The Poetry Marathon

Summer of Broken Rules (Redaction denied) – Hour 14, Prompt 14

Summer of broken rules

smashing glass and jumping in pools

no matter which backyard you choose

eating from fridges, cooking on stoves

blindfold pinning a map to see where to go.

 

Singing in concert halls too good for you

never once worried you’re out of tune

dancing atop the highest height

wobbling, near the edge, at night

never having the slightest fright.

 

Walking on the railroad tracks

daring life till near-train attacks

still, press on and dodge some cars

jumping roof to roof, under stars.

 

Only way to stop this mess

mother’s holler from home address

then freeze, and hang your head so low

there’s only one right way to go.

 

Redaction, they said

to this I dare, instead

like my poem so much

no words shall I touch.

 

– Sandra Johnson, 9-2-2023

(No words were harmed in the non-redaction of this poetry.)

 

 

11:02

Words of Wisdom From the Purple Poet hour 14

Words of Wisdom From the Purple Poet

I never claimed to be wise or a savant
in any way, don’t possess extraordinary
knowledge on any one subject,
never thought of myself as a purveyor
of wisdom but I can share my experience
with you for whatever it’s worth.

Leave sleeping dogs lie is crucial
as is leave husbands sleeping on the couch
alone, let them wake up whenever the dog
decides it’s time to get up, go out, go to bed.

Don’t believe everything you read.
if Cinderella’s shoe fit perfect, why did it fall off?
This too shall pass, yeah, right, like a kidney stone
and it’s gonna hurt.
Back off, if I was meant to be controlled,
I would have come with a remote.
Yes, the truth hurts; you would too
if you were stretched as much.
A thousand mile journey starts with one step;
just watch where you put your foot.

Don’t ever expect anyone ever to do anything
you didn’t ask them to. If they do it, woohoo
be glad there are no grumbles about my time,
or I’ll do it later right before never, maybe,
which is around the time you’ll do it yourself
and do it right.

An apple a day will keep anyone away
if you throw it hard enough.
Since light is faster than sound, some people
may appear bright… wait until they speak.
Know what you want but more important,
know what you don’t want.
Trust dogs; they are a very good judge of character.
If given a choice, pick the purple one.
Words of wisdom, you’re welcome.

~ J R Turek Hour 14

24 Hour Poetry Marathon Hour 15: A Tribute to E.E. Cunningham “The Tick of a Brick”

Poetry
O sweet spontaneity
people, what makes them tick
the
possible demise
thick

words of
philosophy, perspective and art
and
a prick (not what you think)

these
have sometimes naughty looks
an assumed part of
role
not necessarily

beauty .
how
eyes of the beholder
physical acts of propriety
squeezing
hugs etc.

and of course, some conception
Gods or gods
environmental
true (really)

waiting
for a dream
conquering buried imagination
a rhythmic
lover
not always coherent

Right
that is the answer
nonsense
no such thing based
on
some critics

Offerings – Hour 15

Submission in death, Eternity’s undying promise,

That is where my wintry embrace lays.

Ever expectant in savagery and solace,

Sanctified life is no comparison to my offering.

A tithe of; pleasure, pain, desire… ecstasy,

Accession to hearts softening.

 

 

Choices hour 14 redact prompt

Choices
everything xxxxxxx in a moment. the big xxx in the lottery, the xxxxxxxx car down the highway, the unexpected xxxxx from across the room, the secret xxxxx who shows up at the xxxxxxxxxxx party, the leaping xxxx xxxxx in front of the car. xxxxxxx can be done, but watch and wait, then xxxxxxx, pick yourself up and xxxxxxxx on.

Stay.

When lights lit the city,
Everyone busy,
I found myself cradled with loneliness
Keen to find someone to speak
Then a wanderlust star peeped,
Seated high in the pitch black sky
It smiled at me
Unknowingly i began talking to it
The star embraced me through the night
Telling me stories of its own
And listening to mine without frowns
Promise me you’ll always be my side
I said
The next morning i found him out of sight

Sleepy Time

At this time I’m usually resting. I’ve said my prayers and lay looking at a movie.I wake up suddenly due to something disturbing me. I go to check it out then it’s back to resting. Again, I am awaken having to use it. As we said in grade school with a raised hand “teacher can I go and use it?”. I go check on my mother ‘cause I take care of her. Then it’s back to my resting feeling like a blur.

Once again I’m awakened this time by my kitties. It’s snack time for them my rest goes on back end. I get them their treats and then back to resting. The night goes on and again I am resting. Up again for natural causes cause I drink lots of water so I’m up one mo’ ‘gin for that reason.

Throughout the night I toss, turn and fight for at least eight hours, to no avail but I’m still on it!!!

Prompt for Hour Fifteen

Text Prompt

Write a poem about an experience, but from the perspective of another. For example you could write a poem about your wedding from the experience of your spouse, or you could write a poem about an argument with a stranger from the perspective of the stranger.

Image Prompt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Manny Becerra 

11 PM – Scavenger Hunt

I couldn’t guess the bicycle,

I couldn’t guess the song,

I couldn’t find the library,

but I could ride along, along,

and search for clues.

I’ve got at least one, in the friend I have in you.

 

We spiraled to the Pagoda,

looked down and then climbed up.

I almost popped the bike chain,

which would have really sucked.

But I could ride along, along, and search for clues.

I’ve got at least one, in the friend I have in you.

 

When we stopped for books at the coordinates you wrote,

I wondered just how long it’s take to pedal right on home.

Though temporary– even when you go,

home is where you make it, and the friend you are to me is wherever we meet.

 

When we made it to the porch an X marked our back door,

I thought I’d made it to the end, but we’d been here before

I couldn’t guess the bookshelf

And I searched every room

It took at least five minutes to figure the last clue

But that’s okay

Because I’ve got one, in the friend I have in you.