Photo: Laura Purdie Salas
Wake up your poetry brains with 15 Words or Less (guidelines here)!
Here’s a shot from outside The Luxor in Las Vegas, from my NCTE trip. This sphinx makes me think of:
1) Riddles, of course!
2) Having a root canal (something about that structure under his chin reminds me of my aching jaw from years ago!)
3) Elizabeth Taylor. I do not know why.
And here’s my poem first draft:
Things To Do If You’re a … (a riddle poem)
open wide
scarf down leftovers
squeeze between counter and oven
twirl spin steam
shine–by Laura Purdie Salas, all rights reserved
Can you guess? It’s fun to mix two forms, like a Things To Do If list poem and a riddle poem!
Now, what does this image make you think of Take any idea and jot down a 15 Words or Less poem. No polish. No shine. No pressure. Just have fun!
138 Responses
Is it vacuum cleaner? Great riddle, Laura.
They told me if I kept
perfectly still
the snake
would slither
away.
Oh I can just see this! Love it.
Nope, but good guess. It IS an appliance of sorts. Love the voice of yours–and this sets a scene instantly.
Oh, I didn’t think of a snake. I love that you used the sphinx’ voice. He is so quiet!
Nice Catherine!
Is it vacuum cleaner? Great riddle, Laura.
They told me if I kept
perfectly still
the snake
would slither
away.
Oh I can just see this! Love it.
Nope, but good guess. It IS an appliance of sorts. Love the voice of yours–and this sets a scene instantly.
Oh, I didn’t think of a snake. I love that you used the sphinx’ voice. He is so quiet!
Nice Catherine!
A Pain in the Neck
Staring straight ahead -
Longing to turn my head.
Centuries pass instead!
This one is for your husband, Randy. Get well soon!
Too funny, ellie. That poor sphinx…I will pass this along to Randy!
ha! reminds me of the old adage “if you’re not careful you’re face will freeze like that!”
Getting inside his thoughts isn’t so easy, & you did it so well!
Brilliant!
A Pain in the Neck
Staring straight ahead -
Longing to turn my head.
Centuries pass instead!
This one is for your husband, Randy. Get well soon!
Too funny, ellie. That poor sphinx…I will pass this along to Randy!
ha! reminds me of the old adage “if you’re not careful you’re face will freeze like that!”
Getting inside his thoughts isn’t so easy, & you did it so well!
Brilliant!
Is it a dog? Mine loves leftovers… 🙂 Love the riddle
Still as stone
holding bone
sarcophagi prone
to darkness
Easy riddle but I hope you enjoy!
Haha–so does mine (or even pre-leftovers, if he can reach them on the counter). But no, it’s not a dog…
Oooh, I like the creepiness here, and the rhymes feel really natural!
Is it a mummy? I love your spare use of words!
Is it a dog? Mine loves leftovers… 🙂 Love the riddle
Still as stone
holding bone
sarcophagi prone
to darkness
Easy riddle but I hope you enjoy!
Haha–so does mine (or even pre-leftovers, if he can reach them on the counter). But no, it’s not a dog…
Oooh, I like the creepiness here, and the rhymes feel really natural!
Is it a mummy? I love your spare use of words!
Oedipus thought
besting me
made him
smarter
where are
his monuments
to wisdom
today?
oh, and i’m guessing it’s a… dishwasher
Love the taunting voice of the sphinx in your poem. And I am going to go with your guess — dishwasher.
A boastful thought, who knows what the sphinx thinks? Mysterious.
I had actually forgotten that it was Oedipus who solved the riddle of the Sphinx. Love the sounds of Oedipus and besting so near each other. And–yes–dishwasher is correct! My two-minute poem was not all the sharp, so good for you for figuring it out!
well i had an early morning moment of doubt where i first thought it might have been a blender, but the ‘leftovers’ didn’t make sense. then it hit me.
and i know a deal’s a deal, but i can’t believe the sphinx threw herself into the sea over that mama’s boy!
OK, I now need you or someone to write a poem about Oedipus as the original mama’s boy. Has that already been done? If not, it should have been!
Oedipus thought
besting me
made him
smarter
where are
his monuments
to wisdom
today?
oh, and i’m guessing it’s a… dishwasher
Love the taunting voice of the sphinx in your poem. And I am going to go with your guess — dishwasher.
A boastful thought, who knows what the sphinx thinks? Mysterious.
I had actually forgotten that it was Oedipus who solved the riddle of the Sphinx. Love the sounds of Oedipus and besting so near each other. And–yes–dishwasher is correct! My two-minute poem was not all the sharp, so good for you for figuring it out!
well i had an early morning moment of doubt where i first thought it might have been a blender, but the ‘leftovers’ didn’t make sense. then it hit me.
and i know a deal’s a deal, but i can’t believe the sphinx threw herself into the sea over that mama’s boy!
OK, I now need you or someone to write a poem about Oedipus as the original mama’s boy. Has that already been done? If not, it should have been!
Amelia, I like your rhyme! Mine has bones in it too (or the lack thereof).
Sphinx
Pink light,
not right.
Dice roll,
not of bone.
Snarl at night
far from home.
?Kate Coombs
Awww. I like your second verse especially.
I like the reference to old games, throwing bones, at least I think that’s what your meaning is. Like the ‘snarl’ too.
I am intrigued. Poor Sphinx is not happy with his surroundings, eh? LOVE the snarl.
Amelia, I like your rhyme! Mine has bones in it too (or the lack thereof).
Sphinx
Pink light,
not right.
Dice roll,
not of bone.
Snarl at night
far from home.
?Kate Coombs
Awww. I like your second verse especially.
I like the reference to old games, throwing bones, at least I think that’s what your meaning is. Like the ‘snarl’ too.
I am intrigued. Poor Sphinx is not happy with his surroundings, eh? LOVE the snarl.
Place your chin.
Stare at the light.
Sit still. Don’t blink.
Wait for it… Puff!
I thought garbage disposal, but it doesn’t shine- so I’m throwing my vote to dishwasher.
Did you guess what my poem is about?
My eyes are tearing just reading your poem. Well done.
Is it an eye exam?
Thank you for adding a new riddle poem. Our fourth grade class has these guesses: puffer fish, eye exam, getting a picture taken, staring contest, 3D picture or popcorn.
photography? I wonder how we would do today in our busy lives if we had to sit so still & for a long time, just to take one photo? Nice idea!
Yes to all that thought eye exam- the glaucoma test, to be exact.
Ooh, it’s that glaucoma test, thing. I hate that and always blink anyway! Very clever!
Yeah, dishwasher is correct. My clues aren’t really revealing enough.
Place your chin.
Stare at the light.
Sit still. Don’t blink.
Wait for it… Puff!
I thought garbage disposal, but it doesn’t shine- so I’m throwing my vote to dishwasher.
Did you guess what my poem is about?
My eyes are tearing just reading your poem. Well done.
Is it an eye exam?
Thank you for adding a new riddle poem. Our fourth grade class has these guesses: puffer fish, eye exam, getting a picture taken, staring contest, 3D picture or popcorn.
photography? I wonder how we would do today in our busy lives if we had to sit so still & for a long time, just to take one photo? Nice idea!
Yes to all that thought eye exam- the glaucoma test, to be exact.
Ooh, it’s that glaucoma test, thing. I hate that and always blink anyway! Very clever!
Yeah, dishwasher is correct. My clues aren’t really revealing enough.
My Head is big
That does not mean
There is anything
In between
Especially brains
- Anne McKenna
I like your rhyme. You give new meaning to blank stare.
Good poem for teaching about assumptions too, Anne. I like the rhyme, too!
Hehehe–so often true of big-headed people!
My Head is big
That does not mean
There is anything
In between
Especially brains
- Anne McKenna
I like your rhyme. You give new meaning to blank stare.
Good poem for teaching about assumptions too, Anne. I like the rhyme, too!
Hehehe–so often true of big-headed people!
looming calm
beside a palm,
sitting, staring,
not really caring,
watching the sky,
wondering why
I like the sense of stillness you’ve captured here. Thanks for playing!
looming calm
beside a palm,
sitting, staring,
not really caring,
watching the sky,
wondering why
I like the sense of stillness you’ve captured here. Thanks for playing!
Boy George before his time
he’d so like to sing
but he just cannot rhyme.
How funny-now when I look, I will think of Boy George. I’ve forgotten all about him!
Aw, man. Now all I hear is “Do you really want to hurt me?” when I look at the Sphinx!
Karma karma karma karma karma chameleon.…
You come and go, you come and go ‑o-o‑o!!!
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Boy George before his time
he’d so like to sing
but he just cannot rhyme.
How funny-now when I look, I will think of Boy George. I’ve forgotten all about him!
Aw, man. Now all I hear is “Do you really want to hurt me?” when I look at the Sphinx!
Karma karma karma karma karma chameleon.…
You come and go, you come and go ‑o-o‑o!!!
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Can’t solve the riddle, but I’ll try writing one anyway. I want my next book to be only poetry for children.
So Catherine thank you for the monkey photo and here I go…
Jeanne Poland
I visited your riddle, Jeanne. Great to see!
Welcome Back Linda for a riddle a day!
Jeanne
Can’t solve the riddle, but I’ll try writing one anyway. I want my next book to be only poetry for children.
So Catherine thank you for the monkey photo and here I go…
Jeanne Poland
I visited your riddle, Jeanne. Great to see!
Welcome Back Linda for a riddle a day!
Jeanne
Please see my riddle at:
http://thevibrantchanneledcreator.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/riddle‑1/
Please see my riddle at:
http://thevibrantchanneledcreator.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/riddle‑1/
We like how you’re trying to make us guess the riddle. This makes poetry more interesting. We like how you switched it up and made it a riddle. Your words are puzzling! Could it be a dishwasher? A microwave? A dryer or washer? A duster? We are off to try our own poems. Thank you for your inspiration!
I hope you had fun with your poems. The answer is dishwasher. My poem is not so great. I wanted it to be hard to guess, but not TOO hard. But I don’t think it’s quite clear enough. It was fun to write, though. This rough draft was just a two-minute piece–I might have to go play with it some more to make it stronger!
We like how you’re trying to make us guess the riddle. This makes poetry more interesting. We like how you switched it up and made it a riddle. Your words are puzzling! Could it be a dishwasher? A microwave? A dryer or washer? A duster? We are off to try our own poems. Thank you for your inspiration!
I hope you had fun with your poems. The answer is dishwasher. My poem is not so great. I wanted it to be hard to guess, but not TOO hard. But I don’t think it’s quite clear enough. It was fun to write, though. This rough draft was just a two-minute piece–I might have to go play with it some more to make it stronger!
Desert Parking Lot
Palm trees sprout
in asphalt islands,
sand settles
among shopping carts,
sphinx contemplates
from rooftop.
I was going to guess a microwave for Laura’s riddle (although that shine did not fit) but I think delzey nailed it with the dishwasher.
I like those ‘asphalt islands’, Buffy. I’ve never been to Vegas, but it always seems as ‘fairyland’ as Disney World to me. Your poem reminded me of that.
Love those asphalt islands. Great scene you’ve pictured. (It is a dishwasher:>)
Desert Parking Lot
Palm trees sprout
in asphalt islands,
sand settles
among shopping carts,
sphinx contemplates
from rooftop.
I was going to guess a microwave for Laura’s riddle (although that shine did not fit) but I think delzey nailed it with the dishwasher.
I like those ‘asphalt islands’, Buffy. I’ve never been to Vegas, but it always seems as ‘fairyland’ as Disney World to me. Your poem reminded me of that.
Love those asphalt islands. Great scene you’ve pictured. (It is a dishwasher:>)
Is it a dishwasher? I’m writing this before I read other comments! Thanks for the idea, too, Laura. Here’s my contribution today!
Contest
Sphinx and I
dare to try
keeping somber
longer.
I never win,
break, grin
always.
It is! Good job, Linda! I would NOT want to have a staring contest with the sphinx!
Is it a dishwasher? I’m writing this before I read other comments! Thanks for the idea, too, Laura. Here’s my contribution today!
Contest
Sphinx and I
dare to try
keeping somber
longer.
I never win,
break, grin
always.
It is! Good job, Linda! I would NOT want to have a staring contest with the sphinx!
Laura,
Loved your poem…but I’m not good at riddles! Of course, I read the comments and think that delzey is correct. It makes sense after I read the answer…Ha! There are some really good guesses. The poems are really enjoyable today. Such a variety. I went with an acrostic.
Heart of the Sphinx
by Penny Klostermann
Synthesized
Pyramid embodiment
Head of human
Inter-melded
Noble lion
Xiphisternum lion-man heart
Brava, Penny–extra points for xiphisternum!!
Fabulous! Love Synthesized–perfect start for this poem. And yes, it’s a dishwasher. My riddle wasn’t so great, but, oh well–that’s what I get for a 2‑minute poetry exercise:>)
Laura,
Loved your poem…but I’m not good at riddles! Of course, I read the comments and think that delzey is correct. It makes sense after I read the answer…Ha! There are some really good guesses. The poems are really enjoyable today. Such a variety. I went with an acrostic.
Heart of the Sphinx
by Penny Klostermann
Synthesized
Pyramid embodiment
Head of human
Inter-melded
Noble lion
Xiphisternum lion-man heart
Brava, Penny–extra points for xiphisternum!!
Fabulous! Love Synthesized–perfect start for this poem. And yes, it’s a dishwasher. My riddle wasn’t so great, but, oh well–that’s what I get for a 2‑minute poetry exercise:>)
This made me think of praying.
Hands folded
permanently molded
silent prayer
observers unaware
sphinx confessed
he’s blessed.
Ooh, I really like that second line. It’s not only literally true of the sphinx, but it makes me think of those in constant prayer.
This made me think of praying.
Hands folded
permanently molded
silent prayer
observers unaware
sphinx confessed
he’s blessed.
Ooh, I really like that second line. It’s not only literally true of the sphinx, but it makes me think of those in constant prayer.
Here’s one more:
Warm sun
sand in his toes
why he’s smiling
nobody knows.
Clearly, he’s smiling because of the warm sun and that sand in his toes. Just what everyone wants at spring break time, right? Thanks for playing!
Here’s one more:
Warm sun
sand in his toes
why he’s smiling
nobody knows.
Clearly, he’s smiling because of the warm sun and that sand in his toes. Just what everyone wants at spring break time, right? Thanks for playing!
I love your poem this is what I think. Is it a dishwasher!! Please Answer back to me if you have time. Thank you
Yep, you got it!
I love your poem this is what I think. Is it a dishwasher!! Please Answer back to me if you have time. Thank you
Yep, you got it!
I made up this poem it’s not 15 words or less I just wanted to have fun!
Easter
Spring is here,
Bunnies hopping,
Jellybeans galore
Broadway Market,
What else can I say!!!
Love how you’re celebrating the season, Gabby!
I made up this poem it’s not 15 words or less I just wanted to have fun!
Easter
Spring is here,
Bunnies hopping,
Jellybeans galore
Broadway Market,
What else can I say!!!
Love how you’re celebrating the season, Gabby!
Oy Vegas
“What happens here, stays here!”
Sad.
My money,
Staying There
Left
behind
in…
slot
machines.
-Pamela Ross
Snort! That title killed me. I could totally hear the voice of this poem and see a shaking head. “Sad. My money, Staying There…”
I am not good at writing riddles and I am so impressed with what many did here with their 15-word poems this week. You are an awesome inspiration. Thank you. {} xoxo
Oy Vegas
“What happens here, stays here!”
Sad.
My money,
Staying There
Left
behind
in…
slot
machines.
-Pamela Ross
Snort! That title killed me. I could totally hear the voice of this poem and see a shaking head. “Sad. My money, Staying There…”
I am not good at writing riddles and I am so impressed with what many did here with their 15-word poems this week. You are an awesome inspiration. Thank you. {} xoxo
THINGS TO DO IF YOU’RE A … (RIDDLE POEM)
Helping hydrate
Or to clean
I’m a twisty
knob machine.
What am I?
C’mon think!
_______ ____.
© Charles Waters 2013 all rights reserved.
Ooh. I’m torn between a washing machine and a sprinkler. I think it’s the washer, though…
THINGS TO DO IF YOU’RE A … (RIDDLE POEM)
Helping hydrate
Or to clean
I’m a twisty
knob machine.
What am I?
C’mon think!
_______ ____.
© Charles Waters 2013 all rights reserved.
Ooh. I’m torn between a washing machine and a sprinkler. I think it’s the washer, though…