Jailed [15 Words or Less Poems]

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 glad you’re here.

Here’s a picture taken from our family room. My husband recently converted the room from a theater room with a projector and big screen back into a family room, since we’re trying to sell our house. These railings (it’s a multi-level house, and there are openings from the dining room to the family room) are now exposed for the first time in more than 10 years. Jackie, our beagle, doesn’t know what to make of them. As we were painting the room, he kept sticking his head through the railing to say hi :>) Don’t worry, he never got stuck. There was plenty of room.

Jack in railings 15wolThis image makes me think of:

  1. historic tourist attractions where you can pretend to be in the stocks
  2. an old episode of Designing Women where one of the women–Charlene?–got her head stuck in the railings at the governor’s mansion, I think
  3. Temple Grandin and her work with cattle, and calming devices, and a young man I used to assist who had autism

And here’s my first draft.  [Note: I’m teaching at a Young Author’s Conference all week, so I won’t be able to respond to your poems–but have fun, and feel free to give each other feedback!]

 

I'm Here - 15wol

It’s your turn! Have fun and stick to 15 WORDS OR LESS! (Title doesn’t count toward word count)

21 Responses

  1. Want to be closer,
    want to see
    if what you’re doing
    pertains to ME!

  2. It’s the nose, definitely. And your Jackie has so much personality!

    Dog Portrait

    I have floppy ears
    and brown-and-white toes,
    but to capture my essence
    paint my nose.

    —Kate Coombs

    1. Aw! Reminds me of all those shaming posts with the dogs and their signs, stating their misdeeds!

  3. Late checking in today. Laura we’ll miss your comments but it’s always fun to explore other’s comments. I think everyone captured the adorable beagle personality. Matt, you nailed it! Years ago we had a Beagle and my children named her Fleagle because we rescued her from a litter that was overrun with fleas. She was with us for 14 years.

    Unconditional Love

    Take my freedom,
    blur my pix,
    I’ll pay you back
    with gentle licks.

    Closer please!

  4. I like the positive message of yours Laura. Here’s mine:

    Doggie Jail — Hear Me Wail

    Watching cars
    from behind bars
    limits the chase.
    Ruins the race.

  5. I jumped from dog to another outsider for mine!

    online

    he scrolls past
    posts,
    posts,
    pictures,
    posts –
    people parading
    their pretty lives.
    click.
    like.
    lonely.

      1. Ha! Those shaming pictures–hysterical! Jack needs one, because he keeps peeing on the floor. Which is why he’s restricted to the main level (tile floor).

      2. Elissa, that is such a heartfelt, sad poem. Being online can be a comfort or a taunt. Or both at the same time!

  6. A picture of happiness
    I definitely not be
    Please please pretty please
    Set me free

    Anne McKenna

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