Photo: Laura Salas
Wake up your poetry brains with 15 Words or Less (guidelines here)!
This was?a cool scene during a color guard winter show recently.?Here are?3 things this photo makes me think of:
1)? The Boy in the Plastic Bubble (anyone remember that old movie?)
2)? a butterfly?eager to break out of its cocoon
3)? the Surinam toad, which hatches eggs from its back (disgusting and amazing at the same time!)
And here’s my first draft.
Almost Within Reach
My wings
cramp and crack,
hemmed in
by that
fragile,
translucent,
unbreakable
wall.
–Laura Purdie Salas, all rights reserved
Now it’s your turn! Have fun and stick to 15 WORDS OR LESS!??(Title doesn’t count toward word count:>)?
150 Responses
Bubble Wrap
Pop each bubble
and you will find
a tiny bubble fairy
dancing inside
I don’t know why this made me think of bubble wrap… but its a very cool picture! I love your poem, Laura, especially how much is described in your last four lines. Very cool!
Oh, how fun! Love the thought of finding surprises when the bubbles are popped!
Bubble wrap is fun to pop and how creative! A bubble fairy inside! I like it.
Bubble wrap, my personal therapy. Love the images of “pop and surprise.”
Thanks, Amelia–and I love the fanciful nature of this. Next time I pop bubble wrap, I’ll be careful not to squash the fairies inside!
Bubble Wrap
Pop each bubble
and you will find
a tiny bubble fairy
dancing inside
I don’t know why this made me think of bubble wrap… but its a very cool picture! I love your poem, Laura, especially how much is described in your last four lines. Very cool!
Oh, how fun! Love the thought of finding surprises when the bubbles are popped!
Bubble wrap is fun to pop and how creative! A bubble fairy inside! I like it.
Bubble wrap, my personal therapy. Love the images of “pop and surprise.”
Thanks, Amelia–and I love the fanciful nature of this. Next time I pop bubble wrap, I’ll be careful not to squash the fairies inside!
Georgia’s mountains
kiss the sky
washed with hues
of the hour gone by.
I like the mountains kissing the sky.
You have painted a pretty picture with your words.
Love those mountains.
…and those mountain tops have been made white of late.
Glorious. Georgia’s Tourism Board should make posters of this:>)
Georgia’s mountains
kiss the sky
washed with hues
of the hour gone by.
I like the mountains kissing the sky.
You have painted a pretty picture with your words.
Love those mountains.
…and those mountain tops have been made white of late.
Glorious. Georgia’s Tourism Board should make posters of this:>)
Caught
in Spider’s sticky web.
Life once vibrant
at low ebb.
Yes. That picture could make one think of how a creature struggles when caught in a spider’s web. Nice interpretation.
One of nature’s awesome events. Something so delicate and lovely, yet so perilous if one dares to enter.
Nice, Cindyb. I esp like the three long I sounds, all fairly close together.
Caught
in Spider’s sticky web.
Life once vibrant
at low ebb.
Yes. That picture could make one think of how a creature struggles when caught in a spider’s web. Nice interpretation.
One of nature’s awesome events. Something so delicate and lovely, yet so perilous if one dares to enter.
Nice, Cindyb. I esp like the three long I sounds, all fairly close together.
Laura, I like the way you described that butterfly without even using the word butterfly or chrysalis.
My first thoughts were of plants covered by snow, but then I thought again.
Here goes:
Closing Cottage for Winter
Sheets draped over furniture,
protect from dust,
hold memories of
children, chaos and love.
Nice image. Maybe you can uncover soon!
Sheet protected items in a closed house always intrigue.
This sets the scene so vividly. Here in Minnesota, so many people do “cabins” up north–homes where they spend weekends from Mem Day to Labor Day. This felt just right for Cabin Closing Time.
And thanks, Pat!
Laura, I like the way you described that butterfly without even using the word butterfly or chrysalis.
My first thoughts were of plants covered by snow, but then I thought again.
Here goes:
Closing Cottage for Winter
Sheets draped over furniture,
protect from dust,
hold memories of
children, chaos and love.
Nice image. Maybe you can uncover soon!
Sheet protected items in a closed house always intrigue.
This sets the scene so vividly. Here in Minnesota, so many people do “cabins” up north–homes where they spend weekends from Mem Day to Labor Day. This felt just right for Cabin Closing Time.
And thanks, Pat!
SPIRIT
I am longing
shadow, shape and substance
submerged in subtlety,
wishing you would
see me.
Andria W. Rosenbaum/all rights reserved
Ooh. Open-ended for multiple interpretations.
I’m thinking spirituality, or being noticed by love interest or ??
Hm-m‑m. I like your presentation. Makes me think.
Lovely alliterations.
Sometimes we do just feel covered up and unseen.
I love the voice of the spirit here…the yearning. And bonus for me–alliteration:>)
SPIRIT
I am longing
shadow, shape and substance
submerged in subtlety,
wishing you would
see me.
Andria W. Rosenbaum/all rights reserved
Ooh. Open-ended for multiple interpretations.
I’m thinking spirituality, or being noticed by love interest or ??
Hm-m‑m. I like your presentation. Makes me think.
Lovely alliterations.
Sometimes we do just feel covered up and unseen.
I love the voice of the spirit here…the yearning. And bonus for me–alliteration:>)
Sweet Dreams
Downy duvet
make me proud
transform the floor
into a heavenly cloud.
Laura, the thought of being hemmed in is spot on. I first saw today’s photo on my E‑reader and immediately saw a fluffy duvet. Thus the above verse. When I looked at it on my computer screen, I could see the images underneath and the second entry conveys that interpretation. I’ve probably crossed a “no-no” line.
The Collection
Have no fear
porcelain angels of mine,
the painter’s cloth protects
your features sublime.
Yes, at first I didn’t see the figures inside either. Hmmm. Is there ever a line in poetry that can’t be crossed?
Probably not Donna — but, my “line” was submitting two!!!! ;-))
Martha–it’s always interesting to see how different an image looks on my phone, and then when I email it to the blog! I can see the duvet–like the little bubbles or pockets on a fluffy, quilted one.
Ooooh, creepy second one. You didn’t cross any line–no worries. I try to keep the Comments gore-free and sex-free since teachers drop by. But eerie and mysterious is always welcome. This would just go right over the heads of young kids, but there are no objectionable words. Anyway, I love it. The voice, so possessive and…shuddery! That second line is especially splendid.
Sweet Dreams
Downy duvet
make me proud
transform the floor
into a heavenly cloud.
Laura, the thought of being hemmed in is spot on. I first saw today’s photo on my E‑reader and immediately saw a fluffy duvet. Thus the above verse. When I looked at it on my computer screen, I could see the images underneath and the second entry conveys that interpretation. I’ve probably crossed a “no-no” line.
The Collection
Have no fear
porcelain angels of mine,
the painter’s cloth protects
your features sublime.
Yes, at first I didn’t see the figures inside either. Hmmm. Is there ever a line in poetry that can’t be crossed?
Probably not Donna — but, my “line” was submitting two!!!! ;-))
Martha–it’s always interesting to see how different an image looks on my phone, and then when I email it to the blog! I can see the duvet–like the little bubbles or pockets on a fluffy, quilted one.
Ooooh, creepy second one. You didn’t cross any line–no worries. I try to keep the Comments gore-free and sex-free since teachers drop by. But eerie and mysterious is always welcome. This would just go right over the heads of young kids, but there are no objectionable words. Anyway, I love it. The voice, so possessive and…shuddery! That second line is especially splendid.
Martha, you are full of creative ideas this morning, and you even used some rhyme.
I like both of your poems.
Martha, you are full of creative ideas this morning, and you even used some rhyme.
I like both of your poems.
Two extra words but my cutting efforts hit a wall?
I Always Wanted
to see a ghost
white sheet floating
but the ghost
was me
from when I don?t know
?Kate Coombs
An image I’ve seen before, possibly a dream? At least you’re in control of the ghost and that’s good! Fun.
Yes, we hoped we looked like ghosts, but all we could see was the inside!
Kind of like an out-of-body experience, floating above.
Interesting idea.
white sheet floating I like this makes me think of a sheet on a close line and the bag I saw floating through wind today
Intriguing. And haunting. Such a melancholy feeling at the end…
Two extra words but my cutting efforts hit a wall?
I Always Wanted
to see a ghost
white sheet floating
but the ghost
was me
from when I don?t know
?Kate Coombs
An image I’ve seen before, possibly a dream? At least you’re in control of the ghost and that’s good! Fun.
Yes, we hoped we looked like ghosts, but all we could see was the inside!
Kind of like an out-of-body experience, floating above.
Interesting idea.
white sheet floating I like this makes me think of a sheet on a close line and the bag I saw floating through wind today
Intriguing. And haunting. Such a melancholy feeling at the end…
I’m late for work, but I couldn’t leave before playing today!
sleepover…
the giggles of ghosts
in the night
Diane Mayr, all rights reserved
Oh what fun memories. Sleepovers, scary stories, games and giggles.
Ha! Ghost giggles. I like that alliteration. You have triggered some pleasant memories by using just a few words. Good job.
I’ve been to one of those.…seen from the inside.
Fun one, Diane!
Awww…I do miss my kids being young enough for sleepovers. giggles and ghosts–such an unexpected combo!
I’m late for work, but I couldn’t leave before playing today!
sleepover…
the giggles of ghosts
in the night
Diane Mayr, all rights reserved
Oh what fun memories. Sleepovers, scary stories, games and giggles.
Ha! Ghost giggles. I like that alliteration. You have triggered some pleasant memories by using just a few words. Good job.
I’ve been to one of those.…seen from the inside.
Fun one, Diane!
Awww…I do miss my kids being young enough for sleepovers. giggles and ghosts–such an unexpected combo!
Surfari
sick stick
snap up
in the pit
slotted
locked inside
a barrel ride
stoked
Makes me think of being in a race car ready to zoom. No?
Surfing terms
Thank you! I should learn those terms. One of my sons loves surfing.
I’ll use those in conversation with him. He will be impressed. Ha!
Thanks for explaining the surfing terms. Interesting!
I love the image of being locked inside the barrel of the wave. Surfing always looks so free, so that was an unexpected phrase, which I like!
Surfari
sick stick
snap up
in the pit
slotted
locked inside
a barrel ride
stoked
Makes me think of being in a race car ready to zoom. No?
Surfing terms
Thank you! I should learn those terms. One of my sons loves surfing.
I’ll use those in conversation with him. He will be impressed. Ha!
Thanks for explaining the surfing terms. Interesting!
I love the image of being locked inside the barrel of the wave. Surfing always looks so free, so that was an unexpected phrase, which I like!
I know we place human feelings on animals too often, but wonder if they do feel “hemmed in”, Laura. I ‘feel’ that “cramp and crack”! I saw something else…
After The Games
Olympic athletes
tell night dance stories,
caught in tangled dreams
of future glories.
Linda Baie ?All Rights Reserved
I love the “caught in tangled dreams” phrase.
Nice.
Linda
Looks like both of us thought of sheets and dreaming. Love the connection to the recent Olympic Games.
Linda, so timely. Reality comes to pass for some.
Ooh, I see this. The rippling fabric makes me think of the flags from different countries, too. Lovely. Those tangled dreams…
I know we place human feelings on animals too often, but wonder if they do feel “hemmed in”, Laura. I ‘feel’ that “cramp and crack”! I saw something else…
After The Games
Olympic athletes
tell night dance stories,
caught in tangled dreams
of future glories.
Linda Baie ?All Rights Reserved
I love the “caught in tangled dreams” phrase.
Nice.
Linda
Looks like both of us thought of sheets and dreaming. Love the connection to the recent Olympic Games.
Linda, so timely. Reality comes to pass for some.
Ooh, I see this. The rippling fabric makes me think of the flags from different countries, too. Lovely. Those tangled dreams…
The giant couldn’t hear the children
Begging him to burst the bubble.
Oh, my. Sounds like a possible fairy tale. What happens next?
Creativity in “gigantic” form. Very nice.
What a creepy scene! Now I’m hearing eerie moans coming out of that photo:>) There’s definitely a story here.
The giant couldn’t hear the children
Begging him to burst the bubble.
Oh, my. Sounds like a possible fairy tale. What happens next?
Creativity in “gigantic” form. Very nice.
What a creepy scene! Now I’m hearing eerie moans coming out of that photo:>) There’s definitely a story here.
Under the white sheets
My dreams dance
Haunting shadows
Of ghost writers.
Margaret simon.
Dreams, or maybe nightmares. I like your interpretation.
I like ghost writers
Fantastic! Love those ghost writers. I wonder what they’re writing about.
Under the white sheets
My dreams dance
Haunting shadows
Of ghost writers.
Margaret simon.
Dreams, or maybe nightmares. I like your interpretation.
I like ghost writers
Fantastic! Love those ghost writers. I wonder what they’re writing about.
“The Boy in the Plastic Bubble” — now there’s a blast from the past! That was one of John Travolta’s first big gigs. I really like some of the poems here, especially yours and Linda’s…but I’m taking a cue from your blog post title:
THEN THE WIFE GHOST ASKED…
“Tell me the truth
and be honest, Matt -
does this sheet
make me look fat?”
- ? 2014, Matt Forrest Esenwine
Oh my! I’m smiling, with my double chin. ;-))
Ha! I love it when we get a laugh out loud poem here:>) I hope the ghost husband is smart enough to give the right answer here!
“The Boy in the Plastic Bubble” — now there’s a blast from the past! That was one of John Travolta’s first big gigs. I really like some of the poems here, especially yours and Linda’s…but I’m taking a cue from your blog post title:
THEN THE WIFE GHOST ASKED…
“Tell me the truth
and be honest, Matt -
does this sheet
make me look fat?”
- ? 2014, Matt Forrest Esenwine
Oh my! I’m smiling, with my double chin. ;-))
Ha! I love it when we get a laugh out loud poem here:>) I hope the ghost husband is smart enough to give the right answer here!
Fog shrouds the lake,
a silent mask lulling
hungry goslings.
Red fox waits.
this reminds me of skiers bursting free from a mountains in a snow storm
I relay like every ones poems and thoughts
steam
burst of feathers
dandelion seeds
parasites of silk tread
writing imagination in the wind
Jessica, very good descriptions of the mountain of white.
Ooh, I love this collection of images. So many great concrete things here: feathers, seeds, thread…lovely.
Opps meant parachutes
Fog, goslings and a red fox. Sounds like the makings of a Grimm’s Fairy Tale. Very well done.
Great sounds in here. I esp like fog and fox, both ominous.
Fog shrouds the lake,
a silent mask lulling
hungry goslings.
Red fox waits.
this reminds me of skiers bursting free from a mountains in a snow storm
I relay like every ones poems and thoughts
steam
burst of feathers
dandelion seeds
parasites of silk tread
writing imagination in the wind
Jessica, very good descriptions of the mountain of white.
Ooh, I love this collection of images. So many great concrete things here: feathers, seeds, thread…lovely.
Opps meant parachutes
Fog, goslings and a red fox. Sounds like the makings of a Grimm’s Fairy Tale. Very well done.
Great sounds in here. I esp like fog and fox, both ominous.
I try to hide
Still you see
Life stifling me
buried in emotion
forever entombed
- Anne McKenna
I try to hide
Still you see
Life stifling me
buried in emotion
forever entombed
- Anne McKenna
The artiest song
In a garden
Out of ice
hooves prance
Towards stars
Jessica bigi
I love that icy garden!
The artiest song
In a garden
Out of ice
hooves prance
Towards stars
Jessica bigi
I love that icy garden!
If clouds could speak
Wind would be dragons
Rain drop voices
Snowflakes laughter
If clouds could speak
Wind would be dragons
Rain drop voices
Snowflakes laughter
GLOBAL WARMING
Ice floes vital signs
Drop into ocean swells ?
Liquid funeral.
© Charles Waters 2014 all rights reserved.
GLOBAL WARMING
Ice floes vital signs
Drop into ocean swells ?
Liquid funeral.
© Charles Waters 2014 all rights reserved.