My Treasure

 Poem #8 in the Deadlines for Writers group is due today. The prompt is "treasure." I pushed the deadline to the last minute this time and just finished a first and only draft. 

My Treasure

In the quiet early morning

I close my eyes to the flashing lights of Now

And my ears to the cacophony of Hurry.

The clouds above me drift apart, and I see the stars shining behind.

Alone now, I gather the treasures of my life close for comfort and courage.

 

Opening my box of treasures,

I consider, and rejoice in the largest diamond therein: the presence of God -

His grace, His faithfulness, His guidance, His Truth.

His Magnificent creation!

Oh! The beauty I’ve treasured!

The daily resurrection from a good night’s sleep.

The sun, brightly welcoming me to each new day and dazzling me with a display of ever-changing colors to celebrate the day’s ending.  

Sand between my toes and the kiss of the waves upon the beach.

Crisp breezes on my face as I tread a wooded path alone.

The rustle of leaves as walk the shoreline in harmonious company.

 

I gently lift the memory of the relationships that made and make me.

My hands trace the many facets of this precious jewel.

Long-ago reprimands and guidance from loving parents.

Lifetime support and companionship of brothers and sisters.

Long and laughter-filled family dinners – Oh, the joy!

Real conversation with receptive and insightful companions.

A smile received in payment for appreciation.

Little arms around my neck.

Strong arms around my back.

A loving touch on my shoulder.

Affirmations of understanding and connection.

 

I reverently touch the jewel of Purpose and Creativity.

Each facet of the gem reflects the light of the Great Creator.  

Sharing the joy and purpose of my being with words, with colors.

Starting on a new creative project.

Learning something new.

Mixing the perfect color.

Finding just the right word.

Searching for voids to fill, needs to supply, hearts to join.

 

I close my box and greet the new day.

I have a God to serve,

Hearts and souls to nurture.

I have lessons to learn,

Visions to paint,

Words to compile,

I have voids to fill,

Needs to supply,

Hearts to join.

I have life to live. 

Poem "Song of Life"

 Poem #7 for 2025 was due yesterday in the Deadlines for Writers writing group. I submitted a very incomplete and unified poem via my phone since I was not at home during the 24-hour submission deadline. I would welcome any suggestions to unify the thoughts contained in this one. The prompt was "A Song." I submitted this:

Song of Life

When life plays a joyful song, dance!

Change the key when you must, but create

With drumming in your heart, take a chance!

Sing a song to praise the life He gave.

 

Prayer, in essence, is a sacred song.

Exulting in a truth from heaven wrung.

So celebrate life’s journey clear and strong.

Never let your song remain unsung.

DFW Poem 202506 Like

 Here's my 202506 entry in the Deadlines for Writers Poetry Group using the prompt "like." It's a simple 4X4 rhyming ditty.

Behind every “like” on your media page

Is a purpose, apparent or not.

Is the like for the content of the message you shared

Or simply a way to say you’ve been got?

 

Did he like the picture, the message, the theme?

Did she like what the commenters said?

I like you, I hear you, I support you, my friend.

Let’s raise our shared past from the dead?

 

I agree with your political point, my friend.

My like might sway some to our point of view.

My “like” is a bullet I can fire at will

In the culture wars we’ve been conscripted into. 

 

A like is not simply a like these days

It can be many things in addition.

Enjoy the likes you get on your post,

And consider the liker’s intention. 

Fulfillment, a Tanka

 The fifth poem for 2025 is due today. The prompt is "hollow." I wrote a Tanka inspired by a quote by Craig D. Lounsbrough.

Though I feign fullness,

I sit at the world’s table.

Achingly hollow.

Fulfillment is only found

Kneeling at the feet of God.

Get in the Game - A Triolet

 The 4th poem of 2025 is due today. The assignment was to write a Triolet. 

A Triolet: 

Has 8 lines. 

Each line has 8 syllables. 

The 1st line recurs as the 4th and 7th. 

The 2nd line recurs as the 8th. 

The rhyme pattern is abaaabab.

Here is the poem I submitted.

Get in the Game 

The world needs you just as you are!

Get in the game – ready or not.

The night wants some shine? Be a star.

The world needs you just as you are!

Your song can’t be heard from afar?

Just hum if a hum’s all you’ve got.

The world needs you just as you are!

Get in the game – ready or not.

Inner Life: A Sonnet

Poem # 3 of 2025 is due today. The prompt is "undo." Here is the sonnet I wrote and submitted. It is very loosely inspired by the writing of Veronica Roth and Horace Mann.

The self that’s only self will undo self.

Obsession with reflection blinds the eye.

To truly live our lives, we are compelled

To focus OUT, see much more YOU than I.

 

The image in the mirror teaches naught

‘Cept selfish, unkind actions that annoy.

While reaching out in loving deed and thought

To others is the truest path to joy.

 

I choose to turn away “me” and “my.”

And give to others trust that they deserve.

I know that my successful inner life

Depends on finding ways to see and serve .

 

Projecting ever outward, self restrained,

I disappear and only God remains!

Sunrise! a Cinquain

 Poem #2 for 2025 is due today. We were to write a Nonet or a Cinquain. I had never heard of a Nonet. It is, as it sounds, a nine-line prescribed poem. I went for the simpler Cinquain. 

Morning,

Fancy-dressed in

Garnet, topaz, amber,

Sprinkles joy like bright confetti.

Sunrise!