#2024 November Poem-A-Day Chapbook Challenge

[cy-gogglin]

2024 NOVEMBER POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE: DAY 16

For today’s prompts:

From Poetic Asides:

take the phrase "Poem for (blank)," 

replace the blank with a new word or phrase, 

make the new phrase the title of your poem, 

and then, write your poem. 

Possible titles might include: 

"Poem for the Moon," 

"Poem for My Parents," 

"Poem for a Rainy Day," 

"Poem for Mike Tyson," 

and/or "Poem for Procrastinating on Folding the Laundry (Again)."

From Charlotte Rains Dixon:

"So what if I don't?"

And of course:

These prompts are springboards to creativity. 

Use them to expand your possibilities, not limit them.

𝖌

[pinetree-poet]

2024 NOVEMBER POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE: DAY 13

WEDNESDAY PROMPTS:

From Poetic Asides:

Luck

Good luck, 

bad luck. 

If you're lucky, you've already got the beginnings of a poem rolling around in your head. 

And if you're not lucky, make your own luck and write one anyway.

From the Sherwin-Williams palette:

Contented

From Charlotte Rains Dixon:

The first snowfall.

Remember: 

These prompts are springboards to creativity. 

Use them to expand your possibilities, not limit them.

𝖌

[gtunesmiff]

2024 APRIL POEM-A-DAY CHALLENGE: DAY 30

Today is our fifth (and final) Two-for-Tuesday prompt, and also the final prompt of the 2024 April Poem-A-Day Challenge.

For today's Two-for-Tuesday prompt:

Write a The End poem, and/or...

Write a Beginning poem.

After all, endings are just opportunities for new beginnings, and beginnings tend to the be the first step on the path to future endings (and so the cycle repeats).

All that to say, this is not the final prompt(s) of the year, because we'll get back to Wednesday Poetry Prompts every week beginning tomorrow, and then there's the 17th annual November Poem-A-Day Chapbook Challenge in, well, November (duh - look for the guidelines in October).

Remember: These prompts are springboards to creativity. Use them to expand your possibilities, not limit them.

[pinetree-poet]

2024 NOVEMBER POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE: DAY 11

RLB/PA: 

Write a lost poem. 

I've actually lost poems over the years (poems that I'm sure we're my finest work), whether losing the physical copy written on a Post-It note or piece of paper...or from lost posts when we've migrated our site content.  But a lost poem doesn't have to be about losing a poem; it can be about losing a person, place, thing, state of mind, etc.  There are so many things to be lost that this might produce several lost poems.

CRD:

A man and a woman are arguing in a coffee shop.

Remember: 

These prompts are springboards to creativity. 

Use them to expand your possibilities, not limit them.

[pinetree-poet]

2024 NOVEMBER POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE: DAY 5

On Robert Lee Brewer's blog, Poetic Asides, today is the first Two-for-Tuesday prompt of November, and he's kicking it off with his favorite recurring prompt:

Write a love poem, and/or...

Write an anti-love poem.

Meanwhile, Charlotte Rains Dixon prompts us with: The worst thing that could happen.

As is always the case:

These prompts are springboards to creativity. 

Use them to expand your possibilities, not limit them.

𝖌

[pinetree-poet]

2024 NOVEMBER POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE: DY 17 ~ SHORT SLEEVE WEATHER

SHORT SLEEVE WEATHER © 2024 G. Smith (BMI) =================== Cold and gray and rainy, Ice forming in the ole downspout, I’m Jonesin’ in my bones ‘n’ I don’t know if I’ll hold out.

Addicted, afflicted, My will power’s caving, And if you know me like you say you do, You know what I’m craving.

I need to take the coat off, And get into short sleeve weather; Head for sun and fun, As long as we’re together. Winter’s barely started, And I’m already chilled to the bone; So come on with me to the sand and the sea, I don’t wanna go down there alone.

Let’s pack and hit the highway, Before the snow starts falling. Listen closely and I know you’ll hear, The same snowbird a-calling.

I need to take the coat off, And get into short sleeve weather; Head for sun and fun, As long as we’re together. Winter’s barely started, And I’m already chilled to the bone; So come on with me to the sand and the sea, I don’t wanna go down there alone, alone; I don’t wanna go down there alone, (But I will), I don’t wanna go down there alone.

[pinetree-poet]

2024 NOVEMBER POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE: DAY 11 ~ HOMING PIGEON INSTINCT

HOMING PIGEON INSTINCT © 2024 G. Smith (BMI) =================== I was a wandering child, In the neighborhood where I was raised. Crossing the street on my own, exploring, Back in my pre-teen days.

Taking a hike, riding my bike, Seeing what’s there to be seen. Knowing there was more to the world than my yard, Where I knew the grass was greener, Where I knew the grass was green.

It always seemed I could find my way back, No matter how far I’d roamed; I knew where to turn on a different tack, And found myself at home.

Dad said it was a simple thing, Not everyone understood, Some don’t need map to know where they are, And nobody’s lost for good, for good, Nobody’s lost for good.

Homing pigeon instinct, Somehow I just know, Even if I’m turned around, Which way I should go. It irritates my better half, Sometimes leading to a fight, When she says I should go left, And it turns out I was right.

There’s really no trick that I can share, And it works inside or out, Maybe it’s just paying attention, Maybe it’s having no doubt.

It might be as simple as knowing your true north, Or following a guiding star; Or simply paying attention to things, And knowing who and where you are, Knowing who you are.

[pinetree-poet]

2024 POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE: DAY 21 ~ OUT OF HAND

OUT OF HAND © 2024 G. Smith (BMI) =================== The worst advice I ever got I rejected out of hand; They didn’t know or realize it didn’t fit with what I had planned. I’d made my choice, I’d thought things through, And now I stand in front of you, I’m glad I didn’t heed their bad advice; And took the chance with you and threw the dice.

The worst advice I ever got made me stop and think, But I made my choice and moved ahead and didn’t even blink, They said that I was much too kind for my and your own good, But I knew better and didn’t do the things they said I should. Meekness isn’t weakness, it’s simply not me first, So I stood and dared them all to try their best to do their worst.

Out of hand, out of my mind; It took too long for me to find, That advice is worth what I’d paid for it, With the choices to be forfeit, I’ll never know what might have been, Following the bad advice of friends, They may have my best at heart, But that’d’ve kept you and me apart, And your hand out of mine; And your hand out of mine.

The worst advice I ever got I’m sad to say came true, Saying I’d be miserable if I stuck it out with you. I didn’t want to believe ‘em; I turned away to leave ‘em; And I hate to say they told me so, But I’m afraid I have to go. Better luck next time is what they say; And tomorrow is another day.

[pinetree-poet]

2024 NOVEMBER POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE: DAY 25 ~ SECOND NATURE

SECOND NATURE © 2024 G. Smith (BMI) ======================== Coffee or tea is second nature to me, As long as there’s a jolt and it’s not caffeine free. Don’t need fancy flavors, Just do me the favor, If you see my empty cup, Fill it up, fill it up, If you see my empty cup, Fill it up.

Toast and a dark roast, not much breakfast I lack, Just keep it hot, keep it coming, no cream and just black. Don’t need fancy flavors, Just do me the favor, If you see my empty cup, Fill it up, fill it up, If you see my empty cup, Fill it up.

It’s my only vice, All the rest is just habit. When I smell the aroma, I just have to have it. Leave a cup unattended, Then know that I’ll grab it. ‘Cause it’s my only vice, All the rest is just habit.

There’s Darjeeling, my darling, or orange picot, Earle Grey to start the day, just gimme get up and go. Don’t need fancy flavors, Just do me the favor, If you see my empty cup, Fill it up, fill it up, If you see my empty cup, Fill it up.

Doesn’t matter the time of day, it won’t keep me up. So fill up my empty cup, Fill it up, fill it up.

[pinetree-poet]

2024 NOVEMBER POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE: DAY 20 ~ THE WEEKEND PROMISED LAND

THE WEEKEND PROMISED LAND © 2024 G. Smith (BMI) ================== “It’ll be fun,” they said, “We’ll have a good time. “Run down to the beach! “Long necks and lime! “Sun and sand! “Surf and sky! “Shut down the laptop! “Kiss the workweek goodbye!”

I said, “Why not,” And we packed up the car, It would be quick trip, Cape Verde’s not far. Packed up and loaded, Ready to go, But as we hit the highway, Everything’s… slow.

It’s a parking lot, Six lanes wide; Stop-n-go, Not a short quick ride. Everybody had the same idea, Everybody had the same plan; Everybody’s on the road to, The weekend promised land. Everybody’s on the road to, The weekend promised land.

Finally off the freeway, Finally in sight of the sea; Finally the pressure falls away, Finally feeling a little bit free. Breathing in the fresh salt air, Finally at the beach. So close and yet so far away; Why is it so hard to reach, to reach? Why is it so hard to reach?

[pinetree-poet]

2024 NOVEMBER POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE: DAY 19 ~ I SHOULD'VE SEEN IT COMING

I SHOULD’VE SEEN IT COMING © 2024 G. Smith (BMI) =================== I grew up in Scouting, Never, ever doubting, Doing one good deed most every day. Tying knots and building fires, Off the map and climbing higher, And I would be an Eagle, come what may.

Always helpful, always ready, Always strong and always steady, Always courteous, kind, and cheerful through and through. Few things took me by surprise, Except those smiling jade green eyes, I saw the moment when I first met you.

And I should’ve seen it coming, The signs were always there; Hints and whispered warnings – Clues were everywhere. Life as I had known it, Would never be the same, It all changed the moment, That I heard your name.

After all these years I’m loyal, as you know, Trustworthy and friendly, going with the flow. And I can handle anything the fates may throw our way. It’s not hard to be on guard, Looking out for you, sweetheart, And this is where you know I’m gonna stay, gonna stay; This is where you know I’m gonna stay.

I grew up in Scouting, Never, ever doubting, Doing one good deed most every day.

[pinetree-poet]

2024 NOVEMBER POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE: DAY 18 ~ DANCING THE SAME OLD DANCES

DANCING THE SAME OLD DANCES © 2024 G. Smith (BMI) =================== Hard to believe it’s been so long, Since you gave my life its song. I have no clue where I would be, Without you beside me, beside me.

But sometimes, you know, we disagree, Seeing things so differently. We pause and take a step apart, To sooth and calm our burning hearts.

But soon we’re back out on the floor, Like we’ve done before and before; The music starts, the lights go down, And it’s you and me, no one around.

And here we go again, Dancing the same old dances; Moving through our lives, Taking the same old chances; Sometimes going slow, Sometimes moving fast (so fast), Always with the fear, That this time is the last.

So how many chances will we get, To dance like we did when we first met? How long will we be able, To gather ‘round the table?

The sun has set on so many things, The blue hour comes with the pain it brings; Dawn is still a night away, Praying to see the light of day.

And here we go again, Dancing the same old dances; Moving through our lives, Making brand new chances; Loving going slow, Laughing moving fast (so fast), Knowing when it’s said and done, These times are gonna last, gonna last, These times were meant to last.

[pinetree-poet]

2024 NOVEMBER POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE: DAY 16 ~ POEM FOR LISA

POEM FOR LISA © 2024 G. Smith (BMI) =================== Lisa loves Jesus, And she loves the fall, She loves watching Georgia, Bulldog football.

Lisa loves babies; It’s something to see, How they love her back; And how Lisa loves me.

She loves who I am, Who I hope to be; And I stand amazed at, How Lisa loves me. I stand amazed at, How Lisa loves me.

Lisa loves Christmas, And decorating the tree; And my best gift is always, How Lisa loves me. My best gift is always, How Lisa loves me.

[pinetree-poet]

2024 NOVEMBER POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE: DAY 15 ~ IN THE LIGHT OF DAY

IN THE LIGHT OF DAY © G. Smith (BMI) =================== Nameless, faceless, in the shadows, Where you’ve been only the Lord knows. But I’ll recognize your heart – When I see it; I know mine will start – When you free it.

In the light of day, Or the dark of night; I have faith in, Love at first sight. I hold out hope, For love at first sight.

You could be walking across the street, And we’ll never know until we meet; But it will hit us at the same time, A bolt out of the blue, Birds will sing and words will rhyme, And you’ll love me and I’ll love you.

In the light of day, Or the dark of night; I have faith in, Love at first sight. I hold out hope, For love at first sight.

I have faith, I have hope, For love at first sight.

[pinetree-poet]

2024 NOVEMBER POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE: DAY 15 ~ AI

AI © 2024 G. Smith (BMI) =================== Nameless, faceless, artificial; Coming at us like a guided missle. Aimed to punch a hole Through the artist’s soul,

They say, “Don’t worry, it’s just a tool.” But so is a butcher knife, don’t be fooled. If you’re not careful what you’re doin’, It can bring your life to rack and ruin.

Artificial, nameless, faceless; Sure it works, but it’s all so graceless. Artificial, faceless, nameless; And like so much lately, all are blameless.

[pinetree-poet]

2024 NOVEMBER POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE: DAY 13 ~ WHAT DO YOU THINK?

WHAT DO YOU THINK? © 2024 G. Smith (BMI) =================== Was it luck, Was it fate, That had us both, Running late, Despite the fact we’d said that, We weren’t gonna wait? What started as a cup of coffee, Became a dinner date. We could’ve spent that time content, And wondered where our lifetime went. Was it luck? Or was it fate?

What do you think? Could it be either? Could it be just one? Could it be neither? A simple pause by you or me, Might’ve changed our destiny. But I’m glad that’s something we’ll never see; Was it luck? Or was it fate?

Was it fate, Was it luck, That found us stranded, That found us stuck, In that mid-November snowstorm, In that beat-up flatbed truck? We could’ve spent that time content, And wondered where our lifetime went. Was it fate? Or was it luck?

What do you think? Could it be either? Could it be just one? Could it be neither? A simple pause by you or me, Might’ve changed our destiny. But I’m glad that’s something we’ll never see; Was it fate? Or was it luck?