PROMPT #410 – NOVEMBER

And so we enter November. This year has wizzed by and left a vapor trail. If you look at the word, November could be translated as “New Ember” – a new fire. As the home fires burn and we approach the magic of the Holiday season, we’ll put the warmth back into our days with our worded wonder. Think in terms of comfort, an ember, a fire or something new. We’re giving you a free rein to go where these thoughts lead you! Cuddle up with your muse and use what the good Lord gave you!

MARIE’S GLOW:

Warmth in the Hocking Hills

My wool hiking socks
Lavender robe
Corner fireplace
Thick blanket on the front porch
Large mug of steaming tea
Big, colorful scarf
Hot tub after a long hike
Your arms wrapped around me
The crinkle around your eyes when you smile

© Marie Elena Good, 2022

WALT’S WARMTH:

COMFORT

There is a coziness in comfort.
A feeling most desired,
a warmth that cannot be equaled
unless you sit by the fire.

Food can be a comfort,
good to warm your soul.
A kettle of stew or pot of soup,
a hearty, steaming bowl.

There's comfort in a warm embrace,
from someone that you love,
to nestle close there face-to-face,
a blessing from above.

The surrounding warmth of blankets
wrapped to ward off chills,
a sure and easy comfort
that truly fits the bill.

A child's smile, a present joy
gives comfort to your heart,
They feel the love and let it show,
the perfect way to start.

A caring friend when times are hard
would ease your burdened life,
A comfort in a time of need,
could ease your troubled stife.

I feel the comfort in my words,
that offer hope and solace,
and share them gladly with the world
without a hint of malice.

© Walter J Wojtanik - 2022

PROMPT #409 – NOT JUST ANOTHER COMMERCIAL JINGLE…

We’ve all seen and heard the catsup (ketchup) ad about the slow dispensing of that product. Anticipation. All good things come to those who wait. What are you waiting for? Write an anticipation poem. Record your wishful thoughts in whichever poetic form suits you. If you feel brave, write a “disappointment poem.” Finally, if there is another jingle that stirs an inspiration, let us know. I’ll be waiting for it in rapt anticipation!

MARIE’S ADDITION:

One and one make two.
It is simple addition.
Now, carry the two.  

© Marie Elena Good, 2022

(This lighthearted little piece is for someone I love, who is expecting twins!)

WALT’S PIECE:

SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE A NUT

My mind works in mysterious ways.
Some days I have my wits about me. 
Some days I am scared witless.
Sometimes I feel like a nut,
and those days pull me from my rut.
The times I don't, I can get some work done.
It's not fun being so divided,
but I can hide it very well.
And you can tell when those days come.
You can see that I'm cracked in the shell.
Sometimes I feel like a nut,
sometimes I can't tell.

(c) Walter J Wojtanik - 2022

PROMPT #408 – “Wish I’d written that.”

How many times have I said, “I wish I’d written that!” Countless for sure. This week, use a line or two (or more) from a poem you wish you had written. Quote the line(s), credit the author, and then let your own words flow.

MARIE’S WISH

“ … and you wish you could capture it all in your imperfect words.”  From As the Days Dissipate, by Walter J. Wojtanik

As I Age

words mean more to me
and I find myself clinging
to jots and tittles.

Words’ first letters are
kind.  They don’t mind making sure
my mind can grasp them.

Once gripped, I pull hard.
Because if I am lucky
the rest are glued on,

and come along for
the ride, to make sure I am
not denied my say.

© Marie Elena Good, 2022

WALT’S POEM

IT’S ALL IN MY HEAD

“I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy!”

By Tom Lehrer

I should have had my head checked
instead of striped or plaid,
and polka dots I will have not,
their presence makes me sad!
I’ll moan and groan at herring bone,
I wished they’d leave my head alone!

(c) Walter J Wojtanik - 2022

PROMPT #407 – UPS AND DOWNS

You know how it goes. We all have our ups and downs. So why not write about them. Offer an “up” or a “down” poem. Or write an “in” or “out” poem if you so choose. It is your decision. Go where it leads you!

MARIE RAISES THE BAR:

What Goes Up

I fear heights, yet have
a baffling desire to ride 
a hot air balloon. 

I have a hunch this
(like so much in my life) points
to the land of Oz.

© Marie Elena Good, 2022

WALT LOWERS THE BOOM:

LIVING THE ELEVATOR LIFE

There’s a fine line 
Between up and down. 
That may sound strange 
But we exchange one 
For the other. I don’t bother 
With the semantics, 
depends upon from which side you start. 
Good or bad, your upside 
May not be so great, 
And your downside could be 
A living hell. Who can really tell? 
As long as you remember 
Which floor you require, 
Know you can always reach higher.

(c) Walter J Wojtanik - 2022

PROMPT #406 – WEATHERING STORMS

In light of Ian and the devastation left in its path, let’s write of weathering storms. We may write about hurricanes, blizzards, electrical storms, or storms of life. When trouble blows in, what does it look like? How do you cope? Or, maybe you are the storm? 😉 Grab your galoshes and words and wade on in.


Marie’s Haze

Gale

I’m not observant.
You’d be amazed at how much
blows over my head.

I’m like memes that say
“I was today years old when”
I fin’lly noticed ‘this’.

It often seems like
thoughts swirl around in my brain,
and can’t seem to land.

And obvious things
don’t click … until they do.  Like
Dorothy’s last name.

© Marie Elena Good, 2022

Walt’s Weather

THE STORM IS UPON US

The storm begins.
The mist of a drizzle.
Drip, drip, drip,
then a deluge.
That’s read tsunami.
The storm is upon us,
will we weather the storm?
Nothing can stop it!

(c) Walter J Wojtanik - 2022