Earth Day 2008

Just a quickie Haiku for Earth Day

Mother Earth crying
Her tears filling the oceans
How will we save her

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Things you give me

Thank You

Morning light
The songs of birds
The smell of spring in the air
Loving voices
Words of love
A silent moment of prayer
Every day
Some things I see
Others sneak up on me
Obvious blessings
Subtle ones too
These are things you give to me

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Sunday Scribblings - Compose

Resolve

She said "Do not let him destroy you"
"This is not the end for you"
She said "Compose yourself"
"Get it together"
And I knew what I had to do
Wiped my tears
pushed back my shoulders
gathered my thoughts
stood tall
Packed my bags
made up my mind
Picked up the phone
and made the call
"I'm leaving you
I'm through,
I'm done dealing
With the pain
I don't even know
Why I stayed this long
You make me miserable
Crazy, insane"
Hung up the phone
gathered my keys
took one last look
walked out the door
The weight lifted
Right off my shoulders
Could be no clearer
I don't need you anymore.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

For Sunday Scribblings - Prompt "Compose"

Good Deeds Haiku

Had a wonderful day helping others today...went with a group from my church to feed the poor at the local Y, and then helped a friend move into her new place. Came home feeling great.

A day of good deeds
Helping others has a way
Of helping you most

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Friday 5 - #1

Well I picked a doozie of a time to join Friday 5, didn't I? We're working with made-up words this week. Here's what I've come up with, and let me tell you, it took a completely different turn as I was writing it. This one most definitely had a mind (and heart) of its own:

Third World

Run circles around me
To and fro in a frenzy
A screy of emotion
Too sudden to grasp
A cack and a holler
A bit of laughter too
My mind spins and spirals
A mozzle nudges my leg
I bend down to examine
A glureon of faces
Eyes intently on mine
Expectant yet patient
What can I provide?
Standing upright again
I open my caprussule
Dig in, find some change
Dole out what I can
They thank me and scatter
On to the next foreigner they glom
We give what we can
We hope it's enough
But we know in our hearts
It's all wrong

Copyright 2008 - Karina

For Friday 5, using the words: caprussule, mozzle, cack, screy, glureon

Poem In Your Pocket - That's Me

Today is Poem In Your Pocket Day. You can find out more about it by clicking the link.

I have a hard time with favorites, meaning, I never can pick just one favorite anything. But the poem below struck a cord with me all the way back in the day, when I watched Poetic Justice, the movie with Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur. Every few years I dig out a copy of it and re-read it, and send it on to all the phenomenal women I know to remind them of how amazing they are. Therefore, I couldn't think of a more perfect choice for Poem In Your Pocket Day.

PHENOMENAL WOMAN
by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies
I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion size
But when I start to tell them
They think I'm telling lies.
I say It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips
The stride of my steps
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please
And to a man
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees
Then they swarm around me
A hive of honey bees.
I say
It's the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth
The swing of my waist
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say It's in the arch of my back
The sun of my smile
The ride of my breasts
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say It's in the click of my heels
The bend of my hair
The palm of my hand
The need for my care.
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

And here's my contribution to NaPoWriMo today:

I carry a poem
Have a poem in my pocket
Want to hear it now?

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Grief - Three Word Wednesday

There is definitely a recurring theme in my work lately. Not surprising considering my current "loss of job" situation. Sometimes, you just can't get away from your reality, even in your fiction.

Grief

The first stage
Although short lived
Is usually shock
Your body reacts first
Hands sweat
Stomach does a few flips
Your mind following close behind
Face stoic, the disbelief
Not visible to the outside
And then it passes

The Second Stage
Is full on denial
You hear the words
But they don't quite sink in
And you push all thoughts aside
And keep on plowing through
Your daily routine
As if nothing had changed.

And then you hit the third stage
Usually this is depression
That moment when you
Curl back into yourself
And want nothing to do
With the world around you
You can't think
Have hardly any motivation to act
And it takes all you've got
To simply go through the motions

It's the fourth stage, though
That hits mostly everyone the hardest
It starts as a trickle of panic
Touching only the edges of reason
And hangs out there
On the sidelines
Just waiting
Waiting for the opportunity to pounce

The smallest trigger
And then "it" happens
The tears,
The hysterics,
The break-down
The "woe-is-me
My world is falling apart"
moment.
And then that too passes.

The final stage,
Acceptance
And in that
We all differ
How we deal
We preservere
We carry on
With focus
With calm
With angst
With worry
With a heavy load
Or a lightened heart
But we carry on.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

For Three Word Wednesday: "touching, visible, stage".

Writer's Island - Flight

Strangers

I've met you once before
In a dream I had, not so long ago
But as dreams often do
Your face wasn't clear to me
Yet I knew it was you
Now, we sit inches apart
A chance encounter
A random stroke of fate
And I want to tell you
All that I know
We can be
But you don't even know me
Laid back in your seat
Earphones pumping some melody
Eyes closed to the world around you
You know not
What I know
Unaware of my eyes
My nervous anticipation
My internal debate
"Do I say something?
Do I let it go?"
The flight attendant approaches
"Sir, please raise your seat,
We're preparing for take-off"
You remove the earbuds,
turn and catch my eye
And smile at me
Smiling back,
I realize you're not ready to know
I've met you once before
In a dream I had, not so long ago

Copyright 2008 - Karina


For the Writer's Island "Flight" and Matinee Muse "Chance Encounter" prompts.

Monday Mural #2 - Faith

Faith

Drowning

Despairing

Giving in to the pain

No longer able to battle on

I sink to the depths of the depth

Somber

Blue

Letting that cloud of gloom

Take over every thing, every moment

The haze of depression overwhelms

Letting go

Trusting you

Knowing it is no longer in my hands

And I need to let you step in

Take over, lift me up, carry me on.

Breakthrough

Fresh Air

A ray of sunlight through the clouds

A spot of hope amidst the drudge

Again you show yourself to me, unexpectedly.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

For Monday Mural, artwork by lxzp "Aphrodite", on Photobucket.

Meltdown

Rough day today - not feeling exceptionally creative, but here's a little something:

Meltdown

We all walk the line
And it takes but a moment
To slip off and fall

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Birthday Wishes

I have been a "Big Sister" (through Big Brother Big Sister) to Lil' K for seven years now. She is one of the biggest loves of my life, and words can't express how blessed I am for having her in it. Her birthday, her FIFTEENTH birthday is on Monday. This is for her.

Birthday Wishes

Eight years old
Shy as a newborn kitten
Holding tight to my hand
Frightened of the big bad world

And I fell in love with you instantly.

Little girl
Needing guidance and a friend
A little sister I never had
Almost a child of my own

Through the years, we've become family

Young woman
Fifteen years old this week
I've seen you grow and mature
Ready to do anything

All the things I know you can be.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Happy Birthday Lil' K.

Pensieve's Poetic License #6 - Spring Haikus

The format for PPL this week is haiku, and the theme is Spring. I wrote my first haiku ever sometime last year, and since then have really enjoyed the format. Here's what I came up with today:


Quiet drop of dew
Making a pathway along
A new leaf on life

Hint of bright color
Slowly manifesting life
A blossom appears

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Be sure to click on the button above to be taken to Pensieve's Poetic License headquarters. Thanks for stopping by!

Curtain Call - Three Word Wednesday #1

Still going strong(ish) with NaPoWriMo, picked up yet another meme, to help me along with inspiration. My first 3WW for the words: Funny, Remember, Theatre.

Stage Fright

Fear enfolds me
Butterflies
Funny feelings
In the pit of my stomach
Just a few moments more
Speak the words
Must remember
Where to stand
Don't look out
At the audience
Look above them,
OH God
The theatre is packed
They're all looking at me
What's my line?
Deep breath
"Hark, who goes there"
Step back,
The curtain lowers
It's over.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Writer's Island - Lost Highway

The Writer's Island prompt this week is "Lost Highway".

I've realized I have a really hard time with prompts that are this specific. It's not that the prompt isn't a good one, because it is, it's just that it is a bit too literal for me. I could probably come up with a good short story for it, but I don't have the time for a short story right now, and besides, I'm on a poetry kick this month, trying to succeed at NaPoWriMo and all. So, I'll move on to the next prompt.

The Matinee Muse prompt is "Rivals". I think the following is a work in progress...but here it is for now:

The Challenge

You asked for it
Flaunting yourself
Batting your eyelashes
Laughing that phony giggle
You do it so well
Knowing better

You saw us
Holding hands
Smiling at each other
across the room
A quick kiss goodbye
On the front steps

You challenged it
Deciding it would be
Your project
To hurt me
To ruin us
To take what's mine

So now, we're opponents
In a game
I didn't sign up to play
But I'm here now
Suited up
Ready for battle

And Never

Not for one minute

Will I consider

he'll choose you

When he has me

Forget it

You started this
You chose to challenge me
But let me finish it
I have no time
For rivalry
Back off.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Monday Mural #1

I'm trying new memes for inspiration while trying to do NaPoWriMo in April.

"Monday Mural will feature a picture/ artwork for you to lend your words (poem or story) each Monday".

I love this concept, and this particular piece of art is incredible, so I knew I had to jump on board.

This poem is a bit of a different piece for me, but I kind of like it.

Celebrity

Like wings
beating against the wind
frenzied movements
in their urge to take flight
her thoughts a whirl
her emotions chaotic
The flashes of light
calls for attention
"Over here, over here"
The endless barrage of questions
Like birds preying on roadkill
They move in, and peck,
peck away at her soul
"One more picture"
"Smile for the camera"
"Who are you dating"
"What are you wearing?"
Fame comes at you
with no instruction manual
but a hefty pricetag.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Still Breathing

Last night's poem was the yin, today's is the yang. Still hanging in there folks, today begins the preparation for the job hunt.

Still Breathing

Deep breaths
A slow intake of air
let it settle within,
exhale the toxins
of the mind
Intake of hope
Expunge the doubt
Breath in the resolve
Blow out the fear
Absorb the acceptance of the challenge
Expell the feeling of finality
Deep breaths
Take in the opportunity
New beginnings,
Greater experiences
Breathe out.
Deep breaths.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Marooned

Sorry for the downer on this one, but if you read my haikus from yesterday, you'll understand. I've lost my job, but I have not lost my hope...just momentarily stumped.

Marooned

Suddenly feeling unanchored
Not accustomed to uncertainty
my whole world
Marooned
Questions of where,
When and how
Doubt seeps in
Insecurity overshadows
and a momentary moment of panic
breath catching
heart pounding
palms sweating
Not sure if the next breath will come
fear, anxiety,
a sense of loss
overwhelming even the smallest decisions
What in the world
will I do
This is it, this is the way it ends

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Drunk Haikus

Today was a rough day. Keeping it short, I was laid off from my job of 5 years. A job I actually really enjoy, and will miss. Life sort of turned upside down, and I didn't think I'd post a poem today, but it's not yet midnight, and I've got NaPoWriMo on the brain. Working on the second of some strong martinis tonight, and decided I could work a haiku or two before the night was over.


The shock, tremendous
The words that rattle my world
an ending arrives

And yet I breathe deep
refusing to see the end
I see a new start

Copyright 2008 - Karina

That's it, that's all I've got today. ;-)

Poefusion #1 - Fortune

My first venture into Poefusion, as part of trying to keep up with NaPoWriMo, I thought I'd join some poetry memes.


Acceptance


Big things coming in future.
Only matter of time.
Eyes open, heart ready.
Soul unlocked by expectation.
Breathe the fresh air,
Take the first step into tomorrow.
Force a smile on your lips,
Wipe the tears from your eyes
The time for grieving has passed.
Shoulders back, head high
The world awaits your presence.
Participate eagerly,
Love completely,
Let go entirely,
And soon
All your sorrows will vanish.


Copyright 2008 - Karina

Faded

I'm un-officially participating in NaPoWriMo...that's National Poetry Writing Month, where you attempt to post a poem every day for the month of April. I'm only unofficially participating because I haven't yet figured out where to officially join up...and I don't think I'll really manage to do it anyway. But, I thought it was a good way to try and write some more...so what the heck.

Today's poem comes to you courtesy of an unexpected memory.

Faded

Inumerable calendars
Put up, taken down
The passing of time
Marked by changing images
Of landscapes, cartoons,
Whichever theme picked
On the spur of the moment
But time has passed
Too much time
And with each sunrise
The memory of your face
Grows fuzzier
Your smile
Less defined
Your eyes
Not as bright
The image blurs,
Then with concentration I bring it to focus again
Only to lose it as my mind wanders
To the present again
Most days, you don’t make an appearance
I don’t think of you, I don’t miss you
You were a passing phase
Vital to my existence, my progress through life
But a part of my past
No longer a necessity
But then there are moments
Small, barely there moments,
When a smell, a sound
Smacks me hard in the chest
And I remember
The way you’d look into me
The feel of your hand on my face
The sound of your voice when you spoke your dreams aloud
And for a second
I miss you, miss us
And I try to recall the crook in your grin
When I’d catch you looking at me
But it fades as quickly as it comes
I attempt to get hold of the scent of your skin
But it takes cover in the recesses of my mind
So I smile at the memories
As they fade away once more
Allowing them to withdraw where they belong
In the past, with the best of my moments
And I return to this moment
Let my present surround me once more
Taking it in, noting the details
Knowing one day, this too
Will fade, and blur,
Creep in unexpectedly
Remind me that I’ve lived
And loved
And lost
I’ve learned
Survived
And I wouldn’t change a thing

Copyright 2008 - Karina

The Writer's Island prompt this week is "torrid". The only direction I can think to go with this prompt is cliched at best, unimaginative at the least, so I feel I must leave this one alone. The Matinee Muse prompt, however, is "The Gamble". I think I can play along with this one.

The Gamble

Eyes focused
Leaning back in his chair
Giving off the appearance of ease
Watching the dealer’s hands
Calculations in his head
Studying his competitors
For clues
A smile curves the corners
Of his perfect lips
And he sighs
“All in”
Throwing his chips on the table
A murmur in the surrounding crowd
The odds, against him
The stakes, high
The gamble, immense
Sweat beads on his opponent’s brow
And he knows
He’s beaten him
Outplayed him
Swindled him
He folds
And with a grin,
While collecting his winnings,
He shows me his cards
Void of any value
For any other player
A losing hand

Copyright 2008 - Karina