winter day
clouds moving swiftly
cold lingers
–
wind sneaks in
windows forming ice
frosted scenes
–
trees, bushes
bend, laden with snow
white, heavy
–
frozen lakes
beckoning skaters
icy dance
–
cold winter landscapes
wild geese flying overhead
white puff clouds moving
faded sun tries warming us
winds declare the freezing win
–
***
#TankaTuesday Poetry Challenge No. 53, Rensaku, 2/24/26
Too soon I say, the man complained
His tolerance for sweets was strained
He just avoided the Christmas sweets
When along comes Valentine’s down the street
Chocolate was forbidden you see
No candy at all, said his Doctor, Zee
Joe couldn’t even shop in stores
All the seasons had chocolate galore
Joe decided to ask his pharmacist
Is there a pill to make me resist
The holiday candies on display
The drug counter guy said, no way
So this story is long and very sad
Finding poor Joe who had gone mad
He broke into a confection shop
Swarmed, then died from chocolate drops
He ate and ate, got very sick
But now in heaven he just says “ick“
When craving something, use my rule
Try a tiny bit and your taste is soothed.
***
Writing Prompts
Founding fathers
Freedoms’ future failing
Fueled factions filing
Frustrating foul facets
“History has failed us, but no matter.” Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
***
Of course when I opened “The Martian”, I was hooked, and found other books I enjoy from this author, Andy Weir, one was my second read from him, “Hail Mary” which is also being made into a film.
Poetics Tuesday: Beginnings are Endings
Appetite wanders listlessly
Bread, the staple always provided
Even in confinement they give you bread
The thirst is the worst
Dry mouths, tongue sticks to teeth
Without water, hunger lessens
But bread, water, just a crust
Begging nourishment
Death in starving
Eases the pain
***
Q242 Hunger Makes the Best of Poetry
I chose number 4 – allergic reaction
I was having a twenty minute operation on my right wrist for carpal tunnel. Easy Peasy according to the doc. They had applied a beir block – “A Bier block (intravenous regional anesthesia) is a safe, effective, and short-term anesthetic technique for arm or leg surgeries, involving an intravenous injection of local anesthetic into a limb isolated by a tourniquet.” When the quick op was done apparently the anesthesiologist let the tourniquet that held back the lidocaine loose too fast, went straight up to my heart and stopped it. All I remember is sitting straight up all of a sudden, and then falling back. I died there for a few minutes and then woke up with a bunch of equipment and a mask which I tried to remove – of course I’m claustrophobic- and my sister in law pushed it back on telling me I had to have it. I really didn’t know what happened until hours later. This is the first time I died so my family thinks I’m immortal…
***
This Week’s Writer’s Workshop Prompts – February 24, 2026
sunny day venture
curious exploration
drawn to the color
a soft caress to beauty
golden petals yield to touch
***
What do you see # 329- 23 February, 2026
It was not her usual saunter
She knew she shouldn’t be there
The free ticket she was offered
To no new frontier, but a lair
Previous redemption fluttered through her mind
She worked hard to achieve that goal
But loneliness threw itself, to be confined
Settling inside her heart and took its toll
She saw the temptation
Rising from his seat
She knew she should not
Should make a quick retreat
He hurried over, seemed pleased to see her now
Unfortunately for her, she forgot her sacred vows.
***
Monday Poetry Prompt: Relapse
RDP Monday: SAUNTER
FOWC With Fandango — Ticket
Frontier
A baby engulfs the sunshine of your heart. The total innocence of the sleeping babe who gently drifts into dreamland captures a promise and bond of everlasting love. After a splashing bath, shampoo and giggly towel dry off, watching over him as he gently achieves a deep rest, your aim is simply to love and protect this tiny being.
***
My gratitude this week is apparently my new upstairs neighbor is a quiet couple. The person previously above me moved down to my first floor but luckily to the end of the hall. Her grandkids still run wild in that hall but at least no “dropping a bowling ball” noise on my ceiling. And my daughter is back to work today recovered almost completely from her surgery.🥰
***
Sunny cold
Trees quiet
Melting snow
Donning sweater
Stepping out
Patio planters turned over
Wind damage two days ago
Spring is coming
A foolish thought
Back inside
Start coffee machine
Sigh…
***
The Bag Lady 
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