The End

Today I've done what I'd set out to do:
I've written a sonnet each day this year
I'm kind of surprised that I made it through
and I look backward as the end draws near

This year has brought hardships I've overcome
as well as hilarious anecdotes
I compare what was to what I've become
I'm proud of course, but I don't mean to gloat

This year has brought pain, but also love;
reminders of death, but also new life,
some friendships that seem to fit like a glove,
and others that seem to bring only strife

This year has been better than those before
I can't wait for what next year has in store!

Landmark Decision

As two thousand thirteen draws to a close
I meet a decision that I must face
as larger my sonnet collection grows
is there a time that I should slow my pace?

My goal was to write each day for a year
and I must say it's been a success
but now that the new year is almost here
shall I continue my sonnet progress?

I must admit writing has been great fun
but oft it has taken much of my time
I hate to think that I am really done...
Maybe I can just write less frequent rhymes?

Tomorrow is the last day I must write
the question is: will it be my last night?

Shakespeare Sunday: Sonnet Nine

Why do you try to live life all alone?
You've taken no wife and fathered no sons
Do you worry they'll miss you when you're gone?
But the world will cry for you when you're done!

The whole world will be left behind to mourn
Without some reminder of who you were
For at least a widow's child takes the form
of the late husband no longer with her.

Sure you may enjoy your life in this world
and make no impact on those in your life
but if none of your beauty is transferred
you will have destroyed a resource so rife

There truly is no love within your heart
if with this beauty you readily part

Original:
Is it for fear to wet a widow's eye
That thou consumest thyself in single life?
Ah! if thou issueless shalt hap to die,
The world will wail thee, like a makeless wife;
The world will be thy widow and still weep
That thou no form of thee hast left behind,
When every private widow well may keep
By children's eyes her husband's shape in mind.
Look what an unthrift in the world doth spend
Shifts but his place, for still the world enjoys it;
But beauty's waste hath in the world an end,
And kept unused, the user so destroys it.
     No love toward others in that bosom sits
     That on himself such murderous shame commits.

Tuffet Revisited

Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet--

Wait what is a tuffet anyway??

Only a seat for Little Miss Muffet,

or do others sit to eat curds and whey?

And then what of the spider beside her?

Why was she so quick to run away?

Maybe he was a really nice spider

who wanted to ask Miss Muffet to play

Finally, what did she do with the whey?

Did she throw them and the curds out when she ran?

Just throwing perfectly good food away?

Now of Miss Muffet I grow less a fan

We've only heard her side of the story

Maybe Miss Muffet was seeking glory

Hero

Lurking in the dark shadows he is there
watching out for any sign of trouble
Will it be dangerous? He doesn't care!
He's ready to step in on the double

My hero is always there to save me

From my stress and sadness or loneliness

Whatever my difficulty may be

He can fix anything with just a kiss 

What did I do to deserve this hero?
The answer is absolutely nothing 

He reassures me I'm more than zero 

And says things that are truly touching

I suppose I'll just give him all I can

That's why he holds my heart in his hand 

Christmas On

This Christmas was great, spent with family
eating, then laughing, then eating some more
between all was wonderful amity
and not a single second was a bore

First with my parents was a Christmas brunch
we ate waffles then opened our presents
we shook each gift and sometimes had a hunch
that we might know something of its contents

After we went over to Grandma's house
there steak for dinner was sure to please all
even shoving cardboard into our mouths
all of the participants had a ball

When I got home, I did not need count sheep
as it took me no time to fall asleep

Christmas Off

I woke up early on Christmas morning
and I went over to my parents' house
soon it did seem that time was soaring
and I noticed my sonnet time was out

I guess I just took the holiday off
don't we all deserve a day to relax?
for time is something that cannot be bought
and some more time is all that I can ask

So dear readers, please forgive my great sin
I hope you did not sit waiting at home
waiting for a new sonnet to begin
I'll write an extra sonnet to atone

I do promise that I will do my best
to warn ahead next time I need some rest...

The Night Before Boxing Day Eve

It was the night before Boxing Day eve

And there was excitement all through the house

Holiday spirit hung from ev'ry eave

All creatures were stirring-even a mouse 

There were oh so many things to get done 

And last minute details to attend to

No one was ready for holiday fun

They needed some more time-- now was too soon 

So into their vehicles they all piled

To the store for last minute merriment 

They stood in a line which stretched on for miles

Then rushed home for their Christmas excitement 

At last they were home and ready to rest!

But now it was time to begin their fest

Chaotic Zoo

Today I didn't have to go to work
but I figured that ev'ryone else would
maybe the stores wouldn't be so berserk
all others would be at work as they should

I drove up to Walmart... boy was I wrong
the parking lot was a chaotic zoo
I hoped that the lines would not be too long
as I became part of the chaos too

I filled my cart and pushed it to the front
and I soon started to regret my choice
I rolled my eyes and let out a small grunt
glad that I wasn't trying to buy toys

After twenty minutes I was checked out
wishing I'd listened to my early doubts

Shakespeare Sunday: Sonnet Eight

Why do you tear up at life's symphony?
and love only that which seeks to hurt you?
Beautiful music should yield more beauty
not a delight in emotions so blue

When you hear sweet harmonies ringing out
Is their great unison so hard to hear?
Do they make you want to give a great shout
to get this nuisance away from your ear?

Listen to each note ringing through the air
and how they each dance with one another
a happy parent and child are each pair
each chord a singing sister and brother

You may sing out your note the whole day long,
but without others it will make no song


Original:
Music to hear, why hear'st thou music sadly?
Sweets with sweets war not, joy delights in joy.
Why lovest thou that which thou receivest not gladly,
Or else receivest with pleasure thine annoy?
 If the true concord of well-tuned sounds,
 By unions married, do offend thine ear,
They do but sweetly chide thee, who confounds
In singleness the parts that thou shouldst bear.
 Mark how one string, sweet husband to another,
Strikes each in each by mutual ordering,
Resembling sire and child and happy mother
Who all in one, one pleasing note do sing:
     Whose speechless song, being many, seeming one,
     Sings this to thee: 'thou single wilt prove none.'

Time Flies

I look to the calendar and the date
and I can't believe what's before my eyes
Oh how could it already be so late?
... I guess I really shouldn't be surprised

Each year has three hundred sixty five days
although a few DO have three sixty six
the speed of this time does always amaze
and I fear that there'll never be a fix

I will wake up on January first
After a blink it will be September
all of the times fly, the best and the worst
and somehow it's already December

Yet as the time flies, life does settle in
and for the first time, I feel I might win

Extravaganza

Tonight is a night that I've waited for
I'm so excited for the things to come
we did this last year and the year before,
and as always I know it will be fun!

The cookie baking extravaganza!
Our annual party of food and fun
In life's song its a favorite stanza
we'll laugh and eat cookies till the night's done

And when all of the cookies are eaten,
we'll watch Christmas movies and sit and talk
Sharing our lives and the season's greetings
then maybe later we'll go for a walk

I don't know exactly what we will do
but life's better with good friends around you

Break Time

Tomorrow I'll wake up and drive to work
it'll be mostly the same as always
but around the corner something new lurks
I won't see the students for many days

It is the last day before Christmas break
we'll have two weeks off before we return
No longer at 5 AM must I wake
(though I don't think I can sleep past the sun)

Yes! 8 hours of class are all that remain
between me and some deep relaxation
right as I thought that I might go insane
the time's come for a mental vacation

I'd fear I'm too excited to sleep,
but I know I'll nod off without a peep

Graduation Day

In full regalia he walked down the row
happy that this day was finally here
He looked up and scanned the crowd from below
smiling as he found his loved ones so dear

He grinned up at me as he found my face
I grinned right back as he mouthed "I love you"
it felt like between us there was no space
as I mouthed back the words "I love you too"

Then they called his name and he crossed the stage
My love graduated; I am so proud!
I showed him his name on the program page
It seemed like just us; vanished was the crowd.

Today was amazing: bright, never grim
but that is what all days are like with him

Stop Watch

"Ms. Curtis, can I go to the bathroom?"
is a question that I hear quite often
yet I know that they never come back soon
a ten minute break or so is common

So one day with me, I brought a stop watch
so I could time how long the kids were gone
but today we kicked the watch up a notch
as I won this battle with brains not brawn

The first kid I timed just as usual
but I shared with the class his sprint like pace
and though it may be a bit juvenile,
each trip to the bathroom became a race

And while this activity was quite fun
all the long bathroom breaks were also done!

Escape Plan

Tonight I went to go see Escape Plan
it definitely was an action film
Sylvester Stallone is the leading man
but the plot is kind of out on a limb

Sylvester Stallone is stuck in prison
and there he meets Arnold Schwarzenegger
The pair quickly sets out on a mission
to escape regardless of the effort

But then Stallone MacGyvers a sextant
out of stuff he finds on the prison-boat
I knew the plot was no longer extant
really... does the writer know what he wrote??

So when everything is said and done,
this movie should be called "Old Men with Guns"

Shakespeare Sunday: Sonnet Seven

Each morning the sun rises in the East
and slowly goes where all below can see
they rise with respect for this firy beast
as out from the darkness they are now freed

After the sun has climbed high in the sky
it looks as bright as it did in the morn
all those below still do watch as he flies
watching with awe each time he is reborn

But all days at some time must come to end
as the sun sets below the horizon
and so from the sun, watcher's gaze does bend
in the direction of another one

And so as you set and fade into night
you must leave an heir to carry your light

Original:
Lo, in the Orient when the gracious light
Lifts up his burning head, each under eye
Doth homage to his new-appearing sight,
Serving with looks his sacred majesty;
And having climbed the steep-up heavenly hill,
Resembling strong youth in his middle age,
Yet mortal looks adore his beauty still,
Attending on his golden pilgrimage;
But when from highmost pitch, with weary car,
Like feeble age he reeleth from the day,
The eyes, 'fore duteous, now converted are
From his low tract and look another way:
     So thou, thyself outgoing in thy noon,
     Unlooked on and diest unless thou get a son.

Progressive

Tonight was once more babysitting night

I arrived at the house at six o'clock

While I knew that it all be all right

Strange circumstances were soon at the dock

Tonight there was a progressive dinner 

And the parents would be just down the street

And while this plan would be quite a winner

Others would soon be at the house to greet 

As I put down their child to sleep at 8

Many voices started to fill the air

So I slipped off to a bedroom to wait

Until the guests had all left from downstairs

They said I could join them, but I declined

For these were friends of the parents, not mine

DONE

Now it's official: I'm done with grad school
I have now finally graduated
and now I am sure that I'm really cool
my confidence has been reinstated

I've been in school for the past eighteen years
but now I am a student no longer
I have no clue what I'm doing I fear
but each day my sureness does get stronger

One day I know I'll know what I'm doing
Alas! that day has not quite arrived yet
Am I a pot of pure genius stewing?
or just a pot of pure unfiltered mess?

I know there's only one way to find out
... but I admit I do not have much doubt

Laundry Mountain Revisited

I felt like I was on top of the world
I would get so much laundry done today!
but soon all the folded up clothes unfurled
and I saw this great task now in my way

I climb laundry mountain and sort the pile
and I carry each load to the washer
I forget that the machine takes a while
and I start to sweat under the pressure

So many clothes and yet so little time
I'll be up all night if I wash them all!
I sit and wait for the alarm to chime
a hopeless victim of this laundry brawl

But alas defeated I do collapse
maybe tomorrow I'll finish at last...

In the Garden of Olives

I was meeting a friend for dinner
and she told me that I should make the choice
I thought no one would come out a winner
and I would have no opinion to voice

"How does Olive Garden sound?" I asked her
"That sounds quite delicious" she did reply
I was very glad to hear her concur
and I waited as time slowly ticked by

Finally the time came for us to meet
and soon we had breadsticks in front of us
quickly we started to scarf down and eat
I felt like my belt was about to bust

Just when I thought "that's enough for today"
The waiter came out holding my entree

Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater

It would just be oh so easy to cheat

and would anybody even notice?

just a few simple clicks made from my seat

and it looks like I have met my quota

Is there anyone paying attention?

will cheating really hurt anybody?

will a single soul bother to mention

actions that are so lowdown and shoddy?

Yet I will take notice of this of course

and deep in my heart I know it is wrong

at my conscience eats away great remorse

and a cold bitterness infects my song

Alas! Though the effort may not be light

I know that truly I must do what's right.

Master Curtis

Every paper has been written
each and every form has been turned in
all my assignments have been submitted
Wait... didn't graduate school just begin??

All that's left is my graduation day
but other than that, I have finished school.
Now graduation's just 4 days away
I find this last bit of waiting cruel!

"Master Curtis" will soon be my title...
I think I'll make my students call me that!
C'mon... I mean... their respect is vital
and "Master" is just a great thing to add...

I can't stop thinking as I lay in bed
about this brand new road that lies ahead...

Shakespeare Sunday: Sonnet Six

Therefore do not let yourself be weathered

From prime to shriveled shell of yourself

Rather you should let yourself be tethered 

Don't leave your potential dead on a shelf

To charge great interest would seem unfair,

But many women gladly pay this fee

As they gladly another you would bear

Or perhaps even ten-- wait and see 

Yes! As happy as you are, think of ten!

Oh ten whole times happier that should be

Yes, you will still die, but what then?

Just imagine how great a legacy!

Don't be greedy and try beauty to save,

Or your sole legacy will be your grave.

Original:

Then let not winter's ragged hand deface

In thee thy summer, ere thou be distill'd

Make sweet some vial; treasure thou some place

With beauty's treasure, ere it be self-kill'd.

That use is not forbidden usury,

Which happies those that pay the willing loan;

That's for thyself to breed another thee,

Or ten times happier, be it ten for one;

Ten times thyself were happier than thou art,

If ten of thine ten times refigured thee:

Then what could death do, if thou shouldst depart,

Leaving thee living in Posterity?

     Be not self will'd, for thou art much too fair,

     To be death's conquest and make worms thine heir

Just Dance

I had ordered Just Dance a week ago
but alas! I was not home to play it
finally I've moved back into my home
and to not play would be to betray it!

I turned on my Wii and put the disc in
soon I had many choices before me
so I chose to take "World Stage" for a spin
(it was far more fun than I did foresee)

For each song I was told to choose a team
and the teams did compete for the most stars
then soon with a sweat I did start to gleam
as I danced my best through all the song's bars

Soon I saw it had been an hour
and that I needed to take a shower...

One More Night

My room has been sprayed and it is all clear
now I can return home at any time
of bed bugs I no longer live in fear
over are their short lives of itchy crime

I guess I can leave my grandmother's house
since my own is no longer quarantined
no longer will I be with free food doused
and no longer live in a house so clean

Well... I guess I can stay for one more night
to wait for the spray to settle and such
I will slip away with the morning light
oh but until then my life with be lush

While I can't wait to see my bed again
I will kind of miss this new home domain

Inconspicuous

Late I got an email from UPS
saying a package for me had arrived
I read more and soon I became distressed
as I saw they'd left the package outside

Alas! I was sleeping at grandma's house
the package would have to wait until dawn
so in the morning, early I did rouse
so I could get the package from my lawn

I got there and saw that the box so small
was placed between the front door and screen door
yet doormat was propped up agains the wall
as if to say "something is here for sure!!"

I don't know what UPS was thinking
I can only guess they had been drinking...

Last Day

Tomorrow's the last day I student teach
I can't believe it's already over
It seemed so far away and out of reach
but now it has passed; it's time for closure

I don't really know how I'll say goodbye
I just can't believe that it's time to go
I've touched my students' lives and they've touched mine
and that means more than they could ever know

There is a silver lining in all this
See... I'm not really going anywhere
So I guess there's really not much to miss
for they'll go next door, and I will be there

I will be working within the same school
and I have to say... that will be so cool!

Fountain of Words

My pen is a fountain flowing with ink
like water, words bubble up from within
onto the page spill the thoughts that I think
a river flows with each tale that I spin

I remove the cap; life water spills forth
cascading across this great empty page
then as the words fill it, the page gains worth
and soon more of these dancers fill the stage

Silent ideas are soon forgotten
cursed to fade away without a record
but there to preserve them is the great pen
it seeks to let no dream become deferred

So let this great fountain spell out great thoughts
it lends satisfaction that can't be bought

Ghost Bugs

I sit in a chair and feel something crawl
even though I know there is nothing there
I see a ghost movement upon the wall
I feel a small tickle under my hair

"I'm covered in bugs" I think to myself
and soon my entire body starts to itch
I closely inspect to search for a welt,
and soon I'm not wearing a single stitch

I soon confirm what I've known all along
that I have left all the bugs back at home
but still a small part of me thinks I'm wrong
and thinks I'm cursed fore'er with them to roam

I keep looking for something I don't see
but not seeing it doesn't comfort me

Shakespeare Sunday: Sonnet Five

So far along time has been good to you
it has brought a soft glow upon your face
but time that matures does age us too
what began as a stroll becomes a race.

For once you did beg for more time to pass
yet the same time soon takes a speedy gait;
the seasons begin to change far to fast
and all signs of beauty soon fade away

When a beautiful flower has been drained
and its sweet essence has been stored away
none of that flower's beauty remains
not even memory sees light of day

Human and flower may both beauty lose
but even after this do both have use

Original:

Those hours, that with gentle work did frame
The lovely gaze where every eye doth dwell,
Will play the tyrants to the very same
And that unfair which fairly doth excel;
For never-resting time leads summer on
To hideous winter, and confounds him there;
Sap checked with frost, and lusty leaves quite gone,
Beauty o'er-snowed and bareness every where:
Then were not summer's distillation left,
A liquid prisoner pent in walls of glass,
Beauty's effect with beauty were bereft,
Nor it, nor no remembrance what it was:
   But flowers distilled, though they with winter meet,
   Leese but their show; their substance still lives sweet.

Guest Sonnet: Kairos

When I’ve become a corpse in the ground

skin all filled with holes and rotting,

centipedes will scuttle in and out

of the lump of flesh once called my body

My lungs will stutter and my heart

will seize, my limbs will all go still

my flesh will grow icy and hard

my face hollow and pale

You should touch me while I’m still full

of life, grasp my shoulders while I’m still warm

bite my neck while it still has a pulse

explore cavities uninfested with worms

distract me from mortal pains and fears

we could have minutes, we could have years

Wolverine

I looked online at the movie listings 

And I saw a treat at the cheap theater

I knew this place I'd soon be visiting 

For my love of Jackman has not petered!

Yes The Wolverine is showing tonight!

And surely you know that I can't resist

A little bit of Hugh and life is right

This is a happiness that will persist

I get to the theater and take my seat

I make sure to sit right in the middle

I know that this night will be really neat

Hugh Jackman never plays second fiddle 

Oh now be still my ever beating heart

For The Wolverine is about to start!

Leftovers

Turkey is what fills all of the fridges
and there are still mashed potatoes to eat
if stuffing was gold... I'd be the richest
but leftover pie is a tasty treat

Day 1 is an easy one: sandwiches
bread, turkey plus cranberries equals yum
if you're too full... unbutton your britches
and eat some more pie before it is done

Day 2 starts to get a little harder
sandwiches start to sound sort of boring
so you throw the carcass in some water
and make some soup before you start snoring

While Thanksgiving day, you are in heaven
leftovers slowly become a burden

Thanksgiving

As I sit here at the end of the night
I think that today's been an awesome day
so many things have just happened so right
but I've eaten much more than I can say

I went to two dinners with two turkeys
and two bowls full of mashed potatoes
the food stretched out far as the eye could see
the meals seemed to never come to a close

I left one dinner and drove to the next
It was time to head to my grandmas house
grandma's potatoes are always the best
and so I shoveled them into my mouth

Leaving for home, I started to dawdle
as I felt like I could only waddle...

Steroids and Indian Food

I woke up itchy as I have lately 

Discomfort and small red bumps all the way

But I'd soon return to being stately

As I went to see the doctor today 

At the office the doctor did decide

A steroid injection was in order

This syringe would help the itching subside 

Soon after, I crossed the crazy border

ENERGY PULSED THROUGH ME AND IT FELT GOOD!

BUT SO SOON I NEEDED SOMETHING TO MUNCH!!!

WHAT'S THAT YOU SAY? LET'S GET INDIAN FOOD??

YOU KNOW...THAT WOULD MAKE A REALLY GOOD LUNCH!!

FINALLY IT'S DARK; I CAN TAKE A BREAK!

I DON'T WANT TO SLEEP... I FEEL SO AWAKE!!!!!!!!

Supernatural Dental Work

He laid down to bed with a cavity
just praying the pain would come to an end
he felt it had been an eternity
since he had felt a pain-free night in bed

Around 3 am, he woke with a chill
he could tell something just wasn't quite right
he opened his eyes and laid perfectly still
for what he saw did give him a great fright

A ghost dentist stood over him drilling
doing supernatural dental work
in minutes he had finished the filling
just maybe this ghost wasn't such a jerk

He awoke in the morning without pain
would he soon see this ghost dentist again?

Ordinary

Today was a day yes that is for sure
I'm also sure that things happened today
some things were evil and some of them pure
but all were part of this journey and way

I talked to some people who told me things
and yes I did hear the things that they said
the people did talk; none of them did sing
they were all alive; none of them were dead

It was quite ordinary I must say
nothing too good also nothing to bad
nothing really stood out in any way
and I must say this does not make me sad

For I see its the ordinary days
that make the good ones stand out anyways

Shakespeare Sunday: Sonnet Four

You have a beauty too great to not share
but all of your potential you to hoard
when you die your beauty will end right there
that is if you don't share it with the world

To love yourself it is but natural
and from time to time in yourself indulge
but don't always choose yourself above all
if you are a secret you should divulge!

If you in only your self take pleasure
you abuse the gift you have been bestowed
and when you go you can rest assured
you have left no mark on this earth below

Your progeny are doomed not to exist
if you are the only one that you've kissed

Original:
Unthrifty loveliness, why dost though spend
Upon thyself thy beauty's legacy?
Nature's bequest gives nothing but doth lend,
And being frank she lends to those are free.
Then, beauteous niggard, why dost thou abuse
The bounteous largess given thee to give?
Profitless usurer, why dost thou use
So great a sum of sums yet canst not live?
For having traffic with thyself alone,
Thou of thyself thy sweet self dost deceive.
Then how when nature calls thee to be gone,
What acceptable audit canst thou leave?
     Thy unused beauty must be tombed with thee,
     Which usèd, lives th' executor to be.

Allergy

A small tingling begins upon my arm
not much at first, but it soon starts to grow
where I thought there wouldn't be any harm
a row of red bumps is starting to show

Over my whole body the bumps soon spread
a burning itch occupies all my thoughts
my discomfort is all that fills my head
and life starts to revolve around these spots

I spread on some ointment and take some pills
which do give some small amount of relief
Woe! There seems to be no cure for my ills
that I'll itch forever is my belief

I wish that the doctor would call me back
so together we could this itch attack

Ode to Waffle House

I'm done babysitting and it is late

As I drive my stomach starts to rumble 

I'm not looking for something all that great 

Just something that will silence this grumble 

I see a sign on the side of the street

Yellow block letters; a beacon of hope 

It is here I will find something to eat

Now my night does gain a positive slope

I order more than I know that I should 

I wolf down that bacon and those cheese grits 

I don't care because it tastes really good 

I will eat until my pants do the splits!

Alas I must go I can write no more 

For wielding pen and fork is quite a chore 

Domesticity

I was taking my shower one morning
It seemed no different than any day
I stepped out and without any warning
I saw that my things had been put away!

Yes it seems that my dork of a boyfriend
decided my room needed to be cleaned
(I mean... he was right; I just can't pretend)
I smirked at his delight... oh what a fiend!

We left for the day, but he came back soon
and before long he was cleaning again
his domesticity just makes me swoon!
he's clearly much better than other men

A man who enjoys cleaning up my mess...
you just can't be that; it's really the best!

The Weirdest Dream Ever

I dreamed I was in my principal's yard
I was with someone looking for his cat
but then suddenly this dream did bombard
me with visions even weirder than that

On an airplane, I met Miley Cyrus
she told me all the languages she spoke
I'm not quite sure where the plane did fly us
I started to wonder "Is this a joke?"

The plane started to drive around some town
outside of the window some children played
they rode cellos and basses up and down
and let out laughs as the instruments swayed

I woke in a cold sweat at 3 am
wondering "Where could this dream have come from"

Oops

I got home a little bit late last night 

The day had been long and I was quite tired 

I sat on my bed and turned on the light 

Then with out a warning I did expire

I woke up and saw it was three-thirty

I had slept with my clothes on... Doggone it 

But then an acute horro attacked me...

I had forgotten to write my sonnet!!

Sure I've missed midnight by a little bit 

But surely this was some grave new offense 

"I must just wait 'til morning to post it"

(To half-asleep me that really made sense...)

And so readers I do apologize

For this sad mess you see before your eyes

Yet Another Mexican Food Dilemma

I hadn't eaten much since 10:30
and now it was almost seven o'clock
I just wanted something quick and dirty
really nothing worth any sort of talk

Hmm... Mexican food... that sounds pretty good
some salty queso would just hit the spot!
I must find someone to help share this food
surely this great quest would not be for naught

Chipotle was the restaurant of choice
I know its good so how wrong could it go
... as soon as I thought this I heard a voice
saying to me that they don't sell queso!

Oh what a dilemma now in this place!
I leave without queso and in disgrace...

Shakespeare Sunday: Sonnet Three

When you see your own face what do you see?
do you see a gift that needs to be shared?
share now or you shall waste your life's beauty
which would be a wrong that can't be repaired

Is there a way you can not spread your seed?
for truly who would say no to this chance
for procreation is a human need
and do you wish to abstain from this dance?

Your own parents once faced this same question
and answered that the world deserved their son
and so now it should go without mention
that you know what it is that must be done

Shall you continue to please just yourself?
or will you help expand the world's great wealth?

Original:

Look in thy glass and tell the face thou viewest
Now is the time that face should form another,
Whose fresh repair if now thou not renewest,
Thou dost beguile the world, unbless some mother.
For where is she so fair whose uneared womb
Disdains the tillage of thy husbandry?
Or who is he so fond will be the tomb
Of his self-love to stop posterity?
Thou art thy mother's glass, and she in thee
Calls back the lovely April of her prime;
So thou through windows of thine age shalt see,
Despite of wrinkles, this thy golden time.
     But if though live rememb'red  not to be,
     Die single and thine image dies with thee.

Jessica Pan... Continued

Today I did babysit once again
as the children's bedtime did come along
they wanted more about Jessica Pan
... and denying them that would just be wrong

Tonight Jessica went to Neverland
for she wanted a fairy of her own
She knew that she'd need to hatch a great plan
to pull it off and bring a fairy home

She opened up a fairy tutu shop
to entice a young fairy named Lovey
but soon she found she didn't want to stop
for the tutus just made her feel bubbly

So Jessica Pan stays in Neverland...
surely the next chapter will not be bland

Double Date

It was time for my best friend to meet my man
so we decided on a double date
and we sat down then we worked out a plan
the evening was sure to be so great!

Chili's was where we decided to go
we would meet up there at 6:45
I googled the map I wanted to show
and saw this Chili's was no more alive

We saw we would need to meet somewhere else
Oh no... another decision to make
we would need a plan from off our back shelves
this was a plan we did not want to break!

Quickly we found a new place for our date
and luckily the evening was great!

Yesteryear

I think back on the days of yesteryear
and realize how different things were
but I'm not talking last century here
I mean this past year that's become a blur

I used to stay up until 2 am
but now I can barely make it past 10
and my eyes will not let me open them
but now I relax and things are just zen

Once I was late almost every day
for I was too tired to even wake up
I slept my productivity away
Now I fall asleep right after I sup

I must say I'm surprised to see my range
I am amazed at how much I have changed

Itchy

I sit on the couch watching TV
suddenly I start to itch all over
this sensation it is attacking me
my hand becomes a furious rover

It feels like something is crawling on me
and biting me with each step that it takes
and there is no relief that I can see
and soon the feeling is giving me shakes

I go up and take an allergy pill
but know that it will take some time to work
and until then I just cannot sit still
I sit on my hands and I start to jerk

After a wait that does not quite seem brief
I finally start to feel some relief

Muffin Master

Winter is coming and eggnog is here

and it is starting to get cold outside

but even though the frigid air looms near

I've found a warm place in which I can hide

I bought some more eggnog, and craisins too

and threw in some walnuts for good measure

coming home I knew that it would be soon

when I'm enveloped by a warm pleasure

I took out my own muffin recipe

that I had created a year ago

the eggnog and craisins awaited me

cinnamon filled the air with a warm glow

They're done in twenty minutes-- no faster,

but now I am called the the Muffin Master

Jessica Pan

I tucked the two children into their beds
I wished them a great sleep and a good night
they wanted a story to fill their heads
and well... ummm... I guess it turned out all right

They asked for a tale about Peter Pan
It started off as a sort of prequel
of the boy who never became a man
but his family story was just cruel

He had a sister named Jessica Pan
who didn't believe and so couldn't fly.
She was not magical; her life was bland
but the sleepy children still closed their eyes

I guess there's just a strange sort of glory
in getting cheers from a boring story

Shakespeare Sunday: Sonnet Two

There is no man who is immune to age
and soon it shall rob your beauty from you
you'll wrinkle and brown as an old book's page
days you are proud of your face will be few

What will you say when people stop and stare?
When they ask you what happened to your looks?
When they spy once again your thinning hair?
Will you see yourself and curse what time took?

But yet! For your fairness there is still hope!
This beauty may live on through another...
Life must not only be a downhill slope
you may pass on your face... as a father!

As your beauty fades, your new child's shall thrive
and as it does so you shall feel alive

Original:

When forty winters shall besiege thy brow,

And dig deep trenches in thy beauty's field,

Thy youth's proud livery, so glazed on now,

Will be a tatter'd weed, of small worth held;

Then being ask'd where all thy beauty lies,

Where all the treasure of thy lusty days,

To say, within thine own deep-sunken eyes,

Were an all-eating shame and thriftless praise.

How much more praise deserved thy beauty's use,

If thou couldst answer 'this fair child of mine

Shall sum my count and make my old excuse,'
Proving his beauty by succession thine!
     This were to be new made when thou art old
     And see thy blood warm when thou feelst it cold

Danceketball

Today my friend and I made up a game
that is surely the greatest game of all
and as a great game deserves a great name,
the name of this fun game is Danceketball

To play Danceketball you need some music
and you will need a basketball as well
once you have checked your room for acoustics
you can start dancing as the music swells!

The rules are the same as for basketball
except you can never stop dancing
your moves can be big or they can be small
but all to the game are quite enhancing

You may call it weird or may call it strange
but after you've played you won't be the same

Eggnog

I walked all around the grocery store
to buy all the things I normally do
I was ready to leave with nothing more
when I saw upon the shelf something new

There with the dairy products was eggnog
for sale for the first time of the season
since the last time I had waited too long
I had no need for any more reason

I grinned ear to ear when I got home
ready to take part in this yummy treat
I turned bottoms up and left only foam
until I was too full to even eat

I know it's bad... but I can't help myself
I'm glad this is not year round on the shelf

Apply Yourself

The time has now come to apply myself
and yes I mean a job application!
now if I could just hire a little elf
who could get me through the registration

The places I've lived for the past 10 years?
am I supposed to know those addresses?
Inputting the dates near brings me to tears
I think I'll have to use my best guesses

I'm almost done! The form is near complete!
I just need to fill in my references
of course this is not the last form I'll meet,
but right now is the time for reverence!

When I finish I'll have to wait and see
how many of the schools want to hire me!

7:30

Can I go to bed at 7:30?
does that make me too much of a loser
by now I am not feeling so sturdy
and really just want to be a snoozer...

I did go to bed kind of late last night
(even though it was for a good reason...)
sleeping so early just doesn't feel right
but it IS the hibernation season...

Too early is much better than too late
so I'm really just being proactive
After all... when I wake up... I'll feel great!
and you know feeling great is attractive

Maybe I'll stay up and just try to wait
I should try at least to make it till 8...

Inspiration

I know where it is I am coming from
and I know where it is I want to go
I know what it is I want to become
but the path I will take I do not know

Every twist and turn along the way
seems to change whenever I blink my eyes
they change with the choices I make each day
leaving the pathway a total surprise

So how do I know which choice I should make
I will need something that can inspire me
to add meaning to each path that I take
what oh what should that inspiration be

I look out at my students and I see
all that I really need to inspire me

Daylight Savings Time

Daylight savings ended two days ago
but it is still really messing me up
I will soon get used to it... this I know
but for now it is just driving me nuts!

Waking up in the morning's no problem
for it feels like it's one hour later
I'm so sure that the day will be awesome
everything just seems so much greater

But as the day wears on I start to fade
slowly I start to slump over and yawn
normal bedtime feels like staying up late
but I look and see my work isn't gone

I know I'll adjust... as I always do
I'm just hoping that it will happen soon

Shakespeare Sunday: Sonnet One

So I decided I'm going to try a little something new. On Sundays, I'm going to take one of Shakespeare's sonnets, post it, and then give my own little variation. This might be awesome, this might be terrible, but I'm going to go for it at least a few times. So here is my first attempt at Shakespeare Sunday:

Sonnet One:

From fairest creatures we desire increase,
That thereby beauty's rose might never die,
But as the riper should by time decrease,
His tender heir might bear his memory;
But thou contracted to thine own bright eyes,
Feed'st thy light's flame with self-substantial fuel,
Making a famine where abundance lies,
Thyself thy foe, to thy sweet self too cruel.
Though that art now the world's fresh ornament,
And only herald to the gaudy spring,
Within thine own bud buriest thy content,
And, tender churl mak'st waste in niggarding.
     Pity the world or else this glutton be,
     To eat the world's due, by thy grave and thee.

My sorry attempt:

Life is a gift that all people receive
with it we can do whatever we wish
but sooner or later we all shall grieve
for nobody's life is truly endless

Yet still we might leave a mark on this earth
as we help create new generations
a legacy carries on with each birth
we all have chance to help build a nation

Alas! Some men do love only themselves
and it is themselves they would choose to wed
putting humanity up on a shelf
as they do take only themselves to bed.

People who their potential do not share
shall die robbing the earth of one more heir

(Please let me know what you think!! Is this an awesome or a terrible idea... I'm a little biased)

Globophobia

I remember way back in second grade
I was at a classmate's birthday party
Cake had been eaten and games had been played

Laughs all around were full and hearty

But next came a game I had never seen

With messages hidden inside balloons

Balloons that were red yellow blue and green 

But we'd have to sit on and pop them soon

I put a balloon right under my rear

And then tried to sit down to make it pop

But soon I was filled up with a great fear

And I could not sit; I just had to stop

I learned I was scared of balloons that day

And since then I have kept them far away 

Copycat

The long school day had just come to an end
and I needed to make a few copies
I would need these sheets for the week ahead
so I grabbed some paper to bring with me.

I was making double sided handouts
so I thought I would run a test sheet first
that I'd made a mistake, I had no doubts
looking at this mistake not yet my worst

When I'd finally nailed the direction
I hit "19 copies" and just hit start
while I wasn't expecting perfection
all those sideways pages were far from art

As this crazy process was  not a breeze,
next time someone else can make the copies!!

Stand Tall

Sometimes you walk through a sea of faces

And you notice one that stands out to you 

All others turn into empty spaces

Between these distinct interesting few

Tonight the face that stood out was my own

In a costume that stood out over all

People were snapping pictures on their phones

Of a paper bag puppet 5 feet tall

Almost four feet tall stood the bag itself 

Blonde pigtails added a whole extra foot

Better than any costume off a shelf 

The googly eyes rendered all others moot

And though none could see what was on my face 

There was an enormous smile in that place

Charming Mystery

The clouds in the sky keep floating on by
as she keeps staring up into the air
she sits on the ground and looks at the sky
as a cool autumn breeze blows through her hair

Maybe she could be waiting for something?
or is she just sitting to pass the time
is she staring into space daydreaming?
or maybe just contemplating a rhyme

I want to know what is inside her head
Yet is there not charm in the mystery?
Might she not charm but be boring instead
if all of her thoughts and dreams I could see?

Often it is easy to wonder so
but realize that you don't want to know.

Halloween Costume

Today I made my Halloween costume

I'm pretty sure it's the best thing ever

It takes up the entire floor of my room

It's like I caught a creating fever!

It took me a whole hour to make the base

And another to add decoration

I had to perfectly arrange the face

But the result led me to elation 

There are two more days until Halloween

So I can't reveal what I'll be dressed as

Could it be red or yellow, blue or green?

But you'll just have to wait and all that jazz!

Now that I've made something well as I can

I just need to find some Halloween plans!

Some Days

Some days you just want to stay in your bed
it's dreary outside and the world seems bleak
you would close your eyes and lay down your head
and someone would wake you up in a week

Other days leave you just wanting to cry
you try to be strong, but find that you're not
you lie and say "there's something in my eye"
and choke like something in your throat is caught

But then there are days you can't help but smile
there's someone to laugh with and hold your hand
you wish that the day could last for a while
as you think to yourself "isn't life grand?"

As for today, I am happy to say
it was the wonderful third type of day

300

This sonnet I write is my three hundredth

(one of the 301 was a guest post)

I'm shocked these sonnets have not been my death

though I find myself strangely proud of most

I guess that means 65 days are left

until another year comes to a close

I suspect I won't end the year bereft

that is just my guess, but I mean... who knows

Wow... I think "300 sonnets... really?"

I just can't believe I've written this much

Thirty-six hundred lines of poetry...

I guess I've just got the Iambic touch

I wonder: What will be my new high score

Maybe I'll make it to 300 more?

With the Dawn

I pulled into my parking lot tonight
it was late, cold, and I wanted to sleep
I made sure to pack up my bags just right,
and prepared upstairs to my room to creep

Before I left, I grabbed myself a drink
-- a can of seltzer from the trunk of course
I ran in the house before I could think
as sleepiness is a powerful force

I carried my things up to my room
I laid on my bed and turned on my fan
Something was missing? Would this be my tomb?
NO! Somehow I have lost my seltzer can!!

Where could this cool refreshing drink have gone???
I suspect I will find it with the dawn

Another Fair Time

I went to the the State Fair again tonight
this time I went with a pair of my friends
it seemed that everything just went right
again, I did not want the night to end.

We decided to ride the ferris wheel
as we reached the top, the fireworks came
this was simply too awesome to be real
as the night sky filled with sparkle and flame

As we got off we just stared at the sky
then bought hot drinks and walked back to the car
Oh wow... how this evening had flown by
even the walk back did not seem so far...

But... after all this I still have to say
it was still not quite as good as Wednesday...

A Fair Time

Yesterday I planned to go to the fair
my friend and I would meet at 4 o'clock
then she called saying she couldn't be there
I sat there a minute and stared in shock

I had paid for my ticket weeks ago
I wanted to eat food and ride the rides
Who could I ask to go... oh wait! I know!
"I think I'll text and invite a cute guy!"

We walked around and ate deep fried things
I wasn't ready for the night to stop
as we rode up high in the tall swings
finally we left and went to IHOP

And although I really hate to say this
I'm kind of glad my friend couldn't make it...

Fizzy Delight

Everyone has something that they need
there's something that they cannot live without
while all people need things to quench and feed
there are things that others don't care about

For me... I admit the need is seltzer
I just can't live without my club soda
I'd place bubbles above basic shelter
or training from Jedi master Yoda

I so often draw weird looks from waiters
sometimes they even ask me "what is that"
they refill my class with water later
leaving a yucky mixture that is flat

I guess that this may always wake me weird
Oh well... at lease I cannot grow a beard!

Snuggle Bunny

It's another footie pajama day
I only feel like snuggling in my bed
I feel all of my stress just melt away
and all of the bad thoughts do leave my head

I turn on the TV to Jeopardy!
I'm cozy and warm as I watch the show
it seems all is right with the world to me
and this is how every night should go

There's a smile on my face as I lay down
I close my eyes and put the day to rest
for smiles make me happier than a frown
so I pretend every day's the best

The lights go out and then my room goes dark
and I drift off to a walk in dream park

Too Early

How early's too early to go to sleep?
Today at 7 I wanted to crash
I did not have a need for counting sheep
and I did not need room to roll or thrash

Is it better to wait up until 8?
or is even that a little too soon?
My fear is that if I stay up too late
there'll be no way I can wake before noon

Ok... what if I wait up until 9?
does that make me much less of a loser
that is 8 hours of sleep... so I'd be fine
and I can seem a little bit cooler...

Alas... I wait up, my "image" to keep
I end up distracted and missing sleep

Crowdfunded Spaceboobs

I just can't stop thinking about the spaceboobs
This is going to keep me up at night!
Do I really have anything to lose?
I must go on a parabolic flight

There's just one problem... and that is the price
the flights run about five thousand a seat
and while the experience would be nice
paying the high price would not be so great

Maybe I'll start a crowdfunding project
so that other people can help me pay!
Yes! Raising the money would be perfect
I would get to go on my flight... oh yay!

I wonder if I should take up this task...
I mean... I guess it can't hurt just to ask...

Babysitting?

It was another babysitting night
I was supposed to go over at eight
I locked my door and then turned out the light
I even left early to not be late

I drove across town to get to their house
and then I made the turn onto their street
then I parked my car and I checked my blouse
opened the car door and came to my feet

I walked to the door and I rang the bell
and the three year old did answer the door
he looked quite confused and his mom as well
his sister's face showed a look of horror

I soon found out as his mother did speak
I had, in fact, showed up on the wrong week!

Gravity Part 2

(Alternate title: Space Boobs)

I ponder, must one wear a bra in space?
Sure... gravity is minimal... but still
would they fly to hit you right in the face?
maybe just a sports bra would fit the bill?

Maybe all astronauts must have small breasts
is this one of NASA's requirements?
"No space for you if you've got a large chest!"
Implants would soon lead to retirement...

I decided that I should google it
Alas! The answer I still do not know
Answers ranged from "yes" to "a little bit"
and even one that said all bras should go!

After all this I still do have some doubts
I must go to space to figure it out!

Krispy Horror

I am supposed to bring snack tomorrow
so I made a quick stop at Krispy Kreme
while it's not often the source of sorrow
something nearly happened that made me scream

I ordered three dozen plain glazed donuts
and went to the cash register to pay
Hmm... yup three dozen should be quite enough
surely my deed would make somebody's day!

As I picked my donuts up I did trip
slowly the donuts did approach the floor
if out of my hands the donuts would slip
soon 3 dozen donuts would be no more

While this fiasco made the whole store gasp
I saved those poor donuts with my tight grasp

Diet Coke

It's 11 why am I still awake?
I've usually passed out by this time
My energy will just not take a break
(that's generally no problem of mine...)

I had a good evening with some kids
I spent most of my time babysitting
and then suddenly I know what it is
(the revelation's not quite world-splitting)

The kids and I went to Wendy's to sup
(man that Baconator is not a joke!)
but there was the culprit inside my cup:
a tasty, but caffeine filled diet coke

I know that I soon will regret this choice
when I do wake up and must face the noise

Sometimes I Look...

Sometimes I look to the skies and I think
"Oh to be a bird and fly far away"
but birds can wield neither a pen nor ink
so I think I won't be a bird today

Sometimes I look to the sea and wonder
"Oh to swim off in the waves as a fish"
but then I realize fish can't ponder
so to swim off is no longer my wish

Sometimes I look to the forest and dream
"Oh to run so fast and free as a deer"
but I think of cars and swerving high beams
and away from my deer dream I do veer

I guess there's only one thing left to be
and that is no one and nothing but me

Vegetative

I'm finding my schedule just oh-so-full
I thought I knew busy, but I was wrong
and just when I think things are at a lull
another test or paper comes along

I think that I'm going to pull this off
but boy is it going to wear me out
I'm sorry dear readers and you may scoff
that sleep's what all my sonnets are about

I'm trying so hard to be creative
but all that I can think about is sleep
oh I wish my state were vegetative
I must come up with a topic more deep!

So tell me please: about what should I write?
(though I can't claim this keeps me up at night)

Gravity

I went on a whim to see Gravity
I walked in the theater and I sat down
Soon the vastness of space surrounded me
just stars and nothingness were all around

Now I have seen very many thrillers
but this one got to me more than most do
every other scene was a chiller
leaving me thinking "what if it were you?"

I stared at the screen just holding my breath
from the first scenes until the credits rolled
would Sandra Bullock meet her certain death
or would she have a story to be told

In the end the lesson that does endure:
There is always something worth living for

Mooching

I'm babysitting as I often do

I'm awake but the kids are fast asleep

I sit on the couch and I start to mooch

The one thing I don't have at home you see

I have an addiction that I must feed

So I change the channel... And Chopped is on

For it is Food Network that I do need

And I am just not whole when it is gone

I enjoy not paying for full cable 

But sometimes just want to watch Cupcake Wars

So I sneak a peek when I am able 

And find a happiness not sold in stores

But then I do find myself sad to go

Whenever it is the parents come home 

Close Enough

Da da dadada dada da da da
dada da da dadada da da da
da da da da dada da dadada
dada da da dada da da dada

Da dadada da dada dadada
dada da dada da da dada da
dadada da dadada da da da
dada da dada da da da dada

Dada dada dada dada dada
da da da dada dada da da da
da da da da dadadada da da
dada dada dada dada dada

Da da da da dada dada dada
da dada da dada da da da da

A New Sort of Pain

I am climbing up to the very top
though sometimes I stumble along the way
I may pause but I do not mean to stop
but I must go to the bottom they say

They say there's a new pill that I must take
it will keep me from falling down again
but then soon I can barely stay awake
and I start to feel a new sort of pain

I restart the climb, but stumble once more
It's time to go back to the beginning
I'm doing well, but then to my horror
I slip just when I though I was winning

I feel like the Sisyphus of seizures
New meds always overtake my leisure

This One Guy

Once upon a time, there was this one guy
and this one guy he lived at that one place
and sometimes these things came rolling on by
and there were some feelings on the guy's face

One time he decided to do something
so off to some other place he did go
and some of his things with him he did bring
then he did his thing, not fast and not slow

When he was done he went back to his place
he still did things but he did them at home
and there were still feelings on the guy's face
and all over the place the guy did roam

So you don't need to be interesting
to go to some places and do some things

Fascinating

I think that I'm going to fall asleep
as my eyelids are getting quite heavy
While my day did warrant a slumber deep
for bed I'm not sure that I am ready

I have a few things that I need to do
but they'll just have to wait until morning
I'll awake when the world is fresh and new
but the work will come out without warning.

But then every day I do this thing
I promise that I'll do it tomorrow
but no productivity does it bring
and I am left tired and with sorrow

I just need to stop procrastinating
but the world around is fascinating

Birthday

It was seven PM on my birthday
and I was in bed watching Jeopardy
This may be lame I'm sure that some would say
but it was just where I wanted to be

Next I took off my fancy party dress
and then put on my cozy pajamas
I sunk into the sheets to get some rest
and in my dreams went to the Bahamas

All I want for my birthday is to sleep
for that would definitely be the best
I want to fall into slumber so deep
I wake up feeling alive and refreshed

It has been a good day, make no mistake
I just don't know if I can stay awake...

New House on the Block

While staying down at the beach this weekend
I stayed at a friend's family beach house
Building it I'm not sure how much they spent
but when I saw it, all I said was "wow!"

You could see it coming over the bridge
towering over others on the street
the house had grown since last time... just a smidge
staying in this house would be such a treat!

Soon I sat on the second story porch
and I did watch several cars go by
to a slow crawl they would suddenly lurch
then they stared at the house and said "oh my"

When all passersby to your house do flock
you might have the nicest house on the block...

SPF 15

"I'll take the SPF 15" I said
for I was pale and I wanted to get some sun
I spread it from my toes up to my head
and walked out the door ready to have fun

I swam in the sea and sat on the shore
then I read a book and played bocce ball
Alas! but of sunscreen I used no more
and this would soon prove to be a bad call

I looked in the mirror back at the house
hey! I was starting to look kinda tan!
But I looked again and open my mouth...
A dark red spread from my chest to my hands

Today the importance of sunscreen proved
as here I sit in too much pain to move

Time Management Caper

I find myself at the beach once again

This time relaxation is what I seek

I'll spend a few hours in the sun and then 

I must finish preparing for the week

So many lessons and papers to write 

May just cut my relaxation time short

At least I'll be able to sleep tonight 

Nestled down deep in a great pillow fort

But soon again the time will come to wake

And it will be time to face my papers

I'm not sure quite how much time it will take

This is such a time management caper!!

I guess I will just have to get it done

And then I will have more time to have fun 

Funny Laundering

Tomorrow I leave to go to the beach
but there's so much that I still need to do
relaxation seems so far out of reach
but I know somehow I will make it through

I wanted to pack, but I realized
that I had forgotten to do laundry
my laundry pile keeps growing in size
I'm out of time and in a quandary

Do I stay up and get all my clothes washed
or chance it on having time tomorrow
I would buy more sleep at near any cost,
but dirty clothes would cause me great sorrow

Maybe it is time for a compromise
do some now... some later... that would be wise!

ADHD

I'm starting to feel the work piling up
yet I have less energy than ever
at school I feel like an excited pup
but sitting I know I'll never get up

I have things to do, but stare at the wall
unable to muster the strength I need
It's a step that seems so big, but is small
to sit at my desk just to write and read

I know what it is that I want to write
but can't focus enough to get it down
distracted by something shiny and bright
I start to goof off like a circus clown

Maybe to wait until the last minute
Is my only way in class to win it

Playing Footie

I walked into my room, ready to sleep
the day had been long and I was quite tired
now warm and cozy I wanted to keep
I don't much care about being admired

I opened my drawer to find some sleep wear
Comfortable was all I had in mind
and then I saw something sitting in there
that I knew for sure would help me unwind

I pulled out my jammies and put them on
... zebra striped footie pajamas that is
and all the worries of the day were gone
I snuggled up and I got to my biz

How can everything not be alright
when cuddled up warm and cozy all night

Things that go Bump in the Morning

Driving to school just as I always do
I backed out of my space and took a right
but then from my rear I heard something new:
A thumping noise that gave me quite a fright!

My eyes got wide and I thought "what was that??"
Surely my car was about to break down
Or maybe I have run over a cat
but either of these things would make me frown

I made a left turn and heard it once more
hmm maybe one of my tires had gone flat?
but it seemed to come from the other door
and sounded a bit more metallic at that...

But then I remembered cleaning my trunk!
For once there was room for things to go thunk

Eight Whole Pairs

I cleaned out the trunk of my car today
I must admit it had been a long while
Three large bags of trash I did throw away
and of other things I had quite the pile

Eight whole pairs of shoes I found in my car
I also found two shoes with out a mate
Wrappers of long eaten granola bars
and a ticket from going to ice skate

Several scarves and a saucepan as well
two jackets and a large stuffed ladybug
(A ladybug... really? uhhhh... what the hell???)
at last I was done and all inside lugged

I'll never let it get this bad again...
Yeah right! From driving I'd have to abstain...

Epizeuxis

There is something that I must must must say!

Ev'ryone really really should hear this

For I learned an amazing word today 

This wonderful word is epizeuxis 

Epizeuxis is a repetition

Of a word that is made for emphasis 

The tone could be praise or admonition

It could be meaningful or tenuous

"Trust me, right now's the time to buy buy buy"

"I need need need need this back by tonight"

'twas N*Sync that once told us "Bye Bye Bye"

"I love love love love love your new night light!"

I'm enjoying this new word so so much

It just gives my writing that extra touch!

Tired

I wish I had written this earlier
because right now I feel really tired
before I felt alive and squirlier
but now I feel kind of like I have died

I'm trying to finish my lesson plan
but I can't stop staring off into space
I want to get done but don't think I can
so all this work tomorrow I will face

Each time that I blink my eyelids weigh more
I don't even know why I'm up this late
in just a few minutes I'll start to snore
although I can sleep until almost eight

With this sleepiness I'll no longer fight
so I guess it's time that I say goodnight.

Mightier Indeed!

I was ready to give up on my pen
for I hadn't seen it in two whole days
I had hoped that somehow we'd meet again
but hopelessness started to do my face

I was starting to wash all of my clothes
I sat down on the bed to sort and fold
but then I saw something before my nose
that was far better than a pot of gold

It was my pen lying there on the floor!
(Though I'm not really sure how it got there...)
My search was over I need look no more
that spot in my purse was no longer bare!

My pen I'll be sure not to again lose
because these last few days gave me the blues

Mightier than the Sword?

I got home and opened my bedroom door
with fingers crossed and a glimmer of hope
would Parker be lying there on my floor
or maybe he had run off and eloped

I thought I'd search where I'd seen my pen last
so I did take a drive back to campus
then in the road I saw a pen squished flat
I stopped and got out to examine it

This pen lying in the road was not mine
that's good but does not solve the mystery
I did my best not to let out a whine
hoping that my pen would come back to me

Though my optimism begins to fade
I still hope I'll find it another day...

All By Myself

I got to the school the same as always
I sat at my desk, turned the laptop on,
and searched through my pen to write right away,
but to my horror I found it was gone!

I searched my bag taking all my things out
my pen was not anywhere to be found
It could be at home... but I have my doubts
oh could I have left it lying around???

Right now I write this with a ballpoint pen
uncertain about what I'll find at home
I wonder if I'll see Parker again
or will he live out his days all alone?

So when I get home I'll hope and I'll pray,
but will I find Parker? That I can't say...

Hanging Out

"Evelyn Curtis to the front office"
that's what the voice on the loudspeaker said
"Why are they calling? What was my offense?"
Some thoughts like these were running through my head

I walked to the office without a clue
of what would be inside waiting for me
could it be a visit that I was due?
or was paperwork all that it would be

The office assistant had heard my plea!
My desperate request for coat hangers
she'd gathered some and she'd brought them for me!
I know not how I'll ever repay her!

Now I smile as the day comes to a close
knowing I have somewhere to hang my clothes!

Productivity

"I'm going to do my laundry today"
that is what I told my mother at lunch
afterwards, I came home and right away
I sat at my computer in a hunch

"I really should get up and sort my clothes"
I said to myself after a good while
then I got distracted by Netflix shows
and did nothing about my laundry pile

I looked up again... it was dinner time!
I felt that I needed something to eat
so out of my cozy nest I did climb
'twas a sandwich that brought me to my feet!

Yes... today I meant to do lots of stuff
but I made a sandwich... thats close enough!