Participation Renga


TABLE OF CONTENTS XX:2 June, 2005			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 MHH Madeline Hoffer ML Minna Lerman MM Marianne Marks MWM Mary Wittry-Mason N Nika NA Nasira Alma PC Penny Crosby PGC Pamela Connor PJS P.J. Sharpe PS Pat Shelley R Ronan RF Robert Flannery SCH Suzette Hains SD Simon Doubleday SMc Steve McComas TLG Terri Lee Grell 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 However, links that clearly neglect the hokku poet's guidelines will not be published.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, 2003		(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 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 smile behind her lips CC in my pocket, a snapshot as a warm day’s reminder CM ~&~ 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 trembling as the door opens – no escape, no refuge GD backstage Juliet and her Romeo palm to palm FPA divorce court the judge’s wife’s lipstick 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 unguarded mirror returns light slowly GD a magnet breaks into two equal magnets CF one blitz only then no more light after radiation WR ages in a rocking chair woodman forgetful of the tree 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 ~&~ 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 ~&~ 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 waterfront beacon Maigret’s pipe 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 ~&~ 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 both of them JR ~&~ 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 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 egg cases the spiders left under the dresser drawers GD a card a match a tooth a whisker a french fry a JMB borrowed words we never return JR transformed puddles into ice rinks CF feet flying those ruby red boots with silver blades JR ~~ 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 pine needles scent partly annoys 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 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 sweet potato moon ushered into view 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 quickly wiping dust JMB at one time a letter said to be mislaid still unread 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 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 ~~ 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 ~~ 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 swept away by the waves his past GV seed-light the candle flickers pumpkin round 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 a tooth a whisker a french fry a 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 ~~ 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 ~~ 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 ~~ 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 SWARMING 6-word links on the Theme: swarming 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* ~&~ 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 trees chatter long slow undulation twigs JMB *Voices of mendicant friars at lauds FPA* ~&~ 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 standing between wind chimes with no moon wind and power VF ~&~ 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* ~&~ 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* 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 April 15 hardly any time left to meet the deadline for links CC bands spiral by the bright round moon languid luminosities whisper of the coming storm EL closing eyes against the sea that swallows the sun the ache of being diminished by a most marvelous day 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 black light poster of Jefferson Airplane CC joining a rare rural joint WR ~&~ 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 quality of mercy is not strained, -"etc., etc. FPA ~&~ 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 seeds by snail mail shake the money tree CF a wish made by a green candle double-folded JR refreshed on Indian ashes smoke rings 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 J MB the knitted sleeve mended with knurled fingers the same old dream JR on my winter window breath becomes frozen thistles WR ~&~ 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 with the light on it still looks empty the porch JR orange glow morning faced to natives 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 drenched shirt collar on fire JMB ~&~ 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 ~&~ 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 ~&~ 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 spun dirt cloud sunk rice dissolves JMB the tornado spins a top its own brainless mind JR



	Submission Rules Who We Are Deadline for new links is Sept. 1, 2005	Links Copyright © Designated Authors 1985 - 2005. Page Copyright © Jane Reichhold 2005. Read Twenty Years of Renga - All the finished participation renga. Feel you need to learn a bit more about Renga?