Welcome all.
I know this is a difficult, even overwhelming time for many of us,
especially when it comes to writing. I offer the 55 as an aid to composition, as a celebration of times gone by, and for my own spur to write, and I have no expectations of anyone but myself, so if you wish to participate, that is great, but if words do not come, not even 55, I understand that as well.
The rules are as always:
write a poem, prose poem or piece of flash fiction on any subject in exactly 55 words, no more, no less. Post the link to your entry in the comments, and I will be by to read and comment on what you have written.
Having a kickass weekend is not obligatory, but always advised.
The prompt will be live from midnight Thursday til Sunday at 4:00 PM.
~*~
My 55:
War Of A Thousand Battles
Here's the war
of a thousand battles,
a hundred years,
war of roses
and dust.
Fight to standstill
ten dozen champions;
sometimes a win
if winning is
fighting again,
sometimes a loss;
but always on guard in
the bloody brawl
til old soldiers
throw down the gun
and wait for
the last wave to come.
June 2020
Images: Head of an Old Peasant, 1874, by Ivan Kramskoy Fair Use
The Night Guard, by Odd Nerdrum Fair Use
And the wave is coming for us all. There is a palpable weariness in these lines.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, wishing you a kick-ass weekend, too.
here's mine
https://grapeling.wordpress.com/2020/06/26/enough-to-drink-centuries/
This made me write, or rather massively re-write, an old poem, M. A craftsman's writing in yours, as always. Thanks.
DeleteThis sure feels like what we're going through. And it reminds me a bit of the possibly trite, but not untrue, saying: War does not decide who is right. Only who is left.
ReplyDeleteHope your weekend is as kick-ass as possible. And thanks for doing this.
https://othermary.wordpress.com/2020/06/26/3454/
And thanks for continuing the tradition, Mary.
DeleteThanks for hosting ... running out the door now but will return to read the 55s. Here is mine. http://woonietest.blogspot.com/2020/06/wild-things.html
ReplyDeleteCheers.
I would love to see a pic of you in hippie form, Helem, but your 55 did a good job as substitute. Thanks!
DeleteIt's like an ever narrowing road, isn't it? Last one standing, turn out the lights. I love that peasant portrait! I will be by again to read others after I compose something myself. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat peasant looks like I feel. Can't wait to see what you bring forth for us, BFF.
DeleteThank you for a place to be worried and active at the same time. :) I'm in the at-least-fighting-is-action mindset right now. Worried about what's happening to the places I'm not.
ReplyDeletehttps://openwindowopenbook.blogspot.com/2020/06/untitled.html
So glad to see you and your poetry here. I can't say when I've read a more cogent 55.
DeleteC. Sandlin, when I went to your site my computer protection, Webroot, thought it was a malicious site. Did the same for this site (Verse Escape). That's why I haven't visited and read you piece. :(
DeleteMy tomfoolery:
ReplyDeletehttp://fireblossom-wordgarden.blogspot.com/2020/06/silent-bird.html
As always, your tomfoolery makes other people's seriousness look weak. ;) Thanks, Shay for writing in spite of all the mania-inducing evils besetting you.
DeleteSome wars seem to never end. This is dark but profound and crafted as only a true poet could. I will do my best to be back Joy. I do so appreciate and enjoy your 55's! Wishing you a wonderful weekend too!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carrie. You are always welcome at the 55.
DeleteThe thought of a “win” as staying alive to fight again and again is horrifying. But true. Have a healthy safe weekend! Kick ass too.
ReplyDeleteSo tired of fighting. The noise gets louder and solutions fade to whispers. Fantastic writing Joy! Always blessed to read your work. Here is my 55:
ReplyDeletehttps://blackinkhowl.blogspot.com/2020/06/dreamless-moon.html
Hi Hedge, I have gone rather silent, but will rally........I always love reading you, regardless.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great weekend everyone. I managed to combine my Muse with my 55 so that I could return. Thank you Joy for keeping us writing!
ReplyDeletehttps://dancingwithelephants2.blogspot.com/2020/06/smoke-mirrors.html
For soldiers kept aloft on bladders of blood
ReplyDeletesometimes a win
if winning is
fighting again,
sometimes a loss;
but always on guard in
the bloody brawl
'Tis a weariness fer sure when axes fly til the Morrigan signs alone. -B