All-Consuming

I wrote a poem for you today
To tell you how I really feel
It was terrible-
The poem, not my feelings about you
Or maybe that’s just
A matter of opinion too-
I guess we’ll never know
Because I tossed it in the box
And they assured me
You’d both burn

I made it! This is the first time I was able to complete a National Poetry Month poem of the day challenge. Thanks for reading!

The prompt is “a poem I’ll burn” from Maria Giesbrecht @theguelphpoet on Instagram. April 30, National Poetry Month 2022.

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A Life of Purpose

Sipping nectar and discussing death-
The bee and the butterfly
Contemplate for a moment
Their short lifespans
And consider their options.

They determine that
Although brief, their lives
Are full of adventure,
Satisfaction, and value,
And they could wish
For nothing more.

Sidestepping flailing humans,
Evading snapping dogs,
Avoiding becoming lunch
To any number of predators,
Consuming the sweetest ambrosia,
All the while pollinating
Some of Earth’s finest flora-

And then passing along their
Ambition to the next generation-

A life worth living indeed!

The prompt is “discussing death” from Maria Giesbrecht @theguelphpoet on Instagram. April 24, National Poetry Month 2022.

Nothing to Fear but Fear Herself

She wore a black hood; black as night, dark as death, so she could hide among the shadows in the alley, the blind spots behind lampposts, and in the corners of your room. When your heart missed a beat, and your breath wouldn’t come, know that fear had stolen them for herself.

Art Skull Demon Abstract The Eyes
– Written for Sacha Black’s Writespiration #110 52 Weeks in 52 Words Week 14. Prompt was “the girl that wore the black hood.” WC 52. Photo from MaxPixel.

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Isle of the Dead

I shivered from my place at the back of the boat, though it was not cold. The fog hung thick and low above the water. A tall robed figure stood at the front pushing us along with a narrow oar.

Silently we glided through the mist. Something looming in the distance came into view. I saw flames dancing and heard barely audible chanting, but could not see from whom the voices raised.

Soon, an island appeared clearly in front of me, a large fire reaching toward the sky in its center. Amidst the flames, contorted bodies writhed and voices became louder. I understood a few words.

“Death eternal, soul’s inferno, deep into darkness, days abolished,” was interspersed with indiscernible words.

I shifted uncomfortably. We neared the shore, and the figure turned to me. I could not see his face, only darkness where it should have been.

The boat bumped against the sand, he reached a long arm toward the land in a gesture I understood to be a command, and I was compelled to move forward.

The chorus ceased. My insides burned.

With arms spread wide, I leaped into the blaze.

The chanting resumed, now with my voice among them.

arnold_bocklin_-_die_toteninsel_iii_alte_nationalgalerie_berlin
Isle of the Dead by Arnold Böcklin

– Written for Jane Dougherty Writes, Microfiction Challenge #20: Isle of the Dead. Painting prompt by Arnold Böcklin. WC 200.

Carry Me Home

Twilight casts its shadow
Upon the open door
Colors swirl on gentle breezes
Winter comes once more

Day shutters to its end
Last light crawls upon the shore
Where ships wait to take us home
When no spark remains,
We close the darkened door

1200px-ivan_constantinovich_aivazovsky_-_sunset_over_the_golden_horn
Sunset over the Golden Horn by Ivan Aivazovsky

– Written for dVerse Quadrille #19, prompt was “spark.” WC 44. Photo from Wikipedia.

Field of Vision

He wrapped the strand round and round his finger, focusing on her face. The piece of fabric from the missing girl’s sweater was his grounding object. He studied the photograph until he had memorized her features. Suddenly a chill ran up his spine. She was here. This field is where she died.

1024px-white_county_indiana_field– Written for Grammar Ghoul Press Shapeshifting 13 #72. Prompt words were “strand” & “field.” WC 52. Photo from Wikimedia.

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