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Mary Roblyn's avatar

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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Petra Hernandez's avatar

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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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Thank you, Petra. It’s a journey.

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Macy Hudgins's avatar

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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Petra Hernandez's avatar

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

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Macy Hudgins's avatar

Thank you for creating the Adventure!

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Jo Candiano's avatar

You're such a great cheerleader.

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Petra Hernandez's avatar

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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Justine Beaudoin's avatar

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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Petra Hernandez's avatar

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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Notes from the Dragon's Nest's avatar

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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Petra Hernandez's avatar

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

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

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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Petra Hernandez's avatar

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

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Holly Starley's avatar

What an intriguing prompt list! :)

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Petra Hernandez's avatar

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

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Paolo Peralta's avatar

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

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