garnetrose – Page 4 – The Poetry Marathon

Poem 4: “Acceptance”

“Acceptance” by Mandy Austin Cook

there it is!

the human.

it sparkles past in the shimmering glimpses

of full lips

caressing a slightly gap- toothed smile

the joyful hiccup of a laugh

that warms everything around it

like gentle silky wind chimes.

let yourself be you

the best quality art has imperfections

for it may be the sameness of spirit that brings comfort

but it’s the different that’s remarkably interesting

so wear your scratches like diamond markings

your freckles like speckles of paint on canvas

and behold

the broken beauty so flawed it’s breathtaking

the everything sameness we all have in common

and the variety of our artistic differences

Poem 3: “The Copper Dragon”

” The Copper Dragon” by Mandy Austin Cook

it blinked a quick blink

with an otherwise steady gaze

and a surprisingly flat part to its angeldy head

wound around itself like a glistening ball of glowing copper scales

gleaming in the sunlight.

its forked tongue dashing out with a hypnotic quiet

just looking at me,

as if to understand

what I was about.

I spoke with my eyes but not with my mouth

standing within arm’s reach gazing with a mutual respect

I was too young to know the danger

all I saw was metallic patterned magic

a dragon without feet unmoving except for eyes and tongue

and that intoxicating silence in its observation

it let me wander on along my way

agreeing to disagree on being friends

the five year old in me was delighted

with the experience

Until I told my uncle John

Who adventured out barefoot

to silence the Copper Dragon.

Poem 2: “A Farmer’s Childhood”

“A Farmer’s Childhood” by Mandy Austin Cook

pots and pans clanging

over an unlit campfire

and a tablecloth lean-to

that Pappaw made himself.

a girl scout patch jacket

warm embraces of apple blossom breezes

and a pocket knife that whittles

go moo at Mr. Bull and he will moo back

pat his head through the gate: we won’t tell anybody

that he only LOOKS like he’s mean.

(he says it’s a secret)

the baby ducks will love you

following you around chattering their constant affection

go to the creek

to tickle the tiny turtle in the path

and his name from now on shall be Abner.

Poem 1: “Pappaw’s House”

“Pappaw’s House” by Mandy Austin Cook

a flashlight

and giggles

rebelliously deliciously tiptoeing

to the porch

with Barbie dolls.

we could have planned anything and the grand scheme

was to PLAY.

drink it in…….

both the up giggling and the “Hush you three!” from down the hallway

knowing in the morning

Fifi will lick your nose (and probably your ear if the nose doesn’t work)

cousin good mornings a “SHUT UP!” HE argues he doesn’t SNORE.

(he’s still mad the master plan was Barbies)

and coffee gurgles its aroma with sizzles of bacon slices

and the cheerful whistles

of comforting familiar.

Hello my name is Mandy Austin Cook. Like a fine wine I’m old enough to no longer mention my age, however I have been a published author and poet since I was 12 years old. I was a part of the Poetry Marathon in the past; it is a wonderful experience and a fun challenge. I am very excited to participate in the Poetry Marathon for this year as well!