright 2014
Benjamin Thomas
Benjamin! Love your subtle rhyme here, and the winding, meandering nature of the phrases themselves. Just wonderful.
My favorite:
“Drinking in the countryside,
(down the hatch) pondering
what I heard.”
!!!
Thanks De, I still don’t like it.
Awwww. What do you know? 😉 Feeling is not fact, Sir. Fact: it rocks.
Thanks, that gave me good chuckle. 🙂
This poem resonates with me deeply. I am old now but driving still can make me feel young. and your poem captures many of the reasons. Wonderful. Thanks for posting it.
Thx
I agree with De…and there’s much to be gained in a ride in the country-side…excellent reasons given, Ben!
Thx Hannah!
LIFE
Life is grand; life is grandeur;
life is high and wide and tall
as purple mountain majesties
and great sequoias and their kin
and golden eagles living therein;
life is deep within the atom;
life is molecules and elements
and amino acids and cells
and salamanders that spring therefrom;
life is creatures of the water
and of the land and of the air,
and lives throughout the universe
in habitats and worlds thereby;
life is living every day,
accepting life and death
and the cycles thereof
as best one may,
because life tends to throw wicked curves
in fastball counts.
copyright 2014, William Preston
And another home run ending!
I love the vastness of this poem, William…the great and the small…beautiful and then pressing meaningful close. Nicely done!
YES. Perfect, Bill.
quite lovely William!
Toss the “To Do” List and Take a Walk
You know you want to…
because the sun’s shining (or it’s gently raining
or cloudy or windy or snowing) or because
the moon is full or crescent or new,
waxing or waning, eclipsed or blue and
the stars are out (or coming out – or fading), and
Orion (or the big – or little – dipper or Cassiopeia)
is visible overhead or on the horizon;
because Venus (Mercury, Mars, Saturn,
Neptune, Jupiter) is rising, setting, dazzling
and the Perseids (Geminids) are positively amazing.
Toss the “to do” list…
because the wild berries (black-, rasp-, blue-, straw-
or huckle-) are sweet & ripe and begging to be picked
and the flowers, too (star- and may- as well as
sweet peas, anemones, jewel weed, spotted wintergreen,
black-eyed Susan & Queen Anne’s Lace) are sprouting
(budding, blooming, going by) and the trees
(maple, oak, magnolia, cherry, dogwood, apple) are
greening (blossoming, changing color, dropping leaves);
take a walk in the woods…
because the birds (red-winged blackbirds, bluebirds, catbirds,
red-breasted grosbeaks, robins, swallows) have arrived
(are mating, nesting, hatching, fledging) and besides,
the butterflies (fireflies, dragonflies, damselflies), and
all the busy (lazy) creatures (chipmunks, turtles, snakes & frogs)
are out and about – courting, swimming, hunting, sunning, so…
you really ought to
(you know you want to)
because spring (winter, summer, fall)
is growing older by the minute
(and so, too, are you).
PSC/Apr-2014
So enticing; such effective writing.
Oh, thank you, William! 🙂
You convinced me!
Thanks, Sara! Feel free to come along! 😉
This poem makes me ever happy-happy!! I love your approach to the list style here…you made it your own! Well done Pamela!!
Ahhh… thanks, Hannah! Always a pleasure walking with you! 🙂
[…] for Creative Bloomings Prompt #152: Give Me A Good Reason (inspired by one of my favorite scripture passages: Jeremiah […]
JEREMIAH, DON’T GIVE UP
I could list
all the pros and cons
but really
there’s just one
pro that matters; God’s promise
of a future hope.
2014-05-01
P. Wanken
Love the simplicity of this, Paula! 🙂 Beautiful.
I suppose simplicity should be my middle name.
I second De’s comment, your simplicity is always loved.
See comment to De, above. I think simplicity is my strong suit…or perhaps sometimes my downfall…I’m not always so sure. Anyway…glad it falls on the side of “loved” in your book. 🙂
P.S. If you want an “expanded” offering on this topic (Jer. 29:11), check out my flashy fiction offering. I use more than 26 syllables! 🙂
Wow, didn’t know you had an interest in flashy fiction!
I have a short attention span…it works for me. 🙂
WHY I ROMANCE NATURE
If I were a bird;
I’d be a sinister red cardinal
decked in cherry suede garments
a hooded black mask,
sport a finned spiky mohawk
and develop platinum chirped soundtracks
just for the chicks.
But I think I’d rather perch
on a sexy, sexy dogwood.
Sink my claws firm,
into it’s stately wood.
If she would
permit it
that is.
Perhaps,
I could
spy a chance,
at some romance.
Examine closely
her hands
as finely grained
wood.
And perhaps
I could,
nibble gently
on precious her fruits,
steal a foretaste of her beauty.
Perhaps I would be instantly
transformed,
Hardened into branch,
become the same
fineness of grain.
For this is romance,
to be the same
as she is, in life and nature.
Perhaps, I would effloresce,
and become destiny.
Ben, this is vivid and beautiful and funny, and fun. So well done.
UGH….here’s the edit. Scrap the first one.
Benjamin
[…] .. This was also written earlier in the week, as guest host over at Creative Bloomings. […]