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For forty-five years

He smoked. Then he blamed himself

For dying. No words.

(Sometimes a haiku

Writes itself, with a small prompt.

Afterwards, you cry).

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Yes, tears, Mary. Thank you for sharing. And I like the parenthetical haiku added on. I've never seen that before and it really adds to the experience.

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Thank you, Petra. It’s a journey.

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Sometimes I feel like

A flashlight.

I am only as good

As the size of my beam.

I feel hidden,

Waiting for a storm to come.

Only when the power is out

And everything is

Darker than pitch

Do people call my name.

And yet,

I always answer.

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Wow. Beautiful and real. This is really interesting and evocative, Macy. I'm glad you found the Adventure and joined! :)

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Thank you for creating the Adventure!

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You're such a great cheerleader.

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That's so kind, Jo. Thank you! I always feel undertakings and adventures are lighter when there's a great cheering team. We all deserve more cheers. :)

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Hi Petra - I wandered on to this post just yesterday. Never ever once in my life have I felt inspired by a prompt list but somehow it's as though you wrote this about my life and everyone I have ever loved. It's almost scary. I will be writing poems and who knows what else to these for some time to come. I may or may not ever share them, but thanks for this. Great job.

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Hi, Justine! So glad you connected with this prompt list! And so cool that it will be feeding your writing life. Have so much fun with all the creating. :)

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So sorry I missed this year's poetry adventure! I may return just to jump into one of your prompts as I am moved to. Now that I follow you, I look forward to your next Poetry Adventure! ~:0)

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Yes! Please jump in whenever you feel called to. And looking forward to you joining in next year. :)

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Petra, I am moved beyond words that you chose this poem as one of your twelve selections. You are so very generous and kind.

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Your poem is beautiful and painful, Mary. Thank you for sharing such a real and personal poem.

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What an intriguing prompt list! :)

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Thank you, Holly! I have a lot of fun putting them together every year. :)

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Love these! Let's stay connected 👉https://substack.com/@makepurethyheart?r=1zorpg&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile

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