Up Past Her Bedtime

111 Contest Picture Prompt 1-22-26  Eve Roper
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Up Past Her Bedtime

Midnight magic floats
Through a warm candlelit nook
Little heart takes notes
Of butterfly tales in books
Lost in soft starlit chapbooks
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Kingston Avatar
July 7, 2026 at 6:19 PM
" Of butterfly tales in chapter books" That line is so ethereal to me. What a very sweet little story tucked into bed in a magical verse. Congrads' on a deserved poem
Goldsmith Avatar
February 12, 2026 at 10:29 AM
Congratulations on your win. What a wonderful write. Oh yes, time flies when one is reading a good book. Bedtime little one!!!!! Have a blessed day with your win...............
Kauffman Avatar
February 12, 2026 at 11:32 AM
Hi Paula! Thank you! It is amazing how time does fly when we are carried away when reading a book! Hope all is well. Blessings to you!
Fowler Avatar
February 9, 2026 at 11:41 AM
I love your "... little heart... " Innocence of youth. Congratulations Sam! :)
Kauffman Avatar
February 9, 2026 at 12:07 PM
Hi Linda! Thank you so much. I think this prompt spoke to so many of us as we remembered the joy of reading - even past our bedtimes! Sending you blessings of joy!
Roper Avatar
February 9, 2026 at 10:55 AM
Sam, congratulations on your 2nd place win. Blessings to you and yours
Kauffman Avatar
February 9, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Thank you so much, Eve. I loved your prompt that produced so many wonderful poems. As a little girl I would get lost in books. This brought back so many memories! Thank you for the journey back in time, for your wonderful theme and for your placement! Sending you blessings of joy and my gratitude!
Fields Avatar
February 6, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Well read
Dietrich Avatar
January 31, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Love how you used the picture to enhance this sweet little poem
Loving Iii Avatar
January 27, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Lets go back in time.
Kauffman Avatar
February 9, 2026 at 12:08 PM
Amen! Thank you! Blessings!
Etgen-Baker Avatar
January 24, 2026 at 1:38 PM
awww, love this especially 'starlit chapbooks. Perfect. best wishes with this contest entry
Kauffman Avatar
January 26, 2026 at 11:26 AM
Hi Sara! I so appreciate your lovely feedback. Love that you picked up on the role of magical starlight in this magical scene of a little girl staying up past her bedtime to read! The picture really enchanted me. Hope you are staying warm in this cold spell! Blessings and hugs!
Poet Avatar
January 23, 2026 at 1:52 PM
Very well crafted; the metaphor layers are superb. Similar to how the tale is compassionate and kind to the girl, I like this. Very well done in reaction to the prompt picture.
Kauffman Avatar
January 26, 2026 at 11:22 AM
Greetings my friend! Thank you so much! For such a simple format it took quite a bit of time to figure out how to incorporate so many of the details in so few words. So grateful for your response. Sending you warm blessings, Lasaad!
Hind Avatar
January 22, 2026 at 5:56 PM
Lovely work, Sam!!
Kauffman Avatar
January 23, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Thank you so much, Paige! I was surprised at how long it took to write these five lines sifting through the important details of the picture and figuring out how to express in a couple of words things like the candle, the book and the reading nook. Eventually had to omit the snow falling outside the window and the little demon! Blessings!
Rodrigues Avatar
January 22, 2026 at 2:29 PM
Love it, especially the warm candlelit nook! Blessings to you!
Kauffman Avatar
January 23, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Thank you, Kim! I just love the picture prompt. Blessings! Best wishes to you for the contest. Enjoyed your entry very much! Blessings!
Godwin Avatar
January 22, 2026 at 2:28 PM
I adore this, so soft and giving like the book is to the girl. A mighty fine response to the picture.
Kauffman Avatar
January 23, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Greetings Cay! Thank you so much! I really felt the soft, cozy warmth of the scene especially with the snow falling outside the window. So happy that came across. I wish I could have incorporated the snow in one of the lines! Oh well! Take care! Hugs and blessings!
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