writing inspiration

Taking back

/ Fran Haley / 1 Comment

For Ethical ELA’s Open Write today, fellow teacher-poet Margaret Simon invites participants to write to a photo. “This Photo Wants to Be a Poem” is a regular feature of her blog, Reflections on the Teche.

Margaret is also an artist, always viewing the world with artist eyes. She saw this scene on a canoe ride with her husband and knew she needed a photo… found art, shall we say, for a found poem (of sorts):

Here is my poem.

Earth gives
metal

Man makes
barns

Time rusts
mettle

Storms bring
harm

Swamp doesn’t
meddle

only opens its
arms

to heart-pinned
medal

recalling Earth’s
charms.

Thank you, Writing Community

/ Fran Haley / 32 Comments

Dear TWT Writing Community,

On this next-to-last day in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge, I want to tell you what a profound gift you are.

Thank you…

For sharing your heart and your stories…some of which were difficult to share.
For standing by one another, offering solace, healing, and love, which helped to fill a crack or two in life’s broken places.
For sticking with challenge, knowing it fosters growth.
For stretching your writing wings as far as they’ll go, and discovering that, yes, you can fly.
For being a warrior angel on occasion, ready to defend a fellow writer wounded by the world.
For taking us places we’ve never been, and may not ever see, otherwise.
For sparking new insights, new tastes, new things to try, new goals…for keeping life fresh.
For celebrating the joys in each others’ lives.
For your humor.
For your sorrow.
For your courage.
For your encouragement.
For believing in yourself.
For believing in me.
For pulling each other onward and through.

I’ll say it again: I did not believe I had the stamina for the daily writing challenge this year. I decided not to do it.

Until the morning of Day One, when I woke up ridiculously early with my starved inner writer tapping on my heart…Hello! Hello! You cannot wait for sustenance. Seek it, and it will come. Open up! You will reget it if you don’t…

How right is my inner writer. Always.

Sigh.

I didn’t feel like writing, but I wrote. And kept on writing. Every single day.

YOU are the reason.

I drew energy and strength from you. From your comments, from your stories, from your experiences…from the sense of belonging, from the mutual desire to build each other up, from valuing and being valued by each other.

Writing is one thing; writing in community is everything.

Don’t we know it.

How much richer is my life, because of these last thirty days.

We are a shared story.

Thank you for every minute, every word.

I am so grateful.

Here’s to one day more ❤

Fran

*******
in honor of my fellow “Slicers” in the Two Writing Teachers March Slice of Life Story Challenge

Another reminder

/ Fran Haley / 17 Comments

another dictionary poem:

re·mind·er

/rəˈmīndər/

noun

  1. a thing that causes someone to remember something.
  2. the writing on the wall of a downtown strip mall.
  3. a much-needed message in the midst of challenge.

Message on the wall of a downtown strip mall
right in front of my parking space

And, a blitz poem:

Here in Mind

You’re stronger than you know
You’re still here
Here to to tell your story
Here to play
Play the day away
Play with words
Words have power
Words build worlds
Worlds without
Worlds within
Within the realm of possiblity
Within your reach
Reach for the sky
Reach and you shall grasp
Grasp at straws
Grasp the truth
Truth slices deep
Truth can set you free
Free to believe
Free to be
Be fair
Be kind
Kind to all
Kind of a mess
Mess up
Mess becomes art
Art of living
Art of healing
Healing the hurt
Healing one another
Another day
Another time
Time to sleep
Time to rise
Rise and walk
Rise above
Above the clamor
Above the earth
Earth gives and reclaims
Earth keeps turning
Turning to mush
Turning the key
Key to the map
Key change
Change direction
Change your mind
Mind over matter
Mind your words
words
matter

*******
with thanks to Two Writing Teachers for the March Slice of Life Story Challenge

Note: Here’s my dictionary poem from earlier in the challenge.
The blitz is meant to be quick bursts of thought. Here’s a link on how to create a blitz poem. The rules are a little complex, even for the title; but once you get going it almost writes itself.

I dedicate this blitz to my fellow Slicers.
❤

Behold the dragon

/ Fran Haley / 9 Comments

On Monday, Dave Wooley hosted the March Open Write at Ethical ELA. He invited participants to compose small ekphrastic poems inspired by art, “to capture essential moments that are reflected in, or alluded to, in the work of art. Or, perhaps, how in reflecting upon a work of art, that might become a spark for a related idea that could be explored in the burst of a short poem.”

The key, of course, is selecting the artwork. Dave chose statues.

I chose a work of art in progress…

Envisioners

Segmented cardboard
pulled from a shipping package
is now repurposed

by the magicians
(known as my two granddaughters)
with markers in hand

a dragon rises
from their creative efforts—
Franna provides eyes.

The masterpiece in the making

*******
with thanks to Two Writing Teachers for the March Slice of Life Story Challenge

Squirrel

/ Fran Haley / 10 Comments

Today’s WordPress prompt: Which animal would you compare yourself to and why?

Yikes. This could take awhile.

However…yesterday afternoon I had a dentist appointment, and this creature was sitting on the fence as as I pulled into the parking space:

“Well hello, Squirrel,” I say from the driver’s seat.

The squirrel does not move.

I take a picture of it with my phone.

The squirrel does not move.

The wind is kicking up, rain starts spattering…

The squirrel does not move.

It watches me as intently as I’m watching it.

I note the right paw raised, perhaps in readiness to flee…

Which is what the squirrel does, as soon as I look away to reach for my purse, for in that fraction of a second – poof! – it is gone.

So, back to the WordPress prompt: Which animal would you compare yourself to and why?

I wouldn’t have thought to compare myself to a squirrel, but since one came to me, and since I have no idea of what else to write about today in the March Slice of Life Challenge, I will consider how the squirrel and I are alike. Isn’t this a hallmark of the writerly life, using everything that comes your way?

Here’s what I found with a bit of research:

Squirrels are preparers.

Squirrels are resourceful.

Squirrels can symbolize that it’s okay to forget and move forward.

Squirrels can symbolize that life’s blessings can take root in unexpected ways.

I never expected to discover such a kinship with the squirrel.

I am also captivated by the etymology of “squirrel.” Derived from Ancient Greek, it means shadow-tailed.

Squirrels use their beautiful “shadow” tails for balance, a warm cover against the cold, a means of communication, and even in expression of emotions. They flick their tails when alarmed, happy, and frustrated.

Symbolically speaking, the squirrel’s tail can represent the past (as a “shadow” behind the squirrel, which is attached to it, and follows it).

Think on that awhile. The shadows of the past…ever with us.

Haunting? Not necessarily. As someone who likes dabbling with memoir, I find unexpected riches in writing about the past. A cache of courage. A hallowed hoard, even in the darkest places.

In those shadows, I find the first book I can remember being read to me… here I am, a toddler, sitting on my grandmother’s lap, listening to the playful rhyming lines in a book about…squirrels.

Thank you, Squirrel, for being here.

*******
with thanks to Two Writing Teachers for the March Slice of Life Story Challenge

Three objects

/ Fran Haley / 23 Comments

Today’s WordPress prompt:

What are three objects you couldn’t live without?

Okay, so…I have troubles with this kind of prompt because I want to ask: Does this mean everyday stuff like my phone (!) or Ticonderoga Noir Black Wood-Cased #2 Holographic pencils (the only kind I use, my students absolutely covet them, and they have to be SHARP, as I can’t bear a dull pencil, so I guess that means I can’t live without a pencil sharpener, either) or coffee or my favorite coffee mugs or my emerald green floor-length plush hooded robe or good bedroom slippers? Clearly I cannot say my granddaughters and dogs, as they are not “objects,” but I can’t live without them, for sure…although I do not have a dog at present, so I guess I am, in fact, living without one, just with a profoundly deep and raw dog-sized hole in my soul…note to those of you who remember Dennis the dachshund: He’s fine. My youngest took him when he got married last fall. Happy for my boy, but…oh, every single day, I miss that dog. Not that I don’t miss my boy. It’s different. Just saying.

And (I should have mentioned this first) there’s my study Bible, which weighs about 20 pounds, full of notes and highlighting, plus a new notebook where I am pouring out my thoughts in response to Bible reading each day, thoughts which are written as tiny as I can make them (with my SHARP pencil) and still I run out of room to record them all…words spilling all around the margins…

So. Where does this leave me with naming “three objects I can’t live without”? So easy for characters in fantasy stories and fairy tales. The “Rule of Three.” Harry Potter: The Elder Wand, the Cloak of Invisibility, the Resurrection Stone. Three Bears: Bowls of porridge, chairs, beds.

What about essentials? Food, water, shelter…sounds like an unimaginative student response, right? These are givens. These defeat the purpose of the prompt.

All right. Enough mind-racing. Here goes.

I cannot live without:

My phone. First and foremost, for the connection to my children, then for the Internet because of my insatiable curiosity, and even for the Bible, as I can access the same study version as my printed 20-pounder, plus a wealth of cross-references, commentaries, and the meanings of words in the original languages. I can access pretty much anything I want to read on my phone, although I still love actual books best. If I have to choose just three objects I can’t live without, my phone is a pretty high-yield choice. Not to mention the camera (again, granddaughters) or the Notes app. Priceless for my compulsive list-making. I wanted to say I can’t live without my laptop, as it’s hard to do much “real” writing on my phone…but between the two, the phone wins out. And, if you hadn’t already: Please note the absence of the words “social media.”

My glasses. Not a fun choice but it’s the truth. My eyes are getting so much worse, y’all. Just got a new prescription and need to pick out frames in the next couple of days. As in ASAP. Not being able to read is a personal and professional complication of epic proportions…not being able to see is generally an isssue for ordinary daily life (-what truck? Oh-)…not to mention negating choice #1, my phone. You really do not want to know how big a font I am using to type this right now.

Birds. Is it cheating to include living things here? I mean, I didn’t say “dogs” (gasp!) and birds ARE a thing, a noun, as is an object, defined as “a material thing that can be seen and touched,” for let’s face it, birds CAN be seen and touched. They will even sit on your finger. The real truth: I couldn’t live in a world without birds. There are tons of ecological reasons, of course, but for me it’s a matter of the spirit. I am awed by birds: the power of flight, the songs, the behaviors that are anything but random, their nest-making artistry, how they know so much and observe so much…birds have often been a balm to my world-weary, aching soul. In recent weeks, when I was particularly discouraged, I saw bald eagles. Several times. This is rare. I could hardly believe it. Could hardly breathe. And then I cried. But strength flooded my veins. Soon the hummingbirds will return, looking for their feeder; they will hover at the bay window, peering in, somewhat imperiously, until I put the feeder out. The house finches have returned to the front porch but they don’t like the wreath on the door; it’s not my usual grapevine, as my husband said to NOT let the birds nest there again. He’s tired of not using the porch all spring and summer while the precious, prolific finches raise several broods. But the current pair keeps coming to check things out. They want so badly, so very badly, to nest here. They see me peeking through the blinds and return my gaze in puzzlement: Where’s the good wreath?! We shall see what they do…meanwhile, the finch song is the purest, sweetest music I have ever heard. Almost otherwordly. Ethereal. Vibrant. So full of hope and joy. How can I not welcome it? How can I not do my bit to bring more finch-song ino the world?

There you have it, friends. My three objects.

Although I still need a dog.

*******

with thanks to Two Writing Teachers for the annual March Slice of Life Story Challenge.
This is my ninth year participating alongside fellow teacher-writers.

Color me darkly poetic

/ Fran Haley / 7 Comments

Here’s my little seasonal spin on a paint chip poetry prompt during last week’s Ethical ELA Open Write, hosted by Seana Hurd.

The very instant I learned the name of this nail polish, it was begging to be in a poem…

Lincoln Park After Dark

Told the nail technician I’d like dark red
for fall you, know. Here’s what she said:
“No no no. Try this instead.”

Lincoln Park After Dark

Whoa, wait a second – is that black?
Will folks think I’m goth? Or cracked?
Too old for Halloweenish wack?

Lincoln Park After Dark

—turns out to be deep purple, friends
a bit Beaujolais or raisin; it depends
on the light and where perception ends.

Lincoln Park After Dark

As the tech painted these nails of mine
she offered this “intrickate” design:
a spiderweb, but I drew the line.

Lincoln Park After Dark

is enough on its own, you see.
Already I am cloaked in mystery
my mind off on a midnight spree

(with autumnal specters watching me

a-walkin’)

Lincoln Park After Dark

*******

with thanks to:

Two Writing Teachers for the Tuesday Slice of Life Story Challenge
the nail tech who suggested this magical color
and the poet-friends at Ethical ELA

Cluttered recollection

/ Fran Haley / 14 Comments

During the March Open Write over at Ethical ELA, host Rex Muston invited participants to craft “Junk Drawer Affirmations” because, writes Rex: The most urgent motivations to fix something or do something purposeful are tied to the things often gathered there.  The eventual rummaging through the drawer lends to varied levels of reminiscence…Pick your favorite junk drawer and explore it with a search that settles on something that carries deeper meaning.

I could have chosen one of several drawers, truth be told. But this one called to me. I’d already gone to rummage in it recently, and…well, it takes writing a poem to get to deeper meanings.

Cluttered Recollection

I forgot
what brought me
to the old rolltop desk

and what I was looking for
in this drawer

it isn’t the box 
of sheet protectors
left behind by my youngest
marking his time
in high school band

not the psychedelic folders
I bought to hold
copies of songs for
kids at church to practice
the neon-swirl flower-covers 
peeking out from under
the folded map of
the British Isles
this juxtaposition
conjuring a sense
of the 1960s 
and The Beatles…
can’t buy me love, oh
no no no no…

not the bag
of unsharpened pencils
I won at a staff PD session
(why haven’t I used them?)

or the phone chargers,
wires twisting and coiling
over and around
five clear marbles
I hid here last year
to keep them away
from my toddler granddaughter

or the tag she tore off
my Princess Diana
Beanie Baby bear
(ripped away,
just like
the Princess)

or the flat little Ziploc
lying so unobtrusively
in the midst of it all
like an untold secret
carried within

—don’t know why I saved it,
this tiny snakeskin
pale as sand
fragile as a minute,
an exhaled breath

I found it
in the garage last spring
just a remnant
of a shy earth snake
that was once here
then gone
leaving only this papery bit
of itself behind

I remember putting it
in this baggie

I think I meant
to show it
to the granddaughters

but I forgot
just like I forgot
what brought me
to this old rolltop desk
that I’d given to their dad
when he was still a boy.

*******

Composed for Day 29 of the Slice of Life Story Challenge with Two Writing Teachers

Backward glance

/ Fran Haley / 14 Comments

Today I muse about the serendipitous nature of writing.

For example: In a writing community, the same idea or topic will mysteriously come to several people at one time, without their ever having discussed it. Like a blanket settling over people’s minds. Then there’s the peculiar corollary that, the more you write, the more you can think of to write…an exponential growth kind of thing. As long as you’re not completely exhausted, that is. Then there’s a shared writing encounter, an exchange, that suddenly awakens an experience or memory that’s long lain latent.

Case in point: On Day Two of the current daily challenge with the Two Writing Teachers community, I had a lot of fun sharing a story about spelling names backward. I never expected it to resonate like it did with others…this bit of wordplay is obviously a common rite of childhood (after all, my no-nonsense dad even admitted to using his name backwards as a child, to my extreme amusement). In the midst of it all, I remembered a book I loved as a child, in which the plot hinged on a backward name. The titular character was a Siamese cat, “The Piebald Princess,” formally styled as Princess Renekrad Riah Sretsevlys. I haven’t seen it in years, but I recalled being thoroughly enchanted by the story and stunned by the revelation at the end: Princess Renekrad Riah Sretsevlys was not, in fact, a real princess OR Siamese. She was a plain cat who wanted adventure… so she disguised herself with a little help from a bottle of Sylvester’s Hair Darkener, spelled the name backward, and took it for her new royal persona.

I hadn’t even thought to read her exotic name backwards. Magic!

Upon remembering this book, I so wanted to read it again. I wanted my granddaughters to have it. An online search revealed that it’s out of print now. I was able to find a copy on Etsy, however (“vintage,” alas—how am I this old??), so I ordered it.

The story is even better than I recall. Pure delight. And I’ve learned that the author based it on stories she made up about her dolls when she was a child.

The fragile, faded dust jacket of The Piebald Princess inspired today’s post; the illustration shows Princess Renekrad Riah Sretsevlys casting a backward glance at herself in the mirror.

A perfectly serendipitous segue, if you will, because…

The time has come, the Walrus said… for a confession.

I’ve been working backward.

With my post titles.

Alphabetically.

Here’s the thing… I got the idea, two years ago, that if I thought of a title word starting with each letter of the alphabet, well, that would cover 26 posts out of 31 for the Slice of Life Story Challenge. It worked so well for the first year that I did it again for a second.

This year I almost didn’t sign up for the Challenge at all because…in a word, life. Was I actually up for Slicing it? I hadn’t been writing much of late. At the last minute, I took the plunge. First thought: I need some kind of plan if I’m going to sustain this. Second thought: I don’t feel like going in ABC title order again. Done that, twice.

But… what if I worked backward? As soon as I thought of it, the first story idea crystallized.

Seemed a sign to me.

From that point on, most days I had an idea of a story to write. What word might work for the title, with the given letter of the day? Some days, I had no idea what to write; was there a word for a title to help me frame an idea? A synonym, maybe? As ideas or titles came to mind for the next posts, I jotted them down. I worked them into order. There was always a way.

Here’s how this year’s posts played out:

Zen
You, reversed (backwards names)
XIII and XIX (cicada broods)
Wedding music
Verily
Universe of possibility
To build or not to build
Serene senryu
Rosary beads
Q: What to write now?
Poetry possum
Otters
Nature’s divine voice
Moments
Life’s a cupcake
King no more
Jewels
Interpretation of Grandmothering by AI
Huh?
Grim tale
Franna’s house
Eagles
Dream-double
Chanticleer
‘Bad things are going to happen’ poem
Angels

This, of course, leaves me with five Slices of Life to go, so, I started going “backward” again, which is actually forward, in this case: Yesterday was Awakenings; today, Backward glance. Tomorrow will be a title with C, the next day a title with D, and on the last day, E.

The last day happens to be Sunday.

Easter.

Serendipity every which way.

Princess Renekrad Riah Sretsevlys, casting a backward glance in the mirror

*******

Composed for Day 28 of the Slice of Life Story Challenge with Two Writing Teachers

Life’s a cupcake

/ Fran Haley / 25 Comments

Some time ago, I had my nails polished in a pale color delightfully named “Life’s a Cupcake.”

I’ve been hanging onto that, in case I ever decided to write something out of it.

—Why not today?

If Life’s a cupcake
then use real sugar.

If Life’s a cupcake
then add your own flavor.

If Life’s a cupcake
then try not to burn it.

If Life’s a cupcake
then savor the filling.

If Life’s a cupcake
then frost it thick with love.

If Life’s a cupcake
then offer it to others.

If Life’s a cupcake
then eat every crumb.

My sweet Scout, summer before last

*******
Composed for Day 15 of the Slice of Life Story Challenge with Two Writing Teachers

–oh, if you’re curious about the nail color, check it out: Life’s a Cupcake polish.
Note the brand name, “Creative Play”—how fitting!