TABLE OF CONTENTS

XXI:2, 2006

LYNX  
A Journal for Linking Poets    
 
   
  In these Participation Renga from Lynx you will find links from:

AB 
Alice Benedict

BJ
Bob Jessup

CC
Carlos Colón 

CF
Vikki Celeste Fannin

CG 
Cindy Guntherman

CM
Cristian Mocanu

CSK
Carol Stroh Kemp 

dht
Doris H. Thurston 

DPK
Deborah P. Kolidji

DR 
David Rice

DWP
Darrel W. Parry

EF 
Eric Folsom

EL
Eva LaVollette

ESJ
Elizabeth St Jacques 

FA 
Fay Aoyagi 

FP
Francine Porad 

FPA
Francis (Paul) Attard 

GD 
Gene Doty 

GM 
Giselle Maya

GR 
George Ralph

GV
Geert Verbeke

JAJ 
Jean Jorgensen

JC 
Jeanne Cassler

JMB
John M. Bennett

JR 
Jane Reichhold

JS
John Sheirer 

JSJ
Joyce Sandeen Johnson

KCL 
Kenneth C. Leibman 

LCG 
Larry Gross

LE
Lesley Einer

LJ
Lael Johnson 

meta 
metarandom

MHH
Madeline Hoffer

ML
Minna Lerman

MM 
Marianne Marks

MWM   Mary Wittry-Mason


Nika 

NA
Nasira Alma

PC
Penny Crosby 

PGC 
Pamela Connor

PJS
P.J. Sharpe 

PS
Pat Shelley


Ronan 

RF 
Robert Flannery

SCH 
Suzette Hains

SD
Simon Doubleday

SMc
Steve McComas  

TLG
Terri Lee Grell

TSP 
Tyler Pruett

TV 
Teresa Volz 

TW
Tundra Wind 

WEG
Elliot Greig

WR 
Werner Reichhold

YH 
Yvonne
Hardenbrook

ZP 
Zane Parks 

LYNX
PARTICIPATION RENGA

HOW TO DO IT

To join in participation renga, read the whole poem, especially the last line or lines in italic. Read the "rules" as stated under the title. Pick the link in BOLD italic you find best, worthy, interesting and write your responding link. Check the hokku poet's rules once more to make sure yours fits.

Send the title of the renga, the link and author to which your link with your initials responds. Subscribers may send in up to 10 links total. You cannot respond to your own links.

To start a participation renga, submit a hokku; (the first link (stanza) of a renga). The hokku usually contains the title of the renga. Your submission should indicate a title; the theme or premise (if any); the format (3-line links, 2-line links, etc.); and the total number of links that will complete the renga (not over 12, please). When you start a renga, think of it as YOUR renga and keep working with the new links as they arrive. Too often a renga is started but not "cared for" later.

Lynx does not edit hokku or links in this section. However, links that clearly neglect the hokku poet's guidelines will not be published.

Once a renga is established, Lynx publishes all branches of that renga, as long as poets keep feeding them links.  Lynx drops any hokku or branch that no one feeds. The previous links are printed in one line just to save space.

Send your links to us by email with the words "participation renga" as subject line.
You may also send your links by regular post to: LYNX, POB 1250, Gualala, CA 95445, USA.

 

LYNX
DEADLINE FOR LINKS:

Sept. 1, 2006

 


   

(Remember - only add on to the links in bold italic.)

 

BLACKOUT
Rule: 3 / 2lines alternating 
ending with 12 links
Theme: loss, frustration, deprivation

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
loud mouthed the talking scales CC
automated checkout – "please ask for cashier assistance" GD
condom dispenser a hatchet-faced clerk JR
discarded in the fallen leaves - a moment of passion GD
the budding tree reminds him of her JR
dropping puzzle pieces in her lap a picture forms GD
in swaddling clothes the calendar girl               FPA

low-cut jeans
reveal the dragon –
faded tattoo           GD

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
loud mouthed the talking scales CC
hear the wasps walking on your hat JMB
she says I am glad your eyes don’t sting WR
Back for the Louvre - I’m asked if I’ve met the Mona Lisa FPA
the mile spread behind her hips JMB
in the meadow we can build a snowman         FPA

harbored
perhaps the chord of a scheme
in cat eyes            WR

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
dream time when I see words unmasked WR
sensory deprivation chamber unplugged CC
black air feeding from the dark an owl WR
waterfront beacon Maigret’s pipe FPA
the glow that doesn’t warm a ho’s smile JR
at the distance it seems two who won’t come closer    WR

sea slug
wedge of
waning moon              FPA

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
dream time when I see words unmasked WR
unguarded mirror returns light slowly GD
a magnet breaks into two equal magnets CF
one blitz only then no more light after radiation WR
trying to understand nations why anyone would drop a bomb JR
allergic skin flushes under the mistletoe      FPA

"Kiss me, I’m Irish"
–her surprised blush        GD

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
dream time when I see words unmasked WR
unguarded mirror returns light slowly GD
a magnet breaks into two equal magnets CF
one blitz only then no more light after radiation WR
trying to understand nations why anyone would drop a bomb JR
even blasted we smile back at you TSP

time giving in with
the pull of a kite          WR

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
loud mouthed the talking scales CC
hear the wasps walking on your hat JMB
she says I am glad your eyes don’t sting WR
Back for the Louvre - I’m asked if I’ve met the Mona Lisa FPA
in my pocket, a snapshot as a warm day’s reminder CM
digital image crumbling by pixels – memory crash GD
sand changes its structure I feel the vibrations     WR

tornado warning:
siren’s looping wails
frighten the dog            GD

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
loud mouthed the talking scales CC
automated checkout – "please ask for cashier assistance" GD
condom dispenser a hatchet-faced clerk JR
discarded in the fallen leaves - a moment of passion GD
washed into dawn I am holding on to half a moon WR
that’s Jupiter dancing in and out; the moon’s horns GD
she says my call is offered under siege      WR

hostage negotiator
the coil of the phone
cord tightens         CC

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
dream time when I see words unmasked WR
sensory deprivation chamber unplugged CC
black air feeding from the dark an owl WR
Luggage steaming in the bush JMB
home to mother warm iron in her travel bag CC
in a cold bed a hot brick slowly cools     GD

darkness invisible
my foot in
the chamber pot       CC

"lest we forget. . ."
purple poppies
plastic             FPA

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
dream time when I see words unmasked WR
unguarded mirror returns light slowly GD
the ocean and the suburban both homeless GV
the term "mother" names cover them JR
faces out of the pages of history – carved out of a mountain face FPA
lost in the voice mail tree surrounded by questions GD

glove teal
ventriloquist tells
a tall story         FPA

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
dream time when I see words unmasked WR
stuck in traffic again dancing alone CF
land locked the wave I hear on cliffs WR
finding a key made of sand JR
we furnish the room in the kelp castle a sunbeam the bed WR
in the darkness between covers, we dream GD

in the white of beaches
night-black steps         WR

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
loud mouthed the talking scales CC
automated checkout – "please ask for cashier assistance" GD
condom dispenser a hatchet-faced clerk JR
discarded in the fallen leaves - a moment of passion GD
washed into dawn I am holding on to half a moon WR
pale sky waits for a cloud to paint its silver lining FPA
dawn comes to a world of rain dropPING jr

osprey lifts with prey
dripping their reflections           FPA

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
dream time when I see words unmasked WR
unguarded mirror returns light slowly GD
the ocean and the suburban both homeless GV
the term "mother" names cover them JR
attached she sends me a koan plus a virus WR
opening the attachment – nothing displays but the code     GD

fogging the empty screen
no sound of drumming fingers          WR

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
dream time when I see words unmasked WR
unguarded mirror returns light slowly GD
a magnet breaks into two equal magnets CF
one blitz only then no more light after radiation WR
trying to understand nations why anyone would drop a bomb JR
spirit so simple only the mind gets confused CF

snake house
speaking in whispers          FPA

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
dream time when I see words unmasked WR
unguarded mirror returns light slowly GD
the ocean and the suburban both homeless GV
the term "mother" names cover them JR
attached she sends me a koan plus a virus WR
"The moon sets at midnight I walk alone" Shoushan          meta

the wealth sack
shadows carved in stone
light to carry                 FPA

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
dream time when I see words unmasked WR
unguarded mirror returns light slowly GD
the ocean and the suburban both homeless GV
the term "mother" names cover them JR
attached she sends me a koan plus a virus WR
decades old now? computer message haiku      CC

food bowl
cat’s date of birth added
in calligraphy             FPA

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
loud mouthed the talking scales CC
automated checkout – "please ask for cashier assistance" GD
condom dispenser a hatchet-faced clerk JR
sticky shoulders beneath the shirt JMB
rest of an evening I hear the late hours’ call from other faces WR
jovial voice & frank talk at the fire-eater’s table FPA
the prayer shirt I wear tonight lights up      WR

road through curfew covered
in fallen leaves             FPA

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
dream time when I see words unmasked WR
unguarded mirror returns light slowly GD
the ocean and the suburban both homeless GV
the term "mother" names cover them JR
attached she sends me a koan plus a virus WR
two turtle doves & a partridge in a pear tree       FPA

opened Christmas card
the squeaky music of my past
from a tiny computer          JR

 

~&~

after the blackout
eating all the ice cream quickly
before the power returns Gene Doty
no light plenty quiet JMB
dream time when I see words unmasked WR
sensory deprivation chamber unplugged CC
black air feeding from the dark an owl WR
Luggage steaming in the bush JMB
home to mother warm iron in her travel bag CC
naked on the window the face of younger dreams     WR

speechless before him
my voice recedes
to a point of light         JR

 

 

GENTLY WIPING DUST
Alternate 3-line and 2-line links for 100 lines
Theme: impermanence, transitoriness

gently wiping dust from grandmother's photograph october windsong TW
warm fall days chill at sunset BJ
last rush of color outdoing itself virginia creeper PC
nights behind closed eyes images in red float by JR
taps at sunrise opening daylilies on their graves PC
flowers of our youth gone – everyone MM
mind wasting memories disappear one by one JAJ
haiku eagle gliding in a sea of chance LCG
meteorite streaks across the night sky sudden cool breeze MWM
morning sun on a bayou mist KCL
first snow already melting dancing barefoot JAJ
thinking of Tundra buying new shoes TLG
breath suspended overhead, the northern lights in slow dance JAJ
father and son pause for a long moment RF
SOFT SHOULDERS warning he glances at his wife their 50th year GR
finishing the school of hard knocks YH
digital display counting the failing heart GD
she tries to add up all the good times YH
battery low the calculator reads "ERROR" GD
the new player late for the first game RF
dealing cards to an empty chair careless of how they land GD

face-down $10,000 poorer CC
richer for the experience bottoms up YH
"How do you stop a wino from charging?" CC
at the end of that rainbow no credit card cg
back to the diner waiting tables JSJ
old woman slips jelly packets into her purse cg
mistaking a condom / for a condiment GD
runs her tongue / over red lips, / snaps her purse shut cg
Quiet out at sea the boat sinks JMB
hot songs melt the wax from sailors' ears GD
listening to a star leaving the lake WR
heaving light beneath the wave JMB
fingerprint in the pink birthday frosting cg
watching a cow’s spittle only eating grass WR
smell from next door something stronger than just tobacco JAJ
ashes as the police leave burning marijuana WR
flick. . . flick . . . flick stench of lighter fluid GD
dust behind the radio stiff rubber band JMB
neither shrinking nor growing my 8-track collection CC
returns in a dream rock face I photographed with no point in mind FPA
the sandstone nose washing away JMB
on a postscript warned of insomnia waves pound a hunter’s moon FPA
my old manual the barely legible letters CC
h lf wh t e     s id       w as it ching      JMB
literacy job applicant the misspelled words     CC

seasonal sign
along the interstate:
"grape’s for sell"      GD

 

~*~

gently wiping dust from grandmother's photograph october windsong TW
warm fall days chill at sunset BJ
last rush of color outdoing itself virginia creeper PC
nights behind closed eyes images in red float by JR
taps at sunrise opening daylilies on their graves PC
flowers of our youth gone – everyone MM
mind wasting memories disappear one by one JAJ
haiku eagle gliding in a sea of chance LCG
meteorite streaks across the night sky sudden cool breeze MWM
morning sun on a bayou mist KCL
first snow already melting dancing barefoot JAJ
thinking of Tundra buying new shoes TLG
breath suspended overhead, the northern lights in slow dance JAJ
father and son pause for a long moment RF
breeze changing course weeds in the dark field bend again GR
up ahead another hidden curve ESJ
SOFT SHOULDERS warning he glances at his wife their 50th year GR
finishing the school of hard knocks YH
digital display counting down the failing heart GD
she tries to add up all the good times YH
was never very good at math MHH
one more short story attempt into the waste basket GR
sharp edges cutting through the trash bag shadows leaking out GD
thickening juice from the black beans can JMB
long time on shelf honey crystallizes sticky jar JSJ
mustard seeds pop in hot oil GD
it will be a cold day in July when I cook again YH
even the firecrackers refuse to light – a rainy fourth! dht
indoors all afternoon two boys play Civil War one gray; one blue RF
refugee children / strangers to laughter PGC
stray sniffing / stranded starfish – / gray sky's cold FPA
mackerel clouds reach every horizon piling the sea JR
broken thermometer poisonous mercury scatters everywhere JAJ
driving through a school zone spray of sparrows RF
waiting at the end of the block police speed trap JAJ
another hole in the cheese CC
small tear in the yellowed love letter folded, refolded cg
anthrax scare the office smart-aleck CC
we go to bed goose pimples appear wanted WR
bare feet find the linoleum CC
grano coffee ground heel thought JMB
sijo* jogging his memory in Central Park CC
as night falls still the fires of the two towers WR
unfiltered dust the masks of the rescue workers CC
disaster on TV close the windows GD
leaping the fence every pocket filled with apples CC
inclined to follow paw prints of a cat WR
excited the dog sniffs the grass in a widening circle GD
that voice is time unraveling   CF

pink azaleas
a "sweater girl"
pops a button          CC

fastidious
clowns as they dine
on lobster           FPA

 

~*~

gently wiping dust from grandmother's photograph october windsong TW
warm fall days chill at sunset BJ
last rush of color outdoing itself virginia creeper PC
nights behind closed eyes images in red float by JR
taps at sunrise opening daylilies on their graves PC
flowers of our youth gone – everyone MM
mind wasting memories disappear one by one JAJ
haiku eagle gliding in a sea of chance LCG
meteorite streaks across the night sky sudden cool breeze MWM
morning sun on a bayou mist KCL
first snow already melting dancing barefoot JAJ
thinking of Tundra buying new shoes TLG
breath suspended overhead, the northern lights in slow dance JAJ
father and son pause for a long moment RF
breeze changing course weeds in the dark field bend again GR
up ahead another hidden curve ESJ
SOFT SHOULDERS warning he glances at his wife their 50th year GR
finishing the school of hard knocks YH
digital display counting down the failing heart GD
she tries to add up all the good times YH
was never very good at math MHH
one more short story attempt into the waste basket GR
sharp edges cutting through the trash bag shadows leaking out GD
thickening juice from the black beans can JMB
long time on shelf honey crystallizes sticky jar JSJ
mustard seeds pop in hot oil GD
it will be a cold day in July when I cook again YH
even the firecrackers refuse to light – a rainy fourth! dht
indoors all afternoon two boys play Civil War one gray; one blue RF
refugee children / strangers to laughter PGC
stray sniffing / stranded starfish – / gray sky's cold FPA
mackerel clouds reach every horizon piling the sea JR
broken thermometer poisonous mercury scatters everywhere JAJ
driving through a school zone spray of sparrows RF
waiting at the end of the block police speed trap JAJ
another hole in the cheese CC
small tear in the yellowed love letter folded, refolded cg
anthrax scare the office smart-aleck CC
we go to bed goose pimples appear wanted WR
bare feet find the linoleum CC
grano coffee ground heel thought JMB
sijo* jogging his memory in Central Park CC
as night falls still the fires of the two towers WR
unfiltered dust the masks of the rescue workers CC
disaster on TV close the windows GD
leaping the fence every pocket filled with apples CC
inclined to follow paw prints of a cat WR
beckoning me the curl of a tale CC
sleep images lead around a story     GD

Restless Leg Syndrome
Twitchy
Ricardo      CC

 

~*~
gently wiping dust from grandmother's photograph october windsong TW
warm fall days chill at sunset BJ
last rush of color outdoing itself virginia creeper PC
nights behind closed eyes images in red float by JR
taps at sunrise opening daylilies on their graves PC
flowers of our youth gone – everyone MM
mind wasting memories disappear one by one JAJ
haiku eagle gliding in a sea of chance LCG
meteorite streaks across the night sky sudden cool breeze MWM

morning sun on a bayou mist KCL
first snow already melting dancing barefoot JAJ
thinking of Tundra buying new shoes TLG
breath suspended overhead, the northern lights in slow dance JAJ
father and son pause for a long moment RF
SOFT SHOULDERS warning he glances at his wife their 50th year GR
finishing the school of hard knocks YH
digital display counting the failing heart GD
she tries to add up all the good times YH
battery low the calculator reads "ERROR" GD
the new player late for the first game RF
dealing cards to an empty chair careless of how they land GD
face-down $10,000 poorer CC
richer for the experience bottoms up YH
"How do you stop a wino from charging?" CC
at the end of that rainbow no credit card cg
back to the diner waiting tables JSJ
old woman slips jelly packets into her purse cg
mistaking a condom / for a condiment GD
runs her tongue / over red lips, / snaps her purse shut cg

Quiet out at sea the boat sinks JMB
hot songs melt the wax from sailors' ears GD
listening to a star leaving the lake WR
heaving light beneath the wave JMB
fingerprint in the pink birthday frosting cg
watching a cow’s spittle only eating grass WR
smell from next door something stronger than just tobacco JAJ
ashes as the police leave burning marijuana WR
flick. . . flick . . . flick stench of lighter fluid GD
permeating . . . a stick of sandalwood CC
patchouli reek his receding ponytail GD
rainbowed the new bag of rubber bands CC
round and round the vase roses CF
steps I make moon by moon without sandals WR
in the direction of a skein of geese FPA
morning meadow a herd of sheep making an ewe turn CC
rockin’ merrily around the Christmas tree       FPA

linoleum
worn through by the wheels
of a tricycle         GD

neither egret
nor heron
the paper bag     CC

 

~*~

gently wiping dust from grandmother's photograph october windsong TW
warm fall days chill at sunset BJ
last rush of color outdoing itself virginia creeper PC
nights behind closed eyes images in red float by JR
taps at sunrise opening daylilies on their graves PC
flowers of our youth gone – everyone MM
mind wasting memories disappear one by one JAJ
haiku eagle gliding in a sea of chance LCG
meteorite streaks across the night sky sudden cool breeze MWM
morning sun on a bayou mist KCL
first snow already melting dancing barefoot JAJ
thinking of Tundra buying new shoes TLG
breath suspended overhead, the northern lights in slow dance JAJ
father and son pause for a long moment RF
SOFT SHOULDERS warning he glances at his wife their 50th year GR
finishing the school of hard knocks YH
digital display counting the failing heart GD
she tries to add up all the good times YH
battery low the calculator reads "ERROR" GD
the new player late for the first game RF
dealing cards to an empty chair careless of how they land GD
face-down $10,000 poorer CC
richer for the experience bottoms up YH
"How do you stop a wino from charging?" CC
at the end of that rainbow no credit card cg
back to the diner waiting tables JSJ
old woman slips jelly packets into her purse cg
mistaking a condom / for a condiment GD
runs her tongue / over red lips, / snaps her purse shut cg
Quiet out at sea the boat sinks JMB
hot songs melt the wax from sailors' ears GD
listening to a star leaving the lake WR
heaving light beneath the wave JMB
fingerprint in the pink birthday frosting cg
watching a cow’s spittle only eating grass WR
smell from next door something stronger than just tobacco JAJ
ashes as the police leave burning marijuana WR
flick. . . flick . . . flick stench of lighter fluid GD
permeating . . . a stick of sandalwood CC
it’s Sunday morning dear stop – I am praying WR
lectionary’s faded pages, cross references GD
trivia in the junk shop letters in medieval script FPA
under the bunk a trunkful of playbills CC
spiders and a french-fry sticky dust JMB

one of those guys who needs to have a snack afterwards JR
it was all so clear when a cardboard box was a spaceship CF

36-hole golf course
in my back yard     CC

 

 

~*~

gently wiping dust from grandmother's photograph october windsong TW
warm fall days chill at sunset BJ
last rush of color outdoing itself virginia creeper PC
nights behind closed eyes images in red float by JR
taps at sunrise opening daylilies on their graves PC
flowers of our youth gone – everyone MM
mind wasting memories disappear one by one JAJ
haiku eagle gliding in a sea of chance LCG
meteorite streaks across the night sky sudden cool breeze MWM
morning sun on a bayou mist KCL
first snow already melting dancing barefoot JAJ
thinking of Tundra buying new shoes TLG
breath suspended overhead, the northern lights in slow dance JAJ
father and son pause for a long moment RF
SOFT SHOULDERS warning he glances at his wife their 50th year GR
finishing the school of hard knocks YH
digital display counting the failing heart GD
she tries to add up all the good times YH
battery low the calculator reads "ERROR" GD
the new player late for the first game RF
dealing cards to an empty chair careless of how they land GD
face-down $10,000 poorer CC
richer for the experience bottoms up YH
"How do you stop a wino from charging?" CC
at the end of that rainbow no credit card cg
back to the diner waiting tables JSJ
old woman slips jelly packets into her purse cg
mistaking a condom / for a condiment GD
runs her tongue / over red lips, / snaps her purse shut cg
Quiet out at sea the boat sinks JMB
hot songs melt the wax from sailors' ears GD
listening to a star leaving the lake WR
heaving light beneath the wave JMB
fingerprint in the pink birthday frosting cg
bubblegum smack across her face JAJ
wiping her feet at heaven’s gate Pat Shelley CC
"wind do not muss my hair" calm skies on the day of her death JR
the dropped marble rolls out of sight GD
Lew Marie: "Give me Marvin Gardens, or give me death!" CC
eminent domain: dog cringing from master’s foot GD
bouncing off the rim clipped toenail CC
says she hates cobwebs the cleaning lady FPA
guests leaving she stays with pearls WR
idling engine I restart it CC
hybrids have it up the hill a standstill WR
ooo’s and ahhh’s my new rhyming dictionary   CC

looking through
my slang dictionary
for the right word        GD

 

~*~

gently wiping dust from grandmother's photograph october windsong TW
warm fall days chill at sunset BJ
last rush of color outdoing itself virginia creeper PC
nights behind closed eyes images in red float by JR
taps at sunrise opening daylilies on their graves PC
flowers of our youth gone – everyone MM
mind wasting memories disappear one by one JAJ
haiku eagle gliding in a sea of chance LCG
meteorite streaks across the night sky sudden cool breeze MWM
morning sun on a bayou mist KCL
first snow already melting dancing barefoot JAJ
thinking of Tundra buying new shoes TLG
breath suspended overhead, the northern lights in slow dance JAJ
father and son pause for a long moment RF
SOFT SHOULDERS warning he glances at his wife their 50th year GR
finishing the school of hard knocks YH
digital display counting the failing heart GD
she tries to add up all the good times YH
battery low the calculator reads "ERROR" GD
the new player late for the first game RF
dealing cards to an empty chair careless of how they land GD
face-down $10,000 poorer CC
richer for the experience bottoms up YH
"How do you stop a wino from charging?" CC
at the end of that rainbow no credit card cg
back to the diner waiting tables JSJ
old woman slips jelly packets into her purse cg
mistaking a condom / for a condiment GD
runs her tongue / over red lips, / snaps her purse shut cg
Quiet out at sea the boat sinks JMB
hot songs melt the wax from sailors' ears GD
listening to a star leaving the lake WR
heaving light beneath the wave JMB
fingerprint in the pink birthday frosting cg
watching a cow’s spittle only eating grass WR
smell from next door something stronger than just tobacco JAJ
ashes as the police leave burning marijuana WR
flick. . . flick . . . flick stench of lighter fluid GD
dust behind the radio stiff rubber band JMB
neither shrinking nor growing my 8-track collection CC
returns in a dream rock face I photographed with no point in mind FPA
the sandstone nose washing away JMB
on a postscript warned of insomnia waves pound a hunter’s moon FPA
my old manual the barely legible letters CC
tombstone script mostly turned to dust only vowels remain GD
a mountain quail leaves with its call its shadow      WR

movement
in the yard at midnight:
shadows of shadows        GD

without a real spring
summer, then
autumn, returns      CC

 

~*~
gently wiping dust from grandmother's photograph october windsong TW
warm fall days chill at sunset BJ
last rush of color outdoing itself virginia creeper PC
nights behind closed eyes images in red float by JR
taps at sunrise opening daylilies on their graves PC
flowers of our youth gone – everyone MM
mind wasting memories disappear one by one JAJ
haiku eagle gliding in a sea of chance LCG
meteorite streaks across the night sky sudden cool breeze MWM
morning sun on a bayou mist KCL
first snow already melting dancing barefoot JAJ
thinking of Tundra buying new shoes TLG
breath suspended overhead, the northern lights in slow dance JAJ
father and son pause for a long moment RF
SOFT SHOULDERS warning he glances at his wife their 50th year GR
finishing the school of hard knocks YH
digital display counting the failing heart GD
she tries to add up all the good times YH
battery low the calculator reads "ERROR" GD
the new player late for the first game RF
dealing cards to an empty chair careless of how they land GD

face-down $10,000 poorer CC
richer for the experience bottoms up YH
"How do you stop a wino from charging?" CC
at the end of that rainbow no credit card cg
back to the diner waiting tables JSJ
old woman slips jelly packets into her purse cg
mistaking a condom / for a condiment GD
runs her tongue / over red lips, / snaps her purse shut cg
Quiet out at sea the boat sinks JMB
hot songs melt the wax from sailors' ears GD
listening to a star leaving the lake WR
heaving light beneath the wave JMB
fingerprint in the pink birthday frosting cg
watching a cow’s spittle only eating grass WR
smell from next door something stronger than just tobacco JAJ
ashes as the police leave burning marijuana WR
flick. . . flick . . . flick stench of lighter fluid GD
dust behind the radio stiff rubber band JMB
neither shrinking nor growing my 8-track collection CC
returns in a dream rock face I photographed with no point in mind FPA
the sandstone nose washing away JMB
oh-oh-oh snuff-snuff-snuffle caShoo GD
the red moon pales as it rises above the pollution GD
brownout at the chocolate factory     CC

girls giggling
fingers between each other’s
hairy shoulder blades          WR

 

~*~
gently wiping dust from grandmother's photograph october windsong TW
warm fall days chill at sunset BJ
last rush of color outdoing itself virginia creeper PC
nights behind closed eyes images in red float by JR
taps at sunrise opening daylilies on their graves PC
flowers of our youth gone – everyone MM
mind wasting memories disappear one by one JAJ
haiku eagle gliding in a sea of chance LCG
meteorite streaks across the night sky sudden cool breeze MWM
morning sun on a bayou mist KCL
first snow already melting dancing barefoot JAJ
thinking of Tundra buying new shoes TLG
breath suspended overhead, the northern lights in slow dance JAJ
father and son pause for a long moment RF
SOFT SHOULDERS warning he glances at his wife their 50th year GR
finishing the school of hard knocks YH
digital display counting the failing heart GD
she tries to add up all the good times YH
battery low the calculator reads "ERROR" GD
the new player late for the first game RF
dealing cards to an empty chair careless of how they land GD
face-down $10,000 poorer CC
richer for the experience bottoms up YH
"How do you stop a wino from charging?" CC

at the end of that rainbow no credit card cg
back to the diner waiting tables JSJ
old woman slips jelly packets into her purse cg
mistaking a condom / for a condiment GD
runs her tongue / over red lips, / snaps her purse shut cg
Quiet out at sea the boat sinks JMB
hot songs melt the wax from sailors' ears GD
listening to a star leaving the lake WR
heaving light beneath the wave JMB
fingerprint in the pink birthday frosting cg
watching a cow’s spittle only eating grass WR
smell from next door something stronger than just tobacco JAJ
ashes as the police leave burning marijuana WR
flick. . . flick . . . flick stench of lighter fluid GD
permeating . . . a stick of sandalwood CC
it’s Sunday morning dear stop – I am praying WR
lectionary’s faded pages, cross references GD
trivia in the junk shop letters in medieval script FPA
Friar Tuck’s lost shopping list a new habit GD
from rich to poor the feathered arrow CC
cutting in halves the flesh of cherry trees WR
autopsy table body of the coroner      CC

buying a dish
automatically erasing
the News WR

 

~*~

gently wiping dust from grandmother's photograph october windsong TW
warm fall days chill at sunset BJ
last rush of color outdoing itself virginia creeper PC
nights behind closed eyes images in red float by JR
taps at sunrise opening daylilies on their graves PC
flowers of our youth gone – everyone MM
mind wasting memories disappear one by one JAJ
haiku eagle gliding in a sea of chance LCG
meteorite streaks across the night sky sudden cool breeze MWM
morning sun on a bayou mist KCL
first snow already melting dancing barefoot JAJ
thinking of Tundra buying new shoes TLG
breath suspended overhead, the northern lights in slow dance JAJ
father and son pause for a long moment RF
SOFT SHOULDERS warning he glances at his wife their 50th year GR
finishing the school of hard knocks YH
digital display counting the failing heart GD
she tries to add up all the good times YH
battery low the calculator reads "ERROR" GD
the new player late for the first game RF
dealing cards to an empty chair careless of how they land GD
face-down $10,000 poorer CC
richer for the experience bottoms up YH
"How do you stop a wino from charging?" CC
at the end of that rainbow no credit card cg
back to the diner waiting tables JSJ
old woman slips jelly packets into her purse cg

mistaking a condom / for a condiment GD
runs her tongue / over red lips, / snaps her purse shut cg
Quiet out at sea the boat sinks JMB
hot songs melt the wax from sailors' ears GD
listening to a star leaving the lake WR
heaving light beneath the wave JMB
fingerprint in the pink birthday frosting cg
watching a cow’s spittle only eating grass WR
smell from next door something stronger than just tobacco JAJ
ashes as the police leave burning marijuana WR
flick. . . flick . . . flick stench of lighter fluid GD
dust behind the radio stiff rubber band JMB
egg cases the spiders left under the dresser drawers GD
a card a match tooth a whisker french fry JMB
borrowed words we never return JR
a call to silence - the sound of a hammer on the anvil FPA
whispered prayers the death of a Pope CC
taken from me by a soap bubble the face of water WR
the reality mirror we know better than to accept as reality             jr

one with
a hairpin along
the pale new moon      WR

evening chill
reflections settle themselves
on the water       FPA

 

 

SWARMING
6-word links on the Theme: swarming
18 links


storm a hand, shape of wind - John M. Bennett
carrying the birds’ idea of food JR
news of doughnuts in the break room cg
the case of the pedophile priest CC
memories of a my own shame JR
that I couldn’t count to six JMB
a handful of ideas to touch JR
cough glue thighs love gland uh JMB
basil and a pinch of nutmeg CC
birds of prey osprey and kite FPA
vultures on bended knees as nuns JR
fire extinguished but seldom blown out WR
the poem submitted to another contest JR
the words reversed the title air JMB
ignores DOG Santa enters the garden    FPA

earthly god giving until it hurts    JR

 

~&~
storm a hand, shape of wind - John M. Bennett
carrying the birds’ idea of food JR
news of doughnuts in the break room cg
the case of the pedophile priest CC
memories of a my own shame JR
that I couldn’t count to six JMB
a handful of ideas to touch JR
cough glue thighs love gland uh JMB
basil and a pinch of nutmeg CC
birds of prey osprey and kite FPA
vultures on bended knees as nuns JR
fire extinguished but seldom blown out WR
the poem submitted to another contest JR
"Hm," she says, "another honorable mention." CC
a "horrible mention" he corrects her     JR

teacher runs out of red ink    CC

 

~&~
Storm a hand, shape of wind - John M. Bennett
carrying the birds’ idea of food JR
news of doughnuts in the break room cg
the case of the pedophile priest CC
memories of a my own shame JR
your daydreams crowding out the cobwebs CC
water the window dry the face JMB
the hokku with one thousand links GD
fantasies given hydraulic help by pills JR
the brain curves vertical landing fields WR
past the headache’s light the wall JMB
the witty wife’s world wide witchery WR
Scrabble game I shuffle seven consonants CC
tarot dealer cheating again hides Death GD
we dress to gamble in Vegas    WR

that special ensemble for the dance    GD

 

~&~

Storm a hand, shape of wind - John M. Bennett
carrying the birds’ idea of food JR
news of doughnuts in the break room cg
the case of the pedophile priest CC
memories of a my own shame JR
your daydreams crowding out the cobwebs CC
water the window dry the face JMB
the hokku with one thousand links GD
fantasies given hydraulic help by pills JR
the brain curves vertical landing fields WR
sci-fic novels pile by my bed JR
chewing then choking yellow sea slugs WR
face in plate a dripping spiral JMB
cool moon wears a bright halo FPA
plastic sun-burst clock clicking dark minutes GD
the automobile license plate: "BUS STOP "    CC

photos of poets crazed by light   GD

 

~&~
Storm a hand, shape of wind - John M. Bennett
carrying the birds’ idea of food JR
news of doughnuts in the break room cg
the case of the pedophile priest CC
memories of a my own shame JR
your daydreams crowding out the cobwebs CC
water the window dry the face JMB
deafening the music of your eyes CC
we’ll swim until death parts us WR
center of the storm – paradise island JR
cosmic beach Milky Way all lit FPA
flaring match lights the electric bill CC
no moon standing between wind chimes CF
a sound in the dark – bright JR
clouds seeing us as curious animals     CF

Reincarnation – the trip around the block    JR

 

~&~
storm a hand, shape of wind - John M. Bennett
carrying the birds’ idea of food JR
news of doughnuts in the break room cg
the case of the pedophile priest CC
memories of a my own shame JR
that I couldn’t count to six JMB
a handful of ideas to touch JR
cough glue thighs love gland uh JMB
basil and a pinch of nutmeg CC
birds of prey osprey and kite FPA
vultures on bended knees as nuns JR
fire extinguished but seldom blown out WR
the poem submitted to another contest JR
county fair winners and losers cry GD
halls decked with bows of holly      FPA

or Holly Hall decked by beaus    JR

 

~&~
Storm a hand, shape of wind - John M. Bennett
carrying the birds’ idea of food JR
news of doughnuts in the break room cg
the case of the pedophile priest CC
memories of a my own shame JR
your daydreams crowding out the cobwebs CC
water the window dry the face JMB
deafening the music of your eyes CC
we’ll swim until death parts us WR
center of the storm – paradise island JR
cosmic beach Milky Way all lit FPA
flaring match lights the electric bill CC
no moon standing between wind chimes CF
pretend the wind and power vanished CC
trees trash leaves into the street    GD

in a dirt hole – clean gophers JR

 

VANILLA RENGA
A plain ol’ renga with 2 / 3 lines for 12 links

 ~&~

smoothing the sea
sunset’s metallic gold
hammered flat Jane Reichhold

the chocolate and strawberry
carefully removed CC

on her back
running down the spine
whipped cream WR

Reddi or not
here I come! CC

sundae or son day
a confusion of words
is my delight JR

the players argue:
who cut the cheese?     GD

barking spiders
the raspberry sound
joins laughter     JR

 

 ~&~

smoothing the sea
sunset’s metallic gold
hammered flat Jane Reichhold

the chocolate and strawberry
carefully removed CC

on her back
running down the spine
whipped cream WR

Reddi or not
here I come! CC

sundae or son day
a confusion of words
is my delight JR

country store checkerboard
between two barrels     CC

old men’s lies
about fish never caught
women not kissed    JR

 

~&~

smoothing the sea
sunset’s metallic gold
hammered flat Jane Reichhold

crumpling the foil
to make a ball for the cat GD

recyling
junk mail
a new poem JR

plagiarized
punch line CC

copycats
serving the drink designed
by Martha Stewart JR

"The quality of mercy
is not strained, -"etc., etc. FPA

furrin accent
my kingdom
for a hearse CC

mid-summer breeze
Snowman’s sneeze     FPA

it’snot rain
the clatter of hailstones
on the window    JR

John Stewart
practicing
his "spit take"     CC

 

~&~

smoothing the sea
sunset’s metallic gold
hammered flat Jane Reichhold

Firestone shredding
its tread CC

grating cheese
on the chopped vegetables
April lunchtime GD

Hellman’s left
in the fridge CC

squeeze-bottle
collapsed on its
sticky innards GD

smell circles outward
from the skunk roadkill JR

the perimeter
if where I boxed
myself in CC

the bright light of opportunity
comes in the shine of gold     JR

still at the death bed
eyebrows
waving from a surfer     WR

 

~&~

smoothing the sea
sunset’s metallic gold
hammered flat Jane Reichhold

coin awakes
pulls the sheet up JMB

my river
your ocean
gone fishin CF

garden’s old pond
goldfish round a blue moon FPA

where Basho
once walked all night
tourists JR

a monarch
on the golf course FPA

still in awe
even when it is only
a butterfly JR

Christmas fires
long fickle drought      CF

fruitwood
ablaze with blossoms
even when cut    JR

 

 

~&~

smoothing the sea
sunset’s metallic gold
hammered flat Jane Reichhold

coin awakes
pulls the sheet up JMB

my river
your ocean
gone fishin CF

garden’s old pond
goldfish round a blue moon FPA

where Basho
once walked all night
tourists JR

a monarch
on the golf course FPA

still in awe
even when it is only
a butterfly JR

tv buffet
everything so tempting    CC

black out
I fantasize about white men’s
hungry dreams     WR

 

~&~

smoothing the sea
sunset’s metallic gold
hammered flat Jane Reichhold

crumpling the foil
to make a ball for the cat GD

catch –
the door bell
and hers mingling WR

soles of sleep
pooled beneath JMB

the knitted sleeve
mended with knurled fingers

the same old dream JR

on my winter window
breath becomes frozen thistles WR

the flower
you bring me only
at night JR

on her back tattooed
fruits I dare to touch    WR

smiling
she offers a taste
of her peach       GD

 

~&~

smoothing the sea
sunset’s metallic gold
hammered flat Jane Reichhold

coin awakes
pulls the sheet up JMB

my river
your ocean
gone fishin CF

once before when two
alone felt united WR

he said
"your enemy is my friend"
and smiled JR

swabbed off its flank
lion’s anesthetic pinch FPA

best part of the show
the film begins with the roar
of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer JR

better haiku if . . .
I only had a brain    CC

scarecrow and the tin man
between them the wisdom
of the natural world     JR

 

~&~

smoothing the sea
sunset’s metallic gold
hammered flat Jane Reichhold

crumpling the foil
to make a ball for the cat GD

recyling
junk mail
a new poem JR

plagiarized
punch line CC

copycats
serving the drink designed
by Martha Stewart JR

a chip in
the china plate CC

the sake cup
made valuable by the crack
gold-filled JR

out of organic tea
we watch the neighbor sniffle     WR

her woes
from kids to money
all gone bad     JR

 

~&~

smoothing the sea
sunset’s metallic gold
hammered flat Jane Reichhold

crumpling the foil
to make a ball for the cat GD

recyling
junk mail
a new poem JR

plagiarized
punch line CC

copycats
serving the drink designed
by Martha Stewart JR

a chip in
the china plate CC

the sake cup
made valuable by the crack
gold-filled JR

Rudolph the red nosed-reindeer
one foggy Christmas Eve guides     FPA

the idea of gift-giving
learned from the three wise men
paid for with plastic    JR

 

~&~

smoothing the sea
sunset’s metallic gold
hammered flat Jane Reichhold

crumpling the foil
to make a ball for the cat GD

recyling
junk mail
a new poem JR

plagiarized
punch line CC

copycats
serving the drink designed
by Martha Stewart JR

a chip in
the china plate CC

the sake cup
made valuable by the crack
gold-filled JR

four lanes of interstate
heading north     CC

roads
leading us along as if
they knew something    JR

 

WHEELING ALONG
5-liners, verse or prose
ends with 12 links

&

a wheel keeps spinning
the hamster long dead
on its path
on my path
an inaudible breeze     WR

closing eyes
against the sea that
swallows the sun
the ache of being diminished
by a most marvelous day JR

following
dotted lines
another mile closer
to my daughter’s
final flight CC

I wanted to enter light
so I am planting a wildfire
and everywhere mad
there’s hardly anything left
a sudden rain sweeps up petals JR

riffled pages
of our open books
all the places
we continue to go
in our memories
(for Nancy Pearl and Theodor Geisel)    CC

I see the color questions
unfurling in fern tops
pearl drops
the moon face
giving in      WR

 

~&~

a wheel keeps spinning
the hamster long dead
on its path
on my path
an inaudible breeze     WR

bands spiral by
the bright round moon
languid luminosities
whisper of
the coming storm EL

opens our eyes
with a wake of destruction
flooding
left by the hurricane
seems to be endless tears JR

Astrodome
a sea of cots
but back in Louisiana
the slow-moving tsunami
of budget cuts     CC

just talk-words
seeping into the evening
childhood again
that man’s hands on me
unable to speak still      JR

 

~&~

a wheel keeps spinning
the hamster long dead
on its path
on my path
an inaudible breeze     WR

April 15
hardly any time
left to meet
the deadline
for links CC

with poems
paying my taxes
the IRS
has nothing to do with
a goddess named Iris JR

flying
on wings of five lines
I expect landing
on noh grounds
the verse without me   WR

see how she flies
and bestrides the dogmatic realm
of suffering
in infinite space where rays diverge
I’ll move like cautious sunlight – open    JR

 

   
   
 

Submission Rules 

Who We Are

Deadline 
for new links is
September 1, 2006

Links Copyright © Designated Authors 1985 - 2006.
Page Copyright © Jane Reichhold 2006.

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