Resolution Resolve

New year,
new fear.

Resolve
to dissolve
fear.

Unseasonably Warm Winter Days

Warm weather,
no sweater.

Play in the sun,
perfect for a run.

Wrong season,
spring teasin'.

Will it be cold later?
Global warming hater.

Who Will Win?

Seagulls scuttle

in and out 

of the surf.

Never ending game

of chicken.

All Good Things Must Come to an End

Fallen pines line

the street.

Puddles of needles

pool under the

skeletal remains.

Casualties of the season.

Canine Welcoming Committee

Wiggley bottoms,
waggy tails.
Warm welcome
never fails.

Wrap Aftermath

Gift wrap strewn,
"Just what I wanted!"
Contents revealed
from gifts that taunted.

Best Gift Ever

The best
Christmas gift
is the present.

Merry Christmas!

Cat and Mouse

'Twas the night before Christmas
and all through the house
you could hear the cat purring,
he had just eaten a mouse.

The mouse lounged lazily
in the fat cat's belly
contemplating his fate,
which was rather smelly.

"This situation's no good,
I don't want to be here.
If I don't get out soon
I'll miss Christmas this year."

The mouse got on his four paws.
He swayed and he wiggled.
The more the mouse danced,
the more the cat giggled.

Between purrs and giggles,
the cat was convulsing.
The mouse's dance moves
had cat's belly pulsing.

Finally the cat couldn't take it,
he gave a lurch and a gack.
Out shot the mouse,
who landed on his back.

Mouse picked himself up
and zipped through the door.
He was home for Christmas,
he couldn't ask for anything more.

The cat on the other hand
was unbelievably tired.
He slept through Christmas
and from mouse hunting he retired.

Seasonal Hazard

Up on the rooftop
Clop, clop, clop
Those darn reindeer
Plop, plop, plop

'Tis the Season

'Tis the season
To eat badly,
Fa-la-la-la, la-la-la, BLAH!

New Dog, Old Trick

I am hungry,
but have to wait.
Feels like forever
since I ate.

How long you ask?
About an hour!
Need more than kibble -
got no willpower.

I nibble the couch,
the people yell.
Then suddenly
I smell THE smell.

A fresh rawhide!
They fell for my trick.
I eat furniture
and get a treat quick.

Worry

The constant

exertion

of mental energy

that yields 

no results.

Commercial Overload

That minty fresh

feeling

can't mask 

my distaste for

commercials.

Hide and Seek

Waiting to be found.

Winner

or forgotten?

Last Minute Shopping

I rush,
I scurry.
I shop,
I worry.

A want?
A need?
Something to wear,
something to read?

Pressure's on,
money's tight.
Over socks,
I saw a fight!

Seven days
until the Eve,
this store
I wanna leave.

Bad Poetry

I think, I thought
all for naught.

No rhyme or verse,
so I curse.

Afternoon Movie Marathon

Fading light
movie's bright.
Dinner will be
late tonight.

Who Am I?

I have eight legs,
all of them hairy.
Harmless to people,
but some think me scary.

I creep out at night,
crawling from my burrow.
I eat insects,
I'm very thorough.

My skeleton is
on the outside.
I molt when I grow,
folks think I've died.

Who am I?

Counting Sheep

I'm so tired,
I can not sleep.
Wide awake,
I count sheep.

One bah,
two baahhs,
three baaahhhs,
four...
Counting sheep
can be a bore.

I'm still tired,
I count once more,
until the sheep
are at the door.

One bah,
two baahhs,
three baaahhhs,
four...
Counting sheep
is such a chore.

My eyes droop,
my ears thrum.
Counting sheep
is getting dumb.

I want sleep,
I close my eyes.
I start to snooze
until...surprise!

One bah,
two baahhs,
three baaahhhs,
four...
I fall asleep
upon the floor.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Rain in the Woods

Drops plop,
puddles fill.
Frogs hop,
peepers trill.

Newts scoot
across the trail.
On leafy boats
fire ants sail.

If You Swim With Me

You'll see ship hulls
and pirate skulls
if you swim with me.

You'll gain mad skills
in eating krill
if you swim with me.

You'll learn to skyhop,
but not belly flop
if you swim with me.

You'll be preaching
the joys of breaching
if you swim with me.

You will shout,
"I have a spout!"
If you swim with me.

Air Head

Sudden gusts
leave my head
floating on
hair currents.

Seasonal Closet Changes

tank tops
sleeveless shirts
sun dresses
flowered skirts

put up
put away
winter clothes
out today

sweats
sweatshirts
jeans
wool skirts

Alarming Alarm

A jet engine
precedes
the sun
with a rumble.

Into my pillow
I grumble.

Deep Thoughts Defrost

Windshield is fitted
with a crusty
layer of ice.

We sit
in a bubble
waiting
for clarity.

Alternate Transportation

Driving when it's wet
makes me sweat.

Cars still jet,
but I won't fret.

I'll avoid the threat
by walking my pet.

Rain coat on, I'm set.
Exercise I get.

I'll even bet
this is the best day yet.

Miss Communication

She texts

from across the table.

Her meaning

is lost

as soon as she hits

send.

Tuesday Morning Quarterback

Whistles blow,
off sides.
Grunts and groans,
helmets collide.

Line of scrimmage,
running game.
Our team lost,
refs to blame.

Self Talk

The glowing green light
of the smoke alarm
is here to protect me
not to do me harm.

I tell myself this
every single night
to keep myself
from nightly fright.

Dog's Dessert

Her furry nose traces
the patterned rug map.
Our pup navigates
after dinner scraps.

Best of Show

Petite paws
heel, trot, stop
Fur long,
like a mop.

Tail held high,
pedigree.
Ears perked up,
Show Doggy.

Negative 3.14

walk fast
exercise
burn off
pumpkin pies

Who is Coming for Dinner?

Gobble-gobble...

The farmer's acting quirky,

And a little bit jerky.

...gobble-gobble...

His wife is acting perky -

Her smile is very smirky.

...gobble-gobble...

I fear my future's murky...

I found out dinner's turkey!

...gobble-gobble...GULP!

Happy Thanksgiving?

Allergic to Wind

wind howls
blustery blows
dust flies
up my nose

*achoo!*

In the Night

I
listen
in the night.

Coyote
yip,
howl,
prowl.

Mom checks
on me
and my sister.

Wide Awake

coiled

on the mattress

insomnia

After the Rain

tip toe
gutter flow
after the rain

soggy soil
strolling toil
after the rain

worms creep
wrens cheep
after the rain

breathe clean
future's green
after the rain

November is for Adoption, Too!

When the air chills
on November days,
we busy ourselves
in thankful ways.

During this month
another option
is celebrating
the joys of adoption.

Photo Booth Senryu

Sisters squeeze tight in

garlic infused booth. Giggles

drift past blue curtain.

Box After Box

Emptying
boxes
drains me.

Seasonal Fallout

The autumn trees

explode 

with color -

orange, yellow, red.  

The fallout 

flutters 

and 

floats 

d

o

w

n 

to the ground.

 

I stomp,

fling

and crunch

my way

through

the season -

until all the leaves 

take their leave 

and the branches 

are bare.

Mellow Man

He makes a point
to slow down.
He breathes deep
and looks around.

He stays alert
and aware,
keeps his life
real and rare.

But pressures
make it hard.
Inner peace
he must guard.

When he sleeps
and eats good food,
he becomes
a Zen dude.

Too Busy

Rush, rush,
hurry, hurry -
day went by
blurry, blurry.

Settling In

new house
new sounds
possibilities
abound

Moving Day

Box after box
into the truck.
Last is the couch -
oh no, it's stuck!

Slide, stack, and wedge -
everything's in.
At the new house
unpacking begins.

Packing Day

Packing boxes.

Life condensed

into cardboard cubes.

Bed Bouncing

I bounce
real high
when I try
to touch the sky
instead I cry
and scream, "why?"
because I
smacked my thigh.
*sigh*

Windswept Hair

A gust whips,
zips, and flips
Mom's hair.

Her updo is
a tangled, mangled
nightmare.

Looking At Me Looking At You

I opened the blinds
and got a surprise,
a brown grasshopper's
staring me in the eyes.

Clinging to the screen
with all of his might,
not sure who had
the bigger fright.

Honor Our Veterans

Veterans 

are the ones 

who put country first 

despite their fears, 

the danger, 

the odds.  

Honor our Veterans 

today 

and 

everyday.

Mood Mending Rx: Coffee

grump
scowl
mood
foul

grind
brew
sip
phew!

Crazy Eights

Dealer deals
seven cards.
Getting eights
is really hard.

I pick and pick
then discard.
Mom and I
playing cards.

Wow That's Loud

Heard a roar
behind a door
realized it was
Daddy's snore.

An Unexpected Encounter

A curve in the path
opens into a
clearing.

A coyote and I
lock eyes
surprised
to be standing
two feet apart.

After our mutual
"oh my" moment
we look away
then depart
in opposite directions.

We check
over our shoulders
to see that
the other species
continues
to retreat
until we are too far
apart
to see each others eyes.

Nightmare

coyote howls
jolt her awake
the crib is
empty

RIP Jack O'Lantern

I have dark spots,
my mouth now droops.
My flesh and skin
has turned to goop.

I'm not a zombie,
my name is Jack.
I used to shine bright,
now my guts are black.

In the compost heap
I currently sit.
I'm decomposing
lickity-split.

Soon I will be
mixed into the ground
helping next year's crop
become plump and round.

Manic Monday

Make breakfast
and my lunch.
Running late,
time crunch.

Unexpected Weather

Trashcan banged,
a blustery gust.
Steady rain
smoothing dust.

Surprising
midnight storm.
In November,
not the norm.

Fun Size?

fun size headache
fun size stomach ache
fun size candy
hangover

Mortimer Minute for Poetry Friday

Huge thank you to Linda Baie at Teacher Dance for tagging me in The Mortimer Minute Children's Poetry Blog Hop!  She also happens to be the host of this week's Poetry Friday Roundup! Hop on over and nibble on some amazing poetry!


Started by children's poet and author Janet Wong several week's ago, I get to enjoy Mortimer's company this week, soothing his sore belly after a night of Trick-or-Treating.  Here's another carrot, Dear Mortimer...

I'm supposed to answer one question from the person who tagged me (Linda) then add two of my own.  Finally, I will tag another blogger and Mortimer will be on his way..

The question I chose to answer from Linda's Hop is: "What is one funny poem you can recite that you use for children?"

I love the following poem both for it's lay out on the page (screen) and its repeated use of "bit". Mortimer approved of my choice...

Rabbit
by  Mary Ann Hoberman

   A rabbit
            Bit
A little bit
An itty-bitty
   Little bit of beet
    Then bit
        By bit
        He bit
Because he liked the taste of it

My questions:
Why do you post a poem EVERYday?

In a word: practice.  I am trying to improve my skills and the best way to do this is by practicing my skills.  I am not always successful with my poetry, but once in a while I create a gem. By posting my poetry daily on a blog I am held accountable to my small, but loyal, group of readers. *waves and mouths thank you to each and everyone of you*


Are your poems autobiographical and/or about your family?

I am actually asked this question a lot. Sometimes they are about me and/or my family (though the names have been changed) and sometimes they are just random streams of my consciousness. Once I wrote a poem about a child getting a huge snarl in her hair and she has to get a haircut. After I posted that poem I had several family members asking if it was about one of my girls who have VERY long hair (down to their waist). It wasn't, it was just a funny thought I had one day.

That's it for my part of the HOP, now I pass Mortimer and his stash of carrots to...   

Little Willow!

Little Willow is a bookseller, writer, actress, and webdesigner, among other things.  At her blog, Bildungsroman, you'll find her book review, exclusive interviews with authors, and booklists galore.  Wondering where does her blog get its name?  Dictionary.com defines a bildungsroman as "a novel whose principal subject is the moral, psychological, and intellectual development of a usually youthful main character." And though her blog has an emphasis on YA fiction, LW also reads and reviews books for younger audiences as well as adults.  Drop by sometime!

Bildungsroman:

http://slayground.livejournal.com

http://www.slayground.net/bildungsroman

Rock the Rock Webdesign:

http://www.rocktherock.com

 
 

It's All About the Candy

Most trick or treaters
are big time eaters
of good ol' Halloween candy.

Whether they be witches
or ghouls with stitches,
as doorbell ringers they're dandy.

Imagine my fright
on Halloween night
when my candy bowl is bare!

I rush to the store,
buy Snickers and more.
It's expensive, but I don't care.

Let the doorbell ring,
to the door I bring
more candy than will fit in my bowl.

Each trick or treater
is that much sweeter
because of the candy I dole.

Unfamiliar Feeling

My arm hairs
stand on end.

Bumps stretch
across my flesh.

I actually need to
wear a sweater.

And pants.

What is this feeling?

Could it be
that I am cold?

Pomegranate Pilferer

stained teeth
scattered seeds
ruby fingertips
caught red handed

I Spoke the Truth

I spoke up,
I spoke out,
now I am
freaking out.

Am I in trouble?
Are you mad?
Did my words
make you sad?

Phew, you're smiling...
big relief!
You won't give me
any grief?

I just said
what was true,
just like friends
should always do.

Walk in the Wash

*flick-flitter*
Grasshoppers
prepare the path
for our passage.

Splish the Fish

Splish the fish
swims swish, swish.

After a week
he's strong, not weak.

Hope he stays alive
and continues to thrive.

Eternal Quest

Spheres of orange
in a field of stubble.
The "perfect" pumpkin,
too much trouble.

What Month Is It?

Got a big surprise
at the store today.
Looking for costumes
I found Christmas displays.

I searched the aisles
for ghosts and ghouls,
instead all I found
were Christmas jewels.

I looked for pumpkins,
but found lighted trees.
Festive ornaments
instead of bulk candy.

What month is it?
October, right?
Then why is Santa
giving me a fright?

Stores seem confused by
the calendar dates.
Buying for Halloween?
It's already too late.

Wee Wednesday Weader: Spontaneous Parent Story

 Today's "Weader" is me, but I'm not "weading" a poem, but rather sharing a story.  Below is my Spontaneous (Planned) Story of how I became a Mom, twice.  I performed my story on October 3rd  at Odyssey Storytellers here in Tucson, AZ in front of a live audience.  It's about 6 minutes long...please disregard my not so flattering image on the video, but instead tune into the story and the storytelling.They are what is important. :)

Oops!

sirens approach
the warning label remains
unread

Broken Car Blues

click
clack
grumble
crack

squeal
groan
rumble
drone

car noises
don't belong
car's broken
repair song

It's My Birthday!

Today I turn
another year older.
Wiser? Funnier?
Definitely bolder!

Sweet Nothings for my Sweet on Sweetest Day

Come here, Tootsie (Roll),
let me give you a Kiss!
I love you more
than all the Starbursts
in the Milky Way!

I'll never Snicker at
your Whopper laugh.
Your smile gives me
(Almond) Joy!

Please don't Skittle away
from my Butterfingers.
It makes my heart
Krackle and Crunch when
you act like a Baby (Ruth).

You are as sweet
as a Bit O' Honey. 
Let's run off to 5th Avenue
on Pay Day and leave
Mr. Goodbar and those
3 Musketeers behind!

Happy Sweetest Day, My Sweet!

Midnight Mastermind

Woke up in the night,
had all my problems solved.
But by the morning light,
my solutions had dissolved.

Contemplative Child

She stares off
to the left,
eyes unfocused,
mouth set.

Is she bored?
Angry?
Indifferent?

Or is she thinking
deeper thoughts
than we give her
credit for?

Flit Flutter Fly

Flit,
flutter,
fly.

A pair of
butterflies
dance in the
sky.

Autumn Glare

Sun's angle
low in
my eye.

Transportation

The sounds of
early morning traffic
ebb and flow
like waves crashing
on the shoreline
of her dreams.

Stomach Flu

Head dizzy,
tummy woozy,
stomach flu
is a doozy.

Group Aerobics Class

kick
kick
jump
slide-slide

left
left
right
*collide*

oof
oof
ouch
apologize

hop
hop
stretch
floor exercise

Vegetable or Decoration?

Shiny gourds,
heaped upon
the red,
brown,
gold,
and orange
fabric leaves
down the center
of our table
reminds visitors
of the season,
warts and all.

Cold Foot

Woke up late,
one step behind.
My left shoe
I can not find.

On the bus
in one sock,
driver's in
a state of shock.

Wee Wednesday "Weader": Dawn Patrol

Propane ignites,
balloons take flight.
Glowing light,
amazing sight!

Today's poem is inspired by the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Dawn Patrol...the first line of balloons that take flight just before sunrise. Truly an amazing sight!

Caution: Snail Crossing

Look here
a slimy smear
crisscrossing
my walk.

Look here
a slimy smear,
I step - CRUNCH -
and balk.

Look here
a slimy smear,
I crouch down
to gawk.

Look here
a slimy smear,
cracked shell behind
a stalk.

Monday Off

Long weekend
ends today.
Fun spilled over
to Monday.

Sunday Breakfast

Cooking smells,
my mouth waters.
Hearty breakfast
with my daughters.

Decidely Dirty

On my belly,
between my toes,
messy globs
on my clothes.

Under my nails,
on the floor,
Mom barely let me
through the door.

A hot shower
with bubbly soap,
I'm finally clean,
now mom can cope.

Fair Food?

cotton candy
edible dayglow
spider webs

Laundry Day

fold
fold
smooth
stack

clean clothes
we don't lack

Homework Time

Gotta finish
my homework.
If I don't
I'll go berserk.

Math, spelling,
social studies -
when I'm done
time for buddies.

Momster

Look out,
Mom's mad.
On the prowl
for anything bad.

Scowling,
grumbling,
storming,
mumbling.

Steer clear,
let her pass.
Keep quiet,
do not sass.

Eventually
she calms down.
A big smile
replaced her frown.

First Cold of the Season

droopy eyes
drippy nose
whimpered cries
midday doze

sneezy spray
gotta cold
stay away
you've been told

Early Birds

tweet-tweet
squawk-flap
chirup-chirp
tap-tap-tap

early morning
avian symphony
a cacophony
playing just for me

Almost Oatmeal

cooking in a pot
bubbly pop

spooned in a bowl
lumpy glop

highchair kick
soapy mop

Must. Have. Coffee.

Window blinds tapped,
kept me awake.
Being "with it"
I'll have to fake.

"Want some coffee?"
I do today!
2 cups to think,
1 more to play.

Thursday

Thursday.

A challenging day
just by its
placement
within the week.

I feel good to
make it past
Wednesday
- Hump Day -
 but I'm still not
yet to Friday
- the gateway to
the weekend.

Thursday.

Always landing
between
the middle and the end
of the week.

Every week.

I will try
to make it through
today.

Thursday.

Wee Wednesday "Weader": Sword Master

I fire
and forge.
I form
a sword.

I hammer
hot steel.
The thumping
I feel.

I end
my day
with fun
sword play.


Gargantuan thank you to this week's "Weader", Tony, and his brother, Andy, for sharing their mad blacksmithing skills! Cool...or hot if you are standing in front of that oven!

Modern Communication

Text message
unanswered.
His silence
speaks volumes.

Cool Air

Woke to
a chill,
a crispness,
goosebumps
I feel.

Weather change,
sun's angle shifts,
with Autumn
my spirits lift.

Autumn Equinox

Today is equal
to tonight.
Equal parts
dark and light.

Ben's Bells

ding
dong
kindness
song

bell
rings
kindness
sings

Sun Kissed Skin

From my
polka dot nose
to the spots
on my toes,
I'm even freckled
under my clothes.

Mom's Gone

Burnt toast
permeates my teddy bear.
The divorce is final.

Wee Wednesday "Weader": Puppy Jump

What is that lump,
that blankety bump,
with a furry rump?
Peekaboo!
Puppy jump!

Puppy hugs and whisker kisses to this week's "Weader", Smidgey, for letting the world in on her blanket and cheese habit! (Special thanks to dog handler/poetry helper, Joe, for voicing the poem.) Woof!

Spoils of Grocery Shopping

bread
meat
milk
treat

veggies
chips
coffee
dip

cereal
fruit
grocery
loot

Monday Morning Mishaps

Woke up late,
missed the bus.
Dad drove me
with a great fuss.

At school I see
I have no lunch.
Teacher gave me
carrots to munch.

Can't wait to say
goodbye to today,
then Monday will be
a week away.

Path Dwellers

ant hill

ancient civilization

built on shaky

ground

Subtle Seasonal Change

Cooler nights,
not as hot days.
Transition into fall
is on its way.

Blabber Mouth

When she 

let the cat out of the bag

the can of worms 

burst open

causing her to 

spill the beans.

Wee Wednesday "Weader": Doll Friend

With bright eyes
and a button nose,
my doll and I
wear similar clothes.

My doll is my friend,
though she is a toy.
Playing with her
brings me much joy.

I whisper my secrets
or we drink tea.
My special doll
is perfect for me.

Epic thank you to this week's :Weader", Maureen, who truly is a "living doll"!

Stressed

Always on the go,
I rush, rush, rush.
My brain feels
the crush, crush, crush.

Flashlight Walk

Focused light

fills in

the blanks

left 

by the moon.

Tall Tongue

Giraffe tongue,
long and blue,
wraps 'round leaves
at the zoo.

Stinky Feet

Socks and shoes
on my feet.
End of the day,
not so sweet.

Cat-astrophe Limerick

There were two kittens who
Liked to sleep in my shoe.
Sidled toe to heel,
Not sure the appeal.
My foot caused a loud mew.

Mirage Madness

Mid-day heat ripples -
a phantom fountain
always outdistancing
my resolve.

Wee Wednesday "Weader": American Born Aussie

I was born in the U.S.,

But grew up in Oz.

I speak English,

But people pause.

They don't understand

What I've just said.

Their puzzled looks

I always dread.

Colossal thank you to this week's "Weader", Nathan, for being the American Born Aussie that he is with the COOL accent! G'day mate!

Bottom Up Beetle

flat on its shell

legs flailing

backstroke without a ripple

Happy Labor Day!

No school today,
We have a day to play,
All because it's Labor Day!
Who's Mr. Labor anyway?
And how'd he score this holiday?
I'm thankful either way...
A day off school is A-OK!
Hip-hip-hooray!

Social Media Saturation

Trill,
Tweet,
Twitter.
Choir of the masses.
Does it need to be said?

Belted Serpent

Half coiled,
the scales of the braided leather
are camouflaged
in the weave of the carpet.

I don't realize
the danger of
the bedroom floor terrain
until it is too late -
OUCH!

The bucklemouth
strikes
my foot.

Tea for Two

Peppermint tea

sears and cools

my mouth

while his words

do the same

to my soul.

Impatient Patient

I am early,
Dentist is late.
Dumb magazines
Are my fate.

 Mouth wide open,
Cheek and gum numb.
Maybe those magazines
Weren't so dumb.

Wee Wednesday "Weaders": Police Pair (A Poem in Two Voices)

Call 9-1-1

I answer the phone

                                      You may meet me

                                       In a speed zone

                We work to help you.

                             

                                        And keep the peace.

We are here for you.

                We are the police.

Huge THANK YOU to this week's "Weaders", Bill and Christina, for being excellent police department employees and wonderful "weaders"!

Writer's Block

I'm stumped,
I can't think
Of a poem
That doesn't stink*.

(*including this one)

Crickets in the Kitchen

Crickets in the kitchen -
Under there?
I hear them here
And everywhere!

Flashlight drawn,
I check around.
I'll keep looking
'Til they're found.

Incessant chirping -
I can't sleep!
But by sunrise,
Not a peep...
Ugh!

Book Bookmark

Book in book,
That's how I roll.
"You'll break the spine!"
Mom's so droll.

I look closely...uh-oh,
The spine is cracked.
Maybe Mom's right?
I give my head a smack!

Saturday Chores

Music boom-boom-booms
As I do my  chores.
My hips boom-boom-boom,
As I mop the floors.

Three Little Words

"I am sorry" is just
water mist
hovering
between two people -
one waits for amends,
the other, forgiveness.

The apology means
nothing
without both.

Smell Ya Later

As the jogger
runs past me,
his fragrance
lingers.

Wee Wednesday "Weader": Back to School Blues

Homework stress,
Deadline dread.
Do test scores matter
When I'm dead?

Monumental thank you to this week's "Weader", Colleen, for taking time out of her studying to share a glimpse into her world of academia.  :o)

Test Results

The bright red

mark

on my test -

a five letter

separation

between

praise or punishment.

Where's the Off Button?

Incessant chatter,
Ambient light.
Reality TV

Late Night Laps

Darkness 

shrouds

the glowing ripples.

Splash,

splunk, 

and 

heavy breathing

are the only 

sounds

coming from 

the sleek 

form

gliding 

through

the liquid blue.

Back and forth.

Up and back.

Night swimming.

Cloud Burst

drip

drip-drop

drip-drop-splat

rain falls

fast and fat

Late

The school parking lot 

is deserted -

not a car, 

bike, 

teacher or child
to be seen. 

Except her. 
  A hunched form 

huddled 

behind the planter, 

shadowed and forlorn.

 My daughter
whom I've kept
waiting.

 

I roll to the curb.
She gets in
without a word
and we drive
to the ice cream shop.

  We share
a Chocolate Chip
apology.

Red Ripe Who Am I

I wear a green beret,
With a stem tassel.
I'm a dimpled fellow,
Eaten without hassle.

When ripe I'm red,
Sticky, juicy, sweet.
High in Vitamin C,
I'm great to eat.

Who am I?

Swinger

swing to
swing fro
swing high
swing low

legs straight
legs bent
weightless
I went

Woke Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed

lumpy

grumpy

sleepyhead

pouty

shouty

back to bed

Doll Timeout

My new doll
Is so small
I hide it
Under my shawl.

Took it to school,
Which I thought was cool,
But my teacher didn't -
Guess I'm the fool.

Now I pout,
Doll's on timeout.
Mom's gonna be mad
When she finds out.

The Overnight Low Is the Runner's High

Cool, 

crisp air 

pushes against 

my face, 

my arms, 

and my bare legs. 

Goosebumps form, 

a tingly sensation.

They egg me on,

"Get moving already." 

Shadows 

are long 

as the sun barely 

peeks over the mountains 

allowing just enough 

light to jog.  

Stretching, 

yawning, 

willing myself to start, 

I find my rhythm 

and jog through 

the morning's 

lowest temperatures. 

My goosebumps 

eventually 

morph to beads 

of sweat.  

Workout 

done 

before the day 

has barely begun. 

Cuddle Time?

Smushed on me,
A furry lump.
Not so sweet
When it's a rump.

August June Bug

Across the path,
Square and stout.
June bug rumbles,
Green wings shout.

Among insects,
He looks a thug -
A big scary
Humvee bug.

Birthday Bash

candles
cupcakes
memories
we make

Happy 10th Birthday to my sweet Maureen!

Wee Wednesday "Weaders": We Are Dancers (A Poem in Two Voices)

We wiggle,
                                                  Our arms swing.
We giggle,
                                                   Our feet fling.
We bend deep
                                                  And stretch big.
We skip, leap,
                                                   And do a jig.
Our hips twist,
                                                    We love to prance.
                       We raise our fists,
                       We love to dance!

 Massively HUGE thank you to this week's "Weaders", Alexa and Emily, for dancing their way into our hearts. These are two MAD talented dancing sisters!

Inflation

Find a penny,
My lucky day!
Buy candy?
Not enough to pay.

Mosquitoes Suck

proboscis straw
blood draw

5K Challenge

Heavy breaths,
Red faced.
I run the course,
Steady paced.

Blurred Windows

smush
smooch
backseat
pooch

Fruity Question

Dressed in
yellow,
green,
or red,
I compliment
a variety
of bread.

I am firm,
crisp,
and sweet.
I'm the perfect
lunchbox treat.

Who am I?

Can't Get Up

alarm

snooze

alarm

snooze

alarm

snooze

alarm

I'm late blues

Wee Wednesday "Weader": An Interview With Ms. Bamboo

Q: How do you do, Ms. Bamboo?
A: Very well, thank you!

Q: What's new with you?
A: Well, I grew...and grew...and grew.

Q: So, all day, what do you do, Ms. Bamboo?
A: I do enjoy this view.

Q: Tell me, Ms. Bamboo, have you ever been blue?
A: No, actually, I've always been a green hue.

Q: Thank you, Ms. Bamboo, for helping me with this interview.
A: You are welcome! Toodle-ooo!

BIG thank you to this week's "Weader", Ms. Bamboo, voiced by the mastermind behind the concept of interviewing a plant, Maureen! And huge thanks to Joe, for asking Ms. Bamboo the thought provoking interview questions. Who would have thought a plant would have so much to say...and in rhyme?

One of Those Days

Hair lumpy,
Clothes bumpy,
Feel frumpy,
I'm grumpy.

Hatchling Love

Mama dove,
A feathered puff
Hides her chicks
Of grey fluff.

Day and night
She does stay,
'Til those chicks
Fly away.

Salted Pretzel

twisted
knotted
baked and
dotted

Dog Treat

Two paws prop
Her rawhide up,
Dog lollipop
For my pup.

Nature's Light Show

flick
flash
blink
black
strobe lightning

Knocked Down Nest

The nest

lays 

exposed,

bare,

vulnerable,

in the 

tangle of roots

at the base

of the tree

like a toupee

blown off

a bald man's head.

Wee Wednesday "Weader": A Cockatoo With An Attitude

I have a bird -
a cockatoo.
She's full of spunk
and attitude.

Her name is
Captain Fluffy Pants.
She is naughty
despite our rants.

Her squawks and screams
she punctuates.
Her raucous racket
we tolerate.

Fluffy Pants
can be a tease
when she steals
my keyboard keys.

But her favorite spot
is on MY shoulder,
because I'm the one
that she lets hold her.

Gigantic thank you to this week's "Weaders" Andy and his bird, Captain Fluffy Pants! Boy, does she have an attitude! *squawk*
(And special thanks to Tony for his mad editing skills!)

Jet Weaver

Jet airplanes

weave

gauzy white

patterns

across

the blue expanse

of the daytime sky -

their high performance

engines

serve as

their thread.

Hot Dog?

Summer hot temps
Don't affect my pup.
Despite the heat
She still snuggles up.

I Scream, "Ice Cream!"

Double cone,
Tasty treat.
Ice cream joy,
Diet cheat.

Happy National Ice Cream Day!

Babysitter Battle

She said, "No!"
And, "Go to bed!"
I said, "Yes!"
And stayed up instead.

She seems to think
I'm a baby,
But I'm the boss,
There is no maybe.

Bowling Blunder

step, step, step

swing

throw

roll, roll, roll

*plunk*

"Doh!"

gutter ball = mutter ball

Picky Pup

Napkin bulging,

the aroma of broccoli 

permeates 

my hand,

my lap.

Pup sniffs once

and walks away.

Wee Wednesday WONKY: Mess

With great distress
I must confess
I couldn't finess
"Weader" success
Without internet access.
My apologies I stress.

Micro Superhighway

Tiny black dots

accelerate up

leafy onramps.

Antenna to bottom

they travel.

On twiggy overpasses

thousands of ants

merge,

yield,

and pass each other

speeding up

then braking -

stop,

go-

in the endless

rush hour traffic.

Sunglasses

Dark lenses

cut the glare.

Fly eyes.

Books: The Spice of Life

Food tastes better
with a book,
especially when
Dad's the cook.

Characters enhance
the bland flavor.
A strong story arc
is a mealtime saver.

Pup's Seasonal Affect Disorder

My pup is S.A.D.

She lounges
in the slice of sunshine,
the pocket of warmth
in front of the sliding glass door
watching the lizards
dart and dash.

The air conditioning
is too much
for her summer coat,
the summer days
are too long
for her attention span.

Who Am I?

I am a clown,
But I know no jokes.
In orange and white,
I wear a scaled cloak.

I hide from
Various enemies
By living in
Wavy anemones.

Served on a dish,
I'm not delish,
I am a ______ ______!

Puzzled by My Puzzle

I am

bamboozled

by the simplicity

of the complex.

The 

o

   dd

        l

          y shaped,

                               c     l      r      u

                                  o     o     f       l,

                                                               peices

                                                     d -- o -- t -- t -- i -- n -- g

the floor

are a

conundrum.

They 

taunt me

to unlock

their interlocked 

secret.