20 Lines A Day

A Community of Writers and Photographers

Tag Archives: poems


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Message to Melissa

So, Melissa, now that we have arrived on the last day of April, are you going to ask people to submit their month-long-edited poems? It’s been an interesting exercise, and I only wish that I had begun a little of my poem at the beginning and added to it, rather than writing the whole thing and then editing for a month. That was tough, although it produced a lot of changes that I like.

Thank you for offering this challenge. I’m glad I took part, even though circumstances dictated that I had to miss a few days.

Cheers! (as someone we all know and love says!)


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bracelet

a poet,

he pens

fervent reminders.

she reads

clicking ‘like’,

collecting each one.

an inner

monologue.

their conversation.

pure, so

truly fragile

our whispers of love.

his poems

on a bracelet

her reminder each day.

thCAUP099Z


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her tranquil waters

photo tumblr_lqwrkgnuuP1qg39ewo1_500.gif

Because it’s tomorrow she’s promised
his assured oft homeless heart,
sienna brown eyes her truth a whisper
‘Don’t worry, we can work it out.’

It’s not just another chance she offers
a sense of judgement judgement free,
alabaster smooth skin her lips dark hair
her tranquil waters he lies within.

A musician’s ear perfect pitch her voice
coos the lullaby of forgiveness,
the song our mysterious universe sings
her tranquil waters he’ll die within.

for Scout
written April 2013


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Indoors

Today I sit and watch the rain

When will we see the sun again?

Down comes the water – down it pours

I think I shall have to stay indoors.

Part of me wants to puddle-jump

Instead I sit and slowly slump

For the rain makes my hair curl and frizz

So indoors I stay, indoors it is!

 

Wendy Strohm

 


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JUST ONE MORE DAY TO GO

Just one more day to go
Yes February will soon be but a memory
We have broken so many records with our snow
I know I show you pretty pictures but trust me it has been dreary.

As the rains fall hard in our yard today
Birds are eating what I have offered them with added fury
Then I watch as they rush back to their fray
I bet when the sun comes back they too will be in their glory

February has been a lot like winters of past
The snow just kept dumping on us blast after blast
Snowfall records have even been surpassed
I am really amazed with all this snow and ice I did not end up wearing a CAST!

Thank you March for coming along hurry please
I will turn a year older wiser as well I am sure
I am actually looking forward to flowers covered with bees
I guess as I reflect upon these words if it was always spring I would be bored.

JUST ONE MORE DAY TO GO!


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Clay

Glazed and into the kiln

is the way it used to be

or sunbaked,

the heroes and hunters

circled the vase.

These days, it’s ashtrays and flowerpots

painted mimosa

to give praise

to the passing days

of summer camp

Where these were shaped

to bring home

to mom and dad.

 

Clay, hold your tears in

or else you’ll be too

moist for the wheel.

Clay, don’t be too strong or ten digits

won’t be able to dig in

and give you purpose.

Clay, be ready, there are still things left

for you to hold onto

until the students

and pros

dig you up.


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Yes I Am (Going to Do it)!

I’ve taken the plunge and nailed down a date for introducing my book, Broken Consciousness: Reflections of an Epileptic. On Thursday, March 28, at 7:00, at our local library, I will be talking about how I came to write poems about the epilepsy I’ve had since I was twelve years old. Our library director supports local authors and she has been gracious and generous in arranging this event for me.

A student I taught when she was in fourth grade (a talented writer even then) contacted me on Facebook and said both she and her mom are coming.  That is very satisfying. I’ll have to count my books to make sure I have enough for a nice book table for selling.

Since my book is rather short (80 pages), I think I’ll read only one poem from the book itself, and share other poems I have written about living with epilepsy.

Keep your fingers crossed for me that I can be calm as I talk, and answer people’s questions with confidence.

March 28…I have more than enough time to plan.


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14 Words

Today’s my birthday.
I think about the gift
of what friends mean to me.

Each snowflake,
softly falling here in Michigan,
returns to me again your gentle voice.

I watch the hour hand crawl slowly,
silently around
while I wait for you.

Come simply, unencumbered,
nothing fancy,
and we will make lace,
sewing our souls together.

I cannot get along without sweet words.
Let’s exchange them.
Here, I offer mine.

A little message of love
this Valentines Day
to you, friend I haven’t met.

May this tiny spark
of friendship light your heart
with love on Valentines Day.

Walk with head held high.
You are one indeed,
like no other, beautiful,
special.

I see your face in candlelight
even when we’re not together,
and I remember.

You are, like a book,
full of surprises,
and I love turning the pages.

Shh…listen to the sounds of earth
whispering their songs to us.
Such music!

In my jewelry box I found
the old ticket to prom.
Remember those days?

My guest room has fresh yellow flowers,
crisp linens.
Dinner’s cooking.
Come on in.


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14 Words

While you sleep
I watch your steady breathing.
What would I do without you?

I know your voice in silence,
your motion in stillness,
the essence of you.

The world is richer
because you’re in it.
You chose my world.
I’m glad.

To share my life with you
is gift beyond imagining,
yet here we are.

When I was sad
you came, poured us tea,
and listened to my tears.

How did you learn
to know me so well,
every mood, shade, and nuance?

I think of that time
when you said nothing,
just held my hand warmly.


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14 Words

Compassion and respect,
both components of love,
and, yes, I see them in you.

Taking steps down peace paths
will change our world
in ways we can’t imagine.

You go out of your way
for me. I don’t know why.
Thank you.

Let’s open our eyes
to the possibilities for peace
when we look for goodness.

 


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14 Words

My mother,
bringer of love,
taught me the important lessons.
O Mom, thank you.

Let me be a conduit
of love,
wiring the light to overcome black midnight.

I seek containers
into which to pour
gallons of love.
Hold out your cup.

Have you thought
that love is math?
Your heart, my heart–
the right answer.

I see grace in your eyes,
confidence in your step.
Come be my friend.

I prepare the coffee,
set out square plates,
bring cloth napkins
just for us.

Turn the lights low,
turn the world off.
Let us hear our own music.


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14 Words

You are my sunshine,
my only sunshine.
Keep shining, please, stay bright.

God portioned out the sunbeams.
You are His glory reflected as in a mirror.

I think of friends as charms
on my bracelet.
Tell me, which are you?

I choose music, books,
pines, children, love.
I wonder what is precious to you.

Created to be special you,
individual, one of a kind,
you color the world.

Sounds of love come softly,
the memories of your words
echoing through my heart.

Thank you for the little things,
those joys with small smiles
I keep forever.

How do you know
just what I need?
You tune in so quietly, knowingly.

Love is a soft friend
padding through the hidden-away spaces
in my heart.

Come, hold my hand.
Together we can brave the cold
and bring on spring.

If you would stay
close by my side,
I could overcome my daily challenges.

Look around.
See the small things.
Let them speak to you,
bringing their joy.

Your laugh fills me
like a balloon with air.
Never be silent. Laugh on.

What do you think about
when nighttime shades your windowsill?
I think of you.

Treasures accrue.
Just look around. Coins wait for your taking.
We count our gold.

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