Today, I notice how the weather has become changeable, with mutable energy; one minute it feels like spring, the next it’s wintery cold. Around me, I see how people’s moods now shift like the weather and become unpredictable, sensitive, reactive.
Me? I want to stay warm and dream of better weather and future opportunities, read seed catalogs and plan for a busy spring in my garden.
Colleen M. Chesebro is a Michigan Poet who loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly syllabic poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com where participants learn how to write traditional and current forms of syllabic poetry. A published author, Colleen is also an editor of “Word Weaving, a Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse, also found on wordcraftpoetry.com. Colleen’s mission is to bring the craft of writing syllabic poetry to anyone who thinks they can’t be a poet.
Recently, she created the Double Ennead, a 99-syllable poetry form for the Carrot Ranch literary community at carrotranch.com. Colleen’s poetry has appeared in various anthologies and journals including “Hedgerow-a journal of small poems,” and “Poetry Treasures1 & 2” a collection of poetry from the poet/author guests of Robbie Cheadle on the “Treasuring Poetry” blog series on “Writing to be Read."
Colleen published “Word Craft: Prose & Poetry, The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry,” which illustrates how to write various syllabic poetry forms used in her Tanka Tuesday challenges; and a collection of poetry, flash fiction, and short stories called, “Fairies, Myths & Magic: A Summer Celebration,” dedicated to the Summer Solstice. She contributed a short story called “The Changeling,” in the “Ghostly Rites Anthology 2020,” published by Plaisted Publishing House.
Find Colleen at Word Craft: Prose & Poetry at wordcraftpoetry.com.
Your comment about people’s moods shifting like the weather really hit home with me. I have definitely noted that. Great poem. Spring is around the corner!
It’s funny how folks seem to mimic the seasons, Jan. It’s a palatable energy that is surrounding us all right now. Russia and Ukraine are contributing to this energy as well. I hope whatever this is ends soon 🙏🏻❤️
David, I live in Michigan, so around May 31st the last frost has passed. I’m not sure if I’ll grow any vegetables this year. I’ve got to get my garden’s planted in the front of the house. I’ve got farmer blood in me, so I look forward to the change in seasons. <3
Thanks, Pat. I have so much to do with the front of the house gardens. This year, we’ll get that stump ground out. That will make all the difference. LOL!
We had a couple of stumps in the back yard until the termites came. Then the raccoons displaced by a crazy hurricane followed. So the termites ate the wood, and the raccoons ate the termites. All thats left was hole in the ground which is now filled in and growing blueberries🙂. Nature at work!!
Wow! That’s so cool to see nature at work. This tree was planted right next to the house. We had to take it down as the roots were damaging the foundation. I’ve got roots all over the place. We have to hack them out so I can plant some bushes out front.
I think it’s a good word as well. Funny thing is, I never encountered it until grad school, just as I never encountered “solipsistic” until grad school.
LOL! I never went to grad school but I read a lot! 😂 Isn’t it funny how some words seem more popular as we get older? I would have never chosen that word when I was younger. 😍
It was a beautiful 79 degrees at the beach today. Lol! 😛 My Army brat background has had me living in areas that had the four seasons, and I must say I do not miss it, but I do like your poem. It captures the transition perfectly. 🙂
LOL! I grew up in these parts so the snow has always been part of my life. My husband is from southern California, although he has learned to love the change in seasons. I’ve never been a beach and sun girl. I burn so bad. LOL! 😀 <3
Hi Colleen, our seasons are not as distinct as yours are, but we do get the amazing colours of autumn and the beautiful flowers of spring. Our temperatures just remain much warmer during the daytime. We do get below freezing overnight in the dead of winter, but it isn’t for long. June and July are our coldest months.
I’m waiting for spring, too. I know we go through this every year with the changeable weather, but I suppose we forget. It does make me happy to see the first green things sprouting up. And now I’ll picture you with seed catalogues. 😊
LOL! I’ve got those garden areas that surround my house. They have to be filled with plants this year that the rabbits don’t like to eat! Most of us don’t have fences (the cost is crazy right now) so we have no way to keep those buggers out! LOL! <3
Lovely haibun, Colleen. (Did I get that right?) 🙂 I think we’re all really antsy for spring. I’m looking forward to tilling the ground in a couple of weeks, and planting seeds to turn my world green.
Thanks, Diana. Yes, it’s a haibun. I can’t wait to start working in the soil again. It’s so rejuveniating! You’re going to like this week’s poetry theme. LOL! <3
Ack. I’m getting ready for a mini-vacation and will be checking for comments but won’t be posting for about 9 days. I’ll be sure to read everyone’s poems. 🙂
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Colleen M. Chesebro—Prose Metrist
Crafting Syllabic Poetry is my Ikigari 💜
One day, I stumbled across the Japanese word Ikigari. After some research, I discovered iki means life. In Japanese, Gai means worth or value. When these words combine, they form the definition of ikigari, which is life’s worth. It’s often translated or interpreted as a reason for getting up in the morning. So, yes, writing syllabic poetry is my ikigari.
I also believe writing syllabic poetry strengthens our writing skills. When we create poetry, we gain command of language; cultivate a healthy vocabulary, master literary devices such as metaphor, simile, alliteration, hyperbole, and allegory. We learn to work in imagery. We connect with our ikigari.
When I’m not writing poetry or crafting short stories, you’ll find me digging in my garden, or playing with my two unicorn cats, Chloe & Sophie. I live in East Lansing, Michigan with my husband—my soul mate. Most days you can find me writing poetry on wordcraftpoetry.com. 💜
Great Book - It is a collection to be slowly savored, made even more delicious with her original drawings and photographs. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SSNDL5L?tag=ep0cf-20 … @BetteAStevens #Maine #poetry #photography #nature #culture #vacations #lifestyleandleisure
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August Specific Form: Yvette
August Photo Prompt: Reena
August Theme Prompt: Sarah
Yes!! I have spring fever!! The sun is shining today and the temps are up to 51 right now!! woohoo
Woo hoo! We’re a balmy 37 degrees right now. We all have spring fever. <3
our temp made it to 37 yesterday!! Come spring COME!!!
LOL! I know, I’m so ready. <3
^giggle* I can see Spring just kicking back and waiting for Mother Nature to get Winter out of her system. <3
Ha, Ha! You’re right! It’s like she wants to break up with winter, but she keeps hanging on! <3
I do love spring 🙂 You nailed it with how changeable everything is right now.
Your comment about people’s moods shifting like the weather really hit home with me. I have definitely noted that. Great poem. Spring is around the corner!
It’s funny how folks seem to mimic the seasons, Jan. It’s a palatable energy that is surrounding us all right now. Russia and Ukraine are contributing to this energy as well. I hope whatever this is ends soon 🙏🏻❤️
Awesome haiku, dear Colleen! 🥰 I love spring but we don’t get it in the tropics. Our main seasons are rainy, winter and summer🙂
Oh, I can imagine. I enjoy living where there are four seasons. It always makes for interesting conversation. LOL! <3
Yes, It’s true dear. LOL! ❤️
when do you usually start planting, Colleen?
<3
David
David, I live in Michigan, so around May 31st the last frost has passed. I’m not sure if I’ll grow any vegetables this year. I’ve got to get my garden’s planted in the front of the house. I’ve got farmer blood in me, so I look forward to the change in seasons. <3
I need to join you with the browsing of the seed catalogue and let everything else take care of itself. Yeah for spring🙂. Lovely haibun.
Pat
Thanks, Pat. I have so much to do with the front of the house gardens. This year, we’ll get that stump ground out. That will make all the difference. LOL!
We had a couple of stumps in the back yard until the termites came. Then the raccoons displaced by a crazy hurricane followed. So the termites ate the wood, and the raccoons ate the termites. All thats left was hole in the ground which is now filled in and growing blueberries🙂. Nature at work!!
Pat
Wow! That’s so cool to see nature at work. This tree was planted right next to the house. We had to take it down as the roots were damaging the foundation. I’ve got roots all over the place. We have to hack them out so I can plant some bushes out front.
Yeah, gotta keep eyes on those too close to the house. My pear tree might be falling into that category which is sad because I planted it.🥲
I’m with you on dreaming of future opportunities! (We’re having mutable weather as well.)
LOL! I love the word mutable! It’s just perfect. <3
I think it’s a good word as well. Funny thing is, I never encountered it until grad school, just as I never encountered “solipsistic” until grad school.
LOL! I never went to grad school but I read a lot! 😂 Isn’t it funny how some words seem more popular as we get older? I would have never chosen that word when I was younger. 😍
Yes, it’s fun to watch words do go in and out of fashion.
And think of all the new words that are created every day!
That, too!
I also like the word mutable–and immutable.
And another great word: immutable! <3
It was a beautiful 79 degrees at the beach today. Lol! 😛 My Army brat background has had me living in areas that had the four seasons, and I must say I do not miss it, but I do like your poem. It captures the transition perfectly. 🙂
LOL! I grew up in these parts so the snow has always been part of my life. My husband is from southern California, although he has learned to love the change in seasons. I’ve never been a beach and sun girl. I burn so bad. LOL! 😀 <3
The locals here always know the snowbirds because they look like a lobster after a day at the beach. Lol! 🙂
This is lovely, Colleen.
Thank you, Robbie. It’s the opposite time of year from you, but I know you get it. You don’t get four seasons in South Africa, do you? <3
Hi Colleen, our seasons are not as distinct as yours are, but we do get the amazing colours of autumn and the beautiful flowers of spring. Our temperatures just remain much warmer during the daytime. We do get below freezing overnight in the dead of winter, but it isn’t for long. June and July are our coldest months.
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Beautifully written. I wasn’t sure if this is a haibun but i love it.
wonderfully written Colleen! 💖💖
Thanks so much, Cindy. <3
it’s a pleasure! 💖
I’m waiting for spring, too. I know we go through this every year with the changeable weather, but I suppose we forget. It does make me happy to see the first green things sprouting up. And now I’ll picture you with seed catalogues. 😊
LOL! I’ve got those garden areas that surround my house. They have to be filled with plants this year that the rabbits don’t like to eat! Most of us don’t have fences (the cost is crazy right now) so we have no way to keep those buggers out! LOL! <3
Or, just give up and feed the rabbits. 😏
Ha, ha! I can’t drink water when I read these comments. LOL! 😀 🐇
🤣🤣
May spring come to all the people in the world. (Spring: New beginnings)
Well said, Selma. I agree. <3
It will come, even if humans do their best to destroy it. (K)
I know… it’s a sad state of affairs. 🙁
Yes, weather and people, people and weather. Spring will surely shine forth. (But not today)
We have some weak sunshine out there today and it’s a balmy 31 degrees. I’ve got a short jaunt planned for this afternoon. <3
Lovely haibun, Colleen. (Did I get that right?) 🙂 I think we’re all really antsy for spring. I’m looking forward to tilling the ground in a couple of weeks, and planting seeds to turn my world green.
Thanks, Diana. Yes, it’s a haibun. I can’t wait to start working in the soil again. It’s so rejuveniating! You’re going to like this week’s poetry theme. LOL! <3
Ack. I’m getting ready for a mini-vacation and will be checking for comments but won’t be posting for about 9 days. I’ll be sure to read everyone’s poems. 🙂
Oh, you’ll have fun reading the poems. Enjoy your time off. <3
Your prose captures that “Is it spring yet?” feeling.
Thanks, Ken. I’m really feeling it this year. <3
Beautiful sis. Spring fever is hitting hard for everyone <3