Cranberry shag carpet and glinting gizmos

~ ~M ~ 14 Comments

Gadgets and gizmos,
trinkets with silvery trims,
these were the things
that were most important to him.

The old, cranberry carpet
was forever threadbare,
but that was no worry
because daddy didn’t care.

His only real concern
were his shiny new toys,
and when mama would yell,
he’d just block out the noise.

The house was rather unkempt
and in dire need of repair,
but my dear old dad,
he never did despair.

He’d just shrug his shoulders,
in his nonchalant way, because
there was nothing he loved more
than all his junk and disarray.

I think mama finally gave up
cause she knew she’d never win.
Nobody could ever change him;
it’s just the way he’s always been.

I guess I’m secretly proud
that he never gave in.
I think people should stay true
to their passions within.

There’s no telling who he’d be
if mama had had her way,
and I surely wouldn’t be
the person I am today.

So thank you, Dad,
for being true to who you are.
I still love you so very much,
even from afar.

© 2021 Michelle Cook

Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/auto-car-garage-auto-shop-vintage-1868726/

Writing prompt: Cranberry shag carpet and glinting gizmos

Vibrant verbena and alabaster artichokes

~ ~M ~ 16 Comments

The verbena still grows
lovelier than ever,
vibrant in violet,
ever reaching toward
the noonday sun.

And yet here I am
in a state of utter confusion,
still looking at the world
through the dullest
shades of gray.

I’m increasingly in awe
of all the flowers in the fields,
the way they sit so simply,
poised in elegance
and imbued with grace.

I reckon I’m more like
the alabaster artichokes,
colorless and thorny on the edges,
still waiting for my chance to revel
in the realm of my full potential.

© 2021 Michelle Cook

Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/flowers-verbena-violet-blossom-756181/

Writing prompt: Vibrant verbena and alabaster artichokes

All grown up…

~ ~M ~ 15 Comments

For many years,
I played all the games,
and I continued to play
while the fun lasted.

But winning got old
when nobody was left
to see me win, so in the end
I gave up playing.

I know you’re probably
still playing all the games,
and that’s great,
I hope you are.

But for me, I think I’m
too grown up for games,
so I’m leaving all the wins
to you.

© 2021 Michelle Cook

Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/converse-classic-retro-vintage-2485685/

Writing prompt: Spoiled brats and games like that

*I decided to repost this one today since it goes with the prompt challenge for this month. I know I’m kinda cheating here as far as National Poetry Month goes, but I just didn’t feel like doing this prompt again.

The sorcerers staff and the wise child

~ ~M ~ 2 Comments

With firmly shut eyes
and a flick of her wrist,
the incantation rolled easily
off the tip of her tongue.

And as she spoke
those gracious words,
a magical menagerie
of spinning sparks
flickered to life
in pulsating dances
radiating their resplendence
for all the world to see.

It was an unforgettable spectacle
worthy of wonder
which, would ultimately change
the course of time.

© 2021 Michelle Cook

Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/sparkler-firework-celebrate-1835387/

Writing prompt: The sorcerers staff and the wise child

Rosy red petunias and pretty pickled peanuts

~ ~M ~ 4 Comments

Ravishing in red
She’s pretty as a petal
Just pitch the peanuts

© 2021 Michelle Cook

*And yet another one of my writing prompts doomed from the start. Where do I come up with these? 🙄

Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/dancer-dress-sunset-sky-cloud-red-2793110/

Writing prompt: Rosy red petunias and pretty pickled peanuts

Hip hopping hoodlums and rash inducing radishes

~ ~M ~ 10 Comments

Toxic thugs triumph
Causing skin crawling issues
Some blame radishes

© 2021 Michelle Cook

*I can’t believe I thought for one moment that I could successfully use this prompt, and I’m not sure how I even came up with this prompt in the first place. But when you’re conspiring with a twelve year old, anything can happen. 😉 I’m determined to keep my writing streak all month though. So please just shake your head and be on your way. I’ll try to do better tomorrow.

Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/man-secret-face-mysterious-whisper-4393964/

Please enjoy all the writing prompts found on my other blog: Hip hopping hoodlums and rash inducing radishes

Inky blackness and the faintest glow of light from around the door

~ ~M ~ 7 Comments

The room was filled with inky blackness, and only the faintest glow of light could be seen from around the edges of the door. Once in a while, that faint light flickered, announcing the existence of someone in the hall. The sounds behind the door were mostly low and muffled, but every now and then, a shrill scream or clanking of metal could be heard. The most alarming sounds were the sudden scuffles of feet and the dragging of nails across wooden floorboards. Stifled whimpers often followed the tousles, along with deep moans and echoing groans. Sometimes the light beneath the door would abruptly disappear and then reappear as footsteps faded away. It was a lonesome place, with very little to do, but the sounds could stretch the mind, and for that, it was anything but uninspiring.

© 2021 Michelle Cook

Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/door-door-lock-a-ray-of-light-5384953/

Writing prompt: Inky blackness and the faintest glow of light from around the door