Day 2: National Poetry Month

Writers Digest prompt is one of Robert’s 2 for Tuesdays: a happy poem and/or a sad poem

Prescription for Happiness

a better antidote for sorrow,
sadness, 
ennui—
a brisk walk
in the woods,
circling past walkers
moving counterclockwise 

counting wild turkeys,
fearless deer 
somehow aware
our footsteps 
signal no danger

spying blossoms,
tender shoots
breaking ground
for the briefest sojourn

taking deep breaths,
lungs filling
with the loamy, leafy scent
taking long strides, 
stopping to imprint
images
on memory
that elude the camera lens

and on NaPoWriMo:

Finally, here’s today’s optional prompt. Today, we’d like to challenge you to write a platonic love poem. In other words, a poem not about a romantic partner, but some other kind of love – your love for your sister, or a friend, or even your love for a really good Chicago deep dish pizza. The poem should be written directly to the object of your affections (like a letter is written to “you”), and should describe at least three memories of you engaging with that person/thing.

Platonic

Without thinking, I added
I love you
as I ended our text
or signed off on our call,
after talking about
nothing special,
just touching base,
catching up

I said it so lightly
you may think I misspoke
but how bland a life
with only one flavor of love
We don’t need different words
in Greek for all those loves.

Let’s talk instead
of all those days 
that added up to this—
the day you shared your lunch
when I forgot mine,
stepped up to take blame
when you knew I was at fault–
your laughter at my joke
that deserved a mere groan

We need more love
that leaves room 
for other objects of affection,
scratching an itch