Teachers Required

For today’s prompt, PAD Challenge day 5, we’ve actually got two prompts 

(that is, a Two-for-Tuesday prompt). Here we go:

1. Write an experienced poem. Or…
2. Write an inexperienced poem.

They are eager,

With dreams youth-fired

As they scan help-wanted ads 

Of 'Experience required'

© Janet Martin

Beneath the Tutelage of Time's Teacher

For today’s prompt, Day 5, we’ve actually got two prompts (that is, a Two-for-Tuesday prompt).
Here we go:

1. Write an experienced poem. Or…
2. Write an inexperienced poem.

 There is no end to the way a prompt like this can go...

Your life is an Original work of art. Use every color, tint and hue,

Splash them where Time melds light with dark

And leaves on its wall a picture of you...

I’ve held the power of huge sums of money

As I hand it to Dentist,

Mechanic

and Clerk

I’ve been anointed

with God-granted

Duty

Blessed by sheer beauty

Of everyday work

I’ve learned to linger

and love

what I’m lacking

It keens the trust

that keeps me on my knees

As I learn to treasure

time’s measure of moments

Gossamer capsules

Of soon-memories

I want to want

what I have

and experience the fullest impact

of hold

and let-go

Lest half-blind boldness

Ignores Mercy’s essence

That lends the only life

I’ll ever know

I want to worry 

about Things 

Like missing your kisses 

 Far too far from me

I want Experience 

to teach me life-lessons

Slip-stumble-crash…

ouch!

Then humility

© Janet Martin

The Un-Secret to Going the Distance

PAD Challenge Day 4: Write a going the distance poem

Nobody knows for certain just how far The Distance is

Life’s change of plans and circumstance does not adhere to dreams

And oft upon our willful way we lay Intent amiss

Then battle the despair when care ignores thought’s subtle schemes

But since the dawn of Time, through pantomime of season-spawn

The way to go The Distance has not changed; keep keeping on

The Path of Least Resistance may appear an Easy Street

It lures us to loiter where life seems easier until

The day when who we thought we were is mandated to meet

With opposition where wishing won’t rearrange God’s will

Then we, faith-pioneers must learn, like they who’ve come and gone

That all who went the Distance did so just by keeping on

Those who have gone the distance knew love’s hurt and hunger too

How un-brave hope can be, how common-hard this forward-plight

But with prayer-primed persistence, step by step they saw it through

And victory is sweet because it comes after the fight

Thus we like those before us use the same old stumble-stone

But we can go The Distance too if we keep keeping on

© Janet Martin

Going the Distance Between Echoes and 'Hello'

PAD Challenge day 4: For today’s prompt, write a distance poem.

We wear worlds within us

Darling, you and I

Though miles apart are near at heart

And distance but a sigh

Tug-of-will-and-wanting

War where future-past

Spurs us to ‘when me and you

Are together at last’

When and why and wherefore

Wakes an aching plea

For the day when we can say

Hello, you, it’s me

We wear worlds within us

Hearts can cup a sea

Where a splurge of echoes surge

Keeping you with me

© Janet Martin

It wasn't quite the same...a belated family Easter-dinner yesterday with one missing. 

but at the end of April when classes are done she might come home for a few mos.!!!:)