writing

Stress Test

A poet’s life should bear no stress.
But once a year’s OK, I guess.
It’s the only day that I truly fear.
And Valentine’s Day is growing near.
~
It’s the only day when something’s expected.
And a bad poem that day may be rejected.
So I show her my love in every way.
She’s awakened to kisses every day.
~
Flowers not often but she likes the surprise.
I love to see the joy in her eyes.
I tell her she’s lovely, my beautiful queen.
And that she’s the star on my big screen.
~
Hugs are many and poems not a few.
After all, it’s what I supposedly do.
But today I’m stressed as the day is near.
I expect something special for my beloved dear.
~
So alone I sit with pencils all ready.
My mind’s jumbled but my hands are steady.
I think of the love she gives to me.
And that she’s the one I long to see.
~
The hour grows late, now time for a rest.
I’ll awaken tomorrow and be at my best.
I’ll hold her close and nibble her ear.
And I’ll try not to worry about one day a year.

~*~
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Together

Nose to nose and cheek to cheek,
hip to hip our passion’s deep.
Eye to eye we always see.
That I love her and she loves me.
~
With every touch warmth is felt.
Whispers shared, our bodies melt.
Lips meet and hands hold tight.
Sunshine ends our restful night.
~
The days begin with spirits high.
Outside we linger beneath blue sky.
We plan our day and time free.
When together we’ll be her and me.

~*~
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A Cycling We Will Go

With the summer comes the fall.
With the heat the colors call.
With a breeze the leaves afloat,
it’s the season, a chill we’ll note.
~
Autumn passes to winters white.
With the snow comes a longer night.
With the darkness time will slow.
With our dreams sunshine will glow.
~
Spring is born to bursting hues.
A rebirth’s given for paying dues.
With this life we’re nature drawn.
With a vision this world we’ll fawn.
~
With a blink the green consumes.
Our bodies warm, our thought blooms.
Days awaken to skies of blue.
With the sunset comes dawn anew.

~*~
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Shady Chances

The sun’s yet risen and the wait’s begun.
The weather is miserable and not much fun.
Yet here I stand shivering and wet,
desperately hoping I’ll win this year’s bet.
~
Losers are more than winners by far,
but another day’s wages I slapped on that bar.
Chances we take most every day,
so by this hole I’m going to stay.
~
Just a little sunshine is all it will take,
so I look to the clouds, hoping they’ll break.
Will that big rodent peek from their den?
We all know why but no one knows when.
~
Then out pops a head in search of a treat,
as it’s been a long winter with nothing to eat.
But a shadow was seen, so more winter’s to follow.
Now I’m cold, broke and tired and pride I must swallow.

~*~
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Sublime

The burden of youth now lifted,
gears well lubed and automatically shifted.
We’ll coast up life’s many a peak.
And freely glide to wherever we seek.

Our time’s endless and just begun.
In a sea of many we’ll float as one.
Stars will dance in the brightest of skies.
And forever tomorrows await our eyes.

In the clouds we soar, ever nearing heaven’s door.
Our sunsets engulfed on an endless shore,
the sands of time unturned and pure.
And all is perfect with one to adore.

~*~
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Forever Fine

In the morning cool the mind is clear.
Thoughts are pure and free to share.
Daily troubles still faraway,
evening memories I wish to stay.
~
Solace is found in the arms of another.
The world’s problems no longer smother.
Gentle kisses give way to sleep.
Evening memories I’ll surely keep.
~
The sun will rise and then to set.
Work consumes, but no regret.
The moon will shine on a love that’s mine.
Evening memories, forever fine.

~*~
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Getting Old

My story today is put on hold.
I’ve snow to shovel in the cold.
This foolish weather’s getting old.
I should move south, so I’ve been told.
~
Fresh air and sunshine’s what I need.
No more boots or coats of tweed.
No more shovels, my winters freed.
But there’ll be no speedo, that’s agreed.
~
What about sunburn, I burn fast,
a lesson learned from my past.
And the bugs, their numbers vast,
hurricanes too are often forecast.
~
I’d miss the autumn with colors bright.
And the pleasant walks on a summer’s night.
Spring of course brings a new days light.
So one more year I guess is alright.

~*~
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Eyes

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As a child I dreamed to see –

The world through older eyes.

Imagine all that I’ll see –

Growing smart, growing wise.

 

Growing older, wished to see –

A world through younger eyes.

Think of all the things I’ll see –

Some are smiles, some are cries.

 

Then I thought I should see-

The world through others eyes.

Into hearts and minds I’ll see –

All the truths, all the lies.

 

Now I’ve grown and I can see –

A world through my own eyes.

Always open now I see –

A world that’s all surprise.

 

The End

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Show & Tell

Though poetry of love may come and go,
the love you give is what you show.
There’s the little smile with every glance.
And with every touch a little dance.
~
Hugs are abundant and given free.
And kisses returned with equal glee.
With every joke there’s a little laugh.
Wrongs admitted with every gaffe.
~
Hands are held on every walk.
And ears wide open when we talk.
The future’s seen as time flies by.
And the only blues are in the sky.
~
Sunshine’s felt on a chilly night.
And eyes twinkle beneath starlight.
There’s snuggling close before we sleep.
Then the sharing of dreams to keep.
~
Every morning our day is new.
Every day our troubles are few.
Hearts beat and emotions swell.
The word’s a show our actions tell.

~*~
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Alchemy

We’ve heard of butterflies and zebras.
But some things never get old.
We’ve all heard of fairy tales,
because timeless stories always told.
~
We’ve all heard many, many words.
But they’re still being bought and sold.
We’ve all wished for a happy life,
like a fairytale that we mold.
~
We all love the butterfly’s beauty,
and zebras for being bold.
And we all love to be loved.
That’s why some things are forever gold.

~*~
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Fiscal New Year

The mistletoe’s gone for another year.
Alarm bells ringing bring no cheer.
The party’s over, Monday’s arrived,
the holiday’s done, at least I survived.
~
Back to normal I must now go.
Work I must to pay what I owe.
Bills are coming and debts surely grew.
Saving’s diminished; it’s time to make new.
~
Coffee is drunk but the mood is sober.
I’ve interest to pay, maybe done by October.
A resolution I’ve made to end this spree.
But Valentines is coming and gifts there will be.
~
So returns I’ll exchange as sales are waiting,
There are deals galore, no time for debating.
There’s much to do to start this New Year.
Hopefully by spring my plan will be clear.

~*~
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Vacation

Toys are broken, now back to school.
Christmas is over, mom said that’s cool.
She rushed our breakfast packing our lunch.
My brother made faces, I gave him a punch.
~
He threw a banana, it hit mom’s head.
She spilled the milk, her face turned red.
Our dog ran in to save the day.
He licked up the milk and wanted to play.
~
We gave him some scratches and a treat.
Then mom tied shoes too tight on our feet.
We put on our hats, mittens and coats.
Mom packed our bags with books and notes.
~
We walked to the bus stop to meet our friends.
The bus pulled up and our vacation now ends.
The parents all smiled and waved goodbye.
Then home they went for some needed shut-eye.

~*~
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A Christmas Tail

sleepy town

Chapter 1 ~ The Beginning

All’s quite this early winter’s night.
Embers fade in the candles dancing light.
I was thinking of Christmas, many years past.
Those fond old memories’ now fading fast.

I recalled when our home came alive.
I was just a small girl of about five.
It was a grand old house for mom, dad and me.
Sat perched on a hill overlooking the sea.

It’s still a museum in our little town.
It was built by a General of historic renown.
Shared with his bride Martha, she had a sad life.
The General’s a hero, she a young widowed wife.

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We cared for the house and gave the tours.
All year long we opened our doors.
We welcomed the guest to step back in time.
So come on in and share our rhyme.

I lay awake and tossed and turned.
Thinking of school and all I learned.
Letters and numbers and new friends,
I hope kindergarten never ends.

My thought disturbed by shapes on the wall,
a moonlit dance, shadows big and small.
It pranced to my table that’s set for tea.
There’s a seat for Teddy and Dolly plus one for me.

It climbed the chair with a dancer’s grace.
She must be a girl with a whiskered face.
Dolly left some crumbs on her plate.
When I remembered it was too late.

I Left a treat each night for a week.
I tried staying awake to catch a peek.
I’ll call her Martha, like our homes bride
But when I giggled she ran to hide.

Chapter 2 ~ New Friends

The days passed, she’d visit most nights.
She kept unseen until I turn out the lights.
She knows I’m cozy in my warm bed.
She smiles and winks, thankful she’s fed.

One night I waited, still in my chair.
Starlight warmed the chilly night air.
Eyelids dropped like the falling moon.
I hope my visitor gets here soon.

Night turned to day, feet cold on the floor.
I missed my friend but goodies no more.
The next night I brought a cookie to bed.
I woke with my new friend by my head.

Days got colder, Christmas was near.
I looked forward to the snacks we share.
Each passing night our friendship grows.
We chat and laugh, I scratch her nose.

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Thanksgiving’s past, Santa’s on his way.
The tree goes up, brighter each day.
We’re happy to welcome all our new guests,
while I wore my new colonial dress.

I tell them of the homes long past,
Of all that’s lived here, my family last.
I tell them of their history.
But never a word of Martha and me.

On the last day of school before the break,
we celebrated with carols and cake.
We shared cards and hugs then on our way.
We’re off to the bus and our long holiday.

Glad to be home, much to be done.
Baking and wrapping with mom will be fun.
I think Christmas is the best time of year.
There’s lots of visits from friends far and near.

Chapter 3 ~ Good and Bad

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It’s not just gifts that makes Christmas best.
It’s all the excitement, no time for rest.
One snowy day mom and I went to town.
Main Street’s so merry, never a frown.

When we returned from our last minute shop,
we saw a truck with a light on top.
A man in a hardhat talked with my dad.
They both spoke quietly and looked very sad.

My parents whispered, thought I didn’t hear.
Something’s was broken too much to repair.
Said we’re leaving, where they don’t know.
I loved our home and didn’t want to go.

I gave the last tour on that very sad day.
We finished our cocoa with little to say.
Mom read aloud then kissed me goodnight.
Dad tucked me in, turned out the light.

I lay sobbing at the loss of our house.
No new friends, no Martha the mouse.
I then had a plan and ran for my bank.
Shook out the coins and my little heart sank.

Martha came close, she knew I was sad.
I forgot the snacks but she wasn’t mad.
We counted my pennies in moonlight,
then crept downstairs later that night.

We tucked my bank under the tree.
It’s for our old house from Martha and me.
But one last thing and then back to bed,
a snack for Martha and a pat on her head.

My dad woke me early that Christmas day.
I knew he was sad, he smiled anyway.
We met mom in the hall, headed downstairs.
We all acted happy while holding back tears.

 

Chapter 4 ~ New Beginnings

The cookies were gone, Santa was here.
Beneath the tree, present are there.
But shocked to see something I’d never seen.
There are stacks of coins, sleeping mice in between.

They ate Santa’s cookies then took a nap.
All snuggled together in the Christmas wrap.
Sleeping soundly until mom screams.
Then all were awakened from their dreams.

Martha stood out front and winked at me.
She waved me over to come and see.
The piles of treasure they found last night.
That was lost under the floorboards out of sight.

The Generals treasure, his coins of gold.
There’s enough to fix our homes splendor of old.
Martha saved our house and Christmas too.
She helped write this rhyme to share with you.

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From all of us here at our house of fun,
we’re glad to have shared our time as one,
We wish you the all best this holiday.
And may all your days be just your way.

The End

Steve Kittell 120114

 

A Holiday’s Warmth

In the land of the dragon when nights get long.
The air is cold and the wind is strong.
In caves they’ll gather all cozy and warm.
But first, they’ll prepare before the big storm.
~
The holiday’s near and another year’s treat.
Moms and dads busy to make all things neat.
The children make dangles to dress up their tree.
Then off to slumber for a week, two or three.
~
Their parents when done with winter chores,
warm their homes and open their doors.
The children then wake to a new winter’s white.
And gaze at trinkets secretly left in the night.
~
There are mittens and hats for the littlest of tikes.
There are goodies galore that everyone likes.
The grown-ups all share a warm hearted kiss.
Then hugs all around that’s never to miss.
~
The teens await the greatest gift of all.
They’ll soon learn to fly or tumble and fall.
But the new snow’s now deep and oh so soft.
It’s perfect for landing when not high aloft.
~
When the sun gets low and the chill sets in.
Homeward they head for the feast begin.
They’ll all sing and dance and sip warm sno-nog.
The night then ends with the last burning log.
~
Eyelids grow heavy, eyes soon to close.
Socks pulled snugly over big chilly toes.
Hibernation then starts and dreams it’ll bring,
where thoughts are warm awaiting the spring.

~*~
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A Holiday Plan

It all starts when the turkey is done.
A month flies by while on the run.
I don’t mean to be a Scrooge or Grinch,
but I can be either in a pinch.
~
I don’t really hate the holidays,
but time could be spent in better ways.
We cut down trees to place on stands.
We’ll slap on balls with eager hands.
~
We cover it in lights to watch it glow.
Then when droopy to the curb it’ll go.
We wrap up gifts to pile high,
then the bill comes in and we all cry.
~
We’ll fill up bags with excess waste,
adding last year’s things we bought in haste.
So maybe next year we can stop and pause.
And maybe give a vacation to old Santa Claus.

~*~
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Figmented

In a little town not far from here,
there lived a star, a puppeteer.
She entertained children near and far.
While her husband played his old guitar.
~
The puppets danced and the kids all giggled.
The guitarist sang and everyone wiggled.
But behind the show’s curtain of green,
the puppeteer performs, always unseen.
~
But she’s not sad, she’s quite content,
the shows always fun and it pays the rent.
Their home life is great with two cats and a dog.
And in a pond nearby they had a pet frog.
~
Their children, now grown and moved far away,
but they all get together for Christmas day.
The tree lit up bright and gifts piled high.
They await the sunrise in the cold winter sky.
~
First up’s the grandkids, it’s time to explore.
Next was the dog that sleeps by the door.
The children were silent peaking at the gifts.
Each on lookout in five minute shifts.
~
Tape’s gently pulled and corners peeled back,
they had to work fast to get through the stack.
The children were careful to not make a mess,
because if caught, next year there’d be less.
~
It didn’t take long for them to realize,
the presents were fake and the pets were spies.
The children panicked and ran back to their beds,
to dream once more of dolls, blocks and sleds.
~
But the parents sat waiting at the top of the stairs.
The kids now caught broke down in tears.
They ruined Christmas and the parents were mad.
The grandparents were disappointed and that was sad.
~
A lecture was given while breakfast they ate.
Grandma’s lesson was that good things are worth the wait.
And that things are not always as they appear,
you can take it from her, she’s a puppeteer.
~
Breakfast was finished at a leisurely pace.
Anticipation beamed from everyone’s face.
Then a puppet appeared dressed as Santa Claus,
who passed out presents to much applause.

~*~
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Morning Triku #172 ~ Mirage

~*~
Rock and Toil

Castles can never
reach lofty heights without a
solid foundation.
~

Blameless Solutions

When either or both
unhappy, result’s the same.
Fix or quit – no blame.
~

Love’s all Wet

Silently I sit,
puddled I sweat. Lagoon thoughts
immersed with you, wet.

~*~
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Simply Grand

One thousand kisses each morning,
a thousand more every night,
ten thousand more in between,
fulfill our days delight.
~
One thousand thoughts about her,
a thousand dreams I’ve known,
ten thousand days or more,
we’ll never be alone.
~
“I love you” a thousand times spoken,
thousands more I’ve heard,
infinity is our goal,
any less is simply absurd.

~*~
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