Just one tiny cake
a candle-topped treat
two bites big
is all I can eat.
Gone are the days
of parties and thrills
just make sure
I take all my pills.
But with memories rich
I’ll celebrate
don’t you know
I’m a hundred and eight?*
Written in response to Sadje’s What Do You See #57 photo prompt.
Image credit: Angéle Kamp @ Unsplash
(The image shows a a single cupcake with a lit candle on top of it).
*thank you, Goutham @ https://gdutta17.wordpress.com/ (see the comments below)
Look at her
a face illuminated by street lamps, by passing cars
she watches, she waits
the expression on her face is one of… nothingness.
Look at her
dark circles under her eyes, a bruise on her cheek
hidden by her hair
the look in her eyes is one of… emptiness.
Look at her
what did he do? what do you do? while she’s
beaten and broken
one woman, one of many, living in… hopelessness.
Society sleepwalks, liberals shake their heads
say wise but empty words, while behind closed doors
this never ends.
A woman is killed every three hours in South Africa, according to police statistics – a rate five times the world average. Half are murdered by men with whom they had a close relationship.
Written in response to Sadje’s What Do You See #56 photo prompt.
Image credit: Phmaxiestevez @ Pixabay
(The image shows a young woman looking out the glass pane of a partially open door, with an indecipherable expression).
Unknown waters lie ahead, our future is opaque, obscure, still uncharted
No more mapped out milestones, no glittering goals to accomplish
Certainty has ceased, while we clutch at withered straws
Ever searching for proper patterns to pursue, the
Return to routine, to the mindful mundane
That frees us, and comforts us
And will sustain our souls
If only in illusion.
No chance of
That hope
Yet
Written in response to Sadje’s What Do You See #54 photo prompt.
Image credit: Evan Clark, Unsplash
(The image shows a person precariously balanced, standing on a fallen tree trunk hanging over a body of water).
– steady now
but there’s so much to explore!
– take your time
but everything’s a toy, a joy!
so many things to see and smell
and feel and taste… oh, eew!!
– yes, but…
look at me!
oopsie!
– be careful, or you’ll fall
the world’s so big
– and you’re so small
but now’s my time, I want it all!
– one day, little one, when you’re grown.
Everything comes to she who waits.
Hold on! Shine bright!
Never lose that spark, that drive
the curiosity of a child.
Written in response to Sadje’s What Do You See #54 photo prompt.
Image credit: Billow 926 – Unsplash
(The image shows a baby panda standing in a Moses basket. Next to it us a wicker basket, which it is leaning in to)
Be brave, good knight,
and raise aloft your light
to shine on every corner of
this godforsaken kingdom.
Where people cower
beneath the all-powerful might
that dictates who should receive
the lion’s share of wealth.
Afraid, good knight,
that those in power
will snatch away your sword?
Yet you are on the side of right
your fight is just and true.
Fear not, good knight,
and lift your standard high!
Behold, we raise our heads above the parapet
throwing down the challenge of our begging bowls.
Together we will fight for what is right
for the future good of all.
Written in response to Sadje’s What Do You See #53 photo prompt.
Image credit: Linus Sandvide – Unsplash
Leave it now, my love
I’ve had my three score years and ten
Soul mates, we’ll meet again
in time.
.
Don’t reach out, my love
Leave me be, let me go ahead
I’ll see you there, you know
the place.
.
Let me rest, my love
My heart may still, but not my soul.
You and I will be one
again.
Written in response to Sadje’s What Do You See #51 photo prompt.
Image credit: Adrien King – Unsplash
Standing on the threshold, your future unmapped
who knows what adventures lie ahead?
which paths will you take?
which avenues will you dawdle down?
what rewards will you seek?
Everything lies before you
the big world beckons.
Choose wisely, my son
but not too wisely.
Life’s not a dress rehearsal.
Written in response to Sadje’s What Do You See #50 photo prompt.
Image credit: Sean Lee – Unsplash
Little heart fluttering
in the palm of my hand
what delight to share a moment
with such a pretty little creature!
Won’t you stay awhile?
Scooped from the rail
my tiny bones quake
and now, eyes squeezed shut
I wait for the giant to crush me
in its big, clumsy fist.
Be calm, little bird
do not fear me
allow me to look more closely
admire the beauty
of your bright plumage.
The hand seems gentle
but I shan’t be taken in.
I open a wary eye
prepare for flight
I’m gone!
Farewell, little bird
I’ll listen for your song
here by the lake
me, in gentle harmony
with nature.
Written in response to Sadje’s What Do You See #49 photo prompt.
Image credit: Evan Clark – Unsplash
The light of experience illuminates
the wealth of knowledge expounds
but the real truth lies
behind the words
in the depths of the speaker’s soul.
Written in response to Sadje’s What Do You See #48 photo prompt.
Image credit: Mohammad Hoseini Rad – Unsplash
