Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Imprompt Leaving

Aloha

Aloha means hello and goodbye
Affection, peace, compassion, mercy
Welcoming you as we meet
Bidding you farewell as we depart

The first aloha invigorates
As you anticipate new adventures
Luaus, hula dances, whale watching
Hiking to waterfalls and volcanoes

Gliding along in an outrigger canoe
Riding bikes down a mountainside
Relaxing on sunny beaches, snorkeling
Sampling macadamia nuts and poi

The second comes with sadness
and promises to return.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Imprompt praise

Praising God for Hawaii

I praise You, God, for clear aqua waters
And fine sand the color of dinner rolls
For the fragrances of sweet plumeria,
Heady ginger and lingering puakenikeni

I praise You, God, for warm balmy winds,
Refreshing rains and sun on my skin
For lapping waves, melting pot of languages
Chirping ukulele and slack key guitar

I praise You, God, for paste-like poi,
Lomi salmon and sweet haupia
Thank You, God, for the wonderful
Dance on my senses that Hawaii offers

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Imprompt postcard

Greetings from Maui

The turquoise water,  
so clear,
the snorkeler appears
to be flying.
Her shadow follows along
on the bay’s sandy bottom.
A small rugged island
peaks up to a brilliant sky.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Imprompt Bug

Little Miss Muffet’s Spider

“I sat beside her,”
said the shocked spider.
“She shrieked and ran away.
I wanted a new friend
on whom I could depend.
Should I change my mouthwash today?”

Friday, September 26, 2014

Imprompt Didactic

Rainbow Trees

R ainbow Eucalyptus, Mindano gum or Rainbow gum.
A tree that looks like a variety of paints poured down the bark.
I t’s the only Eucalyptus species found naturally in the
N orthern Hemisphere. They originate from the Philippines.  Patches of outer
B ark shed annually at different times. The bright green inner bark darkens to
O range, blue, purple and maroon tones. A
W onder to behold!

T ropical and subtropicals climates are great for growing
R ainbow Eucalyptus.  They can be raised in Florida, Texas, California, Maui and
E ven in Southern Arizona. The trees are
E specially good for ornamental purposes. It’s also the main
S pecies grown in the Philippines for pulpwood used in making paper. 

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Imprompt Too much of a good thing, a nonet

Too Much of a Good Thing

Chocolate macadamia nuts
Try them for breakfast, snack and lunch
And to stop the hunger pains
At three, eat them again
And at dinner, too
Still you’re not through
Till bedtime
And then
Barf

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Imprompt Line from blitz

Cheer with Thanksgiving

We go all out at football games, wearing the team color,
painting our faces, roaring as a unit at a touchdown.
We raise our hands at concerts, swoon at rock stars.
We clap, cheer, and throw confetti for leading politicians.
So let’s unite hearts, souls and minds, raise our voices
and cheer for the lover of our souls, the giver of good things,
the creator of the universe, the all-powerful glorious one,
the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. Yay God!

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Imprompt Blitz

God of Now

Rejoice always
Rejoice in God
God is love
God is good
Good night
Good day
Day spring
Day time
Time to praise
Time to sing
Sing unto the Lord
Sing and laugh
Laugh with joy
Laugh out loud
Loud shouting
Loud cheering
Cheering with thanksgiving
Cheering with hope
Hope in God
Hope always
Always look up
Always pray
Pray without ceasing
Pray for peace
Peace that passes understanding
Peace like a river
River of joy
River of strength
Strength in joy
Strength in gentleness
Gentleness rules
Gentleness heals
Heals the inner man
Heals community
Community builds
Community accomplishes
Accomplishes great things
Accomplishes dreams
Dreams and visions
Dreams of happiness
Happiness of soul
Happiness of heart
Heart of passion
Heart of compassion
Compassion then
Compassion now
Now serve
Now live
Live
Serve

Monday, September 22, 2014

Imprompt fall

Pipiwai Trail Hike, Maui

Through the eerie bamboo forest
with its strange knocking sound,
past the thick spreading banyan tree
and the Makahiku overlook,
the four hundred foot tall
majestic Waimoku Falls
commands oohs and ahhs,
recharging your spirit
dimming any aches and pains
from the two hour uphill hike.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Imprompt Image

The Path

As a child,
how many times
did I run barefoot
down our grassy hill
across the gravely road
through Pappap’s yard
between the ponds
across the stout bridge,
the tiny bridge
and the high, long bridge
over the stony creek
to my cousins’ house
in the woods?

So many times
that if I close my eyes
I can feel
moss and soft grasses,
tarry gravel,
rough wood
and the beaten path
under my feet.
I can hear
Canada Geese honking
bobwhite quails calling,
peep frogs peeping
and crickets singing.

I can smell
freshly mown grass,
blossoms on apple trees
air washed clean after the rain.
I can see
familiar houses of relatives
and neighbors, willows, oaks,
maples, apple trees and pines,
tiger lilies, clover
touch-me-nots.
I can taste
the plums, grapes, elderberries,
and Siberian crabapples.

I can recall
all the games we played,
trouble we’d get into,
adventures we lived through,
laughter, arguments,
songs, make believe,
through the seasons and
padding back and forth
between our houses
never thinking someday
it would all be
just memories imprinted
on our souls.







Saturday, September 20, 2014

Imprompt Image

Self Portrait

A woman who has lived over half a century
with precious little advice to offer anyone.
Chances are slim she’ll ever become
classy, exotic or sophisticated but
known for caring. And that’s enough. 

Friday, September 19, 2014

Imprompt Home

Home

My home’s supposed to be an empty nest;
our two birdies flew the coop,
but now we care for two nonverbal people,
a shuffler and a wheeler.

The house is clean enough
to keep away the health department
and dirty enough to know my time
is spent on other worthwhile things—

like writing, that shows an interesting
person hides in there somewhere,  
and exercising and praying enough
to keep body and soul together.

Paintings, from places I traveled,
hang with a picture from Hawaii,
the only state I haven’t visited,
calling to me, “Aloha!" Someday.

Home's also stocked with books, photos,
and knickknacks—memorabilia
of layer upon layer of people and events
which are the woven fiber of me.  

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Imprompt Rose Colored glasses

Grist

Are you disturbed by disasters,
troubled by trials and temptations
flabbergasted by fiascoes and flops?
Cheer up!
They’ll make good poems someday. 

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

prompt sequels

Ukulele Acrostic 

Ultimately it sings the history
Keeping true to ancient mystery
Unusual in its tone
Letting loose with rhythmic moan
Entertaining folks with hula dance
Lulling listeners into a trance
Experience continuity!

Sequel to Stephen Nolan’s Acrostic Ukulele

http://allpoetry.com/poem/5190965-Acrostic-Ukulele-by-stephenthepoet

Monday, September 15, 2014

Imprompt Letter to Yourself

Dear Me Fifteen Summers Ago

Do not paint your gables purple.
They fade before the rest of the house does
and it looks like someone from
a third-world country lives there.
And then you’ll have to paint the whole house
while your children are home
 instead of relaxing and visiting.
And you’ll be up there high on the ladder
putting a coat of Kilz over the purple.
At the same time, you’ll have to
prepare for a writer’s conference.
So choose cream instead. 

Sunday, September 14, 2014

imprompt mug shot

Such a kind looking fella for a gangster
His eyes shone warm
His smile, friendly
Even his ears stuck out and waved



Saturday, September 13, 2014

Imprompt song and specific pov terminology

I Love to Sit and Write

Well, I love to sit and write
I love to sit and write
I love to hear the tapping of the keys
Watch the light from my gooseneck
Lighting up my fingers
You know it inspires me

Well, I love to sit and write
Touch typing without sight
I love to feel the warmth of my laptop
Taste my hot tea with cream and sugar
And have the cat on my lap

Similes and metaphors
I wake up my muse and say

I love to sit and write
Yeah, I love to sit and write
Well, I love to sit and write
Well, I love to sit and write
Ooh ooh

I love to sit and write
I love sit and write
I love to hear the tap of the keys
Watch the light from my gooseneck
Lighting up my fingers
You know it inspires me

Well, I love to sit and write
Touch typing without sight
I love to feel the warmth of my laptop
Taste my hot tea with cream and sugar
And have the cat on my lap

Let a poem come from this mind of mine
I crack myself up about every time

I love to sit and write
Yeah, I love to sit and write
Well, I love to sit and write
Well, I love to sit and write
Ooh ooh

Imagination runs rampant today
I happily write the morning away

'Cause I love to sit and write
Yeah, I love to sit and write
Well, I love to sit and write
I love to sit and write

Well, I love to sit and write
My eyes have that far away stare
Yeah, I love to sit and write
Well, it keeps me from my cares

Ooh, I love to sit and write
You know I do, yeah, yeah
I love to sit and write

I love to sit and write
My eyes have that far away stare
I love to sit and write
Yeah, I’m addicted
Well, I love to sit and write
And I love my cat, too

Well, I love to sit and write
Yeah, I love to sit and write
Well, I love to sit and write
I love to sit and write


From Eddy Rabbits I Love a Rainy Night

Friday, September 12, 2014

Imprompt Trickster

Friends

Willows offering shade.
Raindrops refreshing the earth.
Rainbows full of light, color and hope.
The moon gentle and soothing.
The sun giving warmth and clarity to the day.
Rocks unmoving and dependable.
Clouds coming and going.
Meteors leaving their mark.
Ripples in the pond touching many.

Or at Times Friends Can Be

Willows with roots destroying foundations.
Raindrops spoiling picnics.
Rainbows demanding attention.
The moon—the luna in lunatic.
The sun burning with fury.
Rocks hard and stubborn
Clouds dark and ominous
Meteors leaving a barren hole
Ripples in an otherwise smooth pond.


Thursday, September 11, 2014

impromptu pov

What I Can Do

I look out over mountain tops
And watch the planting of the crops
Embracing planes as they fly through
I darken when I send the rain
And then with sun I’m light again
I always have a lovely view
I change my shape and make you guess
I paint the sky with fluffiness
‘Cause that is what a cloud can do 

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

imprompt monsters, PA messing around, CB Rondel

The Monsters

The monsters messed around with me
They leered and grinned and sang a song
The tune was off, the words were wrong
They danced about too clumsily

They stomped upon my self esteem
And shattered feelings like a gong
The monsters messed around with me
They leered and grinned and sang a song

They told me lies convincingly
They said the storms would last too long
I looked to whom I do belong
And in the end they had to flee
The monsters messed around with me

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

imprompt Art Deco

Communication

The rounded wooden radios
fit in with their décor.
Folks listened to the baseball games,
Fibber McGee and war.

And then came the television.
News from far off places,
The Honeymooners and Lucy
upstaged family faces.

Now, with the young people’s noses
stuck to Iphones like glue.
Pick their parents from a lineup,
would they be able to?




Monday, September 8, 2014

Imprompt Parse mutant

Camping in Delaware

A little pup tent strung between two trees
Pine needles thick upon the sandy ground
A dock with four small wooden boats attached
A shady lake inviting all around

A little pup tent strung between two trees
A picnic table and an open fire
A cooler full of thick steaks and the sides
A better set up one could not desire

Pine needles thick upon the sandy ground
Their scent will mingle with the ribs and steak
Friends strum guitars as we prepare our feast
And for dessert, strawberry angel cake

A dock, with four small wooden boats attached,
Awaits as we enjoy our scrumptious meal
The water laps upon the pebbled shore
We rest lazily when we had our fill

A shady lake inviting all around
At last, is more than any can resist
We talk and laugh to tunes of rhythmic oars
Until the sun sets in the evening mist

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Imprompt About a Picture

Image of Creative Process

In my comfy chair, laptop on lap,
music playing on radio,
hubby putting groceries away,

our man shaking jingle bunny,
our lady’s TV blaring from the other room,
Kindle calling me, too.

My goal is to write,
at least, a bad poem,
so I know I’ll succeed.

At times,
I surpass my expectations
and write a good one.

But sometimes,
it’s hard to tell the difference
between the good and bad

because you know that phrase,
“’To each his own,’ said the old lady as she kissed the cow.”?
It goes double for poetry.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Imprompt Birds eye view

What a Crow Says

Hey you,
with those clumsy legs and useless wings!
Look at me!
I’m the king of the birds.
Those little pesky sparrows, chickadees 
even doves are not respectable examples of my kind.
We crows are the real thing!
Now, you never mind coming over by my tree,
unless you have food.
Then drop it right there and you won’t get hurt.
I have a notion to dive bomb your head!
Or maybe I’ll just make a deposit in your hair!
That’s it, get out of here! Ha, ha, ha!
You’re lucky I allowed you to pass.


Friday, September 5, 2014

imprompt part three responding to cento

Friends

Willows offering shade.
Raindrops refreshing the earth.
Rainbows full of light, color and hope.
The moon, gentle and soothing.
The sun, giving warmth and clarity to the day.
Rocks, unmoving and dependable.
Clouds coming and going.
Meteors leaving their mark.
Ripples in the pond touching many. 

Thursday, September 4, 2014

imprompt part 2 play with cento lines

Starlight and Rain

I was there once, the perfect night.
It’s so hard to find one unflawed.
That day you passed through my life—
a star—quiet,  lost and alone.
Time and hurt pulled at our hearts.
Every friend you meet leaves their mark.

May sunshine and rainbows
kiss you upon your forehead.
I swear to God, I’ll become the rain.
Seize my words, I give the biggest hugs.
We will share of our reflections.
Beyond the ripples, listen well.

Michelle Newton, Dena Martin, Heather Stoop, Christine McClimans, Nicole George,
Peter Finlayson, Cynthia Kepp, Jordanna Tillinghast, Amanda Jenkins, Ron Carnell


Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Imprompt cento

Starlight and Rain

1.      Seize my words and listen well,
2.      Beyond the ripples of my reflections.
3.      I’ll become the rain, and upon your forehead kiss you.
4.      We will share sunshine and rainbows.
5.      I swear to God, I give the biggest hugs.

6.      I was there once, lost, all alone.
7.      You passed through my life that day and left your mark.
8.      And time and hurt pulled at our heart.
9.      Every friend you meet owns a star.
10.  It’s so hard to find the perfect night, one warm, quiet and unflawed.

1. Follow Me by Michelle Newton
2. Serenity by Dena Martin
3. Between the Miles by Heather Stoop
4. On the Wings of a Butterfly by Christine McClimans
5. I Will Be Here by Nicole George

6. You by Peter Finlayson
7. Moment in Time by Cynthia Kepp
8. The Story by Jordanna Tillinghast
9. Up in the Sky by Amanda Jenkins
10. Treasures by Ron Carnell




Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Imprompt two


Dynamic Duo

Here twelve years,
she smiles, likes to tease.
Shopping sprees.

Here six years,
he walks, hugs and plays with toys.
Beelines toward noise.

They’re both nonverbal, but say a lot.



Monday, September 1, 2014

Imprompt nouns with same letter

Writerly Diversion

Angry demons
desire to dump dreams,
cast them out
like stray dogs.

At my desk, my dreams
turn despair upside down—
death, disasters, disillusionment
to sparkling diamonds.