By ~Dovey
My wish this April is to explore the gifts that we've been given as I succumb to the lure of NaPoWriMo. In a sense, it is my pledge to give a gift to myself. The gift of time; to slow down my harried schedule and indulge in reflection, introspection, our cosmic connection, and poetic selection.
I'm not sure where this journey will take us, but I'll be honored if you choose to follow along and join me on this exploration. I've been away for far too long. In a sense, I'm now the kindred spirit of the astronaut who has travelled beyond time and space, and may finally set course on that long voyage home, anxiously waiting to reconnect with all those to which his life was long ago intertwined.
Are we in another galaxy, or just nearly a year parted -- as old friends who may pick up where we left off in the split second blink of an eye? My greatest joy in life is centered in giving... and so, for now, I'm giving this another try. Giving has so many facets -- what many gifts will this experience together impart to you and me? Bolstering each other on this journey, I think we'll all be rewarded with the ability to fly!
And, away we go... in the most beautiful manner of living... to keep on giving...
| Author Notes |
Image by InspiredImages from Pixabay
I'd like to bid a warm welcome to all my friends (and future acquaintances) and heartily invite you to accompany me on this April's NaPoWriMo journey. My deepest apologies for being away so long without a word - life sure does have ways of keeping us preoccupied! I'd like to thank Sandra for keeping up with the NaPoWriMo tradition again this year. The lure is too strong to stay away. I simply have to make the time to balance everything life has to offer. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with everyone and meeting the others who have accepted this year's NaPoWriMo challenge, too. Good luck to us all! Kim |
By ~Dovey
Wonder what I might give today
to whisk your earthly pains away?
What we might share that we've not shared --
for you to know how much I've cared?
I'd give my shoes and walk a mile,
just to restore your absent smile.
If it were not in utter vain --
I'd double time that in the rain!
I'd plant us seeds to watch them grow --
without regard for banks of snow.
I advocate the Golden Rule --
please know that I'm not April's fool...
I live the life with which I'm blessed --
where giving back fulfills me best.
| Author Notes |
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another." - Charles Dickens What a powerful quote to contemplate. I wish you all the best day, with many smiles! Kim |
By ~Dovey
I can write one poem a day...
I can find new ways to show appreciation,
to express my elation,
make an observation,
solve an equation,
and strengthen my relationships.
I can seal gossip's lips,
vow to exercise my hips,
launch a thousand ships --
(with the beauty of my words --
not my looks, that's too absurd!)
I can strive for first -- yet end up third,
recite a tale that I have heard,
share the song of early birds --
(without eating any worms!
On that I must be firm!)
That would simply make me squirm!
Let me once again affirm --
I can write one poem a day.
There's so much I want to say,
I will eat, and sleep, and play
with my poetry each day.
My Muse and I will dance --
just let me have this chance
to extol my great romance!
How I fall in love at my first glance
at a book of poetry --
even if that poet was previously
unbeknownst to me.
On a side note...
I love to share a quote,
or a poem that I wrote
(in the shower or on a boat --
I love water -- and to float!)
I will share my thoughts on living --
I will go on about giving --
until I've filled my sack
with a freshly inked new stack
of poetry -- written with my brand --
it truly feels grand to say,
"I can write one poem a day!"
| Author Notes |
Image by Lolame from Pixabay
More than a year ago now, on Christmas Day, we lost a very dear friend. He was one of my greatest encouragers in my writing endeavors. At his celebration of life, his best friend read, "The Giving Tree," by Shel Silverstein. Amazingly, I had never heard the story before, and it touched me deeply. So, it is to Donnie Mo that I dedicate my NaPoWriMo project - "On Giving." I can hear him say, "Yes, you CAN write one poem a day!" John concluded his reading with this statement... "These past few days I kept asking myself why you chose Christmas Day to leave us... and then I realized, it is because that is when you want to be remembered, on the day of giving." That sums up exactly the way Donnie lived his life... this month, he is my inspiration! Kim |
By ~Dovey
Gilded in glist'ning gold --
generous men of old
gave of themselves -- their time
given freely -- behold
gentility sublime --
gifted ability
goes beyond one thin dime.
| Author Notes |
Image by John Hain from Pixabay
"Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need." - Kahlil Gibran Pleiades Poem This poem has a title with a single word. The poem itself has seven lines. The first word in each line begins with the same letter as the title. Each line has six syllables and rhyme is optional. A poetry form created by Craig Tigerman. |
By ~Dovey
I actually have this fantasy of
giving up my cell phone. Julia Stiles
Unfettered, free --
Liberate me
from all other
obligations.
What's my main consideration?
Be unlisted
to all - except my Muse.
| Author Notes |
Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay
The Sapphonic Triad is a style invented by our very own Ciliverde (Carol) and named by Pantygynt (Jim) A two-line quotation (Free verse but max total of sixteen syllables - must be concise and memorable) followed by a quatrain, four lines each of four syllables finally an 8-4-6 syllable envoi that moves us on somewhere...it should have a "satori" feeling. Would this give me more time to write? :) Kim |
By ~Dovey
Forgiveness
is the softest caress -
melting distress and mascara’s mess.
Forgiveness
will hope to make it less –
love’s emotions expressed – but unless
forgiveness
is sincere – the thoughtless
actions here surely won’t see justice.
| Author Notes |
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
Contest: Write a poem with the syllable count of 3-6-9 * So, I realized after the results were posted today that this was actually supposed to be three stanzas long. So, I've edited today, on 4/25, since the contest is now over. Kim |
By ~Dovey
| Author Notes |
Picture courtesy of my friend, Margaret Swart.
For this contest you are challenged to write an ABC poem. Write a one-stanza, five-line poem. The first letter of the each of the first four lines follow the order of the alphabet while the last line can be any letter whatsoever. For example, a poet might choose to use the following letter combination: D-E-F-G-A. The lines may be of any syllable length. Also, line length may vary from line-to-line. The poem may be about any subject or topic. Rhyming and meter are optional. My special thanks to Jim for always giving me brilliant suggestions. :) |
By ~Dovey
| Author Notes |
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
I love this quote - it is so true! I hope you enjoy it, too! Kim "I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver." - Maya Angelou I will be the first to admit that I have a tendency to overcommit myself. I apologize for getting a little behind in my posting over the weekend, you probably noticed I am playing catch up. That isn't to say that these weren't in progress, just no time to polish and post, so to speak lol Friday - I worked all day and then went to put together a silent auction at a charity 3-on-3 hockey tournament, of which the proceeds will support our beloved UAF Nanook Hockey program. I got home about 10:30pm or so. Saturday - back to work all day lol and then to the rink right after work... got home about 10:30 pm. Sunday - back to work all day. Sometimes doing what you love leaves you bit exhausted :) but, it is always worth it in the end! Cinquain syllable count: 2-4-6-8-2 (mine is a double) |
By ~Dovey
APPRECIATION
When two times taken by surprise;
with tears in eyes,
and speechless, too –
by a “thank you”
expressed in such a public way,
what could I say?
So sweet, sincere –
a joyful tear
was what ensued, my heart imbued –
an interlude –
sheer elation;
dedication.
| Author Notes |
The picture is a Facebook Meme - see note below.
I've had two quite touching instances over the past week or so. The first was being recognized and thanked by one of our graduating seniors from the UAF Alaska Nanook Hockey team in his farewell speech at the end of season banquet. The second was a Facebook post, pictured above, from our youngest - the niece we raised from the age of 9 when her mother passed away. How elated I was to have her say that it described our house. Although intangible, both of these were gifts I will cherish for a lifetime. Kim The Minute Poem is a poem that follows the "8,4,4,4" syllable count structure. It usually has 3 stanzas that are exactly the same. So: 8,4,4,4; 8,4,4,4; 8,4,4,4 syllables. A traditional Minute Poem has 12 lines total. It has 60 syllables. It is written in a strict iambic meter. The rhyme scheme is as follows: aabb, ccdd, eeff. However, for this contest there is not a requirement to follow the iambic meter rhyme scheme only to have a rhyme and the proper syllable count |
By ~Dovey
Give
freely of yourself --
like ripples from stones...
simple acts effect change in the world.
| Author Notes |
Image by strikers from Pixabay
Four Line Poem Poetry Contest Write a four line poem that has a specific syllable count. The first line has 1 syllable, the second line has 5 syllables, the third line has 5 syllables, and the last line has 9 syllables. The subject can be anything. |
By ~Dovey
So much do I appreciate --
in growing up, reciprocate
all that you taught and love you shared.
So lucky to be Daddy's girl --
You were my rock and rocked my world!
I always truly knew you cared.
I'd love to give more back to you --
restore your health and point of view --
may all your earthly pain be spared.
| Author Notes |
Image by DarkWorkX from Pixabay
This poem is for my Dad. :) Kim Nove otto--A nine (9) line poem, Syllabic--8 syllables per line Rhyme Scheme: aabccbddb |
By ~Dovey
| Author Notes |
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
An Etheree gains one syllable per line - beginning with a one syllable line and ending with a ten syllable line. I hope you'll enjoy this quote (my inspiration today) as much as I did! Kim The greatest gift is a portion of thyself. Ralph Waldo Emerson |
By ~Dovey
Alaska's known for many things --
the bitter cold and what it brings,
with wildlife and blowing snow,
Aurora dancing to and fro,
where oil and gold -- both in the ground --
enchant the boldest men around,
our books attest to strange things done
in land of cold and midnight sun.
Men who would gamble on their lives,
brave elements that cut like knives,
who sought their fortunes by their hands,
and tamed the rugged, roughest lands --
are known for their inventive ways --
and still today that spirit stays.
We may not have a lottery --
and getting rich is never free...
you just might laugh at what we've done --
all in the name of having fun.
When winter has drug on too long
we'll wager while the ice is strong.
Upon our map this tiny town
lays claim to biggest game around.
It has become their legacy --
drive by Nenana -- what you'll see --
a tripod stands there -- still erect --
and gamblers will place their bet.
Will Mother Nature acquiesce
to grant a single lucky guess?
Or will there be a lucky lot
who has to share that mounting pot?
Choose the date down to the minute --
then, my friend, you're sure to win it!
Just don't forget to buy your chance
to strike it rich and do that dance --
because, to win, you have to play --
and guess just when the ice gives way.
I'll watch my ticket like a hawk
in hopes that I will beat the clock!
When tripod falls and bells do ring --
in Alaska -- we call that Spring!
| Author Notes |
Follow along on the ice cam at http://www.nenanaakiceclassic.com/
I have a guess for the 13th and my husband has one for the 15th! *Crossing my fingers* lol Who, but Alaskans, would wager a guess on when the ice gives way to Spring? :) Kim |
By ~Dovey
Ponder -- what would you give for that sixth star?
How does it make you feel?
Wonder -- would you give up a Klondike Bar?
Or take the Devil's deal?
If giving heart and soul becomes supreme
you'll earn your writer's goal and grasp that dream.
| Author Notes |
Poetry Potlatch - Veltanelle
***The Veltanelle is a stanzaic form created by Velta Myrtle Allen Sanford. *** The Veltanelle is: stanzaic, written in No More than 3 sixains ( 3 stanzas of 6 lines each) ******* syllabic: 10/6/10/6/10/10 syllables per line. ******* rhymed ababcc / dedeff / ghghii. |
By ~Dovey
| Author Notes |
Image courtesy of Pixabay.
I apologize for not giving you anything much to comment upon. Kim |
By ~Dovey
A date to perpetuate infamy -
Parisian citizens were shocked to see
Rare relic dating to Antiquity
Inconceivably consumed by flame --
La cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris!
Fire claimed the spire as the cathedral burned --
Incendiary tragedy affirmed.
From French reports our global community
Took front row seats to this calamity.
Engulfed in smoke, Paris awoke embraced --
Elysian generosity replaced
Noxious trace in a pledge to reface.
| Author Notes |
Picture courtesy of Pixabay.
April 15th has long been a date that lives in infamy... tragedies to occur on this date: The death of US President Abraham Lincoln (assassinated) The sinking of the Titanic The Hillsborough Stadium disaster Sheffield, England The Boston Marathon Bombing The Notre Dame Cathedral fire In a heartwarming response to this most recent tragedy, our global community has rallied around the French people and millions of dollars have already been raised toward the restoration of the Notre Dame Cathedral. To me, this embodies the spirit of giving and the inherent generosity of people worldwide. Kim |
By ~Dovey
When I discovered Emily --
her unique ballad style
had struck a chord inside of me...
we shared a kindred smile.
And, then there's Thomas with his Villanelle --
whose syllables of discord defy death,
from whence I'll scurry past the gates of Hell,
and plan to draw my breath from living well!
Lo, Shakespeare's blessed sonnets must be heard --
as Hamlet tends to dominate the stage,
such flavor, I will savor ev'ry word
to drain an ounce of passion from each page.
If I took time to ruminate --
perhaps, I'd pen a letter to them all,
to appreciate -- I would postulate
each written name could cover China's wall.
As for current times, it's "The Giving Tree,"
by Silverstein that truly speaks to me.
And, for April, I especially
recommend that you read, "Poet Tree."
But, if asked where my affinity
began for poetry --
I'd have to say, on any given day,
that Seuss was first for me!
| Author Notes | My local poetry group prompt was to write about the poets who have influenced us in our craft. This is my response. |
By ~Dovey
| Author Notes |
Illustration courtesy of Pixabay
A Fifteen Syllable Poem contest entry... |
By ~Dovey
| Author Notes |
Image by Tumisu from Pixabay
Cinquain Format - syllable count of 2-4-6-8-2 No matter the cause you choose - giving back is a tremendous experience! Kim |
By ~Dovey
By name, we call it, "Break Up," here --
when thawing temps will bring good cheer.
The frozen North teems with new life
and Old Man Winter's gentle wife,
takes over as his season wanes --
to shower us with warming rain.
This wizened man -- so much older --
giving April his coldest shoulder
decides he'd rather be reborn --
as we're approaching Easter morn.
And, though in March, the sun shone bright
with records set in black and white --
the mercury has bottomed out --
blankets of white lay all about.
I hope he'll soon send April flowers
to make up for his frigid powers.
I'm yearning for some warming rays
to accompany the lengthened days.
Perhaps, was just a tease of Spring --
I wonder now, what May will bring.
| Author Notes |
My local poetry group prompt for the week is - Seasonal Contradictions.
The photo is what we woke up to overnight - after all our snow had all but melted and we all thought Spring was here. In our local areas there was reported accumulation of 2 to 6 inches of new fallen snow. Kim |
By ~Dovey
| Author Notes |
Image by cocoparisienne from Pixabay
Write a nonet poem. A nonet has nine lines. The first line has nine syllables, the second line eight syllables, the third line seven syllables, etc... until line nine that finishes with just one syllable. It can be on any subject and rhyming is optional. line 1 - 9 syllables line 2 - 8 syllables line 3 - 7 syllables line 4 - 6 syllables line 5 - 5 syllables line 6 - 4 syllables line 7 - 3 syllables line 8 - 2 syllables line 9 - 1 syllable |
By ~Dovey
Amber inches slowly
across the darkened sky -
As sun illuminates...
an ethereal glow
abates uncertainty;
appreciation of
all that is good ensues.
| Author Notes |
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Pleiades Poem This poem has a title with a single word. The poem itself has seven lines. The first word in each line begins with the same letter as the title. Each line has six syllables and rhyme is optional. A poetry form created by Craig Tigerman. All that God gives us is great. Happy Easter! Kim |
By ~Dovey
| Author Notes |
The picture was taken on one of our camping trips several years ago - this is the lake where we camped for the night outside of Seward, Alaska.
Wrapped Refrain Style 1 ~~~~~~~ The Wrapped Refrain, created by Jan Turner, consists of: *** 2 or more stanzas of 6 lines each; ***Meter:8,8,8,8,12,12 ***Rhyme Scheme: aabbcc. Refrain rule: In each stanza the first 4 syllables (or 4 single-syllable words) in the first line MUST be the LAST 4 syllables (or 4 single-syllable words) at the END of the last line. This is what wraps each stanza with a repeated refrain thus, the Wrapped Refrain. Come and check out the Poetry Potlatch Club where we explore many types of poetry! |
By ~Dovey
| Author Notes |
This article is an interesting read: https://www.biography.com/writer/william-shakespeare
I wrote this as my gift to William Shakespeare, albeit a bit tongue in cheek, to commemorate his birthday, which is traditionally held as April 23rd. Ironically, that is also the date he died, at the age of 52. (I will be 52 in July.) William Shakespeare (baptized on April 26, 1564 to April 23, 1616) He was baptized at 3 days old and I was adopted at 3 days old. And clearly, we both share a penchant for poetry. I hope you enjoy my bit of fun! (And yes, I'm hoping to make it beyond 52, but I don't know if I can part with the influence of his gifts!) Shakespeare didn't get really famous until the 19th century - some 200 years after his death. And look at his status today! :) Kim |
By ~Dovey
| Author Note: | For my husband, James... |
| Author Notes |
Image by skeeze from Pixabay
I debated on my picture selection and settled on the one that highlights the nature aspect of this poem, largely, because Alaska is always at the center of our lives. I had picked out one of a card that James had given me for an anniversary one year, but I changed it up. And, I even considered one of us together. Feel free to let me know if a different picture selection might make the overall presentation better. James and I have been together for 28 years and next month will be our 24th wedding anniversary. His are the gifts that keep on giving. Kim Parallelogram de Crystalline Parallelogram de Crystalline is a poetry form created by Karan Naidu. This form consists of 4 verses of 3 lines each. The syllable count for each stanza is 3, 6, 9. In this style of poem, the beauty of a lover is compared with nature and described. |
By ~Dovey
| Author Notes |
Write a Lune for this poetry contest. It is a simple and fun form of poetry to write. It has 5 syllables in the first line, 3 syllables in the second line and 5 syllable in the final line. Rhymes are fine but not required. The subject matter is open.
Image by zsunberg from Pixabay |
By ~Dovey
| Author Notes |
Image by Couleur from Pixabay
I saw a meme on Facebook this morning that puts it all in perspective - one side was an affluent child with the caption, "I don't want this food," and the other side was a poor child with the caption, "Thank you for this food." Often, we don't appreciate what is right there before us. You might find my title odd, but I chose it for this reason. I do not like watermelon - I never have. However, I am very thankful for the fact that I've never gone hungry. I would certainly eat it if I had to. On that thought, I encourage you to give (money or time, whatever you have) to your local food bank and think about me and my poem when you enjoy a slice of watermelon this summer. Thank you, Kim |
By ~Dovey
| Author Notes |
Image by Gundula Vogel from Pixabay
If you've been following along this month, you recently learned that I was adopted at three days old. By giving me up, my birth mother gave me the greatest gift I have ever known. Two years after my birth, the State of Oregon legalized abortion. I was born in Portland, OR in 1967 and my birth mother's name was Mary Ann Johnson - she was 27 at the time and originally from North Dakota. I got all of that from a pre-adoption certificate and it is all I know of her. Thank you for embarking upon this journey with me. Kim Contest rules - Each poem consists of three stanzas that follow the syllable count 3-6-9. Any subject allowed. |
By ~Dovey
| Author Notes |
Buechner meme from FB
I bent the 16 syllable quite rule lol with apologies to Carol and Jim. (Good news - Jim gave it his blessing! But the other aspects of the format are set in stone!) Kim The Sapphonic Triad is a style invented by our very own Ciliverde (Carol) and named by Pantygynt (Jim) A two-line quotation (Free verse but max total of sixteen syllables - must be concise and memorable) followed by a quatrain, four lines each of four syllables finally an 8-4-6 syllable envoi that moves us on somewhere...it should have a "satori" feeling. |
By ~Dovey
| Author Notes |
Picture courtesy of Pixabay.
A nonet descends by one syllable per line from nine to one. This is a double nonet - descending and ascending one syllable per line in consecutive stanzas. |
By ~Dovey
| Author Notes |
The picture was taken this past weekend of my dad and the newest member of our family, Hailee. She is the daughter of our eldest and was born on December 7th.
This month of NaPoWriMo has been a wonderful challenge. I want to thank everyone for their support and for following along with my project, "On Giving..." You are all amazing! For those that have been following along, the final line needs no explanation. For anyone else, I encourage you to read, "The Giving Tree," by Shel Silverstein. Be sure to check out his poem, "Poet Tree", too! Our Poetry Potlatch challenge this week was listed as Author's choice. My choice is likely to surprise many, as I'm known to have a penchant for rhyme. I exceeded the 20 line requirement of this week's challenge... oops! I hope you enjoy! In case you missed it at the top... this is a free verse poem that is meant to be read down the page and then back up the page, line for line. Thank you for your time! :) Kim |
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