Winter Solstice Challenge

WINTER SOLSTICE
GUENTER SAHR
This winter solstice sounds like fun, more time to drink goonies after dark on a bench in a cold, cold city park.

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STONEHENGE
TABITHA THOMPSON
To walk amongst the magic
That is the towering stones,
Breathe in the cool, wintry air
Feel their calmness in your bones.

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THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT
JULIE RYSDALE
June 22 1963, my birthday. Losing Monopoly, I sulk. Sixty years later I win!! Steve and I play, and he lets me.

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BEING GOOD
MICHAEL CAINS
She just knew he would hit her again, but she didn’t know why. So she sat very quietly.
Her tail still wagged.

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MESSAGE FROM ABOVE
KIM RANCE
I’m lost because I’ve been left behind by you. You say, ‘It’s not your time yet. Let me watch you from above.’

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AND DEATH SHALL HAVE NO DOMINION
GEOFFREY GASKILL
‘I know the secret,’ she told me with her final breath. ‘Death is not the end. And my phoenix love is burning.’

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WINTER’S BATTLE CRY
GAIL GRIFFIN
Isolation. Loneliness imposed. Using the light in my own being, I venture out to create connections that celebrate feelings of community. Belonging.

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SUSHI SOY SAUCE
MICHELLE FITZGERALD
100 tiny plastic fish tumble from the butter compartment of an empty refrigerator.
Post-it note reminders line her walls.
Dementia lives here.

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MY STORY
REH CHAUD
I have no emotions or desires. I live life motionless. People around me pity me. I was loved once, unconditionally but now …

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CRYSTALLINE
GISELLE SIM
Always to exist here within and around,
But they are not meant to be found,
As they need to prepare below underground.

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A PALE EVENING ROSE
SANDRA ANN JOBLING
A pale ghost, I become light when shadows stretch into darkness. Drink the perfume. I’m an intoxicating, primrose delight when darkness arrives.

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EYES ON THE HORIZON
KERSTIN LINDROS
After sitting and waiting his turn, he’s joining the line-up. Watching. Hoping to catch that wave, his first in front of Belle.

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BESPOKE
MARION JACOB
Words are strong
they build up
they tear down
they embrace
they push away
they enable
they destroy
we repent
rethink
restore

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THE DIVER
JACINTA ORILLO
As you descend into the depths of the ocean, you may fear the darkness beneath you. You’re not alone. I’m down here…

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THE CYCLES OF LIFE
APRIL BARAGWANATH
Stars bright, a winters night.
The air is cold but love is warm.
Hearts delight, everything is alright.
Beware the coming storm.

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WINTER SLAPS AUTUMN IN THE EYE (A TANKA)
IVOR STEVEN
Time shortens in stride
Autumn leaves pepper the ground
Winter slaps the sky
Midday sun closes her eyes
Naked trees calmly survive
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MEMORY SMELL
SERA JONAS JAKOB
That aftershave
Plunges me back into nostalgic revulsion
On edge
Muscles tensing
Want to be away
I flee
From remembering
From him

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