tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64346836078968180402024-02-07T02:06:30.074-06:00Write Wing ConspiracyPlotting world domination one poem at a time...Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.comBlogger419125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-31772455294580395502015-02-11T21:39:00.000-06:002015-02-11T21:39:30.256-06:00The Lost Love Playlist (a cento)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzb1HerSHT5r6G3OSpxmYMxK-3RRJU6Pm4ATreIuQ_4J10knRW97v05kfAfaZP7BaDH4t661UjrpCUthyphenhyphen3tgtg8h4GV17LdTYItDF58QABQDGIsKICZh2sPHE1l83fVjuAEZU2GxtpjhRR/s1600/Stormy+Sky+Alicia+Dunavan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzb1HerSHT5r6G3OSpxmYMxK-3RRJU6Pm4ATreIuQ_4J10knRW97v05kfAfaZP7BaDH4t661UjrpCUthyphenhyphen3tgtg8h4GV17LdTYItDF58QABQDGIsKICZh2sPHE1l83fVjuAEZU2GxtpjhRR/s1600/Stormy+Sky+Alicia+Dunavan.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=75846&picture=stormy-sky" target="_blank">Stormy Sky by Alicia Dunavan</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Woke up to the sound of pouring rain,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">a bottle of vodka </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">still lodged in my head.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There’s no comfort in the truth, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">full of broken thoughts,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">lying naked on the floor.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What a wicked thing to do, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to make me dream of you…</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Lines for this cento borrowed from: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO4Bb1xQHXw" target="_blank">I Remember You - Skid Row</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvR60Wg9R7Q" target="_blank"> Bed of Roses - Bon Jovi</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPZkBLTHWv4" target="_blank">Careless Whisper - Wham!</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aF9AJm0RFc" target="_blank">Hurt - Johnny Cash</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV1XWJN3nJo" target="_blank">Torn - Natalie Imbruglia</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGlfpzRL2O0" target="_blank">Wicked Game - Chris Isaak</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Written for a prompt over at the Phoenix Rising Poetry Guild (the new incarnation of Poetic Bloomings), asking for <a href="https://phoenixrisingpg.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/the-sound-of-love/" target="_blank">poems about the sounds of love</a>.</span><br />
<br />Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-62215171249579401452015-02-04T06:12:00.001-06:002015-02-04T06:12:38.310-06:00Flirting with Inspiration<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6tQTohVutRWo8LGyqCLTBqPkQmrOna9jhwNdRaW5ogPGE2pq1hdXEDJmQ0khKl5nsVjNevMClIqKBlMvw1WwiqB-w8GhBJpdIPrCRLQGDu7_0PewZMgrD-ILIjzMOPF7APqcP0R_PXjg/s1600/pen+by+Anna+Langova.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6tQTohVutRWo8LGyqCLTBqPkQmrOna9jhwNdRaW5ogPGE2pq1hdXEDJmQ0khKl5nsVjNevMClIqKBlMvw1WwiqB-w8GhBJpdIPrCRLQGDu7_0PewZMgrD-ILIjzMOPF7APqcP0R_PXjg/s1600/pen+by+Anna+Langova.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=17920&picture=pen" target="_blank">Pen by Anna Langova</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A poem is playing </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">At the edges of my mind, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A metered temptress enticing me </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">With come-hither rhymes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And innuendos of alliteration </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That never quite spring to life.</span></div>
Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-91323621136470726052015-02-02T20:28:00.000-06:002015-02-02T20:28:14.540-06:00The Girl Who Swallowed a Storm<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEiBNiRvOZ6vmoR9ywL3WXRQBYwq_uoT7DuU9cxY2K7_GaE73kW2eJ9Dg3gy73t_5BmhxyBhZag6V69ocSxv-ifn9EOOb2yIH3CZuk2O1SVUB4BShsYFGcXMCE3L0tr0rp_dySJ-lKKK5/s1600/tree-and-storm-2+george+hodan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEiBNiRvOZ6vmoR9ywL3WXRQBYwq_uoT7DuU9cxY2K7_GaE73kW2eJ9Dg3gy73t_5BmhxyBhZag6V69ocSxv-ifn9EOOb2yIH3CZuk2O1SVUB4BShsYFGcXMCE3L0tr0rp_dySJ-lKKK5/s1600/tree-and-storm-2+george+hodan.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=33514&picture=tree-and-storm-2" target="_blank">Tree and Storm 2 by George Hodan</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There was a girl who swallowed a storm.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thunder echoed through her head </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and lightning crackled in her veins. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She built her flood walls high and locked the gates, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">seeking protection from the deluge, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">but in her desperation she trapped the storm inside.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The tempest grew as the girl </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">became a woman half-drowned in sorrow, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">too often swept off balance in the surge. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With the last of her resolve and a frantic gasp, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the woman took a pen and poked </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">a poem-shaped hole in the wall, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">then another and another </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">until a new world poured forth, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">a world where the rising waters </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">never swamped her again.</span>Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-89253962577496293232015-02-02T20:23:00.000-06:002015-02-03T07:22:46.608-06:00Thinking<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhkIo09PCAmAd5j_GpQi4UCO2Hpu3aTadfJaZbs2I64uB337qtDIid68nBWnx0MfWMvZCgoEEmv93KcK5s_PRSEqU2VeLLrL6rp3d82VPHvLUS37W0jWdAuxW-C1z4FXabX_ycgVDahG2/s1600/pushing+by+sabine+sauermaul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhkIo09PCAmAd5j_GpQi4UCO2Hpu3aTadfJaZbs2I64uB337qtDIid68nBWnx0MfWMvZCgoEEmv93KcK5s_PRSEqU2VeLLrL6rp3d82VPHvLUS37W0jWdAuxW-C1z4FXabX_ycgVDahG2/s1600/pushing+by+sabine+sauermaul.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=22201&picture=pushing" target="_blank">Pushing by Sabine Sauermaul</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">She’s thinking about things </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that don’t need thinking, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the taboo white spaces </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">of secrets held deep inside. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">just another silent voice </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">screaming in the street, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">unheard and alone.</span></div>
Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-723134383856967012015-01-21T12:27:00.001-06:002015-01-21T12:27:44.625-06:00A Lesson Unlearned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvA4naEKZzT15x1O0f72Mb5bsLAhp02eLAr-CrABvH0Ai4AwlLrdWZ1bay1qPNx1FN1ivcUHwKT3gTeQXYfjpMnGfCPT3yeNwbbcgDf3zZpeWqyJTg_RlD2h8vsPPUwIu9siMfpRR573CK/s1600/notebook+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvA4naEKZzT15x1O0f72Mb5bsLAhp02eLAr-CrABvH0Ai4AwlLrdWZ1bay1qPNx1FN1ivcUHwKT3gTeQXYfjpMnGfCPT3yeNwbbcgDf3zZpeWqyJTg_RlD2h8vsPPUwIu9siMfpRR573CK/s1600/notebook+shot.jpg" height="216" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A small sampling of what passes for writing in my notebooks...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I squint and sigh,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Attempting to decipher </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The random squiggles </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Drifting through my notebook, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Scratchings that resemble </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cuneiform translations</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Of alien hieroglyphics,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Not the neat loops and lines </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Demanded i</span><span style="font-size: large;">n fourth grade penmanship.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Mrs. Brucker,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You have my humblest apologies…</span><br />
<br />Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-11278394456495607072015-01-16T20:56:00.000-06:002015-01-16T20:56:47.911-06:00Singing a Broken Song<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0D2ODrs5OE/VLnMF11v--I/AAAAAAAABOM/li1e7R_qh78/s1600/de-pression-48811290591547Hxs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0D2ODrs5OE/VLnMF11v--I/AAAAAAAABOM/li1e7R_qh78/s1600/de-pression-48811290591547Hxs.jpg" height="400" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=10454&picture=depression" target="_blank">Depression by Sabine Sauermaul</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Music has been torn apart in my mind. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My mood is dead, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">sacrificed to absent light and noise. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I pray for numbness </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">yet still seek something more, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">a file to smooth </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the rough edges of my life. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I race forward </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">into the holy tangle of shade, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">forever carrying </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the mistakes of yesterday, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">my memories lingering </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">alongside the space </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">of silent dread.</span></div>
Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-73210097176355245332015-01-14T14:15:00.000-06:002015-01-14T14:15:23.862-06:00Cups of Seduction<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxvmztH37q1nxrOuxljWLKbIBF0EEAQ2WN-9kq_yiAWLhIN0F5H4GhAQUfN6oy-NL9U0wFr0quLFnWlTR7jWIORGwvmaXbsKxW7IdoxS1qgAt4IzbUucN7RsZPQXd_awhpVa1gF0TjLi-/s1600/cup-of-coffee-1338376190TdN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxvmztH37q1nxrOuxljWLKbIBF0EEAQ2WN-9kq_yiAWLhIN0F5H4GhAQUfN6oy-NL9U0wFr0quLFnWlTR7jWIORGwvmaXbsKxW7IdoxS1qgAt4IzbUucN7RsZPQXd_awhpVa1gF0TjLi-/s1600/cup-of-coffee-1338376190TdN.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=22540&picture=cup-of-coffee" target="_blank">Cup of Coffee by Tilen Hrovatic</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Instinct guides me to him every morning, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A bleary-eyed woman half in dream time. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He greets me with a steamy caress </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And I lose myself in his depths, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His aroma enticing me </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To indulge one more time, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Warming my aging bones </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Strengthening my sanity, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Bringing me back to life </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One sip at a time. </span>Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-48356756095039149482015-01-13T15:09:00.000-06:002015-01-13T15:09:10.113-06:00End of Days<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFS2APW39ts/VKr-x0KjCCI/AAAAAAAABMs/3164YO9XMFE/s1600/apocalypse%2Bjosee%2Bholland%2Beclipse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFS2APW39ts/VKr-x0KjCCI/AAAAAAAABMs/3164YO9XMFE/s1600/apocalypse%2Bjosee%2Bholland%2Beclipse.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=1858&picture=apocalypse" target="_blank">Apocalypse by Josee Holland Eclipse</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tribulation walks the land,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our broken spirits braced</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For the next catastrophe,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The land mine waiting </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To shatter our fragile illusions.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Do not linger in those sorrows,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For what seems to be</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The beginning of the end</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Is often just</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The end of the beginning. </span>Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-71903948000386551692015-01-12T18:59:00.000-06:002015-01-12T18:59:20.073-06:00In the Beginning<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CwwooxpAtYk/VKbiNdHWfhI/AAAAAAAABJw/lkEeWPmowTc/s1600/zoom-to-the-planet-and-the-moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CwwooxpAtYk/VKbiNdHWfhI/AAAAAAAABJw/lkEeWPmowTc/s1600/zoom-to-the-planet-and-the-moon.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=32857&picture=zoom-planet-and-moon" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Zoom Planet and Moon by </span><span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Виталий Смолыгин</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the beginning </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">God created man in His own image, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and in our immense gratitude </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">we promptly descended into mediocrity, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">content to live like dung balls </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">pushed through life by invisible beetles. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We were made in His image.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We were not destined to be average, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">cowering in fear of judgment </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">from our self-proclaimed superiors,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">afraid to claim our sacred birthright.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We were meant to transcend the mundane.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We were meant to be extraordinary.</span><br />
<br />
<br />Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-45350382941623529472015-01-10T11:46:00.000-06:002015-01-10T11:46:10.679-06:00Finding Comfort<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHtH2ODEMIPfMzYYQVeP8mYUPUNjbGFh2snBwdoL8DbvWueJiELh-7XONlNsa4t7Jhe3aT_GBCmUPu9eBuctB_oIJomYoLerS8y-8uzNzoKQyWfY2Nh2es67LM9m0_vZGsvQo_YvzThNC/s1600/beach-leisure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHtH2ODEMIPfMzYYQVeP8mYUPUNjbGFh2snBwdoL8DbvWueJiELh-7XONlNsa4t7Jhe3aT_GBCmUPu9eBuctB_oIJomYoLerS8y-8uzNzoKQyWfY2Nh2es67LM9m0_vZGsvQo_YvzThNC/s1600/beach-leisure.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=24901&picture=beach-leisure" target="_blank">Beach Leisure by Anson Centeno</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Comfort lives</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In quiet moments,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Stolen time</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To just breathe</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And linger in memories</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Of who I once was.</span></div>
Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-72485318404389808192015-01-09T07:21:00.000-06:002015-01-09T07:21:24.289-06:00Revenant<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gtaVke__Qno_FP4pQwlRPVmFJVE1Enai1br5l_oVd2YlBXzzHWgpajLhAAHa-_-Zo4b5LsiDTCZ9Wn3sfngV7cK0O2nwvwpvLbvNPTTa5B8DA352P6D4iyAfx27ESN98kDehH1GZi5YC/s1600/dead-rose-1341998627RPm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gtaVke__Qno_FP4pQwlRPVmFJVE1Enai1br5l_oVd2YlBXzzHWgpajLhAAHa-_-Zo4b5LsiDTCZ9Wn3sfngV7cK0O2nwvwpvLbvNPTTa5B8DA352P6D4iyAfx27ESN98kDehH1GZi5YC/s1600/dead-rose-1341998627RPm.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=23690&picture=dead-rose" target="_blank">Dead Rose by George Hodan</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A revenant force </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Walks my halls, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His energy charging </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My wistful heart </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In a tattered reverie </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Of what might have been.</span><br />
<br />Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-3144660540504784542015-01-08T07:04:00.001-06:002015-01-08T07:04:47.039-06:00Cradle my Heart<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SFPZ-fa5MlEZtchwgm1h2lVGDcEiCNYGtFq7_udsARUR0n4eTUoc_msBHQMl50NqrBb25nOAghdK6oIMZjlg6vunrVOJWr8wf6XSZ6MzIKfkIB5RllhmX-ih4JUvjkRJt0gx4QU2Pex3/s1600/red-heart-in-hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SFPZ-fa5MlEZtchwgm1h2lVGDcEiCNYGtFq7_udsARUR0n4eTUoc_msBHQMl50NqrBb25nOAghdK6oIMZjlg6vunrVOJWr8wf6XSZ6MzIKfkIB5RllhmX-ih4JUvjkRJt0gx4QU2Pex3/s1600/red-heart-in-hands.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=29708&picture=red-heart-in-hands" target="_blank">Red Heart in Hands by George Hodan</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cradle my heart</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In your calloused hands</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And remember how it felt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I first gave it to you:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Lighter...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Unscarred...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Whole.</span></div>
<br />Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-34574986857835355032015-01-07T06:22:00.000-06:002015-01-07T06:22:18.237-06:00Face in the Window<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVGu409ofGI/VKy5GbUilYI/AAAAAAAABNY/ZE9u6MKXw1k/s1600/Lost%2BMoments.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVGu409ofGI/VKy5GbUilYI/AAAAAAAABNY/ZE9u6MKXw1k/s1600/Lost%2BMoments.jpeg" height="320" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Art Credit: </span><span style="font-size: small;">Lost Moments, 2012<br />by Nick Gentry</span></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A face in the window </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">on memory lane, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">phantom perfumes </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">on melancholy winds, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the discarded negatives </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">of long ago days,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">randomly drifting</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">in the light of the holy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Life goes on, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">always timely, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">always provocative,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">as I crawl </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">through the remnants</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">of my human history.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Many moons circle </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and I continue on, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to see the healing power </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">of my soul singing, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">barely above a whisper, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">wishing </span><span style="font-size: large;">to stay there forever.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Written for a prompt from dVerse Poets Pub asking us to <a href="http://dversepoets.com/2015/01/06/poetics-nick-gentry/" target="_blank">draw inspiration from the art of Nick Gentry</a>. You can find more information on this talented artist <a href="http://www.nickgentry.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
<br />Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-64057999135994553402015-01-06T05:43:00.000-06:002015-01-06T05:43:02.971-06:00Ghost or Dream<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7gYcJoE5zU/VKbiMv3LXII/AAAAAAAABJs/o8MzVxVKhkI/s1600/heavenly-ambiance%2Bpennie%2Bgibson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7gYcJoE5zU/VKbiMv3LXII/AAAAAAAABJs/o8MzVxVKhkI/s1600/heavenly-ambiance%2Bpennie%2Bgibson.jpg" height="400" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=17174&picture=heavenly-ambiance" target="_blank">Heavenly Ambiance by Pennie Gibson</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I heard you call my name today. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Unsure if it was ghost or dream, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I did not answer….</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Finally ghost and dream </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Were pushed aside, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Replaced by a fervent prayer </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And a whispered “I miss you too.”</span>Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-74112640018015083552015-01-05T06:02:00.000-06:002015-01-05T06:02:39.571-06:00Dying to Be Beautiful<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2bIsKjicuJu81bEXLPiO8Ds5Mka6XYgsJSR3Q4iP6Hhmz0HcGTX0IahmYC0Dv3HTY3C3x8EZqhl6gn-mTDKwW17vOaVp4bljwDWqhhWfEmPvSK3Ni9Nx03C0YWJ2Kfofn6_9zDxdZFev/s1600/Broken+Somehow+by+Cristina+Popa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2bIsKjicuJu81bEXLPiO8Ds5Mka6XYgsJSR3Q4iP6Hhmz0HcGTX0IahmYC0Dv3HTY3C3x8EZqhl6gn-mTDKwW17vOaVp4bljwDWqhhWfEmPvSK3Ni9Nx03C0YWJ2Kfofn6_9zDxdZFev/s1600/Broken+Somehow+by+Cristina+Popa.jpg" height="400" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=904&picture=broken-somehow" target="_blank">Broken Somehow by Cristina Popa</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>“Beauty crowds me till I die...” Emily Dickinson</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Glamour and Vogue</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">paper her bathroom,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">airbrushed perfection</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">preserved on glossy paper.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The running tap</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">drowns the sound</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">of her dinner swirling</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">in the porcelain bowl.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A freak show mirror</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">hides the promise</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">sixteen should hold,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">only reflecting</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">acid-rotted teeth</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">behind pallid lips,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">long-dead hollow eyes,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">a 76 pound skeleton</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">wrapped in obese paranoia,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Dying to be beautiful.</span></div>
<br />Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-80416319380568272372015-01-04T06:10:00.000-06:002015-01-04T06:10:14.639-06:00On a City Sidewalk (A Christmas Cento)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jfm21H72rRc/VKbiMs0bZJI/AAAAAAAABJg/8otNZYhwOjc/s1600/giant-christmas-tree-lights%2Blinnaea%2Bmallette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jfm21H72rRc/VKbiMs0bZJI/AAAAAAAABJg/8otNZYhwOjc/s1600/giant-christmas-tree-lights%2Blinnaea%2Bmallette.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=105944&picture=giant-christmas-tree-lights" target="_blank">Giant Christmas Tree Lights by Linnaea Mallette</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">People hurry </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">through the frozen streets </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">meeting smile after smile, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">echoing the joyous strains </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">of children laughing, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">sleigh bells in the snow.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His favorite time of year </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">was always Christmas;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">today’s celebration </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">is bittersweet,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">a hurting human soul</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">waiting in a silent prayer;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and in the midst of the laughter, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">he cries.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Lines borrowed from the following Christmas songs: Take a Walk Through Bethlehem, Silver Bells, Angels We Have Heard on High, White Christmas, It Won’t Be the Same This Year, Alone on Christmas, My Grown Up Christmas List, Breath of Heaven, Pretty Paper</span>Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-45480985382884948282015-01-03T06:08:00.000-06:002015-01-03T06:08:30.336-06:00In Plain Sight<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVnAudv-xjg/VKbiL1qr1jI/AAAAAAAABJI/Iaqm3PV8WW4/s1600/depression%2B-%2Bgeorge%2Bhodan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVnAudv-xjg/VKbiL1qr1jI/AAAAAAAABJI/Iaqm3PV8WW4/s1600/depression%2B-%2Bgeorge%2Bhodan.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=25922&picture=depression" target="_blank">Depression by George Hodan</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lost within the sacred space</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That lingers in the silent night, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The memory she cannot face,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Denial of her tragic plight.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pain camouflaged in eyes made bright</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">By tears the world will never see,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A victim hiding in plain sight,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Held captive by her misery.</span><br />
<br />Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-28209757153904535442015-01-02T20:55:00.000-06:002015-01-02T20:55:29.828-06:00Story of a Neglected Flower<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xnrzZhUIi3A/VKbiKlWVuRI/AAAAAAAABJA/-vriEhcS608/s1600/Dead%2BRose%2Band%2Bthe%2BStorm%2Bby%2BGeorge%2BHodan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xnrzZhUIi3A/VKbiKlWVuRI/AAAAAAAABJA/-vriEhcS608/s1600/Dead%2BRose%2Band%2Bthe%2BStorm%2Bby%2BGeorge%2BHodan.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=68078&picture=dead-rose-and-the-storm" target="_blank">Dead Rose and the Storm by George Hodan</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Over the years </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">her petals fell away </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">in soft crimson drops </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">on weathered hardwood. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She wilted under his care, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">years of drought </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and angry heat </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">leaving her parched, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">craving tender warmth </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and gentle rains. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She faded, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">branches withering </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">until little remained </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">except a dormant dream </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">rooted in hope </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">that one day </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">she might bloom again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-68751422348488956562015-01-01T18:21:00.000-06:002015-01-01T18:21:47.076-06:00Resolution<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhe1oY2ADzY1BvcywrZ4ZuJs4PmyBAwY0yqx3MLY5Io1Fth7XhK1QLvTZWT10HCZas4rjyxInB04K3jUbiIUR9NO4atGQZHTVbzp1XMdppddK3rCY5J7bzUDMblfYQaR-UG_FOvBUkv2S/s1600/Happy+New+Year+by+Linnaea+Mallette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhe1oY2ADzY1BvcywrZ4ZuJs4PmyBAwY0yqx3MLY5Io1Fth7XhK1QLvTZWT10HCZas4rjyxInB04K3jUbiIUR9NO4atGQZHTVbzp1XMdppddK3rCY5J7bzUDMblfYQaR-UG_FOvBUkv2S/s1600/Happy+New+Year+by+Linnaea+Mallette.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=106699&picture=happy-new-year" target="_blank">Happy New Year by Linnaea Mallette</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Another year,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Another blank page</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Just waiting</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To be filled</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">With new stories, new verses;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This year will be mine.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-61497433298350591312014-04-15T13:08:00.001-05:002014-04-15T13:08:55.506-05:00Still<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3qeh1IT37PgpcqHZNAmv5dSrOJE7v37lZinTa0qy3bASKmxRBID7G22jOut44KSZZ9QcIh_AVmM4ON_bt4Y3rD1-CWZ6tgc7uwMsA2Xsd4zLUvPMGeoxLkYcCacOnTJ4CafKwPP16kAJ/s1600/rocky+heart+by+vera+kratochvil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3qeh1IT37PgpcqHZNAmv5dSrOJE7v37lZinTa0qy3bASKmxRBID7G22jOut44KSZZ9QcIh_AVmM4ON_bt4Y3rD1-CWZ6tgc7uwMsA2Xsd4zLUvPMGeoxLkYcCacOnTJ4CafKwPP16kAJ/s1600/rocky+heart+by+vera+kratochvil.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=5614&picture=rocky-heart">Rocky Heart by Vera Kratochvil</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The lines engraved</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In my petrified heart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Still form the shape</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of your smile.</div>
<br />
<br />
Written for the <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/2014-april-pad-challenge-day-15">PAD challenge Day 15 prompt</a> over at Poetic Asides, part of the Two-for-Tuesday write a love poem / write an anti-love poem.Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-14938316787789053822014-04-03T11:23:00.000-05:002014-04-03T11:23:24.470-05:00Reading the Signs<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC94DvAxqgwbsV4cjpuCFX_HY_bmpdvVL1A42O556XrW3OXGSMZnWlXO7lAwjk2GiAzW0o7C8WxD4ZWQQRc0kmiNPcHBTeq2MLBX_-Cp1pembTVFCY9K4buOhJVh7O7mghGsDuShZA2RHL/s1600/neon-nights+by+pennie+gibson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC94DvAxqgwbsV4cjpuCFX_HY_bmpdvVL1A42O556XrW3OXGSMZnWlXO7lAwjk2GiAzW0o7C8WxD4ZWQQRc0kmiNPcHBTeq2MLBX_-Cp1pembTVFCY9K4buOhJVh7O7mghGsDuShZA2RHL/s1600/neon-nights+by+pennie+gibson.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=16311&picture=neon-nights">Neon Nights by Pennie Gibson</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Messages from the universe<br />
Marking my destined path<br />
Would be easier to notice<br />
If they were posted<br />
In flashing neon<br />
Fifty feet tall<br />
Rather than cryptic clues<br />
Lurking around<br />
The outskirts of my consciousness.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~~~ Written for the<a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/2014-april-pad-challenge-day-3"> Day 3 Poem a Day challenge</a> over at Poetic Asides. Prompt was to write a message poem.Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-28099067853147320082014-04-01T19:00:00.000-05:002015-01-01T20:03:46.703-06:00Me and Neil<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXybu7n3U_LWIiZw5b8wF25dvtLeQPqK7_Pz3Jxc4ZGyHA7gP9mR4Kzrlsnxkkw1HA91Nt1GFDiwrNGqabtKJ0iDnpMR1KWI0igSj9gY1rzJqKsu6u2zMZZtb3GeAvPmvyrNJRmt0MvXe/s1600/moving+by+george+hodan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXybu7n3U_LWIiZw5b8wF25dvtLeQPqK7_Pz3Jxc4ZGyHA7gP9mR4Kzrlsnxkkw1HA91Nt1GFDiwrNGqabtKJ0iDnpMR1KWI0igSj9gY1rzJqKsu6u2zMZZtb3GeAvPmvyrNJRmt0MvXe/s1600/moving+by+george+hodan.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=31726&picture=moving">Moving by George Hodan</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
“I Am, I Said” echoes off the walls<br />
Of a nearly-barren apartment,<br />
The half-filled cartons<br />
Packed with the trappings<br />
Of a broken life,<br />
Mementos carefully sanitized<br />
Of your presence…<br />
If only memories<br />
Were so easily cleansed.<br />
<br />
No one is there in the emptiness,<br />
Only me and Neil.<br />
I close my eyes and see<br />
The ratty green recliner<br />
Leftover from your frat boy days,<br />
Your tattered Elway jersey<br />
Draped across the arm,<br />
Photographs of laughing faces<br />
Untouched by the taint of betrayal,<br />
The calloused hands<br />
That used to dry my tears.<br />
Those tears fall freely<br />
In this soon-to-be vacant place,<br />
Yet another failed attempt<br />
To build a world without you.<br />
<br />
Neil understands my pain,<br />
The loneliness that hangs<br />
Like tattered curtains<br />
In a low-rent room,<br />
The need to keep moving on,<br />
Not knowing if I’m running<br />
Away from heartache<br />
Or straight toward it.<br />
I tell myself that the next town<br />
Will perhaps be a bit less empty,<br />
But no one is there to believe my lies.<br />
No one is listening.<br />
Not you.<br />
Not Neil.<br />
Not even the chair.<br />
<br />
<br />
~~Written for the <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/2014-april-pad-challenge-day-1">Day 1 Poem a Day prompt</a> from Poetic Asides, write either a beginning poem or an ending poem.<br />
<br />
Here's a little video of Neil Diamond singing "I Am, I Said," just to show you where a bit of the inspiration came from for this one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/qejYBo_hs00/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/qejYBo_hs00&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/qejYBo_hs00&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-48259800706968182412013-04-28T08:09:00.000-05:002013-04-28T08:09:11.126-05:00A Good Egg<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFhTvpspp04/UX0eu9iiEcI/AAAAAAAABCc/sVZvpBNNnBs/s1600/week-105-photo-prompt-egg-barbara-young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFhTvpspp04/UX0eu9iiEcI/AAAAAAAABCc/sVZvpBNNnBs/s400/week-105-photo-prompt-egg-barbara-young.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://briarcat.wordpress.com/">Photo Credit: Barbara Young</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes a good egg,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Scrambled by life’s twists and turns,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finds herself broken.</div>
<br />
<br />
~~ Written for an ekphrastic prompt over at <a href="http://poeticbloomings.com/2013/04/28/prompt-105-ekphrastic-poetry-2013-photo-prompt-3/">Poetic Bloomings</a>. Many thanks to Barbara Young for providing the photo for the prompt!<br />
Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-54765985283207270862013-04-28T08:04:00.000-05:002013-04-28T08:04:59.517-05:00This Halloween<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSQtfZE9RGQ/UW05uzeO_FI/AAAAAAAABCM/wLPbgmL6_fs/s1600/tree+and+moon+by+lydia+martinez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSQtfZE9RGQ/UW05uzeO_FI/AAAAAAAABCM/wLPbgmL6_fs/s400/tree+and+moon+by+lydia+martinez.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=4541&picture=tree-and-moon">Tree and Moon by Lydia Martinez</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Come follow me this Halloween<br />
Into a world you've never seen,<br />
Where goblins creep and zombies dance<br />
And ghosts lurk just beyond your glance.<br />
An old witch riding on her broom<br />
Is silhouetted by the moon,<br />
And from her perch she’s looking down<br />
Upon the unsuspecting town<br />
Where house to house the children go<br />
Led by the jack o lantern’s glow.<br />
They wander through the chilly night,<br />
Those horrors hidden from their sight.<br />
If you would like to join this scene,<br />
Come follow me on Halloween.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Written for a prompt from <a href="http://poeticbloomings.com/2013/02/03/the-childrens-hour-prompt-93/">Poetic Bloomings</a> asking us to write a poem aimed toward children.Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6434683607896818040.post-61290835236619250712013-04-18T18:16:00.000-05:002013-04-18T18:16:54.883-05:00Devils and Angels<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCUUQvIvusBF8YghXIRLv1Wee4sEKft3fBFEj9AzwZIDwXl28b3lWXqcdePQFVhZ79s4Z_RhYFlFVPDYOdpRVdJ5rLUIr9_MWxYVnAzqaGlmc8kJNFaMonwQctRAi22DizGq6h_0iWmFA/s1600/background+367+by+sabine+sauermaul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCUUQvIvusBF8YghXIRLv1Wee4sEKft3fBFEj9AzwZIDwXl28b3lWXqcdePQFVhZ79s4Z_RhYFlFVPDYOdpRVdJ5rLUIr9_MWxYVnAzqaGlmc8kJNFaMonwQctRAi22DizGq6h_0iWmFA/s400/background+367+by+sabine+sauermaul.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=30648&picture=background-367">Image by Sabine Sauermaul</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eluding devils whisper in my ears,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leading me down false paths</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With no intention of help,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Those corrupt murmurs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Playing on my weaknesses,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leaving me under the influence</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of my persistent doubts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I cling to dead talismans</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of my faded faith,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Translating ancient truths</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From obscure tongues</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In search of a solution,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wishing I had the courage</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To climb the mountain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And seek the quiet counsel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of angels who no longer</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fly through my world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
This was written for a prompt from <a href="http://poeticbloomings.com/2013/03/10/mean-what-you-say-sort-of-prompt-98/">Poetic Bloomings</a> that gave us a list of words and asked us to use their antonyms in a poem. The prompt words and my chosen opposites are listed below.<br />
<br />
Angel - devil, impair - help, transparent - obscure, skullduggery - truths, problem - solution, timidity - courage, loudly - quiet, power - weaknesses, sober - under the influence, chaste - corrupt.Mary B. Mansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135589216216151585noreply@blogger.com0