tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39071933491850741142024-03-13T16:22:15.614-04:00Mouse DroppingsPoems, Inspirations, Musings, and Other ShitLolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.comBlogger912125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-58055834343208816012016-10-18T09:22:00.000-04:002016-10-18T09:22:51.511-04:00Jazz MoonJazz moon shines softly<br />
in the ebony sky<br />
The stars<br />
notes on a staff<br />
of telephone wires<br />
Waiting to be played<br />
by anyone looking up<br />
My love and I walk<br />
measure by measure<br />
beat by beat<br />
down discordant streets<br />
The melody lies<br />
beneath the surface<br />
And we groove<br />
to our own harmonies.<br />
<br />Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-47901661591347919752016-01-28T09:19:00.000-05:002016-01-28T09:19:41.134-05:00Every ScrapLife is fragile<br />
You, my friend, are not so<br />
Such a small creature<br />
You have such a<br />
presence<br />
Such a strong grip<br />
on this life-<br />
Claws scratching<br />
Teeth bared<br />
You will not surrender<br />
your gift<br />
until you've scraped every scrap<br />
off the bone.Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-733575171682418552015-09-11T09:59:00.000-04:002015-09-11T10:01:13.720-04:00 Le Sang d'un Poète<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The blood of a poet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">is no more precious than<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">the blood of a child <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">the blood of a gangbanger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">the blood of a survivor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The blood of a poet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">is no more profound than<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">the blood of a mother <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">the blood of AIDS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">the blood of transfusions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The blood of a poet<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">is not special</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">It is not art<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">It is only human<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">And that is enough.</span><br />
<br />
submitted for <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Imaginary Garden With Real Toads,</a> <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/09/words-count-with-mama-zen.html" target="_blank">Words Count With Mama Zen</a>Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-66207518872781334672015-09-08T08:16:00.003-04:002015-09-08T08:16:34.178-04:00Which Princess Are You?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KFlbzIzDzYs/Ve7Rg3rKKlI/AAAAAAAAFeA/OEop4JtR7yE/s1600/disma-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KFlbzIzDzYs/Ve7Rg3rKKlI/AAAAAAAAFeA/OEop4JtR7yE/s320/disma-9.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #818181; font-family: freight-sans-pro, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; text-align: start;">Photo by Christopher Jobson for Colossal</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The princesses of Dismaland</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are dismayed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by their company's poor marketing strategies</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and lackluster consumer demand</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tinderella</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is desperately seeking a hook-up</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She checks her phone constantly</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
disappointed by the dearth of hot guys</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Snow White Lives Matter Too</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thinks she's socially conscious</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and not at all racist</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but just doesn't get it</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mariel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
escaped her country on a crappy little boat</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
filled with convicts and the mentally ill</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and nearly drowned in toxic waste-filled water</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jazzmine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is a brilliant artist</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She is addicted to heroin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and will eventually be found dead in the Castle</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Belle Jarre</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is quite melancholy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and wanders the park </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with her head in an oven</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chip and Dale</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
two washed-up ex-strippers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
try to enliven the girls by offering lap dances</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are no takers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even Pluto</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the princesses' favorite pet</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
can't help cheer them up </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Corporate deemed him no longer a character</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He now sits outside the gates</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
howling at passers-by</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and begging for scraps.</div>
<br />
submitted for <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Imaginary Garden With Real Toads</a>, <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-tuesday-platform_8.html" target="_blank">Tuesday Platform </a>Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-70952435943656892232015-09-06T22:42:00.004-04:002015-09-06T22:42:26.074-04:00It's Not Art Unless It Has the Potential To Be a Disaster<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiSKsFmMORM/Vez46l8wlVI/AAAAAAAAFdo/w9W2Ly3b-ug/s1600/disma-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiSKsFmMORM/Vez46l8wlVI/AAAAAAAAFdo/w9W2Ly3b-ug/s320/disma-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #818181; font-family: freight-sans-pro, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; text-align: start;">Photo by Christopher Jobson for Colossal</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The gallery’s ready<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The artist is in<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The crowd stands waiting<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
For it to begin<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The doors are open<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The Chardonnay flowing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Critics’ heads nodding<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
With insiders’ knowing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Wallets are bursting<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
With checkbooks and cash<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
While patrons muse anxiously<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“Genius or trash?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The gasp is collective<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Rejection? Disdain?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“It’s perfectly awful-<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
He’s done it again!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
submitted for<a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Imaginary Garden With Real Toads,</a> <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/09/flash-55-plus.html" target="_blank">Flash 55 Plus</a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-62576864551648541022015-09-03T19:52:00.001-04:002015-09-03T19:52:27.593-04:00Summer Night<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoxMzJLul70/VejdBYDYnSI/AAAAAAAAFdI/gqQkW7bYE_c/s1600/Whistler-Nocturne_in_black_and_gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoxMzJLul70/VejdBYDYnSI/AAAAAAAAFdI/gqQkW7bYE_c/s320/Whistler-Nocturne_in_black_and_gold.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.8800001144409px;"><i>Nocturne in Black and Gold, James McNeill Whistler, <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Whistler-Nocturne_in_black_and_gold.jpg" style="color: #f470b2;" target="_blank">wikimedia commons</a></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.8800001144409px;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11.8800001144409px;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Night softens the day's edges</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The moon erases</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
boundaries</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rubs out distinctions</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sky becomes earth becomes trees</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Feet become sidewalk become paws</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Arm becomes leash becomes dog</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Separateness becomes oneness</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Footsteps blend with</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the clicking of paws</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the thud of heat lightening</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the trill of crickets</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the bass rhythm of frogs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A soup of sound,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thick and nourishing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We walk,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
an aggregate of bone and skin and fur, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wrapped in the warm muddy mist</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of a summer night.</div>
<br />
submitted for <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Imaginary Garden With Real Toads</a>, <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/09/non-fireblossom-friday-finding-right.html" target="_blank">Non-FB Friday, Finding the Right Tone</a>Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-589490711136922612015-09-01T10:23:00.000-04:002015-09-01T10:23:32.120-04:00Great Expectations<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SE4hMVwfdSo/VeWCl5mS2oI/AAAAAAAAFc4/H4q_z0AVUf8/s1600/artist-in-his-studio-1626.jpg%2521Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SE4hMVwfdSo/VeWCl5mS2oI/AAAAAAAAFc4/H4q_z0AVUf8/s320/artist-in-his-studio-1626.jpg%2521Blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Artist In His Studio by Rembrandt<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Potential looms large</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Over an empty canvas</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Painter hesitates.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
submitted for <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Imaginary Garden With Real Toads</a>, <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/08/weekend-mini-challenge-ekphrasis.html" target="_blank">Weekend Mini Challenge - Ekphrasis</a></div>
</div>
Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-44745498958434223892015-08-18T14:47:00.000-04:002015-08-20T10:55:40.158-04:00Pigeon Superstition<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHe4vxwfWvM/VdN9QMQ4ueI/AAAAAAAAFco/LvozyBqzu_8/s1600/450px-A_single_white_feather_closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHe4vxwfWvM/VdN9QMQ4ueI/AAAAAAAAFco/LvozyBqzu_8/s320/450px-A_single_white_feather_closeup.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nc-mag.com/2012/05/strange-superstitions-about-feathers.html" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You tell me that you love me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But you run so hot and cold</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You hug me then you shove me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just can't get a hold</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You swear to God you need me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then you walk away</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You never wanna see me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then you're beggin' me to stay</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're random with affection</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just can't seem to score</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's pigeon superstition</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Keeps me pecking for more</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You say that I'm so special</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That no one else will do</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But then I find your texts</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with all the girls you wanna screw</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You plead with me to keep you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You need me by your side</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I can't help from feelin'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm being taken for ride</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You love me then ignore me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's paradise or hell</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's pigeon superstition</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and it's workin' so well</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love you and I hate you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You got me in a rage</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's pigeon superstition</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I'm stuck in the cage.</div>
<br />
submitted for<a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Imaginary Garden With Real Toads</a>, <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-tuesday-platform_18.html" target="_blank">The Tuesday Platform</a> and a very belated<br />
<a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/08/pigeon-superstition.html" target="_blank">Pigeon Superstition</a>Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-85406290047953278942015-08-16T12:32:00.002-04:002015-08-16T12:32:35.183-04:00Crepuscular Creatures<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-643VzqEAKFg/VdC6siArEsI/AAAAAAAAFcU/R34apZICN_Q/s1600/crepuscular_victim_by_vivisektor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-643VzqEAKFg/VdC6siArEsI/AAAAAAAAFcU/R34apZICN_Q/s320/crepuscular_victim_by_vivisektor.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img13.deviantart.net/81ac/i/2008/335/4/7/crepuscular_victim_by_vivisektor.jpg" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Call me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a crepuscular creature</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I exist</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the in-between</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not light</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not dark</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not night</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I inhabit the fringes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the edges</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is the time of change</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the time of uncertainty</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hover </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
along the borders</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of this and that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am at home</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the almost</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the not-quite</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I belong to everyone</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and to no one.</div>
<br />
submitted for <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Imaginary Garden With Real Toads,</a> <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/08/weekend-mini-challenge-poetry-time.html" target="_blank">Weekend Mini Challenge: Poetry Time</a>Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-23685289021867649062015-08-04T08:07:00.001-04:002015-08-04T08:07:49.006-04:00A Calling Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oipN1UceFC8/Vb53pOKXygI/AAAAAAAAFb8/7h3U-Q88PS8/s1600/pro-choice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oipN1UceFC8/Vb53pOKXygI/AAAAAAAAFb8/7h3U-Q88PS8/s320/pro-choice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This poem is not polite</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This poem means to trespass</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This poem is angry</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You call me immoral</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your morals are conveniences</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are a hypocrite</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No, this poem is not polite</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You value life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and support the death penalty</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Does inconsistency make you uncomfortable?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This poem trespasses on your comfort</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The only life you value</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is rich and white</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Others you condemn to suffer</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This poem understands anger</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This poem spits at politeness</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This poem trespasses through your morals</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This poem is angry.</div>
<br />
Too many words for Flash 55+ so submitted for <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Imaginary Garden With Real Toads,</a> <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-tuesday-platform.html" target="_blank">Tuesday Platform</a>Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-51909234718610299932015-08-02T10:43:00.000-04:002015-08-02T10:43:20.947-04:00Trespass<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ibOr7RcEW_E/Vb4sCvxoc5I/AAAAAAAAFbs/NPJtN4ekIRU/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ibOr7RcEW_E/Vb4sCvxoc5I/AAAAAAAAFbs/NPJtN4ekIRU/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image by Banksy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I finally got you out of my life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now stop trespassing in my mind!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You trample through my thoughts</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
like some pesky kid</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who cuts through the neighbor's yard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
back and forth from school every day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No matter how many times</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I chase you away</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You always come back</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and always with</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that stupid smirk!</div>
<br />
submitted for <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Imaginary Garden With Real Toads</a>, <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/08/flash-55-plus.html" target="_blank">Flash 55 Plus</a>Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-54482084597475048352015-08-01T17:55:00.001-04:002015-08-02T15:57:12.538-04:00Roxy CallsRoxy calls all the men "honey"<br />
cuz she can't remember names<br />
Halloween bag full of sweets<br />
Every one tastes just the same<br />
<br />
Checks her horoscope each day<br />
Acrylic nails tap on her phone<br />
Virgo, the virgin makes her laugh and say<br />
"I was never one of those."<br />
<br />
Roxy wears her fuck-me heels<br />
And a mini dress so tight<br />
like a lime green ace bandage wraps her body<br />
She knows that she's looking right<br />
<br />
Mama hasn't called in years<br />
(but who's counting?)<br />
Family says that it's a shame<br />
But she's done with all the prayers and all the tears<br />
Roxy says "It's who I am."<br />
<br />
Roxy calls all the men honey<br />
cuz she can't remember names<br />
Medicine chest full of poisons<br />
They all make her feel the same.<br />
<br />
submitted for<a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Imaginary Garden With Real Toads</a>,<a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/07/its-shame-about-ray.html" target="_blank"> It's A Shame About Ray</a>Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-47904411595003631872015-07-29T20:30:00.001-04:002015-07-29T20:30:23.592-04:00Meet Your Meniere's!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zHfXuazAwE/VblvTu7jsJI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/MgoIqHDrQFw/s1600/panel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zHfXuazAwE/VblvTu7jsJI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/MgoIqHDrQFw/s400/panel1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T40qq70HQhY/VblvU84BrII/AAAAAAAAFaY/emmX1YtuZcU/s1600/panel5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T40qq70HQhY/VblvU84BrII/AAAAAAAAFaY/emmX1YtuZcU/s400/panel5.jpg" width="391" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-849rPUwcl-s/VblvU9nJ8oI/AAAAAAAAFac/jGe_z-jzS6Y/s1600/panel6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-849rPUwcl-s/VblvU9nJ8oI/AAAAAAAAFac/jGe_z-jzS6Y/s400/panel6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WsFf6dsUkC8/VblvVW9e6XI/AAAAAAAAFas/mV9RRJc2o5Y/s1600/panel7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WsFf6dsUkC8/VblvVW9e6XI/AAAAAAAAFas/mV9RRJc2o5Y/s400/panel7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zo1CvLcS5lY/VblvWNJgU4I/AAAAAAAAFa0/BxvR_70n5Uk/s1600/vertigo%2Bredo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zo1CvLcS5lY/VblvWNJgU4I/AAAAAAAAFa0/BxvR_70n5Uk/s400/vertigo%2Bredo.jpg" width="377" /></a></div>
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<br />Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-30536058917716854912015-07-14T22:47:00.004-04:002015-07-14T22:47:37.254-04:00Girl In Black<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3SHmlNv29s/VaXIs4kvz7I/AAAAAAAAFWk/LBBOCFiDRXw/s1600/image%2B101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3SHmlNv29s/VaXIs4kvz7I/AAAAAAAAFWk/LBBOCFiDRXw/s320/image%2B101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am the girl in black</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wrap myself in blind heartbreak</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">thick and dark as pitch</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The people have branded me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a witch of sorts</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What facile assumption!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I, my dear, am a werewolf</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have no need for spells</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or dolls with pins</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have claws more caustic</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">than a scorpion's sting</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teeth that tear through flesh</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">easy as butter</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Men fear me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am blood</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and bite</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am tides</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and howling at the moon</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They hunt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">what they can not understand</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or possess</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you afraid?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Come a little closer</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can you detect my scent?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wear my blood like perfume</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is quite enticing</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">once you get past the gore</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know what you're thinking</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"She'd be wild in bed"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, come lay with me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I'll show you wild</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will devour you</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Savor your taste</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">on my tongue</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and lick my lips </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">when I am finished.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">submitted for <a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Magpie Tales </a><a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.com/2015/07/mag-278.html" target="_blank">Mag 278</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and <a href="https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Sunday Whirl</a>,<a href="https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/2015/07/12/wordle-207/" target="_blank"> Wordle 207</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Imaginary Garden With Real Toads</a>, <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-tuesday-platform_14.html" target="_blank">Tuesday Platform</a></span><br />
<br />Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-36386876624254745722015-07-13T09:20:00.001-04:002015-07-13T09:20:31.178-04:00Sarasota Summers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbD4_p4ex3A/VaO65s-SBAI/AAAAAAAAFWM/fz-wLAIJpQ4/s1600/paintings-by-mary-cassatt-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbD4_p4ex3A/VaO65s-SBAI/AAAAAAAAFWM/fz-wLAIJpQ4/s320/paintings-by-mary-cassatt-5.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children Playing on the Beach by Mary Cassatt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I walk along the ocean's edge today</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel the warm, wet sand beneath my toes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remembering the times I used to play</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With grandmother in summers long ago</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Collecting seashells buried in the sand</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like treasures waiting just for us to find</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Along the beach we wandered, hand in hand</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our shoes as well as worries left behind</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And though today I walk the beach alone</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I still keep my eyes cast upon the sand</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To search for seashells even though I'm grown</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our treasures there to seek within the strand</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I gaze upon my shells and feel so blessed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Those Sarasota summers were the best!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
submitted for <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Imaginary Garden With Real Toads</a>, <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-edge_9.html" target="_blank">The Edge</a><br />
<br />Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-53764044910995017572015-07-06T19:40:00.000-04:002015-07-06T19:40:16.480-04:00Scarecrow<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IEfwLKLg_JE/VZrNdJNOtjI/AAAAAAAAFVs/y-E_W4yMiOE/s1600/scarecrow-no1a-low-res2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IEfwLKLg_JE/VZrNdJNOtjI/AAAAAAAAFVs/y-E_W4yMiOE/s320/scarecrow-no1a-low-res2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">artwork by<a href="https://emacl.wordpress.com/2010/11/18/scarecrow-musings/" target="_blank"> Eoin MacLochlainn</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You let loose your crows</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to pluck the grains from my splintered heart</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I stand in the field</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cracked and open</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bones escaping skin</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blood colored earth</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">red clay beneath my collapsed form</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A broken scarecrow</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plucked too clean</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to even crawl away</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tried to protect what was mine</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But your talons were razors</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">against my flesh</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your beak too acute</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go on and scatter the seeds</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of my trust</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your garden will grow to be</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">such an attractive quilt of lies.</span></div>
<br />
submitted for <a href="https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sunday Whirl,</a> <a href="https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/2015/07/05/wordle-206/" target="_blank">Wordle 206</a>Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-60889054072212748242015-07-05T22:28:00.000-04:002015-07-05T22:28:13.474-04:00Swimming Lessons<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OqP_nHS36xc/VZl3Q-2ZsYI/AAAAAAAAFVY/TjPPqLRc5PQ/s1600/Tooker%2BBathers-George-Tooker-1950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OqP_nHS36xc/VZl3Q-2ZsYI/AAAAAAAAFVY/TjPPqLRc5PQ/s320/Tooker%2BBathers-George-Tooker-1950.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tinos; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 15.6799993515015px;">Bathers, 1950 by George Tooker</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The smell of chlorine and sweat</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
stings my nose and throat</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My feet scrape against</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
unfamiliar concrete,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
step in puddles </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of warmish water</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sickly sweet scent</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of suntan lotion</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
fills the air with</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
artificial coconut</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My bathing cap</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
covers my head</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in gaudy rubber flowers,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the strap pulled too tight</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I gaze around the grass,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
try to find an open spot</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to lay my towel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and glasses</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I am a mole</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the overbearing sunlight</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want to tunnel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
back underground </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here I am too exposed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My pale skin protests</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the scorching light</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shouts and laughter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of other children</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are a foreign language to me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am an outsider</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know my otherness</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will be discovered</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
any moment</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whistle blows</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shrill and ominous</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The lesson begins</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cold water assaults</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my skin,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
uncovered and unprotected</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We line up</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at the diving board</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel like a cow </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
being herded to slaughter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One after the other</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the children jump and dive</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then it is my turn</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feign confidence</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and walk to the board's end</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pray silently to Poseidon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and jump</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sting hits </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my belly</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as it always does</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My nose fills</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with water</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My eyes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with tears</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I climb up the ladder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bright red slap on my belly</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and a matching one</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on my face</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I look at the clock</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and calculate </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
how many more assaults</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I must endure</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
until the hour is</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
over.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
submitted for<a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Magpie Tales</a>, <a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.com/2015/07/mag-277.html" target="_blank">Mag 277</a><br />
<br />Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-39032762342111780332015-07-04T22:18:00.000-04:002015-07-04T22:18:02.774-04:00Burn<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br /></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis. Dante Alighieri</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Black woman dared</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">climb above white men</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Silenced hatred</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Led away</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in handcuffs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Black churches</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">burn to ashes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barely make the news</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Black men</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">black boys</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">shot by white police</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">again</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We shake our heads</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baltimore burns</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with anger</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and hopelessness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We turn off the TV</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hell is on the way</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's coming for us.</span><br />
<br />
submitted for<a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Imaginary Garden With Real Toads</a>, <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/07/flash-55-plus.html" target="_blank">Flash 55 Plus</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-89891659757956121382015-06-26T15:00:00.002-04:002015-06-26T15:01:52.744-04:00In the Middle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rcHzzELXZ4w/VY2hCC3FXRI/AAAAAAAAFU4/WOZvthqwY7c/s1600/stern%252C%2Bbert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rcHzzELXZ4w/VY2hCC3FXRI/AAAAAAAAFU4/WOZvthqwY7c/s320/stern%252C%2Bbert.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The last item checked off Friday's list</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I jump into my car</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Head South</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The desk clerk at the hotel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Knows us by name</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our little secret</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We take off our clothes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our identities</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our responsibilities</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Giggle like the kids we actually are</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hide under the covers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two turtles in a doublewide shell</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poke our heads out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Only to get a little water</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or burgers and fries</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Come check-out time on Sunday</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We reassemble our adult costumes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I drive North, you South</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Count the days until next time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the middle.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
submitted for <a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Magpie Tales</a>,<a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.com/2015/06/mag-275.html" target="_blank"> Mag 275</a></div>
Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-73391737931380531292015-06-26T14:47:00.000-04:002015-07-01T19:39:45.284-04:0060 WordsAshes to forehead<br />
Hand to the fire<br />
Mold your own morals<br />
Whatever's required<br />
<br />
Pray to your God<br />
Know that he'll hear<br />
Hate all the others<br />
The ones that you fear<br />
<br />
Enter the church<br />
Wearing your sin<br />
Sit near the preacher<br />
Welcomes you in<br />
<br />
Spit out old hatreds<br />
Blue, white, and red<br />
They offer love<br />
You shoot them dead.<br />
<br />
submitted for <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Imaginary Garden With Real Toads,</a> <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/06/words-count-with-mama-zen.html" target="_blank">Words Count with MZ, </a>Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-53406170614586476502015-06-23T06:47:00.000-04:002015-06-23T06:47:01.331-04:00Ode to A/C<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z9nmfUFjDsw/VYgPwvsEtsI/AAAAAAAAFUg/Eia-_SFwSNA/s1600/how-to-troubleshoot-an-air-conditioning-window-unit-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z9nmfUFjDsw/VYgPwvsEtsI/AAAAAAAAFUg/Eia-_SFwSNA/s320/how-to-troubleshoot-an-air-conditioning-window-unit-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You save me from the burning depths of Hell</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From life in the Inferno oh so cruel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Embracing me in your arms, clean and cool</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If not for you, in misery I'd dwell</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But you surround me like an autumn breeze</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Though better for your constancy and speed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So loyal, you are never to recede</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My love for you keeps rising by degrees</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Though some claim you are frigid, find you chilling</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You've healing powers to which I avow</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The remedy to soothe my fevered brow</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What 'ere you ask of me, you'll find me willing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Through August depths you answer all my prayers<br />
I love you, and I'll always put on airs!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
submitted for<a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Imaginary Garden With Real Toads</a>, <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/06/sunday-mini-challenge-ode-to-quotidian.html" target="_blank">Sunday Mini Challenge:Ode to the Quotidien</a></div>
Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-69970977458397228412015-06-16T09:45:00.004-04:002015-06-16T09:45:44.170-04:00Leave a Message<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEgEjPkgucY/VYAoZ5vZfJI/AAAAAAAAFUE/8LCfQiWvikk/s1600/ban%252C%2Bsarolta%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEgEjPkgucY/VYAoZ5vZfJI/AAAAAAAAFUE/8LCfQiWvikk/s320/ban%252C%2Bsarolta%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tinos; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 15.6799993515015px;">image by Sarolta Ban </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She calls the number every day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just to hear his voice on their answering machine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her friends and the kids say</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that it's been long enough</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that it's time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but she can't erase the message</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's all she has left of him</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After all,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
his scent has faded</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from his clothes and the bed linen</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She no longer gets startled</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when she awakens alone</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So she clings to this last piece</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She won't make him a ghost</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at least, not yet</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She listens to him say</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Leave your message after the tone"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She pauses, then</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
whispers "I love you."</div>
<br />
submitted for <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Imaginary Garden With Real Toads,</a> <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-tuesday-platform_16.html" target="_blank">Tuesday Platform</a> and<br />
<a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Magpie Tales</a>, <a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.com/2015/06/mag-274.html" target="_blank">Mag 274</a><br />
<br />Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-77859655625039818112015-06-09T09:13:00.002-04:002015-06-09T09:13:20.653-04:00Men<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6hYcKqiYS5k/VXXnjD_nLRI/AAAAAAAAFTk/uPNJTIO4ibw/s1600/birdbath%2Bman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6hYcKqiYS5k/VXXnjD_nLRI/AAAAAAAAFTk/uPNJTIO4ibw/s320/birdbath%2Bman.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Men who act like children</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We see them every day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perpetual adolescents</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shout and tease and play</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Complain about their bossy wives</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Always on their tail</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But when they get arrested</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who comes to pay the bail?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Men behaving like children</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Serve only to annoy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Women want a grown ass man</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not a little boy!</div>
<br />
<br />
submitted for <a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Magpie Tales,</a> <a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.com/2015/06/mag-273.html" target="_blank">Mag 273</a><br />
and for<a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Imaginary Garden With Real Toads,</a> <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/06/flash-55-plus.html" target="_blank">Flash 55 Plus</a>Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-87949708553713483512015-06-05T22:33:00.002-04:002015-06-05T22:33:17.953-04:00Forget Me Not<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKDGtj9As8c/VXJbytibMHI/AAAAAAAAFTM/qmrFCPdh6AQ/s1600/wild_violets_for_mother_s_day_2c49acaa23d5ea4064a223814abbc09d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKDGtj9As8c/VXJbytibMHI/AAAAAAAAFTM/qmrFCPdh6AQ/s320/wild_violets_for_mother_s_day_2c49acaa23d5ea4064a223814abbc09d.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;">Wild Violets for Mother's Day</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 16.6319999694824px;">painting by artist </span><a href="http://pwolberartstudio.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #4c0077; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 16.6319999694824px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Paul Wolber</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pink carnations at the prom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
White lilies for the wedding</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Roses on the five tier cake</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The petals on their bedding</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Honeysuckle in the yard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A garland on her head</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Daisies in the garden with</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the tulips bright and red</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perfume scented lavender</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with just a touch of clove</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tucked within her diary</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Saved mementos of her love</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Violets pressed between the pages</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from another life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Faded into memories</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when she became a wife.</div>
<br />
submitted for <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Imaginary Garden With Real Toads</a>, <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/06/bits-of-inspiration-floral-explosion.html" target="_blank">Bits of Inspiration, Floral Explosion</a>Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3907193349185074114.post-48544785747705612522015-06-02T20:13:00.000-04:002015-06-02T20:13:44.395-04:00Floating<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMW5CMVlS3k/VWytYfZtIiI/AAAAAAAAFS0/Q7KlMa2VwEs/s1600/frissell%252C%2Btoni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMW5CMVlS3k/VWytYfZtIiI/AAAAAAAAFS0/Q7KlMa2VwEs/s320/frissell%252C%2Btoni.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tinos; font-size: 11.1999998092651px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 15.6799993515015px;">photo by Toni Frissell </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />Beyond repair</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I drift back home</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some say life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
began in water</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that existence was crafted</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
out of a soup</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I chance to return</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
add my frame to the mix</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bones are a good beginning</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will keep the obol</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
locked in my teeth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ride the sea's billows</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ready to deal my way </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
across the last river</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perhaps I will hear</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the mermaids sing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add my voice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to the sirens' call</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perhaps</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the fiery despair</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that burns my heart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
finally will be extinguished</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even if</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wander the banks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of nothingness </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a wraith </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for one hundred years</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What does it matter?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am already a ghost.</div>
<br />
submitted for <a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.coml/" target="_blank">Magpie Tales, </a><a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.com/2015/05/mag-272.html" target="_blank">Mag 272</a>, <a href="https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sunday Whirl,</a> <a href="https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/2015/03/28/wordle-205/" target="_blank">Wordle 205</a>, and <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Imaginary Garden With Real Toads</a>, <a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-tuesday-platform.html" target="_blank">Tuesday Platform</a><br />
<br />
<br />Lolamousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12508347229501155001noreply@blogger.com20