Short Contest Prompt Poems

(1) when I am wrapped with a feeling of ecstasy: monoku of 17 syllables or fewer
contest prompt 

a momentary dreamscape in rose tinted formaldehyde...

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ocean's face swells
after surf's passed —
new sheer water



- Written especially for Kim Rodrigues' contest prompt- 
"Than-Bauk Variation" to be written with her own unique style
of the form.- :)...

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Contest Prompt: "I'm okay, you're okay is a mask in the land of pretend."

Old Friends

"OK?"
"Yes fine" -  I lie
over the cold phone line
wishing the plastic receiver
was warm,
like when you held my hand in yours.
Too many years and lies
between us now.
Divorced,
but love you still,
so I have to ask back
"You OK?" - and I hear you lie:
"Yes fine...."...

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Mirror, mirror from the wall to online
vanity declares, pick a piece of mine.
Respond, rewrite, re-integrate the theme;
This contest prompt is becoming a meme.

Culture shifts slowly; one stanza at a time. 
Apprentices with reason and rhyme
compose on the edge of vulgar and crass
pieces that are cheeky and bold as brass. 

Later as veterans they make their mark -
courtesy melts; poetry becomes stark.

...

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must it be for contest prompt to make you read my lines?
must I play up to the theme so that you'll take the time?
must I spend inordinate time to visit everyone?
must it be that what you read are poems that have won?

Won't you come and visit me, and read a rhyme or two?
Leave a little comment there and say, "How do you do?"
Won't you read these simple words for love of poetry?
Won't you come and spend some time with silly little me?

Eileen Manassian...

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