Category: Author

In response to Sammi Cox’s Weekend Writing Prompt #320: This weekend your
challenge is to write a poem or a piece of prose in exactly 70 words using the word “Dejected”.

Dejection settled in his heart. It was Saturday and the people traipsed by, not sparing him a glance. He never bothered to lift his head any more, only opening dark amber eyes to track shoes shuffling across the concrete floor.

Rejection seared a pain in his chest as they filed out. All except one. The little girl stood in front of his cage and proclaimed, “That one! He is mine!”

Response to Photo Challenge #28 / Dazzling
JULY 15, 2023 / Hosted by OFMARIAANTONIA

Crafty was he
trapped was she
Lips dipped low
to drain her life blood

He swallowed her cry of pain
shifting her to settle against him
The brilliant shine of his dark eyes
devoured her slim form

Never stray from me again
his voice hypnotic compelled
She knew she was not brave enough to stay and would run again

He – knew – it – too …

A specter came in the night

Very quickly I turned on the light

And set everything right!

Another margarita again
alone in my window booth
Watching couples come and go
Another margarita again
missing him

The server asks if I’d like another
another margarita again
I sit and sip the pale green brew slowly licking the salted rim
missing him

Cherry sinks to the bottom
another margarita again
Lime absorbs the salt
orange makes it sweet again
missing him

Hot sauce is finished
chips are all gone
Another margarita again
empty plate last bite taken
missing him

Lights are dimming
sun has gone away
Another margarita again
maybe this time I’ll add tequila
still – missing him

Ragtag (RDP) Sunday Prompt
hosted by drkottaway:
TRUE LOVE – What that means to you.

Lifting a dog weighing over
one hundred pounds
racing to the vet
to save her
TRUE LOVE

Waiting for someone far away
who may come sooner
or may not come at all
because he’s worth the wait
TRUE LOVE

Listening to a daughter
ravaged by mental illness
alcoholism and drug addiction
repeat herself on the phone
TRUE LOVE

Remaining hopeful and hoping
beyond hope that an estranged son
will one day see through
perceived pain and come home
TRUE LOVE

Standing firm beside a friend
facing a life riddled with disease
pain and mortifying debilitation
remaining joyful and supportive
TRUE LOVE

And not purchasing a BB gun to dissuade a very hungry bunny
from decimating a garden full
of beautiful flowers to fill his tummy
Definitely TRUE LOVE

I am honored to announce that my poem, Season of Change has been accepted for publication in the

North Carolina Bards Poetry Anthology 2023 published by Local Gems Press in late August or September of 2023!!

Thank you so much to The North Carolina Bards Poetry Review Team

Maddie and

Bards President: James P. Wagner (Ishwa)

Tiny sparks
like flames of life
Die in the night air

Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge – Variegated Hosted by Sue W and GC

Deep within the damp shallow grave
the Seer’s inner gaze
watched a finger twitch

Her vision dim and the call
of her spell shattered words
split into silence by fear

Fractured images mingled together
drifts of newly dug earth shifted
a scream and her creations emerged