(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 mile spread behind her hips JMB
in the meadow
we can build a snowman 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
~&~
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
~&~
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
a flickering candle
then it is not so cold CF
in the darkness between
covers, we dream 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
spirit so simple
only the mind
gets confused CF
allergic
skin flushes
under the mistletoe 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
"The moon sets at midnight
I walk alone" Shoushan
meta
opening the attachment –
nothing displays but the code GD
decades old now?
computer message haiku CC
~&~
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
deep sleep with me the hallowed touchstones WR
Suzy Snowflake
in snow white gown 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
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
~&~
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
~&~
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
~&~
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
~&~
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
in a cold bed
a hot brick slowly cools 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
pale sky waits for a cloud to paint its silver lining FPA
dawn comes
to a world of rain
dropPING 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
i o u
a Y GD
literacy job applicant
the misspelled words 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
~*~
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
~*~
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
~*~
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
~*~
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
~*~
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
analyst’s daughter proud of her tall tower of Rorschach cards FPA
Tarot tower falls
in the wind 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
~*~
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
~*~
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
~*~
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
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
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
~&~
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
~&~
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
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
~&~
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
~&~
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
~&~
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
VANILLA
RENGA
A plain ol’ renga with 2 / 3 lines for 12 links
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
~&~
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
four lanes of interstate
heading north CC
out of organic tea
we watch the neighbor sniffle 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
tv buffet
everything
so tempting CC
~&~
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
a checkerboard between
two barrels CC
the players argue:
who cut the cheese? 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
~&~
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
~&~
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
~&~
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
closing the window
perfumes in a mix
of four-legged creatures WR
the open curtain exposes
feet in both directions at once 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
Katrina comes
Katrina leaves
from time to time WR
the whole land a disaster
whether blue or red states 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
drenched shirt
collar on fire JMB
Shrove Tuesday
late to receive by post
the mask for the ball FPA
going as myself I’ll win
first prize for funniest 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
joining a rare
rural joint WR
our lips
share the old folksong:
"green, green grass of home" 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
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
~&~
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
&
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
~&~
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
spreading
with a string of juice
a bee
on its flight
luminous fragrance WR
fashioned by Sunday
a bird, then a snake and a toad
my evening walk
and the sweetness of fields
that made Ohio hard to farm JR
~&~
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
she guesses
implanted sperm
close to a dream
peeked twins will become
ritual dancers WR
stay in your skin
so this miracle belongs to anyone
a blank – now being
calmly painting the river view
by all the eyes in the climax forest JR
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