I see her lying in her hospital bed Dark brown eyes half closed Square jaw tight Can she hear me? I lean close “Hello, Sister.” Her pale lips shift Into a half-smile Her skin is smooth Her body warm Her legs toned From constant walking But I know this body Is hiding the truth That…
Tag: writing practice
Flash Prompt: Haiku on Night and Sweet Sleep
Silence surrounds me Night’s chill permeates the air A far-off dog barks My body craves warmth Soft bed and heavy blankets Dreams of summer days Sweet sleep calls to me Restorative night awaits Sunrise pink with hope
Flash Prompt: Happiness Is:
Happiness is: A new charger for my computer. A completed term paper for Huck Finn. A completed term paper for Catch 22. A complete term paper for Beloved. A warm bed waiting for me. The possibility of sleeping until at least 7 am. Yes!
Flash Essay: What I’ve Learned from Research about Huck Finn
I am helping one of my students with a term paper on Huck Finn and as part of the process, we’ve researched what inspired Mark Twain to write the books he did. Here is some of what I’ve learned: Mark Twain (aka Samuel Clemens) started Huck Finn in order to tell the humorous anecdotes he’d…
Memoir Prompt: Memories of My Dad
Yesterday was my father’s birthday. Here is a piece I wrote about him a while back, but still rings true for me. A window into my world with him: “Have I told you today how much I love you?” This was a question my father asked me every day I was growing up. “I love…
My Submission Plan
Today I submitted three of my pieces to literary magazines. I also followed the advice in the article I posted and actually took the time to read several magazines, especially the ones to which I submitted. My plan is to devote one day a week to submissions, something I haven’t done lately. It is time,…
Prompt: Haiku: Cold Cross-Town Trip at 2 am
Entering the cold A frigid winter’s evening Hides inside the car Cross town trip drags by Car heater spews icy air Legs quiver and quake Front door lock resists Wind so cold it slides through clothes Home awaits with warmth Gas stoves radiate Shivers are replaced with heat A happy relief A night filled with…
Prompt: Haiku: A Winter’s Night
Weather shifts to cold Wind brings Canada far south Stars white in black sky Gas stoves cast orange glow Hot flames flicker with quiet joy Warmth melts away cold Thoughts of bed entice Cozy under heavy quilts A warm, safe cocoon Dreams of summer days Green trees, red birds and blue water Fill this winter…
Underestimating LA Rush Hour or Why Not to Go 50 Miles for an Award
Today I went with one of my students and her mother to the awards ceremony for the California Division of the Scholastic Artists and Writers contest, the oldest and more prestigious contest for youth in the United States. The time of the event was 4:30 in a city 50 miles east of LA. Rush hour….
Flash Poetry Prompt: Mother Mary
She stares at meA trace of sadness in her eyesThe baby’s cheekNext to hersHis warmth matching her warmthHis baby scent mingling with hers. Her nose is long with a soft tipAnd the baby’s matchesin miniatureTheir lineage clearMaking it no questionWho belongs to whom. And yet the baby looks at his motherWith wisdomHis dark eyes matching…
20 Minutes a Day 