Saturday, March 30, 2013

I'll be back in about a week... Happy Easter, Happy Spring!


Image of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Savannah, GA  HERE are more.  Took these a couple of years ago when we were on a Spring Vacation.

I will be on a blog break until Friday, April 8th, when I will host "Artistic Interpretations" at the Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's.  See you then

Happy Easter!  Happy Spring!



Life is Poetry... if we decide to make it so!  

Two years ago in historic downtown Savannah, GA


Friday, March 29, 2013

IGWRT's Transforming Friday "Wanted"


Wanted

Like fingerprints
uniquely designed,
our hides hunted

like criminals,
condemned,

regardless
no felony committed.

Margaret Bednar, March 29, 2013


This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's "Transforming Friday's" with Hannah.  Todays food for thought is the Savannah.  I have a busy weekend and a full house ahead, as I'm sure most of us do.  So excited to have the whole family under one roof!

The above vidoe I found on Skywriting's blog.  Kerry O'Connor lives in Africa and the Savannah is a short distance outside her back door.

Who KNEW Mama Zen's "Poe-etics" would last this long... My poems keep having a dark and dreary twist after the exercise of a few days ago!

Happy Easter, everyone.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Poetry Jam & Friday Flash 55 "The Usual"


The Usual

A bursting bouquet
of Van Gogh
graces my kitchen counter,

sentimental card
handwritten,
elaborately careful, neat.

Lasting love
ink stained upon
ivory parchment

beside bottle of bubbly
and small box;
promise of something expensive

to celebrate
my silence, my blind eye,
for the usual way

I forgive indiscretions.
I've grown accustomed
to indifference.

by Margaret Bednar, March 28, 2013

This is for Poetry Jam - The usual/unusual AND for Friday Flash 55 (a story in 55 words no more, no less)  I must emphasize THIS poem is not based on ME!!!  I in no way would EVER become complacent or indifferent to such behavior!  :)  And it's Easter and everything is sunny and green here and I have no idea where this came from... ha ha.  But it was fun.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

IGWRT's Words Count with Mama Zen - "Camellia, Dear"


Camellia, Dear

A beauty fair,
blushing and bright,
greets my eye
this morning light,

perfection worshiped,
a moment adored,

but

beneath golden lashes
and rounded form,
scented dreams
do but rot

discarded, scattered,
aging debutants,
beheaded.

Margaret Bednar, March 27, 2013


This is for "Words Count with Mama Zen"  Poe -etics - look outside, write something scary, make Edgar Allen Poe proud ... no longer than 50 words.  

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Barn Charm & dVerse Open Link Night "Etched"


Etched

Etched against tomorrow,
back straight, gaze forward,

hers is a portrait
of youth-filled certitude

every dream
is feasible.

Margaret Bednar, March 26, 2013


My daughter warming up in the practice ring before her first horse show.  Isn't our Oberon handsome?    Yes, he's a little bit loved :)

This is for Barn Charm & dVerse Open Link Night.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

"True Love"


True Love

Love's
true kiss,
dream-filled youth
a lasting love,
fragile, ferocious
boosts confidence,
remembered,
treasured
pledge.

by Margaret Bednar


Some of you know my daughter was in her first horse show yesterday.  She learned a lot and they both did so well.  Two fifths and a seventh.  She kept a great attitude and is eager to practice and I'm sure Oberon will benefit from her new found confidence.  He is a pony that has a mind of his own (don't they all?) and so does my daughter!  This should be fun.  I will be posting more about the horse show on my horse blog and will let you know here when I do.  

I am way behind in my visiting, but won't find any time today... I will be by soon, though!

Friday, March 22, 2013

IGWRT's Fireblossom Friday - "Lonely"


Lonely

Joined at the hip
we had each other's back,
laughed at each other's jokes,

our shadows sole witnesses
to summertime antics
and winter crazies.

Lonely stretches long before me
every afternoon, reminds me
how much we both miss you.

by Margaret Bednar, March 22, 2013


This is linked with Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's - Fireblossom Friday - A Crack in Everything.  

I am squeezing this in here and I KNOW I have lots of visiting and commenting to catch up on.  We are getting ready for a small horse show this weekend - my daughter's first.  So, I am busy cleaning up a muddy horse and equipment.

But, isn't he cute?  These photos were taken last summer...  It is a schooling show, and their first - it's all about having fun.   Any of you who admired Sebastian, he is at this barn too with his owner, James Cooler.  "HERE" is a recent video of him (you can fast forward through the talking)

AND my girls and I aren't the only ones in our family who love horses.  My son just might be the youngest horse whisperer!  If you have the time, click HERE to see a 30 second video.  I hope it makes you smile (it obviously cracked ME up! :)



Thursday, March 21, 2013

Poetry Jam & Friday Flash 55 "Carved Reflections"



"Corseted Woman"
Carved Reflections

Forested secrets,
fragile floral bouquets,
sprout once again to life.

A woman tightly corseted,
glances over her shoulder
forever a witness

to impassioned moments
of Jake & Jess, Laura, Tommy,
Daniel's love for Lindsay.

Carved reflections
of yesteryear, dates, initials,
billboarded love, pledged.

A lover's path I stroll,
wonder if "Please Love Me"
is still searching.

by Margaret Bednar, March 21, 2013


This poem is linked with Poetry Jam - Reflections and Friday Flash 55 (linked up after 8 pm tonight)

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

IGWRT's Susan Says "King of the Hill"



King of the Hill

We continually search
for happiness, for meaning.

If only we were content
as is the barn cat,

needs met,
protected, warm,

content king
of his humble hill,

dreaming
of what he has.

by Margaret Bednar, March 20, 2013

Linked with Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's -  Susan Says "Stretching Comparisons"

Monday, March 18, 2013

Poetry Jam "The Dogwood"


The Dogwood

A vixen's arm extends,
invites me to dance,

scent intoxicates.
Too long, I hesitate,

unparalleled beauty
accepted by another.

Shallowness excused
as I watch her youthful form

waltz upon the breeze,
pink taffeta gown afloat

as dandy Warbler sings
and woos with charm, with grace,

eyes her dance card,
the next honor reserved

for a handsome chap
dressed in fashionable red.

by Margaret Bednar, March 18, 2013

"HERE" is a nice photo of a cardinal in a blossoming pink dogwood tree (I think it's a dogwood?) This is for "Poetry Jam - Poetry of Dance".  Truly, nature dances... doesn't it?  

Sunday, March 17, 2013

IGWRT'S Sunday Mini Challenge "The Parade"




The Parade

He straddles make-believe
giggles, shrieks
as werecat snarls.

Drums boom!

Hands clasp mine
as blood shot eyed
blue wyvern
swivels, stares.

French horns blast!

He presses close
as sun and moon
skyfall

candy scatters,
fear forgotten

and the parade marches on...


by Margaret Bednar, March 17, 2013


This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toads "Bring in the Clowns - an emotional challenge".   Kay's husband, Richard Schear took the above three photos in Spain at the Barcelona Rambla.

Wyvern is a dragon and a werecat... think werewolf :)



Saturday, March 16, 2013

dVerse - "Chartreuse"



Chartreuse

Youthful yearning
is sun-kissed green,

an unripe dream
waiting to bloom,

enthusiastic whisper
of burgeoning chartreuse

sprouting
fragile inexperience.

A bouquet of reverie,
ornamental ribbon

innocence encouraged,
nourished, protected.

by Margaret Bednar, originally written March 14, 2012  (updated 3-16-2013)


Today this is linked with dVerse "It's not Easy Being Green, or is it?" I DID make some edits however, deleted words and rearranged the stanzas.  So perhaps it is new enough.

Happy St. Patrick's day!

IGWRT's Mary's Mixed Bag "Betrayal"


Betrayal

A lenten rose,
head bent, ashamed,
silently mourns betrayal,

my unrepentant tongue
still swooning, creamy decadence
savored, slowly melting,

as I walk the garden path, hidden,

sin's wrapper placed between
devout words of reflection
and penance within my purse.

by Margaret Bednar, March 16, 2013

This is linked with Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's - Mary's Mixed Bag.  The challenge is to imagine you are holding a bag with contains one object which can heal, one that can harm.  Only identify the two objects through touch, texture, shape-recognition and imaginative exploration.    For a further explanation, click on the link.

This was done late night and quickly, but this is also an excuse as I found this exercise extremely hard! Do you know the two items that were in my purse?

Thursday, March 14, 2013

dVerse Form for All - Cinquain "Moonlit"


Moonlit

I search
the midnight sky
for immortality,
unearthly amphitheater

moonlit,

embrace
that it's enough
to savor feeling loved
without discernment nor defense.

Serene.

by Margaret Bednar, March 14, 2013

This is written for dVerse "Form For All "The Cinquain".  I am a fan of short poetry - not sure if it is due to lack of time, laziness, or creativity, but this was right up my alley.   The syllabic structure is 2,4,6,8 & 2 for each stanza.  And it wasn't required to rhyme, which made me happy.



Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Poet's United & Friday Flash 55 "The Grand Old Hat"

My Great Aunt, 1905
FRIDAY FLASH 55 VERSION AT BOTTOM OF  PAGE!!


                       The
           Good
‘Ol
Edwardian Days
When swirling skirts gracefully 
Swept the floor, ankles carefully hidden.
Puffed up like a proud pigeon and resembled
   An instrument measuring time.
Oh, how to show
Individuality? Dare
We suggest such a
Thing?  A prim and
Proper young
Lady
Must wear her hat squarely
Upon her head; no silly feather, please!
But, if one had a desire for a bit of frivolity, well a trip
To the Hat Maker might just do the trick.  A feather added and tilted
To one        side, a splendid ornate hat to promenade.  A       multitude 
Of other       frivolous items could grace the crown:  A poppy,      a plume,
How         about a large cabbage rose?  A bit overwhelming?          Well,
 That was         the very idea!  To have fun, live a little, after all,             it was
 Just                           a hat.  The only thing exposed                          was 
Hair!                        Sometimes splurged, and added a                     bird?
Well,                                 Not a whole bird,                                   nor 
Even                                             a                                           whole
Wing.                                       For                                      many
Years,                             Twenty                           in fact, 
The               Audabon Society            fought
To outlaw such animal cruelty!  
Even hat pins were subject to the law!
Why, they could only extend so far - dangerous
Weapons they.  Known for poking, scraping and stabbing!
Regulations on how far they could protrude without hat-pin
Protectors. Some were banned from public transportation, in fact.
So, no whole birds, but how about bunches of cherries, blackberries
Or ribbon rosettes?  Hats made to whirl, flow and dip; some swathed in
Tulle.  Some glorious hats mysteriously rested upon the hair, thanks to 
The secret of “wadded” hair saved from thy very own brush to make the 
Grand pompadour!   Possibly a bit of mystery might be desired; was that
Even allowed?   It could be arranged with a bit of cobweb trim hanging
Over the face.  Social gatherings were not complete without one’s hat,
In fact it was part of proper etiquette.   Quite disgraceful to be seen
Without!  Even the little widow could not step out... all in black, of
Course.  No feather for that would be too gay but the veil was ok.
Oh yes,  the good  Ol’ Edwardian Days!  Most likely styles to never 
Be seen again. Glimpsed by some of us still alive as we watched
Our grandmothers step out.   Those wonderfully grand ladies who knew 
How to dress in style, held on to their "vogue" until the very end. White 
Gloves, snap purse dangling at the elbow, and perhaps, the hats a
Bit smaller, but there non-the-less.  Ornate glasses framed many of 
Their smiling faces, pearls circling their necks.  Still buttoned up with 
Proper skirt line maintained; although a few inches shorter.  How “modern”
They must have felt.  So here’s a nod to the grand ladies of old, who wore
Those hats with such style and grace.  How were they able to carry off
Such hats as these? Looking at the photos, their eyes might offer a clue.   
The                    Women's
Suffra                     gette's
Atti                        tude?
 In Courage                 And Honor.     



by Margaret Bednar

My Grandmother
I remember going through the hat boxes in my grandmother's attic.  They were piled atop one another and these "ancient" hats were packed amongst newspaper.  How I wish I had these hats today!




And below is an old fashioned hat and head created with 55 words :) for the G-Man's challenge "Friday Flash 55" a story in 55 words no more no less.  See what you get when limited to 55 words?  Not even half a woman :)



                        The
            Good 
Ol'
Edwardian days
grand hats worn squarely
upon a proper lady's head, no silly feather,
please; but if one did desire a bit of youthful frivolity
a poppy, a plume, a large cabbage 
rose could be  added
to whirl, flow, dip, a bit
of intrigue, hat tipped
pinned carefully
with style &
grace





IGWRT's - A Botanical Word List "Full Immersion"


Full Immersion

Seductive ice apples
have overcome
springtime shyness,
berries first blush
turned snowberry vixen,
arch voluptuously,

ignore Jack in the pulpit's
strong, bent contrivance,
maroon striped cape
draped with a preacher's flourish
shades his bright-berried heart.

Temptation is the forest's
allure, a red-light district,
heralding Trumpet Creepers
proclaim hidden fruit within,

no reform, no conversions,
just full immersion
entering this paradise.

by Margaret Bednar, March 13, 2013


This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's - A Botanical Word List"

This was really fun.  An image of a Jack in the Pulpit is HERE and a Snowberry HERE (also known as ice apples).   Snowberries are pink in the spring but turn white in the summer and Jack-in-the-pulpit is a flower I hear is in North Carolina woodlands although the maps don't show that... I will be on the lookout for him this year.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

The Mag #159 "The Invitation"


The Invitation

Serenity's rhythm
flirts with my toes,

greets me
with bliss-filled arms.

I snapshot, sigh,
steadfastly walk away,

her appealing charm
savored another day.


by Margaret Bednar, March 12, 2013

This is linked with "The Mag #159 "  Click on link for Tess's weekly photo prompt and other poems created for this challenge.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Gimli - Poetry by Margaret Bednar

Gimli

Tenaciously vigilant
my woodland warrior

bids farewell
to blackberry winter

as spring's pungent scent
ripples winter's flags of gold,

spies crimson colored drama
at the birdhouse,

sniffs cadmium charm
amidst umber, buff, and ochre,

joyous
Mother Earth is rousing!

Margaret Bednar, March 10, 2013

(blackberry winter - a cold snap that happens in late spring (OK- this might be wishful thinking, but 65 degrees and sunny feels mighty nice today.)

Linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Open Link Monday".






IGWRT's - Poet's in the Kitchen "Crepe Suzette"


Crepe Suzette

I fell in love
one morning in June

fresh strawberries, sliced
savory crepes, flamed

caramelized kisses
sprinkled like powdered sugar

pleasures whispered
atop pillows and quilts

scent of orange zest
upon finger tips

I sweet Suzette
to your handsome prince

day's first blush
all five senses stirred

by Margaret Bednar, March 10, 2013

This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's Sunday Mini Challenge "Poets in the Kitchen".   I thank my eldest daughter for making this amazing "inspirational" breakfast this morning.

1895 - Monte Carlo's Cafe de Paris - Henri Charpentier accidentally set a dessert he was making for the Prince of Wales on fire.  When the Prince asked for the name of the spur-of-the-moment concoction, Henri blurted "Crepe Princesse."  The Prince requested that he re-name the dessert "Crepes Suzette" for a beautiful young lady who had accompanied him to the restaurant.... or so one of the versions of the story goes. :)

Friday, March 8, 2013

IGWRT's Artistic Interpretations "Two Voices"


Two Voices

Of honey and spice
and moonlit crescent nights

of rivers and streams
and salt licked waves

two voices chant
on sand and rocky shore

passionately persuade
fiercely protect

bejeweled venus
in yellow-gold silk

ocean mother
of peaceful blue

peacock feathers
and butterfly wings

loves and dreams
sprinkled pumpkin seeds

cinnamon and seaside
cowrie shells

incense and perfume
arise Oshun & Yemaya

from Africa's
life-giving waters.

by Margaret Bednar, March 8, 2013

This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's - Artistic Interpretations.

I found many links, not one with the same story regarding Oshun/Yemaya.  I particularly enjoyed this one about Oshun - HERE,  and this image of Oshun & Yemaya HERE.

I found out the "Catholic" version/link to this goddess is Saint Regla, although I must say, the stories behind each are quite different!  An image I found from a Catholic Church is HERE .  It is gorgeous!






Thursday, March 7, 2013

IGWRT's Out of Standard with Izy & Friday Flash 55 "Friday Night"


(click above to hear)

Friday Night

High heels,
strobe lights,
five dollar pitchers,
flirtatious smile:
Friday night shorthand
"Buy me a drink".
Youth let loose,
once upon a time...

*

Warm woolies,
reading lamp,
glass of red wine,
Piano Man shuffled,
tow-headed youth
snuggled asleep
upon my breast

husband winks,
lip syncs
"The Night is Still Young"

and it is.

by Margaret Bednar, March 7, 2013


This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's Challenge "Out of Standard with Izy".  We are to pick three words from an old job we didn't like so much and turn around and create a poem having nothing to do with work.  As a secretary, I had many bosses and I adored most.  But ONE really was a pain in the you know what.

My three words:  shorthand, high heels, smile (secretaries must always be pleasant :)

Piano Man shuffled - meaning songs mixed on the iPod (most everyone probably knows this)

It's a bit of a crazy little poem, but my brain is fried - I've shown my house four times this week as we have it on the market.  So far, no luck and I may tire of this pretty soon.  We don't have to sell, just thought we would down size a bit...  

I also linked up with Friday Flash 55 - a fiction story in 55 words no more, no less.  But this one is more truth than fiction.  And he KNOWS what to play (anything Billy Joel) to better his chances :)


Sunday, March 3, 2013

IGWRT's Sunday Mini-Challenge & The Mag #158 "Wilted"


Wilted

I offer joy,

you pick and choose
which petal to stroke,
which to pluck,
pitch upon the breeze
like confetti.

No celebration
as you tiptoe silently
upon darkness,
floorboards protest
as you whisper
of harm, of fright
and prune at will.

Delicate, I await mercy
to slant its veil
of filtered light,
cockcrow your retreat,
my stem bent,
color faded, wilted
but not broken,

not yet.

by Margaret Bednar, March 3, 2013

This poem is written for Imaginary Garden With Real Toad's is highlighting "Woman Scream - International Poetry Festival"   This poem is definitely a "victim" poem, but I 'm sure if you follow the link, you will find many poems of victory and triumph over this horrific violence.

Also, this is Fiction - not written from any experience I have had... but I do know of a few who have endured violence of this sort...

It is also written for The Mag #158 - weekly image HERE.

Friday, March 1, 2013

IGWRT's Music with Marian - Rewind "Memorable"


Memorable

Burgundy Red
stains my tongue

band's steel bass
inside my head

catchy melody
like last nights confidant

redundant
come morning's light.

Grab his collection
of Easton CD's,

wife's red Lucchese boots,
Tweedle hat,

blow a kiss
towards crumpled sheets

call it memorable
after all.

by Margaret Bednar, March 1, 2013


Charlie Tweedle Cowboy Hats HERE and to DIE for Lucchese SWEET Cowboy boots HERE (My coveted red ones HERE)

This wicked little poem is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's "Rewind" with Tim Easton.  This is my first introduction to him and he ROCKS!  Thanks, Marian.  I will be adding this band to my iPod for sure.