Weekly Poetry Challenge Stars | Theme Prompt #175: Merril D. Smith
Hello, everyone:
Many of you participated in NaPoWritMo, the National Poetry Society’s writing contest where you’re asked to write a poem a day during the month of April. Let me congratulate all of you who took part. In fact, many of you didn’t miss this challenge, taking part in both at the same time! You all deserve accolades for your hard work.
Elizabeth, from her blog, Tea & Paper, picked this month’s theme: “The Day After.” This theme seemed tpo resonate with everyone. I believe I’ve read some of the most emotional poetry since the beginning of this challenge, all in one week!
Here are a few that stirred my soul:
“Blessed,” Annette Rochelle Aben
“The Day After,” D. G. Kaye, Writer
“The Day After,” Kim Blade
Yet, this one image and the accompanying poetry brought me to tears. Poetry is funny like that. It touches your soul in unexpected ways.
I first saw this image taken by Merril after she shared it on Facebook. The photo captured the aftermath of raindrops falling into a puddle. Notice the circles radiating outward, how they interlock and connect. In those circles I felt the past, present, and the future of humanity hovering within those raindrops. It was a profound moment.
On Sunday morning, Merril shared the Shadorma sequence below and the photo. In the particular Buddhist tradition I follow, the Bardo is the place between death and rebirth where one dwells for a time before they choose their fresh life, or if they ascend into Enlightenment. I was so moved by Merril’s words; I shared this poem with my husband.
Congratulations, Merril D. Smith, it’s your turn to pick the theme for next month’s challenge. Please Email me your choice at tankatuesdaypoetry@gmail.com before next month’s challenge.
“Circles”
And after,
do the birds still sing–
the bardo
in-between
past and future, everything
rippling, light circles
to before,
the after, before
time begins,
radiant
waves humming—the sound of dreams–
forever’s spindrift.
©2020 Merril D. Smith
Source: Circles – Yesterday and today: Merril’s historical musings
See you tomorrow for the new challenge!
Wonderful responses to the prompt Colleen and thanks to Elizabeth again for her prompt. ♥
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Thanks so much, Sally. Such meaningful poetry this week. ❤️
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♥
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Thank you so much Colleen. I appreciate your very kind words.
Thank you, too, Elizabeth, for the theme prompt.
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You’re so welcome. This is what poetry is all about. Making connections in your soul. ❤️
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❤️
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Thank you for the special recognition~ ❤
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Great poem, Sis! ❤️❤️❤️
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I too was moved by Merrill’s words. (K)
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Whew! I know you mean! And, the photo! Excellent writing. ❤️
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Merril, As always your words are so moving. And I love the photo. Also, thanks to Elizabeth for the theme.
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Congrats to Merril – a perfect photo to accompany sobering words. And yay, I’m glad my poem stirred your soul Sis ❤ xx
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It was fabulous, Sis. ❤️
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❤
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A really lovely poem and picture, Colleen.
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Thanks, Robbie. I love Merril’s poetry. Especially when she gets deep. ❤
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Very good work Merrill
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Great work! All the words went together so smoothly and packed a lot of nuance into each syllable.
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I agree. I love when a poem has different meanings to different people. ❤
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This is a lovely poem and it answers the prompt perfectly! Stay Safe, my friend. ❤️
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Thank you, Michelle. Stay safe, my dear friend. ❤️
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I wonder how long we will be saying “stay safe.” It seems like a lifetime already. ❤️
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I’m saying, live long and prosper. It sounds better to me. 😂❤️
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