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

The longer version of a #poetryprompt on Bluesky. I couldn't fit it within the character count, so this is the original version. The challenge was to write an aubade.  "Write an Aubade! "The aubade is a dawn song that greets the morning while lamenting the end of the night, often concerning the parting of lovers." My lover walks between walls  between the night sky  and the dawn's light  As the sun peeks  over the horizon and the birds greet  the coming day  It streams through my curtains illuminates the shadows that protect my poor aching heart the pillow next to me grows cold though his scent still  clings to the fabric I lie in the fading warmth  tears stream down my cheeks  as he is gone yet again  but my life goes on

The longer version of a poem I wrote for the Emoetry prompt on Bluesky. The word is "idealistic" What happens  when the idealistic ones run into reality  and that youthful hope becomes tarnished  by corruption?  A new generation rises up  to accomplish  what they failed to do. As one who sits between the elders who protested a war and the sons and daughters who defend a way of life I have faith that the future is filled with promise. The kids will save us all.

The inspiration for this tanka set is a blueskyrelay prompt on Bluesky. "Root" I. The root of all happiness It comes from within for if you are not happy then no one else can follow they can all see your light. II. The courage it takes to forge your own unique path you must be so strong even if others can't see and try not to understand. III. It can be lonely you realize who does care no matter how hard the road can be or how dark the skies above can become. IV. At the end you ask whether it was all worth it only you can know if being true to yourself is worth the light and shadow .

A collection of haiku and tanka using word prompts from "#vss365" om Twitter/X. Prompt words are marked with a #. I. A majestic bird she unfurls her wings in flight #proud and without fear. II. I don't have #remorse over what I can't control and no misplaced guilt loaded onto my shoulders I'm not my sister's keeper. III. A cheeky response brings smiles and rueful laughter or a stony glare depends on the audience and on their lack of humour. IV. #suspicious actions deflections are #successful all thanks to privilege. V. They are #astonished that not everyone believes the same as they do. VI. #Motivated by the pure goodness of your heart? Is there such a thing? VII. Hasty solution completely #rushed and bodged up and yet it still works! VIII. I am #overwhelmed by my body's odd workings and I wonder why it won't just work normally just like everyone else's? IX. I love the Islands they're warm and hospitable saying " #aloha ...