Poetry Month - Day 12: Kumquat

Shellie Braeuner, the winner of the first Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories New Author Contest, with her book The Great Dog Wash, suggested the word Kumquat.  Unfortunately, I didn't get around to writing it until just now because I went out after work to hear a co-worker's band and I just got home.  So, I wrote a quick song parody, to the tune of I'm a Little Teapot.  I hope you like it, Shellie!

Kumquat

I’m a little kumquat

short and squat

sweet on the outside

my inside’s not

Pick me in spring when

it’s not hot

eat me quick or I may rot!

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Poetry Month - Day 11: Verjuice

Today's lovely word, Verjuice, was suggested by the even lovelier, Matt Forrest! This was Matt's word in Round 1 of March Madness - tough word! Read his awesome poem here. He used the "sour juice from unripe grapes" meaning and I used the "sour in temper, expression" meaning.  

I let this poem lead me where it wanted to go and it ended up a little sappy and I couldn't think of a funny, twist ending. If anyone wants to attempt a new ending, please share it in the comments! (The Grumpy Bear is for my son, Sean)! :-)

Verjuice

They call her Crabby Appleton

She’s grumpy and verjuiced.

She loves the clouds and spurns the sun,

She needs a little boost!

I gave her lots of toys and things

To brighten up her mood.

I even brought a bird that sings,

but that just made her brood.

Some chocolate cake will do the trick,

It works most every time.

She scoffed and said, “It makes me sick!”

As if it were a crime!

Then, finally I’d had enough

“Just stay in here and pout!”

She crossed her arms in quite a huff

and shouted, “Good - get out!!”

But, as I slowly closed the door

I heard a little cry.

“My friends don’t like me anymore.

I really don’t know why!”

I went back in and told the truth

“I know what’s wrong with you.

You’re grumpy, mean and so uncouth,

But here’s what you can do!”

I taught her how to love the sun

and how to smile, not frown.

And soon she learned to have some fun

instead of feeling down.

So, now she’s Happy Appleton.

She’s cheery day and night.

When people see her, they don’t run.

‘cause she’s a welcome sight!

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Poetry Month - Day 10: Mediocre

Todays word, Mediocre, was suggested by my co-worker, Marybeth (who is anything by mediocre)! I had a hard time rhyming it so, sadly, the poem is a bit like the word (so don't get your hopes up).

Mediocre

Mediocre’s not so bad.  It’s better than horrific.

Not as bad as horrible, although it’s not terrific

But if you’re mediocre at the things you shouldn’t do,

Then that would mean you’re really great!  Now, don’t you think that’s true?

Like being a big liar or a cheater or a smoker.

I’m proud to say, that those are things at which I’m mediocre!

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Poetry Month - Day 9: Scintillating

Today's word, Scintillating, came from my writer-friend, Beth Stilborn - thanks Beth!  It's funny - this poem went in a direction I didn't anticipate - I LOVE when that happens.  I hope I don't get in trouble for it! * 

Scintillating

Way back in the day, when I was still dating,

I met a great guy who was scintillating.

He also was cute.  He was funny and smart,

but had a bad habit, he always would _____.

He’d _____ after breakfast.  He’d _____ after lunch.
And right after dinner, he’d _____ a  whole bunch.
But out at the movies, the stores or at parties,
He'd use self control and release little _____ ies.

He could make babies cry. He could make flowers wilt.

He’d float up in air if he wore a thick kilt.  

Our friends?  They all shunned us.  It sure wasn't fun.

And even the skunks would all turn tail and run.

I bet that you’re wondering, where is this fellow?

Did they get married?  And, did this guy “mellow”?

Oh, yes, we’ve been married for 29 years.

I just wear a clothes pin until the _____ clears!

*Any resemblance to my husband is purely coincidental!

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Poetry Month - Day 8: Spastic

This intro is going to be short and sweet because it's 9:00 and I'm just writing today's poem. My friend, Juli gave me the word Spastic (an awkward, clumsy or eccentric person) - something I have firsthand experience with. So here it is . . .

Spastic

I always wear elastic

and all my knives are plastic

since I'm a little spastic

and don't want to get hurt.

I'm often times bombastic

the tales I tell, fantastic

my measures can be drastic

and I've been known to blurt.

At work I am scholastic

at home I'm quite sarcastic

when writing, I'm gymnastic

yet, sometimes I'm inert.

I could be more dynastic

behave ecclesiastic

perhaps a bit monastic

well, maybe I'll convert.

(but my Jewish mother wouldn't like it!)

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