YOU PROMISED

You promised you would feed me
told your folks it was a deal.
So they gave you me--a cocker
but I've missed too many meals.

You said that you would train me,
take us out for runs and walks.
But you slapped me with the leather leash
no wonder now I baulk.

You said that you would brush me
so I'd have bright shiny fur.
But the brushing never happens,
now my coat is full of burrs.

So many broken promises,
oh what's a dog to do?
I wag my tail to see you
because I love you.



       Do you have a pet you are responsible for taking care of?  It is a big responsibility.  What things do you do for your pet?  For today's challenge, can you write a poem to your pet telling the things you do for your pet, or the things your pet does for you?  What things do you do with your pet?  If you don't have a pet, you can always make one up--that is the fun of poetry.  I think I'm going to make up a pet for myself.  I hope my dog Spot won't be jealous. 

SPRING'S PROMISE

Stop.
Pause.
Breathe deep.
Smell the scent
of citrus blossoms
perfuming into warm spring winds.
Fill your lungs with the fresh promise of good things to come.



     This poem is a Fib.  A syllabic poem based on Fibonacci’s number, each line length is the sum of the two previous lines.  So the poem has 1 syllable, 1 syllable, 2 syllables, 3 syllables, 5 syllables, 8 syllables and I tried making this go to 13 syllables, but as you can see, I ran out of room.  If you are viewing this poem on your cell phone many of the lines wrap so you are missing the beauty of the Fib form.  Does this chart make it easier to see the formatting?

Line 1 = 1 syllable

Line 2 = 1 syllables

Line 3 = 2 syllables

Line 4 = 3 syllables

Line 5 = 5 syllables

Line 6 = 8 syllables

Line 7 = 13 syllables

     Your challenge for today is to try writing your own Fib.  Try making it 5 or 6 lines long.  Have fun.  Do find some time to go outside and play today.

Pinkie Promise

Each day provides its own gifts.  Marcus Aurelius

"Everyday
I'll try
to do
my best."

That's what
he said
to me.

And then 
he grabbed
my little finger
and held
on to
my pinkie.

"This is
my pinkie
promise,"

is what
he said
to me.


     I received an email today from children's poet David L. Harrison and in his message he used the term pinkie vow.  I thought about this being another form of nonverbal communication, like the shaka.  I've been reading People Watching by Desmond Morris--a book all about nonverbal communication and wondered how children learn the nonverbal signals of our culture.  I think a poem is a fun way to learn.  Can you write your own poem today about a gesture or other form of nonverbal communication?  Have fun.

     Poetry Friday is hosted today by Matt Forrest  Esenwine at Radio, Rhythm and Rhyme.