Tag Archives: OctPoWriMo

Oct29

OctPoWriMo Day 29

Posted on October 29, 2019 by Andrea R Huelsenbeck

I am participating in two challenges this month, OctPoWriMo and Inktober. To make it easier on myself, I’m trying to write a new poem on odd-numbered days and make a drawing on even-numbered days.

Today’s prompt is Lightness of Being:

Woman Rainy Window

Presence

when I notice my blessings—
an intricate weed blossom
a double rainbow
a check in the mail—
my burdens grow lighter
they float away altogether

I send up little prayers of gratitude
my heart is free
hurt is healed
the day brightens like a kiss

my God is close
close enough for me to sense His presence
to hear His sublime whisper
calming me with His love

©ARHuelsenbeck

octpowrimo

Oct25

OctPoWriMo Day 25

Posted on October 25, 2019 by Andrea R Huelsenbeck

Standard

Today’s prompt is White. The suggested form is musette.

Things that are White

Ice cream
Pure vanilla
I scream

Snow storm
Frigid, freezing
Stay warm

Blank page
Inspiration
Engage

©ARHuelsenbeck

octpowrimo

Oct17

OctPoWriMo Day 17

Posted on October 17, 2019 by Andrea R Huelsenbeck

Standard

Today’s prompt is family.

Sisterless but Brother-Rich

I’m jealous of women with sisters
I never had one
I had a seven-year-younger brother
Whose care fell largely to me
And I fear I wasn’t a very good sister to him

When my parents were old and sick
I lived across the country
And my brother shouldered the responsibility
Doing the chores they couldn’t
Chauffeuring them to doctors
Caring for them tenderly
Finally moving in with our father
After our mother passed away

It wasn’t easy
Caring for a man who didn’t always recognize him
Who knew very well what he had lost
But my brother committed himself
To helping Dad live with dignity and purpose

I always wanted a sister
But I got an incredible brother
Who taught me volumes about family and love

Oct15

OctPoWriMo Day 15

Posted on October 15, 2019 by Andrea R Huelsenbeck

Standard

Today’s prompt is Mother May I?

I Wish I Could Ask My Mother

Mother, may I take six giant steps?
No you may not,
But you may take three baby steps instead.

Mother, may I take twelve jumping jacks forward?
No you may not,
But you may take three baby steps instead.

Mother, may I take piano lessons?
Yes you may,
But only if you practice every day.

Mother, may I go away to college?
Yes you may,
But only if you earn a scholarship.

Mother, may I marry my sweetheart?
Yes you may,
But only if you’re sure he’s the one.

Mother, may I have your stuffing recipe?
Yes you may,
But only if you invite me for Thanksgiving dinner.

Mother, can you give me some advice?
Yes,
But only if you visit my grave.

Oct13

OctPoWriMo Day 13

Posted on October 13, 2019 by Andrea R Huelsenbeck

Standard

Today’s prompt is hugging a tree.

Trees

while I drove north to drop my older daughter at camp,
the youngest asked, “Mommy, is this a forest?”
it was then that I realized I’d raised city kids
yes, this was a national forest
but at this altitude the trees were mixed
with desert cactus, very unlike
the forest I’d grown up with in the east

a few years later at church camp
while I tried to keep all my kids in sight
an elder said, “Let them go. They’re safe here.”
hard to trust that they wouldn’t disappear
or break a leg falling from a tree-branch perch
their first opportunity to roam free
as I did in my childhood decades before