Writing on the Double

#OctPoWriMo Day 23

The challenge suddenly appeared and I wasn’t expecting a moment of inspiration, but…

My reaction to a challenge like this is less physiological and more psychological.

First, I thought: “Can I do this?”

In their blog posts, Morgan and Jordan have encouraged us to write one poem a day and not be hard on ourselves if we aren't writing everyday. I know I am a poet but am I really capable of that level of production? 

The answer is “yes”. I can produce at least one poem a day and have been doing it for a while.  Yes, they're mostly haikus. I have missed days and the directors of this project say I should "be gentle" with myself.

Being gentle with myself was very necessary with news of three deaths in as many days (and a fourth person receiving hospice care). But the poetic challenge I saw was to laugh (mid-month). #save4later

Because I didn't know about it, I was late to #OctPoWriMo, and though I am glad I found it, I’ve never done anything like it before. Well, OK, I do #GH4A but that is a much smaller and (excruciatingly) slower endeavor.

So, why can’t I keep up? I am a poetess and I do love words! I have a very encouraging set of accomplishments that keep me from shying away from an on-line poetry challenge where poets encourage and help one another grow. I love this kind of environment.

Am I alone in thinking every poem should be a masterpiece? Of the few I have posted, most have barely qualified as "pieces" (forget the mastery), and the entire internet has access to them!? I could just crawl under my desk and hide after re-reading some of my posted poems.

But, my palms aren't sweating. I know how to write poems and if I want to post them before the Linky Tools interface expires for any given challenge, I have to get to writing, on the double. These challenges are good for me and I know it. (I also know I will probably write for at least one of these challenges in December).

We were asked to record audio or video of our favorite challenge poem we’ve written so far in this month of poetry prompts and entertaining video examples. In response, my body doesn’t seem to be going through any changes as I consider how I will accomplish the task set before me. I’ve never posted audio or video of me reading my poetry before. How do I do that? After all, I know it can be done. 

I looked on my computer and found something called “Movie Maker”. It seems easy enough.  OK, I picked my poem “Autumn Good-bye Song” and wrote down what kind of images I will put with the audio of me reading the poem. And instead of just my voice for audio, I could record a track of music to play softly behind the poem. I have a plan. (hear this poem read by the poetess)

Since this will take more time than what I have today, I dusted off my Sound-Cloud account (yay, I remembered the password) and read the poem into an audio file to post with this blog.

My reaction to a challenge like this is less physiological and more psychological. First, I thought: “Can I do this?”  Then my mind started to answer the question. My last thought before writing (for 25 minutes and editing for another 15) is:

“I CAN DO THIS!”

Put your hands together

Put your hands together

(Haiku String)

By Cheryl Crockett   #OctPoWriMo Day #16

My hands move apart

Curtains open on my day.

Decisions unmade.

I have two choices

…Conflicted; neither is best.

My hands weigh options.

Barbed wires pierce my soles.

My hands stretch to the left and right.

I am on the fence.

Hands fought for my rights.

I can’t choose not to decide.

Time is getting short.

Some ways I like both.

There’s so much more I dislike.

I can’t handle this!

Exasperated

I put my hands together

Bow my head, and pray.

Proven Friend #OctPoWriMo Day 15

Proven Friend

A Pantoum

To show my thanks, would flowers be enough?

For she’s the one who helps me lift my load.

As single moms, we both know life is tough

It’s easier to tread this stretch of road.

For she’s the one who helps me lift my load.

When otherwise I’d feel I was alone.

It’s easier to tread this stretch of road.

Her words bring comfort when we’re on the phone.

When otherwise I’d feel I was alone.

When visiting, I know she’s there for me.

Her words bring comfort when we’re on the phone.

With love she demonstrates sincerity

And when we talk, I know she’s there for me.

As single moms, we both know life is tough

With love she demonstrates sincerity

To show my thanks, would flowers be enough?

For my dear friend Liz, who would not expect me to write a poem for her.

First she was my friend. Then she began to help me with my dad.

That is a true friend.

#OctPoWriMo  Day 15

MORNING MOMENT

By Cheryl L. Crockett ~ October 10, 2012

Maybe I was dreaming

an errant feather

brushed my brow

just before

I stretched to turn

to the glorious side

Before I yawned and caught

the faint fragrance

a fresh batch

of new mercies

left for me

Before I opened my eyes

enough to squint

through sun-laced lashes.

I remain oblivious.

Reality is waiting in the hall

somewhat impatiently.

So, I inhale

slowly and deeply

to save this

wonderful moment

as my angel hurries from view.

#OctPoWriMo #10

Autumn Good-Bye Song

By Cheryl L. Crockett  ~ October 9, 2012
(hear this poem read by the poetess)

Lowering my window as my curtains reach to me,
Floating on a frigid gust that shakes the maple tree
And rustles red and amber leaves to finally set them free,
I listen to the music of their good-bye song.

Cozy in my sweater and my cup is steaming hot.
I look and see so many swirling swallows in a flock,
Flitting-flutter-fleeting, headed southward from my block.
I listen to the music of their good-bye song.

Colors of October wax then wane to brown and black.
The darkened leaves descend and die, but birds are coming back.
(And for their yearly autumn trip, they never need to pack!)
I listen to the music of their good-bye song.

Flurries are so quiet, I can’t hear them coming down.
I wake up so surprised to see some snow covers the ground.
As winter starts, there is no hint of autumn to be found.
No longer is there music of the good-bye song;

Don't forget the sounds of fall's good-bye.

#OctPoWriMo #9