3 Poems and an Icelandic Horse [15 Words or Less]

Hello, and welcome! This is 15 Words or Less Poems, a low-pressure way to wake up your poetry brain (guidelines here), and I’m very glad you’re here.  However, because it’s National Poetry Month, I have a couple of other things to share, too:>)

I’m Reading a Poem Out Loud

First, Bookology (online children’s literature magazine) is celebrating with Poetry Mosaic, a short poem read by the poet–a new one every day. And today is my day! You can visit Poetry Mosaic to hear my poem–and perhaps browse the others from this month, too!

Here’s My #Wonderbreak Poem

Also, I need to share today’s #wonderbreak poem. I am a smoothie girl. I usually have one every day, and it’s something I take for granted–until I travel. Then I am stuck without my smoothies.  And I am sad. So, here is my appreciation for one of life’s little luxuries, a blender. Actually two luxuries. A blender and a freezer, because I need tons of frozen fruit for my smoothies. (Which is why on-the-road smoothies have not worked out so well–frozen fruit does not stay frozen enough in a cooler.) Today, I’m flying to Florida to visit with my Dad and sisters for a few days. Luckily, my sister has a giant blender, so I can get my smoothie fixes in while I’m down there:>)

Blender

And Here’s 15 Words or Less

And now to our usual Thursday activity!

When we were driving through Iceland, Randy and I saw a huge meadow with horses running around (here’s a short video clip I took of two of them frolicking). Several were coming up to the wire fence and tourists were petting them.  So Randy parked the car and said, “Go down there. You know you want to!” I did, and I did. They kept nuzzling so close, though, that it was hard to get a picture! This image makes me think of several things:

Iceland Horse
Photo: Laura P. Salas

  1. Flock of Seagulls hair
  2. I want a horse
  3. The warmth of a horse

And here’s my first draft. 

iceland horse 15wol

It’s your turn! Have fun and stick to 15 WORDS OR LESS! (Title doesn’t count toward word count.) PLEASE NOTE: I’m traveling today to Florida to spend a few days with my dad and sisters, so I likely won’t be able to comment on your poems. But I will be reading them when I have a chance!

 

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31 Responses

  1. Laura, now I want a smoothie for breakfast! I’ve been enjoying your wonderbreaks immensely. Thank you for heading it up. This horse is such a love-bug! Golden warmth, indeed. You are a lucky girl to get to say hello. Here’s my offering:

    Horse Trade

    Will swap
    Greetings
    nuzzles
    quiet
    contentment
    for
    carrots
    sugar cubes
    warm hands
    and….
    Peppermints.

    1. I like this list format and the specificity of this poem. Reminds me that my daughter who is crazy about her dog wants to do a dog kissing booth. Her dog trades face kisses.

  2. I don’t have a lot of experience with horses. I’m not afraid, just tentative, unsure how to pet them.

    My hand reaches
    for the star on her forehead
    anxious for a loving nod.

    1. You’ve described me and horses also. I love how your poem is set in the moment of reaching and hoping with the reader left wondering how things turned out.

    2. I also like the hopeful tone to your poem. By the way, I always feel better if I remind the horse (out loud of course) that my fingers are not carrots. You might want to try that! 😉

    3. I’m with you Margaret. I’m comfortable as long as they are not loose around me. My kids and grands are crazy for horses. I’m sure you received a loving nod.

  3. I love the up-close pose for your picture. All that mane and hair brought to mind a son coming home from college with a new look.

    Did You Lose a Dare?

    Is that you, Jere,
    under all that hair
    and flowing beard?
    Now go get sheared!

    1. I love this one of my nephews came home with long hair and a beard from school

  4. What a wonderful experience your trip was, Laura, and such a rich vein to mine for poetry! I love the horse photo and your poem. His close scrutiny reminded me of myself trying to read or do anything close up these days. Here’s my somewhat silly effort.

    Who’s There?

    Presbyopia is quite a pain–
    I can’t see a thing past my mane!

    1. I LOVE it! You made me smile, and I learned a new word for a growing problem.

  5. Poem By Jessica Bigi

    sorry I’m a few word over I love it pic you have shared of your trip

    What happens when
    when you eat
    peanut butter, Jelly;
    banana, and pickle
    sandwiches?
    you grow
    heir like Elves

    1. What a fun poem, Jessica. I love your leap to elves. You can keep your sandwiches. 😉

  6. Laura, busy as a bee as the old saying goes. Thanks for all you shared in this post; safe travels and enjoy the “warmth” of your family. For some reason (except for the eyelashes) a drum major’s hat came to mind.

    A Drum Major’s Worst Nightmare

    Strike up the band
    need a third hand
    windy and cold
    pray chin strap holds.

    1. I had to take a look at the pic it does look like a band hat love the you made that saw that in the pic

    1. Doesn’t it seem natural to want to feed a horse some grass? I can feel the warmth and wet. Nice!

  7. Love this close-up view!

    Shaggy Mane Watches

    Sharp eyes survey the field,
    alert,
    vigilant.
    Ears twitch.
    Nose snorts.

    Long legs
    takes flight.

  8. A Brother as a Barber

    He tried to cut my hair, he tried!
    But the batteries in the clippers died.

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