An Eighth Shot of Espresso: Coffee and Creativity on Mum's Third Shift

The first stanza is based on a writing prompt (#whistpr Daily Prompt on Bluesky, run by @whistberry.bsky.social). The prompt word is #canvas. The rest of the poem is an extension of that prompt. Your life is made of broad brushstrokes and you control the color and type of paint. They say that the world is your #canvas. But to be seen in a gallery your painting must be bought by a wealthy investor. It is one thing to make art for art's sake. For the love of it Ideas fly across the #canvas to take shape in new and wild ways. To deconstruct well-worn ideas and breathe new life in original forms. They are a piece of your soul. But in a world where ideas are no longer considered unique and creativity is only a means to an end. Where numbers to satisfy an algorithm And images culled to make a profit the #canvas crumbles. The challenge is to keep that spirit alive despite all means and attempts to kill it. And it is a balance not to compromise the quality of your #canvas as you present it

  Rebel with a Cause don't lecture her about being a Lady. She will smile nod and go on her merry way with her high heeled boots clicking-clacking. The world is her oyster Happiness is her pearl. She left all inhibitions far far behind in her younger years She's paid her dues time to reap the benefits. An embarrassment? Only if you see it as so. She doesn't at all. "Be yourself" they all said to her as long as you follow our rules. Young and old alike grimace at her confidence. But that pose years in the making shines full like the stars above. And eclipses all others in its brilliance. She has her own way.

  "Borrado (Erased)"  Digital, Paper for iPad, 2015 The feeling of being erased from people's thoughts and memories, but not being physically dead. It is almost like you are a ghost that is still walking around. Eventually, you are forgotten and that is when you truly die.