Parents have a sacred responsibility.
Children need to be surrounded by harmony.
Adults, get your priorities straight.
Wordku: 5-7-5 words
AP: Honorable Mention 2026
I raced down the stairs and went on my way,
balancing dishes, numbering trey:
A charcuterie board with neatly sliced ham,
some dainty crackers and strawberry jam -
and delectable cookies on a tray.
Should I have brought something else instead?
I didn't want to appear ill-bred.
I tripped as I thought,
but balanced to save what I bought,
and broke an arm, a leg, and my head.
In retirement I live a more comfortable life
Than I’d ever imagined
Like all the blessings of my ancestors
Have accumulated in a rain upon me.
But as I sit before a winter’s fire
Dog on lap and wife rising fresh bread
Surrounded by all the accoutrements
I have loved to collect
I think of what really is of value in my life
And it falls and spreads like a pyramid
Down from my wife and dogs
And out to my children, grandchildren
And friends old and new
Each of which hold some place in my heart
Soulmates of varying degree and intimacy.
Yes, my wife and life-mate is at the peak
She is the one making the bread after all,
But close, even closer seeming sometimes,
Are those dogs, who if they do nothing else
Always give their all.
Sure, there are valuable things and experiences
I have collected and cherish
But even the most distant soulmates
Are more valuable than any thing.
(1/3/26)
Leaf dies in air
Trees going bare
Death stalks the woods
Of those athletically good
Sweating summer heat
In games where they compete
Never do they cheat
Being honest and true
Acting cool
Laughing fools
Champions determined
Life lessons learning
Decision final and confirmed
Hardware issue no longer a concern
Northern success exposed
Confederates propose
Move inside
Red lights will guide
Scores made
Making the grade
Finally, a trade
Check signed, saying paid
Shutting mouth
Going south
Community warm
Staying in University dorm
Will make this undergraduate program a winner
Before the all-inclusive meal plan dinner
Then off to the library and study
Learn how to make, investment money
Earning a degree, that is what is funny
Since making field goals really wasn’t a realistic thing
Along with not being able to sing
But books in print
Will hint
Proper direction
After securing academic protection
I am poor but still want more.
I get a job but still want more.
I go to parties but still want more.
I buy everything but still want more.
I try a hobby but still want more.
I raise a family and don’t need more anymore.
time is a lane on the freeway
keep your eye on the destination
do not get distracted from your ambition
the only frivolities worthwhile are relationships
and even then ~ choose wisely
AP: Honorable Mention 2025
spring arrived on time
plants and trees cheered her entrance~
warm, damp, rainy days
she wears the latest fads
regardless of her moods
mix and matching as per all the rules
wouldn’t want to get it wrong
as she parades across
the catwalk of her days
i’m not so fancy
i stand at her side
in my favourite carefree pullover
my simple plain old leggins and
my wool socks curled over hiking boots
i may not be sophisticated but
it's undeniable that i'm
comfortable in my own skin
AP: Honorable Mention 2025
I spent my whole life building.
I saw it all, yeah ups and downs.
Started from nothing, God knows I did it all,
and brought this empire from the ground.
For generations I have toiled to build,
each passing year my empire’s grown.
I barely slept, I had to see it done,
and claim this empire as my own.
And I was proud to stand and see it all,
it was a brilliant sight to see.
But time is cruel, I guess I’ve lived too long,
and now it’s all the same to me.
For as I’ve aged, somehow it slips away,
and pride has turned to empty hurt.
Like Johnny Cash, I’m left to sing the song -
that my empire is only dirt.
In life we have priorities,
But when you’re feeling sick,
So much of what you care about
Drops down the list real quick.
Like how you look or what you wear
Or if your house is clean
Or if you move your car
So traffic cops won’t be on scene.
Or making plans to go away
Or maybe meet a friend
Or even watch that series so
You’ll get to see the end.
Of course, when you feel better,
Which you hope will happen fast,
Priorities will go right back
To your pre-sickness past.
Concepts I thought were imperative as a teen
Uncalled for, superfluous items often unseen
A mansion, movie star status and lots of money
Not nearly as important as being called mommy and honey
Specially caught shells and pearls,
still lace is woven with worn fingers.
The anointed ten, working together,
crochet a web of intricate design.
Shells on the sandy shelf satisfy,
but doilies and tablecloths linger.
For long in darkness and flickering,
scented candles and burgundy wine.
Pearls of buttons and bows preen,
but a veil of mantilla lace whispers.
The free flow of digits and knuckles -
gentle, well-versed - her palm’s a vine.
Round and round, her wrists writhe,
breath’s aligned within the scriptures.
I wish I could teach the world one simple thing,
then pray that they grasp it and start following.
Because it would change every outcome to be,
dispel all the darkness and set the soul free.
‘Twould make everything we do under the sun
a pure joy to do just because of this one
simple change that has nothing to do with the things
that we spend our time doing, no that's not the thing.
But rather the change I wish each soul would try -
don't change what you’re doing... change the reason why.
incompetence
chaos
no tee time
She was wearing her pajamas,
while standing at the checkout stand.
There were pink curlers in her hair,
a box of twinkies in here hand.
A screaming child was on each arm,
two more crying brats in the cart.
One was pulling the fire alarm,
one was tearing boxes apart.
Half of the boxes were open,
cereal spilling on the floor.
The two kids just kept on screaming,
about how they needed some more.
Felt sorry when her total hit,
three seventy-eight and a dime.
‘Til she chose not to buy the meat,
kept the beer, cigarettes, and wine.
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