Need we say (never)more: A-Z verses from vintage visages

Need we say (never)more?

Rhyming word on things unheard

It isn’t our nature to notice a need.

Like newbies to kindliness, we oft misread

The words yet unspoken and troubles untold.

We seal up our suitcases, go for the gold.

Still, nobody nurses malevolent grudge

Like one shoved aside with a negligent nudge.

Our catchword is kindness. We aim to be nice

And never run out of extensive advice.

Perhaps with the mirror we should have conferred.

When somebody needs us, let’s toss not the bird.

 c2016 by Linda Ann Nickerson

“On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before."
Then the bird said, "Nevermore.”

(Edgar Allen Poe, The Raven)

  

This poem was posted for the April A to Z Blogging Challenge and National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), as well as these prompts:

Daily Prompts: “suitcase”

Little Things Thursday: little moments of life

Meme Express: “nature,” “newbie” and “notice”

One-Minute Writer: “inspirational” (quote)

Simply Snickers: "never” and “nobody”

Thursday Challenge: “words”

Image/s:

Public domain photo –
 vintage image

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A-Z sketches in verse: Compassion’s Ration

Compassion is a simple brew,

Poured freely – no return in view.

Yet some will try to top the tale,

Claim higher suffering, harsher gale.

They point to symptoms stronger still,

As if to best the one who’s ill.

Such yammerers, they need not yelp;

Real patients seek much truer help.

c2015 by Linda Ann Nickerson

Image/s:

The Last Gasp: On Toadstools Mistaken for Mushrooms

Vintage/public domain artwork

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SOS for Supplicators

SOS for Supplicators

A young man who is quite dear to me, ever since his teen years, is in dire need of a liver transplant and another chance at a healthy and full life. Sober nearly two years, he is fighting for his health. His young bride-to-be and the rest of the family are praying fervently for him. Will you agree with us in interceding for Junior?

Re-liver Needed

A young lad

with lots of steam

became tangled

in proud traditions

and multi-generational webs,

allowing and enabling him

to land

between a rock and a hard place.

Now, mid-thirties,

he needs a liver.

He needs hope.

He needs another chance.

He needs the touch of the Lord.

(Who doesn’t?)

Praying for Junior.

Posted for a variety of prompts:

Easy Street Prompts (“a rock and a hard place”)

Friday Flash-55 (55 words)

Heads or Tails (“steam”)

Meme Express (“proud”)

One Single Impression (“allow”)

Love poetry? Check out Simply Snickers, a brand-new weekly poetry prompt. Try your hand with weekly prompts! Or, look into The Meme Express for daily blogging prompts.

Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink.

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For Fayth, Who Endures

Today's topic is sobering, but vitally important.

According to National Domestic Violence Hotline statistics, in the U.S. alone:

• 4 million American women experience a serious assault by a partner during an average 12-month period.
  

• On the average, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends every day.

• As many as 324,000 women each year experience intimate partner violence during their pregnancy.
  

If you (or someone you know) is living in danger of domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Links are available for callers outside the U.S.

Here is a story from a friend. Perhaps you know someone in a similar situation. According to statistics, chances are you do.

For Fayth, Who Endures -
A Poetic Lament on Spousal Abuse

Incarceration is a curse,
A sentence set for life;
Resolved for better or for worse
When I became his wife.

At any stage, with gleeful rage,
He'll toss away my treasure -
Constructing thus a careful cage,
My misery, his pleasure.

With verbal blows, he robs my soul
Of gladness and ambition.
Profanely, he assumes control
And battles my conviction.

In barracks built of brutal words,
Of broken promises and drink,
I shudder with each slamming door
And dance upon the brink.

My flesh, his passion, lures him;
He preys upon the scent.
For, having tasted of my blood,
Desire is never spent.

He pounds the walls and storms the halls
With fury in his breath.
We're bound together, not forever,
Only till our death.

I built a tower for my heart.
The lock contains no key.
Though all the world be shut outside,
The beast cannot reach me.

Enflamed, he roars, and pounds the door;
His violence leaves its mark.
And though he breaks it daily,
He'll never have my heart.

Want to read the rest? Click here to see "For Fayth Who Endures - A Poetic Lament on Spousal Abuse." Or click here for a free subscription to this author's online content, so you won't miss a single post!

Secrets Are Scary

As an adoptive parent, should you tell your child that he or she is adopted? How and when should you reveal this secret? Should it be a secret at all?

Secrets Are Scary

Family counselors, psychologists and recovery experts of all stripes love to echo a familiar quote: "We are only as sick as our secrets."

Secrets are scary, particularly for children.

Adults may recall certain secrets that loomed in their minds, when they were young. Larger than life, these mysterious unknown keys to reality may have turned to terror. When children realize that key pieces of information are purposely withheld from them, they naturally may wonder what other facts are also hidden?

Never Not Knowing

As an adoptive parent, I can clearly state that my children have never not known that we adopted them. We have made this an absolutely natural part of our family litany. Although months may elapse without the topic even arising, my kids know that they are welcome to ask or discuss this at any time.

When my children leaf through their baby books, they are able to find the new baby announcements, which mention our excitement and joy over their adoption. They can also see copies of their adoption certificates. When we discuss their births and arrivals, I mention how grateful I am that God brought them into our family in such a wonderful and miraculous way.

Simply put, this has never been a secret. As a result, the issue contains no mystery. The children do not have to worry what other secrets their parents may be keeping from them.

Want to read more? Click here to read "Secrets Are Scary."

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