The Poetry Marathon

Imagine by John Lennon, 1971

Imagine all the people living life in peace. Yoohoo. You can call me a dreamer, but I’m not the only one… No need for greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man.

What started when I was a Girl Scout
solidified during my teens
and led to schooling and try-outs
with volunteer gigs in between

I started to college on writing
but sampled the classes galore
I found that my insides were fighting 
to choose from the vast smorgasbord 

Today I stand on the threshold
inspired by music and art
my mother's example would mold
me - as a strong leader with heart

I will finish my dissertation
and continue my work in the field
of serving with concentration
toward peace and love and goodwill

The time is 6:04 a.m. We have been under a tornado watch that ends at 6:15. I sit in darkness because the transformer just yards away from me was hit by lightening a minute ago. The contact shook the house. We also have hail. Those of us who grew up in Tornado Alley have gotten used to it, meaning we acknowledge our lack of control. People ask what the weather is like here. Do you really want to know?

Tornado sirens
even on the city streets
people and dogs run

She knows I'm scared to death of thunder claps
I jump and shake and cry when lightening strikes
She covers me and warns me not to snap
At least she knows I am not prone to bite

There are two other things I cannot stand
I leap into my kennel where I'm safe
The sound of doorbells and the sound of man
I'm lucky she provides me my safe space

I know it sounds like I am just a pup
I can't defend my fears and my bad quirks
The one thing for sure is that she sits up
All night if she must and then goes to work

She's the best mom around and she's alright
She rubs my tummy and tucks me in tight

Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot (fashioned after)

Where will we go now we are done? What do we do and say?
We sit in tribulation and drink our fears away
It's painfully clear too many have gone their separate ways

I grow old ... I grow old ...                                                 
I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled

One late-night ring when votes all told from two score two and eight
Three times they call a winner - our stomachs turn and sway
A president that promises to heal will save the day

I grow old ... I grow old ...                                    
I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled

The ballots have been counted and we bravely face the day 
A flag unfurls - the band strikes up - a hand begins to wave
The leader shocks the nation and comes out with rolled up pants
He never even pauses to kick off his shoes and dance

I grow old ... I grow old ...
I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled

There once was a dog we called Brekan 
who swallowed a whistle one second
She then lost her bark
She tried but she'd fart
and now she is one lethal weapon
 

               Flower
        White, perfumed
Intoxicating, enchanting, bewitching
    Flirting with lunar Moths
            Gardenia

My courage is my superpower 
It fits best when I'm pruning flowers  
Shrinks in the rain I confess 
Slippery slips off my dress 
And that is the truth of the hour 

My marriage memento mori is a mediation
 on the mortality and demise
   of a marriage that rotted from neglect and abuse.
The first element in the composition
 pays homage to the first years
   before children until the birth of the twins:
     the matching wedding rings symbolize the hope that once was.
The second, third, and fourth elements in the composition
  reflect the chaos of the childhood years
    also known as your climbing the ladder years:
     an anatomical model of the brain, a human ear, and a stethoscope
       to represent our children with special needs and your passion.
The fifth element in the composition
  is a critical piece of the overall subject and added during the middle years::
    an assortment of currency including bills of large denominations
      because money is your chosen tool to exact punishment.
The sixth and seventh elements in the composition
    are the final and most crucial of all and represent the last five years:
      a large cross and a black bible with gold lettering
        because all abuse you inflict is sanctioned by your interpretation
          and your desire to be the martyr.
Over thirty years and this is our legacy to our children.
  All things are temporary. Life is fleeting. Death is inevitable.
    And I am finally able to start a fresh canvas without you.

Ommmmmm
shhh
awww
eeeeeee
s-o-u-n-d-s
n-o-t s-o-u-n-d-s
l-i-g-h-t
n-o-t l-i-g-h-t
c-o-l-d
n-o-t c-o-l-d
breathe
open
close
open
why is this
what is this
when will it not
where between there and here
am i?