tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48911183316589592262024-02-19T19:14:14.366-06:00*Laurie Kolp Poetry*ARCHIVES.....FIRST DRAFTS.....Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.comBlogger1315125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-34551885801876719392015-07-26T12:01:00.001-05:002015-11-25T13:06:34.497-06:00Announcing...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm excited to announce that <a href="https://finishinglinepress.com/product_info.php?cPath=2&products_id=2456&osCsid=vs87j0kq8hs37m67v2semd1011">preorders of my new chapbook Hello, it's Your Mother</a> are now under way through my publisher, Finishing Line Press. I'd appreciate it if you'd consider buying your copy now. The number of books sold during this period (which ends August 28) determines how many will be printed during the press run. I appreciate your support.<br />
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Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-51956730394589920692015-05-24T14:46:00.002-05:002015-05-24T14:48:27.749-05:00Memorial Day- A Double AcrosticMalachite-like gem<br />
Engraved in stone<br />
Memorialized dream<br />
Omniscient hero<br />
Revered with honor<br />
In remembrance I<br />
Admire your bravery, a<br />
Life risk eternal<br />
<br />
Daily you sacrificed<br />
America for America<br />
Your name honored todayLaurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-27162907961397550782015-03-27T15:29:00.001-05:002015-04-12T19:03:45.512-05:00April Activities and 2 FREE Poetry Books for National Poetry Month (Leave a comment to get your name in the drawing!) Every year around this time I feel like a CPA (not that I can crunch numbers or anything) because April is to me like I guess it must be for them: CRAZY BUSY. Only I earn no fat paycheck. My reward is way better, though. It's the satisfaction of knowing that I did everything I could as a poet to honor National Poetry Month. And it's fun, too. Here are a few things I'll participate in this year. Read to the end and learn how you can win 2 free poetry books.<br />
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1. The Found Poetry Review's <a href="http://www.pomosco.com/">PoMoSco</a>. Each day, poems found in different ways will appear on the PoMoSco site under my name. I hope to move up to top rank by the end of April. Maybe I can fulfill my <strike>Girl</strike> <strike>Scout</strike> Laureate Scout dreams.<br />
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2. Poetic Asides <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/2015-april-pad-challenge-guidelines">Poem-a-Day (PAD) Challenge</a>. I always love this. Guest judges will select top poems for each day, which will then be compiled into a book courtesy of <a href="http://wordsdance.com/">Words Dance Publishing</a>.<br />
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3. <a href="http://ofkells.blogspot.com/2015/03/big-poetry-giveaway-2015-celebrating.html">Kelli Agodon's Big Poetry Giveway</a>. This one is new to me and I'm thrilled about it. You can read the details below this picture. You can also participate if you'd like. Go to <a href="http://ofkells.blogspot.com/2015/03/big-poetry-giveaway-2015-celebrating.html">Kelli's blog</a> and find out how. <br />
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So everyone who signs up is giving away 2 poetry books. I'm giving away Helen Losse's <a href="http://mainstreetrag.com/bookstore/product/seriously-dangerous/">Seriously Dangerous</a> and my complete collection of poetry, <a href="http://wintergoosepublishing.com/product/upon-the-blue-couch/">Upon the Blue Couch</a>. No matter where you live, if you win I'll ship these books to you for free! You must leave a comment with your email address to enter.<br />
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<b>If you are reading this post, the giveaway has begun. Again, all you have to do is leave a comment below with your name and email address. You have until midnight April 30. I will draw a winner the first week of May. If you are interested in participating in the big poetry giveaway, check out<a href="http://ofkells.blogspot.com/2015/03/poetry-book-giveaway-free-books-for.html"> this </a>post or<a href="http://ofkells.blogspot.com/2015/03/poetry-book-giveaway-free-books-for.html"> this </a>one.</b><br />
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A little about myself now with borrowed interview questions from Kelli and <a href="http://allysonmwhipple.com/2015/03/27/big-poetry-giveaway-2015/">Allyson Whipple</a>.<br />
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<b></b><b>Welcome! </b>As you can see from the banner, my name is Laurie Kolp. I am a wife and mother of three children. I'm the president of Texas Gulf Coast Writers and am involved with the Poetry Society of Texas. <br />
<br />
<b>Last year I:</b> Ran over 100 miles in 6 weeks.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I believe</b> in UFOs and mermaids because I watched some documentaries that have me convinced!<br />
<br />
<b>I am always looking for </b>chocolate.<br />
<br />
<b></b><b>People think I am </b>sweet.<br />
<br />
<b></b><b>I recently</b> cursed the oak trees in my yard (while bagging oak pollen) even though I LOVE them.<br />
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<b><b>If I could live anywhere </b></b>it would have to be tropical.<br />
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<b><b></b></b><b><b><b>I do not </b></b></b>do cartwheels anymore.<br />
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<b><b><b></b></b></b><b>I am thankful for </b>this sunny day.<br />
<br />
<b></b><b>I cheer for </b>my alma mater Texas A&M... gig 'em.<br />
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<b></b><b>To me, success is </b>being happy with less.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>My writing </b>sometimes overpowers everything else.<br />
<br />
<b></b><b>I am most like </b>a river. <br />
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Oh, yeah. In April, I'm also taking a poetry class, attending a week-long poetry retreat, speaking at a writer's meeting, attending readings, along with all the end-of-year activities for my three kids. Maybe I will feel as tired and drained as a CPA when April is over. It's so worth it, though.<br />
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What do you have planned for April?Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-77096103207076111772015-03-15T09:46:00.003-05:002015-03-15T09:50:27.311-05:00Beyond Green<div style="text-align: left;">
You can sit
by a green river
flowing </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
beneath
tourist-packed streets </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
drink green beer,
share stories </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
about kissing
the Blarney Stone</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
and four-leaf clovers </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
found in fields of green </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
stretching on and on and on </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
like the depth of your green eyes </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
luring me in with unspoken words of love</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
words I know I can make you say, change </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
the feelings
you hide. When I look deep enough, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I see a faint spark lurking in those green eyes. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It calls to me, begs for me to pull it out </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
from places deep within, the light </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
before a train appears </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
in a tunnel-vision mind </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
your mind, the spark </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I know is there.
</div>
Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-32846103791713462322015-01-28T18:51:00.001-06:002015-01-28T18:52:53.682-06:00A Chat with E. Kristin Anderson-- Poet, Young Adult Author, & Blogger<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNoPJeih5Qmz8HoR_QZayN9lozj6GGPzo4oqh703WeYnYQrKfWs-zwXmbsuZ5IuQX3hYbnJPu24SuGcDrxlbOzdwE994_3Tpma4kFJ2FZbGJXH3UZSf7TMoKiZnqEVStlOzlOvwIaSvCS/s1600/01_bluebonnets_umbrella-smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNoPJeih5Qmz8HoR_QZayN9lozj6GGPzo4oqh703WeYnYQrKfWs-zwXmbsuZ5IuQX3hYbnJPu24SuGcDrxlbOzdwE994_3Tpma4kFJ2FZbGJXH3UZSf7TMoKiZnqEVStlOzlOvwIaSvCS/s1600/01_bluebonnets_umbrella-smaller.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
I met her several years ago when we both participated in The Found Poetry
Review's Pulitzer Remix, and ever since then, she seems to pop up everywhere. If
you haven't read her work, you're missing out. Let me introduce you to <a href="http://www.ekristinanderson.com/">E. Kristin Anderson</a>. <br />
<br />
L: Tell us a little bit about yourself. <br />
<br />
E: I'm a girl from Maine living in Austin, Texas, writing poetry and the
occasional YA novel or essay. <br />
<br />
L: Sorry to interrupt, but what brought you to Austin all the way from
Maine? <br />
<br />
E: Coming to Austin is kind of a funny story. Either a tragedy or a comedy,
depending on your POV, but I believe in silver linings. I moved here for a guy
I met online, hung out with a few times, and fell in love with. He turned out
to be a terrible person. But I fell in love with Austin. So now Austin is my
boyfriend. Austin gives me tacos whenever I want them. I mean, what more can
you ask for?<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br />
L: Austin will never disappoint either. Okay, go on…<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuXAkEkHdZ1ZAWER5gdzFbt2J7o5fImue62RJ14umzSp_rnRNOHz-HbU1VRmAn3MMp53fPMND3p8bfrcBVBbBQN-l9W25uX-bfRhMnk_VmPD53LCTSSor3wDqXyLkKhd1xU6fq_zscvZ7/s1600/E+Kristin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuXAkEkHdZ1ZAWER5gdzFbt2J7o5fImue62RJ14umzSp_rnRNOHz-HbU1VRmAn3MMp53fPMND3p8bfrcBVBbBQN-l9W25uX-bfRhMnk_VmPD53LCTSSor3wDqXyLkKhd1xU6fq_zscvZ7/s1600/E+Kristin.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
E. I have two <a href="http://www.ekristinanderson.com/?page_id=8886">chapbooks</a>
out -- A GUIDE FOR THE PRACTICAL ABDUCTEE with Red Bird Chapbooks and A JAB OF
DEEP URGENCY with Finishing Line Press -- and I co-edited the <a href="http://www.ekristinanderson.com/?page_id=3536">DEAR TEEN ME</a> anthology
with Zest Books. I'm addicted to television, vintage dresses, and guacamole. I
also have a third chapbook on the way with ELJ Publications, ACOUSTIC BATTERY
LIFE, forthcoming in 2016.<br />
<br />
L: Three chapbooks... wow. You are a busy woman! Please, do tell us your
secret of success. <br />
<br />
E. I have been accused by critique partners of never sleeping. And I must
confess, I do suffer from insomnia. But I think the real secret to any success
is pigheaded delusions of grandeur. I write my heart out, and I send my work to
magazines (somewhere in between the writing and the sending is, of course,
critique and revision) and I ask myself "What would Buffy do?" a lot.
The answer is usually kick ass now and apologize later when I break something.
So, you know, that totally translates to writing.<br />
<br />
L: What is your favorite type of poem to write?<br />
<br />
E: My favorite type of poem to write definitely depends on my mood, but I think
I'm always excited when I get to write a poem about weird things like
jackalopes and UFOs. And I'm even more excited when I find a way to do this
with found materials.<br />
<br />
L: Will you please share a poem with us?<br />
<br />
E: Sure. This is one I really enjoy reading at events (it's also in my
chapbook A GUIDE FOR THE PRACTICAL ABDUCTEE):<br />
<br />
<b>Unicorn in Central Park</b><br />
<br />
You've heard the city is magic – <br />
it's why I came, knowing <br />
I'd be a workhorse, carting tourists<br />
down Fifth Avenue, donning bells <br />
that <i>clank</i>. Never a jingle. <br />
<br />
Hiding – it should be simple. <br />
The carousel, though, it reflects truths<br />
where I am a lie. <br />
<br />
Magic – this city has it, sure: The first snow, <br />
a kiss in the park, the <i>off</i> off Broadway theatres<br />
exposing names in lights. <br />
<br />
I am just another creature with feet touching <br />
wet
pavement. Myth is a line blurred <br />
between starlet and waitress,<br />
between horse and cart. <br />
<br />
There are worlds here <br />
which we render invisible. <br />
The wind in my hair, a girl's breath, <br />
a last ride in the settling dusk.<br />
<br />
<br />
//<br />
<br />
L: If you could sum up your style in one word, what would it be?<br />
<br />
E: My style, in one word, is narrative. Whether found or traditional free
verse, I think every poem should tell a story. I try to reflect that in my own
work.<br />
<br />
L: Where can we find you? (FB, Twitter, blogs, etc.)<br />
<br />
E: I blog at <a href="http://ekristinanderson.com/">http://EKristinAnderson.com</a>
and also run <a href="http://dearteenme.com/">http://DearTeenMe.com</a> with
friend and fellow author Priya Chand. You can find me on Twitter at
@ek_anderson and on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorekanderson" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/authorekanderson</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-3774352329407501422014-10-15T09:05:00.001-05:002014-10-15T20:18:47.863-05:00Military Burial<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDi2l-Li3BFPFaMTYIPnoYljiDoncq3sgoENQxGtcTtqRNdD-vHoO3jl9FIUo9MYwYb7xgaO4GjEYLL9gP8cZ22GH7UJa9Vt-nvRZNIrgl-Ci2ke4_VYLRbNQ12Kp1s2jbeoIEC7VTsDV/s1600/1graveyard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDi2l-Li3BFPFaMTYIPnoYljiDoncq3sgoENQxGtcTtqRNdD-vHoO3jl9FIUo9MYwYb7xgaO4GjEYLL9gP8cZ22GH7UJa9Vt-nvRZNIrgl-Ci2ke4_VYLRbNQ12Kp1s2jbeoIEC7VTsDV/s1600/1graveyard.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by L. Kolp: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Trees line the graveyard entrance </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
like soldiers at attention,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
rustling leaves </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
their intense expression </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
grim reality. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I <span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: black;">bet none of these</span> </span>souls </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
rot in hell, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but instead are gifted </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with eternal peace. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One, two, three shots </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ring through the air </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the wind<br />
carries you home. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poetic Inspiration:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2014/10/graveyards.html">Poetry Jam~Graveyards</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.threewordwednesday.com/">3WW</a>~ gifted, intense, rot</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2014/10/poets-united-midweek-motif-trees.html">PU Verse First~ Tree(s)</a></div>
Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-46226112434793660412014-10-01T08:33:00.001-05:002014-10-01T08:43:34.272-05:00Seeking Power<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNslcfZZKf5mzgmCn4w1ylUL89D47ynaU-XVf3uoD6LR-fIvvO79r2w9bqRuHVOadtw_y07kvnB6BxiMBMIGGpZnsbRAfYLJhkvrAkYlQxKbhuMCtxMb3xYyudevqOGZ6vltbETln9WXsB/s1600/farm+goat+feb+13+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNslcfZZKf5mzgmCn4w1ylUL89D47ynaU-XVf3uoD6LR-fIvvO79r2w9bqRuHVOadtw_y07kvnB6BxiMBMIGGpZnsbRAfYLJhkvrAkYlQxKbhuMCtxMb3xYyudevqOGZ6vltbETln9WXsB/s1600/farm+goat+feb+13+033.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by L. Kolp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
In barren pool of gray </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she casts aside all </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
worry but a shield </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
against conception </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that with enchantment</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from above</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
spells intense results. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Poetic Inspiration~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2014/09/magic.html">Poetry Jam: Magic</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.threewordwednesday.com/">3WW</a>: barren, intense, worry</span></div>
Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-33645288992681565322014-09-24T08:59:00.000-05:002014-09-24T08:59:13.456-05:00Cloud Coverage<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLofjVG_Dm8gKYR97ngGj1PgX6kxhwLs9Ryt_T5IG1jsQi1QqcjapXBnDSizv04qT7lgVG3yGWeAXVSJ_SRyTUUfrwy0RuQZ_DQamt9CCNDoNbNNFp3EB7pJPst8i6u7SEaxXBi659nlsi/s1600/clouds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLofjVG_Dm8gKYR97ngGj1PgX6kxhwLs9Ryt_T5IG1jsQi1QqcjapXBnDSizv04qT7lgVG3yGWeAXVSJ_SRyTUUfrwy0RuQZ_DQamt9CCNDoNbNNFp3EB7pJPst8i6u7SEaxXBi659nlsi/s1600/clouds.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Clouds" by L. Kolp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sky above abuzz</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with deceased relatives</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
gathering to show respect </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
while he laments </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the release of his father. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Emitting words explosive, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
storm clouds rain down</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tears as if lost years</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
don't matter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He stands beneath a canopy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of limbs, beneath expression</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
adequate for his mother, yet </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
inside a parasite festers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
like violent thunder </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hovering. <br /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poetic Inspiration~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2014/09/clouds.html">Poetry Jam: Clouds</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2014/09/poets-united-midweek-motif-heritage-day.html">PU Verse First: Heritage Day</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.threewordwednesday.com/">3WW</a>: adequate, explosive, parasite</div>
Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-57909315394453241592014-09-17T08:51:00.001-05:002014-09-17T09:05:34.204-05:00Hold Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OoKH1gly-eR6jfc6HfQdzEfS4QtqM1cqXW4CJOdyj6dLMxXiXTYlzlrHYgHzshxVCHj8F2u26FPQsI0FuTIyT5VLGsM0vvbX5ErFtBnxN-JfeJq9Svu7MI2XNmmQfX6pJLX8lBp-V4Ej/s1600/autumn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OoKH1gly-eR6jfc6HfQdzEfS4QtqM1cqXW4CJOdyj6dLMxXiXTYlzlrHYgHzshxVCHj8F2u26FPQsI0FuTIyT5VLGsM0vvbX5ErFtBnxN-JfeJq9Svu7MI2XNmmQfX6pJLX8lBp-V4Ej/s1600/autumn.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
lined in autumn colors</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a winding path that leads to you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
door after door adorned</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with wreaths of red, yellow and orange</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pumpkins and cornucopias the frames</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of mind, I'm a bit unsettled here</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
walking on waxen floors</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so shiny I'm following shadows</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to your room where I'll find you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
holding onto life </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poetic Inspiration:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2014/09/harvest-time.html">Poetry Jam~ Harvest Time</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/wednesday-poetry-prompts-280">Poetic Asides~ Hold (blank) </a></div>
<br />Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-36237806436173906342014-09-10T14:05:00.000-05:002014-09-10T14:05:03.372-05:00The Sea Waltza waltz across the sea, it seems<br />
the sailboat rocks methodically<br />
<br />
oNe, TwO, tHrEe, OnE, tWo, ThReE<br />
<br />
she lies topless catching rays,<br />
his pole is cast throughout the day<br />
<br />
oNe, TwO, tHrEe, OnE, tWo, ThReE<br />
<br />
at night after their catch is won<br />
a floating bed, it seems finespun <br />
<br />
oNe, TwO, tHrEe, OnE, tWo, ThReE<br />
<br />
** <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prompt Inspiration:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-sea.html">Poetry Jam~ The Sea</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2014/09/poets-united-midweek-motif-melody.html">PU Mid-Week~ Melody </a></span><br />
<br />Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-13764312028741312912014-08-27T08:19:00.001-05:002014-08-27T08:19:47.089-05:00Sophomoric <br />
entanglement<br />
in the parking lot,<br />
heartless honks <br />
and cars backed up<br />
in jagged lines<br />
like zipper spines--<br />
walk with a book<br />
on your head-- <br />
need not lead to death,<br />
but saggy pants just might <br />
<br />
~~~<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Poetic Inspiration~</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2014/08/back-to-school.html">Poetry Jam: Back to School</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.threewordwednesday.com/">3WW</a>: entanglement, death, heartless</span>Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-56697407911390427392014-08-21T08:45:00.001-05:002014-08-21T08:45:52.207-05:00Faith, Fiction, Friends: Laurie Kolp’s “Upon the Blue Couch: Poems”<a href="http://faithfictionfriends.blogspot.com/2014/08/laurie-kolps-upon-blue-couch-poems.html?spref=bl">Faith, Fiction, Friends: Laurie Kolp’s “Upon the Blue Couch: Poems”</a>: Write what you know, the experts say. As I sat reading the poems that comprise Upon the Blue Couch by Laurie Kolp , the thought ke...Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-48196981585207861712014-08-13T07:01:00.001-05:002014-08-13T07:02:51.739-05:00Afternoon Snackhis eyes were like almonds<br />
drawing me into a secret place inside<br />
where only I existed<br />
and nothing else mattered<br />
except us<br />
<br />
those eyes that shined<br />
when looking into mine<br />
satisfied an insatiable appetite<br />
from the very first taste<br />
after which nothing else mattered <br />
<br />
<br />
~~~<br />
<br />
Poetic Inspiration: <br />
<a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2014/08/almonds.html">Poetry Jam~ Almonds</a><br />
<a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2014/08/poets-united-midweek-motif-happiness.html">PU Mid-Week Motif~ Happiness</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>** EXCITING NEWS **</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Solving-Worlds-Problems-Robert-Brewer/dp/1935708902">Robert Lee Brewer</a> interviewed me over at <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/laurie-kolp-poet-interview">Writer's Digest Poetic Asides</a>. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>You can read it <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/laurie-kolp-poet-interview">here</a> if so inclined.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-65770412799521667092014-07-23T06:59:00.000-05:002014-07-23T06:59:03.418-05:00Deja Vu<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCBZmyK33LS7XENX17tN7-dApkmGI_JV96J0G1MiFTZ3NVmUfoR5GLtiT3g2bhyphenhyphenhn1pY0xe0O3xrz5X6h3nASYLWxy1hUHWIA1I2qEMyvsJuF6x_LhwDQuQYFKrYqRDYrAYujeCy0IWge/s1600/formals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCBZmyK33LS7XENX17tN7-dApkmGI_JV96J0G1MiFTZ3NVmUfoR5GLtiT3g2bhyphenhyphenhn1pY0xe0O3xrz5X6h3nASYLWxy1hUHWIA1I2qEMyvsJuF6x_LhwDQuQYFKrYqRDYrAYujeCy0IWge/s1600/formals.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going through Mom's closets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Much like the well-known wardrobe </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the old spare room, this closet sits </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
waiting for visitors... and I am Lucy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
stepping into another place and time;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not Narnia, but Kelly High, stepping</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
back to my youth, back to party days</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with formal dances and bright futures.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each gown worn still hangs there as if </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nothing ever happened, nothing at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prompt Inspiration: <a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2014/07/trash-or-treasure.html">Poetry Jam~ Trash or Treasure?</a></span></div>
<br />Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-35032999243416964652014-07-02T07:51:00.000-05:002014-07-02T07:51:01.091-05:00Unquenchable <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A blue jay bathed in the dogs' water today</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as I watched through the kitchen window. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You once said you prefer blue over red</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
birds; how I yearn to hear your words again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prompt Inspiration: <a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2014/07/thirst.html">Poetry Jam~ Thirst</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*** </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Exciting News!! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm reading from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Upon-Blue-Couch-Laurie-Kolp/dp/1941058086/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404304372&sr=1-1&keywords=upon+the+blue+couch">Upon the Blue Couch</a> at <a href="http://poetryhickory.wordpress.com/">Poetry Hickory</a> July 8. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you're in the area, please stop by... I'd love to meet you! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://poetryhickory.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/july-2014.jpg?w=450&h=582" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="July 2014" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-511" height="582" src="http://poetryhickory.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/july-2014.jpg?w=450&h=582" width="450" /></a></div>
<br />
Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-70293318556447408092014-06-17T21:35:00.003-05:002014-06-17T21:53:33.980-05:00Life<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://us-mg4.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=2_0_0_1_10147547_AEYNiWIAAAVcU6BhlAAAANB0psM&pid=2&fid=Inbox&inline=1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by L. Kolp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Plank by rickety plank </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Hope</span> treads ahead, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a tightrope walker<br />
<br />
feet steady</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
keenly aware </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
one slight misstep<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
might break her, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
yet with faith enough </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to try. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prompt Inspiration: <a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2014/06/bridges-puente-poetic-form.html">Poetry Jam~ Bridges </a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-65662235151588855212014-06-01T14:43:00.004-05:002014-06-01T15:13:06.074-05:00Heart, Capsulized<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0R1TVAucno649r901eY2WNqxRFUylaLYfzfaniWXLjBuu2PdBet3avmvnE54H86rYSVmwC8VFQEz6FqR-fxsuY_E0zgwILpMlVVFGx9mKh1qi4qYLGhA2BxrwMi7IfBYOZzmPctRf2_sA/s400/lips.jpg" height="212" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of <a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.com/2014/06/mag-222.html">Mag 222</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
you can change<br />
how fast you age<br />
with bleached white teeth<br />
<br />
pump up lips,<br />
tattoo them<br />
hot pink <br />
<br />
how your<br />
skin appears<br />
with fake tans<br />
<br />
not to mention<br />
hair dyed to hide<br />
unwanted gray<br />
<br />
but there's nothing,<br />
not a pill, that will <br />
ever change your<br />
thoughtless heart<br />
<br />
**<br />
<br />
Also shared at <a href="http://poeticbloomings.com/2014/06/01/prompt-157-bold-face-lie-guest-host-linda-evans-hofke/">Creative Boomings' </a>Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-22544526983336458272014-05-26T07:25:00.000-05:002014-05-26T07:42:45.698-05:00Virtual Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
I
was asked by my friend and fellow creative, Kathryn Dyche Dechairo, to
participate in a virtual blog tour. Its goal is to introduce talented
bloggers and have them share insight into their writing and creative
process. You can visit her tour post at <a href="http://dychedesigns.blogspot.com/2014/05/virtual-blog-tour.html">The Edge of Silence</a> - See more at: http://confessionsofalaundrygoddess.blogspot.com/#sthash.fZmpB1Dk.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
I
was asked by my friend and fellow creative, Kathryn Dyche Dechairo, to
participate in a virtual blog tour. Its goal is to introduce talented
bloggers and have them share insight into their writing and creative
process. You can visit her tour post at <a href="http://dychedesigns.blogspot.com/2014/05/virtual-blog-tour.html">The Edge of Silence</a> - See more at: http://confessionsofalaundrygoddess.blogspot.com/#sthash.fZmpB1Dk.dpuf</div>
<b><span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3r.$mid=11400790130303=2f7d9d336993b698505.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null"> I was asked by my friend and fellow creative, Susie Clevenger, to participate in a virtual blog tour. Its goal is to introduce talented bloggers as they share insight into their creative process and current projects. You can visit her tour post at <a href="http://confessionsofalaundrygoddess.blogspot.com/2014/05/virtual-blog-tour.html">Confessions of a Laundry Goddess. </a></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div align="left">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9X0zXgRPB_T-UptOx3w0RRo82sIAP_YAWeHWjkO0NiUlpSMsofbiq3iy960zZK11bxYOwRGsI5QiNyw8HFakpTmezhD9uzGcXKKFaOUM96Lrr0g-XLNAKOTuCxm05I3uDr3O4M4sGDkc/s1600/10312018_10203168875936321_2080024750_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9X0zXgRPB_T-UptOx3w0RRo82sIAP_YAWeHWjkO0NiUlpSMsofbiq3iy960zZK11bxYOwRGsI5QiNyw8HFakpTmezhD9uzGcXKKFaOUM96Lrr0g-XLNAKOTuCxm05I3uDr3O4M4sGDkc/s1600/10312018_10203168875936321_2080024750_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susie Clevenger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><b></b>BIO:<br />
<b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Susie Clevenger is a Poet, Author, Blogger and Photographer. Her debut book of poetry <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dirt-Road-Dreams-Susie-Clevenger/dp/0988186209/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399893444&sr=8-1&keywords=dirt+road+dreams">'Dirt Road Dreams'</a> is available on Amazon and Susie is currently working on her second poetry collection, Insomnia's Ink. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*** </div>
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".cv.$mid=11399596737293=2f29a9c1d652883da14.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null">1.
What am I working on? </span></span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".cv.$mid=11399596737293=2f29a9c1d652883da14.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null">My first complete collection of poetry, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Upon-Blue-Couch-Laurie-Kolp/dp/1941058086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401022609&sr=8-1&keywords=upon+the+blue+couch"><i>Upon the Blue Couch</i></a> (Winter Goose Publishing) was just released in April, so I'm working on spreading the word and trying to promote it. Here is the title poem from my book.</span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".cv.$mid=11399596737293=2f29a9c1d652883da14.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null"><br /></span></span>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Upon the Blue
Couch</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">by Laurie Kolp (Winter Goose Publishing) </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Maybe I didn’t
write a thing today.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Maybe I sat on
this twenty-year-old</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">muted blue
couch and did nothing </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">but think
about the wear and tear </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">from move
after move we’ve been through,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">with washed
over mars, the scars </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">of cigarettes
and vomit, </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">having been
passed out upon and puked upon,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">a shoulder
when I needed one </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">to cry my eyes
out upon. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Maybe I
remembered all the lovers </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">who have lied</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">sprawled upon
its pillows </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">with hungry
lips I’ve kissed, </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">hands upon
thighs, breasts upon chest, </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">all to feel
something better than </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">what was
missing in my heart.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Maybe I
dreamed about my husband</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and all the
times we’ve rued upon </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">blue
obsequious fabric,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">worrying about
the economy we’ve fallen upon--</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">with curse
words or whispers</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">sometimes at
opposite ends,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">sometimes hand
in hand,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">but always
with a love </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">never to be
crashed upon.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Maybe I
recalled my babies</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">sleeping upon
their daddy</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">sleeping upon
the cushions</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">as they sought
solace in colicky times</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and I was too
tired to stay awake,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">my nipples
having been sucked upon</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and sipped
upon one too many times,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">their cracks a
small sacrifice</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">for a lifetime
of nourishment.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Maybe I didn’t
write a thing today,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">but this
twenty-year-old blue couch did.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcB5JZzH-H3MzrBzb5CXIobngrmsunqgdjv5OByKE9YjJceLAJ1v5ngF83JEAwPoCc8QYWtK3liuY2NsnCcBxuEqd9G71yywJqJFxl6NNa1yIWP_SaxTwGUA6zGLuhhknyhD51L35GXFgd/s1600/blue+couch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcB5JZzH-H3MzrBzb5CXIobngrmsunqgdjv5OByKE9YjJceLAJ1v5ngF83JEAwPoCc8QYWtK3liuY2NsnCcBxuEqd9G71yywJqJFxl6NNa1yIWP_SaxTwGUA6zGLuhhknyhD51L35GXFgd/s1600/blue+couch.jpg" height="149" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My blue couch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".cv.$mid=11399596737293=2f29a9c1d652883da14.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null">2. How does my work differ from others of its
genre? </span></span></span><br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".cv.$mid=11399596737293=2f29a9c1d652883da14.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null">This is a question I'd like for my readers to answer (feel free to in comments)! Of course everyone's work is different and unique, but I think mine is unpredictable... hopefully keeping readers guessing what's next. </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyHpjgCwwwe3LeK9QCQa9iRA-61XQYvcgjOSRh2370lDWOl2cQ9FB5XBRKpp5eBzb5OzH4S7oE-3keBKWl7T-c9a_fQRWykoRgW0wsr8yuJWUfu8EHf-Gv8KUm3R3f41jSz6qFt7_FlFd/s1600/Beach+haiga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyHpjgCwwwe3LeK9QCQa9iRA-61XQYvcgjOSRh2370lDWOl2cQ9FB5XBRKpp5eBzb5OzH4S7oE-3keBKWl7T-c9a_fQRWykoRgW0wsr8yuJWUfu8EHf-Gv8KUm3R3f41jSz6qFt7_FlFd/s1600/Beach+haiga.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haiga by Laurie Kolp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".cv.$mid=11399596737293=2f29a9c1d652883da14.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null"> </span></span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".cv.$mid=11399596737293=2f29a9c1d652883da14.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null">3. Why do I write/create what I do? </span></span></span><br />
It's a basic need, really. This muse inside of me (sometimes naughty, sometimes nice) demands to be set free. When I entered college, I didn't really know what I wanted to do. Becoming a writer seemed so unreachable. I did know that I was on this beautiful earth for a reason; but what it was, I had no clue. I tried nursing, business and then decided on education since the women in my family were teachers. I enjoyed teaching, but never felt completely fulfilled. I returned to writing after birthing three kids in four years. I knew at once that was my purpose.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cMEBMYdLOL1YeEu6WWbwPHgmQxYqvfNNaTV456-UewmckhVoMHFq-N6ce8ff49pH4Uvs_8_OoM2zllaw3sZdyc4vGcPBDG3xHZ1numoD9KiMu8yd3GiDYfwXO6JZbtPJvdoT2EZV8vSs/s1600/poem+in+pocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cMEBMYdLOL1YeEu6WWbwPHgmQxYqvfNNaTV456-UewmckhVoMHFq-N6ce8ff49pH4Uvs_8_OoM2zllaw3sZdyc4vGcPBDG3xHZ1numoD9KiMu8yd3GiDYfwXO6JZbtPJvdoT2EZV8vSs/s1600/poem+in+pocket.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".cv.$mid=11399596737293=2f29a9c1d652883da14.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null">4. How does my
writing/creating process work?</span></span></span><br />
I work really well in the morning; but with three kids, I take what I can get. Sometimes my muse nudges me, sometimes she downright pushes me to write something that popped into my head. Other times, I can't get her to do a thing. It's during those times that I try to spark my creativity through other avenues, such as photography and art. The picture below won an award from NWCU. The art sparked the poem. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-1-gn32IUpTTBLE0btyZhIpCeeFe0wLbrJOgKfGvOarHnqNTyarRMIRLMdABKG8UOAzPqVkiBCJnnZw6xImvX0I9EBDwL625XhA-ed0vw8qotmQGRh6n9EAhh4bcbhhDgKaogtLDYIsd/s1600/NWCU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-1-gn32IUpTTBLE0btyZhIpCeeFe0wLbrJOgKfGvOarHnqNTyarRMIRLMdABKG8UOAzPqVkiBCJnnZw6xImvX0I9EBDwL625XhA-ed0vw8qotmQGRh6n9EAhh4bcbhhDgKaogtLDYIsd/s1600/NWCU.jpg" height="320" width="278" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I also go back to older poems and work on editing them. I'll start with a
rhyming poem and then change it to a different form/style. Another
thing that helps get me going is found poetry. I participated in The Found Poetry Review's Pulitzer Remix in April 2013. I had to create 30 found poems from John Updike's <u>Rabbit at Rest.</u> Here is one of those poems.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9i0rzhlbvDqJVUNDPu1RBLRvDlJU5n3l9N3T97H2pTwSSY6armfqN4phcEbuVSQlNSJWPHtcL0OXkk-P5jLsl0gCT0rg-Uo-DkF1HHpDMxu53dHH8Cn2XrQOnS0TkB6txelZYL9S7avo/s1600/Glass+erasure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9i0rzhlbvDqJVUNDPu1RBLRvDlJU5n3l9N3T97H2pTwSSY6armfqN4phcEbuVSQlNSJWPHtcL0OXkk-P5jLsl0gCT0rg-Uo-DkF1HHpDMxu53dHH8Cn2XrQOnS0TkB6txelZYL9S7avo/s1600/Glass+erasure.jpg" height="320" width="275" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
***</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Below are the three poets I selected for this virtual tour. Next week, they will guide you through the same questions. Please check them out!</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".cv.$mid=11399596737293=2f29a9c1d652883da14.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null">*** </span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ajax/mercury/attachments/photo.php?fbid=10202707417025601&mode=contain&width=176&height=176" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.facebook.com/ajax/mercury/attachments/photo.php?fbid=10202707417025601&mode=contain&width=176&height=176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3r.$mid=11400790130303=2f7d9d336993b698505.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null">Linda Hofke</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".3r.$mid=11400790130303=2f7d9d336993b698505.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null">Linda Hofke, a native Pennsylvanian, lives in Germany where she writes,
takes photographs and puts her lead foot to use on the Autobahn. Her
work has been featured in Curio Poetry, MiCrow, Bolts of Silk, The Fib
Review, The Poetic Pinup Revue and other literary journals as well
as several anthologies. She blogs sporatically at Lind-guistics (<a class="_553k" href="http://lind-guistics.blogspot.de/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://lind-guistics.blogspot.de/</a>) and Linda's Life on the Other Side (<a class="_553k" href="http://lindas-life-otos.blogspot.de/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://lindas-life-otos.blogspot.de/</a>).</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
</div>
<div class="_5h9y _zl6 _5wdd clearfix" data-reactid=".3r.$mid=11400790130303=2f7d9d336993b698505.2:0.0.0.1">
<div class="_55pk">
<div class="_rpb clearfix stat_elem">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="_ksh" href="https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/t34.0-12/10405794_10201893082793078_520697359_n.jpg?oh=8b6c7a757daab3d98c9a404bdba8f180&oe=5383407D" role="img" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://www.facebook.com/ajax/mercury/attachments/photo.php?fbid=10201893082793078&mode=contain&width=176&height=176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".19.$mid=11400987104267=2227ace85199fd4e368.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null">Walt
Wojtanik</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".19.$mid=11400987104267=2227ace85199fd4e368.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null"> Walt
Wojtanik is an accomplished poet, playwright and composer who has taken
45 years to become an overnight success. His work has been presented in
various anthologies and publications, or has been staged in his native
Buffalo, NY. He’s currently working on his next big thing, whatever that
might be.
<a class="_553k" href="https://wojisme.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wojisme.wordpress.com/.</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://0.gravatar.com/avatar/e2f9d4edb2f1c628ec09f1b6856e1b4b?s=100&r=pg&d=mm" height="100" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="100" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="null">Imelda Santore</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="null">I am Imelda Santore. I came from the Philippines.
Eleven years ago, I left family, friends, and a legal career to marry
the wonderful man I met online. We are now the parents of four boys. I
keep myself busy homeschooling the elder children, gardening, and doing
things necessary to keep our home in a livable state. I take refuge in
writing poems to sort out my thoughts and to keep my sanity. <a href="http://mywordwall.wordpress.com/">http://mywordwall.wordpress.com/ </a></span><br />
<br />
<div data-reactid=".71.$mid=11400987078046=21f43d6ba58d9aa1a95.2:0.0.0.0">
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".71.$mid=11400987078046=21f43d6ba58d9aa1a95.2:0.0.0.0.0"></span></div>
<div class="_55pk">
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Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-16963933701815673832014-05-07T07:01:00.002-05:002014-05-07T07:01:36.522-05:00The Petting Zoo Dilemma a mocha hue of dung-y mud <br />
daubs straw beneath his feet<br />
beside pig pen<br />
<br />
so fast, I have no chance to swoop him up<br />
before he stomps right in it, then steps back out<br />
minus left shoe<br />
<br />
and hubs is with the older kids<br />
spinning rides so high, cheap thrills<br />
that burn deep holes in pants<br />
<br />
money set aside and saved<br />
for this big day each year,<br />
South Texas Fair<br />
<br />
a helper hoses off the sludge<br />
while I try to hide my smile,<br />
the moral learned without my words<br />
<br />
hopefully<br />
<br />
<br />
**<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prompt Inspiration:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2014/05/festivals-poem-must-be-less-than-35.html">Poetry Jam~ Festivals</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2014/05/poets-united-midweek-motif-children.html">PU Mid-Week Motif~ Children </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.threewordwednesday.com/">3WW</a>~ burn, hue, moral</span>Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-88329347151051133612014-05-04T08:18:00.002-05:002014-05-04T08:20:35.048-05:00Debauchee<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LFYJeEvaPLR2w9ZSh2-2cmpJgxGnGFg1hEldtvu2ONqttsZWE7cB95ARbdFHQXgHpjxh1Zs_1MWYBXIY_Rckdcuh6SdiFL6Xcxr6g3hCAp1ptxKrzdBxKlJQD2_k5LaOgDRehgfL3WVz/s1600/chair-with-the-wings-of-a-vulture+1960+salvador+dali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LFYJeEvaPLR2w9ZSh2-2cmpJgxGnGFg1hEldtvu2ONqttsZWE7cB95ARbdFHQXgHpjxh1Zs_1MWYBXIY_Rckdcuh6SdiFL6Xcxr6g3hCAp1ptxKrzdBxKlJQD2_k5LaOgDRehgfL3WVz/s1600/chair-with-the-wings-of-a-vulture+1960+salvador+dali.jpg" height="320" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chair With the Wings of a Vulture, 1960, Salvador Dali </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
wayward one</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
spoon-fed by candlelight, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
yet unfulfilled~ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I pray for you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> *Inspiration~<a href="http://magpietales.blogspot.com/2014/05/mag-218.html">The Mag218</a></span>*</div>
Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-54271834122388053652014-04-23T10:56:00.001-05:002014-04-23T10:56:37.037-05:00The Desert Experiment<br />
Quite adept<br />
at self-preservation,<br />
the scientist<br />
stumbled upon<br />
a prickly pear,<br />
a little too literally<br />
with face needled<br />
& ass in air<br />
<br />
discovered <br />
its viscous sap<br />
gels hair<br />
and edible fruit<br />
intoxicates. <br />
<br />
*<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Poetic Inspiration~</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2014/04/deserts.html">Poetry Jam: Deserts</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2014/04/poets-united-midweek-motif-science.html">PU Mid-Week Motif: Science</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.threewordwednesday.com/">3WW</a>: adept, edible, viscous </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">*</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyKikQA_6-xfDXj_zvXlOTuK4BECOEtlntpGmJAO1b5R4dowX301yipT6r_h4NfH95r2-TiPI71akttL-1PWYoMc_119mwgCDj8FeHGR8zpwR65piWTN3FbGEPYWsg5YmJ-rUzUP9QjKW/s1600/FINAL+BlueCouch_FlatForeBooks%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyKikQA_6-xfDXj_zvXlOTuK4BECOEtlntpGmJAO1b5R4dowX301yipT6r_h4NfH95r2-TiPI71akttL-1PWYoMc_119mwgCDj8FeHGR8zpwR65piWTN3FbGEPYWsg5YmJ-rUzUP9QjKW/s1600/FINAL+BlueCouch_FlatForeBooks%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Exciting News! My poetry book, <a href="http://wintergoosepublishing.com/newreleaseuponthebluecouch/">Upon the Blue Couch (Winter Goose Publishing)</a>, has just been released. You can find it at Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Upon-Blue-Couch-Laurie-Kolp/dp/1941058086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397921816&sr=8-1&keywords=laurie+kolp">here</a>. </span></span>Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-80844651394181845542014-04-16T07:02:00.000-05:002014-04-16T07:02:21.600-05:00The Messageanimate this:<br />
warm temperatures, <br />
opened windows <br />
<br />
thoughts of first<br />
holiday without Mom<br />
<br />
last Easter's memories<br />
a broken record-- <br />
basket from Nini to kids<br />
candy, money & eggs<br />
with seeds, not chocolate <br />
planted-- pumpkin & squash<br />
watered for weeks<br />
then forgotten,<br />
by summer <br />
overgrown weeds <br />
<br />
impassioned, a bee<br />
flies in and stings<br />
left cheek,<br />
my reaction<br />
an arm-waving scream <br />
<br />
pervert <br />
parked next to me<br />
laughs<br />
<br />
~<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prompt Inspiration--</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2014/04/bees-birds-and-bunnies.html">Poetry Jam: Bees, Birds and Bunnies</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2014/04/poets-united-midweek-motif-holy-days.html">PU Midweek Motif- Holidays & Holy Days </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.threewordwednesday.com/">3WW</a>: <i>animate</i>, <i>impassioned</i>, <i>pervert</i></span>Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-21778431039869984782014-04-09T06:50:00.000-05:002014-04-09T06:50:13.382-05:00one, two, three strikes you're out<br />
it's horrible, this home<br />
plate I'm on, with eyes<br />
like tasers aimed<br />
at my swing<br />
strike one<br />
<br />
okay, I'm sweating now <br />
my slip/slide palms <br />
a slick film,<br />
it seems as if<br />
a hundred pounds<br />
of listless arms<br />
weigh me down <br />
strike two<br />
<br />
ouch! <br />
strike three <br />
<br />
how can they call<br />
me moody? I mean<br />
wouldn't you <br />
do the same thing, too?<br />
It's not my fault<br />
I saw a bug<br />
hop across<br />
my shoe<br />
<br />
<br />
Poetic Inspiration~<br />
<a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2014/04/baseball.html">Poetry Jam: Baseball & Barriers</a><br />
<a href="http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2014/04/poets-united-midweek-motif-distractions.html">PU's Motif: Distractions </a><br />
<a href="http://www.threewordwednesday.com/">3WW</a>: <i>horrible</i>, <i>listless</i>, <i>moody</i><br />
<br />Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-36633103275244349992014-04-02T15:21:00.006-05:002014-04-02T16:59:42.011-05:00It's About Time<br />
to order the tombstone--<br />
<i>make that a double</i>, says Dad <br />
<br />
to mark atop your grave statistics<br />
as if a census<br />
<br />
to make this final step,<br />
and then we're done with all we need to do<br />
<br />
to admit you're really gone<br />
when we should have had more time <br />
<br />
*<br />
<br />
Prompt Inspiration~ <a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2014/04/its-about-time.html">Poetry Jam: It's About Time</a>Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891118331658959226.post-59477283576111774882014-03-26T06:50:00.002-05:002014-03-26T06:50:49.273-05:00Unless I Let It Go*<div style="text-align: left;">
the wind and sky</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
storm inside, fears crystallize-- </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
fractals in my mind</div>
<br />
<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>*Found poem from "Let It Go" lyrics by Idina Menzel (theme song of Disney movie Frozen) </i><br />
<br />
<br />
Prompt Inspiration~<br />
<a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2014/03/letting-go.html">Poetry Jam: Letting Go</a>Laurie Kolphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07494759781947881343noreply@blogger.com21