P is for POSSIBILITIES #PoetryMonth #AtoZ

April #AtoZChallenge and #PoetryMonth

 

Three goals I had in mind while writing my collection of linked poetry:

1. To celebrate my appreciation of life

2. To experience the process of writing linked poetry, a form of Japanese renshi

3. To give thanks for and better appreciate a life well-lived.

 

The flowers are a colorful bonus for the #AtoZChallenge

 

***   ***   ***

 

 P is for Possibilities and Poinsettias

 

POSSIBILITIES

There are words

I want to build on

and to use as titles

of poems. Phrases with meaning: 

Rendering a Thought Visible

Or

Attempt at the Impossible

But my page is blank

Not barren, only empty.

As the leaves of autumn

shrivel and blow away,

so has my inspiration.

Leaving behind only

Possibilities. 

Inspired by the works of Belgian artist René Magritte and an essay by Marcel Paquet: The Enigma of Poetry.

 

Do other mediums inspire/inform your poetic musings?

 

 

***   ***  ***

O is for ORAL FIREWORKS #PoetryMonth

April #AtoZChallenge and #PoetryMonth

 

Three goals I had in mind while writing my collection of linked poetry:

1. To celebrate my appreciation of life

2. To experience the process of writing linked poetry, a form of Japanese renshi

3. To give thanks for and better appreciate a life well-lived.

 

The flowers are a colorful bonus for the #AtoZChallenge

 

***   ***   ***

 

 O is for Oral Fireworks and Orchids 

Photo I snapped at an orchid garden on Big Island

 

 

ORAL FIREWORKS

 

Hand-knit mohair sweater

Still a treasure,

though an outgrown style. 

Sugar-coated jelly slices

Stuck between the teeth,

don’t smile. 

Oral fireworks of

Nehi Orange-Ade

on a first date. 

Teen memories bear weight,

Adults cannot carry,

and nothing can replace. 

Relive,

pretend,

embellish. 

You are but once sweet sixteen.

***   ***   ***

 

I still have that hand-knit sherbet-orange mohair sweater with the six-inch wide collar that my mom knit for me! Which item have you saved from your teen years that holds such strong memories that you pack it up to take with you every time you move?

 

M is for MOLDING DESTINY #PoetryMonth

April #AtoZChallenge and #PoetryMonth

 

Three goals I had in mind while writing my collection of linked poetry:

1. To celebrate my appreciation of life

2. To experience the process of writing linked poetry, a form of Japanese renshi

3. To give thanks for and better appreciate a life well-lived.

 

The flowers are a colorful bonus for the #AtoZChallenge

 

***   ***   ***

 

 M is for Molding Destiny and Morning Glory

 

 

Molding Destiny

 

A fallacy,

both the molding

and the destiny

 

The master plan

includes free will,

without restriction

 

No ending

is pre-arranged

by calendar date:

 

Play here

Marry over there

Die on schedule

 

Rather: follow

what your heart

beats in time.

 ***   ***   ***

 

This is my favorite poem in the entire collection. I've given myself such wonderful advice: follow what your heart beats in time.
Live at your own pace. Is that a goal worth setting?

 

 

 

 

L is for LACK OF MOTION #AtoZ Poetry

April #AtoZChallenge and #PoetryMonth

 

Three goals I had in mind while writing my collection of linked poetry:

1. To celebrate my appreciation of life

2. To experience the process of writing linked poetry, a form of Japanese renshi

3. To give thanks for and better appreciate a life well-lived.

 

The flowers are a colorful bonus for the #AtoZChallenge

 

***   ***   ***

 

L is for Lack of Motion and Lilacs
 

 

 

 

LACK OF MOTION 

Lack of motion

Limited sight

Slow breathing

 

Diminished thought

Absence of concern

Exhalation of relief

 

All this and more

As one accepts release

Falling gradually

or fast

Time and again

With ever increasing pleasure

 

Into nightly blessed sleep.

 

***   ***  ***

Just reading the words makes me sleepy. I've never suffered from insomnia so it is easy to take a good night's sleep for granted, although a scheduled talk next morning will have me tossing and turning through the night. What keeps you awake?

 

J is for JOIE DE VIVRE #PoetryMonth

April #AtoZChallenge and #PoetryMonth

 

Three goals I had in mind while writing my collection of linked poetry:

1. To celebrate my appreciation of life

2. To experience the process of writing linked poetry, a form of Japanese renshi

3. To give thanks for and better appreciate a life well-lived.

 

The flowers are a colorful bonus for the #AtoZChallenge

 

***   ***   ***

 

 J is for Joie de vivre and Jasmine

 

 

 

Facing forward

with expectant wonder,

she counts crystals in each

purple drop

of rain. 

Thunderous silence

fills her mind with lightning,

trapping future visions in

the pulsing beat

of time. 

Joie de vivre is coursing

through her bloodstream,

soothing rhythms

casting yet

another fate. 

While moonlight

focuses on wave-tossed
beaches, and trade winds

circle ever-changing,

near horizons. 

 

***   ***   ***

 

Life moves forward whether we keep up with it or not. Some days it is difficult to match "wants" with ability. On those days, I've found that it is better to sit back and let some things pass me by.

Have you ever been left with more plans then energy at the end of your day?

 

 

 

G is for GOSSIP REIGNS #Poetry for #AtoZ

April #AtoZChallenge and #PoetryMonth

 

Three goals I had in mind while writing my collection of linked poetry:

1. To celebrate my appreciation of life

2. To experience the process of writing linked poetry, a form of Japanese renshi

3. To give thanks for and better appreciate a life well-lived.

 

The flowers are a colorful bonus for the #AtoZChallenge

 

***   ***   ***

G is for Gossip and Gladiolas (and Gail)

 

 

 

 

GOSSIP REIGNS

On lazy sun-washed afternoons

imagination turns to thoughts of

courtyard pubs, where friends gather to discuss

whatever most consumes their waking hours.

Tucked away behind the Seine in Paris, or

a secluded nook of Gloucester’s harbor,

topics range from art and plotlines, to the

tantalizing satchel in the local consignment shop.

Gossip reigns.

Food arrives, sporadically.

People pick at plates of

battered squid and cherry peppers.

Wash down Gorgonzola cheese-stuffed mushrooms

with dark beer and fresh-brewed coffee.

Or some exotic drink,

served in mugs sporting

a hodge-podge of designs.

Each holding a life’s story at the bottom,

shimmering for patrons to review

at leisure between sips.

Reality appears on no menu

in these flights of fantasy,

these parcels of precious moments,

free of conflict.

Close your eyes, relax.

Breathe deep.
 

 ***   ***   *** 

 

Is poetry well-suited for sparking the imagination and taking the reader on flights of fantasy?

B is for BLESSED SLEEP #AtoZChallenge

April #AtoZChallenge and #PoetryMonth

 

Three goals I had in mind while writing my collection of linked poetry:

1. To celebrate my appreciation of life

2. To experience the process of writing linked poetry, a form of Japanese renshi

3. To give thanks for and better appreciate a life well-lived.

 

The flowers are a colorful bonus for the #AtoZChallenge

 

***   ***   ***

 

B is for Blessed Sleep and Bougainvillea

 

Scene in Kaimuki on O'ahu
photo by Gail Baugniet

 

Blessed Sleep

 

With eyelids squeezed tight

you count down from ten

then twenty, fifty, a hundred

to no avail. 

Silence begs for shouting

to distract the thoughts

that won’t allow, grant, permit

blessed sleep. 

Sirens peel strips of flesh

from your insomniac mind,

daring fingers and lips

to remain still.

 ***   ***   ***

This poem describes an accelerating reaction, as a taunting voice issues a dare to find peace outside the pain of noisy chaos. Sleeplessness leads to growing agitation. Worries mount, seeping into the conscious mind and likely assuring that any hope of sleep is futile.

What thoughts surfaced as you read the words of this poem?

Z is for ZIG-ZAG of RED #AtoZ #PoetryMonth

April #AtoZChallenge and #PoetryMonth

 

Three goals I had in mind while writing my collection of linked poetry:

1. To celebrate my appreciation of life

2. To experience the process of writing linked poetry, a form of Japanese renshi

3. To give thanks for and better appreciate a life well-lived.

 

The flowers are a colorful bonus for the #AtoZChallenge

 

***   ***   ***

 

Z is for Zig-Zag of Red and Zinnea

 

 

 

A ZIG-ZAG OF RED, STARS

A white-washed canvas,

still life with fireworks,

promises of an exciting display. 

Colors intended only for dreamers

burst before her eyes,

lighting up the blackness left by

a long forgotten sunset. 

A zig-zag of red, stars

too bright to track

spiral down.

She hears the sizzle as

they strike the ocean’s surface

like lava streaming from a cliff

to cool and form new land. 

Thoughts spew forth.

A mind once fallow

now overflows.

A rocket launch

of crackling practicality

explodes to reveal stunning possibilities.

 

***   ***   ***

 

Where do you get your best ideas, while lying in bed ready for sleep or watching the celebration of fireworks on a warm summer's eve? Mine seem to burst forth at the exact time I am without pencil and paper.

 

For your visits to my site in April and your many interesting comments,

Mahalo and Aloha,

Gail

 

 

 

Y is for YOUR GOOD LIFE AHEAD #PoetryMonth #AtoZ

April #AtoZChallenge and #PoetryMonth

 

Three goals I had in mind while writing my collection of linked poetry:

1. To celebrate my appreciation of life

2. To experience the process of writing linked poetry, a form of Japanese renshi

3. To give thanks for and better appreciate a life well-lived.

 

The flowers are a colorful bonus for the #AtoZChallenge

 

***   ***   *** 

 

  

Y is for 

Your Good Life Ahead

and

Yellow Flowers:
Hibiscus

 and

Orchid

 

YOUR GOOD LIFE AHEAD

Unpaid leave; hospital stay

then home; empty-handed, again.

Cupboards lacking

Wallet bare. 

Part-time work, nights

at the old folks home.

Salted crackers and loose tea bags

From the commissary cart. 

One day you will be

rich as Midas, with golden

sunshine gracing the lanai and

mangoes ripening on the shelf. 

Every day, another holiday.

***   ***   ***

If you never give up, the ups and downs of life begin to form a pattern where soon the gullies and mountains begin to look more like potholes and molehills. . . with 'lots of plateau' in between.

That's a good thing, right? 

 

X is for eXPRESS THE LONGINGS #PoetryMonth #AtoZ

April #AtoZChallenge and #PoetryMonth

 

Three goals I had in mind while writing my collection of linked poetry:

1. To celebrate my appreciation of life

2. To experience the process of writing linked poetry, a form of Japanese renshi

3. To give thanks for and better appreciate a life well-lived.

 

The flowers are a colorful bonus for the #AtoZChallenge

 

***   ***   ***

 

X is for eXpress and  Xyris Difformis

 

eXPRESS THE LONGINGS

 

Paris in the ‘70’s inspired

you to express

the longings deep within

To hear the music that your soul played

Whenever spirits craved

Encouragement 

Euphoria filled the air as you

Strolled the boulevards

and Champs Élysée,

Searching 

Diamonds were not treasures worth

your heart strings, in a place

where wine

and chocolate

Co-exist

 

***   ***   ***

 

Is youth anymore memorable than current times? For myself, I prefer to continue making memories rather than sitting back and reveling in the playful days gone by. Every once in a while, though, it is fun to reminisce.

 

 

 

W is for WICKED #PoetryMonth #AtoZ

April #AtoZChallenge and #PoetryMonth

 

Three goals I had in mind while writing my collection of linked poetry:

1. To celebrate my appreciation of life

2. To experience the process of writing linked poetry, a form of Japanese renshi

3. To give thanks for and better appreciate a life well-lived.

 

The flowers are a colorful bonus for the #AtoZChallenge

 

***   ***   ***

 

 W is for Wicked and Wisteria Flowering Tree

 

 

Wicked 

Rain on my feet creates a

cool sensation. A breeze

whispers under gun metal

sky lined with telephone wires

where birds offer songs to wake

the surrounding neighborhood. 

Peaceful here on my lanai

before morning traffic fills

the boulevard with restless

thoughts; Bloated, useless, wicked.

Hearts become heavy under

the burden. I wait out the

feeling as skies tinge with blue. 

Light sprays from the horizon,

while tires spin on pavement.

Rows of birds perched on wires

above, set moods for the day.

Nature slowly unfolds at

its own pace.

 

***   ***   ***
 

How powerful one feels when in control of how their day begins.

Imagine starting each day in a peaceful garden,

while birds chirp and cool breezes stir the fragrance of blossoming trees.

Is this better than sloshing coffee on wrinkled pants while rushing to catch the bus or train to work? 

 

V is for VELVET AIR #PoetryMonth #AtoZ

 April #AtoZChallenge and #PoetryMonth

 

Three goals I had in mind while writing my collection of linked poetry:

1. To celebrate my appreciation of life

2. To experience the process of writing linked poetry, a form of Japanese renshi

3. To give thanks for and better appreciate a life well-lived.

 

The flowers are a colorful bonus for the #AtoZChallenge

 

***   ***   ***

 

 V is for Velvet Air and Volcan Phlox

 

 

VELVET AIR

 

With bloated hopes, you share

ideas. Each word a chosen

pearl. On velvet air,

great thoughts pour

forth. Your mind a dervish

whirl. Can greatness be so far

behind, with wisdom such

as this? Step back

enjoy

oh, wizened one, a most creative

bliss. One day, you say, a smile

in play, awards will all

be won. Your confidence wrapped

up in silk,

Blue Ribbon dreams are

Fun. 

To me, writing rhyming poetry is as much fun as
dreaming about winning a blue ribbon.
What would you compare to the art of writing poetry?
 

***   ***   ***

 

T is for TOGETHER #AtoZ Poetry

April #AtoZChallenge and #PoetryMonth

 

Three goals I had in mind while writing my collection of linked poetry:

1. To celebrate my appreciation of life

2. To experience the process of writing linked poetry, a form of Japanese renshi

3. To give thanks for and better appreciate a life well-lived.

 

The flowers are a colorful bonus for the #AtoZChallenge

 

***   ***   ***

 

 T is for Together and Tulips

 

 

Together 

Writing is a solitary activity

sitting alone for hours

at typewriter or computer

with tablet or notepad.

Inside the author’s head

drumming up ideas

scenarios, settings,

a plot slowly forms.

Characters dance and

story line develops.

Everything comes together

to build tension and

create meaning.

To tell an engaging tale

and elicit smiles, or tears. 

A solitary pursuit evolves

Becoming society’s pleasure.

 

***   ***   ***

Whether you hold strictly to writing everything by hand using pen and notepad, or you prefer to type everything directly into your computer/word processor, the process is a solitary activity. Do you later share the fruits of your labor or keep them tucked away from prying eyes?  

 

 

S is for SMILING BACK #AtoZ

April #AtoZChallenge and #PoetryMonth

 

Three goals I had in mind while writing my collection of linked poetry:

1. To celebrate my appreciation of life

2. To experience the process of writing linked poetry, a form of Japanese renshi

3. To give thanks for and better appreciate a life well-lived.

 

The flowers are a colorful bonus for the #AtoZChallenge

 

***   ***   ***

 

 S is for Smiling Back and Sunflowers

 

Smiling Back

From shadows,

smiling back at me,

clear memories

of frothy rapids

while tubing down

an apple-scented river. 

Company softball games,

cheering on my teammates

win or lose, celebrating

El Torito style. 

All too soon, highways

move me state to state,

major life changes

blinding me to loss. 

Above the clouds

endless open skies

ease me from the past; with

lazy eagerness, promises appear

of another new beginning.

 

***   ***   *** 
 

Do you need to understand everything the poet is saying to appreciate a poem? Or is sailing off in whatever direction a specific phrase sends you, like a word-association excursion, more to your liking?