The Poetry Marathon

My Mother’s Vice

she won’t say much except she liked tobacco

its calming effect on her nerves

maybe she once imagined herself

Katherine Hepburn, cigarette in hand

accoutrement for deflection

parochial school carpool queen, cigarette hangs

from her lips, one arm expertly steers

the other swats noisy uniformed kids

crammed in a container of school sweat

cured by suburban menthol

when we were old enough to talk back

we shamed her habit, badgered this

choice need desire to smoke

a felon then surfaced, hiding her vice

stomped out evidence

patio of solace, snuffing a dying butt, she falls

a dislocated hip forces intervention

a thirty year nonsmoker, she still tastes

pleasure, rush of nicotine washing

her brain, softening daily discomfort, details

(reminds me of my own numbing vices)

––pride punishes another generation

June 26, 2021

Eating My Way Through a Poem

no one likes to admit her strange alchemy

in a universe of distraction & bad habits

reduced fat Cheez Its, baked whole grain Goldfish

black licorice twists, fat free & fructose

chewing settles my inner ruminant, i ingest

artificial flavors to spike desire

for words, excavate truths awaiting discovery

or swell of lyric deep in my belly

caffeine washes down fullness, gives rise to        space

tormented line breaks rush to page

in mouthfuls of inspiration, crunched rhythms 

of heart songs tapped on a food stained keyboard

June 26, 2021

culinary bonanza

i serve a perfect recipe for dressing smart:

avoid clingy shirts, opt for

clean lines, complement

your look with merino wool

signals understated taste, ease with life

throw on hair gel

tame some of that wild

my spectacular spread, decorating guidance:

keep it simple, minimal, chic

lose that aqua polka dotted rug

embrace muted tones, modern looks

light a candle for ambiance

stick to simple pieces

with hints of personality

here’s a healthy dish of interview tips:

dazzle with positive energy

problem solving & patience

don’t forget your awesome work ethic,

customer service, value added

wear your passion

thick like summer jam

irresistible treat, my famous dating counsel:

put yourself out there

join that group – get yourself

an electric bike, a jump-start ascent

you never know who you might meet

why stay bland when

you possess cinnamon charm

i’ve cooked & plated unsolicited advice:

my parietal lobe’s culinary bonanza

chefs up thoughts-turned-speech

to tongue, unable to hold back

all that i want for you

maternal bounty for your table

… you politely note thanks, you’re not hungry

June 26, 2021

Hi everyone,

I’m a first timer here, ready for the half marathon. My husband and two doggies have generously conceded space for me to do my thing here this Saturday and I’m psyched! I have spent my first year in retirement writing, taking classes and learning, and have great hopes that this endeavor will help me stretch my craft and imagination. Wishing my fellow poets all the best this weekend — and here’s to creativity and joy!