Creative Karina

Karina's Alphabet Soup #2 - B...Creative

2008-11-06T19:45:00.008-05:00

Well folks, here we are with month two of Karina's Alphabet Soup...the letter B. I think the rules are pretty self explanatory, but click here for more).

One would think that with this being MY meme and all, I'd be highly prepared to wow you with my photos and prose. One would be wrong however. Turns out I had a great idea, but can't seem to find any great photos to go along with my great idea.

So, I took to the archives instead, thinking I'd see if any of my "B" photos inspired a bit of prose.

I could write about a Ball game,

Or perhaps about a Boat on the Beach,

I could write about a BlueJay,

Or a puppy Begging for a treat just out of reach,

I could write about a Blue globe, that just knows when,

Or about my Blackberry love affair,

I could even write about a bobble head pen,

Trully, am I getting anywhere?

Maybe I'd write about the Bareness of the trees

Or about a pair of Boots that make me smile,

Seems to me I'm spinning in circles here...

Honestly? It's all a Blur after a while...

Okay, I know I know...kind of lame, but that's all I've got today. You can see more of my prose here in my entry for Pensieve's Poetic License.

In the meantime, if you're participating, which I REALLY hope you are, leave me a comment, with a link to your post, and I'll add your link here:

1. You're first!

Pensieve's Poetic License #11 - English Sonnet - Masked

2008-11-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

Please click HERE for Karina's Alphabet Soup.

This months PPL theme is "Masked" and the form is an English Sonnet. To be honest, when I saw the theme and form, I wasn't really sure I'd be playing along. I always hated Shakespearan sonnets because they seemed too damn constricting with the iambic pentameter and all that crap. I think it mostly had to do with the fact that my 9th grade english teacher was evil, and turned me off the form due to her evilness, but there you have it.

Yet, I decided to tackle it anyway, and even managed to stay within the "10 syllable perline" rule. Here's my entry:

Dark Alley

Though I walk on without trepidation
Head held high, as I look you in the eye
Firm steps, so sure of my destination
Never hesitating as I walk by

Though I stand tall, and with my shoulders squared
My strides determined, not afraid at all
Confidence apparent, never look scared
My very presence anything but small

Though I smile widely, grin ear to ear
Give off warmth, welcome, a friendly hello
Make it seem as if I’ve nothing to fear
Inside is the truth that only I know

You frighten me more than words can express
And just walking by? A major success.

Hmm...for other entries, visit Pensieve's. Also, today is month TWO of Karina's Alphabet Soup, I'd love it if you joined in...please click here to find out more and see my entry for the letter "B".

The NaNoWriMo Experience - Excerpt 1

2008-11-05T09:45:00.002-05:00

So, in case you haven't heard, I'm doing NaNoWriMo again this year. I say again, because I signed up to do it last year as well. However, after a bit of technical difficulties (as in, a computer crash that cost me 2 weeks of writing time), I never finished.

This year, however, I'm determined to hit that finish line running. So far, so good. Of course, we're only 5 days in. But hey, word count before I even write today is over 7,000 words. Only 43,000 to go. uh....YIKES.

Anyway, I promissed I'd share some excerpts here, so let me tell you a bit about my novel this year. As yet untitled, it is very loosely based on my life. VERY LOOSELY folks, keep that in mind. It is the story of a 30something woman hitting the dating scene after years away, and starting a new career with an eclectic and interesting group of clients. Told in the form of a diary/journal/blog. For now anyway. Her story of all the characters she meets both in her new job, and as she starts dating.

With that...I give you a peak (please note that in keeping with NaNoWriMo's rules and policies, there has been little to no editing as of yet, that comes later):

Monday, April 17th - Day 1 of the Dating Manifesto.

Today I begin my new life. I woke up on Saturday and realized that it had been 9 months, 1 week, 3 days and about 10 hours since my last date. I mean, seriously folks, I could have had a baby in that time. However, since you need to actually have physical contact with the opposite sex in order to create said baby, and a REALLY BAD kiss does not, no matter how you spin it, count, there is no child to show for all that time.

I have, however, in that period of time, managed to shed enough weight that it looks like I might have given birth, and regained my “pre-baby body”, so it hasn’t all been a waste of time.

But here we are. Monday morning, no baby, no baby weight, and no dates.

...

And then I have this fabulous new career as a personal stylist to the stars.

Okay, fine, so technically my clients aren’t exactly stars, but they could be. In their own little worlds, the ones they inhabit inside their heads, they are superstars. And you know what? Even if they aren't famous, they sure as hell are wealthy, and as long as they have the money to pay me outrageous sums to go shopping for them, well, they can believe whatever they want to believe in their little heads.

I mean, can you stand it? I get paid to go shopping. I get paid extremely WELL to go shopping in stores I could only DREAM of walking into six months ago.

How did I get to this point? Six months ago I was unemployed and crazily searching the want ads for a real estate position that would pay enough for me to meet my mortgage payments.

And then I have one conversation with a rich lady in a clothing store, about how I think she should try the green dress instead of the black one, because it’ll bring out her skin tone and hello, new career.

Now I work for her and about 8 of her wealthy friends, helping them dress for everything, from a jaunt to the market (as if they would ever shop for themselves) to a Fundraising Gala Dinner Event.

On any given day I’m running around designer boutiques picking out outfits that cost more than my mortgage payments. It all still seems a bit surreal to me, to be honest. I can’t believe people actually get paid to do what I do. I’m making a living (a very good living) doing this? Who knew?

I love my clients though. I mean, for a bunch of spoiled rich wives, they’re a pretty fantastic group with some of the most colorful personalities I’ve ever come across. And they adore me, which makes my job all that much easier.

It was one of my clients, actually, that made me realize that maybe it was time for me to get back out on the dating scene. Jenie, my 70 year old divorce. This woman? Oh man, the stories I could tell you about her. She’s simply amazing and wonderful and inspiring. And she told me last week that she had decided that she’s been single long enough, having gotten divorced about 15 years ago, and was going to join a dating website for seniors. What a hoot.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

That's it, that's all you get today. I have to get back to my actual writing now.

Karina's Alphabet Soup #1 - A is for...

2008-10-02T19:56:00.003-04:00

Updated: The letter "A" will remain open until October 31st, at which time, you should begin work on the letter "B", which will go live on November 7th. So you still have time to participate!

See below for links to the participants.

Here we go everyone! The first official helping of Karina's Alphabet Soup. For the rules, please click HERE. If you are participating, please leave a link to your blog in comments below. I realize I promissed a Mr. Linky but uh...that's not going to be happening, so just leave your link in comments, and I promisse to incorporate it into this post Friday when I get home from work, then everyone can visit everyone all weekend long.

This week's letter is the letter A. I'll tell you what, you would think that as the creator of this meme, I would have thought ahead and been more prepared, wouldn't you? Ah, but then you would think wrong!

And I spent the last week looking around and trying to find something, ANYTHING that started with the letter A that I wanted to photograph! The closest I even came was with this:

An American Flag...but, still, I wasn't thrilled with it. And then I remembered something. I took a photo last Friday, actually, I took a bunch of photos last Friday that fit the theme perfectly. Photos of what?

Photos of the audience at the New Kids on the Block concert. (There are more photos and a review here, if you happen to be curious).

And so, that's where I'm going with this. Here's my poem:

In Love with a Myth

He sings the love songs
You want to hear
The melody so sweet
His voice is perfect
The words just right
The intention oh so clear
And you could fall in love
All over again

He’s always had that way
About him
The one you can’t resist
It’s in his walk,
The way he moves
He can just draw you in
And you could fall in love
All over again

He looks your way
And reaches in
To the very depths of you
A look so piercing
A crooked smile
Making you weak in the knees
And you could fall in love
All over again

He makes the promises
He tugs at your heart
He looks you in the eye
Your heart is beating
Your palms are sweating
Your head is spinning
Out of control
And you could fall in love
All over again

But
You have heard all of the songs
You’ve seen those moves before
Those eyes have told you lies
He’ll break your heart
And you’ll be left
With nothing but a soundtrack

The show is over…walk away.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Okay, that's that...now get to it, post your links! And thank you so much for joining me!!

Here are the participants:

Lissa - Alone

Callista - Active

PBNJM - Apples

BlogJem - Amazing

Karina's Alphabet Soup

2008-09-28T14:52:00.000-04:00

In my travels to some of my favorite blogs, I’ve come across so many fantastic memes. Photo memes, poetry memes, and all sorts of other memes. And I’ve had this idea brewing in my head for a few months now, just waiting for the right time to give it a proper send-off. Now’s the time, I think.

I want to combine an idea I’ve seen, with one of my very own. One of my favorite bloggers in the whole wide world (love you lisa) participates in the A-Z Photo Challenge. I love the idea of doing an “alphabet” photo thing, and I’ve wanted to jump on board, but I’m loathe to start something in the middle of anything, so I’d have to wait for the next go-round, or go it on my own from the start.

I opted for the “go it on my own” version, but then I decided it would be a brilliant idea (because I’m such a genius, let’s face it) if I combined my newfound love of photography with my longtime love of poetry and creative writing. See? Genius!

And so was borne Karina’s Alphabet Soup, a monthly meme allowing you to express your creativity in not just ONE, but TWO very fun ways. Starting with the letter “A” each month we will move through the alphabet, and with camera’s in hand, head out and photograph any and everything we can find to fit that month’s letter. Then, armed with our very own, individual photographic inspiration, we will use our photos to guide us on a writing extravaganza. You can use one photo, and from that, draw your inspiration for a haiku, or use 10 photos and write a short story. Use 5 for a story or 12 for a poem, it really has no limits, knows no bounds. The rules are simple and flexible. The fun is in the ability to stretch first your physical eye, to see the letter of choice all around you, and then your inner eye, to see the magic your muse can create with what you come home with.

Then, on the 1st Friday of each month, I will post my own entry, and a Mr. Linky, so you can post your links back to your own entries on here. That’s it. You will then have a full month to work on next month’s entry.

Let me know if you’re interested, and I’ll set up a mailing list so that I can send out reminders one week prior to the posting date.

Oh yes, and I know there are some of you grumbling because you either A) don’t take photos or B) don’t write poetry/fiction, but would still like to play along. FINE, this is how flexible I am with the rules, if you don’t take photos, take a gander over at flickr or some other photo hosting site and do a search for photos based on just the LETTER assigned, find a photo or ten that inspire(s) you, and write from those (just be sure to credit the photo(s) appropriately). If you don’t write, but want to take on the photo assignment portion of the project, do so, and then just give us a few words about where the photo(s) took place, what they inspire in you, or whatever else looking at those photos make you feel.

See? EASY…

Oh, right, also, if you could grab the badge and include in your posts and post it on your sidebar (pretty please?), taht would be great!

I realize I need to figure out how to work out the html code so you can do it the easy way, so if anyone out there can help me with that, I would appreciate it..... THANKS!

The rules, in bullet form:

· Get letter assignment; leave comment that you’re participating, preferably with email addy, so I can send you reminder.
· Take photo(s) of things beginning with said letter
· Write something creative using photo(s) as inspiration
· Return here on 4th Monday of month
· Link back using Mr. Linky

Got it? Good. Let’s get to it, you assignment this month is the letter “A”…get to it. We’ll see you here on the October 3rd. Yes, you only get one week for the letter A..get cracking!!

Go forth, be creative.

Pensieve's Poetic License #10- Autumn Cinquain

2008-09-25T10:21:00.003-04:00

This month's theme for PPL is Autumn, and the form is a Cinquain. You can get all the details at Pensieve's by clicking the button above. I just realized this morning it was TODAY so I quickly threw the following two together...one's much more "pleasant" than the other...

The first:

Death
barren, empty
Falling, dropping, flying
The leaves make their exit

Ending

And the nicer one:

Colors
Oranges, reds
Changing, coloring, enhancing
God paints us a beautiful picture
Autumn

Thanks for dropping in, and before you go, won't you PLEASE read this post, I'm starting a new meme myself - Poetry AND Photography all rolled into one and I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE it if you'd help me launch it. Pretty please??

Pensieve's Poetic License - Back to School

2008-08-28T09:55:00.003-04:00

It seems that the only time I ever post here at Creative Karina lately is when I do Pensieve's Poetic License, so I'm really glad Robin is still hosting these things...otherwise, my poor little blog here would feel even more neglected.

I'm posting this from work (shh don't tell), so I don't have my PPL button, so I'm just going to tell you to head on over to Robin's to find out more about it.

This month's theme is "Back to School", and Robin gave us a break and told us to use whatever poetic form we wanted to. So, I fell back on my old standby, which is "no format at all". I just sort of let the pen do the talking, and see where it takes me. This month, it did something I don't usually do, and asked me to rhyme all the way through. Well, who am I to argue with the muse?

Here's mine:

A Situation

The butterflies doing an African tribal dance
In her belly
Were the only sign of her trepidation
With a new outfit, new shoes, new backpack
She stepped through the door
Ready to end her vacation
It was a new year, things would be different
Here
She was going to be part of a new population
New town, new friends, new high school
A brand new her
And endless summer preparation
She quelled the butterflies, took a deep breath
Marveled
At the incredible sensation
New beginnings, new opportunities, new life
Saying goodbye
To her old reputation
One foot, then the next, and she walked to her seat
There!
She had reached her first destination
New hopes, new dreams, new challenges
A sigh of relief
This was truly cause for celebration.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Thanks for stopping in, be sure to go visit Robin for other participants.

Pensieve's Poetic License #8 - Pensieve for July

2008-07-24T20:32:00.004-04:00

I haven't participated in a PPL in quite a while, but when Robin creates a WHOLE NEW form of poetry for the cause...well, how could I NOT participate?

This month's form is a Pensieve, and here is how Robin explains it:

What is a Pensieve? A titled, five-line poem; each line correlates to one of the five senses--sight, sound, scent, taste, touch--and describes the subject (title). The goal is for the reader to take on the poem as his own, being able to "experience" your subject through your words, by seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and feeling what you described.

Of course, right after she gave us that description, she posted a sample that was about 10 lines long...so, she's sticking true to her motto: No Rules, Just Write.

So, here's my attempt:

Final Dance

You can hear their hearts beat, keeping pace with the sound of the drums
Watch the lines of their bodies, pointed toes, extended limbs so agile
Feel the bass, the closeness of their bodies turning two into one
Blood, sweat and tears, poured into this final dance,
For a starved soul, sustenance, food, so perfect a meal.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

There you go...I don't know that I followed the rules exactly, but you know...whatever. I was watching So You Think You Can Dance as I wrote this, and gettig my heart broken (click here if you want to know why), so I just went with the inspiration.

40 or less Photo Challenge #1 - This Kind of Love

2008-07-17T21:26:00.004-04:00

I've neglected this blog quite a bit lately. Well, that's actually putting it pretty mildly...I've completely abandoned this blog since I started my new job, I think. But, today I was inspired by the photo Robin chose for her Photo Challenge, so I decided to jump aboard. Here's the photo:

Here's my contribution:

This Kind of Love

When I was your age
“Yes grandpa?”
Oh, never mind
Run along and play,
I’ll just be right here
“Yes grandpa”
You know I love you my angel
“Yes grandpa!”

“Grandpa?”
Yes, darling?
“I love you too”.

Click the badge for more information about the 40 or Less Photo Challenge, and to see who else is participating this week. Thanks Robin for the inspiration!

Pensieve's Poetic License #7 - Clerihews in May

2008-05-08T14:42:00.000-04:00

Want this button?

So, the form this month is "Clerihew" and the theme is the month of May...so many different things the month of May stands for that we had plenty to choose from. Did you know that today, May 8th, is National No Socks Day? So, go on, take off your socks, let those toes come out to play, and enjoy the following:

There once was a girl named Karina
When she was young, she wanted to be a ballerina
It didn't work out, and now she's glad
Because having gnarly toes would have made her mad.

That's it, that's all I got folks. Have a great one!

Earth Day 2008

2008-04-22T21:21:00.002-04:00

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

2008-04-21T21:06:00.000-04:00

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

2008-04-20T21:20:00.003-04:00

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

2008-04-19T23:28:00.000-04:00

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

2008-04-18T10:24:00.002-04:00

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

2008-04-17T10:15:00.004-04:00

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

2008-04-16T14:24:00.004-04:00

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

2008-04-15T10:29:00.002-04:00

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

2008-04-14T10:22:00.003-04:00

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.

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

Meltdown

2008-04-13T10:19:00.000-04:00

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

2008-04-12T11:24:00.003-04:00

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

2008-04-11T11:23:00.003-04:00

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

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

2008-04-09T11:12:00.003-04:00

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

2008-04-08T10:14:00.003-04:00

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

2008-04-07T10:10:00.004-04:00

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.

Still Breathing

2008-04-06T11:27:00.003-04:00

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

2008-04-05T23:15:00.000-04:00

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

2008-04-04T22:07:00.003-04:00

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

2008-04-03T10:15:00.004-04:00

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

2008-04-02T10:43:00.002-04:00

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

2008-04-01T14:25:00.004-04:00

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

Writer's Island #25 - Deja-Vu

2008-03-25T11:17:00.002-04:00

Two prompts, two takes on the same scene:

Deja-Vu

She’s been here before
Many times at this door
Her hand on the knob
Her heartbeat a throb
Indecision stirring
Thoughts in her head whirring
Should she stay or go
Why does he hurt her so
Once again heart breaking
Once again soul aching
Promises made, then broken
Empty words often spoken
She loves him, she hates him
Apologizes, placates him
He tortures, he’s tortured
Her fortune, misfortune
Such passion and fire
Such anger and ire
And over and over they battle
The walls of their cage they rattle
She’s been here before
Many times at this door
But this time, this one
It’s over, she’s done.

Persistence

She’s been here before
Many times at this door
And this time, this one
Is it over? Is it done?
She refuses to accept it
She decides to reject it
They’ve had tougher frays
Always better the next day
He loves her, she knows it
So often he shows it
She’s valued and treasured
His love can’t be measured
His words, like a knife
Her own, taking life
They’re hurtful, enraged
But both, so engaged
He reaches for her, tenderly
“I love you my sweet”, don’t you leave
With tears in her eyes,
She drops back and sighs
She’s been here before
Many times at this door
But there won’t be regret
She can’t open it yet.

Writer's Island #24 - Spellbound

2008-03-18T09:57:00.002-04:00

I've missed a few weeks' fo Writer's Island prompts, due to some crazy busy stuff going on, but I'm back. This week's prompt is "Spellbound"

Do You?

My world changes

in a blink of an eye

your eyes

looking into mine

reaching in for permanence

No longer uncertain

Speaking volumes with one look

This is a sure thing

Unable to look away

Spellbound

A feeling of comfort enfolds me

No where else I'd rather be

No one else

Could so fully complete me

Blinking again

I sigh

Part my lips

In expectation

And say the words
that bind our love

"I do".

There is also a secondary prompt going on over at Writer's Island now, called Matinee Muse, and this week's prompt is Awakening.

Rebirth

Drops of water

shimmy on down

morning dew

not a sound

but it's beginning

Early sunrise
later sunset

almost ready

but not quite yet

to the ending

Hear a chirp here

a sweet song there

flying in

on a a wing and a prayer

they're all settling in

A bit of green

beneath the snow

and sight unseen

the seedlings grow

ah Spring, let it begin

Good to be back.

Pensieve's Picture Puzzler #5 - Limericks

2008-03-07T09:44:00.002-05:00

I've been away from Creative Karina for a little bit, just been so busy it's been hard to be creative. But I wanted to make sure I didn't miss out on this month's Pensieve's Poetic License. The style this months is Limericks, and instead of a theme, we were given a list of words (green, Irish, leprechaun, shamrock, Easter, spring, kite, windy) to use within our limericks. We were told to use just one, or all 8, or anything in between.

Here are my two (yes two) limericks:

In March, it is windy, and sunny

If you're Irish, Leprechaun or Bunny

It's Easter, It's spring

But no shamrocks, no green

For me, it's my birthday, honey!!

There once was a girl from New England

Who was looking forward to spring and

She had in her sights

The flying of kites

And flowers, and Easter and green land.

Go to Pensieve's to check out more limericks!

Writer's Island #'s 22 and 23

2008-02-26T10:22:00.006-05:00

I completely missed Writer's Island last week...I can't even give you an excuse as to why, it just slipped by unnoticed. Funnily enough, the theme was "Time Travel", so I'm going to travel back in time, and post my bit here, along with this week's entry, for the theme of "Second Chance", because I wrote the following haiku and realized it sort of fit both themes:

Do Over

If I could do it

All over again once more

I wouldn't change a thing

And just one more for the Second Chance prompt:

Maybe we might have

Maybe we could have

Maybe so

But the distance of time

The haziness of my mind

Forces me to decide

That if given a second chance

Another try at us

I'm not sure I would have

There is also a second prompt this week at WI - a new idea blossoming, based on movie releases...Matinee Muse...that prompt Perspective. I have the perfect piece for this prompt, written many years ago, but do not have it with me today, so I will save this one for later this week.

Happy reading, happier writing folks!

Pensieve's Poetic License #4 - English Sonnet

2008-02-14T10:16:00.001-05:00

This week's assignment is an English Sonnet. I've always wanted to tackle one of these, since my high school days learning Shakespeare, but never had the guts to do it. But thanks to Pensieve's Poetic License, I'm all over it this week.

The theme? Read below:

I want you to write about something you love. The catch? Instead of writing an expected love sonnet (i.e., about your spouse or babies or faith) I thought it'd be fun to write about a quirky-kind-of-love, paying tribute to something that could be characterized as your "precious".

Fun, right? Here's my offering:

Ode To TIVO

Oh, Tivo, how I love thee
Let me count the ways
Always a surprise for me
At the end of my work days
With your suggestions I know
You pay attention to my needs
And your season passes show
You are just full of good deeds
You learn my likes and dislikes
And deliver without expectation
Even during writer's strikes
You never take a vacation
This is why I love you so
My gadget, my TIVO

Copyright 2008 - Karina

I'm not sure I followed the "Sonnet" rules exactly, but hey, the PPL rules clearly state that there are no rules. Be sure to visit Pensieve's for other participants, and Happy Valentine's Day!

Oh, and stop on by my other blog Candid Karina, for a little quiz and giveaway.

Writer's Island No. 21 - Changed

2008-02-12T10:14:00.000-05:00

The Writer's Island Prompt this week is "Changed". This one I dedicate to my grandma Odilia.

Odilia Speaks

Caught up in the minutiae
Each one a cause for stress
Every one, reason for concern
Worry, grief, analysis

Never enjoying the day to day
Apprehensive of the future
Questioning each turn
Scared into paralysis

And then…

Before you left us
You told me resolutely
Don’t waste these moments
They’re all you’ll get

And how you blessed us
Now in your absence
I live each second
Cherish each step

And now…

I miss you every day
Wish we could speak again
I have so much to tell you
My stories would never end

I’ll see you again one day
Our destinies, prearranged
I’ll tell you then, your words
I listened
I changed

Writer's Island #'s 19 and 20

2008-02-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

The muse took a vacation last week. Try as I might, I just couldn't get inspired to create anything for the Writer's Island or Sunday Scribblings prompts. So, I let the muse sit back on the couch, put her feet up, watch some reality tv for a while.

She's back now, and has decided that last week's "Writer's Island" Prompt was too good to let by. It was "Desire" after all. This week's prompt is "Magic". I give you two offerings this week.

First, a haiku for "Desire":

Heart beats in my chest
And as I watch him undress
I know he is mine

Copyright 2008 - Karina

And now for a little "Magic":

Happy Birthday

"Close your eyes", he says to me
"Don't open them until I say so
You'll be amazed
You'll be surprised
You just won't believe your eyes"

So I followd his command
Nervous anticipation
taking over me
Not knowing what I'll see
What he's laid out for me

"Okay, ready?" he says excited
"I'm gonna count to three
One, Two...Open your eyes
Do you like it mommy, do you?
I made it special just for you"

"It's chocolate, double fudge with sprinkles
Daddy helped,
but I made it myself"
Out of the corner of my eye
I see his father standing by

I kiss the top of his head,
ruffle his shaggy hair
"Chocolate's my favorite kind"
"I know, I told daddy that
Mommy, put on your party hat"

"Daddy light the candles now
Mommy needs to make her wish
Make it good mommy
Wishes on birthday cakes always come true
You know why? I'll tell you..."

He leans in and whispers
"It's magic".

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Writer's Island #18 - Crossroad

2008-01-22T10:30:00.000-05:00

Today's Writer's Island prompt is "Fork in the Road" and/or "Crossroad". A moment in time when a decision has been made which shaped your destiny. Immediately upon reading this prompt I thought of Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken", one of my favorite poems of all time. So, before I get to my own writing today, I give you his:

The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Of course, now that I have posted his, I feel anything I could write would pale, so we'll keep it short and simple, it's Haiku time once again:

Crossroads

Before me it lies
A decision to be made
Which path shall I take

Copyright 2007 - Karina

Sunday Scribblings #8 - Fellow Travelers

2008-01-20T12:44:00.000-05:00

The Sunday Scribblings Prompt this week is "Fellow Travelers". We are being asked to think about the people we find ourselves traveling beside in life. Whether on a bus or on a plane, or simply as we move through our days, who are our seatmates? For some reason, when focusing in on this topic, my heart shifted inward. I focus on my one constant companion as I travel through my days. We all have our own, this one's mine:

Thank You

I awake with your kiss on my brow

and I inwardly thank you again

I rise, ready to face the world once again

with you by my side.

Stepping outside my door

you paint a picture for me

snow covered, sunlight streaming through

the trees

Just for me, you say

And I inwardly thank you again

Hours later, you sing to me

my mother calls to say hello

my brother asks me for advice

my father tells me he loves me

your song is beautiful

And I inwardly thank you again

You put your chef's hat on

and together we create a satisfying meal

I eat to my heart's content,

You let me take the credit for how it tastes

And inwardly, I thank you again

You tuck me in, sweet kisses as the lights go out

I feel your presence as I snuggle in my warm covers

Another day we've spent together

My favorite travel companion

For this, I thank you.

Pensieve's Poetic License #3 - Terza Rima

2008-01-17T10:43:00.000-05:00

What is Pensieve's Poetic License? A monthly meme designed to encourage EVERYONE to exercise their poetry gene. Everyone is born with one; sometimes you just need "permission" (or a kick in the behind) to use it.

Please click the button above for more information. This month we were given two themes: "Beginnings" in honor of the new year and "Favorite Snack Food" in honor of the upcoming Superbowl Sunday, the form: Terza Rima. For more information on what exactly this means you'll just have to head over to Pensieve's and check it out yourself, she explains it much better than I ever could.

Okay, so now that we've got all that business out of the way, let's get on with the poetry.

Snacktime

It comes in many shapes and sizes
and in unlimited varieties too
it can be plain or wear disguises
we're talking cream, cheddar or bleu
you eat it solid or melted, yum
oh the many things you can do
but wait, don't stop there's more to come
eat it alone, spread it on toast
and over a salad, just sprinkle some
Oooh, I am becoming quite engrossed
You really can do as you please
Certainly a snack I love the most
And you know I don't mean to tease
Of course you know I'm speaking of cheese.

Writer's Island #17 - Treasure

2008-01-15T10:29:00.000-05:00

The Writer's Island prompt this week is "Treasure".

I've been feeling short stories recently, not sure why. I did another one earlier this week for Sunday Scribblings too. For this, here's:

LIVING

There are days when just rising out of bed is a challenge for him. He struggles with the aches and pains his old body has yet to grow accustomed to. Will it ever? Still, he rises, ready to meet the challenges of a new day. He hasn't spent his 94 years on this earth complaining about a few aches and pains, and he's not about to do so now. There is still so much to see, so much to do, so much life to experience. He dresses as quickly as his hands allow him to, and gathers his hat, his coat, his cane. It is time for his morning walk.

The early morning is his favorite time of day. Before the alarms in the houses next door begin their symphony. Before the hustle and bustle of traffic overtakes the streets. Before the rest of the world awakens to go about their business, there is a serenity he appreciates. He stops to admire a squirrel on his hunt for winter food beneath the snow. Catches a bird here and there and wonders when they stopped moving south for the winter. He can hear, in the distance, tree branches give way beneath the white blanket that covers the world this time of year. God speaks to you in those moments, he thinks. If you listen, you can hear Him tell you stories of the magic in nature.

Reaching the diner on the corner, he steps through the door and takes a seat at his table. Always the first to arrive, his spot reserved in an unspoken agreement with all who frequent the place. "Good morning Charlie", the waitress smiles as she brings him his tea "and how are you today?"

"These legs still walk, these eyes still see," he smiles "everything is as it should be".

She giggles at this, which he tells her each morning. "So it is, Charlie, so it is".

Never ask him if he aches, if he's weary, if he's sad. She has learned, for Charlie knows, it is life, the greatest treasure that he's found.

Sunday Scribblings #7 - The Date

2008-01-13T14:04:00.000-05:00

The theme for Sunday Scribblings this week is "The Date". Oh, the timing of this theme. I wish I could tell you, but for now, I give you this (and yes, it is fiction):

First Date

She stands at the mirror and meticulously applies her make-up. Not a hair out of place, dressed to the nines, she is ready. Nervous anticipation builds within her, and she takes a deep breath. It's been a while since she's done this and she's not quite sure if she's ready, but it's time. It's time to face it head on and move on with the rest of her life.

Grabbing her jacket and purse, she heads out the door. It is a casual meeting this time, coffee, chit chat, in a public place. Everything planned just so, but with an air of non-challance. She arrives a bit early and chooses the perfect table. By the window, so she can have a bit of distraction, something to talk about should the conversation go stale, and yet private enough in the corner should the conversation lend itself to more intimate topics. Ordering an espresso, she pulls out her book and begins to read. She's never been good at waiting, so she will immerse herself in her novel and hope in this way, he'll arrive before she even realizes it.

Her coffee arrives, and she surveys the room as she sips it. A group of college kids sits in a corner booth, working on a term paper hovering over each other, shooting off ideas and typing vigourously on their laptops. An elderly couple sit quietly, looking at each other with tenderness earned from decades of a love affair youngsters would never comprehend. A mother juggles a baby with a bottle and a toddler with chocolate chip residue all over his hands. The door opens and she looks up. Not him.

She settles back into her chair and reopens her book. Instantly she becomes immersed in the story again, and before long, she's lost track of time, of her surroundings, of the reason she is here. It is only a while later, much later, that she realizes she's read quite a few chapters now, and her coffee is long gone, and she still sits alone. The elderly couple has gone. So has the mother and her children. The college kids are still immersed in their studies, but a whole new crop of customers has filled the seats around her. And he? He's nowhere to be seen.

She looks at her watch. He's not just late, he's obviously not going to show. Checking her phone for messages, she finds none. So there it is, she's been stood up.

She signals the waitress and requests her bill. Gathering her things, she sighs. And this one seemed so promissing. She remembers again why she stopped dating so long ago. The games people play seem so childish to her. "We should know better at this age", she thinks. She smiles, pays for her coffee, leaves a generous tip, and leaves.

Writer's Island #16 - Over the Horizon

2008-01-08T09:42:00.000-05:00

The Writer's Island Prompt this week is "Over the Horizon". I drifted away from the island for a bit, but am back on the beaches again. This prompt comes at a good time for me, and I'm actually feeling inspired about new beginnings that are just over that horizon.

Over there

Over there
on the other side of day
is a promisse
a surprise
a new adventure
waiting
anticipating

Over there
just over the horizon
it sits
beconning
calling
challenging

Over there
seconds away from discovery
it sings
it teases
it whispers sweet nothings

I walk slowly
with some trepidation
but bathed in excitement
ready, yet hesitant
over there.

Copyright 2008 - Karina

Sunday Scribblings #6 - New/Year

2008-01-06T12:57:00.000-05:00

Well, it's a new year, so I'm giving "Sunday Scribblings" another go at Creative Karina.

This week's prompt is "New" or "New Year", whichever we choose to use.

A few haikus:

A New Beginning
The Dawn of a fresh today
yesterday is gone

we rise with new goals
determined to make a change
resolutions plenty

clean slate, wide open road
the future to be molded
the past memories

A Happy New Year
May your blessings be many
Raise your glass and cheer

See more Sunday Scribblings here.

Writer's Island #15 - This Season

2007-12-18T10:34:00.000-05:00

The Writer's Island prompt for this week is "This Season". We are being asked to share something about what this season means to us. I thought about this for a while, because I really use these prompts for creative writing, never for "personal" posts, so I wasn't really sure how to approach this particular prompt. So, I just started writing. The following poem takes on a bit of a bittersweet turn at one point, but that was beyond my control. I love Christmas, it is my favorite time of year, and has been as far back as I can remember. But after my grandmother passed away (almost 7 years ago), it's never been the same. I still love this season, and still look forward to it with anticipation and joy, but the missing element is always there. I think most of us long for our childhood Christmases, and perhaps because I'm still in that inbetween stage, no longer a child, no kids of my own yet, I wallow a bit in nostalgia around this time. I realize poetry needs no explanation, and I normally don't provide any, but this piece screams for a bit of background. From the time I was 10 (when we moved to the U.S.) until my grandmother died, Christmas was spent at her house. When she died, my granfather sold the house, and moved in with my parents, where we now celebrate Christmas every year. As fate would have it, when I bought my condo I did not realize it, but to travel from my house to my parents' house, I drive by my grandparents' old home. I do this weekly, and never does it affect me as much as at Christmas time, when I look for, and don't see, the Christmas star my grandfather built, and would hang over the door every year. I dedicate the following to my grandmother, Odilia, may she rest in peace.

The Christmas Star

Above the door
The star of Bethlehem
Lit up for all to see
Inside the house
there always was
the fattest Christmas tree
A feast for dinner
excited talk
and spirits always high
And then we'd dance
and sing the carols
and watch the hours fly by
then he would come
good old Santa
and sit among our presents
and one by one
we'd open them
enjoy each other's presence
into the wee hours
of the morning
we'd celebrate the night
and looking back
I recall the warmth, the love
everything feels so right

Things changed
And grandma's home
now houses someone new
And I drive by
Don't see the star
And quietly wonder who
I want to eavesdrop
on Christmas Eve
learn how they celebrate
I want to share with them
my memories
of Christmases so great
Instead I smile
and keep on driving
because this season's about to start
We have new traditions
and in lieu of missing you,
I'll let the memories warm my heart.

Copyright 2007 - Karina

Merry Christmas everyone, may your memories fill you with joy, and your new traditions give you lots to look forward to.

Pensieve's Poetic License #2 - Cinquain

2007-12-17T11:25:00.000-05:00

Want this button?

Click the Button Above for more information about Pensieve's Poetic License.

This month's poetic form is a "cinquain" (and again, if you want to know what that means, click the button above). Of course, if I had read the instructions carefully (or perhaps at all), I would have remembered that there is also a theme, and this month's theme is "celebration".

Before I read the "theme", I wrote this:

Snowstorm
Cold, white
Blowing, blinding, accumulating
Quiet settles upon the world
Nor’Easter

Not really fitting in with the theme of celebration, is it? So...I guess that means I have to write another one:

Countdown
Loud, festive
reminiscing, anticipating, beginning
prelude to a new beginning
Finale

I'm pretty sure I broke the rules on both of these, but...eh...close enough! ;-)

Writer's Island #'s 13 and 14

2007-12-11T10:21:00.000-05:00

UPDATED (check bottom of post).

I missed Writer's Island last week. I have no excuses, I just blanked on it completely. It's the first one I've missed since the "Founding" of the Island, and I just couldn't let it go. It's the OCD in me, I had to at least recognize it...so I'm incorporating both prompts into my entry today.

Last week's prompt was "The Promise", and this week's is "The Moment".

Broken

Too late now,
one decision
and it falls apart
we all have moments
choices
life defining events
you chose her
over me
the words you speak now
have no impact
apologies
explanations
pleading
it's too late

Did you think
telling me it didn't mean a thing
would make it any better?

You took a vow
promised me forever
and in an instant
you broke us

And you have the nerve to tell me
it didn't mean a thing?

It meant everything.

Copyright 2007 - Karina

Update: In response to one of the comments this poem received, I was inspired to write up a post about my feelings on "unfaithfulness". If you're interested, please head over to my "other" blog: Candid Karina, and join in the discussion.

Writer's Island #12 - The Letter

2007-11-27T09:58:00.000-05:00

This week's prompt over at Writer's Island is "the letter". I'm at work right now, and I'm thinking of this great poem I wrote in high school about a letter. I can remember some of it, but not enough of it to reproduce it from memory. However, because I'm thinking of that poem, I'm blocked to write anything else...so I'll dig that up tonight and post it.

In the meantime, I'll tell you about a letter I wrote this weekend instead. My brother went on a religious retreat this weekend. At 24, he's in a place in his life where he's been feeling lost and this retreat came at the right time for him. We're not a highly religious family in the going to church every Sunday sense, but we are of strong faith. My brother had wandered away from his faith, and was looking for his way back. Anyway, I digress. Part of what happens on this retreat is you receive letters from loved ones. So, on Friday, I spent some time composing a letter to my little brother. The brother I prayed for when I was 9 years old, because I no longer wanted to be an only child. The brother I treated like my little doll as a baby, dressing him up and carrying him around the house. The brother I read to, played with, entertained. The brother I brought to school with me to show off to my friends. The brother I would have long talks with when he was a teenager, trying to keep him from straying too far from our parents' ideals. The brother I've traveled with. The brother who is now growing into an exceptional young man, who I'm so proud of. And I reminded him of all this in that letter. He tells me he didn't make it past the first paragraph before there were tears in his eyes, and I didn't mean to make him cry, but I wanted him to know just how much it's meant to me to have him as a brother all these years. What a gift it was to me to be able to take the time to write this letter, to reflect on our relationship. As he becomes more of an adult, our relationship is changing into one of equals as opposed to a big sister, little brother thing. We are friends on a different level now. But he will always be my baby brother. And for that, I am grateful.

Be sure to visit Writer's Island for more castaways!

Writer's Island #11 - The Dream

2007-11-20T11:57:00.000-05:00

I almost forgot about Writer's Island this week, so it's funny that upon visiting the site this morning, I should find out that the theme is "the Dream". Funny because I had quite the dream last night. It was probably more of a nightmare than a dream, but it was quite vivid and realistic. See, in real life, I have an irrational fear of "edges" or "precipices", and and it transpired into my dream last night.

Cremnophobia

I find myself
on a precipice
looking down
looking up
with nowhere to go

I must approach the edge
in order to proceed
to escape
but paralysis sets in

I can't move
I can't focus
I can't breathe

Knowing I will die here
If I don't move forward
I prepare myself
I inch forward
and I panic
palms sweaty
breath in hiccups
hyperventilating I scream

Frozen in place,
Dizzy, terrified
Wanting to jump
Get it over with
Too afraid to attempt
The descent

Pushing myself
Against the wall behind me
Drawing strength from its solidity
But the edge, so near
All alone up here
So quiet…so still…
I catch my breath with a sigh
The alarm, the bed, my pillow

It was only a dream.

Copyright 2007 - Karina

Be sure to visit Writer's Island for other castaways' work.

Pensieve's Poetic License #1 - Thanksgiving Limerick

2007-11-19T16:12:00.000-05:00

Please click the button above for more information. This month's theme is "Thanksgiving", the form: Limericks.

To get us going, Robin (Pensieve) gave us the following and asked us to provide the last line...here's my contribution to the last line:

The pilgrims, they started it all.
A feast fit for kings in the Fall.
Thankful were they,
Eating turkey all day
Who knew it would lead to a brawl?

AND, here's my Limerick for the month:

A day to give thanks it is said
With stuffing and turkey we're fed
We eat our share
But we truly care
Much more for the store sales ahead

This was so much fun...thanks Robin for creating this meme! I'm looking forward to next month's theme of Celebration in the form of a cinquian (which is what exactly you ask? Visit Pensieve and find out!)

Writer's Island #10 - Friendship

2007-11-13T10:22:00.000-05:00

This week's prompt for Writer's Island is Friendship. There were so many directions I could have gone with this prompt. Just the word friendship evokes so many thoughts and feelings within. Feelings of love and support, as well as feelings of loss and betrayal rise to the surface at the simple uttering of the word...friendship...so many meanings this word contains.

Today, concern for a friend envelops me, and brings me to this:

Silent Prayer for a Friend

Life in limbo
as you wait
as I wait
to hear the words
I can't let you see
how I worry
so deeply
for you
so I smile
and convince
you and I
that we've nothing to fear
while in privacy, I pray
that they'll say
you're okay
I can't imagine it'll go any other way.

Copyright 2007 - Karina

UPDATE: I just got off the phone with my friend, and she's been given a clean bill of health from her doctor. Amen.

Writer's Island #9 - Unforgettable

2007-11-06T08:29:00.000-05:00

This week over at Writer's Island we are remembering those things we can never forget. The prompt is "Unforgettable".

I'm taking a somber turn with this one. I wrote this poem in February of 1996, after I lost a friend to a drunk driver. He was the sort of person you just never forget, but less forgetable is the pain I felt upon losing him. He's been on my mind for some reason lately, so it felt fitting for this prompt.

Not Leo

The world turned
everything changed in a single instant
it only took 5 seconds,
5 words
"He was killed last night"
that bitter taste lingers
I never had my chance to say goodbye
I lose control
unable to see through tears
unable to feel...numbed
unable to hear past those words
over and over again in my mind
"he was killed last night"
At first, "How" and then "when"
followed quickly by "where, why and...
Not Leo"
words tattoed forever in my mind
etched in pain in my memory
"yes, Leo, he was killed last night"
Now, when it rains I cry
when the sun shines, I wonder why
friendship borne, only to die
nobody ever really knows why
and I still cry
forever asking why
why Leo?
Why did he have to die?
And the words,
those fucking words
over and over
again and again
"Leo...he was killed last night
he was killed last night
he was killed..."

Copyright 2007 - Karina

Be sure to visit Writer's Island for other castaways, who will hopefully have much lighter fare for you.

Sunday Scribblings #7 - Money

2007-11-04T20:15:00.000-05:00

This week's Sunday Scribblings Prompt is "Money". Ah..Money...as I'm in the middle of both NaNoWriMo and NaBloPoMo (on my other blog), I'll keep this one short and sweet:

The root of all evil
the seed of all hope
the end
the beginning
a slippery slope

we spend it
we save it
we hoard it
we share it
without it we crave it
but with it
we bear it

what is it about it
that makes us so crazy
how is it without it
the world becomes hazy

This thing we call money
some paper, some ink
it all seems so funny
and yet in the blink
of an eye
you'd grab it
don't lie.

Copyright 2007 - Karina

NaBloPoMo

2007-11-01T10:48:00.000-04:00

I'm doing NaBloPoMo over at my other blog Candid Karina. I'm also doing NaNoWriMo. Therefore, I'm not going to comit to doing NaBloPoMo over here...however, I'm going to try to post something creative in here daily. I may not do it, but currently I only post here once a week...so even if I manage to post a few more times a week over here, it'll be something. I will post snippets of my NaNoWriMo novel in here periodically, and then some other poems or prose which might come along. I will also continue to do "Writer's Island".

That said....a little Haiku for the month of November.

Write a post a day
and a novel in a month
this is November.

Writer's Island #8 - Haunted

2007-10-30T13:23:00.000-04:00

The prompt for Writer's Island this week is "Haunted", just in time for Halloween. My entry is not so much Halloween themed, still, here it is:

Faded Memory

No longer able to recall
Your face
without some effort
your smile
without some struggle
your voice
without some thought

It takes focus now
To see
That twinkle
In your eyes
that mischief
in your grin
that vigor
in your stance

I must stop and concentrate
To recollect
The way you’d hold
My hand
The way you’d say
My name
They way you’d kiss
My lips

But somewhere in the recesses
of my mind
the power of your love remains
It haunts me
At the most inopportune of moments

Copyright 2007 - Karina

Writer's Island #7 - The stranger

2007-10-23T11:33:00.000-04:00

This week's "Writer's Island" prompt is "The Stranger". I realize some of you may be wondering whatever happened to my continuation of the story I started a few weeks ago, but for some reason that's been put on hold. Don't ask me, ask my muse...

In the meantime, here's my contribution for today's prompt. I'm not entirely sure I'm done with this one yet, there might still be some tweaks to it, it doesn't feel quite finished...Constructive criticism appreciated.

Rock Star

I stare mesmerized
Hypnotized
By his voice, his lips, his eyes

His confident swagger
His presence on stage

In his element
He commands attention

And I can’t take my eyes off him

Falling in love from afar
With a rock star
A stranger behind a guitar

His knowing smile
His furtive grin

Confident in his power
He knows he has the crowd

And I can’t look away from him

I can’t lie
So familiar am I
With everything about this guy

His middle name I know
His birth date I’ve memorized

From a stranger to a lover
He’s transformed himself

And I have never even met him

Copyright 2007 - Karina

Be sure to visit Writer's Island for other participants!

Writer's Island #6 - Message in a Bottle

2007-10-16T09:57:00.000-04:00

The prompt for this week's Writers Island is as follows: You have each found a “Message In A Bottle”. Please share with the rest of us what mystery was revealed to you, or what urgent dispatch, or deep secret you discovered, or what solemn ‘last words’ you may have read — and tell us what you did after reading this communication from a time past.

I wasn't really sure where to go with this, and I'm still in the experimenting stages with Haiku, so I figured I'd use this prompt for a bit more practice in that genre:

Washing up on shore
something sparkly and round
what could this thing be

slowly I walk up
pick it up and examine
nothing here to see

Just an old bottle
a discarded artifact
but wait what is this

Look inside and find
Old rolled up parchment paper
Holding secret words

Anxiously I read
"If you are reading this note
Then I have yet hope"

"Send help quickly please
I am alone and adrift
I want to go home"

Looking around me
Not quite sure what to do next
I write a response

"No help to be found
I too am alone out here
Missing home as well"

Alas, we wait...

Copyright 2007 - Karina

See other Writer's Island enries here.

Writer's Island #5 - Renewal

2007-10-09T10:35:00.000-04:00

Welcome Islanders! Today's prompt finally directed me as to which path my story should take. There are still many questions to be answered, and it's quite possible that this tale is taking on a life of it's own, as the best stories seem to do. I'm happily jumping aboard and allowing myself to go along for the ride. I hope you'll join me.

For the following to make sense, you may want to read parts 1 and 2 first.

"My Name is"

"The Key"

Done? And now...Renewal:

“Click”.

Hearing that sound always made me smile. It was still amazing to me how something as simple as turning a key in a lock could open up a whole new world. Of course it wasn’t quite that simple, it wasn’t just any key, and it most certainly wasn’t just any lock, any door. I pushed open the door and stepped into a hallway much too long to be contained within the space of a closet in the backroom of a bookstore. I grabbed and switched on the flashlight resting on a shelf by the door, and closed the door behind me, locking it with the key.

“Click”.

Suddenly, the sounds of the city were extinguished, and I was left with a silence so profound, it took my breath away for a second. It was always like this, the moment of re-entry always left me a bit awestruck, feeling heavier instantly, my shoulders tensed, my mind a bit numb. Regaining my composure, I started down the hallway. As I walked, the path widened, the walls opened up, and within moments, the light from the windows and the fluorescent bulbs ahead erased the need for the flashlight. I shut it off, and placed it on a table. Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the well lit conference room.

“Ah, there she is, you’re a bit late today” Alfonse said getting up to greet me.
“I’m sorry, I got caught up” I smiled to myself, thinking of my breakfast encounter.
“No worries, no worries,” Alfonse said smiling and taking my hand and leading me to the big conference table in the middle of the room “we were just getting settled.”
As I approached the table, everyone stood “Good Morning Madam President” echoed throughout the room.
“Good morning everyone, please be seated”. I said taking my own seat at the head of the table. From here, I had a perfect view out of the main window in the room; a view that looked out above the remains of a city once bustling with activity, but now mostly dormant. A cloud of grey mist hung over the skeletons of buildings once filled with the noise of office equipment, telephones ringing, and people exchanging their morning pleasantries. It was silent now, a ghost town, and signs of the mass desertion were still visible in things such as the abandoned cars in the middle of the streets, and the store fronts with their “OPEN” signs flapping in the wind.

THIS was my world. This was where I belonged. Not the sunny, cheerful coffee shop, or the dusty, antique bookstore full of character, but this, a conference room in a secured and air locked building, where I governed over a world so splintered and devoid of beauty that it hurt to look out the windows. Yet there was hope. We’d discovered the key, and long with the key, was the legend. If the legend was true, we could create a renewal of this world, and bring back its beauty and magic. So far, every prophecy had manifested itself; therefore we had to believe the legend of the key would as well.

And that is what I was doing on the other side of the door. Hoping to bridge a gap between the two worlds, in order to infuse color back into the land I loved so deeply. It wasn’t going to be easy, and the road to get even as far as we’d already gotten had been filled with obstacles and pitfalls. But we had located the door, passed through, established a connection, and I wasn’t giving up until I’d either succeeded or taken my last breath. And even then, I had them, my council, my advisors, my soldiers. They would never stop.

I looked around the table at their expectant faces. All waiting for me to deliver some good news, tell them anything that would give them enough hope to keep fighting another day. And today, for the first time in weeks, I had a glimmer of that hope to hand out.

“Well,” I said sitting back in my chair and smiling “It’s not much, but I’ve made contact”.
A collective sigh echoed throughout the room and Alfonse was the first to speak
“He spoke to you?”
“He did,” I smiled “and we have a breakfast date tomorrow morning”.
The smiles were grand, but cautious.
“And you really think he’s the one?” This time it was Percival who spoke.
“We’ve been over this” Alfonse said quickly “We can’t be sure, but he seems to be the best candidate so far”.
“And if it’s not him?” Margarita asked anxiously “We’re running out of time”
“We still have time Margarita” I said “If it isn’t him, we’ll keep searching”
“And if it is him?” Percival spoke again “Then what?”
“Then we wait…” Alfonse answered “We let the magic take its course, and we wait.”

Copyright 2007 - Karina

Please visit Writer's Island for other participants.

Writer's Island #4, The Journey

2007-10-02T09:58:00.000-04:00

Welcome back fellow islanders. I must apologize if you came today hoping for the next installation of the story from last week. I have been sick this week and just didn't have the energy to delve into that story just yet. Instead of forcing something out that I would be unhappy with, I decided to take a break from it, and let this prompt lead me elsewhere.

As I was drifting off to sleep yesterday, in a Nyquil induced stupor, the following haikus began to form in my brain:

Life is a journey
Best taken with open eyes
So you don't miss it

The colors and sounds,
Aromas and textures too
All these surround you

Appreciate all
Live, love, and never regret
Take none for granted

And you will know then
That you have lived life as well
As you could have done

Okay, I know it's not great, but Haiku is a completely new form for me, so these are all just expirements in the format.

Check out other Islanders here.

Writer's Island #3 - The Key

2007-09-25T11:10:00.000-04:00

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST...Something is happening with these writing prompts through both Writer's Island and Sunday Scribblings. Something wonderful and unexpected. My muse has awoken from a slumber so deep that I was afraid she might have left me all together. For that, I thank everyone involved with these "memes".

Today's Writer's Island entry is actually a continuation of the tale begun with this week's Sunday Scribbling Prompt. Please read that one first, if you will, so that this one makes sense in the beginning. I'm not quite sure where this tale is leading yet, so the mystery is as much for me, as it is for you. I hope you enjoy reading it even half as much as I'm enjoying writing it.

And now...The Key:

Well, now that we’d gotten that out of the way, what was I supposed to say next? I laughed, he laughed.

“I have to tell you,” he said smiling as we moved away from the door “I’ve been working up the nerve to do what you just did for days now”.

“I didn’t know I was going to do it until I’d already spoken”, I laughed.

“Well, I’m glad you did” then he looked at his watch “but I’m going to be late for work if I don’t leave now”. He smiled again “So, if I sit at your table tomorrow?”

“I’ll be sure to grab a good one” I said with a grin.

“Great, see you then”. And he was gone. And I was left with a stupid ear to ear grin on my face. Did that really just happen?

Shaking my head to bring myself back to reality I turned to walk away. I had so much to do today, I didn’t really have time for daydreaming. He might have been cute, and who knew what tomorrow’s coffee date would bring, but I had more pressing matters to attend to.

Upon reaching my building, I unlocked the front door, turned on the lights, and switched the sign on the door to Open. I owned and ran a used book store only a few doors down from the coffee shop. Business wasn’t what you’d call “booming”, but the little shop did well enough so that I could focus my energies on my real job. It wasn’t so much that I didn’t love selling books, because I did. It was that this store provided me with the perfect cover to do all I needed to do, without anyone suspecting what I was up to.

My life was a complicated one, but there was never a day that I didn’t feel grateful for the very complications that made it such an interesting life to lead. About thirty minutes after I’d opened up the shop, Jolene arrived. Jolene was my sole employee, and probably one of my favorite people in the world. She was 73 years old, and probably the spunkiest little old lady you’ll ever meet. But don’t let anyone call her an old lady to her face, because she’d set you right. She was 73 years young, and “getting younger by the minute”, she’d joke. “Child, pretty soon I’ll be in diapers again and if that isn’t reverting back to your youth, well then, I don’t know what is” she had told me once. Jolene pretty much ran my little shop while I was attending to my more clandestine affairs. She did it with a smile on her face and a knowing twinkle in her eye, because she knew the truth. I’d had to trust someone when I’d first arrived in town and opened up the shop, and upon meeting Jo, I knew she’d be the one to entrust with my secrets.

Once she arrived, and we exchanged our morning pleasantries, I made my way into the backroom. Closing the door behind me, I sat at my desk, and took out the key. There was a lot to do today, and I needed to get started right away. I took a deep breath, exhaled, and stood up. “Okay, let’s get to work”. I said walking toward the closet in the corner. I put the key in the lock and turned, waiting for the magical sound of the lock turning, a sound I knew would start my day in earnest.

“Click”…

Copyright 2007 - Karina

Please be sure to visit Writer's Island for more participants.

Sunday Scribblings #5 - Hi my name is...

2007-09-22T11:56:00.000-04:00

I didn't participate last week....just couldn't get my muse to show up for the "collector's" edition.

But I'm back. This week I present my first short story for Sunday Scribbings.

Same time, same place?

Every morning for the last two weeks we've been having coffee together, and I don't even know his name. As I watch him over the book I pretend to read, I wonder if he too is aware of our routine. It started innocently enough, I came into the coffee house for my morning jolt of caffeine, sat at my usual table, and cracked open my book. Sitting there enjoying the early autumn breeze, mixed with last sunrays of summer, I watched him walk in and order. "Large, black, two sugars please". His voice, strong, confident, brought my eyes away from Harry and Hermoine just long enough to notice the chiseled cheekbones, the bright blue eyes. Handsome. He sat at a table directly across from mine, dug out his newspaper, and sat back to read. Our eyes met for a second, and he smiled. I smiled back. Then went back to my book.

The next day, almost having forgotten our brief encounter, I heard it again. "Large, black, two sugars please." And there he was. Handsome. Again he sat across from me, again he smiled.

Almost two weeks later now, and we continue this charade. Pretending not to notice the other one noticing. I read, a different book now, he persuses the local news. I close my book, place it in my purse, and stand to leave. He folds his paper, nods at me, and walks out the door.

Each day, the smile lasts a little bit longer. Each time, we walk out the door a little bit closer in time. We do a dance, we toe the line.

"Large, black, two sugars please". I hear again. He sits, he smiles, I smile.

My coffee done, I close my book, look up. Folding his paper he stands. We reach the door together, he holds it open. I laugh. "Hi, my name is Destiny", extending my hand. He takes it. "Justice".

Copyright 2007 - Karina

View more Sunday Scribblings here.

Writer's Island #2 - The Gift

2007-09-17T21:57:00.000-04:00

I didn't participate in Sunday Scribblings this week, the prompt was "collections". I just couldn't find the muse this time.

This week prompt for Writer's Island is "The Gift".

I'm on vacation this week, so I decided that I wanted to keep it short, and so, when I thought short, I thought, well...I'll do a haiku. I've never written a haiku before, so you all get to partake of my first effort ever. It isn't the greatest, but it's my frst, so I'm giving myself a break.

Enjoy:

Knowing one is loved
Surrounded by family
Is truly a gift

Copyright 2007 - Karina

Please visit Writer's Island for other participants' links.

Writer's Island #1 - My Imaginary Life

2007-09-12T10:33:00.000-04:00

Just the two of me...

I live a lie most days
although I tell the truth
What you see is what you get
and yet

I'm not who I seem to be
the inner me, the outer me
a contradiction
a mystery

I am the person that you know
I wear my heart out on my sleeve
I share my passions
I bare my soul
but you don't see

my imaginary life
the one I keep all to myself
the tales I spin
the songs I sing
the life I live within

an imagination like mine
never takes a break
never stops creating
so daily I fantasize
i'm in disguise

moving along at a normal pace
inside my head I run a race
i'm two in one
a dual existance
and we dance

Copyright 2007 - Karina

Thank you to Writer's Island for the prompt. I'm writing more now thanks to these prompts then I have in a long time. I'm grateful!

For more, please visit Writer's Island.

Sunday Scribblings #4 - Writing

2007-09-08T18:57:00.000-04:00

I see this as a work in progress, I can see so many more stanzas in my mind's eye, and am looking forward to flushing it out much more. In the meantime, I wanted to have it up for this week's Sunday Scribblings:

On Writing

Infinite words in the universe
numerous languages to choose
topics as vast as the oceans
where shall I direct my muse?

what am I writing today
a poem, a story, a simple haiku
or is it the novel in progress
a song, another book review?

Am I staying above the surface
or digging into my soul
is it merely a creative moment
or am I reaching the ulitimate goal

whatever direction I take
whatever my form of delivery
in writing, I'm breathing, I'm living
I'm creating a piece of my history

Copyright 2007 - Karina

Click here for more Sunday Scribblings

Sunday Scribblings #3 - The End

2007-09-01T22:08:00.000-04:00

The Sunday Scribblings Prompt for this week is "The End" I actually wrote this a few weeks ago, but just found it tonight again, and it fit perfectly, so I thought I would share it here.

Two Worlds

He watches in the background
Taking in the action
But never taking part
He absorbs the details
Stores them for later review
And never participates

There is a certain beauty
In the way his eyes scan the crowd
Focus momentarily on this thing
Or that
There is a special mystery
Hidden within that reserve
As if he knows something
The rest of us are oblivious to

He smiles periodically
When something strikes his fancy
And frowns almost instantly
As if he remembers himself
And now and again, he grins
And almost winks in my direction
As if he knows I watch him
Watch us

We play a game of sorts
Pretending not to see
That I’m as aware of him
As he appears to be of me
I follow his gaze
To different focus areas
And watch through his eyes
The world I inhabit daily

The train reaches the station, the doors open
I step inside
He takes the random dollar bills and pocket change
From inside his guitar case, places his guitar inside and closes it
He stands to leave, looks straight at me
And bows.
The show is over.

Copyright 2007 - Karina

View other Sunday Scribblings here.

Sunday Scribblings - #2 - I get that sinking feeling

2007-08-26T18:04:00.000-04:00

Went out last night, had an um...interesting time. About to start dating again, in my early 30's, and the options are limited. We're going with humor today for Sunday Scribblings. I present to you:

"Maybe I'm not ready"

A night out on the town with the girls
an adventure.
"You're about to start dating again" they say
we'll head out "to get a feel"
of what is out there for me

No expectations, no plans
not really searching to meet "the one"
just an experiment

"We'll have some fun,
Flirt shamelessly" they laugh
And see what the world has to offer
me this time.

And we head out

A few drinks later,
some mind numbing conversations,
and let's not forget
the creepy brazillian guy...
and I get that sinking feeling
that I will be single forever.

Copyright 2007 - Karina

Sunday Scribblings - #1 - Dear Diary

2007-08-19T14:15:00.000-04:00

I've done some Sunday Scribblings entries in my other blog Candid Karina, but this is my first on this new creative writing blog, so I'm going to take it as if I'm starting now, and try to become a weekly member of this Meme, but ONLY enter "fictional, creative" entries. This week's Theme is Dear Diary, so here goes:

Dear Diary,

One more day without him
and I made it through okay
I cried a little, when the sun went down
but I made it one more day

I had to stop and catch my breath
when I remembered he was gone
but I plowed on through, I held on tight
and another day is done.

It gets easier as days go by
but it seems harder in some way
it's as if when it becomes easier for me
He's slowly drifting further away

Dear Diary,

I don't want him to be part of my past
I don't want his memory to fade
But I know if I don't carry on, preservere
Than what impact will he have made?

He came into my life to teach
To influence, to show me the way
And if I don't use the lessons I learned
Then I've wasted another day.

So today, dear diary, I made it through
Another day without him, and I survived
Tomorrow, I'll do it again some way
I'll keep on living, to keep his dream alive.

Copyright 2007 - Karina

To see other Sunday Scribblings click here.

The Dance

2007-08-13T14:51:00.000-04:00

So graceful, elegant
Fluid and sinuous
A beauty unmatched in nature
Such splendor, magnificence
A vision of brilliance
They dance, entrance
Pure passion in action
With fervor, devotion
They’re romance in motion
A love story told
In paces and strides
His ebb to her flow
When the music ceases,
And the dance has ended
They part.
A dream suspended.

(c) Copyright 2007 Karina

A bit of my inspiration below:

Waiting

2007-08-12T11:50:00.000-04:00