Sunday, September 8, 2024

#TankaTuesday 24 Seasons Syllabic #Poetry Challenge - #Syllabic #poem #poetrycommunity #seasonalKigo #Kigo #seasons #WhiteDew #tankaprose #MiddleEarth #hobbits @YvetteMCalleiro


Hello, beautiful readers! I completely missed participating in last week's #TankaTuesday 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge. I had something to do every day after school, and I'm sticking to my commitment to go to bed at a decent time so I can get eight hours of sleep every night. Sleep is vital to health, and I treasure it. My weekend was spent visiting my parents at their new beachside condo about two hours away from me, so I just didn't have time to write.

This week hasn't been any less busy - still had something to do every day after work, but today has given me a few moments to rest, so I decided to play with poetry. For this week's challenge, Colleen Chesebro invited us to write a tanka prose for the new season of White Dew. She shared a list of kigo words that would go with this season, and to my pleasant surprise, Bilbo Baggins and Frodo Baggins' birthdays are in this season, so I knew instantly what I would write about!

A tanka prose is a combination of one paragraph and one tanka on the same subject. There are two different kinds - preface (explanation) or poem tale (episodic narration). My kigo words are bolded and italicized.

(courtesy of @StockSnap on Pixabay)

I first fell in love with JRR Tolkien's fantasy world when my seventh-grade English teacher, Mrs. Hoffman, read The Hobbit to us. Her animation and excitement throughout the story made me fall in love with the world despite giving me a gripping fear of spiders that still resides within me. After that story, I couldn't get enough and eventually devoured The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Now, The Rings of Power airs on Prime, and I am hooked! The battle between good and evil has always teetered on a thin line within this world, especially since evil calls to each character so uniquely. But the hobbits - they truly are the epitome of what all people should try to exemplify.

Middle Earth hobbits
living off the land with joy
accepts adventure
danger, evil run amok
Bilbo Baggins' pure heart wins


Would you like to try your hand at writing a tanka prose? Join us here.

Saturday, August 31, 2024

August Book Reviews #bookreview #books #amreading #readingcommunity #paranormal @KarensStories @YvetteMCalleiro

Hello, beautiful readers! School is back in session, so I am not reading as much as I could in the summer. Still, I managed to finish a great short story, so enjoy my review below.


Rustic Acres
by Karen Black

Genre: Fantasy Short Reads

Pages: 54 pages

Book Blurb:

Melonie is a witch with a problem. Golatch, the goblin king, cursed her with an ancient virus that substantially reduced her power. The only cure for the mystical disease is his death. But a three-hundred-year-old goblin will be hard to kill, especially with limited abilities.

When the goblin army invades Melonie's home in Rustic Acres, a telepathic cat and a wise old raven enter the battle to help her protect the little people who live there. But chaos erupts when an energetic pixie complicates the plan.

My Review:

This was such a fantastic short story. Melonie is a witch who angered the goblin king, Golatch, when she killed his brother. Golatch cursed her with a spell that stole her powers and then promised to return one day to kill her. When that day comes, the community of Rustic Acres vows to stand by her side and fight until the end so she won't fight alone.

This author does such a great job with mystical creatures and animals in her stories, and this one was no different. I really enjoyed the interaction between the various creatures and how they were willing to come together despite their differences or animosities toward one another. 

For a short story, the characters' personalities are well-developed and even bring out several laughs despite the dire circumstances. I especially love the fearless, little pixie, Kiki. This is a story both young and old can thoroughly enjoy.



Have you read any great stories recently? I'd love to hear from you.

Sunday, August 25, 2024

#TankaTuesday 24 Seasons Syllabic #Poetry Challenge - #Syllabic #poem #poetrycommunity #seasonalKigo #Kigo #seasons #Shosho #haiku #Autumn @YvetteMCalleiro


Hello, beautiful readers! It has been a busy, busy week. It is reaching my bedtime, but I didn't want to let this week go by without writing a poem for the #TankaTuesday 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge. This week moves into a new season - Shosho, or Fading Heat. In many parts of the United States, the summer heat is starting to fade so that Autumn can make her entrance. That is not really the case here in South Florida. It is still H-O-T. 

So, since I've got to pass out if I want my eight hours of sleep before I rise ahead of the sun tomorrow, I've chosen to write a quick haiku. I hope you enjoy it. As always, I've bolded and italicized my kigo words.

(courtesy of @Bluetenkuss at Pixabay)


daily summer rains
lawns of verdant grass hydrate
no signs of Autumn

Would you like to write a poem with us? Join us here.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

#RRBC 9th Annual Writer's Conference & Book Expo #writersconference #readingcommunity #writingcommunity @YvetteMCalleiro

 


Hello, beautiful readers! I'm excited to share with you the RRBC 9th Annual Writer's Conference & Book Expo. This is an amazing event that is FREE to attend. Play the games and win some prizes. Meet new authors at their author books, and leave a comment to win free prizes. Pass by the Reading Room and listen to authors read a snippet from one of their books. (I am one of the readers.) You can also purchase access to writing workshops if you'd like. There are also raffle tickets you can purchase to win some fabulous prizes! You do not need to be an RRBC member to participate! Come join us this week. I promise you will enjoy your time at our event. :-)

Sunday, August 18, 2024

#TankaTuesday 24 Seasons Syllabic #Poetry Challenge - #Syllabic #poem #poetrycommunity #seasonalKigo #Kigo #seasons #Risshu #tanka #endofsummer @YvetteMCalleiro


Hello, beautiful readers! It's been a busy week for me. School has started, which means I have much less time on my hands (as if I ever really had much down time...lol). I'm happy with my schedule, and the kids seem receptive to my positive energy bubble that fortifies my room. So, here's so hoping for another wonderful year!

This week, the #TankaTuesday 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge is still in the season of Risshu. Colleen Chesebro has challenged us to create a poem that includes sunflowers. Sunflowers have always been my favorite flower. Yellow and green are my favorite colors, and I love the vibrancy of the sunflower. I also love that they rise to face the sun instead of the darkness.

I chose to write a haiku, which consists of three lines with a 5-7-5 syllabic pattern. My kigo words are bolded and italicized.

(courtesy of @sabinevanerp on Pixabay)

sunflower magic
Delta breeze spreads seeds of hope
share its joy freely


Would you like to join us in writing poetry this week? Click here.

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

#TankaTuesday 24 Seasons Syllabic #Poetry Challenge - #Syllabic #poem #poetrycommunity #seasonalKigo #Kigo #seasons #Risshu #tanka #endofsummer @YvetteMCalleiro


Hello, beautiful readers! I wanted to start by thanking those of you who have picked up my newest short story, Karma Doesn't Kill. A special hug for those of you who have already read and reviewed it. The story is loosely based on someone I know, so it truly is a work of heart. I am eternally grateful to those of you who have shared your review with others. 💗

For this week's #TankaTuesday 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge, we move into a new season, Risshu. Summer is beginning to wind down, and Autumn is around the corner. This week's challenge is to write a poem about how this time is represented in my area.

For those of you who do not know, I am a middle school intensive reading teacher. My summer officially ended this past Sunday. I have spent the past three days in a workshop learning a new program that is aimed at helping our nonreaders learn how to read. Sadly, we still have some children who come to middle school without having the foundational skills needed to read, so I'm excited about being able to help these kids master the foundations of reading this year. The next two days will be spent in my classroom, analyzing the data of my new set of students and preparing my classroom for the new year.

The bane of my existence is the alarm clock. I abhor having to wake up to an alarm. It's unnatural, and my body knows it. Lol! I have found the kindest, most gentle of alarm clocks to awaken me. It mimics the sun rising by slowing lightening my room and playing the sound of birds chirping, so I am a little more accepting of the invasion to my slumber. Still, waking up at 5 am is not easy. Sleep is especially important to me, so I've made a pact with myself to be in bed by 9 pm every night. So far, so good! Hopefully, I can keep it up throughout the school year.

I've chosen to write a tanka which consists of five lines with a 5-7-5-7-7 syllabic pattern where there is a pivot line (usually in the third line). I've bolded and italicized my kigo words.

(courtesy of @Katniss12 on Pixabay)


summer slips away
beach days moved to the weekends
a return to school
alarm clock disturbs my sleep
teacher planning days commence


Would you like to write a poem with us this week? Join us here.

Saturday, August 3, 2024

#TankaTuesday 24 Seasons Syllabic #Poetry Challenge - #Syllabic #poem #poetrycommunity #seasonalKigo #Kigo #seasons #Taisho #Kimo #summerveggies @YvetteMCalleiro


Hello, beautiful readers! We dodged Tropical Storm Debby in my area, and I'm hoping it falls apart instead of turning into a hurricane before it makes landfall in the Florida panhandle.

I'm not sure how many of you are watching the Olympics, but I am absolutely LOVING it! I've been watching gymnastics, track & field, beach/court volleyball, and swimming, and I've even caught a little rugby and basketball. I am in awe of these athletes and their commitment to their goals and their prowess! The USA teams are amazing, and I'm so happy for all of those who are winning medals.

For this week's #TankaTuesday 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge, Colleen Chesebro has invited us to write a poem about the vegetables that are harvested during the summer. I've chosen to write a kimo, which is a three-line poem with a syllabic pattern of 10-7-6. It's the Israeli version of a haiku.

(courtesy of @Shutterbug75 on Pixabay)

healing ingredients grow in the ground
onions and garlic delight
savory nutrients

Now, I am not a cook. In fact, I cook out of necessity. When I become rich, I will have a full-time chef. Lol! So, in the spirit of being silly, I wrote a haiku, though I don't think it's a true haiku.

(courtesy of @monicore on Pixabay)

a cook I am not
onions, garlic are staples
they improve it all


Would you like to write your own poem? Join us here.

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

July Book Reviews #bookreview #books #amreading #readingcommunity #paranormal #HarborPointeInnseries #shortstories @JanSikes3 @stacitroilo @linneatanner @JoanHallWrites @Pat_Garcia @KarensStories @harmony_kent @YvetteMCalleiro

Hello, beautiful readers! I came back from my summer trip to Italy and Greece at the end of June. I thought I'd have more time to read on the cruise, but every day was packed with activities. Still, I managed to read two short stories and start a novel. July has been full of appointments, beach time, revising, spending time with family, and reading (of course!). I published my short story, Karma Doesn't Kill, at the beginning of the month and would love for you to read it and share your thoughts with me. Now, let's get to my reviews for this month!


by Jan Sikes

Genre: Action & Adventure Romance, Contemporary Short Stories

Pages:108 pages

Book Blurb:

The Harbor Pointe Inn has loomed on California's cliffs for generations of Hawthornes. For some, it's been a blessing. For others, a curse. Travel through two centuries of stories to discover the old inn's secrets.

What's the point of having it all when you have no one to share it with?

Brandon Miller has his dream job, financial security, and he's madly in love. Only one thing is missing—a commitment.

Angela Cooper's ex-husband left her with deep scars, souring her on the concept of marriage. She's not interested in a do-over. Not with Brandon or anyone. Her heart is locked securely away behind a thick wall.

With a ring in his pocket and hope in his heart, Brandon arranges a romantic getaway to the historic Harbor Pointe Inn, where he plans to pop the question.

Before they reach the inn, Angela's got her camera in hand and ghosts on her mind. But they arrive to find a much more tangible horror.

Accident or foul play?

Someone is up to no good, and Angela is the next target. When suspects can be worldly or otherworldly, danger and secrets lurk everywhere.

Poised at the perilous edge of too late, Angela and Brandon face the fight of their lives.


My Review:

This was another great story in the Harbor Pointe series. Brandon is desperate to marry the love of his life, Angi, but she is full of reservations after her previous boyfriend treated her horribly. Brandon plans a romantic getaway to Harbor Pointe with the intent of proposing, but things don’t go as planned, and Angi becomes the target of an evil man.

I love how this author connected the various books together as Brandon and Angi explored the area. I also love that it continued the paranormal theme. I felt so bad for Brandon that his plans kept going awry. I loved the relationship between the two of them and am happy with how the story turned out.



by Staci Troilo

Genre: Mystery Romance, Contemporary Short Stories

Pages: 115 pages

Book Blurb:

The Harbor Pointe Inn has loomed on California's cliffs for generations of Hawthornes. For some, it's been a blessing. For others, a curse. Travel through two centuries of stories to discover the old inn's secrets.

A narcissistic patriarch. A mystical legend. A fathomless affair.

Most people wouldn’t dread a weekend at the historic Harbor Pointe Inn. Lorelei Audley isn’t most people. The fresh sea air, breathtaking vistas, and gourmet meals can’t buoy her spirits. She’s there to coordinate her father’s latest wedding. The bride is a nightmare, yet somehow, the groom is worse. Lorelei steels herself to suffer through a few days of psychological abuse and abject misery.

She’s unprepared for a paranormal encounter, missing persons case, and police investigation.

Not to mention a budding romance.

A lot can happen in a short time, far more if the supernatural is involved. Lorelei has a small window in which to solve some very big problems—problems as numerous as the sands at the foot of the scenic Harbor Pointe cliffs.

My Review:

Book six of the Harbor Pointe series focuses on Lorelei going to the inn to plan a wedding for her dad and bride number three. She isn’t at all happy about it, especially since she feels as if her father is getting conned. From the moment she arrives, one thing after another goes wrong.

The author does a great job of drawing you into all of Lorelei’s drama. I really felt bad for her. I loved how the author brought in the inn’s folklore and mentioned events from the other books. She did a convincing job of adding a fantastic twist at the end. I would have loved to keep reading more on what happened next, but as a short story, it is complete as is it told.

This was another great addition to the series, and I can’t wait to read the next one!


by Linnea Tanner

Genre: Greco-Roman Myth & Legend Fantasy

Pages: 402 pages

Book Blurb:

A Celtic warrior queen must do the impossible—defeat her sorcerer half-brother and claim the throne. But to do so, she must learn how to strike vengeance from her father’s skull.

AS FORETOLD BY HER FATHER in a vision, Catrin has become a battle-hardened warrior after her trials in the Roman legion and gladiatorial games. She must return to Britannia and pull the cursed dagger out of the serpent’s stone to fulfill her destiny. Only then can she unleash the vengeance from the ancient druids to destroy her evil half-brother, the powerful sorcerer, King Marrock. Always two steps ahead and seemingly unstoppable, Marrock can summon destructive natural forces to crush any rival trying to stop him and has charged his deadliest assassin to bring back Catrin’s head.

To have the slightest chance of beating Marrock, Catrin must forge alliances with former enemies, but she needs someone she can trust. Her only option is to seek military aid from Marcellus—her secret Roman husband. They rekindle their burning passion, but he is playing a deadly game in the political firestorm of the Julio-Claudian dynasty to support Catrin’s cause.

Ultimately, in order to defeat Marrock, Catrin must align herself with a dark druidess and learn how to summon forces from skulls to exact vengeance. But can she and Marcellus outmaneuver political enemies from Rome and Britannia in their quest to vanquish Marrock?

My Review:

I was eager to get back into this world to see what had become of Catrin and Marcellus, and I wasn't disappointed. These books put Shakespearean tragedy to shame! The fates are constantly working again these two lovers. No matter what they do, something always finds a way to pull them apart.

In this book, Catrin has to join forces with people who have betrayed her in one way or another in order to reach her destiny. And even though her visions show that this is the path she must take, she still feels as if it's a mistake. Marcellus is doing everything in his power to play the political game to secretly help Catrin, but he is really bad at it. Lol! His brother, on the other hand, is a master and is holding Marcellus's fate in his hands.

The author does a magnificent job weaving the threads of these lives, masterfully bringing their paths to clash in such a way that leaves everyone in danger. I mourned the loss of one of the characters in battle (no spoilers), but war is ugly. This book had a bit less magic because of Catrin's circumstances, but it was still amazing! I can't wait for the author to come out with book 5 so I can dive back into this world.


by Joan Hall

Genre: Suspense Thrillers

Pages: 104 pages

Book Blurb:

The Harbor Pointe Inn has loomed on California’s cliffs for generations of Hawthornes. For some, it’s been a blessing. For others, a curse. Travel through two centuries of stories to discover the old inn’s secrets.

Suicide, accident, or murder?

After an argument with her fiancé, up-and-coming actress Leah Myers booked a room at the Harbor Pointe Inn. Near the end of her stay, someone found her body at the bottom of the nearby cliff. The police ruled her death a suicide.

Five years later, four people from Leah’s past visit the inn on the anniversary of her death. Her fiancé, her brother, her psychologist, and her close friend, Adele, who was a guest at Harbor Pointe the night Leah died.

Deputy Brad Sherman, assistant to the lead detective, has always believed something was amiss with the investigation. When he learns Leah’s former acquaintances are staying at the inn, he decides to look at the old case file.

The four guests soon learn each other’s identity and begin to discuss the events leading up to Leah’s demise. But someone doesn’t want them to know the truth. When Adele confesses she is haunted by the possibility she saw something important that fateful night, it puts her in grave danger.

Now it’s a race against time before she becomes the killer’s next victim.

My Review:

This is a great addition to the Harbor Pointe Series. I loved how some of the characters were the same from one of the previous books. Although this story was truly a suspenseful mystery, there was a little bit of paranormal through a spirit animal (and I loved it!). This story follows five people, all affected differently from the death of Leah five years prior. Her therapist, her good friend, her brother, her boyfriend at the time, and the assistant detective all find their way to the inn on the fifth anniversary of her death to try to come to terms with her death. Instead, they realized her death was not a suicide at all!

This story kept me flipping pages as the author planted one more seed in the mystery. Each character was well-developed, and their interaction with one another felt genuine. I loved how the story was told from all of their perspectives, which helped me start piecing the mystery together. Each of them grieved for Leah's loss differently, but they were all looking for closure. The author did a fabulous job in weaving their stories together while sharing Leah's last days with us.

The ending was perfect, and I love how everyone found closure. This is a fantastic mystery that will keep you engaged to the very last page.



by Pat Garcia

Genre: Later in Life Romance, Short Story

Pages: 29 pages

Book Blurb:

Stationed within an International Explosive Ordinance Team (EOD) in Germany for six years, Gianluca Abate has never anticipated that unexpected incidences could throw his life off balance. He didn't think there was a situation that could touch him so closely until the day he experienced an explosive blast underwater. His life spirals downward, and he loses all hope of ever being normal again.

At a train station, he is waiting for a train to come to end it all and is so involved in what he is about to carry out that he doesn't see the woman running toward him who is about to change the trajectory of his destiny, forever.

My Review:

This author has a wonderful way of choosing broken people and redeeming them through love. I really enjoyed this short story. Gianluca lost his hearing and suffers from PTSD from a job-related explosion. After losing his job, his friends, and his fiancé, he doesn't see a point in living and plans his suicide. Fortunately, Aniyah thwarts his plans and shows him that life is worth living and that love can be found again.

The author does a beautiful job of pulling you into Gianluca's pain as the story opens. My heart broke for him, and I was glued to every word. Aniyah's life story was beautiful and spoke of the power of resilience and mindset. As someone who has taught students with hearing impairments, I loved how ASL and finding appreciation for music through other means was a huge part of this story. I would definitely recommend you read it!



by Karen Black

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy Fiction, Short Story

Pages: 34 pages

Book Blurb:

After centuries of feuding over the use of mysticism for good vs evil, two families, both powerful practitioners of the mystical religion of bopama, agree to a truce. Finally, the Latraviattas and Travaglias peacefully co-exist.

Decades later, Colette Latraviatta exhibits capabilities that far exceed those expected from a seven-year-old child. As her abilities become widely known, she follows her grandmother's footsteps and uses her power to help others. But when Axel Travaglia realizes the child's ability will soon surpass his, he sees her as a threat and will stop at nothing to keep her from reaching her pinnacle of power.

My Review:

This short story focused on a family feud between the Latraviattas and Travaglias, where one family wanted to use mysticism for good and the other for evil. Over multiple generations, the families took turns casting spells on one another in an attempt to control all the power. Each generation became more and more powerful until the current generation had the ability to kill and absorb all the power. It became a race to see which side, good or evil, would cast the first spell and what that spell would entail.

This was a nice read. It was a lot to pack into a short story, but the author did a good job of doing so. I honestly would have loved to read a longer novel that delved into each generation's struggles. Colette's world is turned upside down when she loses her mother and then grandmother. Then, she realizes that her life is in danger because Axel is trying to kill her. With the help of a few enchanted animals, she must find a way to thwart Axel's plans and still keep her humanity.

This author always includes animals and some kind of paranormal in all her stories, and I love that. Her characters were well-developed, and the story kept me engaged. It's a quick, enjoyable read that I know others will enjoy.



by Harmony Kent

Genre: Ghost Suspense, Ghost Thrillers

Pages: 95 pages

Book Blurb:

The Harbor Pointe Inn has loomed on California’s cliffs for generations of Hawthornes. For some, it’s been a blessing. For others, a curse. Travel through two centuries of stories to discover the old inn’s secrets.


When guilt-ridden Mia checks in to a suicide hotel, but can’t go through with the final act, vengeful ghosts gather to torment her.

Set in the near future, the post-war world is in turmoil.

Mia Hawthorne suffers an emotional breakdown, following the death of her wife, and loses everything to a corrupt government.

In an ironic twist of fate, the government suicide department, The Last Sanctuary, allocates a desperate and destitute Mia to the very hotel and family heirloom which she has so recently lost.

On her first day at the Lighthouse Inn, beset with painful memories, doubts, and questions, Mia finds herself coming face to face with angry ghosts, who gather to goad and torment her.

Lost and alone, can Mia find enough strength and purpose to avoid her final, frightful fate?

Possible Trigger Warnings:

This novella contains many references to suicide and suicidal thoughts. It also references off-page bereavement and off-page female to female marriage.

Some references to violence are mentioned, but remain vague and mostly off-page.

No profanity is used.

If any of these are likely to trigger you, please use your discretion when purchasing/reading this book.

My Review:
I'm so sad that this series has ended. Each and every book was fantastic, including this one. This book takes place in the near future (2072) but brings back characters from the past. The future is quite bleak with a corrupt government using AI to control the masses. The future's government has a suicide department that allows people to choose when and how to die. Mia, the past owner of Harbor Pointe, has chosen to die at the very hotel she once owned (before the government took it away from her).

Unfortunately for Mia, there's a ghost who wants her death more than she does. New information about her wife's suicide gives Mia new purpose. In order to choose her fate, she has to confront the angry ghost, and he definitely wants her dead.

This story begins heavy because the reader grieves with Mia for her loss. The inclusion of a cute, little collie breaks up the stressful moments. The author does a great job of capturing the conflicting thoughts and emotions of Mia. I loved how Mia was not alone even when she thought she was. And I especially loved when Mia started fighting back!

This was such a great ending to an incredible series. If you have not read any of the books, I highly encourage you to read them all. You won't regret it!

Have you read any great stories lately? I'd love to hear from you.

Friday, July 26, 2024

#TankaTuesday 24 Seasons Syllabic #Poetry Challenge - #Syllabic #poem #poetrycommunity #seasonalKigo #Kigo #seasons #Taisho #summerdays @YvetteMCalleiro


Hello, beautiful readers! This week, we move into the Taisho season over at #TankaTuesday's 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge. It's all about the sweltering heat, and those of us in the Northern Hemisphere are really feeling it, especially here in South Florida. Thank goodness for air conditioning!

It's been a busy week for me, and my summer vacation is quickly coming to an end, so for this week's challenge, I chose to write a haiku. My kigo words are bolded and italicized.

(courtesy of @PublicDomainPictures on Pixabay)

blazing sun at beach
eager to create sunburns
umbrellas thwart plan


Those of you who follow me know that I go to the beach almost every weekend. I rarely burn, but I always bathe myself in reef-safe sunblock. I also always sit under an umbrella. I get plenty of sun when I go swimming or when I walk the beach, but I know the importance of protecting my skin from the harmful rays. I see so many tourists leaving the beach looking like lobsters because they don't understand the intensity of the sun this close to the equator. It's so important to wear sunblock and reapply often.

Would you like to write a poem for this week? Join us here.

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

#TankaTuesday 24 Seasons Syllabic #Poetry Challenge - #Syllabic #poem #poetrycommunity #seasonalKigo #Kigo #seasons #Shosho #AmericanCinquain #seox #dodoitsu #summerdays @YvetteMCalleiro


Hello, beautiful readers! For this week's #Tanka Tuesday 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge, Colleen Chesebro provided us with three phrases and encouraged us to create different poems using the phrases. The phrases are:
smoldering heat
midsummer darkness
cutting the grass

I decided to challenge myself a bit this week and tried out a couple of new poetry forms. For the first phrase, I used the American Cinquain, which I've done before. It is a poem of five lines with a syllabic pattern of 2-4-6-8-2. The first four lines should build drama, and the fifth line changes the focus.

For the second poem, I attempted a seox, which has six lines (a hexastich) with a 3-7-6-5-4-3 syllabic pattern. And for the last poem, I tried writing a dodoitsu, which has a syllabic pattern of 7-7-7-5. It usually focuses on love, humor, or the unexpected but can also focus on nature and beauty. Hopefully, I did right by these forms. As always, I've bolded and italicized the kigo words.

(courtesy of @aghostmaycome on Pixabay)

summer
smoldering heat
sizzling sidewalks burn feet
humidity suffocates me
ah, pool!


(courtesy of @Schaferle2 on Pixabay)

sunny day
midsummer darkness rolls in
lightning bursts streak through sky
thunder makes music
rain adds drum beats
stunning show


(courtesy of @Alexas_Fotos on Pixabay)

someone else cutting the grass
blades stick to their sweaty skin
while I relish the a/c
the joys of summer

Would you like to create a poem with one (or all) of these phrases? Join us here.