Workroom Copier

Dear Workroom Copier,

Oh, workroom copier!!
You provided a vital source.

Whatever I command,
I expect you to bring forth.

You perform a thankless service,
and grateful for you, I am.

I love you when you're working.
I despise it when you jam.

Original poem written for Ethical ELA's January Open Write - January 24, 2023

Dream

Dream a new dream.

Imagine the realizability –

The can, the will, the shall.

Consider for just a moment

The potential of fresh ideas.

Originally written January 15, 2023. Revised January 16, 2023

The Ocean: A Revision 12.31.22

Ocean full of craters
Deep 
      Deep 
            Deep.

Billowing, billowing waves
                Steep
        Steep
Steep

Currents flux to and fro
With the changing tide.

Emboldened surfers enticed
To pop up for a ride.
________________________________________

Original 3.17.20
The ocean possesses craters
so deep
Billowing waves that
never sleep
The currents flux with the
changing tide
Providing surfers the
smoothest ride.

I am BLUE

I am BLUE

That means I am...
dependable
practical
rule-follower
long-enduring
tenacious
staunch
loyal
trustworthy

I am BLUE

It also means I am...
reliable
pragmatic
conformist
durable
firm
stalwart
faithful
honest

I am BLUE

Which further means I am...
good
realistic
traditionalist
enduring
determined
committed
devoted
sincere

I am BLUE

Original Poem written for EthicalELA, November 23, 2022

3 X 2 Grid of Silent Writers

TeachWrite

Originally One-Word Poem written for EthicalELA
November 20, 2022

Taking A Break

A week of recuperation and rest from the months-long toiling and pouring into others.

Original One-Line Poem written for https://www.ethicalela.com/the-monostitch-one-line-poem/ on November 19, 2022

Ode to My Peanut Butter

My Peanut Butter
rests consistently, 
its consistency,
in jars of glass.

Natural,
oily,
chunky and firm;
stirred with powerful tools
'til smooth like butter.

Shelved
in darkness
with other palatable favorites
awaiting its chance
to satisfy a craving.

Dreaming
of apple wedges and 
golden brown toast;
being dolloped or spread
or licked from silver spoons.

My Peanut Butter
called by one name;
roasted, salted,
ooey, gooey, delicious.

Originally poem composed October 22, 2022 for #TeachWritetober22

Ode To Childhood Loves

I had a few childhood loves,
And I’m writing about them all.
Telling a bit about each one;
As much as I recall.

“Baby Alive” was my favorite doll.
Playing with her was extremely neat.
She was battery-operated,
And would drink and pee and eat.

My “inchworm” was a fun toy.
“Bouncy-riding” an addiction.
Never getting very far
Due to so much carpet friction.

The swing set in the yard
Sent me soaring toward the sky.
Sometimes it would tip forward.
Moments in which I thought I’d die.

My original list of loves
contain more favorites I will name.
Jacks and Trouble and Sorry
were all my favorite games.

Originally written September 17 – Day 1 – Ethical ELA OpenWrite

Greetings at the Door

Greetings every morning
“Welcome to our space”

Fist bumps and elbow bumps
Now others are embraced

Monday’s is a HUG.
“I’m glad that you are here.”

Tuesday’s is a FIST BUMP.
A greeting we hold dear.

Wednesday’s is the BOOTY BUMP.
Bump hips and “I love you”.

At first this one was awkward,
But now it’s looked forward to.

Thursday’s is a bit complex.
Two slaps, 2 pounds, one fist bump…phew!

Friday’s is another HUG.
On the weekend, I’ll miss you.

April 16, 2022 ~ Verselove

A Cherita of Hope

I'm beginning to think that my One Little Word should have been hope.

So much has changed since August; so much out of my control,
that hope is all I have to hold on to in order to not stop caring.

I'd almost settle for serendipity at this point, but I know in my heart,
I need the "exceedingly, abundantly, all I can ask or think" kind of miracle
that only comes by the power of God. So I continue to hope.

April 10, 2022 ~ Verselove