Tag: keep it alive

Paralysis of Indecision

Chris Hall40 Comments

Today I’m still waiting by the track
choices limited, just forward or back
when at dawn, new light ascends
empty platform, empty track, possibilities

Choices limited, just forward or back
step on, step up, step up to the plate
empty platform, empty track, possibilities
which route shall I take?

Step on, step up, step up to the plate
hurry now, it’s not too late
which route shall I take?
inertia stays my feet

Hurry now, it’s not too late
when at dawn, new light ascends
inertia stays my feet
today I’m still waiting by the track

Written in response to Sadje‘s What do You See #63 photo prompt.

Image credit: Rodrigo Curi @ Unsplash
The image shows the sun setting over the horizon and in the foreground you can see rail tracks.

Secret Santa?

Chris Hall28 Comments

My puppy wears a Christmas hat
is there something wrong with that?

He stares intently back at me
by the light of the Christmas tree

Two dark eyes and round back nose
what he’s thinking no one knows

But I think that I can guess
okay, boy, more is less!

Written in response to Sadje‘s What do You See #62 photo prompt.

Image credit: Rhaúl V. Alva @ Unsplash
The image shows a puppy wearing a Christmas hat, sitting in a bed. You can see the Christmas tree lit up in the background.

Let me out!

Chris Hall55 Comments
The image shows wall art. A woman is dressed in 1950’s style. A speech bubble next to her says, ” Listen to your inner child” There are cartoons and graffiti on the wall too

My inner child cowers, confined by conformity
Yearning to be let out, unshackled and free!

Iridescent, uninhibited
Not contained and
Not restrained, she’d
Engineer enjoyment, frivolity and fun.
Raging and rebellious

Chortling and
Howling, craving
Instant satisfaction, but no! Quietly she
Lurks beneath the veil of decorum
Dwelling in the darkness, sadly unfulfilled.

Written in response to Sadje’s What Do You See #61 photo prompt.

Image credit: Tim Hüfner @ Unsplash
The image shows wall art. A woman is dressed in 1950’s style. A speech bubble next to her says, ‘Listen to your inner child’. There are cartoons and graffiti on the wall too.

Traditionally Yours

Chris Hall40 Comments

Reaching out across the airwaves
tuneful voices high and sweet
echo brightly from a distant chapel
of vaulted ceilings and flickering candles

She sings along, only slightly out of tune
picturing pews of fresh-faced choirboys
with golden halo hair and snow-white surplices
wide-eyed and open mouthed

Smiling, she chops and slices
as the voices transport her
while her hands work busily
preparing for the feast

Now the warm summer wind drifts
through the open kitchen window
while wintery hymns
embrace her in nostalgia.

It’s my special festive tradition to listen to the carol service from King’s College Cambridge while cooking on Christmas Eve. This year will be no exception. Some particularly fond memories of mine come from the years when my husband had a bike shop and used to go out late on Christmas Eve to deliver the children’s bikes to their houses after they’d gone to bed, just like Santa Claus, while I made us a late supper of fishy treats.

Written in response to Sadje’s What Do You See #60 photo prompt.

Image credit: Shche-Team @ Unsplash
(The image shows an outdoor scene. An old fashioned radio is placed next to a couple of candles and a wicker basket. Behind the radio is a pot full of blooming red flowers)

Home for the holidays

Chris Hall54 Comments

Flying north, homeward bound?

to the bright lights of the well-kept city

to snow-bound circles, pools of light in the darkness

shining from sturdy houses onto well-lit streets

where ice sparkles on windows and children

exhale frosty breath while

making snow angels

on white-carpeted lawns.

.

But my heart remains

where summer’s sun bakes the thirsty earth

on the opposing hemisphere

where barefoot children dance on dusty paths

and goats and cattle roam on the edge of pitted highways

here, where the African moon reclines on her back

for this is now

my home.

Written in response to Sadje’s What Do You See #59 photo prompt.

Image credit: Lolame @ Pixabay
(The image shows three Cranes flying in the evening sky. You can see a waning gibbous moon behind the birds)

Sisters

Chris Hall51 Comments

growing up on distant continents

without a common tongue

lives so seemingly different

rich north, poor south

experiences diametrically opposed

.

and yet

sharing corresponding smiles

weeping mutual sorrows

our hearts are touched

by the same love and loss

.

because, in the end

we are all

sisters under the skin

Written in response to Sadje’s What Do You See #58 photo prompt.

Image credit: Cheryl Holt @ Pixabay
(The image shows very two young girls heading off together, holding hands. One is of African heritage and the other seems Caucasian).

A bit of old nonsense

Chris Hall45 Comments

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)

Curiosity

Chris Hall42 Comments

– 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)