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.
Thank you all for your poems and kind words last week. Though I was teaching (more about my poetry residency tomorrow) and couldn’t respond, I did read them all–and I appreciated your reassurance and gentle permissions to let go if necessary. I am committed to doing 15 Words or Less Poems on Thursdays throughout the rest of 2019, and I’ll decide toward the end of the year whether I’m continuing or not.
Here’s an oldie but a goodie. Must be from 10 years ago or so. My nephew, on the left, is now an engineer. My younger daughter, on the right, is now living overseas in a volunteer position to make the world a better place. That day in Grand Marais, a gorgeous artsy town on Lake Superior, it was all about the skizzles. Yum.
This image makes me think of several things:
- our fascination with violence (including my own fascination–not casting stones here)
- school mascots
- why we stop playing dress up
And here’s my first draft. Tyr was a Viking battle cry, or so I read.
It’s your turn! Have fun and stick to 15 WORDS OR LESS! (Title doesn’t count toward word count.)
16 Responses
The “photo bomber” in the picture inspired my poem. I am grateful for the courage many have shown that allows me everyday freedoms.
CHARGE!
They go to war
and fight for your right
to eat donuts
day or night.
I love the switch from serious to funny. But still serious, because of its truth. Our freedom to live in a democratic country, where we have the luxury of choosing times and foods and so much more, all comes at a cost. Thank you for the reminder.
Cindy, thanks for the reminder and the added humor.
Vivid colors Laura. And I bet those ten years seem like five at most! The photo says it all. Brings out the child in me. I prefer the holes!!!!!
Something’s Amiss
Can it be a donut
without the hole
if a hole is nothingness
how can holes be sold?
Feels like just a year ago, Martha! I love your childlike voice, and I remember being very confused about donut holes as a kid!
Best
Believing
Everything
Someone
Tells me
Ha! Victims of advertising! Though, these seriously WERE the best:>)
Suzanne, I always enjoy an acrostic and your goal is the best!
Mine was inspired by Laura’s mention of where these kiddos are today.
Possibilities
The child dresses-up,
imagines
believes
any future
in her grasp.
Try not to grow up.
Oh! LOVE this, Buffy. I was just pondering why cozy mysteries of a certain kind appeal to me, even though they might not be very well plotted. And I think the reason is that the main characters are living an alternate life I might have had. Don’t get me wrong, I love my life and wouldn’t change it. But if I could live MORE than one life at a time, maybe I’d run a cupcake shop, or be a librarian in a lovely little village, or run a paper crafts store in Montana. You know? Thanks for turning on the light bulb for me!
Cowboys and Indians
by Dianne Moritz
We ambushed enemies,
killed and maimed,
releasing aggression
in childhood games.
Dianne, this reminds me of a currently running medicine for migraines commercial where the mother/daughter team are brandishing aluminum foil covered cardboard swords in a pirates game.
Absolutely. So many strong (violent!) verbs here, Dianne!
Wow buffy. This is a great take on the picture. My little 3 yr. old great-granddaughter just ended her 2‑day/week preschool year and her teacher was writing down answers to questions given the children to take home on the last day. When asked her favorite game, she replied “dressing up.”
sory if it is over 15
poem by Jessica Bigi
told teachers
dinosaur ate my homework
sister aliens took her doll
mom Vikings ate her donut
little boy blue in the corner
Love the different excuses, Jessica–but, yep, you’d need to cut a line!