The Bag Lady

pride

voices

you’re locked in

rainbow colors

wearing your pride coat

explaining your choice now

feelings no longer quiet

tell the world who you really are

courage to find your voice and your heart

“Pride voices, your locked in rainbow colors”

(Dectina Refrain)

***

Joe finished dressing and admired himself in the bedroom mirror. He had worked hard at the afterschool job to buy this coat. He felt pride in his choice. Running down the stairs to grab an apple for breakfast, Joe was suddenly halted by his mother’s voice. “Joe! What are you wearing?”

“I bought it myself” he explained. “Isn’t it great?” Joe turned around so his mom could see the entire wording printed on the back of the jacket.

“Well, no. You can’t wear that, and especially to school! You’ll be ostracized!”

“What does that mean? But, yes, I’m going to wear it. I’ve been saving up to finally buy it!”

“I said no!” Joe started to leave and opened the door. His mother continued, “if I have to lock you in your room, I will! Now take that off!” Joe turned and gave his mom a woeful look.

“You can try, but I won’t go. Aren’t you the one telling us kids to express ourselves, stand up to bullies, look out for each other? Well this is me taking a stand!”

Joe’s mother stopped and thought about what he said. Of course he was right. Joe left for school after his mom hesitantly gave him a quick hug.

***

Monday Poetry Prompt: Coat, Explain, Lock

The struggles of the older are spelled out in books, memoirs and songs. Elders’ hands, wrinkled and worn, have the touch lessened but the mind still tells the wisdom of their years. Some names or dates may be forgotten, but the heart holds the most important memories. Over a good cup of coffee or tea, you may be privileged to hear the dreams of these generations.

***

https://mindlovemisery.wordpress.com/

Share Your World 16th February

Knowing he was just a bit dim

Susan could not stop loving him

His eyes so blue

His heart so true

Adorable, her lover Tim.

***

Laughing Along With A Limerick

Apparently the vault of human beasts opened and tides of smoke and debris started to slather innocent victims. The flood of armed men creeped down the salty crusted edges of the shore. One of the soldiers tilted to the side picking up an old broken shark jaw. He thought it was a weapon, shining from a silver glint in the moonlight. I stopped my needles, faulted a stitch on the red hat I was knitting listening to helpless voices, my defiant knitting act resumed.

***

https://sundaywhirl.wordpress.com/

I choose this song because when I first heard it I could not get it out of my head. Today I think this equates to many of the displaced people taken by ICE.

Subvocalization

***

Sunday Poser # 273- Growing as a writer/ blogger

The old witch’s hands grew tired. It had been a while since she had to use them this way. Most of the time her wand did the dirty work. She dropped the rat skull into the bowl and picked up the heavy pestle. Her fingers complained as she ground the small bones to a powder. She sighed as the preparation for the “spell of youth” process began.

***

Sunday’s Six Sentence Story Prompt Word!

The playful pirate decided to declare his love in a special public place, the Skull and Bones Pub. His fiancé was less than impressed by his choice of venue, but decided her sweetheart was trying to do his best. He stood atop the bar and spilled a cup of sugar around pronouncing he was soon to be wed to a “woman sweeter than this sugar”. At least that’s what his efforts produced, and she, though embarrassed, decided he was the loveliest man in the room.

***

https://pensitivity101.wordpress.com/2026/02/14/three-things-challenge-mm335/ special sweetheart sugar

Lovliest

RDP SATURDAY: PLAYFUL

https://thedailyspur.wordpress.com/

FOWC With Fandango — Pirate

rugged outcrop stands

defiantly challenging

explorers welcomed with smiles

the large rough king is waiting

—

contrasting

stone roughage scowling

soft petals

***

SenHai Saturday #39