Shooting Star [15 words or less]


Photo: Laura Purdie Salas

Wake up your poetry brains with 15 Words or Less (guidelines here)!

15WOLs

Here’s a little prop from our?Minnesota Brass show this season, Supernova!?It makes me think of:

1)?a shooting star
2)?a squid
3) New Year’s Eve

And here’s my?first draft:

Comet

I arc above

Stars applaud
my sparkling wake of
dust and dreams

–Laura Purdie Salas, all rights reserved

Now it’s your turn! Have fun and stick to 15 WORDS OR LESS!??(Title doesn’t count toward word count:>)?

 

186 Responses

  1. Parts on one of my longer poems was in my newspaper It’s a little long hope that okay I like your poem Laura

    Remembering Our Independence

    Out of the darkness
    As tears stream down her cheeks
    She live, but mourns
    A million guns and bombs exploding
    Standing strong our independence’s
    Lady Liberty, in all her glory!

    1. Death and life, mourning and celebration, grieving and fireworks–lovely!

  2. Parts on one of my longer poems was in my newspaper It’s a little long hope that okay I like your poem Laura

    Remembering Our Independence

    Out of the darkness
    As tears stream down her cheeks
    She live, but mourns
    A million guns and bombs exploding
    Standing strong our independence’s
    Lady Liberty, in all her glory!

    1. Death and life, mourning and celebration, grieving and fireworks–lovely!

  3. It’s for you, of course,
    Tinselled hay on a stick;
    Enjoy it my carousel horse!

    Remember the sparkly silver hoof picture’s poem? it put me in mind of that.

    1. One word over, but not if I consider the slash/words as one! (Is there a term for slash/words? I’m drawing a total blank.)

      All I saw was a giant fly eye and then from there I got carried away.

      How Is a Fly Eye Like a 21st Century Politician?

      A thousand
      lenses/advisers
      provide a
      view totally
      distorted.
      Unfocused
      reactions
      in the
      pursuit
      of more.

      Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.

      1. I love the thousands of lenses and reflections. Your slashed “word” is okay as one in my book!

      2. Gives new meaning to blood-thirsty politicians! I don’t think there is a term for those slash words. Not one I know of, anyway. Also, I love advisers, because in this context, it also puts me in mind of visors, which shield your eyes and block out the harsh reality of sun.

        Oh, and haiku expert! I have a question for you:

        Is there a place I can see public domain haiku by Basho? With translations and such, I’m not clear on what’s pd and what’s not. I’m doing a work-for-hire book on writing poetry, geared toward tween/teen girls. Very upbeat and modern. Anyway, I have to use pd poem examples, which is so tricky. But there are no permissions in the pub’s budget.

        1. Theoretically, all Basho’s poems are PD, however, the translations may not be. I’m not sure how translations of PD poems would work legally, do you? I will email you privately later. I think I may have a possible solution.

          1. Yeah, that’s what I was afraid of. OK, thanks! But don’t worry about spending much time on this. Just thought you might know offhand.

      3. Oh my goodness. A fly eye. Yes, I’ve seen pictures of a fly eye and all the different lenses. Lenses — advisers, good comparison.

    2. I LOVE that you connected this with an earlier photo, too, Donna. World-creation through tiny poems:>) I love that second line.

      1. Oooh, world creation through tiny poems! I’m going to try to not take this as a personal challenge.… But now I’m thinking…

        1. I was kind of hoping you would! It almost feels like bits out of an early chapter book novel in verse:>)

  4. It’s for you, of course,
    Tinselled hay on a stick;
    Enjoy it my carousel horse!

    Remember the sparkly silver hoof picture’s poem? it put me in mind of that.

    1. One word over, but not if I consider the slash/words as one! (Is there a term for slash/words? I’m drawing a total blank.)

      All I saw was a giant fly eye and then from there I got carried away.

      How Is a Fly Eye Like a 21st Century Politician?

      A thousand
      lenses/advisers
      provide a
      view totally
      distorted.
      Unfocused
      reactions
      in the
      pursuit
      of more.

      Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.

      1. I love the thousands of lenses and reflections. Your slashed “word” is okay as one in my book!

      2. Gives new meaning to blood-thirsty politicians! I don’t think there is a term for those slash words. Not one I know of, anyway. Also, I love advisers, because in this context, it also puts me in mind of visors, which shield your eyes and block out the harsh reality of sun.

        Oh, and haiku expert! I have a question for you:

        Is there a place I can see public domain haiku by Basho? With translations and such, I’m not clear on what’s pd and what’s not. I’m doing a work-for-hire book on writing poetry, geared toward tween/teen girls. Very upbeat and modern. Anyway, I have to use pd poem examples, which is so tricky. But there are no permissions in the pub’s budget.

        1. Theoretically, all Basho’s poems are PD, however, the translations may not be. I’m not sure how translations of PD poems would work legally, do you? I will email you privately later. I think I may have a possible solution.

          1. Yeah, that’s what I was afraid of. OK, thanks! But don’t worry about spending much time on this. Just thought you might know offhand.

      3. Oh my goodness. A fly eye. Yes, I’ve seen pictures of a fly eye and all the different lenses. Lenses — advisers, good comparison.

    2. I LOVE that you connected this with an earlier photo, too, Donna. World-creation through tiny poems:>) I love that second line.

      1. Oooh, world creation through tiny poems! I’m going to try to not take this as a personal challenge.… But now I’m thinking…

        1. I was kind of hoping you would! It almost feels like bits out of an early chapter book novel in verse:>)

  5. Good morning Laura. Shooting stars, definitely and I’m whispering the word “Christmas” lest I disturb the beauty of our August days. For some reason, Minnesota Brass prompted dancing from days gone by.

    Before Dancing with the Stars

    Grease, Saturday Night Fever,
    Travolta, Swayze and partners,
    compete for the
    original
    mirror
    ball
    trophy!

    1. Oh, my, Martha. You and I thought of the same thing.
      Mirror ball, glitter ball, disco ball, whatever it’s called.
      I like the way your presented your thought.

    2. Yes! Love Dirty Dancing and Grease. And Flashdance, which doesn’t fit this style, but still… These props are disco balls from a party store, with tinsel added on.

    3. Does anyone remember “Fame”? I loved that show — along with all the other already mentioned movies!
      Nice take on the glittery mirror ball trophy.

  6. Good morning Laura. Shooting stars, definitely and I’m whispering the word “Christmas” lest I disturb the beauty of our August days. For some reason, Minnesota Brass prompted dancing from days gone by.

    Before Dancing with the Stars

    Grease, Saturday Night Fever,
    Travolta, Swayze and partners,
    compete for the
    original
    mirror
    ball
    trophy!

    1. Oh, my, Martha. You and I thought of the same thing.
      Mirror ball, glitter ball, disco ball, whatever it’s called.
      I like the way your presented your thought.

    2. Yes! Love Dirty Dancing and Grease. And Flashdance, which doesn’t fit this style, but still… These props are disco balls from a party store, with tinsel added on.

    3. Does anyone remember “Fame”? I loved that show — along with all the other already mentioned movies!
      Nice take on the glittery mirror ball trophy.

  7. Hi Laura. This pic makes me think of “the day after” an evening of cutting loose!

    We danced,
    bare feet
    on dew-soaked grass
    til dawn.
    Party over.

    1. I see you also thought of dancing.
      I like your take on it — the morning after.

  8. Hi Laura. This pic makes me think of “the day after” an evening of cutting loose!

    We danced,
    bare feet
    on dew-soaked grass
    til dawn.
    Party over.

    1. I see you also thought of dancing.
      I like your take on it — the morning after.

  9. I got carried away with your title, Laura.

    Miles for a Milestone

    ten years
    four billion miles
    Rosetta slows,
    circles, photographs
    comet C‑G -
    soon to land
    Philae

      1. Yes. I, too, had to “Google” Rosetta.
        I sure learn a few things on this site every Thursday.
        Thanks, Ellie, for my lesson today. 🙂

    1. I didn’t get the references and had to look them up–love learning new stuff from these poem. And I especially love the name Rosetta! So much connotation there. They did a good job coming up with that name, and I like its usage in your poem:>)

  10. I got carried away with your title, Laura.

    Miles for a Milestone

    ten years
    four billion miles
    Rosetta slows,
    circles, photographs
    comet C‑G -
    soon to land
    Philae

      1. Yes. I, too, had to “Google” Rosetta.
        I sure learn a few things on this site every Thursday.
        Thanks, Ellie, for my lesson today. 🙂

    1. I didn’t get the references and had to look them up–love learning new stuff from these poem. And I especially love the name Rosetta! So much connotation there. They did a good job coming up with that name, and I like its usage in your poem:>)

  11. What magic those disco balls created for dancing.
    That’s what memory this picture brought to me.

    Disco Ball

    We’re dancing with delight
    under spinning spots of light,
    whirling, twirling in the night.

  12. What magic those disco balls created for dancing.
    That’s what memory this picture brought to me.

    Disco Ball

    We’re dancing with delight
    under spinning spots of light,
    whirling, twirling in the night.

    1. Fantastic imagery! I love this mask poem. You ARE a silvery girl with all your bright words!

    1. Fantastic imagery! I love this mask poem. You ARE a silvery girl with all your bright words!

  13. This made me think of different things, Laura, especially that the scepter was on the ground! Perhaps I should have thought more about the title? Love your ‘sparkling wake’.

    Spoiled

    Princess Want-a-lot
    stomped with a frown,
    threw down her scepter,
    pranced around town!
    Linda Baie ? All Rights Reserved

    1. Ha, ha. I love this.
      Princess Want-a-lot.
      Could turn into a children’s rhyming picture book.

    2. Heehee–this made me think of a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

    3. I really smiled when I read Princess-Want-a-lot. I refer to myself in similar terms: a wannabee writer, wannabee poet, wannabeequilter, etc. I shall refrain from throwing things!

  14. This made me think of different things, Laura, especially that the scepter was on the ground! Perhaps I should have thought more about the title? Love your ‘sparkling wake’.

    Spoiled

    Princess Want-a-lot
    stomped with a frown,
    threw down her scepter,
    pranced around town!
    Linda Baie ? All Rights Reserved

    1. Ha, ha. I love this.
      Princess Want-a-lot.
      Could turn into a children’s rhyming picture book.

    2. Heehee–this made me think of a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

    3. I really smiled when I read Princess-Want-a-lot. I refer to myself in similar terms: a wannabee writer, wannabee poet, wannabeequilter, etc. I shall refrain from throwing things!

  15. Shooting star fell to earth
    Not sure of its celestial worth
    Found
    It liked ground

    1. Hey, Amelia! I like this–“bloom where you are planted.” I always think that’s a good approach to finding happiness.

    2. This is so fun to say, and a bit of a surprise at the end. I love it because it really provokes thought and inquiry.

  16. Shooting star fell to earth
    Not sure of its celestial worth
    Found
    It liked ground

    1. Hey, Amelia! I like this–“bloom where you are planted.” I always think that’s a good approach to finding happiness.

    2. This is so fun to say, and a bit of a surprise at the end. I love it because it really provokes thought and inquiry.

  17. Love all the poems here — really good work! I forgot to post last week’s– sigh… oh well…
    For this I immediately thought of a dance too:

    The dance is over.
    Memories of good times past
    emerge ruthlessly
    from idle minds.

      1. Your little fun exercise is awesome — you can tell I am not a kid’s writer though — lol

        1. That’s perfectly fine! I like to keep the poem contributions clean, since teachers use them–but I’m a big fan of poems with a little knife to them!

  18. Love all the poems here — really good work! I forgot to post last week’s– sigh… oh well…
    For this I immediately thought of a dance too:

    The dance is over.
    Memories of good times past
    emerge ruthlessly
    from idle minds.

      1. Your little fun exercise is awesome — you can tell I am not a kid’s writer though — lol

        1. That’s perfectly fine! I like to keep the poem contributions clean, since teachers use them–but I’m a big fan of poems with a little knife to them!

    1. Ha! I know people use lots of stuff to scare away the woodpeckers. Now I’m picturing this as a shiny scarecrow! Love those last two lines.

    1. Ha! I know people use lots of stuff to scare away the woodpeckers. Now I’m picturing this as a shiny scarecrow! Love those last two lines.

  19. My Royal Haiku

    Spun mirrored scepter
    Polishes the everyday
    Releasing my queen.

    1. Hi Karen! That second line is just lovely! And the first line is interesting–I have to say it slowly, savor it almost…

  20. My Royal Haiku

    Spun mirrored scepter
    Polishes the everyday
    Releasing my queen.

    1. Hi Karen! That second line is just lovely! And the first line is interesting–I have to say it slowly, savor it almost…

  21. Boogie-Oogie Baton
    by Shar Mohr

    Leisure suit leader
    in a platform promenade.
    Let’s ?Do the Hustle!?
    It’s a disco parade!

    1. Hehehehe–oh, dear! I’m not big on parades, but I think I’d get a laugh out of this one!

  22. Boogie-Oogie Baton
    by Shar Mohr

    Leisure suit leader
    in a platform promenade.
    Let’s ?Do the Hustle!?
    It’s a disco parade!

    1. Hehehehe–oh, dear! I’m not big on parades, but I think I’d get a laugh out of this one!

  23. Such a fun image to contemplate! An object at rest awaiting its moment of glory in the next performance. Made me think about the various lulls we hit between life’s sparkly bits. Here’s what I came up with:

    Dream held high,
    a shiny thrill.
    Dropped for now,
    …but sparkly still.

    1. Yes! This immediately made me think of all my barely started manuscripts waiting for their shining moment of attention–someday!

  24. Such a fun image to contemplate! An object at rest awaiting its moment of glory in the next performance. Made me think about the various lulls we hit between life’s sparkly bits. Here’s what I came up with:

    Dream held high,
    a shiny thrill.
    Dropped for now,
    …but sparkly still.

    1. Yes! This immediately made me think of all my barely started manuscripts waiting for their shining moment of attention–someday!

  25. Unlived Lives

    Streamers stream
    and dreamers dream
    Of glitter, glamour
    a panorama of
    perfect scenes
    of might-have-beens.

    ~~Barbara J. Turner

    1. This one really touches me, Barbara, because it’s a theme I think about a lot–all the possibilities. I love the flow of this.

  26. Unlived Lives

    Streamers stream
    and dreamers dream
    Of glitter, glamour
    a panorama of
    perfect scenes
    of might-have-beens.

    ~~Barbara J. Turner

    1. This one really touches me, Barbara, because it’s a theme I think about a lot–all the possibilities. I love the flow of this.

  27. STATE FAIR BAND DAY

    Hey, everyone,
    our band won!
    Amid gleam and glitter
    the news spread by Twitter.

  28. STATE FAIR BAND DAY

    Hey, everyone,
    our band won!
    Amid gleam and glitter
    the news spread by Twitter.

  29. Hard to get the idea of a comet out of my mind now! I tried to take a different route…

    That Night We Danced

    ?every song
    the band played
    ?til the lights blew out
    and the disco ball
    fell.

    - ? 2014 Matt Forrest Esenwine

    1. I love how the title and specifically the word “That” lets you feel the significance of the rest of the poem.

  30. Hard to get the idea of a comet out of my mind now! I tried to take a different route…

    That Night We Danced

    ?every song
    the band played
    ?til the lights blew out
    and the disco ball
    fell.

    - ? 2014 Matt Forrest Esenwine

    1. I love how the title and specifically the word “That” lets you feel the significance of the rest of the poem.

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