Our 1st Challenge

Since each of our work
will be posted on a page,
I think we should start off with something
that tells a little bit about ourselves.
Keep in mind,
it can take any form and does not have to be a poem.







All About Me

In Illinois I was born and raised
But now in Kansas I spend my days
I lost my parents too young it seems
Then I married the true man of my dreams
Hobbies and interests tho many have I
I wanted kids but that didn't fly
Many people I daily assist
For now I work for EMS
So here it is, all I have to say
About the girl from Illinois way.

Karen 2006







Challenge Prompt - The WHERE I'M FROM


I am from a big city, crowded streets and tall buildings.

I am from an old house, stairs that creaked,
filled with ghostly memories.

I am from poison ivy, wild flowers and tree lined lanes.

I am from Johnston's and Wolfe's, stubborn yet loving,
religious and strict.

I am from generations of good and loving people who worked
hard and did their best to survive.

I am from "Read your bible" and "Trust in God."

I am from fishing from the docks,
walking down country lanes and grandma
reading the bible before bed at night.

I am from Irish immigrants, roast on Sunday,
fried chicken and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

I am from great grandparents that continued
to build what their parents built when coming
to America and grandparents that wanted something different.

I am from cemeteries that stretch from Kansas to Ireland.

I am from a country that allows me
freedom of speech and the chance
to achieve my dreams.

Karen







Theme: What Life teaches us and how we respond to trials and tribulations!

Rules:
Mark the challenge words somehow so they stand out.
Try to get the reader to feel what you felt when you wrote this piece.
Have fun.

Forgiveness, trust, trials, understanding, patience,
joy, memories, holding, carrying, burdens



Daddy's Girl

Daddy worked in a garage and was a mechanic.
He came home smelling of oil and grease.
I loved that smell and can still smell it today.
What wonderful memories.

Daddy and I watched television together.
Lying on the couch for hours with me behind his legs.
We laughed together at Red Skelton and he laughed because
I hid from Boris Korloff.
The trust I had in Daddy never wavered for
I knew he'd protect me from television vampires.

Daddy loved his time with me.
He took me fishing, camping and picnicking.
Holding me, we cried, because the fish
I had to throw back was too small.
With me, Daddy's patience never wavered.

Daddy went to work one day.
Momma called him up to say I had the mumps.
When he came home,
with him he had red roses in a crystal vase.
He told me they were just for me and with joy, I beamed.

Daddy was always carrying me from the car.
After spending time at Grandmas and fishing.
Daddy carried me up the stairs and right to bed.
Daddy tucked me in and whispered softly in my ear,
"I love you, Hoppy Toad."

Daddy had to go away when I was 5.
He had epilepsy and was very sick.
I didn't understand why Momma couldn't make him better.
Momma and my uncle took him away
and my forgiveness to them never came.

Daddy was ready to leave that day
and he picked me up and hugged me tight.
He told me, "I will be back soon".
My eyes filled with tears, I whispered in his ear,
"Daddy, I'll never see you again."
Not understanding, I watched him walk out the door.

The trials I've had in my life will never compare to that day.
Daddy would never again to tuck me in,
to watch our favorite shows, to fish,
to laugh and to never to feel his hugs again.
Daddy was gone.
For now, this and other burdens I carry deep inside.

Karen 2006







Click HERE
to visit my WWAUW Writings page.

Click HERE
to visit Karen's personal website.