I Am by Joanne

I Am

 
I am the granddaughter of Italian immigrants.
They came from across the great sea
Braving trials so difficult and imminent
So that their children could be born free.

I Am

The daughter of my parents, oldest of four

In the shadow of the elders I was born and bred.

As I grew up in two cultures I secretly deplored

How youth preferred temporal frivolities instead. 

I Am

Now living in the Old World that my elders left behind;

With my family I am here to stay and live my life.

It’s back to the beginnings, back to the basics unrefined,

Intertwining cultures I am blending as mother and wife.

 

I Am

 

At the autumn of my years I suddenly realize that time

Speeding quickly by is nothing compared to the pure love

That blossomed all these years for all those I call mine.

Eternal and free, come fly away with me, like a pure white dove. 

© Joanne Pons

14 May 2009

I Am by Selena

I Am

I Am

I am only one person who cares

And spreads love and friendship in the air

When someone is down and out

I take away what makes them want to pout

I Am

I am someone dear to a friend

I will stand by them until the end

When no one cares I am the one who does

By spreading my love and hugs

I Am

I am someone who is special in my own way

I spread happiness each and every day

No matter what the day may  bring

I am someone who makes a friends heart sing

I Am

I am a person who is a friend through and through

No matter what a person may say or do

I am a person who will be very kind

For my friends heart and mine are entwined.

Copyright © 2009

Selena AKA JaNell Harris

I Am by Seagull

I Am

I am deeper than you'd think

Though few get closer than the brink

Of what I am inside

What a smile sometimes can hide

Many issues cross my mind

Some are troubling, some are kind

At times alone I cry

At the suffering that I spy

I am gentle, I am shy

So much more than meets the eye

Wishing naught but love to friends

I am loyal to the end

I am happy and I'm free

Have no trouble being me

Though I sometimes am a ham

What I am is what I am!

© Seagull

I Am by Marianne

I AM

I am perfect and unique

I tell myself that every day

 

I am a bear yet sometimes weak

But I know it is OK

 

I am human, so let me be

Please that is the only way

 

let me be ME!

 

© Marianne Milde 2009

 

 

I AM MADE OUT OF...   

 

Made out of notes, clefs and bars

Made out of sounds to reach the stars

 

Made out of words, letters together

Made out of sentences that last forever

 

Made out of dreams that can come true

Made out of hopes that are always there too

 

Yes I'm made out of music, lyrics - songs

It's in the musical world I belong

 

© Marianne Milde 2009

Pensive on Mothers Day by Linda

SECOND SUNDAY IN MAY

It is Mother's Day in Australia

And I look around me with pride.

The love and joy of my daughters

Brings warmth I cannot hide. 

Sitting at my desk, now writing

I look back across the years

Hearing once more the laughter

Feeling the sting of tears. 

How blessed I feel to have them ~

That their tiny hands sought mine.

To be able to patch up scraped knees

And to know that all was fine. 

My heart is full, contentment mine

As I watch their futures evolve,

They work and live and love

And problems try to solve. 

Yet I am feeling troubled

As I think of and remember others

Whose hearts were broken quite in two

Who never became Mothers. 

Those who came home with empty arms

To an empty cradle and silent toys,

No little ones to nurture ~

No little girls or boys. 

I think of those who had no choice

Decisions made by those who "knew best"

Made to give up their little ones

Surely life's greatest test.

Those girls who gave the best gift

To those whose need was real,

A child to love and nurture

Maternal things to feel. 

I think of those who stand in place,

While Mothers work and toil,

Taking care of little ones with love

Not afraid to spoil.

 

So bless you Mothers one and all

Whatever your story may hold,

May the sun shine bright for you

And you never feel the cold.

 

© Linda J. Vaughan

May 9th. 2009

I Am by Lindamay

I Am

 

I am God's child of Innocense

....I am the mirror of who HE is

 

I am my mother's daughter

....I am the blood of her

 

I am my husband's lover

...We are what God has made

 

I am my daughter's mother

...She is the blood of me

 

I am who they call grandma

...These little ones of God

 

I am fulfilled with spirit

I love the feel of rain

I am the Season's child

Renewed with life again.

 

I am a child

I am a daughter

I am a wife

I am a mother

I am a grandmother

I am a great grandmother

 

I am what God has blessed me with.

 

LadyLinda

06 May 2009

Do Writers Procrastinate by Christina

Do All Writers Procrastinate?

I ponder now this question

and wonder is it true -

Do all writers procrastinate

or is just a few?

Are there others out there like me

who often put off today

Things to be done "tomorrow"

that we could've yesterday?

Do they too have "mental trays"

of all that must be done,

Only to shift them round again

to get out of doing one?

Putting off for a moment

with a promise to return

But do they also make an excuse

and once again they spurn?

Is it because there are things

to which our souls relate,

Through the freedom of expression

and poetry* we create

Is it because we're writers

and not through any plan

That we see things differently

that others don't understand

I know I have a list of things

both mentally and written

Of things I know that I should do

but my writing has me smitten

I'd rather be here penning thoughts

through words I can express

How things in life make me feel;

it's like therapy, I guess.

For it's here we find a comfort

not in daily chores

But through the things by which we learn

through words we can explore -

Does it make us lazy,

passive or careless?

No, we just see and think differently

I believe that says it best.

So I ponder now the question

do we procrastinate?

Who cares when we are writing -

it'll get done someday!

© Christina

7th May 2009

* Poetry meaning an expression of words in any form - ie. poetry in motion

I Am by Tootypup

I AM

I am but one Soul 

Out of many in this time

One with just a simple mind

The tears I cry blind my eyes

Of shadows from yesterday's time

 

I am a Child

Innocent and free

The magical moments 

Of childhood games and the sweet memories

Till the day my innocence was taken away

 

I am Fear

That took away my smile

Breaking my spirit for the rest of my life

An elder of trust broke the rule

With no emotions he was so cruel

 

I am Afraid

Of what happened in the shadows of yesterday

No one heard the words I did pray

For the Lord to keep me safe each and every day

And to take my pain away

 

I am Lost

Not to know what is right

In the dark of my room on lonely nights

Hidden with emotion and the tears I always cried

My dreams of hope was what kept me alive

 

I am Alone

With this secret that stays so deep inside

A scar that is embedded deep in my soul

Being held close to me never to be told

Hidden it will stay within, till I grow old

 

I am a Master

Who hides my silent pains

Always happy to the eyes of the day

I am the strength for the ones in need

In your eyes the truth I can always see

 

 

©Tootypup-Susan

It's In the Silence by Marianne

It's In the Silence

Find the silence and you'll hear

voices of guidance in your ear

helping you through the day

showing you the right way

Find the silence and you'll find

peace and quiet, and you'll shine

you will grow

you'll be whole

It's in the silence you can heal your soul

and find strength to see you through

In the si-lence everything will un-fold

and you'll know what to do

 

Find the silence and you'll see

what it is you're meant to be

the truth is there

ust be aware

 

It's in the silence you can heal your soul

and find strength to see you through

In the si-lence everything will un-fold

and you'll know what to do

Be still, be very still

just the sound of your heart is there

Be still, be very still

listen to it with care

It's in the silence you can heal your soul

and find strength to see you through

In the silence everything will unfold

and you'll know what to do

In the silence everything will unfold

and you'll know what to do

© 2006 Marianne Milde

I Am From by Debra

I Am From

I am from the vineyards of Alsace, from the forests of Britain, the fields of County Cork and the tee pees of North America.

 

I am from a white farmhouse atop a hill, rolling pastures, deep woods, the smell of hay and manure.

I am from Snapdragon, Tiger Lily and tall, leafy trees.

 

I am from farmers wise in the ways of the earth and judges versed in the law. 

I am from Countremans, Armacosts, Shiveleys and Gaffins who believed in hard work, God, justice and rain.

 

I am from generations of men and women who tilled the earth and asked no man for aid.

I am from “He who will not work, neither shall he eat,” said with stern face framing sparkling, loving eyes.

 

I am from Baptists and Quakers: “Thou shalt not kill, covet, lie, steal.” 

I am from a small steepled church nestled within the hills of Southern Ohio.

 

I am from pastures, lowing cattle and salt licks. 

I am from fields shooting forth tobacco plants, tall wheat, alfalfa. 

 

I am from hay-filled barns, three legged stools and tall, shiny cans redolent with the scent of fresh, warm milk. 

I am from the garden: ripe tomatoes and corn, green beans and onions.

 

I am from the spring house, cool and refreshing on a hot summer day, filled with rich cream, cheeses, and newly churned butter.

 

I am from a mother who walked away in search of a better life and found heartache instead.

 

I am from the south end: rag tag houses falling down, gaunt children staring from sagging front porches.

 

I am from a Catholic church built tall: gilded and marbled, smelling of incense. 

 I am from rosaries and chalices. 

I am from Ave Maria.

I am from God.

 

***

 

I am from the loneliness of an abandoned child, born to poverty and neglect.

I am from a race of strong women who refused to be held down, who would not say yes when they meant no.

 

I am from a country torn by assassination, Viet Nam and the Atomic Bomb.

I am from the flashing lights, the music, the throbbing beat of disco. 

I am from the deliciousness of a soul reborn, dancing with arms uplifted.

 

I am from the wedding; the chapel flower-laden; the organ pealing forth a song of promise.

I am from adoption agencies: babies lost; hopes crushed; tears shed.

 

I am from the joy of motherhood.

 

I am from the nursery: powder-scented days of Nursery Nirvana; baby lotion and Similac; somnolent dawns and dreamy dusks.

I am from the world of anomalies: beautiful baby face: cleft lip and palate.  Can no one else see his beauty?

 

I am from the hospital room.  Sweet baby held close: must keep safe; must alleviate the pain; must do this for him.

 

I am from an author long dead:  poems collected in a cigar box.  Pete Seager singing Grandpa’s words. 

 I am from a grandfather never met, yet so close to my heart.

 

I am from the printed page; goals reached; dreams attained. 

 

I am from the story told and the story read.

 

I am from many things.

 

I am from my experiences.

 

I am from the Universe.

 

 

©2007 Debra Shiveley Welch

I Wish I Had a Million Challenge by Christina

I Wish I Had A Million...

I wish I had a million maids,

then I would be able to

Sit back and relax at last

with nothing more to do

I wouldn't have to worry 'bout

the simplest little things

There'd be no need to question

for any of these "sins"

I'd never have to ponder

on what to cook for tea

Or how many dishes it would make,

it'd no longer worry me

No more dishes on the sink

or dust upon the floor

No need to vacuum up the mess

others have left before

No more jumping to the gun

of all that I must do

To put a load of washing on

and iron his shirts too

No need to worry about the lawn

for it too will be done

Pushing the mower and breaking my back

ain't my idea of fun!

And all my orders and brochures

these maids will do them all

When I'm backlogged and had enough

and can find no strength at all -

Nothing would ever be too much

and at last I could relax

Without the worry that I have failed

and give myself the sack!

Oh, yes, if I had a million maids

to meet my every need

Then maybe I could stay right here

and I'd never have to leave!

© Christina

5th May 2009

I Am by Christina

I Am

 

I am....

 

A reflection of an inner soul
Of loves and losses left untold
As harsh realities unfold
And the hands of time make me old

 

I am....

 

A simple heart and complex mind
Wanting love and acceptance in kind
And yet all I have managed to find
Is a world of heartbreak over time

 

I am....

 

Analytical and stubborn to a fault
Where only I can fall short
To the high standard ever sought
Inside the heart locked like a vault

I am....

 

The shadow of a faded dream
In a long white dress surrounding me
A picket fence and family
But things aren't always what they seem

I am....

 

An entity within this place
A shadow of someone without a face
Who finds solace in the embrace
And anonymonity of cyberspace

I am....

 

A sad and tragic case
Someone who thought she was safe
Until someone found a way
To break me down and my faith

I am....

 

A shell of someone who I used to be
Of someone who I hoped to be
And of someone who I'll never be
And I guess that's all that's left of me
....and I am.

 

© Christina
4th May 2009

Mother Nature's Painting by Tootypup

Mother Nature's Painting

The mornings silvery mist

Carrying a soft sweet fragrance

Through the forests valley's bliss

The due drops glistening reflections

Touches the mood of the time

 

As the soft hues of Autumn

Caressing the tiny white petals

Of the beautiful wild flowers

The aroma holding you spellbound

 Within the grasp of its magical power

A feeling of serenity filling your heart 

With tenderness as you walk

Along the mornings pathway

The beauty of this new dawns day

Touches you within your soul 

 

Autumn - is Mother Natures Painting

Of a season closing it's eyes 

Before the winter's cold sleep

A beauty of a promise Nature's Guardian

 Will in time forever keep

 

 

© Tootypup-Susan

2009

I Am by Megan

I Am

I am

 

Lost in a place of darkness...

The mist shrouds me,

Tendrils caress my cheek,

Soft and slightly damp,

Familiar as a lover's touch.

 

I am

 

Hanging on to the guide ropes

Hoping they know the way home

But the dark music calls  me

So insistantly it lures me away

And my hold is only a fragile thing.

 

I am

 

Silent in the stillness,

My voice lost crying in the night

The tune unsung

My throat closed over

With ashes and tears.

 

 And then  I am

 

Held gently in the arms of love

The unshed tears wiped from my eyes

A quiet word whispered

A gentle soul balm

And the strength to carry on.

 

With that strength and love

 

I am

 

I endure.

© Megan Herbert

4th May 2009

I Am Challenge by Linda

I Am - Linda

I am part of a family

With daughters grown,

Now I am reaping

The seeds I have sown.

 

I see them stand tall

And in this life make their way,

Caring and Sharing

As day follows day. 

I AM PROUD

 

I am part of a network

Of kind caring friends,

Who care and laugh with me

No matter what life sends.

We share laughter and secrets ~

Long talks on the phone.

And as each day changes

I know I'm not alone. 

I AM GRATEFUL

I am finding life a struggle

As I strive to be well.

How long this will take

Only time I will tell. 

I am fuzzy in thought

And tired to the core,

I would like my life back

As it was before. 

I AM CONFUSED

I am enjoying the seasons ~

The cat at her play.

Beautiful sunrises

That herald each new day. 

I am caring, compassionate

And try to be kind.

I am a dreamer, romantic

With words always buzzing around in my mind.

 

I AM HOPEFUL

When you read these words

I hope you can see

That above all,

I am Linda - I AM ME

© Linda J. Vaughan

Mists of Autumn by Linda

Mists of Autumn

Sitting at my desk

I look out across the scene,

The empty seat, the mists that rise

And I wonder what they mean. 

I see her sitting there

And yet I know it cannot be.

For many years have gone

Since she walked with me. 

I feel her tender touch

As she would take my hand and walk,

Sometimes in quiet solitude

And yet at times we would walk. 

I look again and see her leaving

But she was never in this place,

She turns and smiles at me

I remember her lovely face. 

Seasons come and seasons go

The mists rise and fall,

Yet she visits me so often

Such memories I recall. 

Tis only in this season

When autumn chills the air

That she makes her presence felt,

And shows her tender care.

 

It is my favourite season

And I know she loved it too,

So we share a rendezvous,

In the mists and in the dew.

 

She was special in my life

And loved me like no other,

I am proud to see her in the mist  ~

My precious, much loved Grandmother. 

© Linda J. Vaughan

May 3rd. 2009

I Am Challenge by Kate

In The  Summer of the Woman I

 In the summer of the woman I

 sought not any coolness

 but luxuriated in the heat of my body,

 intoxicated by sensual breezes

 that carressed my skin.

In the summer of the woman I

 discovered more of life than dreams

 and delved deep in myself uncovering

 unused for so many seasons

 wellsprings of my creativity.

In the summer of the woman I

 became more than woman naked

 beneath full moon skies,

 skin glistening with love and stars--

 I became the sky.

 In the summer of the woman I

 learned more of love from love--

 I bathed in this etheral love

 and never tired of its calling--

 and I gladly gave it all away.

In the summer of the woman I,

 ripe and laden with summer blossom,

 grew beyond the rich love

 and embraced life fiercely,

 letting the love flow to all.

In the summer of the woman I

 became a seductive goddess

 maddening with desire and hope

 but walking away on a different path

 as I became the love I sought.

 In the summer of the woman I.

© Kate Thorn

13th Aug. 2002

May Challenges

Here are your challenges for the Month. You may do as many or as few as you choose.

All compositions MUST be written by you.

The following are prompts to help inspire you - you are free to share other writings as well. If you participate in these challenges just be sure to Identify the Room you are writing in (ie "The Writer's Retreat - TITLE OF YOUR PIECE")

PLEASE NOTE: the new room - "Room with a View" for group discussions and also writings inspired by the topic. For the writer who writes "from a particular view".

Remember...be creative and have fun!

 

 

The Writer's Retreat

 

Write a mother's day story with a bittersweet twist

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Theme: Life-after-death relationship

Main character: burnt-out writer

Setting: History meets Modern Day

Begins with: A letter

Ends with: Reconciliation

* * * * * * * * * * * *

 

What if....today's most commonplace technology was mind control?

* * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Envision....A fusion of the story of Jesus and the Legend of Robin Hood

 

 

The Poet's Corner

 

Write a tribute to motherhood

* * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Write a poem inspired by the following picture: 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Write a poem that describes a view - from a window, a rooftop, a desk, and a satellite, whatever.

 

 

The Literary Lounge

 

I AM Challenge

Write a poem describing yourself with the words I AM

 

Imagination Prompt/Fill in the Blanks

I wish I had a million_________, then I would___________

 

Imagination Prompt

Finish this sentence and then keep on going: "I knew instantly........."

 

Word Association

Take the following word, associate it with another and use that as the theme for your poem or story - Silence

Picture Prompt

  

Room with a View

(these can be shared through poetry, article, letter or just a friendly banter and conversation)

 

Are (all) writer's procrastinators? Share with us your thoughts.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

 

When someone asks for your opinion, are you always honest? Why or why not?

 

 

The Word Alcove

 senescent \si-NES-uhnt\, adjective:
Growing old; aging.

somnolent \SOM-nuh-luhnt\, adjective:

1. Sleepy; drowsy; inclined to sleep.

2. Tending to cause sleepiness or drowsiness.

ephemeral \ih-FEM-er-ul\, adjective:

1. Beginning and ending in a day; existing only, or no longer than, a day; as, an ephemeral flower.

2. Short-lived; existing or continuing for a short time only.

irascible \ih-RASS-uh-buhl\, adjective:

Prone to anger; easily provoked to anger; hot-tempered.

sanguine \SANG-gwin\, adjective, noun;

1. cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident

2. reddish; ruddy

3. (in old physiology) having blood as the predominating humor and consequently being ruddy-faced, cheerful, etc.

4. blood-red; red

5. Heraldry. a reddish-purple tincture.

6. a red iron-oxide crayon used in making drawings

The Book Nook

Share with us a Book you have read recently. Review it and tell us what you think of it. Don't forget to include Title, author and ISBN (google it, if in doubt)

Thank you Selina for your contribution to the Nook last month!