X Marks What? [15 Words or Less Poems]

Wake up your poetry brains with 15 Words or Less (guidelines are here)!

tree shadow on ground
Photo: Laura P. Salas

I love trees and their shadows!

This picture makes me think of:

  1. X marks the spot (of what?)
  2. Could you climb a shadow?
  3. Do shadows wish their casters would MOVE more so they could play together?

And, here’s my first draft.

shadow-playground

 

It’s your turn! Have fun and stick to 15 WORDS OR LESS! (Title doesn’t count toward word count:>) If you leave a poem in the comments, and if it’s 15 words or less, I’ll try to respond!

57 Responses

  1. I, too, enjoyed your playfulness. I somewhat continue the thought.

    A sculpture
    you can climb,
    a horse you can ride,
    a playground for your imagination.

    1. Margaret, I love “a playground for your imagination.” You captured the shadows.

    2. Fun! It’s odd that we don’t see shapes in the shadows like we do in the clouds. Maybe because they so literally copy what they are the shadow of…Love your last line.

  2. Laura I love your peak a boo line this would be wonderful to do as a little song with mochens that the kids could do as they sing it

    Leafy Shadows

    Leafy trials

    Erasing footsteps

    Autumns advancer

    follow following

    yard’s poetry

    Shadowing stories

    Haunting hallows

    atlases of time

    drawing of sunshine

    oddments yards

    window shadows

    stretching yawning

  3. Playful indeed. I have always been fascinated by shadows and as a child, loved playing with my own shadow. Yet, maybe a hint of sadness?

    Standing Strong

    A forerunner
    soon to be warmed
    by blankets of white
    awaiting new birth.

      1. Thank you Ellie and I laughed at your slippery towel. I’m happy that our arms/hands are softer than those tree limbs.

    1. This makes me think of leaves on the ground, dying. And seeds on/under the ground, waiting for spring and new birth. Very evocative and lovely, Martha.

  4. I love shadow play…
    Light and shadow are such changers of everything.

    Sun says “Come,
    Let’s moooove along!”
    But with Moooon I’ll return
    to hear night’s song.

    1. I especially like the night’s song part, Donna. And yes on light and shadow. I do some doodling, and they look very boring before any shading is added. I struggle with shading, but it adds so much–to everything.

  5. Of all things, the crossed branches reminded me of the pose people take if their towel slips after a shower.

    My leaves have left,
    my branches bare.
    My bark is showing!
    Please don’t stare.

    Just wondering if there is any way to set up the site to where I don’t have to type in my name and email each time I comment on another’s poems? Or maybe I’m the only one having this problem.

    1. I don’t have that problem, Ellie, am signed in with FB. Does it give that option to you? Love this idea of a tree’s embarrassment! How funny to imagine!

    2. Heehee–that’s awesome, ellie:>) You and Jessica Bigi are the two folks having issues, as far as I know. I’m not sure what to do, though. The settings are now “correct,” so I’m told. How are you signing in (whatever way you sign in that it’s not remembering you for next time). I’ll ask Support, though I fear I won’t get anywhere. I have a few friends with blogs that I have to sign in every single time, and it drives me freaking crazy. Sorry:>(

  6. Lots of good stuff today; aren’t branches great? Especially after the leaves fall.

    Reaching with longing
    branches can’t touch,
    but their shadows embrace.

    —Kate Coombs

  7. Love the “shoot the breeze”, Laura. I’m always taking pics of tree shadows & others, too. Love the look of them!

    Patience

    I’m holding on,
    shadow thin.
    Sunshine comforts
    till spring begins.
    Linda Baie ©All Rights Reserved

    1. Heehee–I know people here in Minnesota who are already barely holding on, and we’re only just now getting some chilly days. LOVE that second line, Linda!

  8. JUST ANOTHER WINTER

    A tree
    crossed her knee
    and spread her toes,
    awaiting the snows
    to come.

    Ho-hum.

  9. Opposites

    With bright sun, shadows come
    Obstacles create their own beauty
    Relief from too much

    1. Marian, this is lovely–that play of abundance versus absence or obstacles. Very nice!

    1. Oh, this is lovely. The way shadows change is so fascinating. I wrote a poem about it for PFA Science anthology, and now I can’t stop watching them!

  10. My students wanted to participate today. We chose three to share.

    Can trees really walk
    Or dance while we’re not watching?
    Disco, cha cha, frozen in place.
    Emily

    Giver of life
    Lush green leaves
    Shade for the creatures
    Thank you trees
    For life.
    Erin

    Shadows copying
    Shadows dark
    Shadows curly
    Shadows straight
    A big family of shadows
    Kaiden

    1. so full of imagery and beautiful disruptions and wonderful imaginations Emly- trees walking wail not watching and I love the 2 line

      Erin your frist 2 line and last 2 lines just beautiful

      Kaiben the discretion’s go the word that the shadows go through just wonderful you are all three wonderful poets 🙂

    2. I love these, Emily, Erin, and Kaiden–thanks for sharing! I like the three different moods/techniques. Emily’s is full of whimsy, Erin’s of reverence, and Kaiden’s of pattern. And all full of imagination:>)

  11. The veins of life
    Can tell us everything
    If we choose to see

    Well almost !

    Anne McKenna

    1. I liked this a lot, Anne. So MUCH of life is what we choose to see. Lovely first line.

  12. STROKE OF GENIUS

    Painted lace
    of branch and twig
    lay on canvas of earth
    until sun finds slumber

    Ellen Vojnovic

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