There is a scar on my grandmother’s forearm.
A spiderweb of mottled flesh from elbow blossoming to wrist.
It’s been there as long as I have memory, and probably before.
One day I asked her how she got it.
Without a thought, she answered:
It was your grandfather.
He threw me through a window in one of his jealous rages.
To this, I had no reply.
NOTE: This poem is inspired by the NaPoWriMo.net prompt for Day #1 – write a poem that achieves sadness through simplicity.
From the vibrance of youth,
two people captivated by each other.
Goddess to his atheism.
Beauty to his beast.
A pastor’s daughter,
brought up by the morals of the belt.
A son, too perfect,
result of a mother’s pride wrought to extreme.
She wished for freedom.
In him, found escape.
He desired attention.
In her, found something to possess.
A marriage of worlds
apart, so different,
a union made too young-
hasty rebellion of the naïve.
Children raising children.
Schooling left undone.
His love grew sour,
like the beer on his tongue
Teens becoming parents too soon,
they barely made ends meet.
Late nights at work bred suspicion,
jealousy, and rage – forcing love to retreat.
But unhappy homes,
breed unhappy children.
One rebellious like her parents.
One striving to please a father unbending.
After the children were raised,
only bitterness and resentment remained.
A husband. A wife.
A literal ball that’s been chained.
She wishes to go.
He wants her to stay.
Before they decide a grandchild is born,
and through neglect, nearly taken away.
Together, as grandparents, they swoop in
to give the baby girl a home.
So much for happiness,
duty makes sure that no one is left alone.
Through her childhood
this girl would not see
the love lacked between them-
the coldness buried deep.
They were both there for her
in their own way,
but rarely together,
unless with family or on special days.
Over the years,
bitterness passed down.
Son and daughter
too young had died.
Now granddaughter is all that’s left
to bridge the divide.
NOTE: This poem is inspired by the NaPoWriMo.net prompt for Day #1 – write a poem that involves a story or action that unfolds over an appreciable length of time.
Black bird
keen eyes
robust from refuse
watches me
Sleek feathers
ruffle up fur-like
regal mantle shroud
Guardian poses
Throaty call
requesting aid
bringing in the flock
murder descends
Many eyes turn
from branches
all around, watching,
but Guardian retreats
Left behind
the flock and me
silent waiting, staring
nothing moving, but eyes
Distant call
rouses the crowd
a flurry of wings
shatters the quiet
One feather
floats to the ground
between two fingers
I turn it
Wondering…
Why did they come?
What did they see?
Where did they go?
NOTE: This poem is inspired by the NaPoWriMo.net prompt for Day #2 – write a poem that resists closure by ending on a question.
Stress Relief: How to Meditate
Sit in a comfortable position
On the floor
Like a lotus?
If that hurts
Try a bolster
Or maybe a chair?
Or lie flat
Like a corpse
Ah…better.
Now close your eyes
If it’s too bright
Dim the lights
But not too dark
Lest you fall asleep
I could actually use a nap.
Meditation is about relaxation
Not sleep
Right, relaxation here we go.
Focus on breathing
Slowly in and out
Deep belly breathing
My lungs are in my chest, not my stomach.
Don’t force it
Breathing should come naturally
Like breathing into my belly?
Let the breath flow up
From the belly into the chest
But fill the belly first!
Yeah, yeah…all about the belly.
Open the chest
Slow and steady
Count if it helps
How much longer before I feel relaxed?
4-in, hold for 2, 6-out, hold for 4
Don’t force it
Milk, eggs, bananas, cereal…
Let errant thoughts go and breathe.
Maybe some chicken for dinner?
Try to focus on your breathing
Release any tension
Ouch!
Breathe into those muscles
Let them melt
That twinge in my neck is getting worse. Maybe I should call the chiropractor…
Let all of your worries melt away
As you breathe
Keep relaxing, bringing attention
back to any areas of tension
Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.
Drop those shoulders
Let the head float up
Releasing tension from the neck
Shit! I forgot to file my taxes.
Let those distractions
Just float away
“Meow?”
And…I forgot to feed the cat first.
Thoughts floating away
like fluffy little–
“Meeeeooowww!”
…annoying furballs?
–white clouds
The cat can wait five more minutes.
“MOWRRRR!!”
Breathe. Focus.
Is something vibrating?
My phone…mom.
Of course.
She always has the worst timing.
Don’t let distractions get in the way.
Breath. Relax. Focus.
Zzzzzt. “MAWRRR!” Zzzzzt.
But, if it’s important…
“Hey, Mom.”
Breathe.
“No, it’s fine.”
Relax.
“Of course I’m not too busy.”
You feel better already.
NOTE: This poem is inspired by the NaPoWriMo.net prompt for Day #1 – provide the readers with instructions.
It’s that time of year again…spring is pushing at winter in my corner of the world and the month of poetry writing is commencing. I look forward to the challenge of writing and reading all of the wonderful worlds that flow into existence this April. Pick up your pencils, pens, quills, and keyboards…let’s go!
S.T. Marie 