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 102

Journal entry:

Poetic Gift

The writer does not
Pick the poem all alone,
The poem chooses
The poet to bring it to
Life and proper conclusion.

The words come upon
The poet in fits and starts,
Not at all at once,
Giving ample chances for
Developing lines that sing.

The practice becomes
Fertile ground for works of art
That visit poets
With greater frequency when
The lines are written daily.

Almost every man,
Woman, or child can receive
The infinite gift
Of poetry, but only
Some accept that destiny.

No, the writer does
Not pick the poem alone,
But is chosen by
The poem that wishes to
Be born to the waiting world.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, April 20, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   New opportunities arrive as needed.
2.   Friends support my efforts and inspire me.
3.   Life is rich, though I am not financially wealthy.
4.   Penny still seems to enjoy living despite her frailty.
5.   I got some extra rest today.

It was a quiet Saturday here. I hope your day brought you happiness. Did you take time to work creatively already? If not, I encourage you to get busy and expend some imaginative energy. You have so much to share with the world if you will only make an effort.

As a prompt, write about how you feel technology could be used to solve the problems with which society wrestles. Perhaps you have the idea that could help us all locked inside you. Free write, or write a poem, story, or journal entry and share a link to your work in the comments below.

Thanks so much for taking time to read my blog. I hope you will return often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles by entering your email address in the space provided above. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

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 86

Today I wrote a bit of story, instead of journaling:

I combined the prompts from NaPoWriMo and Poetic Asides to create my poem. If you need a little nudge to get your muse in action, please visit those sites.

Hold That Jaundiced Outlook

Don’t look at me with
Envious accusing eyes,
I have just as much
A right to express myself
As do you loftier ones.

You may still believe
Your advantages will buy
You a greater share
Of everyone’s attention,
But I own a voice as well.

Keep those unfair thoughts
Within your own shuttered minds,
Without spreading your
Bitterness throughout this our
Fair social environment.

My experience
Is worthy of chronicling
Just as is your own
With great creativity
And wild imagination.

Remember freedom
Belongs to each one of us
No matter our wealth,
We are fortunate people
Who can achieve all our dreams.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, April 4, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I got up in time to go to town today.
2.   The CHN&V magazines were available at the mall.
3.   I had my Droid and was able to call Mom at home.
4.   Wal-Mart still had Easter candy and I was able to get some at half price.
5.   It did not rain on me while I was out.

My Thursday went quite well. I hope your day was pleasurable. If you are not too busy, I recommend you engage your creativity and make something you can share with others. It can be writing, photographs, crafts, art, or anything you can imagine. The point is to use the multitude of talent that lies within you.

As a prompt, write about an unexpected meeting with someone from your past. You might want to write a poem, story, or journal entry to explore the subject. It does not have to be someone you were romantically involved with. It could be a teacher, a friend, a classmate, a business associate, anyone really. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for reading my blog. I hope you will return often, but you might also want to enter your email in the space above and subscribe to Chronicles to receive future updates. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 81

Journal entry:

Calling For Relief

I see their faces
Projected on all my screens,
There is no hiding
From their desperate hardship,
I want to alleviate.

I am not so far
Removed from their poverty,
But God blesses me
With everything which I need
And some things I merely want.

How can I with so
Little do enough to help
Make their lives better?
Maybe someone who reads this
Will be moved to aid the poor.

I pray Lord Jesus
To send them all the help that
They need in this time
Including the Good News of
The awesome gift of His grace.

I try to remind
Those who are within my reach
To lend helping hands
To those who cross their pathways
And those who are far away.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, March 30, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up early this morning.
2.   Though my stomach was upset I had a good day.
3.   The outfit Mom got for me fits.
4.   I am still writing daily.
5.   My computer is very useful.

My Saturday has been delightful. I hope your day was also enjoyable. I loaded fourteen CDs (162 songs) into iTunes and onto my iPods today. The music helped intoxicate my muse who came out of hiding for a little while. I recommend you engage your imagination and creativity to make something to share with the world.

As a prompt, write about an issue in society that concerns you. You might write a poem, concoct a story, or write a journal entry. Do whatever suits your mood and leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. While you are here you might want to enter your email address in the space above so you will receive future updates from Chronicles. If you have any thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share with me, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 67

Journal entry:

It Is A Miracle

My mind is broken,
Yet I still think…
My heart is broken,
Yet I still feel…
My body is broken,
Yet I still stand…
My spirit is broken,
Yet I am healed…

By the power of Jesus
My life continues:
Sane within my insanity,
Loving despite my hurts,
Upright despite my infirmity,
Saved despite my many
And terrible wrongs,
By His grace and mercy.

I can still think
Because He clarifies my mind…
I can still feel
Because He works in my emotions…
I can still stand
Because He works in my weakness…
I can claim healing
Because I am forgiven by His blood…

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

I am grateful:

1.   I had Oreo cookies for breakfast with a glass of cold milk.
2.   I had my Droid with me and was able to call Mom to help her set the thermostat on air conditioning so she would not get too hot.
3.   My friend, Jana, and I met for lunch at Wendy’s.
4.   I had enough money for lunch and we had some uplifting conversation.
5.   I talked to my best friend, Reba, this evening and am seeing her tomorrow after church.

The weather today was gorgeous and I thoroughly enjoyed my Saturday. I hope your day was filled with blessings as well. If you have a few moments to spare, or can make the time, engage yourself in creative work. It will enrich your life and calm you mind. Make your work a prayer or meditation and let it flow from your heart. Your talent will bless the others who are influenced by your imagination.

As a prompt, write about some of the things you take for granted from an attitude of gratitude. You might be surprised at how much is good in your life. If you create a poem, story, or journal entry, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I almost did not write tonight, because I have so many other things I should be getting done. I had nothing about which to write. No inspiration graced me, but I managed to create something. I truly appreciate your taking the time to read my blog. I hope you will return often, but you might also want to enter your email address above so that you receive future updates from Chronicles. I hope something here has touched you. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave me a comment. I am in need of your opinions on whether this blog is effective.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

 

 

 

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 65

Journal entry:

Earnest Plea

Lord help…
Send someone who
Can minister to those
Who are so greatly in need of
Love, tenderness, understanding, and care.
Lord let me do something to help
Show me a way where there
Is not a way,
Lord help…

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, March 14, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I have a home.
2.   My Mom cares for me.
3.   I have medicine to help maintain my clarity of mind.
4.   I take my medicine daily.
5.   I have my Social Security Disability, Medicare, and Medicaid to help me survive.

This was another busy Thursday. I hope your day did not run you ragged. I have taken time to work creatively and I encourage you to do the same. I did not think I had anything to share because I was so overwhelmed by what I experienced today, but I found words. You can find words too, just make an effort.

As a prompt, write about your experience of a social problem. If you have a solution, include that in your poem, story, or journal entry. Should you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I apologize for getting it posted late. I hope you will return and read more, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles for future updates by email. Sign up above. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 349

Journal entry:

Midnight Oil

Up all
Night once again
Working on the projects
I just never seem able to
Complete beneath the bright light of daytime.
Taking extra hours I have gained
From the deepest darkness
Of night, which holds
Me tight

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, December 23, 2012

Photographs:

My sweet puppy dog, Hope… She is the sweetest baby girl…

Polished rocks…

The page I worked on through the night and into the afternoon…

I am grateful:

1.   I am able to stay up all night on occasion.
2.   I completed the page without too much trouble.
3.   Mom was excited when I suggested we go see the Christmas lights at Life University.
4.   The GPS helped me get us there easily.
5.   We ate supper at Popeye’s.

I hope your Sunday has been as rewarding as mine. I thoroughly enjoyed my extended day. Now I ask that you make the effort to do something creative. Surely if I can accomplish all I have, you can write a few imaginative lines.

As a prompt write about something special you have done with your loved ones in preparation for Christmas or whatever holiday you may celebrate during this season. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am very grateful that you chose to visit my blog. Your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism are always welcome, so please leave a comment. If you enjoyed your visit here with me, perhaps you would consider subscribing to Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 347

Journal entry:

Discrimination

They want
To track us in
A database, each one
Who is mentally ill, as if
We were criminals who should have no rights.
Is it not enough suffering
Isolation and the
Punishment of
Illness?

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, December 21, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   Jeremy and Jayden came by for a few minutes this afternoon.
2.   I found my way to town down unfamiliar roads.
3.   The Rolling Stones 50 was still on the table at Sam’s Club, so I was able to get my copy.
4.   Mom’s medicine was available today.
5.   I remembered one of my dreams when I woke up.

I hope you have had a wonderful Friday. I am somewhat disappointed, but there were some very good moments today. Working creatively makes me feel my effort is worthwhile and I believe you will find it so if you engage your imagination. Do something you can share with the world.

As a prompt, write about a type of discrimination you have witnessed or experienced. This should give you plenty of material for a poem, story, or journal entry. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for taking time to read my blog. I am very interested in your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, so please leave a comment. If you enjoyed your visit here, perhaps you would like to subscribe to Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 340

Journal entry:

Catastrophe

Heartbreak
Overwhelmed by
Sadness for loss of life
Tears fall without any effect
Devastation brings us all to our knees
Innocent children senselessly
Murdered without remorse
Precious little
Ones lost

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, December 14, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   Alex is an adult.
2.   I was able to make requested changes to the CHN&V page for January without too much trouble.
3.   I shared my caramel pie with my sister-in-law, Linda.
4.   We had shrimp for supper.
5.   My nephew, Jeremy, said the truck is fine to drive.

This has been a distressing Friday. I hope your weekend is relaxing and enjoyable. Make time to use your creative impulse. You have the power to create something worthwhile in the world.

As a prompt, write about your reaction to today’s tragedy. Maybe you will create a poem, a story, or a journal entry. Whatever you do, please leave a link to your work in the comments below, should you use this prompt.

Thanks for visiting my blog. I appreciate your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, so please leave a comment. If you enjoyed your visit here today, perhaps you would like to follow Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 330

Journal entry:

This poem comes from several recent experiences, two happening only today…

Communication
Breakdown

Tell me why
All the people
I must talk to
On the phone
When doing
Business are
Difficult to
Understand.
It is like the
Phone support
All came from
Other countries
Where English
Is barely spoken
And completely
Misunderstood.
I feel as if I am
A stranger in a
Foreign land
When I pick up
The phone to get
Some assistance
And these are
Real American
Companies with
Whom I deal.
Maybe that is
Why the whole
Economy is in
A dreadful mess,
No one with a
Good command
Of language is
Working in the
Support of our
Industries.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I got a little sleep between 6:00 and 10:00 this morning.
2.   Alex woke me and I was happy to be up.
3.   I got a wonderful hug from my son.
4.   Alex did yard work and made things look much better.
5.   My mentor, Richard, called and we had a great conversation.

Today was a very good Tuesday for me. It is not often I get to spend time with my son. I hope your day was also pleasant. To make it even better dedicate some time to exercising your creativity. I always find there is more in my mind than I thought when I face the blank page and you may find it so as well. Do not sell yourself short, you can make something wonderful.

As a prompt, write about your experience with the telephone. I could tell horror tales about cell phones, but I will spare you. What is your pet peeve about phones, or can you not live without their presence? Tell us about it. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog. If you would like future updates there is a link to subscribe to Chronicles above. I am so anxious to read your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, 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 285

Journal entry:

Little Five Points

Never
Have I ever
Seen so many people
Freely interacting without
Any structured supervision being
So kindly toward each other
And behaving so well
As those at this
Parade

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, October 20, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up an hour before my alarm was set to go off.
2.   I read our Bible study before lunch.
3.   I had a Halloween shirt to wear.
4.   Richard and Norma were so kind as to let me ride to Atlanta with them, otherwise I would not have gotten to go to the parade.
5.   I had a fabulous day.

I hope your Saturday was as filled with pleasant surprises as was mine. I hope you will take the time to create something now. No time will be so opportune as this present moment. You have the talent, the creativity, all you have to do is make the effort.

As a prompt, write about something that has surprised you recently. This could be an event, a blessing, a person, or anything that happened unexpectedly. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave me a comment. I appreciate your input more than you can know. Following Chronicles is easy and gives you daily updates, you might like to do that now.

Always,
Jo Ann