PAD Challenge, Day 2, My Poem

Today’s prompt for the Poem-A-Day Challenge is to write a “news of the day” poem. I had not caught the news on television, so I went to Google News. I found little I wanted to read, but one article seemed timely…

They Did Not Tell US

Sometimes government
Gives citizens incomplete
Information or
Tells what appear outright lies;
Politician propaganda.

Everyone wanted
Improvement to the system,
But it was working
For many of the people;
Now it’s totally broken.

Some who were happy
With the coverage they had,
Now suddenly find
Their health plans being cancelled;
Replacements cost a fortune.

The outrageous fines,
The unneeded coverage,
Increased premiums,
Bank breaking deductibles;
Were never even mentioned.

Insurance reform
Was the promise as given,
But the cure seems worse
Than the symptoms of disease;
Affordable it is not.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, November 2, 2013

I hope I am overreacting. I hope it is not the disaster it seems, but I am concerned that we may all be in for worse than we have ever dreamed.

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 154

Journal entry:

Unknown, But Unforgotten

Their names might have been
Jones, or Smith, or Brown, or White…
I surely don’t know,
Nor does anybody else,
But I owe them gratitude.

For whoever they
Were, from wherever they came,
They gave up their lives
To provide me with freedom,
And now they are lost, unknown.

No family comes
Shedding saddest tears, laying
Beautiful flowers
Upon the tomb, whispering
Their quiet prayers of blessing.

Yet, they are not quite
Forgotten, because someone
Somewhere remembers,
They are greatly missed, hearts grieve
Waiting for them to return.

I owe them honor…
I will not ever forget
Those unnamed ones who
Might have been Joneses, Smiths, Browns,
Whites, or so many others.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, June 11, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I have such a fertile imagination.
2.   I have some wonderful friends all though I may never know all of them in person.
3.   Computers have brought people closer together who live at a distance.
4.   We have air conditioning and refrigerators.
5.   We live in the country instead of inside the city.

This Tuesday has been quite a good day. I hope things went well for you also. If you have not already put your imagination to work today, I encourage you to do it now. You will never know what you may accomplish if you fail to make an effort. Do as I do and just begin putting words on paper and let it lead you where it will. The world awaits the genius of your sharing.

As a prompt, write about something unknown or forgotten. This could go in many directions and could lead to creation of new worlds. Wherever it takes you, write your poem, story, or journal entry down and share the link to your work in the comments below.

I am so grateful that you have taken time to visit my blog. I hope something here has touched your heart. Please come back often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles for email updates. Your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism are welcome, so leave a comment if you like.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 100

Journal entry:

This is an edit on a song I have had with me since high school over thirty years ago… every so often I write it down and try to perfect it… Maybe one day it will be sung by someone other than me.

Anthem For Today

Somewhere on the edge of tomorrow,
Somewhere on the verge of yesterday,
Somewhere in the past
We don’t remember,
Somewhere not of Earth
Far away,
Somewhere there are songs
We were singing,
Somewhere there are rhymes
That we made,
Somewhere on the edge of tomorrow,
Somewhere on the verge of yesterday.

Today only lasts a moment,
Time passes quickly and away,
No one can fully possess
The minutes,
No one can quite control
the hours,
We must take advantage
Of opportunities we’re offered
Before we are left with
Only memory,
Today only lasts a moment,
Time passes quickly and away.

Somewhere on the edge of tomorrow,
Somewhere on the verge of yesterday,
Somewhere in the past
We don’t remember,
Somewhere not of Earth
Far away,
Somewhere there are songs
We were singing,
Somewhere there are rhymes
That we made,
Somewhere on the edge of tomorrow,
Somewhere on the verge of yesterday.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
This version Thursday, April 18, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I slept well until pain woke me up around 9:00 this morning.
2.   I was able to get out of bed.
3.   I saw Mom before she left with June this morning.
4.   The truck was ready around 1:00 this afternoon.
5.   Mom and I were able to go to town this evening.

I had a very good Thursday, despite some pain. I hope your day went tolerably well. Take time to work creatively now, if you have not already done it today. Even if you do not usually consider yourself an artist or writer I encourage you to make an effort. It will without doubt enrich your life.

As a prompt, write about something you have been avoiding expressing. Maybe you have someone you are not sharing your thoughts with and would like to, write to them, though you need not share what you write with them. Maybe there is an event you have not reacted to, write it out. Whatever you write share it here by leaving a link to your work in the comments below.

I appreciate you taking time to read my blog. I hope you will return often, but you might like to enter your email address in the space above and subscribe to Chronicles. Today is the 465th day I have consecutively posted here. When I began I had no idea this would become a daily tradition, and sometimes I think I can continue no longer, but somehow I do. I recommend, if you are a writer or artist of any type, that you take on the challenge of working daily. It will help you grow in ways you cannot at first imagine. Take the step to begin a blog where you share your work, it will help motivate you when you are discouraged. I can assure you that you can do it, because I have. If you have some thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 39

Journal entry:

Thankful

Cannot
Have everything
I want, but am content
That I have many of the things
I most urgently need and some great things
That I definitely do not
In any way deserve
Life has turned out
Quite good

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, February 16, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I had a bowl of Lucky Charms for breakfast.
2.   Mom gave me a photographer’s vest for Valentine’s Day, which I got to wear today.
3.   Almost all my equipment fit in the vest.
4.   It did not rain, although it was quite cold.
5.   My contacts did not irritate my eyes so I was able to have my picture taken.

Me at Clinton Preserve, take by Hoke Smith, my photography class instructor and president of Sweetwater Camera Club.

I had a fabulous Saturday, although I am still thawing out. I hope your day was enjoyable. Before you retire this evening, please take some time to engage your imagination and work creatively. You will not regret it.

As a prompt, write a thankful poem, story, or journal entry. You are without doubt surrounded by things for which to be thankful so focus. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so glad you took time to visit my blog. I hope you will come back often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles so you get email updates. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism you wish to share, please leave me a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

365 Creativity Project-Day 307

Journal entry:

My poem today is in answer to the prompts at Poetic Asides and The Sunday Whirl. The words in italics come from the wordle. All errors are my own. If you would like inspiration I suggest you visit these wonderful sites.

Veteran Warrior

The days are rocky
Although he can never brook
The evil brought on
By the phantom beliefs held
In hearts on the other side.

Life is sometimes dry
And hollow beyond these walls
Where leaping into
New foxholes is not allowed
And birds sing sweet in the wood.

The bombs do not drop
Round him anymore, but he
Screams at the sound of
A basketball dribbled when
He is in a fitful sleep.

He tries to fit in,
But his family knows it
Is not happiness
Always even though they try
To make him comfortable.

He is at peace now,
Or he is supposed to be,
But the war does not
End just because the battle
Is finally over there.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, November 11, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   Our veterans and currently active military chose to serve.
2.   Mom ate a bit better today.
3.   My Aunt Betty called.
4.   My nephew, Jeremy, came by briefly.
5.   Mom slept well last night.

I woke up at a few minutes after 6:00 this morning. My alarm was set for 8:30, but I decided to get up anyway. The day has been rewarding. I hope your Sunday has brought you much needed rest and relaxation. Now I urge you to rally yourself and use your creativity to make something that will positively influence the world. You have the seeds of greatness within you, just allow them to flower in imaginative creation.

As a prompt, write about what veterans mean to you. Surely you have some opinion, express it. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I appreciate your visit to my blog. If you enjoyed what you found here, please consider following Chronicles. I know you may have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share with me, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 303

Journal entry:

The following poem was prompted by the PAD Challenge at Poetic Asides. If you are in need of inspiration, visit that site.

Continuing Spiral

It is a circle
Moving round and round again
Ever expanding
To include new opinions
Of what democracy is.

There are some constants,
The constitution and rule
Of law continue,
But we the people control
The country ever changing.

We honor the vote
That allows us to express
Our thoughts that circle
Around the center of all
That makes up our government.

Elections hard fought
Show we are diverse people
Circling each other
With different attitudes
Deserving of our respect.

We work together
To make a better future
For everyone who
Lives within our great nation
Now and in the years to come.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I slept well.
2.   I was able to pick up Mom’s prescriptions.
3.   I got a new Sonicare toothbrush, because after ten years mine was worn out.
4.   Hope is much better and has her bark back.
5.   I have faith in God and know he cares for me.

I was busy today, but enjoyed my Wednesday. I hope you had a wonderful day. Take time to work creatively now. You have the ability to make something of lasting beauty. I know you must have much to share with the world.

As a prompt, write about how you feel since the elections are over. You could incorporate this into a poem, story, or journal entry. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so glad you chose to spend some of your precious time reading my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment. I hope you enjoyed your visit, if so please consider following Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 298

Journal entry:

I was a day behind on the November Poem-a-Day Challenge sponsored by Poetic Asides, but I caught up with two poems today. If you are interested in participating, please visit that blog.

Change

No dear…
I am afraid
That outfit does not match
The colors clash quite horribly
Please pick out something different to wear
Otherwise you will embarrass
Yourself very badly
When going out
No dear…

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, November 2, 2012

Glorious Orb

Full moon…
Peeking through trees
Lighting up the darkness
With its pale and beautiful light
Making magic of this autumn midnight
I can see into the distance
Because of its fair face
Shining in space
Full moon…

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, November 2, 2012

Photographs from the Yancey’s Country Home:

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up when the alarm went off.
2.   The GPS led me to the Yancey’s without problem.
3.   It was a beautiful day.
4.   There was a good turn out for the field trip.
5.   I came home and relaxed.

I had a day that was close to perfection. I hope your Friday was wonderful as well. If you have not already worked creatively today, I urge you to make that effort now. You may not have the perfect tools, but you are blessed with a great imagination. You can make something that will enrich our world and gratify yourself.

As a prompt, write about the outdoors. You could write about something you have seen, done, or experienced outside. Whatever interests you, just write. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am glad you found your way to my blog. I hope you enjoyed your visit here. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave a comment. Maybe you would like to follow Chronicles…

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 289

Journal entry:

Today’s poem is a chant, prompted by the challenge at Poetic Asides. If you need inspiration visit that blog.

Beautiful People, Gorgeous Country

The people further away
From the city of Atlanta
Are kinder than I am used to,
The mountains are alive with color.

I stopped for directions
A couple of times and the people
Are kinder than I am used to,
The mountains are alive with color.

Is it my imagination or is it true
That the country people
Are kinder than I am used to,
The mountains are alive with color.

I traveled far into north Georgia,
North Carolina, Tennessee and folks
Are kinder than I am used to,
The mountains are alive with color.

The people further away
From the city of Atlanta
Are kinder than I am used to,
The mountains are alive with color.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up early enough to head to the mountains this morning.
2.   My Nikon D5100 takes marvelous pictures.
3.   Martha and Steve have a beautiful butterfly garden.
4.   When I stopped for directions all the people were sweet.
5.   We had a safe trip though we traveled in three states.

I had a fabulous Wednesday. I hope your day was awesome too. Even though I have been out all day, I have taken time to create, and you should as well. Engage your creativity and make something wonderful to mark the passing of the day God gave you.

As a prompt, write about a trip you have taken… This could be a road trip, long distance travel, or a trip to your local grocery store. Whatever ignites your imagination. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave me a comment. I would love for you to follow Chronicles so you are updated daily, but also hope you will visit again.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 282

Journal entry:

Today’s poem was prompted by Poetic Asides. You might want to visit that site for some inspiration.

What Are You Doing?

I am taking time
To put order to my thoughts
Carefully marching
Words across the empty page
Hoping to entertain you.

I attempt to find
A phrase, a line, a sentence,
That will make you pause
Thinking deeply about those
Words I have written for you.

I do my best to
Make an impression on you
Which will last beyond
The moment you spend reading
These verses I share with you.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I am able to read great books that teach me new things.
2.   We have a television set.
3.   I have a great computer.
4.   I have iPods on which to listen to music.
5.   My camera takes some beautiful pictures.

I hope you have had a productive Wednesday. It would be to your advantage if you were to exercise your creativity now. Make something that will move others and enrich our world.

As a prompt, write about something you think should change. You might reflect on government, society, religion, or something else. Whatever moves you to write, follow those thoughts. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Should you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share with me, please leave a comment. Perhaps you would like to follow Chronicles to receive updates.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 279

Journal entry:

The following poem uses the words given at The Sunday Whirl. They were quite a puzzle. The words in italics were in the wordle. If you are in need of a challenge, please visit that site.

Beyond Reason

I cannot stand those
Excuses accepted by
The majority
Of people who have become
Satisfied with status quo.

I have vowed I will
Not forget the deeper things
Learned during childhood,
I inherit the thunder
Of those who joined endless light.

My focus shifts from
The cozy umbrella of
Warm simplicity
To the eternal burning
Of my creativity.

I live the pleasure
Of making my life happen
With expectation
Of accomplishing the tasks
Fulfilling my fondest dreams.

No shadow falling
Over me will be allowed
To ever remain
Long beyond a moment, but
Will be cast away with care.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, October 14, 2012

Photographs:

Hope in a Halloween costume…

Close up of Hope…

Hope from another angle…

I am grateful:

1.   The phone did not begin ringing until after I got up.
2.   I did not have to go to town today.
3.   Alex called and talked to me almost two hours.
4.   Alex congratulated me on winning the photo contest.
5.   I can think of things about which to write.

This Sunday has been an outstanding day for me. I hope you had a pleasurable day as well. If you have not already created something today, now is the perfect time to do it. You can produce wonderful work if you will only make an effort. I have faith in your creativity and talent.

As a prompt, write about some aspect of society you think should change. This might be a social issue, an attitude, or an acceptable practice. Whatever entices you to put words on paper, or type them on screen. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I hope you have enjoyed visiting my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism you would like to share with me, please leave a comment. Above you will find a place to follow Chronicles, you might want to do it.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 224

Journal entry:

Paean To Writers

Wordsmiths work magic
Upon the empty pages
Bringing characters
And situations to life
For their diligent readers.

Creativity
Flows freely through each writer’s
Mind seeking to be
Expressed in tangible form
For consumption of the world.

People are bewitched
By imaginative words,
Beautiful phrases,
Made concrete by those who wield
The mighty pen with prowess.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, August 20, 2012

Photographs:

Yucca plants at end of driveway…

Hawthorne berries…

Sign leading to our house…

I am grateful:

1.   I caught up on some sleep today.
2.   There was leftover cabbage for me to eat.
3.   I am still writing a poem a day.
4.   Mom is here to share my life.
5.   Alex wrote me an email that made me laugh and realize he still appreciates what I did for him when he was younger.

I hope your Monday has not been overly taxing. Take your energy in hand and use your imagination to create work that others will enjoy. You have great ability if you apply yourself to the task.

As a prompt, write about something disturbing you see developing in society. This should not be very difficult. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I hope you enjoyed your sojourn with me. If you have thoughts or suggestions, be sure to leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 176

Journal entry:

Because It Is True

I am a Christian,
I have faith in Jesus Christ,
I believe respect
Should be given to others
With their differing beliefs.

I am Democrat,
But I am a patriot,
I believe freedom
Is for every one of us,
I do love America.

I have a real heart,
I have a tender conscience,
I am helpful to
Others who are in great need,
I live with due diligence.

I am really not
Republican’s enemy,
I am a person
The same as any other
Living life the best I can.

I do not rant and
Rail with despicable strife
Against people who
Hold opposing opinions,
Even when they spit upon me.

I am not a dog
To be kicked around this place,
I have the same right
To follow my convictions
As anyone living here.

This America
Belongs to me as much as
It does to others,
And I will exercise rights
I am allowed completely.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I live in the United States of America.
2.   I have personal freedom.
3.   My beautiful dog, Hope, loves me.
4.   I have a place to live.
5.   I have food to eat.

I hope your Tuesday has been pleasant. I hope you will make an effort to do something creative now. I believe you have the ability and talent to make a contribution to our world. Creativity is a blessing you can share with others.

If you need a prompt, write about something you feel about strongly. It could be your religion, your politics, your race, your job, your family, a charity, or anything else. If you use the prompt please leave a link to your work in the comments here so we can share your creation.

I realize you may disagree with my entry today, but whatever you have to share I would love to read your comment. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, it means a lot to me.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 55

A poem:

Photographs:

A view outside our window…

Beautiful Oak…

Penny…

Hope and Ko-Ko…

Trees with light coming through the background…

Camellias…

Moon through branches…

Moon through branches…

I am grateful:

1.   Penny seems to be gaining a little weight.
2.   Jeremy came by briefly.
3.   I brought Subway sandwiches home for supper.
4.   Mom has many friends.
5.   I have some chocolate to enjoy.

I hope your Sunday was restful and soothing. Find something to use creatively as you begin your week.

Always,
Jo Ann