Poetry Month - Day 14: Yurt, Periwinkle, Spumoni & Breve

Last week, a FB friend suggested not one - not two - not even three - but four words for me to use! I thought I'd pick the one I liked best (aka: the easiest to rhyme), but, since it's Sunday, I knew I'd have more time to work on it, so I used all four. It's not my best poem, but I'm kind of proud of myself for working in all four in a fairly cohesive poem.

Yurt, Periwinkle, Spumoni, Breve

I spent the day in a yurt.

I figured, it couldn’t hurt.

It’s a shade of periwinkle,

and has canvas sides that crinkle

I dined on macaroni,

which tasted like spumoni,

and was shaped, I do believe,

like the grammar mark, the "breve".

Then I wrote a poem that’s merry,

using words from my friend Cherie.

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Poetry Month - Day 13: Nihilist

Ok, when you're given the word, Nihilist (thanks a lot, Linda), it's really hard to be funny - so, I got a little deep on this one! I'm a non-religious person and always thought of myself as non-spiritual, until I started researching nihilists to write this poem. Now I think, compared to a nihilist, I'm Mother Theresa!!

Nihilist

Henry was a nihilist

who longed to make a change.

And so he hired a stylist,

which seemed a little strange.

He got a re-do, “Oprah style”,

from shoes up to his hair.

But still, behind his brand new smile,

poor Henry didn’t care.

The stylist took a different tack

and worked on Henry’s mind.

He filled his head with lots of facts.

Still, Henry was unkind.

Then, just before he called it quits

he thought of something smart:

to pull up Henry from the pits,

he’d have to reach his heart!

The stylist taught him how to “see”;

to redefine his scope.

And that’s how Henry came to be

a man with new-found hope

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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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