Ordinary Things

A Couplet, List Poem

Photo Credit: David Slotto

Awakening early in the dawn to the sound of birds;
Easing into daylight then sitting without words;

Coffee slipping down my throat–stirring up my senses;
Fragrant sweet peas opening up in rows along our fences;

Dogs that snuggle up to me, waiting for a treat;
Music soaring through my veins, ramping up the beat;

Colors dancing in a field, or posed upon my palette;
Freedom to express my self, to choose, to cast a ballot;

Words that tumble through my mind, ending up on pages;
Touches soft and satiny, that calm when discord rages;

Life is measured out to me in gifts that this day brings;
The blessing of each moment lies in ordinary things.

Photo Credit: D. Slotto

I wrote this poem years ago when I was part of a poetry critique group that formed after a writer’s conference. The assignment was to write a couplet, and this may explain why I’ve never written another one. But for today, I’m using it to respond to my prompt on dVerse Meeting the Bar where the prompt is to write a list poem. Time and muse migration requires me to post this old one. If I come up with something else, you’ll be the first to know.  I hope you’ll stop by dVerse and bring a poem of your own and enjoy the work of your fellow pubsters. The doors open 3:00 PM EDT.

thirteen ways of looking at shoes

Image via Wikipedia

thirteen ways of looking at shoes

i
shoes carry the world’s burdens.
in our time
few decisions that affect us all
are made by barefoot people.

ii
some people are like shoes.
you put them on
they fit
you smile.

iii
other people, like shoes,
can press you
hurt you
make you whimper.

iv
it’s not wise
to purchase shoes
on the Internet.
try them on first.
same with people.

v
some people
have many pairs of shoes.
others, only a few.
what’s important
is that they give you comfort.
friends are like that, too.

vi
as people age
they look for comfort
in a pair of shoes
and in their mate.

vii
when shoes wear out
on the inside
they are useless.
you should throw them away
even if, on the outside
they look fine.
when people wear out
on the outside
too often we throw them away
even though, on the inside,
they are beautiful.

viii
old people
may not wear
sexy shoes.
that doesn’t mean
they are not
on the prowl.

ix
people wear
different kinds of shoes
for different kinds of activities.
if you try to run
in 5” heels
you will fall.
if you try to tango
in steel-toed boots
you will step
on your partner.
resilience is a key indicator
of success.

x
shoes come in all colors
and sizes:
black
brown
yellow
white
red
big
small
wide
narrow.
diversity offers more choices.
that’s a good thing.

xi
if your shoes are too big
you may stumble.
if you are too big for your shoes
you will crash.

xii
shoes have their own
stories to tell.
they protect us
on our journey through life.
choose them with care.

xiii
don’t be afraid
to go barefoot
from time-to-time.
your shoes won’t mind.
touch Earth Mother
honor her
with your gratitude.

Inspired by Brian Miller’s prompt at dVerse Poets’ Pub: http://diversepoets.com after a style developed by Wallace Stevens.