Weekend Mini-Challenge: 13 Poetic Bits of Kerry

I haven’t always cared for poetry. In fact, a handful of years ago, those of you who have known me for a bit probably had the displeasure of reading my rants about how much I hated poetry (and how Shakespeare was very likely a frilly ruff-wearing sadist). Then illness (and the fact that the idea of not writing on a regular basis was rather painful) not-so-gently nudged me to give poetry writing a try. That’s how I stumbled into the Imaginary Garden with Real Toads, how I ended up falling in love with Kerry O’Connor’s poetry (and with the delight of poetry writing).

So, for my last prompt, before our Garden closes its active doors, I wish you to celebrate Kerry’s poetry with me. Joining the celebration is easy, just select 1 of the 13 lines below (which I harvested out of 13 of Kerry’s poems), and write a new poem. The words in your chosen line must remain exactly as they are—consecutive and unaltered (other than capitalization)—and you must use every word in the line you choose. Line breaks are fine. For example, if you choose the first line, “A nightmare is mere fodder” can be line 1, as long as “for poetry” is (or starts) line 2.

13 poetic bits of Kerry, for today’s prompt (somewhere in your post, maybe at the end, show us the Kerry Bit you chose and give Kerry credit. And if you are feeling extra giving, also let us know why you chose that particular line):  

1. A nightmare is mere fodder for poetry

2. But, oh, how high you fly on the trapeze. No nets

3. Crushing fragments of yesterday

4. Does it burn, my dear? Does it trouble you

5. This flesh is mine, it has bled, and shed

6. The future arrives just as water

7. The nights are not dark enough

8. I am the embodiment of smoke

9. I have been halved and cored

10. I will love you in the darkness of soul

11. Our hearts are naked

12. Permit yourself to pause

13. The (right) words to undo the wrong
* To read the poem a line belongs to, just click the number.

Visit @skyloverpoetry, Skywriter, and Skylover to enjoy more of Kerry’s words.

My sweetest Kerry, thank you so much for letting me offer your poetry as inspiration, and for allowing me some growing space in the Imaginary Garden. You rocketh very mucho… and you are sooo loved.

Dear Toads, add the direct link to your new poem to Mr. Linky. Do visit other pond dwellers. As always, share your thoughts on the ink-flowers blooming in their Imaginary Garden. And please, please, please… be kind.