tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80465083538230588342024-03-05T08:12:47.169-06:00A Writer without Words - Some Motivation RequiredA rediscovery of my passion for the written word.Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.comBlogger321125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-27934226519639445892023-04-30T18:00:00.000-05:002023-04-30T18:00:40.444-05:00Excited<p>Today is the last day of NaPoWriMo 2023! The <a href="https://www.napowrimo.net/day-thirty-9/" target="_blank">prompt</a> today is "to write a palinode – a poem in which you retract a view or sentiment expressed in an earlier poem." My palinode retracts the sentiment I expressed in my poem <a href="https://writer-without-words.blogspot.com/2023/04/blackout-poetry-afraid.html" target="_blank">"Afraid,"</a> which I will write again here so both poems can be seen on the same page. My palinode poem is titled "Excited."</p><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>Afraid</u></b></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Candace Shultz</span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">She stopped dead</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">Anxious</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;"><i>Afraid</i></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">to see him</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">to leave him</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">not to leave him</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">Not daring to stay</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">She ran</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;">~ ~ ~ ~ ~</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;"><u><b>Excited</b></u><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Candace Shultz</span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">She ran towards him<br />Happy</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;"><i>Excited</i></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">to see him</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">to be with him</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">always to be with him</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">Not wanting to leave</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">She stopped</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">She wrapped her arms around him</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-align: center;">And rested her head</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #eef4ff; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-47007935000803675872023-04-29T15:34:00.000-05:002023-04-29T15:34:41.721-05:00Hot Dogs, Beans, and Macaroni<p>Today's NaPoWriMo <a href="https://www.napowrimo.net/day-twenty-nine-9/" target="_blank">prompt</a> is as follows: write a "two-part poem that focuses on a food or type of meal. At some point in the poem, describe the food or meal as if it were a specific kind of person. Give the food/meal at least one line of spoken dialogue." At first glance, I felt this was a very challenging prompt, but I decided to give it a try. I chose to write about a meal my mom used to make called hot dogs, beans, and macaroni. She'd boil the macaroni noodles, boil the hot dogs and then slice them up, and heat up the baked beans. Then she would mix them all together in one pot. I still love this meal even as an adult, and I introduced it to my children who love it as well. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Hot Dogs, Beans, and Macaroni</span></b></u><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Candace Shultz</span></p><p>1.</p><p>Hot dogs, beans, and macaroni:<br />Some people would say they<br />Are better eaten alone, individually,<br />Hot dogs with their buns,<br />Baked beans on the side,<br />Macaroni with its cheese.<br />But one day, it's like they said,<br /><i>Hey, let's mix it up and party!</i><br />Hot dogs ditched their bread.<br />Macaroni left the cheese behind.<br />And baked beans just dived right in.<br />The beans always do just go with the flow.<br />They coat everything with their sauciness.</p><p>2.</p><p>Hot dogs, beans, and macaroni.<br />They are a resilient mix.<br />They are like a poor man<br />Making the best of a hard situation.<br />Many people don't like it<br />When these foods mingle together.<br />Some won't even try it, <br />The idea too unfathomable.<br />But for others, they carry fond memories<br />Of eating dinner with their mom and siblings.<br />They carry on the tradition <br />With their own children<br />To the consternation of their spouses <br />With more refined tastes.<br />But when they ask their children<br />What they want for dinner, they say,<br /><i>Hot dogs, beans, and macaroni!</i></p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-61905226184419379652023-04-28T15:17:00.000-05:002023-04-28T15:17:59.116-05:00Chocolate Index<p>The NaPoWriMo <a href="https://www.napowrimo.net/day-twenty-eight-9/" target="_blank">prompt</a> for today was to write an index poem, whether found in an actual index or one I invent on my own. I wasn't inspired by the few indexes I have at home, so I decided to make up my own index poem. </p><p><br /></p><p><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Chocolate Index</span></b></u><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Candace Shultz</span></p><p>Awesome flavor<br />Beware of heat<br /><span> </span>melts in hands<br />Candy bar favorites<br /><span> Almond Joy<br /></span><span> <span> Kit Kat<br /></span><span> Reese's<br /></span><span> Snickers<br /></span></span>Delicious<br />Eat it when<br /> <span> </span>depressed<br /> <span> </span>happy<br /> <span> </span>hungry<br /><span> in the pantry<br /></span><span> kids aren't aware</span><br /> <span> </span>watching TV<br />Fudge<br />Gives joy <br />Hot cocoa<br />I want to eat chocolate now<br />Just one piece<br />Kisses<br /><span> Bite sized<br /></span><span> Can't just eat one<br /></span>Let me have some now!<br />Melts in your mouth<br />Never leave home without it<br />Out of chocolate<br /><span> Ask a friend</span><br /><span> Go to store<br /></span><span> Send husband to get more<br /></span><span> Trick-or-treating</span><br />Pairs well with <br /> <span> </span>graham crackers<br /><span> </span>marshmallows<br /> <span> </span>mint<br /> <span> </span>peanut butter<br /> <span> </span>strawberries<br /> <span> try it on everything<br />Questions<br /><span> Do I savor it for myself?<br /></span><span> Do I share?<br /></span>Rich taste<br />Scrumptious<br />Tempting<br />Unwrapping<br /><span> Fast if eating it all at once<br /></span><span> Slow if saving some for later<br /></span>Voracious appetite<br />Will love it forever<br />Xocolatl<br /><span> Aztec hot chocolate<br /></span><span> slightly bitter<br /></span><span> spicy<br /></span>Yummy<br />Zealous for chocolate</span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><span>Now that I've finished my poem, please excuse me while I go into my pantry and eat some chocolate.</span></p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-11718528570806820152023-04-27T11:43:00.000-05:002023-04-27T11:43:30.122-05:00Nature's Tranquility<p><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Nature's Tranquility</span></b></u><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Candace Shultz</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">We're always rushing, running, moving, never stopping.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's slow down time, take notice, and enjoy life.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Do you see the spider spinning its web</div><div style="text-align: left;">Between the two wooden slats of your porch?</div><div style="text-align: left;">Do you see the yellow butterfly fluttering its wings</div><div style="text-align: left;">As it settles on a flower in the grass?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Feel the soft breeze as it caresses your skin</div><div style="text-align: left;">And the sunshine as it warms your body.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Listen to the birds' greetings in the morning</div><div style="text-align: left;">And the crickets as they call out to each other,</div><div style="text-align: left;">A constant buzzing sound that fills the air.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Listen to the wind chimes with their gentle tinkling tone.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Smell the sweet fragrance of purple mountain laurel</div><div style="text-align: left;">(If it doesn't make you sneeze)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Or the warm and floral scent of blue bonnets in the spring.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Take a deep breath of fresh air,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Slow your footsteps, and quiet your mind.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Let nature bring its peace as you unwind.</div><p></p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-91540366102595312402023-04-26T21:42:00.002-05:002023-04-26T21:42:10.073-05:00Candle<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><u style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Candle</u></div><span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">By Candace Shultz</span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">My mother is a candle,</p><p style="text-align: left;">A light in the darkness</p><p style="text-align: left;">That leads me to the right path.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I need not fear what I can't see,<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">What I don't understand.</p><p style="text-align: left;">She is a light burning bright,</p><p style="text-align: left;">A beacon to always lead me home.</p><p style="text-align: left;">With her, I am never alone.</p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-46877914840197056272023-04-25T14:33:00.000-05:002023-04-25T14:33:00.990-05:00Silence in the Waiting<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Silence in the Waiting</span></b></u></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: left;">By Candace Shultz</div></span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">There is silence in the waiting,</div><div style="text-align: left;">But it's a loud silence.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Even though their mouths don't move,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Their thoughts still shout.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Their tense bodies tell a story.</div><div style="text-align: left;">A foot tapping, arms crossed,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Brows furrowed with worry,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Someone pacing the floor,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Others sitting with their phones out,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Drowning their thoughts with distractions.</div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">The silence is broken when a doctor appears.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Expectant faces look up.</div><div style="text-align: left;">A name is spoken.</div><div style="text-align: left;">A woman stands up and rushes forward,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Questions already on her lips.</div><div style="text-align: left;">They disappear through a door.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Faces look back down at their phones.</div><div style="text-align: left;">The man paces the floor.</div><div style="text-align: left;">A hush falls in the room.</div><div style="text-align: left;">There is silence in the waiting once more.</div><p></p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-7252458602310228362023-04-24T14:51:00.000-05:002023-04-24T14:51:44.303-05:00A Drummer Review<p>The NaPoWriMo <a href="https://www.napowrimo.net/day-twenty-four-9/" target="_blank">prompt</a> for today is to write a review on something that isn't normally reviewed in the form of a poem. Since I've had a headache for the past two days, I decided to write my review on just that. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">A Drummer Review</span></u></b></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">By Candace Shultz </div></span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">A drummer has taken up residence in my head.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes she keeps a low steady beat, </div><div style="text-align: center;">but, more often than not,</div><div style="text-align: center;">her cymbals clash discordantly,</div><div style="text-align: center;">leaving a wince on my face.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The best part of her performance</div><div style="text-align: center;">is when she pauses or stops playing,</div><div style="text-align: center;">leaving a peaceful silence,</div><div style="text-align: center;">which is a beautiful sound to my ears</div><div style="text-align: center;">and a brief respite to my brain.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Alas, I cannot say I enjoy this</div><div style="text-align: center;">drummer's talent, or lack thereof,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I think it best if she vacate</div><div style="text-align: center;">the premises. If not, she should</div><div style="text-align: center;">at least take on a different profession.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Perhaps relaxing yoga? </div><p></p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-77765307152128737172023-04-23T18:53:00.000-05:002023-04-23T18:53:31.079-05:00Thunderstorm<p style="text-align: center;"> Thunder booms, rumbling<br />footsteps hurry, and lightning<br />reveals a scared face.</p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-36441169798819248232023-04-23T18:50:00.002-05:002023-04-23T18:50:39.875-05:00In a Lull<p style="text-align: center;"> No inspiration<br />today, just a rocking chair<br />lulling me to sleep.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-51291869293654351832023-04-22T17:30:00.000-05:002023-04-22T17:30:10.965-05:00Coffee - a Cinquain <p style="text-align: center;"> Coffee,</p><p style="text-align: center;">It keeps me sane</p><p style="text-align: center;">in the early morning.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Don't talk to me until it wakes</p><p style="text-align: center;">me up.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-85734491501233777132023-04-21T13:04:00.000-05:002023-04-21T13:04:12.110-05:00Courage The <a href="https://www.napowrimo.net/day-twenty-one-8/" target="_blank">prompt</a> for NaPoWriMo today had me choose an abstract noun from a list, use that word for my title, write only short lines in my poem, and use at least one word that I invented. I chose the word courage for my title. <br /><br /><p><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Courage</span></u></b></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Candace Shultz</span></p><p>Take a tiny</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">step </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">then </p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">another</p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p>One foot</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">in </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">front</p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">of the </p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">other</p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p>Until </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">you </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">make </p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">progress</p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p>No </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">matter</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">how </p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">small</p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p>Be </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">brave</p></blockquote><p>Be</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">thoughtacting</p></blockquote><p>- Only </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">good</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">thoughts -</p></blockquote></blockquote><p>Open </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">the </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">door</p></blockquote></blockquote><p>Step </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">outside</p></blockquote><p>Even </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">with</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">pounding </p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">heart</p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p>And</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">racing </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">pulse</p></blockquote></blockquote><p>Be </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">courageous</p></blockquote><p>And </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">face </p></blockquote><p>The </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">world!</p></blockquote>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-40642388254715305342023-04-20T11:02:00.001-05:002023-04-20T11:02:56.127-05:00For Lease<p>I had a dental appointment today, and since I was a little bit early, I decided to sit in my car for 10 minutes. While sitting in my car, I noticed a For Lease sign on one of the shop windows. It was dark and empty in the middle of all these other shops bustling with activity. And thus, my poem was born.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>For Lease</u></b></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: left;">By Candace Shultz</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: left;">Amidst the brightness</div><div style="text-align: left;">of the sun, it's bathed</div><div style="text-align: left;">in darkness, empty,</div><div style="text-align: left;">alone, waiting </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">for someone to</div><div style="text-align: left;">turn on the lights,</div></div><div style="text-align: left;">to fill it with purpose.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It wants to be wanted.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It needs to be needed.</div><div style="text-align: left;">If only for a little while.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Rather a brief moment </div><div style="text-align: left;">of happiness than forever</div><div style="text-align: left;">empty and alone.</div><p></p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-1629236223302291202023-04-19T16:16:00.002-05:002023-04-19T16:16:33.502-05:00The Pathway to Forever<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>The Pathway to Forever </u></b></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: left;">By Candace Shultz</div></span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">The story that leads to forever</div><div style="text-align: left;">is of the One that brings you life.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Others may guide you on your path</div><div style="text-align: left;">and encourage you when you fall,</div><div style="text-align: left;">but sometimes you'll feel alone</div><div style="text-align: left;">and despair will bring you to your knees.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Brambles will block your way.</div><div style="text-align: left;">They will cut you, and you will bleed.</div><div style="text-align: left;">But if you prevail on your path,</div><div style="text-align: left;">your soul will rejoice and flourish</div><div style="text-align: left;">as you continue to believe.</div><div style="text-align: left;">He will always be beside you,</div><div style="text-align: left;">the forever that you need.</div><p></p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-73170505932325920252023-04-18T10:51:00.000-05:002023-04-18T10:51:28.907-05:00Blackout Poetry - AfraidI am sharing a blackout poem I created today. I used page 225 from <b>Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book</b> by Jennifer Donnelly. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-5Dn7spVVHnzwxqPg0_rMEg2SbbjJzYEcpiXxsMwEIxHhB9-i4mfl4IivDtyUb0laqLENS80kHrxNJ9XQ06Gdu3lLzJFhpXrbNc838gjTTPD3oJq3-PYk4GEwHQRc1RwJ9BqvwY7E0jJJu3FFZbqeLDzGyapNPnftOBs9s5j95j18OnjY38mY3OM/s2378/blackout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2378" data-original-width="1474" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-5Dn7spVVHnzwxqPg0_rMEg2SbbjJzYEcpiXxsMwEIxHhB9-i4mfl4IivDtyUb0laqLENS80kHrxNJ9XQ06Gdu3lLzJFhpXrbNc838gjTTPD3oJq3-PYk4GEwHQRc1RwJ9BqvwY7E0jJJu3FFZbqeLDzGyapNPnftOBs9s5j95j18OnjY38mY3OM/w397-h640/blackout.jpg" width="397" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is my blackout poem as it looks on the original page:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSwlZI5xQVbeuyJfTJV00-ZJRrx_2v1ICGnFE2PTnAuLoVnXZp2CQRoBu9SwRAECvczEbM6fIJExUYnSTU8O0xZnVaP24452hWN-dbkXkp7VGLL-VMv_Mk6wvJq_rVOcFwH_F09arPl5MP6DDHUIdpf-AwZ5S8Byo8_00lBbUzm-xJGu_W2EsgPJh/s2378/blackoutpoem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2378" data-original-width="1474" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSwlZI5xQVbeuyJfTJV00-ZJRrx_2v1ICGnFE2PTnAuLoVnXZp2CQRoBu9SwRAECvczEbM6fIJExUYnSTU8O0xZnVaP24452hWN-dbkXkp7VGLL-VMv_Mk6wvJq_rVOcFwH_F09arPl5MP6DDHUIdpf-AwZ5S8Byo8_00lBbUzm-xJGu_W2EsgPJh/w396-h640/blackoutpoem.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is how I would write my poem:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>Afraid</u></b></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Candace Shultz</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She stopped dead</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anxious</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Afraid</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to see him</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to leave him</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">not to leave him</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not daring to stay</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She ran</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-3874232340739661332023-04-17T14:41:00.000-05:002023-04-17T14:41:21.569-05:00Haiku Poetry Day<p>April 17 is International Haiku Poetry Day, so I wanted to share a haiku I wrote today.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Swaying side to side</div><div style="text-align: center;">Flowers in a gentle breeze</div><div style="text-align: center;">Baby falls asleep</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-63968328172263345412023-04-17T11:24:00.000-05:002023-04-17T11:24:03.652-05:00Picking Strawberries<p>Today is Day 17 of NaPoWriMo! I followed the <a href="https://www.napowrimo.net/day-seventeen-9/" target="_blank">prompt</a> to write a poem involving "a specific variety of edible plant," using at least one repeated phrase, and comparing the lifespan of the plant with my own lifespan. This seemed a daunting task for me, but I think I mostly met the requirements of the prompt.</p><p><br /></p><p><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Picking Strawberries</span></b></u><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Candace Shultz</span></p><p>Years ago under a hot Pennsylvanian sun,<br />I walked through rows of June-bearing <br />strawberries, careful not to step on even one.<br />My brother and sisters kneeled nearby,<br />their fingers plucking strawberries from leaves,<br />placing their prizes in half-filled baskets.<br />Our mom stood close, watching our endeavors,<br />sweat glistening on her forehead from early summer heat.<br />At last I spotted a bright red strawberry nestled<br />under green leaves. I plucked it carefully<br />and placed it gently in my basket, warmth<br />on my skin and in my heart, and I continued<br />to search for the next sweet strawberry among the leaves.</p><p>Fifteen years later, three times the life of that <br />June-bearing strawberry plant from years ago,<br />I stood under a hot English sun, watching<br />my daughter walk through a different field,<br />so many rows of Vibrant strawberries ready<br />to be plucked by small eager hands. She kneeled<br />nearby me with her basket half-filled with sweet<br />red strawberries, her blue-brimmed hat shielding<br />her young face from the burning June sun.<br />Sweat glistened on my forehead from early summer heat.<br />I felt the familiar warmth on my skin and in my heart<br />as I watched her place another strawberry<br />in her basket and as she continued to search<br />for the next sweet strawberry among the leaves.</p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-88291962951782623462023-04-16T18:20:00.003-05:002023-04-16T18:20:59.186-05:00Love<p style="text-align: left;">Today's <a href="https://www.napowrimo.net/day-sixteen-10/" target="_blank">prompt</a> was to write a poem that "describes something in terms of what it is not...like." I decided to write two tankas to form my poem. A tanka poem is similar to a haiku except it has 5 lines with the syllable count as 5/7/5/7/7 for each line.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Love </span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Candace Shultz</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: center;">Love is not anger.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love is not fear. Love is not</div><div style="text-align: center;">ignoring the needs</div><div style="text-align: center;">of your beloved. It's not</div><div style="text-align: center;">jealous, hateful, filled with greed.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: center;">Instead, love is kind</div><div style="text-align: center;">and patient. It's listening</div><div style="text-align: center;">to your beloved,</div><div style="text-align: center;">trusting in their words, caring</div><div style="text-align: center;">about all the little things.</div><p></p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-18532243281239605232023-04-15T16:46:00.000-05:002023-04-15T16:46:51.395-05:00Left at Sea<p>I am not sure if I followed the NaPoWriMo <a href="https://www.napowrimo.net/day-fifteen-9/" target="_blank">prompt</a> exactly, but my poem is definitely inspired by the prompt to write about a person who is supposed to be admirable, but who I've always had my doubts about. My poem is about my father who passed away last year. </p><p><br /></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium; text-decoration-line: underline;"><b>Left at Sea</b></span><br />By Candace Shultz</span></p><p>He was supposed to be my hero,<br />My compass in the sea,<br />A man to judge all men by,<br />The one who'd stand by me.</p><p>He was supposed to be my father,<br />A constant in my life,<br />A man who'd always love me<br />And never cause me strife.</p><p>But how can he be my hero<br />When he left me out at sea<br />To navigate the waters<br />Alone as I could be?</p><p>How can he be my father<br />When he was never even there?<br />For many years I've wondered,<br />Did he even care?</p><p>A father should be with his daughter<br />And watch her as she grows.<br />He should love her and guide her,<br />But he didn't want to, I suppose.</p><p>Time stretched between us<br />Until one day he did die,<br />And sometimes I still regret<br />We never said goodbye.</p><p>Did he ever love me?<br />I guess I'll never know,<br />But I've decided to forgive him<br />And try to finally let him go.</p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-12525453786006606722023-04-14T10:25:00.001-05:002023-04-14T10:25:26.267-05:00Nothing Dark Can Stay<p>I followed the NaPoWriMo <a href="https://www.napowrimo.net/day-fourteen-10/" target="_blank">prompt</a> today to write a satire or parody of a famous poem. My poem is inspired by Robert Frost's poem "<a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/148652/nothing-gold-can-stay-5c095cc5ab679" target="_blank">Nothing Gold Can Stay</a>." I will share his poem here first, followed by my poem. </p><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Nothing Gold Can Stay<br /></b></span>By <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/robert-frost">Robert Frost</a><div><br />Nature’s first green is gold,<br />Her hardest hue to hold.<br />Her early leaf’s a flower;<br />But only so an hour.<br />Then leaf subsides to leaf.<br />So Eden sank to grief,<br />So dawn goes down to day.<br />Nothing gold can stay.</div><div><br /></div><div>~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Nothing Dark Can Stay</span></b></div><div>By Candace Shultz</div><div><br /></div><div>The day turns into night,</div><div>Black, the absence of light.</div><div>But we use that time to sleep;</div><div>Only hours does it keep.</div><div>Then light begins to shine,</div><div>The day renewed, divine.</div><div>So night turns back to day.</div><div>Nothing dark can stay.</div>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-21378654349869264962023-04-13T14:08:00.000-05:002023-04-13T14:08:42.105-05:00Original Sin<p>Today I followed a <a href="https://www.napowrimo.net/day-thirteen-9/" target="_blank">prompt</a> to write a poem that "follows the beats of a classic joke." I'm not sure I succeeded or even understood the prompt, but here is my attempt at it.</p><p><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Original Sin</b><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Candace Shultz</span></p><p>Knock Knock.</p><p><span> </span><span> - The door is locked.</span><br /></p><p><span>Who's there?</span></p><p><span><span> </span><span> - Say a prayer.</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span>Original sin.</span></span></p><p><span><span><span> </span><span> - Don't let it in!</span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>Original sin who?</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span> </span><span> - Don't be a fool!</span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span>Would you like some fruit?</span></span></span></span></p><p><span> </span><span> </span>- Stay resolute.</p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-57334269936994404512023-04-12T08:50:00.000-05:002023-04-12T08:50:02.038-05:00What is Poetry?<div>The prompt for today at <a href="https://www.napowrimo.net/day-twelve-11/" target="_blank">NaPoWriMo</a> is a "challenge...to write a poem that addresses itself or some aspect of itself." My poem doesn't exactly address itself, but it does reflect on what poetry means to me. </div><u><b><div><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b>What is Poetry?</b></u></div></b></u><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Candace Shultz</span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">My dreams</div><div style="text-align: left;">My desires</div><div style="text-align: left;">My devastations</div><div style="text-align: left;">My observations</div><div style="text-align: left;">My playful creations</div><div style="text-align: left;">My hopes</div><div style="text-align: left;">My memories</div><div style="text-align: left;">My musings</div><div style="text-align: left;">My stories</div><div style="text-align: left;">My songs</div><div style="text-align: left;">My fiction</div><div style="text-align: left;">My truth</div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Poetry</div><div style="text-align: left;">Is whatever</div><div style="text-align: left;">I want it</div><div style="text-align: left;">To be</div>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-83345110666063327362023-04-11T14:17:00.001-05:002023-04-11T14:17:32.506-05:00A Four Year Old to Her Father<p>I followed today's prompt at <a href="https://www.napowrimo.net/day-eleven-11/" target="_blank">NaPoWriMo</a> to write a poem about something funny I overheard. My poem was inspired by a memory from years ago.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>A Four Year Old to Her Father</u></b></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">By Candace Shultz</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I sneak in your bag sometimes, she says.</p><p style="text-align: center;">To put stuff in it? Her dad asks.</p><p style="text-align: center;">No, she denies.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Then why? He replies.</p><p style="text-align: center;">To try to fit in it, she smiles,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Then sits on the ground in his duffel.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-64576264552233775912023-04-10T16:32:00.001-05:002023-04-10T16:32:30.456-05:00Black Tea of the Sea - a Limerick<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Black Tea of the Sea</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">By Candace Shultz</div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">There once was a man of the sea</div><div style="text-align: left;">Who delighted in drinking black tea.</div><div style="text-align: left;">He filled up his cup</div><div style="text-align: left;">And said, "Bottoms up!"</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then he sipped from the salty Black Sea.</div><p></p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-87114459021040548652023-04-09T17:00:00.000-05:002023-04-09T17:00:00.645-05:00Language of Love<p>Day 9's <a href="https://www.napowrimo.net/day-nine-9/" target="_blank">prompt</a> to write a sonnet - challenge accepted! This poem took me almost all day to think about and write, but I did it!</p><p><u><b>Language of Love<br /></b></u><span style="font-size: small;">By Candace Shultz</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">I feel his love in just a little thing:</div><div style="text-align: left;">A cup of cappuccino in our room</div><div style="text-align: left;">That when I'm sleepy he makes sure to bring,</div><div style="text-align: left;">In which its warmth does make my heart abloom.</div><div style="text-align: left;">At times he rubs my feet though I don't ask</div><div style="text-align: left;">And buys me lotion for my dried out hands.</div><div style="text-align: left;">He tries his best to meet my every task,</div><div style="text-align: left;">And when we fight he shows he understands.</div><div style="text-align: left;">But does he feel the love I have for him?</div><div style="text-align: left;">Are all the little things I do enough?</div><div style="text-align: left;">My cup of love for him is to the brim,</div><div style="text-align: left;">But knowing his love language can be tough.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Our words of affirmation - I love you - </div><div style="text-align: left;">Are one of many things that prove love true.</div><p></p>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8046508353823058834.post-21745937019633701512023-04-08T15:09:00.004-05:002023-04-08T15:09:57.781-05:00Shine Bright<p></p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Shine Bright<br /></u></b></span>By Candace Shultz<div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You should shine so bright</div><div style="text-align: left;">that when the dark clouds block you,</div><div style="text-align: left;">they can't dim your light. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The rain won't stop you</div><div style="text-align: left;">from dancing and soaring high.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Be a butterfly.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Spread your wings and fly.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Be bold and be beautiful</div><div style="text-align: left;">and always be you.</div><p></p></div>Candacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13364480808740153789noreply@blogger.com0