From Robert Lee Brewer:
For today’s prompt, write a family poem. Good, bad, big, small, adopted, imaginary, nonexistent–everyone has to deal with family (even if that involves running from it or chasing it down). I have a feeling today’s prompt is going to stir up some really good poems.
Secrets slither down
ReplyDeletehallways concealed by doorways
eclipsed by shadows.
Her red lips, red hair
red dress, shimmer in dim light
as the door opens.
"Stop," she cautions, then
views the intruder, smiles
with invitation.
Case of mistaken
identity, so like him,
she discerns too late
it was not bright, door
unlocked, unprotected. One
can intrude unheard.
"Pizza?" he inquired.
Pepperoni, sausage. Smells
waft across the room.
Memories flood her
senses, family dinners,
Friday gatherings.
"So like your father,"
she says, "thought were a ghost
come back to haunt me."
okay I like this turn...
DeleteWhat's funny is that this is exactly where I had intended to go days ago. I can't believe they had the right prompt!
Deleteyup! it's flowing quite nicely!!!
DeleteVictoria, I like the way this is progressing...It is more interesting than a regular poem...
DeleteAll in the family was the best by far
ReplyDeleteBeen there, done that, live it
Carroll O'Connor play his role well
Defiantly loveable while playing a part
Everyone envied for it's honesty we had
Faith, in the end, he would see the
Good in everyone including himself
He was bigoted and racist but so innocent
In his ways you loved him as he was
Justified his actions and words
King of his house or so he thought
Loved his family more than life
Made even his most prejudiced remarks cute
Never a dull moment with Archie Bunker
Occasionally he went to far but Edith could put him in his
Place with a look while she sadly said his name
Quicker than she appeared she knew he was a good man
Respected him in spite of his flawed views
Some might have been offended but in
Truth he represented many blue collar workers
Unlike some of the other plastic shows of that time
Valiantly he stood his ground even when proven
Wrong but you always knew he wasn't a
Xerox copy of saccharine dads who did no wrong
Yes, he was bigoted, racist and a chauvinist
Zany with a twist we all loved All in the Family
Nice reprise of a program you must surely have enjoyed.
DeleteI love it! And Alphabet poem. Nicely done.
DeleteThanks for mentioning this, I never noticed. Now I am really impressed!!!
DeleteVery well crafted!!! Good job!!!
Deletenever seen these shows bonita. i was a " happy days " junkie though - heeeeyyyyyy!- fonzie.
DeleteBonnie, Wow! Nicely done! Very impressive poem! Enjoyed!!!
DeleteFamily can Be All of These
ReplyDeleteFamily is a warm place,
a smiling face,
a grace filled
moment in time.
Family can be a cruel war
a furor
a bloody bore
a necessary crime.
Family can rip you,
trip you,
even strip you,
of your last dime.
Family is everything
makes hearts sing
frustrating,
and yet, sublime.
you got it all... the good and the bad
DeleteYou are right, family can be everything...
DeleteAbsolutely. And I love the form. Is this a particular form or your own?
DeleteMade it up as I went along. Glad you all liked it. Sometimes I think my best poems are the totally spontaneous, quickly written ones.
Deletei agree with the second verse. a cruel war and a bloody bore. sorry to be so cynical tash - love and peace - paul.
DeleteIt is all of these,not just one, that's the point of the poem,. PLUS not every member of my family is there by blood, some are friends who become family so you might include those, you see?
DeleteLinda, I am putting my comment up here, I hope, thanks for your lovely poem, it is a treat to read about your love and how it is expressed, and how your little ones are so precious. Lucky you! Hugs are so special! Thanks for this delightful series of images.
DeleteTasha, I agree with you, Family can be everything. There are those who live in families filled with fear. Then there are families who live in lives filled with love and happiness.
DeleteI love my family
ReplyDeleteit's very large
but it's not the number of members
that count
it's the number of hugs
I get everyday
especially from the little ones
under three years old
They have special giggles
and special little puckers on their lips
some hug hard and some hug gently
soft like a butterflies
I love the line up of hugs from the older ones
they give me crunchers and I kiss them on the neck
Those come from the grandkids and I get them
all the time.
The most special hugs and kisses come from
my children...the ones that came from my womb
They're very special children
being that they're all grown up
I cherish these hugs and kisses
I will take them to the grave
Such beauty in an emotion
because they give them from their hearts
very sweet
DeleteLovely. And I agree. I have a new grandchild due nest month (Will and Taylor) and I so look forward to having one close by instead of in another state. Your family is particularly prolific though. I once told Mackenzie that if she wanted to get pregnant to move to Erie. I figured it must be something in the water. LOL
DeleteFAMILY VALUES
Deletemy mother was a cold fish
my father died when i was nine
all i remember about grandad is his hats
my sister is crazier than a bag of shithouse rats
through insanity, i walked the line
books and music were my childhood wish
my parents didn't care for music, or books
all i heard from mom was " turn down that bloody noise "
" just shut up and play with your toys "
learned chess
i especially liked the rooks
was told " what are you wasting your time on that chess rubbish for? "
self educated myself...i could do no less
it all ended in cancer and kidney ruptures and knocking on death's door.
sorry this one is so dark, but that's my family. it would have been better if i was part of the addams family ha ha - love - paul.
You made a poem from your feelings and your experiences and your truth. Thanks for your truth.
DeletePaul once again you posted your poem In the reply section for another poets poem. this is a big no no... yes your poem is dark but every family has a dark side. we can see both the good and the bad or choose to see only one or the other. I know you like to dwell on the dark so this poem suits you.
Deleteit's got to be the truth tash, or what's the point - love and peace - paul.
DeleteHi again, Paul. If you post your poem in the comment section rather than the reply section you might find it works better. Otherwise no one can comment in the poem's reply section, you see? It's a bit confusing, so I understand what happens, however remember Comment, not reply!
Deleteyeah, bonita, but there was little good in insanity, disease and rampant stupidity. tried to think of a possitive thing about my family and couldn't. when i was homeless, my sister wouldn't even let me sleep on her floor.....screw 'em - love and peace - paul.
Deletegotcha tash. comment, not reply
DeleteNice poem, Linda. I enjoy all those hugs and kisses, too!!! I love inheriting this tribe!
DeleteYes, strangely the comment is for the posting, the reply is for the commenting. Confusing much!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFamily
ReplyDeleteFamily is a concept more than anything
It chooses no boundaries or what they bring
Togetherness in the motto of the family tree
No one's left out, not you, not me
When you're part of family you represent all
With each member present in case of a fall
Unity is strength so families should stick together
They help each other make their way in nasty stormy weather
Family is a responsibility not to be taken for granted
It needs nurturing and caring after it's been planted
Hopefully someday we will all be as one
Then prejudice and hate will finally be done
Wouldn't all earthlings be farther ahead
If we invested in life instead of the dead
War is the farthest from family as one can get
It's ultimate conclusion can only bring regret