I’ve long believed that the more I write, the easier it is to write. Turns out the converse is also true. The less I write, the harder it is to get words on paper.
I wanna tell you Linda, Roman is pretty spry for being over 17 years old! Wish I had that skip in my step! The joys of life aren’t complicated! Blessings!
Hi Linda, I haven’t forgotten and I am keeping my word to you. First impressions of what is unfolding before our eyes can often be deceiving, so do not be dismayed. Seek God in your prayers and I am pretty sure that God has something He wants you to see or learn in store for you. I think that often we don’t appreciate how much God cares for us and His ways of showing us this can often be personal, so be watching. I was watching a small flock of pigeons yesterday all feeding on a piece of bread on a sidewalk and I was mindful that God was aware of this flock. And then God reminded me that as Jesus said, we are worth much more in the eyes of God than some of his creations like sparrows or pigeons. He knows the number of hairs on our heads, when we rise and when we lay down. God cares so much more for us than we can imagine. Take heart Linda. Blessings!
Thank you. I confess I don’t remember what you promised, but I do appreciate your prayers and encouragement. I know Good has a plan and he is faithful. Even this poem he used to encourage one of my fellow writers who was feeling discouraged too.
Thank you for all the prompts, Linda. I have looked forward to them every week since our first lockdown. Responding to them has taught me a lot about poetry that I’d have been unlikely to learn without them. https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/10/30/octave-5/
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Here is the final stanza of Unknown Sin using “mist” and “midnight”.
Through moral mist we’ve claimed our pleasure’s good.
On Halloween the candy was a treat.
The apple from the midnight witch was sweet.
We counted every coin. Our fevers could
continue pleasure, rightly ours. Or, should
we punish doing tricks out in the street,
manipulating weaker ones we meet?
Our unknown sin was doing what we would.
Thank you so much for the weekly prompts. They were responsible for getting me out of my “writing burn out” and back into the writing game again. I believe I participated in each and every one of the prompts the first time through the deck, although I could be wrong. I also believe I have a few bonus points, with which those and $3.50 might get me a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
I’m also glad you took part in these prompts, Ron. I found your blog through this, and it’s great that your poems are now getting more appreciation through DVerse.
I did not give up the ship. I am writing and went in a different direction. Next week I will post. I hope the paint chips cooperate. This has truly been a crazy time in my life!
Tolkien made those rolling hills of Middle Earth attractive.
——————–
This is a continuation of “Unknown Sins”.
My memory is like gray rolling hills
where smoke and ash and haunting dragons hide
the sins I have forgotten through my pride
and could repeat should pleasure offer thrills.
The consequences though would give me chills
were I aware. Main paths are much too wide.
The narrow one’s too slippery? May I slide
into the hands of God whose Spirit fills.
——————
This is a continuation of “Unknown Sin” from last week using spirit rock, ghost, grizzly and olive branch.
The afterglow is pleasant, but the night
that follows buries me with guilty stress.
A spirit rock lacks any means to bless.
It offers stuff a ghost might hint brings light.
I want what’s moral, truly moral, right.
No grizzly olive branch can clean this mess.
It’s dark. I’ve lost my way so I confess,
again, and may this time my way stay bright.
I don’t know what it is about these octaves, but they’re hard! I wrote one for the first week but won’t be sharing because it’s too dark. Working on this set of paint chips today. 🙂
It’s up to you whether you share your first octave, but I don’t think being “too dark” is a reason not to share. It may be just the thing someone struggling needs to read because they think they are alone in that darkness.
I look forward to what you come up with for this week.
I like your continuation from last week. There won’t be sharks in the resort pool.
————————–
Unknown Sin
Ir’s bittersweet recalling unknown sin
provided there’s repentance at the end
that offers peace that a clean heart can tend
to find the righteous path and try again.
Without that bramble our new hearts may win
to change direction, toss our current trend,
and find the narrow way around the bend
that lets at last the Holy Spirit in.
😊 I suspect Calvin just hangs out in a lounge chair.
I love your poem. It fits perfectly with what my Bible study class is learning in our study of Matthew.
Just realized that I haven’t even started this prompt yet. *awkward laugh* I’ve already posted three times today but will see if I can write something good for this. If so, I’ll share. 🙂
Thanks. Only the bigger bear is mine. Ranger Bear belongs to a writer friends of mine who writes historical mystery/romance novels set in national parks. 😊
I may have to sit a few out. My brain is tired and calling for rest. Hopefully I will have something toward the end of the month, seeing this is a continuing thread. Lots going on here. I will still read others.
I have seen too many miracles lately. Why do I think God is out of them? Here is my first one. I know where I am headed, just not sure how I will end up there. Used just one word, which may be my theme word throughout. The title will come at the end. It always does.
She stands, a red carpet at her feet
Arrayed in white, all eyes turn to behold
This blushing bride. Stories begin yet endings unfold
A silent pause broken by a love song sweet
Fountains of champagne promise no deplete
Laughter and tears numb burns and softens cold
Mellow mixture poured into an antique crystal mold
Old and new line a petal-strewn street
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I like the last line in your poem about finding the ring set.
We have been ill recently and because of that I missed last week’s prompt. I may have to miss this one as well. Thank you for offering them! Best wishes!
Awake to a beautiful morning,
Winter is over and here comes spring,
Soon eyes shall see the flowers bloom:
All sorts of new life is given room,
Hear now the chirp of a lively bird
Lucky for life, its song being heard.
Here’s a taster of mine …
The horse in tiredness drops his head;
Another day is at an end:
Upon the sawdust rests content
That final night before the race –
The challenge put aside for now;
Tomorrow, glory or defeat. https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/09/28/the-race/
This took all day and I think it needs a lot of polish! Don’t understand the envoi part. 38 lines. Well, I tried.
The Making of a Dream
Dreams fly as sawdust on sandpaper
Drifting lazily down atop a field of poppies
Couched in the warm blues of unsung melodies
Muffled by the clamor and cacophony
A safety orange sun set in lavender
Disturb not and none will notice
Homogenized flavors none notice
Sleep’s rust chafes like sandpaper
Restless dreams seek peace in lavender
A toxic trance from this field of poppies
Deepen the wounds of clamor and cacophony
Chords changing tempo in soothing melodies
Harmonious no more are melodies
A tournament now a few notice
Violent wrest and arrest in Cacophony
To fight or desist each a grade of sandpaper
The lure and sweet fragrance of poppies
Soak in the prism of lavender
Soon shades emerge from lavender
Hot and cool split from the melodies
Dreams once diluted in a field of poppies
Quietly awaken some take notice
Smooth softened edges from sandpaper
Strangely still in the wake of cacophony
Angels gather around the cacophony
Dipping their wings in shades of lavender
Marbled swirls polish as sandpaper
No longer grates but extract sweet melodies
It no longer matters who will notice
Let all fall asleep in the field of poppies
Snow out of season in a field of poppies
Everyone wakes in amazed cacophony
Dreams know only one matters to notice
The maker of both music and lavender
And dreams survive in heaven’s melodies
But need waking up to the scratch of sandpaper
Don’t let your dreams slumber in fields of poppies
Awake with the day and don’t settle for lavender
For years my profile name oh social media is tqhousecat. I never revealed what tq means. This week I painted one and thought it time to tell. I even posted a picture and wrote a poem on dverse but still did not say much. This prompt is perfect and I guess it is time.
A little sad, but I will get over it.
Turquoise, my birthstone. December.
The Revealing
This vintage turquoise housecat like ultraviolet rays
Incite my palate sweet ‘n’ sour like sparkle in the sun
Such a rare shielded species
A precious gem dearly cherished
Now displayed gingerly
Securely guarded
Do not blemish
For years my profile name oh social media is tqhousecat. I never revealed what tq means. This week I painted one and thought it time to tell. I even posted a picture and wrote a poem on dverse but still did not say much. This prompt is perfect and I guess it is time.
A little sad, but I will get over it.
Turquoise, my birthstone. December.
I hope these are similes.
The Revealing
This vintage turquoise housecat like ultraviolet rays
Incite my palate sweet ‘n’ sour like sparkle in the sun
Such a rare shielded species
A precious gem dearly cherished
Now displayed gingerly
Securely guarded
Please do not blemish
Deep dark wood is soothing as you mentioned in your poem.
——————–
Sparkle Like Sunshine
A bouquet’s like a bluebird who
without a sound knows what to do
and vintage turquoise like the sky.
The evening comes so let us try
to understand like deep dark wood
and do in darkness what is good
when daylight trusts us on our own.
Let’s sparkle as deep truth we’ve known.
Looking forward to reading it. For once, I actually finished tomorrow’s prompt before you commented. It’s usually your comment that reminds me I haven’t done it yet. 🙂
Late, sorry. I managed to get 5. That wasn’t super easy.
Never again but instead
Cotton candy.
Spun sugar tainted red
Like spun truth from lies
Leaves you with a sticky face
Hard to erase.
Clown nose.
Mask of distraction.
Painted smile.
Give me fresh-squeezed sun
Through cloudy skies
While I run through verdant fields
That lead to endless dunes
Ending at the sparkling sea
Reflecting off the silver moon
Ah, cream-of-the-crop!
Rhymezone had no near rhymes for these three words, so I had to really think! I’m glad you like it!
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Congratulations on your 35th anniversary!
Slant rhyme is hard as you note in your poem. I especially liked the “fierce/verse” pair.
I didn’t know Rhymezone offered slant rhymes, but I’m glad it does. I used it to come up with some of the near rhymes below.
——————–
A Scarecrow’s Gratitude
Those ravens are black
and that fact is exact,
but a moonstone’s no moon
though there’s room to presume
that these wheat fields have wheat
and a scarecrow’s a beast.
Thus he cheerfully thinks
as the day flips to night
giving all gracious thanks
while the sun leaves the sky.
Thank you. Sometimes it’s hard to believe it has been 35 years. I’m ready for another 35.
You picked the rhyme pair that was the holdover from the poem about my sister. It may show up in another poem again someday, though it didn’t belong in her poem.
I love your poem. You have a few internal rhymes in addition to the line-end rhymes. Very nice. It seems this scarecrow does have a brain and a heart of gratitude.
January I sunk into the black hole
Dug with last year’s chisel
A summer sparkle now traces the edge
Showing me all is not lost
True light always finds a way
A child, I grew among the trees
Even tasted acorns on paths beneath my feet
Giant oaks from bitter seeds
Houses filled with possibilities
There is hope in every bitter thing
A string of pearls real or faux
Look the same, hard to tell
It takes a jeweler with a well-trained eye
What about you and I
It takes an all-seeing eye
I especially liked the last two lines of your poem. May God transform all of our grit.
—————–
I much prefer a purple moon,
a wonder I can see,
than any black hole scientists
might think that there might be,
but that’s just me, admittedly,
preferring what I see.
I haven’t tried that yet, but I like headings, which allow links. Revamped my contents page this week.
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Didn’t take the first time..
A fun prompt after a grueling week. A poem for each word, untitled.
Hurricane winds expected Sunday in my area. Another ocean trip quelled! Oh well, land-locked!
Please pray for minimal to no damage.
Chanterelle and I never kissed
Morels and portabellas leave sweet whispers on my lips
Apricot hues and visions of the sea
Grow in the wood tempting me
But I’ve been warned
Humidity is a heavy blanket
Bleached clouds block the sun
From inside I think
A breath of fresh air!
But still life in the trees
Say otherwise
Exhale
An accepted sigh
Am I brass or bronze
Am I hard or strong
Each an alloy
I too an alloy
Nature and Spirit
Oh to be an ally
And not just cohabit
That’s braun
The first comment came through, but I’m glad you added your prayer request in this one. I will pray for safety and protection. I’ve never been in a hurricane and I don’t think I would want to.
Oh this was fun after a not-so-fun week! One poem for each. All untitled.
Chanterelle and I never kissed
Morels and portabellas leave sweet whispers on my lips
Apricot hues and visions of the sea
Grow in the wood tempting me
But I’ve been warned
Humidity is a heavy blanket
Bleached clouds block the sun
From inside I think
A breath of fresh air!
But still life in the trees
Say otherwise
Exhale
An accepted sigh
Am I brass or bronze
Am I hard or strong
Each an alloy
I too an alloy
Nature and Spirit
Oh to be an ally
And not just cohabit
That’s braun
Chanterelle
Chanterelle growing at my feet
They are but mushrooms, wild and elite
You cannot find them in the street
This short poem would be incomplete
Without mentioning they’re good to eat
It can get too hot in summer. It often gets too cold in winter. I didn’t know what a chanterelle was, but those negative bonus points made me look it up.
————–
Midnight
At midnight taking a breath of fresh air
without the moon nor others on the street
I pray that my imaginations there
all come from God who makes the breathing sweet.
Down with the stomach bug. Not fun, but it is useful to the prompt. Hyphenated words I counted as 1. Is that correct?
A contest Never Fought
I read matcha is quite the tea
promising instant energy
Non-GMO, gluten-free
Before my gut billowed like the sea
I could have faced them valiantly
And watched who met whose match
Obsidian is a beautiful stone when polished as you mention in your poem.
I remember once around Mexico City’s tourist sites seeing carvings made out of it perhaps to some of the Aztec gods. I lost the souvenir I purchased long ago.
—————–
Obsidian
I tossed that shiny god of glassy black
obsidian I bought one careless day,
or lost it somewhere. I don’t know.
Thank God, it’s gone. I now can try to pray.
Nice obsidian poem. I remember the matcha prompt, and nearly everyone had to look it up.
Your prompt word of “corn maze” and a baseball game I watched last night inspired to me write a poem about the Field of Dreams. I came no where close to containing it to 31 words, but I figured I would share it here for a few “invaluable” bonus points.
Sitting aside the babbling brook
It whispers all its secrets
It laughs right by the forest knoll
I promise not to tell a soul
Sharing mine
One moment free and whole
I very much appreciated your heartfelt memorial poem to your dear sister. How wonderful that you have the beautiful restored table, “It Is Well With My Soul” to remember her by.
Sincerely,
Barbie
Having realised misspelt Monostich in my post including the title, I forgot to post a link here. I enjoyed reading your newsletter, Linda. Here’s my link for anyone, who doesn’t look at the pingbacks. https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/07/31/paint-chip-monostich/ Any similarities with Debbie’s poem are purely coincidental!
I liked the thought of seeing the “devil” and the “lily” from the school bus in your monostich. I can also imagine someone seeing that on the way to school.
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I’m not sure if this qualifies as a monostich. It sounds like it could be two lines due to the rhyme and meter, but it is short enough to be written as one.
Dream
Inchworm fossil, green flash bright, school bus quiet for the night.
What a beautiful poem. ❤️ It’s so sad that you didn’t get a chance to visit her, though. The good thing is, as you imply in your poem and as Saint Paul says, “we do not mourn as those who have no hope.”
I’m currently writing my villanelle, Linda. It’s kind of slow going. Not sure why I always wait until Thursday to write for your paint-chip challenges! 😅
This made me smile. I like how you changed up the elephant refrain. You just need to add one more line with the elephant as the last line of the final quatrain. 😊
It is a blessing to have known a friend who patiently listens while supporting each other in “hope and peace and love”. Your poem reminds me that I should listen better to those around me.
——–
Short Letter to a Self-Centered Dream That Wasted Much Time
Looking back I tried to do
the black cat things you teased me to.
Convinced that what you spoke was true
with night owl eyes I followed you.
You’re tongue-tied. Good, but I still thirst
and relish for a fresh sunburst.
A love that never spoils or fades –
Patient, yes; some might call it slow –
Giving time to pull back the veil,
To expose ourselves and come close –
The scarlett letter washed away.
I get tongue-tied when I speak
Your syllables like vines choke me
And you say poetry has to rhyme
So you can’t relish every line
I see the monk’s robe that you wear
But underneath I don’t know who’s there
A vow of silence and plea for trust
Like red clay I taste its rust
I love the sound of a night owl
Sunbursts lull them to sleep
Linda, I totally missed this week’s prompt. One death, (a client), one funeral, one memorial service, one last goodbye to friends moving far away. I just read the prompt and I guess I felt the stress of each and so many unanswerable questions. Maybe I wasn’t supposed to engage. Will continue with the next, Lord willing.
I love your poem.
Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. Perhaps you can return to the ubi sunt prompt when you’ve gained a little distance from your initial sorrow and write a private poem to honor client and friends. And may God bring you comfort and peace in full measure.
Linda, I just read your two poems. Both, so powerful. Every line. “Don’t ever call me brave.” Yes! No matter what the shame, in Christ we are unashamed.
“What are these weeds, we planted seeds” (going from memory, may not be exact wording. Thank you. May God use His words through you to bring healing to many.
Sorry! I wrote a rondelet but forgot to look at the rest of the challenge, so here’s the proper one:
Cabin in the Woods
One crazy night,
In the rainstorm everything changed,
One crazy night.
We snuggled down by the fireside;
Finally battled through the pain,
Savouring each other again,
One crazy night.
Wonderful God –
Voice lifted in jubilant song –
Wonderful God!
Giving Your life, shedding Your blood;
That we might live free from our wrong,
Always praising You all day long –
Wonderful God.
I like how you reminded us that God has set the seasons and we remain faithful.
——————
I used “spring”, “pizzazz” and “peachy” in this poem.
Ubi Sunt
Long ago we studied here when it was still a place.
Your name I have forgotten, but I still can see your face.
And others, too, their words we heard. I hear them still today
with spring pizzazz and peachy smiles before we went away.
I love your opening line “In the depths of winter darkness gray as graphite”
I am also intrigued by this form, and I already have a few ideas rattling around in my brain (waiting for one to gel). I immediately thought of the song: Where Have All the Flowers Gone?
This is great timing for me because I’m looking for memorial poetry for an event at our gallery in August. (Did you see my message on your contact page?)
I’ve always really enjoyed it though it’s so hard to follow. I use cheat sheets ..all kinds of commentaries..to understand the symbolism. Being Catholic I sort of get certain things. Besides that there are all sorts of references to his then current events, and historical and literary references I’ve always been so exceptionally smitten with~
I don’t think I’ve ever made dumplings, but this might inspire me to give it a try. But I’ll have to wait for cooler weather. We’re expecting a high of 113 this Sunday so I won’t be cooking much hot food.
She wore Vermillion lipstick and jeans of faded denim
Polished stone glittered in the sun like a jewel
A faint blush spread stirred and sweetened the venom
Deceit seeks its reflection as it mirrors every fool
The mystery of the mystical is hidden in the practical
Oxygen depletion in the Alpine is anti-climactical
In faded denim, rosy blush,
he offers her a polished stone
from water where the rivers rush.
She knows that she is not alone.
In greens and yellow, alpine light,
Today the festive way is bright.
Hi Linda, don’t take to heart what your friend said, what she means is that SHE doesn’t like hearing about it and that need not affect your witness to others from your heart. The other feedback you received where you received encouragement is the one to focus on and understand that what you do, does encourage others. I don’t think you received that counterbalance encouragement just by chance, I think God was letting you know you are doing what you should be doing. It’s beautiful how God does that at times. You can’t change what you have become, so don’t even entertain it. May God’s grace, peace and blessings be poured upon you and yours.
A firefly knows
He is safe in the darkest night
A firefly knows
The light within is why he glows
Oh will I ever get it right
Jesus in me is my true light
A firefly knows
I’m not sure the title fits the poem, but this is what came out.
I love that I could write about fireflies because last week in the middle of the night they were in my room dancing. It was so much fun, this light show they gave me.
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We don’t have fireflies in Oregon. I think they would be much fun to watch. 😊
I remember seeing fireflies in the evening when I lived in the country. They are beautiful.
Here’s my poem using “fig leaf”.
Cabin in the Woods
In fig leaf clothes
I pace the cabin’s floor today.
In fig leaf clothes
I worry in the woods. Who knows
the secret that I’ve lost my way?
But it all shows. I’m on display
in fig leaf clothes.
Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. You never need apology or explanation for writing or not writing on your blog. I have been on a much needed break from the poem sites. I can’t say how long. A lot going on in my life also. You are always in my back pocket though. You may see me soon.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I haven’t yet lost a sibling, but I imagine it would hit me hard. I pray God will comfort you. Poetry and poetic tributes must help a little, and the thought of heavenly concerts.
In your eyes I saw clear skies
before the rain that day.
All left at once out of the blue,
the sunshine and the sunflower, too,
the hot sauce, zest for life I knew.
Our margarita laughing pool
shut down. You went away.
I miss all the people mentioned in my poem, but I hope I am living life to the full
in spite of their absence. httpss://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/06/05/paint-chip-catch-up/
I am sorry to hear about your sister. Such loss does seem like an everlasting total eclipse of the sun, but there are those heavenly concerts and much more. Beautiful poem in memory of her.
I like the reminder in your poem that peace comes swiftly from Jesus.
——————–
A tiny trinket out of jade
deceptively was smoothly made.
I bought it. Why? I do not know.
My dreaming mind got caught, went slow.
I wonder now how much I paid.
Thanks. I’ve been needing peace from Jesus a lot lately. I love you poem. I think I might have purchased that same trinket and don’t remember what I paid. Usually while on vacation. 🙂
This is thre third Mother’s Day tidbit I’ve written in a few days. I managed to use all the words. Hope they fit together
Transcendant
Second Sunday in May
No matter what the weather
Full moon or waning crescent
Families come together
No pyramid too high to scale
No distance can sever
A heartbeat heard
Loud enough to blend
Great plains with the dawn
A mother’s love learned
A memory fierce
Gingko Biloba and hot sauce
Neither spurns or burns
Heello mate great blog post
I miss your posts and hope you’re doing well!
Thanks for all you share. It blesses me.
I did notice that you hadn’t posted. Nice to “see” you here again!
I’ve long believed that the more I write, the easier it is to write. Turns out the converse is also true. The less I write, the harder it is to get words on paper.
That’s nice, keep your good works.
What an inspiration he is! I loved his tail wagging so hard and how he would run ahead !
I wanna tell you Linda, Roman is pretty spry for being over 17 years old! Wish I had that skip in my step! The joys of life aren’t complicated! Blessings!
🤗❤
❤🤗
Thank you so much Linda for encouraging me to go beyond my capacity!
Beautiful Linda!
Without melancholy, there can be no joy.
Without dark, there can be no light.
Without doubt, there can be no faith.
So true. Thank you for the reminder.
Hi Linda, I haven’t forgotten and I am keeping my word to you. First impressions of what is unfolding before our eyes can often be deceiving, so do not be dismayed. Seek God in your prayers and I am pretty sure that God has something He wants you to see or learn in store for you. I think that often we don’t appreciate how much God cares for us and His ways of showing us this can often be personal, so be watching. I was watching a small flock of pigeons yesterday all feeding on a piece of bread on a sidewalk and I was mindful that God was aware of this flock. And then God reminded me that as Jesus said, we are worth much more in the eyes of God than some of his creations like sparrows or pigeons. He knows the number of hairs on our heads, when we rise and when we lay down. God cares so much more for us than we can imagine. Take heart Linda. Blessings!
Thank you. I confess I don’t remember what you promised, but I do appreciate your prayers and encouragement. I know Good has a plan and he is faithful. Even this poem he used to encourage one of my fellow writers who was feeling discouraged too.
The promise was to add you to my prayer list but that was quite a while ago. Not to worry. Blessings!
I liked this line: “Never will I point to God’s way.” May you point to God’s way.
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/11/04/behold/
P.S. I have enjoyed reading about your teddy bear Calvin. 🙂 What a sweet ending.
Thank you for each and every prompt, Linda! <3
You’re welcome. Thanks for joining in so often.
This is late, but I’m actually quite happy with how it turned out:
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/10/31/the-once-green-rolling-hills/
Thank you for all the prompts, Linda. I have looked forward to them every week since our first lockdown. Responding to them has taught me a lot about poetry that I’d have been unlikely to learn without them.
https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/10/30/octave-5/
My favorite place is right at home as well.
——————————-
Here is the final stanza of Unknown Sin using “mist” and “midnight”.
Through moral mist we’ve claimed our pleasure’s good.
On Halloween the candy was a treat.
The apple from the midnight witch was sweet.
We counted every coin. Our fevers could
continue pleasure, rightly ours. Or, should
we punish doing tricks out in the street,
manipulating weaker ones we meet?
Our unknown sin was doing what we would.
I have enjoyed these weekly prompts. Thank you for offering them, Linda. Best wishes and blessings on your writing.
Thank you for being a loyal supported of the prompt. I always enjoy your poems.
https://mehflowers.wordpress.com/2021/10/30/a-month-of-change/
Thank you so much, Linda, for all you’ve taught me about poetry. I’ve enjoyed participating over the last few months and I’ll keep following you on Twitter. https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/10/29/reflections-on-a-teddybear/
Thank you for joining the fun.
Uncle Bob — love this
Thank you so much for the weekly prompts. They were responsible for getting me out of my “writing burn out” and back into the writing game again. I believe I participated in each and every one of the prompts the first time through the deck, although I could be wrong. I also believe I have a few bonus points, with which those and $3.50 might get me a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading all your poems. I had no idea we had another poet in the family. I’m glad these prompts for you writing again.
I’m also glad you took part in these prompts, Ron. I found your blog through this, and it’s great that your poems are now getting more appreciation through DVerse.
I did not give up the ship. I am writing and went in a different direction. Next week I will post. I hope the paint chips cooperate. This has truly been a crazy time in my life!
I totally get that. My life has been a bit crazy too, hence the late postings.
Tolkien made those rolling hills of Middle Earth attractive.
——————–
This is a continuation of “Unknown Sins”.
My memory is like gray rolling hills
where smoke and ash and haunting dragons hide
the sins I have forgotten through my pride
and could repeat should pleasure offer thrills.
The consequences though would give me chills
were I aware. Main paths are much too wide.
The narrow one’s too slippery? May I slide
into the hands of God whose Spirit fills.
I love this. I’m definitely going to re-read this whole open when you’re done with verse 5.
Oooh, I LOVE the last 2 lines especially!
I’m glad your teddy bear is a LOTR fan! https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/10/23/paint-chip-octave-4/
Of course!
Thanks for posting. 🙂
You’re welcome.
I like your teddy bear’s distant cousin, Linda!
https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/10/16/9442/
I like the boasting in Jesus at the end.
——————
This is a continuation of “Unknown Sin” from last week using spirit rock, ghost, grizzly and olive branch.
The afterglow is pleasant, but the night
that follows buries me with guilty stress.
A spirit rock lacks any means to bless.
It offers stuff a ghost might hint brings light.
I want what’s moral, truly moral, right.
No grizzly olive branch can clean this mess.
It’s dark. I’ve lost my way so I confess,
again, and may this time my way stay bright.
I love this. I especially like how you used grizzly as an adjective instead on a noun.
I don’t know what it is about these octaves, but they’re hard! I wrote one for the first week but won’t be sharing because it’s too dark. Working on this set of paint chips today. 🙂
It’s up to you whether you share your first octave, but I don’t think being “too dark” is a reason not to share. It may be just the thing someone struggling needs to read because they think they are alone in that darkness.
I look forward to what you come up with for this week.
I like your continuation from last week. There won’t be sharks in the resort pool.
————————–
Unknown Sin
Ir’s bittersweet recalling unknown sin
provided there’s repentance at the end
that offers peace that a clean heart can tend
to find the righteous path and try again.
Without that bramble our new hearts may win
to change direction, toss our current trend,
and find the narrow way around the bend
that lets at last the Holy Spirit in.
😊 I suspect Calvin just hangs out in a lounge chair.
I love your poem. It fits perfectly with what my Bible study class is learning in our study of Matthew.
You managed to include 3 of the words or phrases, Linda. I stuck with 2. I have a feeling it is going to become harder as the month progresses to keep my stanzas connected! https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/10/09/paint-chip-octave-2/
If it was easy it wouldn’t be a challenge. 😁 That’s why I picked my teddy bear to write about, because I figured he is a flexible subject.
😂
Just realized that I haven’t even started this prompt yet. *awkward laugh* I’ve already posted three times today but will see if I can write something good for this. If so, I’ll share. 🙂
Or you could wait until tomorrow’s part 2 prompt and do them at the same time. 😁
I was tempted by the teddy bear theme, but wrote something else. Your bears are very smart (as in dapper or dressy). https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/10/02/paint-chip-octave-1/
Thanks. Only the bigger bear is mine. Ranger Bear belongs to a writer friends of mine who writes historical mystery/romance novels set in national parks. 😊
I may have to sit a few out. My brain is tired and calling for rest. Hopefully I will have something toward the end of the month, seeing this is a continuing thread. Lots going on here. I will still read others.
I totally get that. Basically taking care of five posts in one was my way to get a break.
I have seen too many miracles lately. Why do I think God is out of them? Here is my first one. I know where I am headed, just not sure how I will end up there. Used just one word, which may be my theme word throughout. The title will come at the end. It always does.
She stands, a red carpet at her feet
Arrayed in white, all eyes turn to behold
This blushing bride. Stories begin yet endings unfold
A silent pause broken by a love song sweet
Fountains of champagne promise no deplete
Laughter and tears numb burns and softens cold
Mellow mixture poured into an antique crystal mold
Old and new line a petal-strewn street
I like the last line in your poem about finding the ring set.
We have been ill recently and because of that I missed last week’s prompt. I may have to miss this one as well. Thank you for offering them! Best wishes!
Sorry to hear that. I pray for quick healing.
Aaaah, I finished it! 😀 😀 😀
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/09/30/sestina-springtime/
Awake to a beautiful morning,
Winter is over and here comes spring,
Soon eyes shall see the flowers bloom:
All sorts of new life is given room,
Hear now the chirp of a lively bird
Lucky for life, its song being heard.
Linda, despite my effort not to procrastinate, I only just started my sestina about an hour ago…. pray for me, LOL!
You can do it!
Here’s a taster of mine …
The horse in tiredness drops his head;
Another day is at an end:
Upon the sawdust rests content
That final night before the race –
The challenge put aside for now;
Tomorrow, glory or defeat.
https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/09/28/the-race/
This took all day and I think it needs a lot of polish! Don’t understand the envoi part. 38 lines. Well, I tried.
The Making of a Dream
Dreams fly as sawdust on sandpaper
Drifting lazily down atop a field of poppies
Couched in the warm blues of unsung melodies
Muffled by the clamor and cacophony
A safety orange sun set in lavender
Disturb not and none will notice
Homogenized flavors none notice
Sleep’s rust chafes like sandpaper
Restless dreams seek peace in lavender
A toxic trance from this field of poppies
Deepen the wounds of clamor and cacophony
Chords changing tempo in soothing melodies
Harmonious no more are melodies
A tournament now a few notice
Violent wrest and arrest in Cacophony
To fight or desist each a grade of sandpaper
The lure and sweet fragrance of poppies
Soak in the prism of lavender
Soon shades emerge from lavender
Hot and cool split from the melodies
Dreams once diluted in a field of poppies
Quietly awaken some take notice
Smooth softened edges from sandpaper
Strangely still in the wake of cacophony
Angels gather around the cacophony
Dipping their wings in shades of lavender
Marbled swirls polish as sandpaper
No longer grates but extract sweet melodies
It no longer matters who will notice
Let all fall asleep in the field of poppies
Snow out of season in a field of poppies
Everyone wakes in amazed cacophony
Dreams know only one matters to notice
The maker of both music and lavender
And dreams survive in heaven’s melodies
But need waking up to the scratch of sandpaper
Don’t let your dreams slumber in fields of poppies
Awake with the day and don’t settle for lavender
I love your sestina Linda. Yes, hope covers over all the hardships of life.
Changed the ending.
Don’t focus on sunsets lined in lavender
Heaven is filled with joyful melodies
We will be wakened with the scratch of sandpaper
🙂
I like this ending. 😊
This is beautiful. You chose some interesting end words. My favorite line is “Dipping their wings in shades of lavender.” Such a vivid image.
With this challenge, even I am starting my poem with plenty (?) of time!
That was an interesting challenge. After a time of reminiscing with a family member I wrote my first sestina. https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/09/25/paint-chip-sestina/
Rolling up my figurative sleeves for this now!
Okay, voilà, sort of! I’ll probably add at least one more stanza later. 🙂
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/09/23/a-shining-opportunity/
I try not to read your poem before I write my own, Linda, but this time I had to read it to understand what to do with the similes. https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/09/18/paint-chip-similes/
For years my profile name oh social media is tqhousecat. I never revealed what tq means. This week I painted one and thought it time to tell. I even posted a picture and wrote a poem on dverse but still did not say much. This prompt is perfect and I guess it is time.
A little sad, but I will get over it.
Turquoise, my birthstone. December.
The Revealing
This vintage turquoise housecat like ultraviolet rays
Incite my palate sweet ‘n’ sour like sparkle in the sun
Such a rare shielded species
A precious gem dearly cherished
Now displayed gingerly
Securely guarded
Do not blemish
https://photos.app.goo.gl/jX2zemn5qRU3TKLS7
Thank you for sharing, and nice job with the similes. 🙂
For years my profile name oh social media is tqhousecat. I never revealed what tq means. This week I painted one and thought it time to tell. I even posted a picture and wrote a poem on dverse but still did not say much. This prompt is perfect and I guess it is time.
A little sad, but I will get over it.
Turquoise, my birthstone. December.
I hope these are similes.
The Revealing
This vintage turquoise housecat like ultraviolet rays
Incite my palate sweet ‘n’ sour like sparkle in the sun
Such a rare shielded species
A precious gem dearly cherished
Now displayed gingerly
Securely guarded
Please do not blemish
https://photos.app.goo.gl/jX2zemn5qRU3TKLS7
I am honored that you would reveal this secret in response to my paint chip prompt. I love the painting too.
Thank you. So far you are the first to know. I hope I did the similes right.
They looked like good similes to me.
https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/09/17/opposites/
Deep dark wood is soothing as you mentioned in your poem.
——————–
Sparkle Like Sunshine
A bouquet’s like a bluebird who
without a sound knows what to do
and vintage turquoise like the sky.
The evening comes so let us try
to understand like deep dark wood
and do in darkness what is good
when daylight trusts us on our own.
Let’s sparkle as deep truth we’ve known.
This is lovely and a wonderful encouragement. Let us sparkle, indeed.
I agree with Linda; “lovely” was the word I was going to use.
These just keep getting later and later..
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/09/16/squeezing-an-idea/
Never too late!
I like your poem, Linda. 🙂 Working on mine soon. Yes, I used a sentence fragment on purpose there.
Looking forward to reading it. For once, I actually finished tomorrow’s prompt before you commented. It’s usually your comment that reminds me I haven’t done it yet. 🙂
Late, sorry. I managed to get 5. That wasn’t super easy.
Never again but instead
Cotton candy.
Spun sugar tainted red
Like spun truth from lies
Leaves you with a sticky face
Hard to erase.
Clown nose.
Mask of distraction.
Painted smile.
Give me fresh-squeezed sun
Through cloudy skies
While I run through verdant fields
That lead to endless dunes
Ending at the sparkling sea
Reflecting off the silver moon
Ah, cream-of-the-crop!
You’re not late at all. Prompts are open indefinitely. 😊
I love this poem. Nice use of fragments. Although my favorite line isn’t a fragment. “Give me fresh-squeezed sun through cloudy skies” is brilliant.
Lovely memories, Linda. I had fun letting my imagination have free rein. https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/09/11/sentence-fragment-paint-chip-verse/
https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/09/10/fairground/
I like your description of him as being tall with a smile as wide as the Grand Canyon.
———————-
End and Beginning
Cotton candy sunny side up.
Be the cream of the crop.
Sustain your faith. Persevere.
The end is near when evil stops.
Thanks. He was one of a kind.
I love “persevere” as a sentence fragment. Nicely done with your paint chip selection.
Thank you for the warning about the upcoming sestina prompt. 😳 Sestinas are kind of terrifying to me.
Working on my poem for this week now!
Sestina’s can be daunting, but I hope it will be fun for everyone too. Looking forward to reading your poem for this week.
Voilà! 🙂
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/09/09/a-faraway-place/
Happy anniversary, Linda! One of my verses is a little ambiguous. https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/09/04/not-quite-rhyming-slanted-paint-chips/
I have edited the ambiguous verse. The foggy harbour is no longer employed by the carpenter!
https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/09/03/squelched/
I love your enthusiasm at getting to use more than 31 words. 🙂 Nice job on the poem.
Yes Linda, they are hard!! Love your poem!
I tried. Happy anniversary!!
A perfect Union
A bride’s dress of white could be a brown- paper package
Buried inside may be layers of luggage
A perfect partner is a gem of moonstone
Who will stay close beside you and won’t let you roam
Seeds sown in September reap winter’s wheat fields
A perfect season for weddings and a lifetime well sealed
I love this! You wrote us an anniversary poem. I will definitely share this with my husband. And your slant rhymes are spot on.
Rhymezone had no near rhymes for these three words, so I had to really think! I’m glad you like it!
Congratulations on your 35th anniversary!
Slant rhyme is hard as you note in your poem. I especially liked the “fierce/verse” pair.
I didn’t know Rhymezone offered slant rhymes, but I’m glad it does. I used it to come up with some of the near rhymes below.
——————–
A Scarecrow’s Gratitude
Those ravens are black
and that fact is exact,
but a moonstone’s no moon
though there’s room to presume
that these wheat fields have wheat
and a scarecrow’s a beast.
Thus he cheerfully thinks
as the day flips to night
giving all gracious thanks
while the sun leaves the sky.
Thank you. Sometimes it’s hard to believe it has been 35 years. I’m ready for another 35.
You picked the rhyme pair that was the holdover from the poem about my sister. It may show up in another poem again someday, though it didn’t belong in her poem.
I love your poem. You have a few internal rhymes in addition to the line-end rhymes. Very nice. It seems this scarecrow does have a brain and a heart of gratitude.
Ah yes, to thine own self be challenged.
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/09/02/just-some-star-stuff/
Here is mine.
A hopeful theme with summer included. 🙂
Three poems, no titles
January I sunk into the black hole
Dug with last year’s chisel
A summer sparkle now traces the edge
Showing me all is not lost
True light always finds a way
A child, I grew among the trees
Even tasted acorns on paths beneath my feet
Giant oaks from bitter seeds
Houses filled with possibilities
There is hope in every bitter thing
A string of pearls real or faux
Look the same, hard to tell
It takes a jeweler with a well-trained eye
What about you and I
It takes an all-seeing eye
I love all three of these. Great job seamlessly incorporating each paint chip. Your descriptive words make each small verse come alive.
I forgot to add my link here https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/08/28/paint-chip-31-word-verse-acorn/ Am I being too imaginative if I see my poem as an upside-down acorn or, if I imagine a line round the poem including the title, an oak tree? (Previews don’t format it correctly)
Looks like an upside-down acorn to me. 😊
https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/08/27/last-august-poetry-challenge/
https://ronrowland.com/my-black-hole-soliloquy/
I especially liked the last two lines of your poem. May God transform all of our grit.
—————–
I much prefer a purple moon,
a wonder I can see,
than any black hole scientists
might think that there might be,
but that’s just me, admittedly,
preferring what I see.
I agree. I’m glad you chose black hole for your poem.
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/08/26/fresh-air/
Your poem is beautifully written, Linda! Working on mine. 🙂
I meant to comment on your eastward movement, Linda – great layout. In case anyone missed my pingback here’s the link to mine. https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/08/21/paint-chip-31-word-poem-breath-of-fresh-air/
Thanks. I like using the Verse block in the WordPress editor because it allows for different formatting like that. 😊
I haven’t tried that yet, but I like headings, which allow links. Revamped my contents page this week.
Didn’t take the first time..
A fun prompt after a grueling week. A poem for each word, untitled.
Hurricane winds expected Sunday in my area. Another ocean trip quelled! Oh well, land-locked!
Please pray for minimal to no damage.
Chanterelle and I never kissed
Morels and portabellas leave sweet whispers on my lips
Apricot hues and visions of the sea
Grow in the wood tempting me
But I’ve been warned
Humidity is a heavy blanket
Bleached clouds block the sun
From inside I think
A breath of fresh air!
But still life in the trees
Say otherwise
Exhale
An accepted sigh
Am I brass or bronze
Am I hard or strong
Each an alloy
I too an alloy
Nature and Spirit
Oh to be an ally
And not just cohabit
That’s braun
The first comment came through, but I’m glad you added your prayer request in this one. I will pray for safety and protection. I’ve never been in a hurricane and I don’t think I would want to.
Oh this was fun after a not-so-fun week! One poem for each. All untitled.
Chanterelle and I never kissed
Morels and portabellas leave sweet whispers on my lips
Apricot hues and visions of the sea
Grow in the wood tempting me
But I’ve been warned
Humidity is a heavy blanket
Bleached clouds block the sun
From inside I think
A breath of fresh air!
But still life in the trees
Say otherwise
Exhale
An accepted sigh
Am I brass or bronze
Am I hard or strong
Each an alloy
I too an alloy
Nature and Spirit
Oh to be an ally
And not just cohabit
That’s braun
Your channel l chanterelle poem made me chuckle so I’m not deducting bonus points after all. 😁
Your third poem is my favorite. Oh to be an ally indeed.
https://padresramblings.wordpress.com/2021/08/21/the-call-2/
https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/08/21/church-august-poetry-challenge/
Chanterelle
Chanterelle growing at my feet
They are but mushrooms, wild and elite
You cannot find them in the street
This short poem would be incomplete
Without mentioning they’re good to eat
(I have too many bonus points, so deduct away)
Hahahahaha! I knew you would pick that one. I just knew it.
Yes, well it was like you were waving a red flag in front of a bull.
Good one, Ron! XD
It can get too hot in summer. It often gets too cold in winter. I didn’t know what a chanterelle was, but those negative bonus points made me look it up.
————–
Midnight
At midnight taking a breath of fresh air
without the moon nor others on the street
I pray that my imaginations there
all come from God who makes the breathing sweet.
What a lovely little verse. It feels very peaceful.
And I’m glad that, once you looked it up, you steered clear of the chanterelle. 😊
Sweet poem. I agree with Linda, peaceful. May our imaginations all come from God.
Thank you, Mary!
Finished!
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/08/19/corn-maze/
Down with the stomach bug. Not fun, but it is useful to the prompt. Hyphenated words I counted as 1. Is that correct?
A contest Never Fought
I read matcha is quite the tea
promising instant energy
Non-GMO, gluten-free
Before my gut billowed like the sea
I could have faced them valiantly
And watched who met whose match
Sorry to hear you’re not feeling well. It did not impede your creativity one iota. This has to be the best poem ever involving matcha.
And yes, hyphenated words count as one.
Thank you Linda!
That is a brilliant poem! Well done, and I hope you’re feeling better soon.
I’m glad your poem reminded me what obsidian is, Linda! I can’t remember what matcha is either, so that limited my choice! https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/08/14/paint-chip-poem-with-31-words-corn-maze/
https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/08/14/corn-maze-august-poetry-challenge/
Trying not to focus
on the fact I don’t like
the taste
and stay aware of all
it’s benefits
I stare into my cup
of matcha green tea –
help me Jesus.
Hahahahaha! That’s so funny! Thank you for the afternoon chuckle.
I like matcha, but this is funny! I do remember the first time I tried it…. XD
Obsidian is a beautiful stone when polished as you mention in your poem.
I remember once around Mexico City’s tourist sites seeing carvings made out of it perhaps to some of the Aztec gods. I lost the souvenir I purchased long ago.
—————–
Obsidian
I tossed that shiny god of glassy black
obsidian I bought one careless day,
or lost it somewhere. I don’t know.
Thank God, it’s gone. I now can try to pray.
I like how you incorporated this memory into your poem.
Nice obsidian poem. I remember the matcha prompt, and nearly everyone had to look it up.
Your prompt word of “corn maze” and a baseball game I watched last night inspired to me write a poem about the Field of Dreams. I came no where close to containing it to 31 words, but I figured I would share it here for a few “invaluable” bonus points.
https://ronrowland.com/is-this-heaven-no-its-iowa/
Linda, I did it! XD
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/08/12/the-lazy-poet/
I used “lazy lizard” for this but intend to write a poem for both of the other choices tomorrow.
That doesn’t should like being a lazy poet to me. That sounds quite ambitious. 😊
<3 <3 <3
I listened to the whole thing and left a comment. God is so good!!!!
Thank you! He is indeed.
My heart aches for your experience and finds serenity in your ability to find peace in and through your faith.
Thank you. This is encouraging.
I too, babbling brook
Faithful Waters
Sitting aside the babbling brook
It whispers all its secrets
It laughs right by the forest knoll
I promise not to tell a soul
Sharing mine
One moment free and whole
This is beautiful. I feel the peacefulness and sweet relationship.
I had a photo to accompany one of these topics. https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/08/07/paint-chip-31-word-poem-lazy-lizard/
Lizard
No lazy lizard on a whitewashed wall
am I who has to make a choice today.
Obey or slide and tumble to a fall
or overcome the evil in some way.
Nice one. I almost wrote about the lazy lizard, but I don’t think I would have pulled it off as well.
This is good.
Thank you, Sarah!
Better late than never!
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/08/06/digging-up-the-past/
Hi Linda. I also chose ‘Babbling brook’: https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/08/06/relax-august-poetry-challenge/
Linda, I’m starting my poem now! 😂
Oh, that’s right! I need to start tomorrow’s prompt. 🤭😁
I very much appreciated your heartfelt memorial poem to your dear sister. How wonderful that you have the beautiful restored table, “It Is Well With My Soul” to remember her by.
Sincerely,
Barbie
Thank you. It’s nice to know such a personal poem resonates with others.
Having realised misspelt Monostich in my post including the title, I forgot to post a link here. I enjoyed reading your newsletter, Linda. Here’s my link for anyone, who doesn’t look at the pingbacks. https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/07/31/paint-chip-monostich/ Any similarities with Debbie’s poem are purely coincidental!
https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/07/31/monostich/
Thanks Linda , for all the fun writing challenges!
Inchworm fossil found on the red planet sets school bus abuzz.
Wow! Four paint chips in one monostich. That’s impressive. It sounds like a newspaper headline.
You are right . . . It does! Ha!
https://padresramblings.wordpress.com/2021/07/31/eternitys-pages/
I tried. The first line the monostitch and the 2 following a couplet?
Dust devils gather as soon as we turn our heads
We give no mind to the inchworm because we walk in strides
Moths fly toward light while we are blinded by our pride
I like this. So much wisdom.
I liked the thought of seeing the “devil” and the “lily” from the school bus in your monostich. I can also imagine someone seeing that on the way to school.
—————————–
I’m not sure if this qualifies as a monostich. It sounds like it could be two lines due to the rhyme and meter, but it is short enough to be written as one.
Dream
Inchworm fossil, green flash bright, school bus quiet for the night.
Sounds like a monostich to me.
Green Flash
Many seek but never see, the green flash at sunset, upon the open sea.
Nice
What a beautiful poem. ❤️ It’s so sad that you didn’t get a chance to visit her, though. The good thing is, as you imply in your poem and as Saint Paul says, “we do not mourn as those who have no hope.”
I’m currently writing my villanelle, Linda. It’s kind of slow going. Not sure why I always wait until Thursday to write for your paint-chip challenges! 😅
I know why. It’s to make me smile and remind me I need to write my next paint chip challenge and schedule it for Friday morning. 🙂
Yes, I’m so helpful, Linda. LOL!
By the way, I just finished:
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/07/29/summer-villanelle/
I’m so very sorry. I’ll pray for her
Such a wonderful and beautiful tribute.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I like how the three marigold faithfully unfold displaying God’s beauty in Creation.
I have read bits and pieces of Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress recently especially the ending.
—————
The Pilgrims Reach the River
From deep-sea vent to ice cap peak
we followed where the trail led.
The breath of God would to us speak.
We let hope shine upon each cheek.
We faithfully faced doubt and dread
from deep-sea vent to ice cap peak.
At places where the way was bleak
we listened as the words were read.
The breath of God would to us speak.
This pilgrimage is for the meek,
for those believing what was said
from deep-sea vent to ice cap peak.
This is a river, not some creek.
To those who fear we’d seem as dead.
The breath of God would to us speak.
Euphoria is what we seek
where there is more than mortal bread.
From deep-sea vent to ice cap peak
the breath of God would to us speak.
This is beautiful. ❤️ I especially love the second stanza and how you so smoothly used the refrain.
Thank you, Linda!
Oh this is wonderful!
This was definitely one to work out with pen and paper! https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/07/24/paint-chip-villanelle/
I thought I’d do your challenge again. Hope this one makes you smile: https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/07/24/the-90s/
Nly done this once before a few years ago. This took a long time for the form to behave. I hope it is right.
Free
I sip my earl grey tea and sigh
My porcelain cup filled to the brim
Dull elephants do catch my eye.
My marigolds I do espy
Look lovely from my window’s rim
I sip my earl grey tea and sigh
A deep-sea vent dissuades a cry
Instead a smile not just a grin
These elephants can walk on by
Ice caps now threaten as they try
I let things pass as if a whim
I sip my earl grey tea and sigh
Eden’s fragrant and sterile skies
Long since is closed by Cherubim
This elephant dull as a fly
Euphoria now drawing nigh
The curse of Satan did not win
I sip my earl grey tea and sigh
This made me smile. I like how you changed up the elephant refrain. You just need to add one more line with the elephant as the last line of the final quatrain. 😊
Elephant now in deep chagrin
I especially liked this line “The curse of Satan did not win”.
https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/07/23/country-show/
The funny thing about “monk’s robe” is, I have a good friend who is an actual monk, and we write letters often! His robe is brown.
That’s hilarious!
https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/07/21/mountain-town/
It is a blessing to have known a friend who patiently listens while supporting each other in “hope and peace and love”. Your poem reminds me that I should listen better to those around me.
——–
Short Letter to a Self-Centered Dream That Wasted Much Time
Looking back I tried to do
the black cat things you teased me to.
Convinced that what you spoke was true
with night owl eyes I followed you.
You’re tongue-tied. Good, but I still thirst
and relish for a fresh sunburst.
Thanks. I like your short letter, especially the title and that closing verse. The rhythm and rhyme are excellent.
https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/07/19/the-beach/
“Cleansing Love”
A love that never spoils or fades –
Patient, yes; some might call it slow –
Giving time to pull back the veil,
To expose ourselves and come close –
The scarlett letter washed away.
Very nice!
Took a little time.
To the entitled I leave this untitled
I get tongue-tied when I speak
Your syllables like vines choke me
And you say poetry has to rhyme
So you can’t relish every line
I see the monk’s robe that you wear
But underneath I don’t know who’s there
A vow of silence and plea for trust
Like red clay I taste its rust
I love the sound of a night owl
Sunbursts lull them to sleep
Nice one.
Like Sarah from Childrencount, I wrote to Joy. https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/07/17/paint-chip-letter-in-verse/
Loved your verse letter and the CYH&L!
Rising to the challenge: https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/07/16/verse-letter/
Linda, I totally missed this week’s prompt. One death, (a client), one funeral, one memorial service, one last goodbye to friends moving far away. I just read the prompt and I guess I felt the stress of each and so many unanswerable questions. Maybe I wasn’t supposed to engage. Will continue with the next, Lord willing.
I love your poem.
Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. Perhaps you can return to the ubi sunt prompt when you’ve gained a little distance from your initial sorrow and write a private poem to honor client and friends. And may God bring you comfort and peace in full measure.
Linda, I just read your two poems. Both, so powerful. Every line. “Don’t ever call me brave.” Yes! No matter what the shame, in Christ we are unashamed.
“What are these weeds, we planted seeds” (going from memory, may not be exact wording. Thank you. May God use His words through you to bring healing to many.
Thank you. My hope is always that my writing will draw others to healing in Christ. ❤️
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/07/15/ubi-sunt/
I’m excited to try this! In my French literature class, we read a few poems by François Villon and did an analysis on “Où sont les neiges d’antan?” ❤️
I look forward to reading what you are inspired to write. 😊
I wanted to share with you my terza rima, Linda, even if I don’t end up writing a post on my blog for it:
A little life, from seed to seedling
Grows, standing in whirlpools of wind,
Which blow strongly, without succeeding
In toppling the tree. Life is not binned,
Even if happily ever after
Is not found, nor exact purpose pinned.
Relax, like with a tea of lavender.
Golden is the dusk, when sun is setting.
Slowly the sapling’s growing taller.
I love this. Thanks for sharing it. There is so much hope in your words.
A terza rima this time: https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/07/11/nan/
Sorry! I wrote a rondelet but forgot to look at the rest of the challenge, so here’s the proper one:
Cabin in the Woods
One crazy night,
In the rainstorm everything changed,
One crazy night.
We snuggled down by the fireside;
Finally battled through the pain,
Savouring each other again,
One crazy night.
I love this one too, but I’m glad you wrote the other before realizing the rest of the prompt. 😊
Wonderful God –
Voice lifted in jubilant song –
Wonderful God!
Giving Your life, shedding Your blood;
That we might live free from our wrong,
Always praising You all day long –
Wonderful God.
Wow! So beautiful. What a wonderful God indeed.
Popeye: Now what if
He turned over a new leaf –
Dumpling, not spinach?
Invisibility, or
A different superpower?
Hahaha! That’s so funny! I love it.
Here’s mine: http://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/07/10/overcomers-ubi-sunt/
https://susan-joy-clark.com/2021/07/10/artists-of-yore-paint-chip-poetry-ubi-sunt/
I like how you reminded us that God has set the seasons and we remain faithful.
——————
I used “spring”, “pizzazz” and “peachy” in this poem.
Ubi Sunt
Long ago we studied here when it was still a place.
Your name I have forgotten, but I still can see your face.
And others, too, their words we heard. I hear them still today
with spring pizzazz and peachy smiles before we went away.
I like this. I like that you asked “where are you” without asking that question directly.
Some interesting word choices this time. I like what you did with them. 🙂
Thank you. They were interesting, that’s for sure.
I love your opening line “In the depths of winter darkness gray as graphite”
I am also intrigued by this form, and I already have a few ideas rattling around in my brain (waiting for one to gel). I immediately thought of the song: Where Have All the Flowers Gone?
Looking forward to reading what you come up with.
I thought of that song too. My original opening line was of the same form, but I had second thoughts.
https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/07/10/ubi-sunt-paint-chip-poem/
I became enthralled with the ubi sunt theme and totally neglected the paint chips. Thank you for the inspiration.
https://ronrowland.com/where-are-the-romantics/
You’re welcome.
This is great timing for me because I’m looking for memorial poetry for an event at our gallery in August. (Did you see my message on your contact page?)
I did not see your message and can’t find it. Which makes me wonder what other messages I’m missing. Did you use the contact form here in my blog?
If you want, you can email me at linda@anotherfearlessyear.net
I will, thanks.
Congrats! 😊
Thanks!
So, I waited until the last day to write this! Hopefully, I can finish. Sounds fun but a bit intimidating.
You can do it!
Congratulations
Thank you.
Congratulations! Sometimes one has to wait a long time to hear back.
I’ve definitely been learning patience.
God doesn’t want us to be afraid. That’s an empowering belief to have
I do fully believe this to be true.
My first terza rima
https://ronrowland.com/bonus-points-whirlpool/
Here’s my attempt: https://childrencount.wordpress.com/2021/07/03/blank-canvas/
https://mehflowers.wordpress.com/2021/07/03/happily-ever-after/
How beautiful a poem! I just remembered. This week was a blurr, so much happening. I will try to get one out…no promises.
A tricky challenge, Linda! https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/07/03/paint-chip-terza-rima/
I like how you expressed in your poem the painter’s secret love shown only in his paintings and ending with him doubting his dreams of her love.
———-
Blank Canvas
The seedling blooms like lavender.
The golden sunlight shines and we
remember all, the way things were.
Forgive, we do, each enemy.
No secret shadows stand today.
Forgive us, too, both you and me.
Now every tear that turned life gray,
that smeared our pasts into a blur,
He’s wiped away, He’s wiped away.
Wow! That was something I so needed to hear today. Thank you for this beautiful terza rima. ❤️
I’ve been reading the ‘Divine Comedy’ lately, and recently saw the 1911 silent movie. I can try something like this
I have a copy of The Divine Comedy but have never been brave enough to try to read it. What do you think of it so far?
I’ve always really enjoyed it though it’s so hard to follow. I use cheat sheets ..all kinds of commentaries..to understand the symbolism. Being Catholic I sort of get certain things. Besides that there are all sorts of references to his then current events, and historical and literary references I’ve always been so exceptionally smitten with~
Here is mine!
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/07/01/new-music/
If my poem doesn’t make you laugh, I hope the final sentence does. https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/06/26/tanka-paint-chip-poem/
I love it. I haven’t had my first cup of coffee yet, so I’m not awake enough for a full laugh, but it definitely made me chuckle. 😁
Yum… dumplings!
I don’t think I’ve ever made dumplings, but this might inspire me to give it a try. But I’ll have to wait for cooler weather. We’re expecting a high of 113 this Sunday so I won’t be cooking much hot food.
Oh gosh, Linda! This one spoke to me and I had to try! Haha!
ivory gargoyle
nicknamed “dumpling” by his peers
in dappled sunlight
ponders retort stuck right there
on the tip of his stone tongue.
I’m so glad you did! This is inspired, for sure. And it made me laugh. 🙂
Then my job is done! Haha!
https://padresramblings.wordpress.com/2021/06/25/in-a-dumpling-baked/
If this doesn’t make anyone smile, it is only five lines long.
—————–
Grumpy Gargoyle Grumbling in the Shade
Ivory gargoyle groans,
“Me, why me? I’ve got to know!”
None dare answer why.
“Dappled sunlight, new leaf tones,”
grumpy gargoyle grumbles so.
Well, it made me smile anyway. 😉
Not sure it will make anyone laugh, but I did use four paint chips.
Blurry-eyed
Opportunity
A new leaf is a page turned
In dappled sunlight
It may look like choice ivory
Or just a bunch of spinach
I like it. Made me chuckle just a little. 😊
Thank you for not making us write a sestina. 🙂 😨 I have written two in my entire life. They are terrifyingly intimidating!
I’ve only written 2 or 3, and I don’t think any turned out like I’d hoped.
Hello Linda..
Here is my take on the chips 🙂
https://thetenthzodiac.wordpress.com/2021/06/23/my-clown-clone/
Congratulations, and thank you for that encouragement.
I managed to use six of the words or phrases. https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/06/19/sixain-paint-chip-poetry-prompt/
Just the way it came out…All 7
Recognizing A True Halo
She wore Vermillion lipstick and jeans of faded denim
Polished stone glittered in the sun like a jewel
A faint blush spread stirred and sweetened the venom
Deceit seeks its reflection as it mirrors every fool
The mystery of the mystical is hidden in the practical
Oxygen depletion in the Alpine is anti-climactical
Way to go! And I love the subtle message.
There is a message. Thanks Linda!
It is good to be homesick for heaven.
—————–
Celebration
In faded denim, rosy blush,
he offers her a polished stone
from water where the rivers rush.
She knows that she is not alone.
In greens and yellow, alpine light,
Today the festive way is bright.
I love this. It feels peaceful.
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/06/17/evening-falling/
Thanks for the prompt, as always. <3
I write a lot of rondelets, although rarely to post. This will be fun. 🙂
Can’t wait to read what you write.
<3 <3 * hug*
🥴❤️
Thank you Linda, for your witness and testimony! No ‘ rocks will cry out ‘ around you! 🙂
Love that reference! 😊
I had to participate in this challenge since it is a poetry form named after me.
https://ronrowland.com/cabin-in-the-woods/
Keep being you. “To thine own self be true” someone once said.
I will! Thanks.
Hi Linda, don’t take to heart what your friend said, what she means is that SHE doesn’t like hearing about it and that need not affect your witness to others from your heart. The other feedback you received where you received encouragement is the one to focus on and understand that what you do, does encourage others. I don’t think you received that counterbalance encouragement just by chance, I think God was letting you know you are doing what you should be doing. It’s beautiful how God does that at times. You can’t change what you have become, so don’t even entertain it. May God’s grace, peace and blessings be poured upon you and yours.
Thank you. There were definitely no coincidences here. And I could no more stop sharing Jesus than breathe. ❤️
Cabin in the Woods
A firefly knows
He is safe in the darkest night
A firefly knows
The light within is why he glows
Oh will I ever get it right
Jesus in me is my true light
A firefly knows
I’m not sure the title fits the poem, but this is what came out.
I love it. I think the title works because I can see you pondering this poem while sitting in the porch of a cabin watching fireflies.
I love that I could write about fireflies because last week in the middle of the night they were in my room dancing. It was so much fun, this light show they gave me.
We don’t have fireflies in Oregon. I think they would be much fun to watch. 😊
This was fun to write. https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/06/12/rondelet-paint-chip-poetry-challenge/
I remember seeing fireflies in the evening when I lived in the country. They are beautiful.
Here’s my poem using “fig leaf”.
Cabin in the Woods
In fig leaf clothes
I pace the cabin’s floor today.
In fig leaf clothes
I worry in the woods. Who knows
the secret that I’ve lost my way?
But it all shows. I’m on display
in fig leaf clothes.
I like this a lot! Great rondelet.
Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. You never need apology or explanation for writing or not writing on your blog. I have been on a much needed break from the poem sites. I can’t say how long. A lot going on in my life also. You are always in my back pocket though. You may see me soon.
My poem:
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/06/10/how-it-was-before-the-rain/
I’m sorry about your sister. Although I missed the paint chip prompts the last couple of weeks, I was more concerned about you than the prompts. <3
Thank you. That is so kind of you to say.
I’m so very sorry about your sister. This poem is such a fine tribute to her. I’ll pray for her~
Hugs and prayers.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I haven’t yet lost a sibling, but I imagine it would hit me hard. I pray God will comfort you. Poetry and poetic tributes must help a little, and the thought of heavenly concerts.
Thank you. This is the second sister I’ve lost. It’s hitting me harder than I expected.
Here is my response to the challenge.
—————-
In your eyes I saw clear skies
before the rain that day.
All left at once out of the blue,
the sunshine and the sunflower, too,
the hot sauce, zest for life I knew.
Our margarita laughing pool
shut down. You went away.
I love this. You packed so many of the words and phrases into such a short poem.
Sending my condolences. Your poem is lovely.
I miss all the people mentioned in my poem, but I hope I am living life to the full
in spite of their absence. httpss://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/06/05/paint-chip-catch-up/
I am sorry to hear about your sister. Such loss does seem like an everlasting total eclipse of the sun, but there are those heavenly concerts and much more. Beautiful poem in memory of her.
Nicely composed. My sincere condolences to all of hers (and yours) extended families.
Here is my poem.
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/05/21/quintilla-healing/
The web address form my article has changed. It is now http://www.christianwriters.co.uk/
Sorry, that should be https://christianwriters.co.uk/
https://ronrowland.com/speak-up-when-youre-bloody-well-right/
Your poem is lovely, Linda. Mine is light-hearted https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/05/15/quintilla-paint-chip-challenge/
https://mehflowers.wordpress.com/2021/05/14/true-colors/
I like your poem Linda. Thinking a lot this week about peace in the storm.
Thanks. Peace is truly only found in Jesus.
I like the reminder in your poem that peace comes swiftly from Jesus.
——————–
A tiny trinket out of jade
deceptively was smoothly made.
I bought it. Why? I do not know.
My dreaming mind got caught, went slow.
I wonder now how much I paid.
Thanks. I’ve been needing peace from Jesus a lot lately. I love you poem. I think I might have purchased that same trinket and don’t remember what I paid. Usually while on vacation. 🙂
Here is mine. 🙂
https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2021/05/13/a-mothers-love/
Gaia really wasn’t there
the way my mother was.
The full moon of the night or dawn
were never heartbeats I’d count on
the way my mother’s was.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Your poem is poignant, Linda. Mine is https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/2021/05/08/occasional-paint-chip-poem/
I have also updated my Paint Chip Poetry page to make it easier to navigate (well, that was the idea, anyway!) https://suestrifles.wordpress.com/paint-chip-poetry/
This is thre third Mother’s Day tidbit I’ve written in a few days. I managed to use all the words. Hope they fit together
Transcendant
Second Sunday in May
No matter what the weather
Full moon or waning crescent
Families come together
No pyramid too high to scale
No distance can sever
A heartbeat heard
Loud enough to blend
Great plains with the dawn
A mother’s love learned
A memory fierce
Gingko Biloba and hot sauce
Neither spurns or burns
You did a great job of getting all the words in. I didn’t think it was possible, but you did it. You even got Gingko Biloba in there!
Thanks Linda. It was tricky!
Happy Mothers Day!
https://padresramblings.wordpress.com/2021/05/07/on-mothers-day/
I’m late to the party but gotta take your paint chip poetry challenge, Linda! Here’s my link:
https://madhatterpoetry.com/2021/05/07/gringas-in-mexicali/
It’s never too late for any of my paint chip prompts. 😊
Good to know….thanks, Linda!
Good to know…thanks, Linda!