Saturday, October 17, 2015

Just Not Today for Witches in Fiction 2015

"Degree Orbs"
Jim McKenzie


Just Not Today

The need was there.
I knew you could feel it
beyond the Veil.
The leaving had been abrupt,
unexpected, life shattering.
The one left behind...lost,
on the verge of following.
Unreachable in her grief,
even for you.
So, you reached,
I was there.
"It's not her time,"
you whispered.
"Tell her,"
you demanded 
from your place
in Eternity's dimension.
Weeks, she had no will.
Sat when we sat her.
Stared at the food
placed before her,
put to bed like a child.
Softly, I kept repeating your message to her.
She would not hear.
On a moonlit night,
I invoked your name.
This, she heard.
Slowly she rejoined us.
Yet, we could always see
the empty spot 
in her heart
that once
was you.
On a morning full of Spring sunshine
she spoke of a dream.
An Orb of brightest, whitest light
had awakened her.
It had hung in the air
above the jumbled covers
of loneliness.
With lively eyes,
she described the feelings
of calm,
of love
that held her in an embrace
that felt so familiar.
With all her heart,
she knew that it had been you.
She began to truly live again,
to put back on the mantle
of mother, grandmother, great-grandmother.
The tasks were many
for this matriarch of a growing family.
Days, years passed,
 we all became older, wiser.
Sometimes her gaze would be far away,
 a sad, gentle smile would tug at her lips.
I would know then that you were still with her.
And, I knew that you could not stay forever,
that one day I would have to send you home...
just not today.


This was for Magaly Guerrero's Witches in Fiction 2015.
The beautiful art work can be found here:http://www.jimmckenzie.net

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Oliver

You think no one knows you,                              
But, I looked beneath.
Your slick exterior
covers the Soul
of a very tarnished Knight.
You are a bad man
for all the right reasons.
You take the actions
insuring the results
no one wants to admit
we need,
swallowing the sin
to save the rest of us
from the
Heart Burn.
You don't want to care...
but you do.
You won't let us in.
But, I see you.


This was an homage to the 3 novels written by Ben R Marsten. They are witty fun! The covers were illustrated by the multi-talented Rhissanna Collins.
Check out the link below for a great deal!

http://www.amazon.com/Interrogation-Oliver-B-R-Marsten-ebook/dp/B011AR87YM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436665067&sr=8-1&keywords=An+Interrogation+of+Oliver

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Dauntless

She was Dauntless
sailing the seas of life
Heart first.
The integrity of her core
strong from tests
of rough seas
and hidden ice.
Sails filled with the winds
that blew her way,
tacking and jibing
a course to her destination,
she stayed true to her path.
Filling the decks
with her Celtic song,
breathing in the salt scent
of her passage,
she made her way 
to ports known
and not.
The anchor used
but sparingly.
Her Soul knowing
that for her,
                                                                        the journey
was the purpose.

This poem was written to be a companion to the custom jar for a customer. Her word for the year is "Dauntless". I felt from the beginning that it sounded like the name of a fine ship. This is the result.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

"Play Nice"


"Play nice," they said,
a redundancy to the Old Soul
that inhabited the girl child body.
An unnecessary admonition
to a heart that sopped up pain
like a kitchen sponge.
"Be sweet," they said,
as her eyes saw the deep sorrow
which lived beneath the rib cages
of this species.
"Be gentle," they said,
even as her touch
calmed and healed,
her words sighing a melody
of redemption and hope.
"Set boundaries," no one ever said.
So when the times came
when she was filled too full
to process,
she became Solitary
to weep away the Poison,
and worry over the conflict
between her Spirit
and the frail shell that housed it.
Wondering why if the Gift was given,
did it take this toll?
Wishing she had been placed
where the people leaked Joy.

"Our Lady of the Broken Heart"
Sophia Rosenberg
https://www.etsy.com/listing/193486170/our-lady-of-the-broken-heart-sophia?ref=shop_home_active_13






Friday, May 1, 2015

Mad Hat Blog Party "Hat"

Here is my contribution for the Mad Hat blog party over at:http://puddleduckgrange.blogspot.com
This will be listed in my Etsy shop this weekend:https://www.etsy.com/shop/TouchoftheGoddess?ref=hdr_shop_menu





http://puddleduckgrange.blogspot.com

For Love of the Fairies

For Love of the Fairies

A frequent runaway,
the boy child fair,
with eyes of blue,
grin so wide.
He wasn't mine,
but popped in
 now and again.
Pity I took
on the poor boy
so pretty,
watching as he
scarfed down 
the edge of my door.
I fed him a meal,
threw a blanket his way.
He would stay for a day,
sometimes two,
go away.
We continued the dance
for many a month
before I saw the truth.
The lies, the thefts,
the sly, charming smile
covering meagerness of spirit
I had taken for guile.
If I scolded,
a tear would appear.
Apologies professed,
my forgiveness assured
by a sniffling testament that here,
 he felt so secure.
It went for a year,
this give and this take,
more often the damage,
more reluctant my stake.
One fine morning in May,
arriving home very early
from spending the night
on a date with the Moon,
I paused at my at my gate,
unsure with unease,
when from inside the cottage
came a sound of such pain!
I paused at the window,
took a peek through the glass.
With horror I looked
at the scene taking place.
There on the floor
sat blond boy so comely
pulling wings off of fairies
 and spouting with glee!
My tea partner gasped
as I paused in my tale,
"What a ghastly little creature
to use your heart so!
A monster most vile,
a bad boy, no good!"
Pouring milk in my cup
and adding a lump,
I smiled my sweet smile,
looked back at my friend.
"Oh, but my Dear,
you are certainly wrong.
He was, indeed, very good,
so tender, so savory,
and so too,
 the gravy."

Dragonfly Wing Photo
by
Adrimas51ZenDoodles







Thursday, April 30, 2015

Day 30-A Means to an End Reversed-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015

A Means to an End Reversed

Little words with wings
used to fly from my pen,
perching, oh so nicely, upon the paper.
Their congregation spelling out poems
of nature, of magic.
I nurtured them.
They grew into bigger words
that spoke of love,
of time well spent,
joy in the process.
I fed them pages of synonyms,
watered with rhyme and meter.
I sent them into the world
where some were cherished,
while others returned beaks
filled with worms of pink.
They were my chicks, my hatchlings.
I loved them all,
until a single-minded tom appeared,
purring with affection,
kitty-kissing his way
into my heart, my life.
His love grew more insistent,
his needs into demands.
The feeding of the chick-lets
fell to hastily stolen time.
His purpose soon consumed me,
his notions were set in stone.
My words began to falter,
to starve from my neglect.
I hid them from his jealousy,
fearing his disdain.
It became more difficult to see them,
their wings no longer flew.
In despair and desperation,
I put away the pen,
used the paper for list making.
I locked my words into a cage,
vowed away the key.
Sometimes, in the dark of dreams,
I heard their weakened chirps.
But, I told my gods I would not look
if I were granted peace.
Illusion lived for many years
masking broken heartedness.
With age, came the wisdom
that I had practiced folly.
I tried to undo my foolish oath.
I chanted and I magicked.
I hung with wordy folks,
afraid that they would see
 that it was truly I
that had caged my lovely flock.
I sharpened many quills,
lay out reams of paper,
blew dust from Webster and Thesaurus.
Still no winged words appeared.
By happenstance, I met a friend,
a wild-haired Shaman woman.
She healed with words,
she pushed with wit.
Her stories fed my Soul.
She issued me a challenge
to write for 30 days,
no shame, no guilt, no pressure,
just my words, my light, my pain.
How frightening, how enlightening?
I was offered freedom with her grin.
I found the key to unlock the words,
their cage is thrown away.
I have let them wing around,
silly, sad, prosed, and rhymed,
fed with support and words of encouragement.
I see them perch upon the page once more,
my heart begs me to promise
to keep them strong, to feed them right,
to let them soar once more
for all the world to see...
or not.
It doesn't matter
as long as they are written.

This last piece written on the last day is dedicated to Magaly, to my wonderful Word Sisters that have shared their pieces with me and the world, and to the readers who came by and took a look.
To see more of our last day:http://magalyguerrero.com/poetry-gone-wild/

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Day 29-Scraping Off the Rust-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015


Scraping Off the Rust

Scraping off the rust
one word at a time.
Flexing writer muscle
with each silly rhyme.

Pouring out my heart
to kindred readers,
prompted all the way
by our fearless leader.

Going to take the time
each and every day
to explore my Soul
in a writerly way!

Thank you, Magaly!
Thank you, Sisters of the Word!
Thank you, lovely Readers!


Today's prompt was to write 3 stanzas what I wish to accomplish with the poems I wrote this month or poetry written in general.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Day 28-Red Shirt and Khakis Forever-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015

Today's prompt was to find a a favorite Terry Pratchett quote and turn it into a poem. I don't know if this is my favorite, but it stuck with me all day yesterday.

"Only in our dreams are we free.The rest of the time we need wages."~~Terry Pratchett

Red Shirt and Khakis Forever

The name tag on her red shirt
spelled Suzie,
but that was going to be changed
one day.
Cute and perky, she thought of herself
as a modern-day
Sandra Dee or Debbie Reynolds.
Her mother was an old movie buff.
Suzie had grown up on "Tammy",
"Gidget", "Singing in the Rain".
Everybody said she "had it"
that special something
that made her stand out
from the other high-schoolers
on the stage.
Her voice was really good.
People said she made them cry
in "Flowers for Algernon".
Money for the University
was not something she had.
Her grades were good.
The counselor said there were funds
for scholarships and grants.
But, her folks said that was charity.
They didn't take charity.
That was alright, though.
She had a job at the local Target.
She was saving money
to take some classes
at the junior college
in the next town over.

For more poetry with Terry Pratchett quotes, go here:http://magalyguerrero.com/in-the-beginning-there-was-nothing-which-exploded/
To see where we started:http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/

Monday, April 27, 2015

Day 27-The Real You-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero



The Real You

Who are you
in your inner beauty?
In your mind's mirror,
who looks back at you?
Do you wear thigh high boots
and brandish your sword,
the plume of you hat
tickled by a salty breeze?
Are those wings that sprout
iridescent from your back,
light of the moon all shimmery?
Do you prance in the forest,
horn a-shining,
looking for virginal friends?
Or, do your horns sit atop
a curly mop of hair,
hooves dancing to the lilt of a flute?
Something dark, you prefer,
wonderous pallor and unholy thirst?
Hat pointed high, as your broom
you ride through the night,
speaking spells, healing earth?
It's a day for you.
Come and play.
Let your real self out.
Signed to law,
the day is yours.
National Be Who You Truly Are!


ref=shop_home_active_5
Pirate Hat:https://www.etsy.com/listing/167743586/the-lionair-brown-and-red-steampunk?ref=shop_home_active_17
Pan Horns:https://www.etsy.com/listing/170401901/made-to-order-horns-fantasy-larp-sciaman?ref=shop_home_active_7
Vampire wear:https://www.etsy.com/listing/184649460/death-becomestheultimate-gothic?ref=sc_3&plkey=28afc86fbe61ec3d63dd60fdab8511f34a58a786%3A184649460&ga_search_query=vampire+costumes&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery
Witchy Wear:https://www.etsy.com/listing/230334596/couture-witch-hat-godrics-girl?
ref=shop_home_active_13
Fairy Wings:https://www.etsy.com/shop/CourtoftheFey?page=1

More prompts:http://magalyguerrero.com/making-cheer-up/
Blog Party site:http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Day 26-Everything Changed-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015

Everything Changed

I have screamed at you
and the circumstances
that brought you into my life.
Nothing changed.

I have wept
at the inconvenient times
you visit,
the inconsistent length
of your stay.
Nothing changed.

I have tried to ignore you.
You ended up being meaner,
stubbornly resisting efforts
to get you to leave.
Nothing happened.

I have decided to accept you.
My life will never be the same
as before you came.
I am finding ways 
to accomplish what I need to do
whether you are here or not.
I may scream again.
I will weep again.
But, for now, just by accepting you,
everything changed.

Todays prompt was to metaphorically sit in front of the thing (or person) that ails you and let your poem tell what is exactly on your mind.
More on this topic:http://magalyguerrero.com/speak-to-your-affliction/
Where it all started:http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Day 25-The Plan-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015


Stevie Nicks Self Portraits
The Plan

Got a text from a friend,
a timely heads up.
As I read through the words,
I let fall my cup.
"You better get ready.
She's headed your way.
Says that she's missed you,
going to be a long stay."
Breath left my lungs.
My heart jumped to my throat.
"Please, not another visit
from this crazy old goat!"
The last time she came,
I lost my job and my cat!
She brought misery and trouble
with the drop of her hat.
I took some deep breaths,
then remembered my plan.
Time to put it in place.
To the closet, I ran.
Pulled out all the candles,
set them out to be lit.
The music was ready.
Pillows plumped where we'll sit.
Checked the fridge for the limes
and plenty of ice,
crystal glasses and tonic,
plus vodka, real nice.
A knock at the door.
I opened it wide.
Ms. Ludmilla K. Mayhem
pranced on inside.
Dressed head to toe
in bohemian chic,
she twirled through the room,
gave my nose a quick tweak.
"Dear girl, how have you been?
It seems such a while."
I went to fetch her a drink,
put the police on speed dial.
I kept her refreshed,
glass after glass.
Her favorite music was playing.
Fleetwood Mac, what a gas!
She was singing along
when I sprang my great trap.
"Stevie Nicks is in town.
Here's a ticket, a map.
I've scheduled your massage,
a great mani and pedi.
Grab your purse and your things.
Your vacation's all ready!"
The cab beeped in the street.
I gathered her bag,
saw her out through the door.
Said goodbye to the hag.
For the cost of a concert
and a pampered spa stay,
I had averted disaster,
sent Ms. Mayhem away!


Write a poem that lets us glimpse into how you ready yourself before facing known troubles, and what you do to cope once mayhem has done its thing.
The song that saved the day:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn4ozPvSkhw
For more mayhem management:http://magalyguerrero.com/anticipating-mayhem/
To join us:http://magalyguerrero.com/anticipating-mayhem/

Friday, April 24, 2015

Day 24-Final Illusion-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015

"She Was Her Own Illusion"
by
Katherine Jeanne Wood

Final Illusion

She wore faces
like other people wore hats.
There was one for every occasion,
for every person in her life.
Weaving her big illusion
began at the tender age of twelve.
Many houses had been called home,
child made friends left,
familial roots torn up.
When the biggest move came,
she decided to re-invent herself.
No one knew her
in this cold new place.
She could become anyone.
It was hard work, at first,
abandoning the girl she was.
But, each change became more fluid.
Realizing that life slid by with less conflict,
she became what each person expected.
Her faces rode in an invisible purse
she kept close by her side.
One never knew who one would run into.
Her illusion was woven with intelligence
and forethought to survival.
It became magic unto itself.
It manifested with such ease and comfort
that she began to lose herself.
Even the mirror was no longer enough
to call her back.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Day 23-Another Bites the Dust-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015

Another Bites the Dust

Turn, toss,
toss and turn.
Pillow sided
pressure building.
Air restricted.
Roll on over.
No! No!
Can't do that!
Neck cricked,
shoulder paining.
Flip again,
cat flies off.
Pull up knees
to save the back.
Flashing hot,
throw off covers.
Back still achy.
Bottle opened.
Bathroom break.
Vick's smeared.
Pillows tucked.
Chiming Grandfather,
Cuckoo late.
Counting quarters.
Looking east.
Steps descending.
Sighed surrender.

Todays prompt was about pain and sleep, or lack thereof.
More sleepless nights here:http://magalyguerrero.com/pain-and-sleep/
Not too late to join:http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Day 22-Inventor-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015

Inventor
I did not want to be a princess,
even though I love a prince. 
My mind is filled with cogs and wheels,
plans and drawings, secrets and ashes,
and the memory of a mother long passed.
To do what I must, I wander at night
through the halls, down the stairs,
to my underground room, 
where my ideas meet my talent.
One day I won't hide the person I am.
I will stand proud and excited.
Not a servant, not an orphan,
but an inventor by right.




This is a poem written from the viewpoint of the main character in this marvelous tale. I strongly urge you to read it! I loved it. Here is the link:http://www.amazon.com/Mechanica-Betsy-Cornwell/dp/0547927711/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429640759&sr=8-1&keywords=Mechanica









Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Day 21-New Shoes-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015

New Shoes

The other shoe dropped?
Well, ain't that sad.
Go get another pair,
the best you ever had!

Don't have scratch?
Pocket kinda empty?
Well, ain't you lucky?
The Universe got plenty!

You got no trust?
You frettin' and your worried?
Sit back and relax,
good luck can't be hurried.

You get so mad,
you just wanna sock it?
Hey, lookee here!
Found a fifty in your pocket!

Fabulous Nickolas Kirkwood shoes


Today's prompt was to write a poem that challenges the veracity of 3 negative things.
More poetry on this same prompt:http://magalyguerrero.com/this-poem-is-a-fighter/
A list of all the prompts can be found here:http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/

Monday, April 20, 2015

Day 20-Cooking with Daddy-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015

Cooking with Daddy

A tin labeled tomato,
a tired, hungry man.
Novice cook with a ladle
and a fresh opened can.

He gave me the spoon,
poured the milk out to measure,
stepped back from the stove,
"Now, it's your turn, my treasure."

"Mix the milk in real slow,
you stir and don't stop
till the bubbles you see
dance around on the top."

Well, I stirred and I stirred.
Now, don't let it burn!
It was steamy and creamy,
this lesson I learned.

He came back fresh showered
from the soil and the sun.
I had cooked for my daddy.
His heart I had won.



This day's prompt was to cook up a poem with a recipe in it. My contribution is my ten year old self trying to feed my father farmer something to eat as my mom was sick in bed.

For more in the flavor:http://magalyguerrero.com/finger-licking-good/

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Day 19-Sentinels-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015

The Sentinels 

We are Sentinels
for the Earth,
holding the soil,
sheltering the deer
and the silky huntress.

We have fed you,
provided refuge,
given safety
from predators 
as you sit 
in the circle
Of our fire.

In return,
you have poisoned
the very rain
that comes,
left the soil lethal
for seed and sapling.

Now, human,
We are your canary
in the mine.

The prompt is about trees!

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Day 18-Tea Lover-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015

Today's prompt was to write a sensual poem dedicated to coffee or tea or both.



Tea Love

You leave me quenched,
after I apply the heat.
Keeping you waiting
makes you stronger 
in your desire
to please.
I prefer your ardour
cooled,
but I will take you
any way
I can get you,
any day, any season.
Iced tea is my drink, all day and as the poem says, any season. I have consumed a lot of it, many brands, and Luzianne is the best for iced tea. My dad liked it so sweet it was like drinking dessert, so does my son-in-law. I drink it straight!

To see all of the prompts for this month:http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/








                             






Friday, April 17, 2015

Day 17-The Other Shoe Dropped-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015


The Other Shoe Dropped

Well, the wait is over.
The other shoe dropped.
Things seemed to be
going better.
But, it was there,
that anxiety that hides
behind the good times,
blackening everything
it touches
around the edges.
Call me psychic.
I knew it was coming.

Today's prompt was to let our poetry show how negativity breeds more negativity breeds more negativity...

For more poems like this:http://magalyguerrero.com/negativity-runs-in-circles/
To join us crazies:http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Day 16-Home-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015

ZenStatePhotography on Etsy
Home

I had been gone so long.
Duty can be a harsh mistress.
But, they are a young race
with much potential
and, as such, need
a strong Guardian.
I was honored 
to have been chosen.
My gaze shifted
to the glistening peaks,
pulling me,
in the distance.
The valley below
was robust with life
bringing to the fore
every hearth kissed memory
I had suppressed
during my service.
The sun blazed hot
and golden
making my body
sing with iridescence.
I let the tear 
that had sat un-shed
in my eye,
flow.
I felt myself fall
from the edge
breathing in,
breathing out,
scents and scenes 
of my youth
flooding my heart.
I fell toward freedom.
Towering fronds of the forest
were searching upwards
to find me.
I took a final inhalation
in this meditation of release
and then,
 I found it,
a breath from a God.
My chest expanding.
My wings rising.
I soar 
into the arms
of Home.

Todays prompt was to write a poem where the speaker travels to a parallel, but infinitely remote, universe.

Want to see all of the prompts for the month, maybe even join us?http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/
Check out the great photography!https://www.etsy.com/shop/ZenStatePhotography?ref=l2-shopheader-name



Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Day 15--Experiment--NaPoWriMo with Magaly Gerrero 2015

The prompt: Write a poem about the place you lived when you were 15
I had great difficulty with this, which surprised me. I have been hashing it out all day. It has caused be to look back on a lot of things and see some of them differently. We had moved to another state 3 years earlier that was like being on another planet from the state of Texas. We were hundreds of miles away from family and friends. It was like I had been cast away on a foreign shore.



Experiment

A re-invention
nearly three years earlier.
Data incomplete.


To read other prompt related poems:http://magalyguerrero.com/fifteen/
Want to jump in? http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Day 14--Flourishes--NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015




Flourishes

When comes the easy rain,
washing folds and crevices,
leaving behind the scent of promise,
Earth turns wanton,
begging to be touched,
furrowed into climax
so sweet seeds can take hold.
The breeze blows with lust,
pollen to payload, 
tree to tree, plant to plant,
expectations rising for
fruitful tastings.
The Queen flies,
finding fertility in the sky,
while workers make love to pistil and stamen
in hope of future gold.
Blood sizzles pungent, spicy.
Breath labors shallow and ragged.
Firelight embroiders sweat
with magic
powered by the beat
of many drums.
The Eternal Round
adds another flourish.

Today's prompt was to write about at least 3 things you enjoy doing in April. I am a gardener, nature lover, bird watcher, among other things.

If you would enjoy other responses to this prompt:http://magalyguerrero.com/valued-activities-in-my-poetry/

Want to get your feet wet with us? It isn't too late:http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/

Monday, April 13, 2015

Day 13-Church Bells-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015



Church Bells

The church bells rang. 
Hymns were sung.
Brightly, colored Easter eggs
had been gathered
into baskets large and small.
Hams, brown sugared
and studded with cloves,
had been served up 
to adult filled dining tables.
Kids fed in the kitchen.
When plates were gone,
the dominoes appeared.
The floor was littered
with toy soldiers and doll houses.
Upright pianos tinkled notes
of "When Irish Eyes are Smiling",
or words sung from a new hymn,
"The Old Rugged Cross".
It was just about time
to make a sandwich
with the leftover meat
and Grandma's prize
winning rye bread,
when eight demons  
captured the wind and plowed
a path through the land
forty miles long, half a mile wide.
Not caring whether they swept
away Methodist or Baptist,
black or white,
young or old,
the tornadoes took
their lives and homes.
Friends, relatives, strangers died
while the tails of the devils 
dipped and rose over the town
leaving fear and destruction behind.
The water rose,
the temperatures descended.
The church bells were silent.


Our prompt for today is to write a poem from a 1913 headline. This is the 1913 storm of tornadoes that tore through Omaha, Nebraska. Follow the link for more information:http://www.rarenewspapers.com/view/568353

If you would like to read more poems from this prompt, hop over here:http://magalyguerrero.com/poetizing-the-news-of-1913/

Want to join in the merriment and such, then head over here:http://magalyguerrero.com/poetizing-the-news-of-1913/

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Day 12--Keeping Records--NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015



"Lay Your Weary Head to Rest No. 5"
by
Katherine Jeanne Wood

Keeping Records

When Hope died,
she sat down
at her kitchen table
and wrote out all
her Dreams
on slips of paper.
She sealed them
in an envelope,
neatly addressed,
postage attached,
and mailed them
back to herself.
A few days later,
the envelope
arrived in her mailbox.
Carefully, she tucked
it, unopened,
into the box
where she kept
past years tax papers.
This way,
she would always 
have proof
of when her life
stopped.


The prompt for today invited us to explore the different topics of Alienation and Detachment.
If you would like to join our merry party:http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/
More yumminess with this prompt? http://magalyguerrero.com/estranged-and-cut-off/
You can find more of Katherines work on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mizkatie

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Day 11-Southern Belle-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015


Southern Belle

I should have been a boy.
When Father died, he took
our family name
with him.
I can out think
most of the men I am around,
but I cannot let them know it.
I so love the horses,
but I am never allowed
to have conversations
about their breeding.
It is just not lady like.
Instead, I must gush
over gowns and hats,
sitting primly drinking tea
while the men are smoking cigars
and drinking mint juleps
in the drawing room.
If I were a man,
I wouldn't be considered
calculating and manipulative,
but shrewd and intelligent.
I would not be on the market,
breathy, eyes batting, waist cinched
auditioning for a future husband
who would get me with child,
them spend all his time
with his mistress
in Atlanta.
I could handle the management
of the cotton, selling it
on the market.
But, I am not a man.
I would have been a good son.
If only...
If only...
But, fiddle dee dee, I can't change that!
Now, where is that girl?
These laces won't tighten themselves,
and I have a barbeque to attend!


The prompt for this  was to create a poem written from the point of view of a fictional character.
Immediately, I thought of Scarlett from "Gone with the Wind".
If you wish to join the fun, follow this link:http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/
Want to read more fictional character viewpoint poems, go here: http://magalyguerrero.com/i-hear-fictional-poets/

Friday, April 10, 2015

Shadows of Oz Blog Party Post- A Little Poem and a Very Bad Apple!


"Bad Apple"
Mixed media sculpture
Aluminum foil armature, plaster bandages, paper clay, polymer clay, and yarn
Made by me!

For more Shadows of Oz yummyness head on over to Linda's blog  . Follow the link below! www.lindaomasoldebaggsnstuftshirts.blogspot.com

Day 10--Night Prayer--NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015




The prompt for this post was that it should read like a relaxation chant: every line should unwind us to the bone.

If you would like to join us for the fun:http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/
To read more relaxing goodness: http://magalyguerrero.com/poetry-for-the-blood-flesh-bone-and-spirit/

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Day 9--An Unfamiliar Goddess--NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015




From "The Goddess Oracle" deck

An Unfamiliar Goddess

Birthed with one true purpose,
to ease pain that sparked fire
into tissue and joint.
Potioning for relief,
calling on old friends,
ancients of oil,
leaf and stem,
root and flower.
The very best of basil,
cinnamon, ginger,
coriander and cypress,
each powerful alone
formidable as a troop.
Percentages and drops, enough but not too much,
blended in a magic circle, 
waiting to be infused by a Goddess.
But, which? How to choose?
A deck of cards
blooming with Deities.
A shuffle...a draw...
an unfamiliar Goddess
looked back at me.
Cold and blue, fingers sprouting
seals, dolphins, whales
from an Artic Sea.
Sedna.
I saw hurt and harm,
betrayal  and despair.
But, so too, was there
resilience and determination.
"Don't be a victim," she whispered.
"Don't get stuck in the why."
"Take your drum, beat it out."
"Swim into your wounds and name them!"
She was strong truths and compassionate release.
I asked for her help.
I felt her presence.
Her power flowed in a cool, blue stream
through my heart and into my hands
landing like a blessing
in the beaker
filled with earthly gifts.
The oil was complete.
I had wanted a name,
a way to define this balm.
A Goddess answered.


Today's prompt was to write a poem about something I created.
Want to join our merry troupe of poets? http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/
If you would like to know more about this Goddess:https://landofgoddesses.wordpress.com/2013/07/13/sedna/

Here is where to find my therapeutic oils:http://touchofthegoddess.com

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Day 8--Heart Torn Out--NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015


Heart Torn Out

The harm had already been done.
Her shocked body did not realize it...yet.
The blood dripped from his hand.
In his eyes, a gleam.
"You, silly twit!
I gave you a gift,
a fortnight.
No more was I expected to give!"
Her eyes were wide,
her mouth, open.
"You fell in love?
I tore your heart out when I left?"
The beating in his hand had stopped.
"Well, dear girl,
I didn't then,
but, I have now!"



The purpose of today was to weave a poem that explored the difference between hurt and harm.
If you would like to join, follow this link:http://magalyguerrero.com/it-hurts-but-it-doesnt-harm/




Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Day 7- The Dreamer and the Warrior-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015

Conjure a poem about a myth!


The Dreamer and the Warrior

Morpheus, you rotten lover,
I said no to your suggestion
to "bring along a friend."
You seduced me, anyway.
Then left me with an itch
I could not scratch away.
They say you are returning,
and the offer still stands.
This time, I won't say no,
can't say no.
So, you and the Warrior Benadryl
come on over...
Well, hello, Lovers...


Come join us! http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/

Monday, April 6, 2015

Day 6-Three Things to Do in Thirteen Weeks--NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015

Day 6-Your poem should list at least 3 achievable goals in thirteen weeks. This is for NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015

Thirteen Weeks (91 Days)

Ninety-one days,
a very long spell?
It will go fast,
I am here to tell.

Jars with tentacles
will top the list,
a brand new Muse,
with darkness kissed.

More words to write
with pen and more paper.
Don't miss a day?
Will be quite the caper!

This oath I have made
to a group I hold dear,
will keep my quite busy.
Less Facebook, I fear!

If you wish to join us, follow this link! http://magalyguerrero.com/i-will-do-it-in-thirteen-weeks/

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Day 5-Jo March of "Little Women"-NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015



On day 5,  address your poem to an historical or fictional character.  Please cite the title of the book, where your character appears. If you choose a historical figure, do tell us his or her name.

Jo March of "Little Women"

When you jumped off
the pages of my'Christmas gifted books,
I was astonished!
Your curiosity, your dislike of
womanly duties,
but, mostly your ink-stained fingers
showed me a kindred spirit.
You should me what I would
be up against, 
how my gender would be
used against me
in my pursuit of
career and livelihood.
You could have taken
the easy way,
put away your pen and ink,
taken to the embroidery needle,
but you persisted.
You defied convention
with your heart,
instead of rich and handsome, 
you waited for someone
that would look at you
as an equal.
You, dear Jo,
shaped the woman 
I am today
and the artist 
I strive to be.
Thanks to you
and your beloved Professor,
I saw what a true partnership
should be.
I saw in you
the same burning desire
to know,
to explore, 
to write,
all so much a part
of my young psyche already.
It made me realize
that I was going to be
alright.




get started! http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Caregiver Bruises-Day 4-NaPoWriMo with Malay Guerrero 2015

On day 4 of NaPoWriMo with Magaly Guerrero 2015, I wish you to write a poem that shows how an emotion might increase physical pain, and vice versa.

Caregiver Bruises

Compassion, service.
Frustration, guilt.
Heartburn.
Compassion, service.
Incredulity, hurt.
Headache.
Compassion, service.
Entitlement, abasement.
Knee and hip pain.
Compassion, service.
Fear, ingratitude.
Anxiety.
Compassion, service.
Resentment, anger.
Higher blood pressure.
Compassion, service.
Shame, guilt.
Neck and shoulder pain.
Compassion, service.
Repeat...


Want to join us? Go here:http://magalyguerrero.com/napowrimo-with-magaly-guerrero-2015/
Today's prompt: http://magalyguerrero.com/feeling-so-deeply-it-hurts/