Measure

Both Rebecca and I took a little time to come up with poems to our last set of words. So I was determined when she set me new words to get straight onto it. Fortunately the idea for this one came quickly. I think the arrangement of the magnets made me immediately think of measuring lives, and the rest just came.

Measure

Some people measure their lives
by the achievements they’ve made
the people they’ve met
the money they’ve earned.
Some people worry
how they’ll be remembered
and who they’ll be remembered by.
But stop for a moment
and take note
of the breaths you take
the songs you sing
and the loves you love.
Treasure immeasurable.

(Sally Murphy, 2014)

My Granny

It’s taken me quite some time to tackle Rebecca’s latest set of words. I’ve been busy with many things, but also find that sometimes I just have to wait for the muse to tell me what to do with a writing prompt. Today is that day! I must confess this poem is almost about me – I am a Granny, after all. But I don’t think I’m quite as energetic as this fictional Granny.

My Granny

My granny’s pretty groovy
If you saw her you’d agree
That she’s a grooving granny
Who is such a sight to see.

She is always energetic
Running here and dashing there
Till we all start to wonder
If she ever stops for air.

But there’s something I must tell you.
It’s a secret I can’t keep.
My granny does not stop moving,
Even when she is asleep!

Sally Murphy, 2014

Sing

When Rebecca gave me the latest batch of words, I had no idea what those three words would provoke. I started writing, and this is what came out – about an issue close to my heart.

Sing

I sing

of a courageous tree

which struggles on

beside the sea

in spite of wind

and waves

and sand

perched

betwixt ocean and land.

 

I sing

of snail

that battles on

though winter’s rains

are so long gone

and shelters

waiting

in fragile shell.

How long

till rain

he cannot tell.

 

I sing

of you

embattled child

whose land

and life

have been defiled.

Who seeks new home

new hope

new place

Yet languish now

in no-man-s space.

 

I sing

to tell the world you’re there.

I sing

to let you know I care.

And like that tree

and like that snail

I sing in hopes

you will prevail.

 

I sing for you

young refugee

in hopes one day

you will be free.

 

Sally Murphy, 2014

 

Loathsome Lizard

Gosh – I have never been so challenged by a word as I was by the word Loathsome. Rebecca only gave me three words to incorporate this time, but that one word challenged me so much. For days and days I could not for the life of me think of a way to use the word Loathsome in a poem.

 

Finally, I’ve come up with something. A little bit spooky, a little bit humorous, I hope. Here it is.

 

Loathsome Lizard

I’m the Loathsome Lizard

And I’ll haunt your dreams at night.

I’m the Loathsome Lizard

And it’s best you treat me right

Or I’ll patter cross your rooftop

When you try to get some sleep.

Yes I’ll patter cross your rooftop

Till with tiredness you weep.

Under your bed I’ll scurry

Scratching here and scratching there.

Under your bed I’ll scurry.

You won’t peek – you wouldn’t dare!

Bogeymonsters they are nothing

At all compared with me.

Bogeymonsters they are nothing –

I eat several for my tea.

I’m the Loathsome Lizard

Fearsome creature of the night.

I’m the Loathsome Lizard

And you’d better treat me right!

 

Sally Murphy, 2014.

Fond Farewell

Bye Mum!

We’re off!

I give her

The quickest of waves

Brushing past

Billy and Sam

As I race for the door.

I’m quick

But not quick enough.

Nothing can stop

a mother with a thirst

for embarrassing her offspring.

Wait, she orders.

You forgot something.

Mwah!

She plants a big kiss

on my  red cheek.

Billy and Sam snigger

As I wish

somebody would invent

mother-repellent.

 

Sally Murphy, 2014

It’s Christmas

The presents are under the tree,

Mistletoe hanging above.

Mum warns ‘Be good or else’

While she cooks up the trifle we love.

There’s fake snow in every shop

Though the temperature’s rising each day.

Excitement is starting to build

‘Cos  soon it will be Christmas Day!

 

Sally Murphy, 2013

A Haiku

After dinner treat

Dark coating encloses mint

Chocolatey delight.

First Game

First Game

 

The words I’ve been dreading:

Batter up!

That’s me.

I’m in.

No idea what I’m supposed to do.

The pitcher winds his arm;

something white whizzes past my face

Strike one!

Oops. I guess I should have swung.

Come on, Max.

That was a sitter!

Easy for Sam to say,

he’s safe in the crowd.

Big brothers always think they’re better.

Maybe he should come see things from where I stand.

Strike two!

Oh. Didn’t even see that one coming.

Too busy worrying about Sam.

Maybe I should concentrate.

The pitcher winds his arm back.

I focus.

A white blurr whizzes towards me.

I close my eyes

Swing

And whack.

I hit it. I can’t believe I hit it!

Run!

Sam again.

My legs propel me

towards first base.

Throw it to first!

a fielder cries

but I’m there before the ball.

Safe on first!

Safe.

The sweetest  word

I’ve ever heard.

 

copyright Sally Murphy 2013

Daisies

Daisies

Daisies!
Pink ones, white ones,
yellow ones too
dancing in morning light 
caressed by bees
buzzily collecting pollen.
Yesterday I picked a bunch
took them inside
and gave them to Mum.
Now, in their vase,
they are starting to wilt 
while here outside
their sisters are still
dancing.
I almost wish
I’d left them here,
though Mum’s smile
when she saw what I had for her
was almost as beautiful
as these millions of dancing daisies.

© 2013 Sally Murphy