The Poetry Marathon

Prompt: “Write a poem about a moment of joy.”

in the intricacies of life,
and the web of outcomes,
you were chosen,
for such delightful news.

a gift of health,
a tumour vanished,
a second chance,
let’s rejoice!

end of the tunnel reached,
so brightly lit,
where joy re-lives.

Prompt: “Write a poem that involves a mythical monster in some capacity, whether it’s as a side character, a prop, a villain or even the protagonist”

I am just a misunderstood creature,
a deadly stare they say,
but I can not help it.

born this way,
I am doomed to be feared.

My mother left me before I was born,
maybe her karma is on me,
to suffer the consequences for eternity.

Prompt: “Write a poem with the last line being a question and the answer being the title.”

No amount of saying sorry,
will soothe your broken heart.

Hands sweating,
mind racing,
rip off the bandage,
it must be done.

A loss
for the best,
time to move on.

And when people ask me,
what was the hardest thing I’ve done?

Prompt: “Write a poem about someone or something you have a lust for”

First, it was lust,
In the dust of the past.
All it took was a glance,
and there in my dreams, you danced.

Forbidden feelings,
you got me reeling.
How could I say no?
I stooped too low.

Overlooked everything,
it was your body I was worshipping.
Forgot to see behind the mask,
I drank from your poisoned flask.

Prompt: “Tell me an old story (like a folktale from your culture, a fairytale you heard when you were young or a story passed down in your family). You can give it your own twist as well.”

A duality of morality
two angels
one good
one bad

sitting on either shoulder
telling me how I should act

Are these angels best friends?
enemies?
siblings?
Lovers?

Good cannot exist without bad
Destined to be separated for eternity
by the human shoulders
they must always stand

Prompt: “Write a poem about a time when something really bad happened…that later turned out to be a good thing.”

Your absence burnt a hole into my heart,
I couldn’t understand,
your lack of empathy.

Days and weeks go by,
a once sunny time
turned to bleak sadness.

As full moons made their monthly presence,
you made me realise the most fundamental truth:
I deserved better.

Thank you for letting me go,
most importantly,
I’m grateful, I let you go.

Now, the sun is shining again.

Prompt: “Write about gathering with others. The specifics are up to you.”

Unification of the soul,
sharing of a story,
our hearts are whole,
to connect is a glory.

A sense of belonging,
a soul’s translater,
for a longing,
to be part of something greater.

Prompt: “Write a poem about laughter without ever using the words, laugh, laughter, or giggle.”

Being funny comes naturally to you.
A day never goes by that I don’t chuckle.

Sometimes, I can’t breathe,
gasping for air,
holding my belly,
an eruption waiting to happen.

Such happiness dwells,
I forget about everything else,
seeing your smile,
makes my day.

Being funny comes naturally to you…
never stop making me chuckle.

Prompt: “Personify an animal. Switch its trait. Example: a disinterested lion, a polite gorilla, an aggressive giraffe…”

Even the most delicious food does not appease me

I should be happy, but can’t help but be dyspeptic

They just got a puppy,

now I’m left disappointed.

How could they do this to me?

I was their only four-legged dweller.

Now I’m in a dark place,

oh dear,

maybe I’m being dramatic.

Prompt: “Look in your cupboards and find a food that brings up a childhood memory, and the memory is your prompt”

It’s called lavashak,

fruity leather goodness.

I sit in the garden

the stray cat looking

for something as delicious

as what I have in my hands.

I peel the lavashak from its plastic confinement

first, a lick

so sour, makes my tongue tingle

then an unmistakable sweetness

marries the sour.

What bliss…

a five year old sitting on the concrete steps

sun beating down

and eating lavashak.