Discussion → 3rd Consecutive Valentine Group

  • S._tepper--nov--lighter.thumb
    Susan Tepper
    Feb 14, 08:18pm

    Because I am a fool for love, I can't resist starting a Valentine Day Group challenge, or contest, or somesuch thing.

    This is our 3rd V-Day group and we'll play here for a week, until next Monday. How's that? Then Meg Tuite & I will announce the chapbook winner!

  • Danny%20post-massage,%20martini.thumb
    Dan Cafaro
    Feb 15, 12:52am

    Stumbling Grace

    I'm not sure if my heart is breaking
    Or attacking
    Like an aged lovesick romantic with a faulty beat,
    I sense a valve needs replacing
    But only after the main artery has been sutured and made whole
    By a seasoned and skilled Midwest surgeon in a lambskin trench coat -
    Who's weathered more storms than I care to admit - Nor she cares to remember.

    I'm not sure if our fights are petty
    Or forever.
    Like misguided missiles
    Launched by allied nations
    We feud over coveted territory.
    Like unconscionable instruments of war,
    We cause immeasurable pain -
    Then pat the pillows and dim the lights -
    With no resolution or gain in sight.

    I'm not sure if this map is useless
    Or irreplaceable.
    Like petulant teens
    Wandering with great intention
    Through the wooded indifference of nature's instructive and destructive path,
    We snicker, and then sulk -
    Pouring another forbidden nightcap to forget troubles -
    Depressed at the thought of losing our way.

    I'm not sure if this poem is perfect
    Or pathetic.
    Deplorable
    Or recoverable.
    Doomed
    Or destined.
    Recyclable
    Or irrefutable.
    A sham, a shamble
    Or rather memorable (and possibly frameable with a lifetime guarantee).

    I'm not sure if this road is paved
    Or potholed.
    Like a traffic signal whose fuse has stopped connecting,
    Making red lights green lights yellow lights no lights,
    Causing all sorts of havoc and unplanned detours
    For two drivers unaccustomed to making spot decisions
    Without being told what to do, when to act - how to feel -
    I write with the stumbling grace of art's redemption
    And the hope of your forgiveness.

  • S._tepper--nov--lighter.thumb
    Susan Tepper
    Feb 15, 12:55am

    Dan, it's a stunning poem. Post it to f'naut and then group it over here where it will go into the main line-up. Thanks for sending and joining! susan

  • Danny%20post-massage,%20martini.thumb
    Dan Cafaro
    Feb 15, 01:04am

    Susan,

    Thanks for the positive response - and coaching. Forgive the rookie mistake. I'll look to do what you say.

    Cheers,
    Dan

  • S._tepper--nov--lighter.thumb
    Susan Tepper
    Feb 15, 01:06am

    Dan, no mistake-- and it's thrilling to hear a man say he will do what I say! Say it again, please.. please..

  • Danny%20post-massage,%20martini.thumb
    Dan Cafaro
    Feb 15, 01:13am

    Ha! I have done what you said, Susan. I am now free from your spell. Until another order.

  • S._tepper--nov--lighter.thumb
    Susan Tepper
    Feb 15, 01:23am

    Dan, you did as I said. I'm sorry you are free from my spell. I cast very strong spells. Be cautious...
    Once I knew a man who ignored my spell and he is still trying to get the croak out of his voice (he was once a baritone). Pity..

  • Night_chorus_book_cover.thumb
    Joani Reese
    Feb 15, 02:47am

    I'll just observe from the sidelines. I am a proud owner of Meg's chap already. It's great stuff!

  • 62698557287.thumb
    Matthew Robinson
    Feb 15, 06:54am

    Thanks Susan for including me in this neat group!

  • S._tepper--nov--lighter.thumb
    Susan Tepper
    Feb 15, 05:09pm

    Joani Reese, I would never want you on the sidelines of anything!!! I will pull you and myself out of the contest part (winner chosen based on a bizarre mathematical calculation that will prove that random is random).

    Matthew, Love having you here! We are a cool group!


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