this is NOT a drill (2)

Celebration vacation
on an island paradise
interrupted by cellphone alert:

“incoming missile, seek shelter, this is not a drill.”

This is not funny; nowhere to hide
surrounded by pacific (?!) ocean
hold down panic, prepare for end:

finish make-up, style wet hair, choose the shoes.

Say urgent prayer for
interception; resort reception is
too busy helping people check in…

wonder if soon we all be checking out?

Counting down final few minutes,
text message of love and faith
to adult children at home:

“God holds us all in His loving hands.”

Sense calming peace, sit by spouse
watching news update of human error
that pressed false alarm

sigh wave of relief, grateful to live another day!

this is not a drill

Writers often cause a chain reaction. This is a “response poem” linked to Jill’s prompt at dVerse Poetics. I’m writing a response to this senyru by Elsie at Ramblings of a Writer:

 

press the wrong button

at peace reading a manga

touch can tell a tale

 

who wrote in response to a prompt at Ronovan Writes, using words “press” and “touch”.  Check out the links to follow the trail. My poem in tanka form based on real experience while visiting Hawaii last week…thankfully a false alarm!

IMG_6252

 

press alert message

incoming missile threatens

touch panic button

count down minutes before end

value life with clarity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.     -Isaiah 54:10

another day in paradise

 

surf laps sandy beach

breezes sway coconut palms

island aloha

 

photo by lynn

 

Aloha, friends! Celebrating our 35th anniversary in Hawaii so may not post for several days. Stop by again soon 🙂

tidal hypnosis

 

man in the moon smiles

beckons to insomniacs

come, be mesmerized

 

Unknown

moon lamp

 

prospero ano

IMG_5444

Image

letting go…

Collage and year end challenge by Sammi Cox featured here.

collage-1

 

 

another year dying

look in

clearer rearview

mirror

can’t take time back
_____

times of drought

cracks

hollow spaces

shadows

weeds gone to seed
_____

yet light persisted

rainbow

blessings come of age

wisdom

life grows green anew
_____

looking ahead into

new year

past has passed

thankful

let regret go

 

 

 

 

serenity

(link to Carpe Diem)

 

morning prayer time

empty mind of distraction

study ancient Word

quiet my soul like weaned child

leaning on my Father’s chest

cold that purifies

 

bare tree silhouettes

world iced in dazzling white

winter’s elegance

 

“Elegance is the correct posture if the writing is to be perfect. It’s the same with life: when all superfluous things have been discarded, we discover simplicity and concentration. The simpler and more sober the posture, the more beautiful it will be, even though, at first, it may seem uncomfortable.”         – Paulo Coelho

Quote taken from Chevre’s prompt on Carpe Diem Haiku Kai

an invitation…for crying out loud!

A voice crying in the wilderness, make straight a highway for our God! 

What shall I cry?
Come all you faithful:
young and old
rich and poor,
black and white
Come, let us adore him
on this holy night.

Prophets cry:
Woe to sinners
everywhere; our
guilty hearts despair.
But do not fear, for
heaven’s hope draws near!

The virgin cries
with urgent pain,
birthing firstborn
on straw’s bloodstain;
Do not be afraid,
love’s sacrifice is paid!

Host of angels cry:
God’s good will
on earth to men!
Fear not, they say,
Prince of our peace
brings shalom today!

Shepherds cry:
choose good news!
Messiah’s here,
in swaddling bound.
Worship, unafraid,
spread joy around!

God’s star shines fierce
searchlight to pierce
through darkest times
O Holy night
advent of Light,
we celebrate this night divine!


I had the privilege of writing and reading this for our Christmas Eve candlelight worship. May God bless us, every one…Merry Christmas to all!

 

on a silent night

 

Here I use a haiku by Chevrefeuille to create a “troiku” which is a unique form invented by our host at Carpe Diem Haiku Kai.  Like a Russian troika, the original haiku is the “sleigh” pulled by the 3 “horses”/haiku verses.


 

silent night

snow falls softly on the graveyard

the Savior is born

©Chevrefeuille

 

on a silent night

cold moon casts wolf’s grey shadow

abrupt bunny tracks

_____

snow falls softly on

the graveyard where family

lays fir bough wreath

_____

the Savior is born!

child in manger embodies

resurrection hope

© lynn__

 

white Christmas (lite)

 

blanc fluff dusts tips of

evergreen branches; softens

brittle spikes of frozen grass

in(flat)able

 

deflated santa

his vinyl suit lay on lawn

life support unplugged

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