The Thursday Think Tank - #46 Monsters

“There are very few monsters who warrant the fear we have of them.”

~Andre Gide

I remember when I was 7 years old and my parents told me to go to bed. I can recall pulling back my blankets and clearing everything in the path from my bed all the way to the light switch. You never knew what could trip you up the moment you flipped the switch and total darkness surrounded you. I can remember that heart stopping moment when I ran from my light switch and leapt in to my bed just hoping that nothing grabbed my little feet and dragged me away. I was like a cartoon character whose feet never touched the ground. A hop here, a scurry there and an eventual leap all in superfast motion and I was safe…at least until I had to use the restroom and that was a whole new adventure. Even at 36 my heart sometimes still stops as I flip the switch and head to bed. Oh how the monsters from childhood still haunt me now.

Monsters come in many shapes, forms and oddities. We each have our own fears and monsters. They range from the fairy tale trolls to real tragedies that have affected are lives. Some of us are even our own personal monsters. Today we want to hear about some of your monsters. You don’t have to reveal the stuff you wish not to. You can just tell a story with your poem. Maybe take your pen and expose a little bit of the Edgar Allen Poe in you or let the big bad wolf win one for once.

We look forward to reading your words about monsters but just give us a moment to pull back the covers and to make sure that the path is clear to our beds before you turn out the light.

Life of a Poet~Salem Lorot, Poet of Kenya

Interview by Sherry Blue Sky

Oh, I have a treat for you today, kids! We are sitting down with Salem Lorot,  poet of Kenya, whose blog is  Lorot’s Poetry . When I happened upon this young poet’s site, I was blown away by the lyricism of his writing, and his passion for issues of social justice. Also, he lives in Africa, beloved land of my dreams. In our communications, I sensed a very big story. So pour a cup of tea, and get comfy. We are going to make a trip to Africa,  to a very amazing young man, and to a way of life that calls to our ancestral beginnings.

The Poetry Pantry Is Now Open - #46

The Poetry Pantry

2nd Chance Poems or 1st time shares

Anything goes!! All Poems, all Poets, All Week!!

Do you have a poem you would like to share? Something that you just felt inspired to write and want others to read. Perhaps it’s a poem that didn’t get as much exposure on your blog as you would have liked. Maybe it’s a poem that you wrote a long time ago that you would like people to revisit. That’s what this section of Poets United is for.

Each Sunday we start a new post with a New Mr. Linky for you. This is so that you can post a link to anything you want us to read, anything at all related to poetry or prose found on your own poetry blogs. It will remain open all week so that you can show us your writings and thoughts. You can post links weekly should you chose to do so. What poetry you put here is up to you so don't be afraid to share with us!!

The Thursday Think Tank #45 - Secrets

“Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.”

~Benjamin Franklin

Do angels whisper secrets to you in your sleep? Do you have a secret you want to scream from the top of your lungs, a burden you are holding? Some secrets are better left unsaid while others are held for silly reasons. As children we always whispered “It’s a secret” right before we begun to tell someone all about it. Maybe your secret hides a treasure or the fountain of youth. Secrets can be a great many things, good or bad and we want to see what adventures they take you on.

This week write about a secret. Any secret will do. Government plots, Special hideaways and escapes, maybe a shortcut to avoid traffic or a pesky neighbor. Whatever you’re inspired to write share it with us here at Poets United. Your secret will be safe with us. We’ll never tell a soul.

The Life of a Poet - Paul Andrew Russell

Okay, kids, bear with me. It's Sherry Blue Sky, and I am attempting to post my own interview for the first time. A leetle beet scary, but we'll muddle through!

When I found out that this poet played in castle ruins in England as a child, as well as on the slag heaps of the local collieries, I wanted to know more. So today we are sitting down with Paul Andrew Russell, one of Poets United’s steady contributors, and a long-term member.

The Poetry Pantry Is Now Open! #45

The Poetry Pantry

2nd Chance Poems or 1st time shares

Anything goes!! All Poems, all Poets, All Week!!

Do you have a poem you would like to share? Something that you just felt inspired to write and want others to read. Perhaps it’s a poem that didn’t get as much exposure on your blog as you would have liked. Maybe it’s a poem that you wrote a long time ago that you would like people to revisit. That’s what this section of Poets United is for.

Each Sunday we start a new post with a New Mr. Linky for you. This is so that you can post a link to anything you want us to read, anything at all related to poetry or prose found on your own poetry blogs. It will remain open all week so that you can show us your writings and thoughts. You can post links weekly should you chose to do so. What poetry you put here is up to you so don't be afraid to share with us!!

The Thursday Think Tank - #44 Your First!

First Dance?

First broken bone?

First Kiss?

The first quality that is needed is audacity.

~ Winston Churchill

Today's Prompt is brought to us by Carrie Burtt. I am stretched a bit thin currently so her timing is splendidly perfect.

Carrie suggested we write poems on our firsts. "a first" in life....like a first kiss, first job, first vacation, or even first husband...lol.  When is the first time you experienced death, love, God, hate, a broken bone, happiness?  When we ask about your special first what is the first thing that pops into your head?  Write about it.  Share it with us.  I am curious to see who will be first today.

(Thank you Carrie for bailing me out on this one!)

THe Poetry Pantry Is Now Open! - #44

The Poetry Pantry

2nd Chance Poems or 1st time shares

Anything goes!! All Poems, all Poets, All Week!!

Do you have a poem you would like to share? Something that you just felt inspired to write and want others to read. Perhaps it’s a poem that didn’t get as much exposure on your blog as you would have liked. Maybe it’s a poem that you wrote a long time ago that you would like people to revisit. That’s what this section of Poets United is for.

Each Sunday we start a new post with a New Mr. Linky for you. This is so that you can post a link to anything you want us to read, anything at all related to poetry or prose found on your own poetry blogs. It will remain open all week so that you can show us your writings and thoughts. You can post links weekly should you chose to do so. What poetry you put here is up to you so don't be afraid to share with us!!

The Thursday Think Tank - #43 Headlines

Well now that Poets United is beginning to get back into the swing of things what better way to get things started than to play catch up? Headlines and news is everywhere. As the modern age of computers, the internet, Facebook, blogger and so much more enter our lives every second of the day take one of those things and write about it. Maybe it will be the Masters Golf tournament that inspires your pen (likely not), maybe the latest gossip column makes you smile or maybe there is something more serious that catches your eye. If none of these work try the random aspect. Open a newspaper, magazine or internet news page like CNN, Yahoo or Reuters and just pick a random topic.

We need to catch up with what is going on in the world and we can’t wait to do so by reading your poems. Extra!! Extra!! Write all about it!!

The Poetry Pantry Is Now Open!! - #36

Sorry I am late this is from the hotel room balcony though on my minimoon!! I have a few teaser photos if you would like.

The Poetry Pantry

2nd Chance Poems or 1st time shares

Anything goes!! All Poems, all Poets, All Week!!

Do you have a poem you would like to share? Something that you just felt inspired to write and want others to read. Perhaps it’s a poem that didn’t get as much exposure on your blog as you would have liked. Maybe it’s a poem that you wrote a long time ago that you would like people to revisit. That’s what this section of Poets United is for.

Here are a few of the photos from the wedding for those who asked.  I promise to link many later but it will be as a seperate link so as to not turn Poets United into my wedding site. Thank you each and everyone for the many well wishes!!