National Poetry Month

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