The Poetry Marathon

I lied. I tried.

I cannot say goodbye.

by Karen Sullivan

Form: Palinode

(The recanting of Poem #23 “Farewell”)

You cannot remember my name.

I believe it is best for me to bid thee farewell.

by Karen Sullivan

Form: Landays

There is a scratching at the door.

Nature is clamoring.

There is a foot upon the floor.

Morning is stumbling.

Toward the rising light.

Stay in bed.

by Karen Sullivan

Form: Aubade

Remember the beginning

Every day was gold

Moments shared together

Every second – prized

Making time was easy

Because we were worth it

Each day passes swiftly

Realize that tomorrow may be too late

by Karen Sullivan

Form: Acrostic

In the sudden snow storm, the blizzard that white washed the landscape, you guided us home by instinct. Noone could see where fields and ditches and streets connected, so thick was winter’s blanket. The flakes falling like feathers from heaven weighed down my lashes and asked me to stay where I was, but you would not impose. We had to go despite the snow in spite of the snow to spite the snow.

Slowly, you turned the wheel and applied the gas. Navigating by virtue of the memory of millions of previously safe passages along that path. Your mind maneuvered us many miles safely to our door without incident. You knew the way by heart.

Years later, you got lost in the setting sun while making that very drive. That was when we clipped your wings.

by Karen Sullivan

Form: Prose Poetry

Bright blooming iris

Calling card of Celestial Iris

Don’t disregard the lovely lady requesting escort

Take her home

Calling card of Celestial Iris

Dark night with stars of light

Take her home

O’ Flower of Life

Dark night with stars of light

Booming beneath this window

O’ Flower of Life

She rests here waiting to depart

Blooming beneath this window

Her soul vibrates in the soil

She rests here waiting to depart

Awaken her

Her soul vibrates in the soil

Bright blooming iris

Awaken her

Don’t disregard the lovely lady requesting escort

by Karen Sullivan

Form: Pantoum

There once was a Granny from Salem

Who peeled all potatoes and ate um

She liked them to be mashed

And served with corn beefed hash

There was never a need to save um

by Karen Sullivan

Format: Limerick

See my grandmother standing over there

Looking at the rainbow beyond the fields

Glitter glints in her eyes, gleams in her hair

Reflecting the compassion she reveals

Her dress is billowing in gentle air

Radiating the harmony life yields

See my grandmother standing over there

Looking at the rainbow beyond the fields

Her laughter is a gift for all to share

Her speech adorned with the purist ideals

Will not contradict the love that she wields

Do you see her standing just yonder there

Looking at the rainbow beyond the fields

by Karen Sullivan

Form: Rondel

O’ Storyteller, Bard of My Youth –

Please, make the dolls dance.

I cannot bear such silence.

By Karen Sullivan

Form: Lament

Unassuming children for truth they reach

Starched pants and pleated shirts staring eyes wide

Pilgrims all pew perched in high holy pride

Eager innocence seeking what men preach

Following along with the rhythmic stride

Narrating illustrated thoughts to each

Selective scriptures for the soul to ride

Contradictions that confuse what men teach

How the altar of disappointment brings

Naive babes to be fed the truth that cries

Animated parables pulling strings

Fooling all who would be honest and wise

Enamored by the dancing shiny things

Until they all crave the taste of men’s lies

by Karen Sullivan

Form: Petrarchan Sonnet