Celebrating 5 years of poetry!!!!!

That's right, everybody - this is the 5th Annual Poetry Challenge!!!!!  For those of you who might be new to this, here's how it works:

Each year, for the month of April, I challenge myself to write a new poem.  There are no general rules for the poetry itself - it can be any form - as long as it is published daily...or near daily, at least.  You are welcome to suggest themes, topics, etc, and I may or may not use them.  You are also welcome to play along by writing your own!  I don't ask you to write 30 poems - but even if you wrote one a week or something like that, it could be a lot of fun.  The idea is to flex those creative muscles, have some fun, and explore.  This is a journey, and I invite you to share mine.

So, why April?  It's National Poetry Month, that's why.  Why is that important?  For a lot of reasons, really.  For me, it's important because the art of poetry isn't about a political statement, or even telling a story - it's about connecting each of us, one to the other, through the use of the written word.  It's about sharing experiences, hopes, dreams, sorrows, and tragedies with each other.  After all, we have to share this world with one another, and the next life, too, if you believe in that.  It helps define our experience here on this earth.  And maybe - just maybe - someone will read it, and it may change a life for the better in some way.

This year, the poems are once again going to be all over the place in theme, and possibly style, too.  I have a few ideas, random images that have come to mind throughout the last year that I would like to explore and think about.  I hope you'll join me.  Feedback is encouraged, in all its forms - though I would prefer that if you have strong criticisms for any reason, you at least back them up.  Saying, "I hate this!" but not telling me why doesn't help anyone.  "I hate this, because the topic made me want to vomit," however, is a useful note.

So, with that, let's get on with it, shall we?

Poetry Challenge, v. 5.0, Day 1

The Box

I remember the Idea-
     a simple box, accentuated,
     filled with paper and pen,
     a gift to give away.

I thought of Her-
     and it brought light,
     a touch of pale maple,
     soft flowers in relief.

It was Her-
     hard as iron,
     softened at the edges,
     trees becoming flower petals.

It sat in Honor-
     the deskspace cleared,
     a handmade trophy,
     my accomplishment and hers.

I am humbled by an Idea-
     a simple box, sealed,
     filled with an old woman's last request,
     the gift returned hundred-fold.


In memory of Joan Claire Demer Buckman, 4/30/1920 - 2/26/2014
I love you, Grandma.

Thanks for reading,

The Fat Kid