keynote memories
moody blues in black and white
a songbook of tears
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Photorealism Paining: Rob Hefferan
This is day 1 of 29 haiku in 29 days
This is day 1 of 29 haiku in 29 days
Day 1 Theme: Freestyle
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Perfect Poet Award, Week 61/Glory of Chilbirth
giving life through pain
the family tree blossoms
glory of childbirth
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Image: baby-wallpapers.net
Thank you so much for the award.
I nominate Lolamouse
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Discord
anger tossed ranting
boomerangs through static air
words return to wound
discord paints
with
chaotic brush
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Image: Red Spot II Wallisy Kandinsky
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Drought Robbed Him
The earth smells of drought,
parched straw burns his nostrils,
rotting fish perfumes with its death.
He misses his boat rides on the lake,
the splash of water, seagulls calling above him,
and freedom from the sound of her complaining.
He can’t remember the song she used to sing.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
The poetic form is sevenling. This is my first attempt at the form.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Silhouettes
winks at feline silhouette
curiosity
ecstatic release
the spirit in silhouette
immutable joy
- 0 -
silhouette of an affair
midnight seclusion
©Susie Clevenger 2012
The Fingerprint of Your Voice
I was nothing but white paper
until you took your pen
across my face.
How loudly I speak now
with the fingerprint of your voice.
My ink lips protest your dismay
at not finding the right shoes.
When I first saw your shadow
upon me I believed
there would be something
profound recorded on
my virgin surface,
a sonnet, a cinquain, an epistle.
Now I wish to curl up
in a wrinkled ball.
My dream
of fame
reduced
to selfish
ramblings
of a fashion
deprived
Twit!
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Real Toads Challenge: Write a futuristic poem
Not sure I met the challenge but I had fun. :)
Interview With Susie Clevenger, Laundry Goddess!
Me: That wicked witch Kerry says I have to interview someone for Toads. (extensive whining edited out.) Are you game?
Susie: Sure, I'm game... :-)
Susie: I started blogging seriously the end of 2009. It was a progression from a traumatic car accident I suffered in 2006. I was struck by a girl who was texting. It caused numerous injuries and almost took my life. One injury was brain damage. I suffered microscopic tears to the frontal lobe of my brain in the area where the essence of who you are is located. I had subtle personality changes, became a bigger risk taker, and suffer from ADHD. I had always had an outgoing personality, but it was kicked into high gear. Because of the accident, I felt there were things I needed to say and must say, and so my writing journey began.
Writing has become a passion for me. I can't imagine life without it now. I am not sure if it is odd or not, but when I write I can stay focused. I don't fidget or forget what I was doing ten minutes prior. It has broadened my world by meeting other writers who I have grown to love and who are great motivators to continue to spread my wings while learning more about the art of writing.
Susie: I do think of myself primarily as a poet. That is my first love. A quote from one of my own poems appears at the top of my Laundry Goddess blog, "I am hearing poetry when awake... dreaming poetry when asleep... breathing poetry with each breath... I am living in a poem." For me, life is a poetic language spoken in verse.
I also have a prose blog. I started it last year, 2011, as a way to deal with losing my father and father in law a month apart. I consider writing my "pencil" therapy to come to grips with whatever is troubling me. Susie's Sentences lets me do that in whatever manner strikes me at the moment. It has also expanded into attempts at writing short stories.
Me: It says that you love butterflies. Me too! Is it the symbology, their beauty, or something else about them that appeals to you?
Me: What sorts of things inspire you to write?
Me: I'm going to put you on the spot a little bit. What is your favorite thing or feature at Toads?
Susie: That is a tough question. There is much I like at Toads. I really like the support of one another as writers. Whenever a prompt is presented, fellow Toads take time to not only create their own written piece, but take time to read and comment on the work of others. I feel humbled and honored to be part of a community of such talented artists.
Me: I really want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me, Susie. One last question... do you have a favorite poem of your own that you would like to share, here?
My Mind Writes with Antique Pen
My mind writes
with an antique pen.
The poets long gone
are the muses
that whisper to me.
Dear Poe turned
the light on
with his dark verses.
He captured me
with his words
to birth my desire
to write.
Miss Browning asked,
“How do I love thee?”
As she counted the ways
my heart dreamed
the stanzas of my own
love poem.
Emily Bronte wrote
of tears that only ceased
when others were looking.
This gave me the courage
to speak my own tears.
Inspiration comes to me
from poets long gone.
They are my teachers
speaking their lessons
through their verses.
I pray I am a student
worthy to continue
with my pen.
©Susie Clevenger 2011
Shiny Bite of Forbidden
The magic of temptation,
to have and not hold.
A shiny bite of forbidden
to sink one’s teeth in
while plotting an escape.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Image: Adam by try to touch at deviantART
Vice/Versa - Midnight Snack Weekly Prompt # 4
Poets United
Vice/Versa - Midnight Snack Weekly Prompt # 4
Poets United
Monday, January 23, 2012
Into The Wind
She speaks
into the silence
her prayer
and amen.
Her life balanced
on hoping
she hasn’t
tossed her heart
into the wind.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Feathers Appear Twice
Beauty Tied
Beauty tied
with a grieving band
to the feathered death
of individuality.
Killed by a noxious ale
of conformity’s interpretation
deftly administered in
small doses until unique
had a metamorphosis
into a replica of
brainwashed perception.
A bright light
now diffused
by originality’s surrender.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
____________________________
Feathers of Immortality
Beauty sleeps
on angel down,
gathered feathers
of immortality.
A body caught
in a photographic wink
now tied to artistic eternity.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Photograph: From Boris Hoppek’s Tokyo exhibit “Ever”
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Equine Dreams
Equine dreams,
the valley vibrates
with freedom’s hooves
leaving their exclamation.
No spirit harnessed
to human will
but loosed to follow
the voice of the wind.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Photograph: Margaret Bednar: Just Horses
Real Toads Photography Challenge
TipToe
i wait on tiptoes
as I watch the sun rising
my day of dreams
- 0 -
the dance of secrets
a shadow walk on tiptoe
discovery waits
love’s tiptoe vigil
waiting for a matching heart
doubt has no foothold
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Photographs: Favim
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Tanaga ~ Censorship
knowledge held hostage by laws
as censorship bears its claws
citizens rise up-protest
freedom was immigrants’ quest
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Emotic Stares
Picked from the garden of their youth,
flowers with perfect bone structure
bloom with exotic petals.
Camera flashes of emotic stares,
bedroom seduction, innocence
are hot house images pressed in portfolios.
Critical eyes choose the blossoms to display
in advertising gardens where painted flowers
attract a population willing to buy a lie.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Image: desktopnexus
And Now It's Spring
spring flirts with snowflakes
dancing them into the sun
winter says goodbye
- 0 -
tulips rise reborn
from frozen winter snowshoes
bright bloomed revival
melody of spring
the music of renewal
is sung from thawed joy
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Photographs: Favim
Poetry Picnic Week 22: Spring
Monday, January 16, 2012
Amphitrite’s Sacrifice
The gurgling breath of Amphitrite
rises in aqua summons calling
captains to steer their ships
to ride the nipple waves of her breasts.
She gather’s her children
into the liar’s pool at her feet
rocking them with deception
to prepare for net and hook.
Amphitrite raises her sacrifice
to sunlit eyes peering into the drink.
Algae tears pour from her eyes
as she does what she must.
Human arms respond, wrestling
finned bodies from her arms.
There is nothing she can do
as life that has its beginning
must also meet its end.
Her hope is that man
will not take all her children
born in the salty delivery room
of the turquoise blue sea.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Sculpture: Jason deCaires Taylor
Sunday, January 15, 2012
History Raped by Progress
Brick and mortar secrets
hold together walls
of crumbling orange.
Opulence now decayed
into black molded memories
weeps in the cold light
of shattered stained glass eyes.
The brittle bones of grandeur
are broken by junk dealers
seeking rusty treasures
to sit as conversation pieces
on faux wood shelves.
A black and white document
more obituary than declaration
of legal intent is nailed
to a carved oaken door.
It reads, This property is condemned
and scheduled for demolition.
In the courtyard a stone cherub
sits in stoic silence
as history is raped by progress.
A mansion once built
to add grace and beauty
to a growing city now lies
an obstacle to be removed.
It sits on real estate needed
to build a towered parking lot.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Photograph: Isadora Gruye
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Goodbye to Burlesque
It was time
to retire her boa.
There was no more
campy comedy in her.
The stage lights
reflected her age
in its leather pattern
more alligator
than beauty.
Her simulated
bump and grind,
a caricature
that needed
interpretation,
drew more
demands to
leave the stage
than catcalls
to continue.
In a world
of exaggeration
she was its epitome
when she
was at her best.
Now she was
a copy of a faded era
barely readable.
In ancient heels
she gave her
last shimmy
and smiled
a last suggestive grin.
With boo’s
rumbling the rafters
she took a bow
saying goodbye
to Burlesque.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Art: High Society- Fernando Botero
dVerse Poetics: Fernando Botero
Friday, January 13, 2012
Sharp Edges of Vanity
He pulls the sidewalk
around him like a blanket,
its oiled footprints reeking
of cigarette butts
and cloying desperation,
neon his nightlight.
Stars as close as dreams
avoid his transient bed,
their self indulgence glaring
through designer eyes.
A homeless man repulsive
to their privileged senses.
Wrapped in torn paper
entertainment news
bleeds across his skin
scarring his identity
with the sharp edges
of Hollywood’s vanity.
Fame has more value than life.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Photograph: Reuter’s
Sharp Edges of Vanity by susie-clevenger
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Uncertainty's Palms
Three doors,
life’s game show
decisions,
youth unprepared,
age too disillusioned,
nails pressed into
uncertainty’s palms.
Today grows
more impatient
as it asks
which one?
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Photo Credit: pareeerica's
The Thursday Think Tank # 80
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Abandoned Tree
Silver tinsel clings
to brown needles
like arms that can’t let go.
When I see a Christmas tree
lying next to the curb,
I wonder what secrets
are hidden in its branches.
Is there joy of
a family united
or sorrow the season
left a void?
What were the memories
written in wrapping
paper and ribbon
where the tree once stood?
The evergreen that was
the decorated centerpiece
of a Christmas holiday
now lies brown and abandoned.
I can’t know the story
that sits silent in its limbs.
All I can do as I stand
over its crumbling glory
is hope that if it could speak
it would tell me, “I saw Peace.”
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Photograph: Photobucket
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Alone
my fingertips touch
the empty air of alone
help me feel again
- 0 -
there is no more us
a divided you and i
locked inside our pain
serenity speaks
alone is the place to learn
the meaning of whole
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Photographs: Favim
Monday, January 9, 2012
My Land of Oz
I rule a concrete kingdom
with steel spines
and mirrored eyes.
This is my land of oz
where my imposing
likeness is the curtain
I hide behind.
My subjects who bow
are caught up in the fantasy
of who I am and ignore
my declarations are
read from a script.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Image: Lee Friedlander
Magpie Tales: Mag99
Sunday, January 8, 2012
All Around Wonderful
She asks that I would choose three blogs that I feel are wonderful to receive this award. That is a tough call because there are so many wonderful blogs out there. I have chosen three of the marvelous blogs I follow for this award.
She has amazing talent and challenges each of her followers to explore and develop their talent to the fullest.
Grace's talent blesses with words that create beautiful imagery as she shares cheer, fun, and love for life.
Ginny's writing has a grace and style that captivates the reader.
Summer Weeps
Warm days huddle on the calendar gathering their strength
as summer weeps that it must say goodbye.
Ribbon water curls in blue question marks
asking autumn its time of arrival.
An exodus of feathered wings
waits for the call
to take flight
towards the
sun.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Image: The Lonely Cry-Ken Simm
Inspired by the photographic art of
Ken Simm for Real Toads
Saturday, January 7, 2012
A Blogging Resurrection
Kellie Elmore at Magic in the Backyard has introduced a fun project. It is to dig up seven posts from your archive and gather them in one post. It was also suggested you might like to share some insight on each piece with your readers.
So with a deep breath...Here are my seven.
Your first post: I had decided to jump in the blogging waters back in 2007. I hadn't started writing poetry at that time so it was more like a diary entry about a cruise I had just taken. Having so much fun came at a price. I came back coughing and sneezing. Appropriately I titled the entry Party Effects. Hope you have a fun reading it, and by all means don't catch a cold!
A post you enjoyed writing the most: This entry was one of my early poems. I had met an online friend and was chatting with her. Unfortunately I had drank a little too much wine. It had loosened my tongue and I was talking way too much. This poem I titled Wine Secrets is a mixture of confession and Dr. Seuss. Hope it brings a smile.
A poem that had a great discussion: I have written several that have received a fair amount of commentary, but the one that is closest to my heart and had the most touching responses is Mama I Miss You. My mother died in 2007 and suffered from Alzheimer's. It is such a tragic disease. I wrote the poem from my last visit with her before her death. The photograph was also the last one ever taken of my mother.
A post on someone else's blog that you wish you had written: I love Mama Zen's poetry blog another damn poetry blog. Each one of her writings is a treasure. I really can't pick a favorite. Take some time to read her work. I think you will be impressed and fall in love with her just as I have.
A post with a title that you are proud of: That would be my poem Our Side of Heaven. It just feels good to write about love and the precious bond it brings.
A post that you wish more people had read: My poem Tiny House. It is just because it means so much to me. The little house I was raised in was sold last spring. My parents owned it for 58 years. So much of my life goes back to that place in the country.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Stench of Lies
Your scent
crawls across
the dust
filling my nostrils
with its stench.
It reeks of lies
and the odor
of lust.
Your deceit
leaves a trail
from one
bedroom
to another.
You hurt
my child
with your
betrayal.
Her tears
are the blood
pouring from
her wounded
heart.
My claws are
drawn to
tear your
infidelity
To shreds.
Think not
you will
escape my
vengeance.
What a foolish
mistake to harm
the cub of
a lioness.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Photograph: desktopnexus.com
This is just a short poem where I let go and showed my claws.
Child Sight
to see as a child
remove the jaded glasses
life would have you wear
- 0 -
imagination
looks at ordinary things
with a child’s wonder
- 0 -
a child’s wide eyed dreams
are filled with impossible
doubt doesn’t blind them
©Susie Clevenger 2012
1st Photograph: Favim
2nd Photograph: Jonathan Jungsuk Ahn
3rd Photograph: Favim
Umbrella Sunshine
She walks in the rain
listening to others complain
as they make their dash
under lightening’s flash
that the day is so dreary
and how they grow weary
of endless days without sun.
She thinks oh how silly
their moods are so chilly
when yesterday they complained
of too many days without rain.
She is not amused
to have her ears so abused
by those who just wish to grumble.
For her the day is just grand
because of the sunshine in her hand,
a yellow umbrella with wings
that makes her heart sing.
Under it the sky is brighter
and her footsteps much lighter
as she walks with praise instead of complaint.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Image Credit:
Bluebell Books Short Story Slam Week 18
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Love's Warmth
Memories dance
in stained glass sunlight
comforting me
with their peace.
The warmth of love
has eased goodbye’s pain.
My heart given rebirth
from a stone of grief
into a song of freedom.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Photograph: dipity.com
Ella introduced the “art of assemblage” on Real Toads,
From the book ,Objects of Reflection, by Annie Lockheart.
My objects of reflection:
Peace signs-peace
Butterfly-rebirth
Photographs-love
Window-stained glass
Bird-freedom
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Her Heart in Metaphors
She hid her heart
in metaphors
his logical mind
found too abstract.
The beauty of romantic expression
lost when he asked for a translation.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Photograph: Favim
Sunday, January 1, 2012
The Same Bell
The same bell
that chimes endings
will be rung to announce beginnings.
It is in the moments of the bell’s silence
we learn our survival skills.
©Susie Clevenger 2012
Image Link: nmha
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