Linda tends dVerse Poets Pub today and invites us to write ekphrastic poetry inspired by the artwork of Jackie Hurlbert…
sassy young redhead named penelope
decides who in the world she wants to be
dark ravens perch upon each shoulder
speaking words that make girl feel bolder
independent defiance paints hot lips
her arms cross tight or hands on hips
fiery moods untamed, doesn’t give a care
determination steeps in eyes that stare
penelope’s ravens sing rebellious song
this teen believes ravens make her strong!
(but raven words may spell trouble
and raven beaks may burst her bubble)
“Conspiring With Ravens”
a poem in my pocket 
Jun 19, 2019 @ 15:38:47
I love your poem. The form works so well to tell her story!
Jun 19, 2019 @ 14:35:34
I think Penelope will be just fine… maybe a few small lessons before she sail into adulthood with the help of her ravens.
Jun 19, 2019 @ 11:00:02
Good warning about the beaks of birds. The first thing I thought when seeing that painting were her eyes were too close to their beaks. But that is what made the painting intriguing.
Jun 19, 2019 @ 11:10:24
Thanks…it is an intriguing painting for sure.
Jun 19, 2019 @ 10:23:34
I believe all teens should have a totem to replace the imaginary friend they (you know who they are) take away too soon. Teens regain autonomy with defiance and need their trusted confidants to see them through safely. Hope you send this to a teen zine somewhere.
Jun 19, 2019 @ 10:34:25
Thanks, Christine!
Jun 18, 2019 @ 21:08:45
This is a defiant and bold stance – I love how you created a strong character.
Jun 18, 2019 @ 22:31:25
Thanks, Grace!
Jun 18, 2019 @ 18:17:33
Very appropriate and clever take on the painting.
Jun 18, 2019 @ 20:14:59
Thanks, Kathy 🙂
Jun 18, 2019 @ 17:17:39
An empowered modern young woman is what I’m hearing.
Jun 18, 2019 @ 20:14:37
Yes, but I’m thinking the world could use more gentle, gracious women who are wise and self-controlled, not raging.
Jun 18, 2019 @ 20:42:00
I’ll take a raging woman over an obedient one any day! But just my personal preference.
Jun 18, 2019 @ 16:48:04
My niece is starting her GCSEs and I’ve just started working on a poem for about being bold, strong, and independent.
We all need these ravens sometimes.
Jun 18, 2019 @ 20:09:26
I know…good traits but need wisdom to guide them.
Jun 18, 2019 @ 16:35:11
Well done, I could just picture Penelope, perhaps because I’m a redhead myself. 😮
Jun 18, 2019 @ 20:07:50
Thanks, Crystal…glad you liked it.
Jun 18, 2019 @ 16:32:15
Oh, I adore this! This so reminds me of my daughter when she was young- always independent and defiant.
Jun 18, 2019 @ 20:06:37
Teen years…somehow both generations survive but it can be a wild ride!
Jun 18, 2019 @ 20:11:48
Yes!