The opening of Frank P. Thomas’ book “How to Write the Story of Your Life” (Publisher: Writer’s Digest Book, an imprint of F+W Publications) reads as such:
“HOW DO YOU VIEW your life?
Far too modestly perhaps. Yet your life is important. It is as unique as your fingerprints. It is a precious piece of time that should not be forgotten. There has only been one life lived like yours in all time, and only you can leave an accurate account of it.”
So? How do you view your life? In the first of a twenty part series of prompts, we will see just who you think you are. When finished, we will have written a memoir in poetry.
PART I – WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?
This week Marie and I ask you to write the poem as an acrostic, using your full name as the subject. The title of your poem should be “WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, (Your Name Here)?”
Your poem should touch on your life, or some aspect of it until now. Remember, the focus is you! Tell us. Who do you think you are?
MARIE ELENA’S INSIGHT:
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, MARIE ELENA GOOD?
Merciful. She finds it easy to be merciful, as she experiences daily the mercy of her God.
Approachable. Welcoming eyes and ready smile … not peculiar enough to frighten, nor so lovely as to intimidate.
Redeemed. Sinner-deemed-sinless, a debt she can’t pay.
Indebted. Humbly and deeply thankful for parents who taught much, and loved regardless; an abundance of encouraging, uplifting, loyal friends and extended family; and mostly her Creator, whose unyielding love, grace, and mercy breathe her very existence.
Enthusiastic. Taught by her father that “Nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm.”
Enthralled. Captivated by life, love, and words.
Lazy. Often rising with the sun to walk the beach in Naples three decades ago, she now lazily hits the snooze three or four or six times rather than rise to take a short morning walk.
Encourager. “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Nonna. Her favorite vocation, hands down.
Athletic. …and sometimes, she blatantly lies. 
Gullible. Too quick to say, “Really? Wow!” then later slap forehead with the all-too-familiar, “Oh. Duh.”
Observant. Truly, about as observant as she is athletic. (Read, “Blatantly lies.”)
Oldfashioned. Dreams of returning to days when morals were more than just folklore.
Dandelion lover. … but only in poetry and fields. Not in her yard.
© Marie Elena Good – 2012
MY WALTER EGO:
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, WALTER WOJTANIK?
Wildly weird and wonderful,
Another in a
Long line of like named gents.
Taught to respect his elders and teach his children.
Even when he is at a loss for words, he’ll
Regale you with his verbosity.
Who is this monstrosity of poet prowess to think he could
Overpower the world of metered rhyme by his sheer numbers?
Just put it this way,
The day he is silenced is the day
Another Walt has been relegated to dust.
Never faint of heart; he can’t start to explain
It. But to name it, his style would elicit a smile and make you think of the
Kinetic poetics he spews. Then you might have him pegged!
© Walter J. Wojtanik – 2012
P.S. CORRECTION: The acrostic form is a requirement of the prompt. There is a method to Walt’s madness that sometimes my partner doesn’t even understand at first. A little discipline never hurts!
I stand (actually sit) corrected! 
~ meg
Oh, stand up and take a bow! My madness ebbs and flows!
July 29th, 2012 at 1:01 AM
Michael Grove
M eticulous and caring.
I mpatient yet willing to wait.
C alm, cool and collected.
H eart of gold.
A huge sports fan.
E nchanted spirit.
L oves everyone unconditionally.
G ood friend.
R everent and spiritual.
O ften seen fishing or boating.
V ery competitive.
E ndearing
By Michael Grove
July 29th, 2012 at 7:49 AM
I can SOOO see you in this, Mike!
Marie Elena
July 29th, 2012 at 9:28 AM
Thanks for the fun, well worded, quick peek at Mike!
July 29th, 2012 at 9:31 AM
You see, guys take this prompt seriously. You can hardly ever hear a guy answering the question above like: “Uhm, you don’t need to know.” or “well, where do I start?” or perhaps, “Oh, don’t let me start!” or, for that matter “I’d better not be doing this”
July 29th, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Hear! Hear! (in response to Mariya’s comment.) Great job, Mike!
July 29th, 2012 at 9:55 AM
A wonderful person through and through…
July 29th, 2012 at 10:21 AM
I agree with ALL of the above!! Great capture of your you-ness!
July 29th, 2012 at 1:58 PM
My kind of response, Mike! Clear, concise and honest.
July 29th, 2012 at 3:37 PM
Thanks All for the refreshingly positive comments!
July 29th, 2012 at 3:37 PM
Love it, Mike.
July 30th, 2012 at 11:16 PM
This is just how I picture you, Mike!
July 31st, 2012 at 6:31 AM
Well penned, informative and succinct – nice Mike.
July 31st, 2012 at 10:56 AM
I work hard at letter “L” but don’t succeed as often or as well as I’d wish.
August 1st, 2012 at 10:44 AM
Kicked this prompt off to a great start, Mike! I particularly like: “Impatient yet willing to wait.”
August 2nd, 2012 at 6:51 PM
Michael, a grand start indeed! Happy to have all of that along for the garden walk! Thanks.
July 29th, 2012 at 2:23 AM
A QUESTION
And the question is……
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, BRENDA?
(To be answered as an acrostic!)
What an unusual question?
Horribly tricky, I’d say.
Oh dear! I’d better get started…..
*
Don’t want to sit here all day!
Often I’ve asked the same question
*
Yet never received a reply.
Only vague hints at an answer,
Usually just a bit wry.
*
The fact is, I haven’t a notion;
How can I have any idea?
I’m too close to the subject, for certain.
Near, and yes, more than just near.
Knowing oneself isn’t easy
*
Yearning for truth wastes my day.
Outward appearances don’t help;
Useless to say yea or nay.
*
Am I good, am I bad, am I middling?
Reality says I’m all three.
Each one of us is such a mixture!
*
Besides, I’m too near me to see.
Regarding myself in the mirror
Each day is a bit of a bore
Now you ask me this difficult question!
Don’t think I can take any more.
And, with that, she refused an encore!
*
July 29th, 2012 at 7:50 AM
Oh, bravo! *clapclapclapclapclap*
Marie Elena
July 30th, 2012 at 11:17 PM
Seconded!
July 29th, 2012 at 9:24 AM
Wonderful, Brenda. Acrostic, rhyming, AND revealing. A masterpiece!
July 29th, 2012 at 9:28 AM
Wow-wow-wow, Brenda! That comes as an answer to just one question! Imagine what would come if you had a dozen of them in your way
I loved this acrostic!
July 29th, 2012 at 10:20 AM
Am I good, am I bad, am I middling?
Reality says I’m all three.
Each one of us is such a mixture!
Love this!!
July 29th, 2012 at 11:31 AM
Thank you. That IS the method to our madness! Each is a mixture, writing wonderful words from the same inspirational source. Our poets vary as much as our creative works. Carry on! Walt.
July 29th, 2012 at 11:32 AM
I want to see your view of the unique you! Who do YOU think you are?
July 29th, 2012 at 12:32 PM
Yowza!
July 29th, 2012 at 1:10 PM
Terrific!!!
July 29th, 2012 at 3:32 PM
Very Well Done. I love the way you incorporated the question in the acrostic,
July 29th, 2012 at 3:47 PM
Loved this, Brenda. Brava!
July 29th, 2012 at 6:32 PM
How clever! And fun!
July 31st, 2012 at 6:29 AM
Very nicely done brenda … a way around and through the acrostic … I’m with Elizabeth … clever and fun!
July 31st, 2012 at 10:59 AM
Perfection.
August 1st, 2012 at 10:45 AM
Have to agree with all of the above – excellent, Brenda!
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:11 AM
Wonderful!
July 29th, 2012 at 8:19 AM
oh, I can’t believe you tricked me into doing this!
***
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Poetic Bloomings #66
M ellow as a rotting melon
A rrogant beyond belief and reason
R aw and rigid as barbarian
I nterested in plenty things, ignorant of most
Y oung in spirit, yawning all the time
A mbitious to leave a trace, futile.
K ilograms of tears, kilotons of explosion – all too easily spent
O utstanding when it comes to theory
L oving mainly herself
E nthusiastic to dive in regular depressions
V ery hard to please, impossible to live with
A fter all that above, should we really care?
2012, Mariya Koleva
July 29th, 2012 at 8:42 AM
MARIYA! LOL! So glad you did it, and I got such a kick out of it! Even though we have never actually met, we’ve connected long enough in cyberspace that I know there is WAY more to you than what you have divulged here. Looking forward to the remaining 19 weeks, and hoping you join in!
Marie Elena
July 29th, 2012 at 10:18 AM
I agree with, Marie!! Fun to read…you have a great sense opf humor…love your opening line!!:)
July 29th, 2012 at 9:27 AM
Yes, we should really care! I can’t wait to get to know you and my other fellow poets a little better! Great job on a difficult form.
July 29th, 2012 at 3:33 PM
Clever and entertaining.
July 29th, 2012 at 3:50 PM
You did a marvelous job with this, Mariya. I’m with the rest on this one. Want to see more,to know more about this poet I care about.
July 29th, 2012 at 10:27 PM
You are an all around passionate person, Mariya!
July 30th, 2012 at 11:18 PM
Very cool!
July 31st, 2012 at 6:27 AM
Quite a different take Mariya and with that, a wonderfully unique outcome … brava
July 31st, 2012 at 11:01 AM
Yeah! (clap-clap) Made me smile and smile.
August 1st, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Such an interesting mix of highs and lows, Mariya, with a heavy lacing of disdain. Looking forward to reading your upcoming weeks and seeing where these prompts take us.
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:14 AM
Love the undercurrent of rebellious sarcasm running through this, very nicely done!
August 2nd, 2012 at 6:56 PM
Super, from one rotting melon to another!
July 29th, 2012 at 8:42 AM
Connie Lee Peters
C reative? Ah, yes, thanks mostly to my husband.
O pen-minded? Does having a hole in your head count?
N ervous? When I speak in public or when my kids are in a foreign country.
N arcissistic? A tad. Don’t writers have to be?
I ntelligent? Yes, except STM’s about shot.
E motional? Yes. Makes for a good poet.
L oving? Yes, just don’t bore me.
E ncouraging? Yes, most of the time.
E nthusiastic? Depends. Writing, family and traveling? Yes Housework? No
P atient? As a caregiver I have to be, but I’m not always.
E nergetic? I’m working on it.
T alented? In some ways. Writing? Yes Technology? No
E mphatic? About God’s goodness.
R ealistic? Not always.
S imple? Definitely.
July 29th, 2012 at 9:03 AM
Capable of producing a smile? Yes, always Connie. Great poem!
July 29th, 2012 at 9:26 AM
Beautiful and fresh!
I see a tendency of humbleness and self-irony in our answers. Perhaps before the other 19 weeks roll off, our real selves will rear their heads
July 31st, 2012 at 9:05 AM
When week twenty is through, I think we will each have a clearer understanding and appreciation for ourselves and each other. We will see how each life affects the other is our similar experiences. The “chapbook of you” will show what an incredible life with which we’ve been blessed. I have all twenty mapped out and these will make for fascinating stories.
Walt
July 29th, 2012 at 9:54 AM
I love the questions, Connie.
August 1st, 2012 at 10:49 AM
And the answers too! LOL
July 29th, 2012 at 10:13 AM
“E motional? Yes. Makes for a good poet.”
So true!! I love your honest response, Connie!!
July 29th, 2012 at 1:08 PM
Really love this, Connie!
July 29th, 2012 at 3:36 PM
The question and answer format makes this a very easy read. A nice glimpse of you Connie.
July 29th, 2012 at 3:53 PM
Had fun reading your list of talents, traits, and terrific responses, Connie.
July 29th, 2012 at 6:34 PM
Beautiful in words and spirit? Always!
July 29th, 2012 at 10:29 PM
Clever answers to your clever questions.
July 31st, 2012 at 12:18 AM
Add inspiring and uplifting!
Marie Elena
July 31st, 2012 at 6:25 AM
Connie this is so YOU – I love every line and even the things that are hidden between the lines,a truly fine acrostic
July 31st, 2012 at 11:04 AM
Very clever method to use questions. Well done. I see a lovely heart in your words.
July 29th, 2012 at 9:00 AM
B ecause I loathe
A crostics, and yet
R ealize the large project is a
B rilliant idea ( or
A t the very least, a
R eally good one) I’m gonna write something, just not in
A crostic form, okay?
You kids…a-freaking-mazing
July 29th, 2012 at 9:10 AM
That was my response too, Barbara. I hate acrostics, but love the, once again, great idea that Marie and Walt have come up with. I can’t wait to get to know my fellow poets better!
July 29th, 2012 at 3:40 PM
Worthy of a chuckle for sure.
July 29th, 2012 at 9:25 AM
July 29th, 2012 at 10:12 AM
It doesn’t even have to seem like an acrostic though….B you’re funny with your acrostic hating acrostic!! lol
July 29th, 2012 at 12:57 PM
who do you think you are barbara ellen young?
Because you ask Who? and use the word “think” I
am the person who
reasons: Not What, Where, How, When, Why
but: Who? Which is indefinable. I
am me. Me. Just this
recombined chemical equation of dinners
and chocolate and unsweet iced tea
excited by jet engines passing right to
left and a blue-black cat passing
left to right, who wrote
enough of an answer the first time, but
not
yet enough, having left
out the crack in the vase. It doesn’t hold water, is
useless for hope, and so
needs dried herbs
glass marbles, and artifice.
July 29th, 2012 at 6:36 PM
Intriguing… both of your acrostics paint an intriguing picture of who you are.
August 1st, 2012 at 10:51 AM
Agreed! Both reveal interesting bits of your personality! Love this 2nd, though — especially the ending. Nicely done, barbara!
July 30th, 2012 at 7:34 AM
B!!! Love it!!! So much movement and texture and uniqueness…YOU!!
July 30th, 2012 at 11:20 PM
Love this, Barbara!
July 31st, 2012 at 12:15 AM
“who wrote
enough of an answer the first time, but
not
yet enough, having left
out the crack in the vase. It doesn’t hold water, is
useless for hope, and so
needs dried herbs
glass marbles, and artifice.”
HOW DO YOU DO IT?! Always outside the box, always clever, clever, clever!
Marie Elena
July 31st, 2012 at 6:23 AM
Really Barbara – excellent stuff here – really
July 31st, 2012 at 10:15 AM
dried herbs, glass marbles and artifice. Fabulous!
August 3rd, 2012 at 7:14 AM
Always puts a smile on my face. But hey, we got you to do an acrostic, so all is write with the world! Walt.
August 3rd, 2012 at 12:41 PM
Grin-zies, Walt. I know I need to do more forms, and it isn’t the form’s fault that I can’t take it seriously. Got to find a cure for (and here’s a metaphor) knee-jerk nose-thumbing.
July 29th, 2012 at 3:59 PM
Does anyone really love acrostics? Not me. They intimidate. But, Barbara, your first was such a hoot. And then you get to the meat of the thing as an aside comment. Loved it. Great job. Why you ever learned to dislike the form is questionable, since you do it so well, is beyond me.
Me? I’m not good at it at all, but with practice, I might not stink, but get better at it by reading poets like you.
July 29th, 2012 at 4:00 PM
Actually, by reading poets like everyone else here, too.
August 3rd, 2012 at 12:48 PM
Folks on this site amaze me. There are people who do complex rhyme/meter forms with such grace it is as if they just opened their mouths and sang on key. AND carrying meaning. If I had to do the acrostic with even lines and/or meter, I’d be up a creek.
August 3rd, 2012 at 3:08 PM
Barbara–practice, the occasional whiff of luck, and good examples are all I use to approximate what counts as poetry around here. I should practice more. Luck is iffy at best, but there’s always great examples.
August 3rd, 2012 at 7:20 AM
Claudette, no one more intimidated by them than me. But that being said, the challenge right out of the trapezoid put poets on the spot. Am you are all delivering what was expected. Honesty and humility. Every life is valuable, whether though the eyes of others or our own. We hear what others tell us about our ourselves. But we hardly hear ourselves. A great start to a very promising project. Every story worth telling! Walt.
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:05 AM
Aw, thank you, Walt. I keep telling myself that each day. One of these days it might just soak in. I’ll keep your kind words in mind, too, from now on.
July 29th, 2012 at 11:27 PM
Haha, Barbara. I just read this and literally LOLed at my computer.
July 31st, 2012 at 12:17 AM
Marie Elena
July 31st, 2012 at 11:06 AM
Very good. Enjoyed that approach very much. I’m not particularly comfortable proclaiming my more likable traits – I seem to go negative to avoid embarrassment.
August 3rd, 2012 at 12:55 PM
I’m right there with you. But then, my flaws are so glaring they are an easy target. The good stuff is pretty ordinary, and dull. It’s just what you’re SUPPOSED to be, like saying that you breathe well.
July 29th, 2012 at 9:00 AM
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, LINDA SWENSKI
Looking for answers,
Independent to a fault
Nurturing
Dreamer
Angry at injustice.
Searching for truth,
Wanting peace.
Empty
Nester
Stocking
Karma
In case its needed.
July 29th, 2012 at 9:24 AM
Hey, Linda – very smart acrostic! Loved it!
July 29th, 2012 at 10:06 AM
Love that, Linda…stocking karma in case its needed! Your kindness is abounding…reserves full!
August 1st, 2012 at 10:52 AM
I’ll second that!
July 29th, 2012 at 2:26 PM
A beautiful, if brief, lettering about loveliness.
July 29th, 2012 at 4:00 PM
Great little poem here, Linda. Can completely relate to so much stated here.
July 30th, 2012 at 11:26 PM
I love `stocking karma in case it’s needed.’
July 31st, 2012 at 12:10 AM
So clever!
Marie Elena
July 31st, 2012 at 6:22 AM
Oh Linda – this is great … stocking karma (could you put some extra away for me?) A very cool acrostic …
July 31st, 2012 at 11:07 AM
Nice one!
August 3rd, 2012 at 7:21 AM
Linda, keep believing in Karma! The great equalizer!
July 29th, 2012 at 9:47 AM
[...] PART I – WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? [...]
July 29th, 2012 at 9:49 AM
Who Do You Think You Are, Hannah Elizabeth Gosselin?
How I see me
And who I really am
Nearly lines up with how others see me, I suppose.
Now, I don’t mean to say your impressions are completely correct
Although, I won’t say that you’re all together wrong either but…
Here inside this sweet and bitter brain, there lie silken scars in this soul.
Every life has fault lines and history and that’s where I try to leave them
Lingering in limbo land, though, they sometimes surface;
Instilled with an ancient anger or a sudden sadness.
Zeroed in upon by life’s happen-stance,
A telling-trick to get my heart to react
Boundaries being tried and tested;
Enlightenment just on the other side of self-control.
Toll been paid already and all I need to do is claim it,
Hold this peace that is mine to harbor
Give from this space, grace, which has been spilled so freely;
Open the gift of Love and live now, thrive for real,
Singing my birth-name’s real true meaning…full of grace mercy and prayer.
Sepia, yes, I’ll be a sepia memory sometime,
Embossed, a blue pressed forget-me-not between pages
Living in the bound book of tinged-time.
Inspired, I’ll have tried to live each slipping second
Nurtured by nature and mindful of muse.
©Hannah Gosselin 7/29/12
July 29th, 2012 at 9:51 AM
Oops…”and prayer,” got nudged to the next line…bummmER.
July 29th, 2012 at 9:55 AM
Oh, man…I see others that have been bumped, too…if you want to see a prettied up version with a neat picture that I’ve been working on feel free to click my blog link….some origami butterflies I’ve folded for a friends wedding, too!
July 29th, 2012 at 10:15 AM
Hmm I’m seeing maybe I wrote mine all together wrong…each letter representing a characteristic of me…hmm sorry maybe I botched this one. Big “F” FOR ME!!
July 29th, 2012 at 12:50 PM
Hannah, my dear, sweet Friend — You are Loved by soo many, of this I am sure!!! Hen
July 30th, 2012 at 2:34 AM
I really loved reading this one Hannah. I’d say my favorite section of it is “BETH”.
July 29th, 2012 at 9:52 AM
Oh, Hannah… this is so touching!! I just love your honesty.
July 29th, 2012 at 9:57 AM
Laurie!! Thank you, so much…it’s a blessing to have a poetic friends to share my heart with.
July 29th, 2012 at 10:40 AM
you may have noticed that I am a fanof transparency…and of authenticity…brava on both standards!
July 29th, 2012 at 10:45 AM
Daniel!! So glad to have met those standards…a true compliment, thank you!
July 29th, 2012 at 7:46 PM
Hear, hear!!
Marie Elena
July 29th, 2012 at 2:25 PM
“Give from this space, grace, which has been spilled so freely;
Open the gift of Love and live now, thrive for real,”
Hannah, you rock! Such a fine poem from such a simple form.
July 29th, 2012 at 4:06 PM
Hannah, don’t despair at writing something different than others. From what I understand, that should be expected of all of us. Yours is a gift of such purity of spirit within this inadequate world. Your traits and defining qualities shine through without difficulty.
This was marvelous.
July 31st, 2012 at 6:19 AM
I’m with the rest here Hannah, in particular claudsy … the fact that you wrote something different from the rest is to be applauded not denigrated and your beautiful poem is proof of that …
July 31st, 2012 at 11:23 AM
Hear, Hear!
July 29th, 2012 at 6:39 PM
Just lovely, Hannah. I especially loved, well, your whole last name part! Great word pictures!
July 30th, 2012 at 8:27 AM
A huge thank you to everyone here who has so generously read and commented on my acrostic of me…each one of your comments has made my day and smile brighter….thank you!!!
July 30th, 2012 at 10:24 AM
<3
<3
July 31st, 2012 at 11:13 AM
I absolutely love your piece, and realise now why everyone always has such a kind and warm word for you. You’re a treasure.
August 1st, 2012 at 8:49 PM
Misky!! This just warms my heart so much…thank you so much for this generous comment!
August 1st, 2012 at 10:53 AM
Perfectly you, Hannah! Commented on your blog.
August 1st, 2012 at 8:45 PM
Thank you SO much, Pamela!! So nice to see your friendly words!!
August 3rd, 2012 at 1:02 PM
Your “Hannah” is just right. So is ours.
August 3rd, 2012 at 6:58 PM
Barbara!!! Thank you…you should see the smile your kind comment has evoked!!! So nice of you!
July 29th, 2012 at 9:51 AM
Who Do You Think You Are, Laurie Kolp?
Lover of God, family, nature
Alfalfa sprouts and broccoli
Upright pianos; black umbrellas
Reminders of New York and Florida
In the rain, unexpected yet
Equally predictable.
Kind to all, sensitive at times
Over-achiever; thinks it’s the
Little things in life that matter
Prays for world peace, acceptance.
July 29th, 2012 at 10:04 AM
Oh, yes, Laurie…you’ve gathered in the essence of you-ness!! So glad to know you!!
July 29th, 2012 at 1:34 PM
…as I am you!
July 29th, 2012 at 2:22 PM
How like you, Laurie!
July 29th, 2012 at 4:08 PM
So wonderful, Laurie; concise–yet telling. It’s the you I see each day on this less than transparent medium.
July 31st, 2012 at 12:09 AM
I SO agree with Clauds. Lovely poetry, lovely poet.
Marie Elena
July 29th, 2012 at 6:40 PM
Not sure I’ve ever seen alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, and upright pianos all in the same poem. Great acrostic, Laurie!
July 30th, 2012 at 2:38 AM
I really like you’ve done with this Laurie… Lover of:
July 30th, 2012 at 8:48 PM
I love the style you chose to share a little of yourself…such a beautiful you!
July 31st, 2012 at 10:19 AM
Wonderful – concise yet expansive! Love the way you pull the whole first half together with “lover of…” and the magnificent list that follows.
August 1st, 2012 at 10:55 AM
Yes — what Andrew said, and… KOLP — captures you to a “T”!
July 31st, 2012 at 11:14 AM
Lovely. World peace isn’t exactly “the small things” but it’s a prayer worth saying.
August 1st, 2012 at 3:47 PM
Thanks so much for your kind comments y’all!
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:02 PM
How did I miss yours the first time through? It’s just about spot on except your name’s not long enough to fully describe you, in my view … this is a good start … I do like how you used “lover of” to make the list as comprehensive as you did … very cool
July 29th, 2012 at 10:27 AM
Awesome prompt and series idea!!! I’m looking forward to this, ( mostly), mostly because delving in to self can sometimes be painful if we’re really being honest so this is some meaningful ground we’re encroaching upon and I’m grateful for it.
Especially grateful for you two hosts…your acrostic poems are both so totally filled with honest bits of you guys!!
Warm smiles to all!
July 29th, 2012 at 12:54 PM
Fun prompt, great project! I am only just now learning who I am, so I will simply enjoy everyone else’s.
Hen
July 30th, 2012 at 7:40 AM
I feel that way too, Hen, everyday learning a little more about what makes me tick…
I’d love to see your acrostic Henrietta Choplin!! xo
July 30th, 2012 at 10:22 AM
Some day… dear friend, someday… <3!!!
July 31st, 2012 at 6:59 AM
<3's to you!!
July 31st, 2012 at 8:37 AM
!!
!!
July 29th, 2012 at 1:04 PM
Who Do You Think You Are, Kelly Donadio?
Keenly aware of her need for God to
Envelope her life and
Lead her on His path.
Loves her children and spouse beyond words,
Yearns to keep them all close.
Demonstrates love by doing.
Once you hurt her, you will
Never get the chance to do it
Again. Very protective of all
Donadios (and some others, too).
Intuitive, cautious, detailed,
Oraganized, happy and blessed!
© KED 2012
July 29th, 2012 at 4:10 PM
Ah, Kelly. So glad to get to know you this way. The one you describe seems to be one I’d really like to get to know. Good poem.
July 30th, 2012 at 2:39 AM
Yeah, what Claudsy said…
July 30th, 2012 at 7:42 AM
Oh, Kelly the flow of your’s is lovely!! So much of you generously offered here…I enjoy your sense of close knit family values…such a great quality!!
July 30th, 2012 at 8:47 PM
You are so lovely!
July 31st, 2012 at 12:05 AM
So lovely. So very you, Kelly!
LOVE to you and the fam!
Marie
July 31st, 2012 at 6:17 AM
I like how your protectiveness for your family shines through in such a big way Kelly, almost a cautionary tale in places … a very well written acrostic …
July 31st, 2012 at 7:26 PM
Thank you.
August 3rd, 2012 at 7:24 AM
KED, I’m loving the multiple facets of your work and each acrostic tells us so much more in every retelling. Thanks for embracing this with such vigor! Walt
July 29th, 2012 at 1:18 PM
Marie & Walt,enjoyed reading who you both think you are! Looking forward to getting to know my fellow poets over the next 20 weeks!
July 29th, 2012 at 1:50 PM
Walt and Marie, I can see both of your personalites in the way you sculpted and expressed Who You Think You Are. Revealing and Fun!
Who, Indeed?
Just
Another ordinary face in the crowd
Needing, feeding, reading, writing
Inside out, from the bottom up.
Cleaving to scripture
Especially in the dirty dusty
Scrambles and brambles of life.
Hopelessly or hilariously creative
Except when the shadows speak.
Reflective, run-of-the-mill, a bit sloppy, a bit slow.
Intensive, pensive, persuasive, procrastinator.
Domestically dole, drab, and simple.
Ardent empathizer and advocate for those
Nameless, voiceless targets of wolves in sheep clothing.
July 29th, 2012 at 2:21 PM
Wow. Done wit intelligence, humility and joy!
July 29th, 2012 at 4:13 PM
Terrific self-expose, jlyinn. Loved it. This is the person I’ve seen over the months, peeking out from between posts, laughing at/with me.
July 29th, 2012 at 6:45 PM
Great picture of who you are, Janice!
July 30th, 2012 at 2:41 AM
Loved it! Darn those wolves.
July 30th, 2012 at 7:51 AM
“Needing, feeding, reading, writing
Inside out, from the bottom up.
Cleaving to scripture”
Love this portion and the rest of you, too!! Wonderful!
July 30th, 2012 at 8:47 PM
‘Ardent empathizer and advocate for those
Nameless, voiceless targets of wolves in sheep clothing.’
I knew you were special through your poetry, but after reading this …wow!
July 31st, 2012 at 12:03 AM
I agree, Janet … fully!
Marie Elena
July 30th, 2012 at 11:29 PM
This is wonderful, especially the last lines.
July 31st, 2012 at 6:15 AM
Really cleverly penned acrostic with vivid imagery throughout … very nice
August 1st, 2012 at 10:57 AM
Love the beauty and connectedness (is that a word??) between the first 2 & last 2 lines!
July 29th, 2012 at 2:03 PM
Who do you think you are, Marian J. Veverka?
Mom to everybody who needs one, millions,
And maybe more sense that you are
Ready to come to the rescue
If
Anyone is lost, frightened, lonely. Day or
Night, if you see anyone who you can help you will try to do your best,
Joyful, joyful, that chorus from Beethoven beats in your soul, you seek
Victory over
Evil, and you will try to help any
Victims whom you
Encounter, against all odds, you are
Ready to help in any way that you
Know how, (even when you know nothing) you still try to offer
Aid and comfort.
July 29th, 2012 at 4:15 PM
I felt this as a marching poem, though I don’t know why. Perhaps it reflects how you approach life as a marcher for those in need, those who cannot march for themselves. This hit me as powerful, Marian. Thank you so much. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 31st, 2012 at 12:01 AM
“Joyful, joyful” beats in your soul … FABULOUS. Also “Ready to help in any way that you know how (even when you know nothing)…” Just lovely, Marian.
Marie Elena
July 31st, 2012 at 1:47 AM
Yes, I agree with Marie. The Beethoven line is my favorite!
July 31st, 2012 at 6:13 AM
Yes – joyful, joyful played throughout upon re-reading of this uplifting poem Marian … very nice
July 29th, 2012 at 2:18 PM
I remember writing these for other children and getting theirs of me, but I never tried writing one for myself. I am enjoying reading everyone elses, now, so here goes:
Who do you think you are, Susan Lisbeth Chast?
Sweet, maybe, but sassy, sincere, and susceptible
under the surface, unusually sensitive,
she seeks softness, strength, and sagacity
all at once at age sixty plus years,
now that nuance nags and needs and
Loves her last lines lying
in intense poems issued from her
soul
because she bases her busy-ness
every hour in every day in
the tension ‘tween this time and–
heavens! humorless homilies
carelessly and quite
humbly admitting humor is not her home
atmosphere
submersed as she
tends to be in turbulent times.
July 29th, 2012 at 4:18 PM
This telling-tale poem was fascinating, Susan. I have experienced some of what you speak and can understand that last stanza so well. Great job here. Loved it.
July 29th, 2012 at 10:37 PM
“and– heavens! humorless homilies
carelessly and quite humbly admitting
humor is not her home.”
Look at all that alliteration!
July 29th, 2012 at 10:44 PM
“Sweet, maybe, but sassy, sincere, and susceptible
under the surface, unusually sensitive,
she seeks softness, strength, and sagacity . . .”
And all this illiteration! Poetic and revealing.
July 30th, 2012 at 8:11 AM
“now that nuance nags and needs and
Loves her last lines lying
in intense poems issued from her
soul
because she bases her busy-ness
every hour in every day in
the tension ‘tween this time and–
heavens! ”
Love what this states and how it reads too Susan!!! Excellent acrostic of you!!
July 30th, 2012 at 8:44 PM
Susan, also master of wonderful lines! Beautiful!
July 30th, 2012 at 11:56 PM
Susan, your alliteration is just lovely. Hoping for timely termination of your turbulent times.
Marie Elena
July 31st, 2012 at 6:11 AM
Marie Elena’s wish for you is mine also; being of roughly the same “vintage” I can appreciate maybe where you find yourself just now and your lines ring pretty close to home … well-written Susan and also as Marie Elena said, your alliteration is really lovely.
July 29th, 2012 at 3:01 PM
Who Do You Think You Are, Claudette J. Young?
Clearly I’m not clever enough to
Lift complete prompt guidelines
Already posted, or read closely enough
Under proper conditions onsite.
Depending on day of the week or
Evening’s fatigue levels, I seem
To vacillate between marginal
Talents and those that create
Emotional upheaval in the reader.
Justice gets served, hot or cold.
Years of self-doubt flourished within,
Often leaving behind residues willing to
Undermine all my fingers touched,
Never acknowledging that sometimes
Great was expressed as something good enough.
© Claudette J. Young, 2012
July 29th, 2012 at 3:49 PM
Nice one Claudsy! I especially like your “J” and “G” lines.
July 29th, 2012 at 4:19 PM
Thanks, Mike. I think the last line will be my motto for a while. I liked that line, too.
July 29th, 2012 at 7:52 PM
“… sometimes great was expressed as something good enough.” Love this line!
Marie Elena
July 29th, 2012 at 11:02 PM
Thanks, meg.
August 1st, 2012 at 10:59 AM
Me too! Perfect!
July 30th, 2012 at 8:13 AM
The end of your first name resonates with me, Claudsy!! I just love your truthful, straight-forward response…so you!!
July 30th, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Thanks Hannah. I try to be me, warts and all. I’ll tell you a secret. I’m not really fond of those warts, but I have to acknowledge them. Otherwise, they keep spreading until I do.
July 31st, 2012 at 6:59 AM
I love that you’re willing to bare your warts and all…makes the relationship that much more genuine!! Thank you for being you, Claudsy!! xo
July 31st, 2012 at 11:23 AM
You’re very welcome, Hannah.
July 31st, 2012 at 6:08 AM
This is touching and poignant claudsy … and with the rest, I love the “J” and “G” lines the best too … a wonderful poem
July 31st, 2012 at 11:22 AM
Thanks, Sharon. Perhaps I’ll have to take those two lines and write a new poem using those as the theme. What do you think?
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:04 PM
a capital (groan) idea!
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:51 PM
Groan indeed. LOL
July 29th, 2012 at 3:26 PM
Michael Grove Two
M ight not still be hanging out here
I f not for dumb luck or the Grace.
C ould have been a doctor or an architect,
H e taught college, built homes, wrote mortgages instead.
A major league baseball player was
E asily his dream profession but would at
L east have been an umpire if not for the
G lasses he has worn since he was five.
R elentless in his pursuit
O f peace of mind he has become
V ery adept at answering but never,
E ver asking the right questions.
By Michael Grove
July 29th, 2012 at 3:38 PM
beautiful conclusion!
July 29th, 2012 at 3:42 PM
Thanks Andrew. It might not be the conclusion just yet however…
July 30th, 2012 at 11:50 PM
I agree with all the comments here, Mike. A killer conclusion.
Marie Elena
July 29th, 2012 at 4:21 PM
Good one, Mike. I can relate to this very well. All those could-have-beens, if not for what was.
August 1st, 2012 at 11:00 AM
Yes, makes for a different, and interesting, perspective — and I too, love those last 2 lines.
July 29th, 2012 at 6:49 PM
Great acrostic, Mike. Really like the last 2 lines.
July 30th, 2012 at 8:40 PM
Love it! Those last two lines are really startling and poignant.
July 31st, 2012 at 6:07 AM
What a poignant, beautiful poem Mike … very nicely done. What’s that old saying, there are no right answers, only the right questions … seems you might be onto something …
July 29th, 2012 at 3:29 PM
[...] of our favorite poetry sites does anything by half. Today Walt Wojtanik and Marie Elena Good, of Poettic Bloomings, have outdone themselves. They’ve begun a twenty prompt series of memoir poems for their [...]
July 29th, 2012 at 9:36 PM
This is so awesome. I am so excited! Marie and Walt, you are amazing!
July 29th, 2012 at 9:39 PM
Awe shucks, blushblush…
July 30th, 2012 at 8:43 PM
Claudsy your poem was great and your thoughtfulness too! thank-you for sharing…
July 29th, 2012 at 3:37 PM
Who do you think you are, Andrew Kreider?
After all, it’s
Not exactly like I
Do things in the
Right order. If you
Ever met me, you
Would soon wonder what
Kind of crazy fool
Reads poems on street corners
Eats too much chocolate
Ice cream and simply
Doesn’t worry how he looks.
Evidently, I’m still
Reclaiming the childhood I never had.
July 29th, 2012 at 4:24 PM
Oh, Andy, love this one. Would that I could be so free of spirit as to live as freely as I did in youth, when happiness was a given on each day upon waking.
July 29th, 2012 at 6:50 PM
Loved this, Andrew!
July 30th, 2012 at 8:38 PM
So much more here than written! Fabulous!
July 30th, 2012 at 11:32 PM
Keep being you, Andrew. Sounds like a nice place to be.
July 30th, 2012 at 11:43 PM
Big warm smiles for this poem, and for you Andrew!
Marie Elena
July 31st, 2012 at 1:50 AM
Wait, there’s no such thing as too much chocolate.
This was great, I enjoyed it a lot!
July 31st, 2012 at 6:04 AM
Love this Andrew – both the poem and the life you’re describing … good on you!
August 1st, 2012 at 11:03 AM
Love your “out of order” piece, Andrew — it is SO you!
July 29th, 2012 at 3:45 PM
Yeah!!! I can relate to this one.
July 29th, 2012 at 5:33 PM
My first time at anything like this, here goes:-
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? TERESA
Traveller on the journey of life
Explorer of the mysteries of the mind
Rebellious in a quiet way
Eager to learn all she can every day
Spiritual, courageous, loving and kind
Always open to possibilities.
July 30th, 2012 at 8:37 PM
Wonderful you!
July 31st, 2012 at 2:26 AM
Thank you.
July 30th, 2012 at 11:38 PM
“Spiritual, courageous, loving and kind” … Can’t get any better than that! Loving having you with us, Teresa!
Marie Elena
July 31st, 2012 at 2:25 AM
Thank you Marie Elena.
July 31st, 2012 at 6:03 AM
Very nicely penned Teresa – your first time? It doesn’t show … well done.
July 31st, 2012 at 6:10 AM
Thank you. It’s not my first time at poetry, it is at joining in on a public forum. The acrostic was a first timer too. I appreciate you taking the time to read and to comment.
August 1st, 2012 at 11:04 AM
Short and simple, but says a lot — nicely done, Teresa!
July 29th, 2012 at 6:08 PM
Marie/Walt – love the idea and the poems.
“In the first of a twenty part series of prompts, we will see just who you think you are. When finished, we will have written a memoir in poetry.”
What a great idea.
July 29th, 2012 at 6:30 PM
Man, the letter “Z” makes this one hard! Great prompt though, ME & Walt!
Who do you think you are, Elizabeth A. Johnson?
Even I can write an acrostic, this
List of who I think I am:
I am a disciple of Christ,
Zealous to know my Redeemer better.
And I am a writer, passionately
Blogging at DogFurandDandelions,
Even on Mondays. And,
These are the days before kids:
Homemaking and husband-tending
Are my joys in this life.
Just don’t make me wear pink
Or go shopping. Rather, let me
Handcraft your birthday card, or
Nurture my love of words. Or let me
Shadow the sun in all fifty states,
Or learn how to cook in Italy. But
Never ever try to stereotype me.
July 29th, 2012 at 11:26 PM
Elizabeth, I absolutely loved this, so nicely crafted! Zealous to know my Redeemer better! ….wish I had a Z in my name to use that line!
July 30th, 2012 at 4:24 PM
Thanks! Wasn’t sure about that line, but couldn’t come up with anything else that sounded right.
July 30th, 2012 at 11:36 PM
I agree with Kelly all around!
Marie Elena
July 30th, 2012 at 8:21 AM
“Just don’t make me wear pink
Or go shopping. Rather, let me
Handcraft your birthday card, or
Nurture my love of words. Or let me
Shadow the sun in all fifty states,
Or learn how to cook in Italy.”
This part is so telling, Elizabeth!! No pink wearing for me either!! Well done!
July 30th, 2012 at 4:25 PM
Yay, I’m not the only one!
Thanks, Hannah!
July 31st, 2012 at 6:56 AM
Ha ha!! Nope….you’re very welcome!!
July 30th, 2012 at 8:37 PM
Elizabeth…your Z line should be in everyone’s name! Nice to ‘meet’ you! Beautiful.
July 31st, 2012 at 6:02 AM
A beautifully crafted poem Elizabeth, nicely done …
July 31st, 2012 at 10:22 AM
I love the sense of self here – who I am, and who I am NOT. Beautifully crafted!
August 1st, 2012 at 11:06 AM
“Never ever try to stereotype me.” — Love that line!
August 5th, 2012 at 2:29 PM
Thank you all for your kind encouragement!
July 29th, 2012 at 6:33 PM
Who Do You Think You Are, mike Maher.?
Maybe it was all the graffiti on the small pile of ashes that made them so talkative,
Its message shouted and permanent but relatively unclear. As usual.
Keep it down, Nietzsche. My life is no place for the pathos of distance.
Eventually, even my pathos will grow up to be a big blue bird.
My name is too short to be used as a mnemonic, too dense to be a flotation device.
Another poem with your name all over it? Are you as exhausted by you as we are?
Hell yes. Grayness is heavy, heaviness rough on the shoulders and knees.
Estar-Sorry-to be a star is to know one day you will burn out.
Resentments and regrets take time to fade, but they too burn.
July 30th, 2012 at 6:14 AM
mikeM – this is heart-stoppingly brilliant … “Keep it down Nietzsche” indeed …
July 30th, 2012 at 6:37 PM
Thanks very much!
July 30th, 2012 at 11:34 PM
Absolutely! Always an intriguing read. Always.
Marie Elena
July 31st, 2012 at 1:52 AM
Mike, this is fantastic!
July 31st, 2012 at 10:26 AM
Mike, leave it to you to take this challenge in a new and mind-bending direction. Love it. Cheeky use of Estar, and that poke in the ribs “are you as exhausted by you as we are?” Hoping you get to ride the blue bird before you burn out.
August 1st, 2012 at 11:07 AM
Love this, Mike — and the ending? Perfect!
August 1st, 2012 at 6:38 PM
Wow! Just saw all of this. Thanks so much, everyone!
July 29th, 2012 at 6:53 PM
Marie – I’m totally with you on the (non)observant thing! And “Dandelion lover,” well, of course that made me smile!
Walt – loved the phrase “kinetic poetics.” As always, I absolutely love your own unique rhythm.
July 29th, 2012 at 8:00 PM
You all are amazing me, and making me smile. Funny how each poem so far has made me nod in agreement of who I see you to be, and your individual styles shine right through an acrostic. Wow.
WALTER WOJTANIK, YOU ARE A GENIUS PROMPTING MACHINE!!
Marie Elena
July 30th, 2012 at 8:24 AM
I second this statement through and through, my friend!!!
Such telling pieces and yes, Walt, “GENIUS PROMPTING MACHINE!!”
Smiles to ALL!!
Gone for the day to help Grammy pack…this is the week…she’ll be moved tomorrow and then sis and I will continue to make headway at her house for the painters to get in there!! Soon all will be settled!
I look forward to reading more of you all…I very randomly picked and commented so I know I missed a lot of brilliant work out here.
August 1st, 2012 at 11:09 AM
Seconded! Well, third-ed, I guess — as it seems I am always late!
July 29th, 2012 at 8:13 PM
Who Do You Think You Are, Miss R.?
Mysterious?
I prefer it that way,
So I shall remain
Suspiciously named
Regardless of persuasion.
(Actually, I might persuade myself to write something more revealing later on if I get the time. We’ll see.)
July 30th, 2012 at 11:30 PM
LOL! Brilliant!
BUT, I want more!
Marie Elena
July 31st, 2012 at 6:01 AM
I’m with Marie Elena … more please!
July 29th, 2012 at 8:45 PM
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, KATHERINE SWENSKI?
Kittenish wonder,
A child at heart,
Thinking creatively and
Hoping always.
Everyone is good,
Regardless of deeds.
Insisting inncocence,
Never unforgiving,
Enjoying life where I can.
Sometimes, though…
Wondering why.
Enduring pain.
Nothing lasts forever…
So remember to laugh.
Kindness goes a long way
In the scheme of things.
July 29th, 2012 at 9:22 PM
Yay!
July 29th, 2012 at 9:35 PM
Double YAY! Any offspring of yours and OSU student is more than welcome here!
Keep ‘em coming, Kat!
Marie Elena
July 29th, 2012 at 11:48 PM
Triple yay! Thank you so much! It seems like a really nice community you have going here, and I love poetry! I will be sure to contribute more soon.
July 30th, 2012 at 6:06 AM
Beautiful…that is you and your poem! Thank-you!
July 30th, 2012 at 11:35 PM
Beautiful, Kat.
July 31st, 2012 at 6:00 AM
very nice work Kat, and welcome …
August 1st, 2012 at 11:11 AM
Lovely, indeed!
July 29th, 2012 at 9:11 PM
Who Do You Think You Are, RJ?
Really
Just a
Crazy
Lady who is
Awkwardly
Rocambolesque*. She
Kyacts** at
Every possible opportunity, since her muse is such a
Noctivagant***, which pretty much says it all.
###
*per WWFTD, fabulous, fantastic
**per WWFTD, clowning at work
***per WWFTD, wandering by night
July 30th, 2012 at 2:45 AM
Simply Special. Thanks for the * to keep me from running for my dictionary.
July 30th, 2012 at 8:13 AM
Another classic RJ poem. Thanks for sharing the definitions. Fun new words!
July 30th, 2012 at 11:28 PM
For sure!
Love how you start with
Really
Just a
So cute!
Marie Elena
July 31st, 2012 at 5:59 AM
Oooh … I love being introduced to new big words … thanks RJ, this was a special treat and a good poem …
August 1st, 2012 at 11:11 AM
LOL — I agree with all of the above, RJ!
July 29th, 2012 at 10:17 PM
Who Do You Think You Are, Janet Ruth Martin?
Just a simple girl, daughter, sister, mother, wife
Amazed every day at God’s gifts in my life
Night-owl when seduced by a word or a thought
Educated? By the world’s standards I’m not
That’s me
Rolling pin collector, lover of rhyme
Under the tutelage of a teacher called Time
Thinker, often quiet with sudden bits of crazy
Homebody; my favorite wild-bloom is a daisy
Mother and wife; sometimes I can’t believe it; I’m humbled and awed
And I would run scared, but for the patience of God
Rover of woodland and nature’s perfection
Thankful for moments of tender reflection
Incredibly blessed; undeservedly so
Normal? Nerd? Nut? Maybe, but by the grace of God I go…
Thank-you Walt and Marie, for this prompt! Great idea. Loved your poems.
I can’t WAIT to return and get to ‘know’ each one of you a little better. Right now duty calls. …you know, good-night hugs, lunches to be made for people going to work…see you tomorrow!
July 30th, 2012 at 2:46 AM
I like your way,
July 30th, 2012 at 11:27 PM
Yes. Everything about you!
Marie Elena
July 30th, 2012 at 8:55 AM
… poetry in motion…
!!!
July 30th, 2012 at 8:31 PM
Mike, Hen
July 31st, 2012 at 5:57 AM
Janet – as always wonderful work … I cannot believe you were able to provide so much info in an acrostic plus stick to a credible rhyming scheme … brava!
July 31st, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Janet, so lovely. So glad we are poetic friends! Loved: “and I would run scared, but for the patience of God”
July 29th, 2012 at 10:36 PM
Who do you think you are, Sheryl K Oder?
Serious at least
Half the time.
Energetic and driven,
Rarely. If you
Yawn, she will do
Likewise.
Klutzy at times
And often
Yields to wordplay.
Ophhalmologist-
Dependent.
Embraces
Rhythm or rhyme.
July 30th, 2012 at 8:30 PM
You and i have a lot in common! thank-you for sharing.
July 30th, 2012 at 11:25 PM
If I had a “K,” I’d have included klutzy as well, Sheryl.
Marie Elena
July 31st, 2012 at 5:55 AM
I love the part about yawning … that’s me too … not everyone cops to it though …
August 4th, 2012 at 7:11 PM
I yawned as I read this seingraham. All you need to do is to say or write the word.
July 29th, 2012 at 11:01 PM
“Who Do You Think Your Are, Jacqueline Casey?”
Jacqueline: shy, somewhat timorous type;
Appears as bold; when questioning the hype.
Cautious her heart, lest she be called the fool
Quaintly respects so she may break the rule.
Untiring her quest once she proceeds
Energy maintained, though she may bleed.
Lives in the clouds for the unattainable
Irritates as the fly; quite unstable.
Neglects her feelings if eyes upon others.
Expresses a love that comes from mother.
Careless of Time, her hours are spent
Artfully dodging disappointment.
Sold her heart for “bees in a bonnet”
Early, her old soul dreamed upon it.
Yearning, she overran her sonnet.
July 30th, 2012 at 11:23 PM
So intriguing, Jacqueline! Looking forward to learning more in the coming weeks!
Marie Elena
July 30th, 2012 at 11:38 PM
Jacqueline, I cannot believe you were able to rhyme this acrostic. My hat’s off to you!
July 31st, 2012 at 5:54 AM
Wow – an acrostic sonnet … impressive, and you packed a wealth of info into it … very cool
August 1st, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Oh yes — a rhyming acrostic sonnet that breaks the rules! (The last line? Perfect! LOL)
July 29th, 2012 at 11:36 PM
Who Are You, Sara McNulty?
S arcastic, silly, sexy, super sense of humor
A nimal lover and rescuer, aquamarine birthstone
R eader of crime novels and poetry
A nxiety attack sufferer
M y own person, moved to tears easily, mango lover, makeup nut
c rossword puzzle solver, cook, colored purple
N ew York born tattooed on my heart
U nderstanding
L oyal friend, long-haired
T olerant, touchy
Y oung at heart
July 30th, 2012 at 2:48 AM
S,S,S,Sara Rocks
July 30th, 2012 at 6:01 AM
Yessssss she doesssss
July 30th, 2012 at 11:20 PM
SSSSay it again!
Marie Elena
August 1st, 2012 at 11:22 AM
Sssssssssssssssh! I’m reading here!
July 30th, 2012 at 8:29 PM
Beautiful gal!
July 30th, 2012 at 11:39 PM
Mike, Sharon, Marie, and Janet, thanks so much for your comments.
July 30th, 2012 at 12:56 AM
Who Do You Think You Are, Michael Richard Grove?
M ore of a whisper than a shout.
I ’d rather try than ever have to say
C an’t or won’t or didn’t even
H ave a chance. I’ll give it my
A ll, no matter what the task is.
E very now and then I find myself
L earning something new about
R ight and wrong and that gray area
I n between. I’m such a proud father of
C ourtney and Jordan who seem to
H ave grown up quickly and are flying
A round while my love for Jana binds our
R elationship for all time. My friend and
D og, Jake is in his twilight but is still such a
G ood old boy. Yes, and a loving son of
R onald and Vivian. I am me because of
O thers but mostly them. Thank them for the
V alues that they instilled in me
E ach and every day of my youth.
By Michael Grove
July 30th, 2012 at 1:20 AM
Pleased to know you better Michael.
July 30th, 2012 at 8:29 PM
Your first line and your last lines…very touching! Thank-you for sharing~
July 30th, 2012 at 11:12 PM
“More of a whisper than a shout” — part of what is endearing.
Marie Elena
July 31st, 2012 at 5:35 AM
love this Mike … such a vivid exposition and a gentle one as well …
July 30th, 2012 at 1:14 AM
Who do you think you are – MARJORY MARIE THOMPSON
Motivated by challenges
Analytical and artistic,
Rich in non-material things,
Joy in relationship with my Lord,
Old fashion in dress, music and worship,
Ready to retire.
Yet to reach full potential.
Mechanically and mathematically inclined.
Author of self-published novel,
Raised to nurture leadership abilities,
Introverted, depend on God and med’s to combat depression
Earned respect in ‘men’s field’ of house design and drafting.
Talented is various art-forms,
Hungry to know God’s will,
Overweight
Sensitive, compassionate,
Open to learn new things,
Need reassuring – low self-esteem.
July 30th, 2012 at 1:25 AM
What an interesting prompt and promise of more interesting related ones to follow. Am delighted to get better aquainted with the garden members I have so far read and look forward to reading all of them and commenting – but, it is late and my machine (server) is acting up. Be back in a day or so. MMT
July 30th, 2012 at 2:50 AM
lovi it. Looks like your M and P retired early or maybe took a vacation.
July 30th, 2012 at 8:26 PM
August 1st, 2012 at 12:49 AM
“M” and “P” have returned!
Thank you, Mike for noting the absence of the two truants. I had not noticed and could not figure out what you meant. After Marie’s added comment, I reread my post, and went looking for the truants..
They were taking a short break.
‘M’ felt over-worked and like a good buddy, ‘P’ tagged along for company. We discussed going AWOL. [I heard ‘M’ comment that, it appeared that I had run out of ‘P’].
But, now back to finishing things up.
M = Mother of two adult sons (a daughter-in-law and one grand-daughter)
P = PATIENT, acquired of necessity over time
S (added) = Susceptible to having conversations with inanimate objects.
.
August 1st, 2012 at 9:43 AM
LOL Love how “S” morphed after the insertion of your “truants”!
July 30th, 2012 at 8:27 PM
Marjory, you are beautiful!
August 1st, 2012 at 1:06 AM
July 30th, 2012 at 11:10 PM
Beautiful! Can’t wait for the missing M and P traits to return with you!
Marie Elena
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:19 PM
Thank you for saying something – your comment made me go ‘figure out what you mea nt by rereading’ my post. M and P landed under Mike s’s comment above.
- love geting to know you and Walt (and others) better through you wonderful posts. Looking forward to reading a commenting –
- not much energy to read, poem or type at end of day – am painting outside of house.
July 31st, 2012 at 5:53 AM
Marjory – I love this, esp “yet to reach full potential” – you go girl …
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:56 PM
…working at it – slowly.
July 30th, 2012 at 5:29 AM
I may return with something a little more serious later but for now, this comes as close as I’m willing to look these days …
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?
S – strange, silly and somewhat solitary
H- hard to live with at times, or know
A- arthritic, and getting more so every day
R- realistic much of the time, no really
O- odd, but not my word; I prefer eccentric
N- nonchalant about almost everything,
E- egalitarian: I never use my middle name but had to if I wanted to include this …
D- direct and to the point – at least sometimes
N- naturally nuts
A- ambiguous about being direct …
I- inscrutable … go figure
N- notorious but only in the best-behaved ways
G- goofy and gentle and unusually generous, I’m told
R- rambunctious, and raucous but hopefully not rude
A- adventurous; sort of – if it’s not too dangerous
H- humane to a fault, or so I’ve heard
A- arbitrary, but only on Tuesdays
M- mental as anything, but again this is only what I’ve been told
July 30th, 2012 at 8:26 PM
You are obviously a wonderfully interesting person…Go Sharon!
July 30th, 2012 at 8:28 PM
Sharon, I think this is an honest, witty self-assessment. “Mental as anything”? Hmmm… we’ll have to have a competition someday! Really great write, hon. Amy
July 30th, 2012 at 11:08 PM
“Odd, but not my word. I prefer eccentric”
Perfect! Honest and witty, for sure.
Marie Elena
August 1st, 2012 at 9:46 AM
I’m with Marie on that one!
July 30th, 2012 at 11:41 PM
I always felt you were an intriguing person, and here you are!
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:24 PM
I agree – be great to meet you.
July 31st, 2012 at 12:05 PM
Enjoyed getting to know you Sharon, I think we would get along famously!
August 1st, 2012 at 7:33 PM
Yes, I prefer eccentric as well. Loved it Sharon!
July 30th, 2012 at 8:56 AM
Love everyone’s story!!!
!!!
July 30th, 2012 at 10:20 AM
“Who Do You Think You Are, Alexandra Palmer?”
A city girl that does not
Like to go out. An
Ex
Xenophobe that married
A foreigner. A
Now American resident
Dreaming of
Russia
Always.
Perhaps, finally
At that happy stage in
Life, when she is
More herself, than
Ever before.
Ready for an adventure.
July 30th, 2012 at 10:26 AM
July 30th, 2012 at 8:24 PM
Love this! esp. the contented ending..sigh:)
July 30th, 2012 at 11:02 PM
“More herself than ever before.” What more could one ask? Excellent, Alexandra!
Marie Elena
July 30th, 2012 at 11:48 PM
Hen, Janet, Marie, thank you! I still haven’t made time to read all the poems, but I will for sure. It’s a wonderful idea for a prompt.
Janet, I’ve read yours, amazed as always at the effortless flow of your beautiful rhyming words.
July 31st, 2012 at 5:38 AM
I’m with the rest Alexandra, esp by the time you get to the contented end … well said
July 31st, 2012 at 3:26 PM
“At that happy stage in
Life, when she is
More herself, than
Ever before”….wonderful!
August 1st, 2012 at 9:50 AM
Yes — I love that part too!
Also find these apparent contradictions intriguing:
“Ex
Xenophobe that married
A foreigner” …
“Ready for an adventure.”
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:27 PM
“…Ready for an adventure.”
love that -great way to stay young.
July 30th, 2012 at 12:29 PM
Who Do You Think You Are, Nancy Posey?
Now that I’ve missed the chance of dying young
And I’m focusing instead on staying young,
Nothing seems too ridiculous to try.
Can’t, won’t, and shouldn’t are banished from my vocabulary.
You only live once: that’s my motto.
And as the clock keeps ticking away time,
Now I accept that my journey here is half over.
Nothing less than the Fountain of Youth
Can change that. I have decide that the
Only person who can keep me from learning, growing,
And changing is me.
Today, I think I’ll write a poem, learn to play a new
Song, make a new friend, write a letter, a real one the
Postman will pick up and another will deliver.
Over coffee, I’ll share a secret or two, I’ll
Stretch through yoga, breathing slowly in and out,
Exercising my desire to exercise. After all,
You only live once. I intend to do it well.
July 30th, 2012 at 8:23 PM
Your first two lines will bring a smile to every reader!…YOU are an inspiration. This is truly lovely.
July 30th, 2012 at 11:01 PM
Your opening, as Janet predicted, brought a smile to my face. An inspiring, talented poet and class act.
Marie Elena
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:30 PM
Yes, you are, Nancy Ann – and for sure ‘still young’ :0
July 30th, 2012 at 8:27 PM
That opening line was a stunner – Plathian, perhaps… but as this rolls along, we see your life unfurling as a work of art. As the comic Joe E. Brown said, “You only live once; and if you work it right, once is enough!” Amen! Amy
July 31st, 2012 at 5:40 AM
Ah Nancy – as always your writing astounds … this falls under the “I wish I’d written this” category, along with so much of your work … very nice …
July 31st, 2012 at 3:23 PM
I echo the comments before me!
August 1st, 2012 at 9:52 AM
Ditto that!
July 30th, 2012 at 1:22 PM
C rashing onto the stage like
A n understudy who never read
T he unfinished script,
H ere I make dialogue with
E asy fear, pretending to
R emember my lines.
I choke on words that are
N ot my own until I dare to
E xeunt from the fabricated stage.
L et the world now hang on
E very living syllable
E xhaling from my unscripted lips.
July 30th, 2012 at 8:21 PM
You are gorgeous! LOVE the ending!
July 30th, 2012 at 8:24 PM
Catherine, I agree. This is the “All the World’s a Stage” type of poem, and that last phrase, “Exhaling from my unscripted lips” is beautiful. Amy
July 31st, 2012 at 1:42 AM
Amy, that’s exactly what I was going for. Thanks!!
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:33 PM
Sam here. and thanks
July 30th, 2012 at 10:53 PM
“Exhaling from my unscripted lips” … WOW.
Marie Elena
July 30th, 2012 at 11:42 PM
Perfect ending, Catherine. Love the poem.
July 31st, 2012 at 12:15 AM
This is incredible!! Thanks so much for sharing.
July 31st, 2012 at 5:42 AM
What a wonderful piece … really fine … I’m with the others and have nothing original to add. Thanks.
July 31st, 2012 at 3:20 PM
Loved it, Catherine!
July 31st, 2012 at 4:47 PM
Thanks, everyone, for the love!
August 1st, 2012 at 9:57 AM
The beginning perfectly describes a dream I’ve had — on more than one occasion. Love the transition from “ine” to “Lee”. Nice work, Catherine!
July 30th, 2012 at 2:51 PM
Who do you think you are, Iain Douglas Kemp?
Insane, but hanging in there as an
Anarchic throw-back
Introvert in recovery, generally summed up as
Nice (but in a weird way)
Doing fine after so much suffering though
Old before time and
Uglier than a pug with a hangover but
Gives far more than ever gained
Loves in ways unseen
Artistic to a meagre extent
Sleeping whenever the opportunity arises
Kinder to animals than people
Ever watching over the shoulder
Musically ambitious beyond talent
Pleased as Punch to get a second chance.
Iain
July 30th, 2012 at 8:21 PM
…and a great sense of style and humor! Love it.
July 30th, 2012 at 10:46 PM
For sure!
Marie Elena
July 30th, 2012 at 8:25 PM
“Uglier than a pug with a hangover”?! Methinks not. Perhaps you were simply stumped on the “U” in the acrostic? I think you are one gorgeous soul, Iain! Nicely played. Amy
July 31st, 2012 at 8:47 AM
“Unusually unusual” * — it describes me too, Iain!
!
*(Thank you Lonestar)
July 30th, 2012 at 11:43 PM
I am so in tune with `kinder to animals than people’. Love this, Iain!
July 31st, 2012 at 5:50 AM
Wonderful work Mr.Kemp – as the proud G’ma of 2 pugs, I know they’re not really p’ugly so … for what it’s worth … really loved this one.
August 1st, 2012 at 10:02 AM
LOL I can see you in there, Iain, hiding beneath a blanket of honestly humble humor, but… an “Introvert in recovery”? That I did not know.
July 30th, 2012 at 8:18 PM
[...] 2012 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil For Poetic Bloomings (“Who Do You Think You Are?”), for Sunday Scribblings (distance), and for the Poetry Pantry at [...]
July 30th, 2012 at 8:22 PM
Hey, wait a sec! I read the prompt on Sunday before the Acrostic mention, and I worked really hard on this one, so I’m sorry. It’s also almost as long as an acrostic on “Amy Barlow Liberatore,” so there you go! Ha ha, sorry about that, love, Amy
Going the Distance :
“Who Do You Think You Are, Amy Barlow Liberatore?”
Let’s hear what everybody else says first:
“You were born 40 and you’re working your way backwards,”
said my mom, when I was 7
“Charmful little armful,”
said my musical mentor
“She can SANG!”
said our African-American piano player
“Get that bitch off the podium,”
said the Buffalo cop at a peace rally
“Please don’t say that about your dad,”
cried my mom, when I was 35
“You’re not a dyke, why should you care?”
asked a Fundie at a PRIDE rally when I challenged their ‘God Hates Fags’ sign
“Good thing you can sing. Your dancing sucks,”
joked my friend at a big band concert
“You’re not a victim; you’re a survivor,”
said my therapist
“You wear manic depression well,”
grinned my psychiatrist
“You have the soul of a dinosaur,”
said the oracle Sidnie
“Don’t hold back, tell us how you really feel,”
say bloggers (with a wink)
“PLAY ‘FEEEEELINGS’!!”
slobbered countless drunks at my piano bar
“You’re just a gay man trapped in a straight woman’s body,”
said Jeffery, may he rest in peace
“You’re going to hell for encouraging those homosexuals,”
say… too many people to mention
“If you’re going to hell, it’s gonna be in a FABulous handbasket,”
giggled Jason
“Thanks for the lessons,”
said my BFF (and only he will understand that comment)
“I have no dramatic coming-out story because you were so accepting,”
laughed Riley
“She’s a pain in the ass,”
said the FBI agent, flipping through my file
“Take it off! Take it off!”
cried Christopher after I sang a comedic song about stripper envy
“Because she questions my authority,”
said the principal to my mother, as I sat in detention
“You are SO worth it,”
says my husband, over and over again
My life is chaotic peace.
I’m a sharp little pencil, still writing my life.
© 2012 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
For Poetic Bloomings (“Who Do You Think You Are?”), for Sunday Scribblings (distance), and for the Poetry Pantry at Poets United.
July 30th, 2012 at 9:23 PM
A great piece Amy. The acrostic was in the description all along. Marie in her kindness was giving a pass on the acrostic, but it needed to be just that and thus the post script. A nice start though (here and below).Walt
July 30th, 2012 at 10:45 PM
Honestly, my eyes skipped right over the acrostic rule as well. I thought Walt and I just happened to both choose acrostic.
So see, Walt? I’m not as kind as you think.
ME
July 31st, 2012 at 8:20 AM
You’re right. This time I SIT corrected!
July 30th, 2012 at 11:45 PM
You are the sharpest pencil I know!
August 1st, 2012 at 10:07 AM
But… perfectly penned — for/by a rule-breaker! LOL Love this piece, Amy, as it seems to describe you to a “T”.
July 30th, 2012 at 8:36 PM
HA! The acrostic fell together well, so I am REDEEMED!
Who Do You Think You Are, Amy Barlow Liberatore?
(The Acrostic Woman)
Ass-kicking
Manic Depressive
Yuengling beer-lover
Binghamton girl
At odds with Congress
Ranting half the time
Loving everyone anyway
Over the top
Working for social justice and peace
Lifelong learner, self-taught
Interested in strangers
Bookcases are stuffed
Erotically inclined
Raised Episcopalian
At present, Congregational/UCC
Torridly romantic when it comes to Lex
Out of sorts on cloudy days
Riley, my daughter, pride and joy
Ever-expanding hope for the future
© 2012 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
July 30th, 2012 at 10:43 PM
Way to come right back, Ames!
Marie Elena
July 31st, 2012 at 5:49 AM
You ROCK!!! I would so like to know what you taught your BFF (I think, maybe, maybe privately … rofl) Both poems are hilarious and so autobiographical, I want to hang them on my wall except I’m nowhere near my wall or a printer or … nevahmind, as Gilda used to say. Love how you squeezed every bit of you (probably not but it seems like it) into these two poems … they were a joy to read. Peace Ames.
July 31st, 2012 at 3:17 PM
Amy, I sure feel like I know you! Inspiringly transparent, Bravo!
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:48 PM
Your a sharp gal who has lead an interesting, exciting life – and, I am sure, witll continue to do so. Good show.
July 31st, 2012 at 6:59 AM
And, I might add: An inspiration to the dancing world (after you told the story of dancing in the supermarket to Martha V’s oldie: “Dancin’ in the Street” Loved, loved, LOVED that story — in fact, I am going to YouTube now and start my exercise program !
! Thank you for the “real” person that you are, Amy!
July 31st, 2012 at 7:20 AM
Running on a Moonbeam
Maybe it was the length of her legs, slim
And long, although pity about her feet – as small as a
Rat’s pinched pink nose or as short as a robber
Is of an honest wage, but she could run faster than an alibi
Lingering on a liar’s tongue. It was them, you see, four mental
Yobs that teased her, kicked and beat her. Half-crazy,
Nasty kids that made her run as fast as spring turns green.
Bullies that twisted her fears into nightmares, a fragile bomb
Ready to burst into tears and gasping sobs as year
After year she ran the two miles home. Soon it was fun; no drama.
Every day she’d race them home, she’d laugh, her pace
Never less than theirs. She’d stop and wait for them to catch-up, in-
Different to old fears. A daring grin, the tables turned, she’d
enjoyed the thrill, the twists and turns, the speed, the solitude.
How she loved to run. She was drawn to it like an alabaster moth
Obeying the lure of a flame. Chasing rain and snow and sun deep into
Leafy lanes of minted green. Once young: to run at speed but now it’s all
Memories of the sounds and feel, the thrill of running on a moonbeam.
Poem Form: Long Sentence, Double Acrostic
August 1st, 2012 at 7:40 PM
Awesome Left and Right Acrostic Misky !!! GREAT
July 31st, 2012 at 7:30 AM
Sorry, but that didn’t hold its lines correctly. I want to try again, so I’ve shortened some of the lines (pity) so they won’t word-wrap.
Running on a Moonbeam
Maybe it was the length of her legs, slim
And long, although pity about her feet – as small as a
Rat’s pinched pink nose or as short as a robber
Is of an honest wage, but she could run faster than an alibi
Lingering on a liar’s tongue. It was them, you see, four mental
Yobs that teased her, kicked her and beat her. Half-crazy,
Nasty kids that made her run as fast as spring turns green.
Bullies that twisted her fears into nightmares, a fragile bomb
Ready to burst into tears and gasping sobs as year
After year she ran the two miles home. Soon it was no drama.
Every day she’d race them home, she’d laugh, her pace
Never less than theirs. She’d wait for them to catch-up, in-
Different to old fears. A daring grin, the tables turned, she’d
enjoyed the thrill, the twists and turns, the speed, the solitude.
How she loved to run. She was drawn to it like a moth
Obeying the lure of a flame. Chasing rain and sun deep into
Leafy lanes of minty green. Young: to run at speed, now it’s all
Memories of the sounds and thrills of running on a moonbeam.
Poem Form: Long Sentence, Double Acrostic
July 31st, 2012 at 7:32 AM
I give up!
July 31st, 2012 at 8:43 AM
I think that I shall now always be “running on a moonbeam”, in my mind…. Love the success in this story!!!
July 31st, 2012 at 8:47 AM
No matter, Misk. We can view it correctly on your site. It’s still marvelous … sad and victorious all at once. Such an inspiration you are!
Marie Elena
July 31st, 2012 at 9:15 AM
Thanks, meg, but did you notice that both the left and right sides are acrostics????? I mean, like, wowzers! I must have a rest now; my brain is fried.
July 31st, 2012 at 9:21 AM
Wait. WHAT?! Oh. My. Word. No I did not notice.
As our little 17-month old granddaughter Sophie would say, “Whoa!,” followed by a whispered, “Wow,” and two-syllable’d “Cue-ell!” accompanied with a huge grin and nodding head.
But truly, you blow me away.
meg
July 31st, 2012 at 8:58 AM
Not allowed here Misk. Never give up, never surrender!
Walt
August 1st, 2012 at 10:13 AM
Wow! Like a single acrostic isn’t hard enough?! Nicely done, Misky! Especially love the idea of “running on a moonbeam” — just lovely!
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:45 PM
I agree – beautifully done.
July 31st, 2012 at 7:39 AM
[...] feel, the thrill of running on a moonbeam. Poetic Bloomings: Prompt #65, Who Do You Think You Are http://poeticbloomings.com/2012/07/29/who-do-you-think-you-are-prompt-65/ Poem Form: Long Sentence, Double [...]
July 31st, 2012 at 9:29 AM
Marie & Walt– you’ve both captured yourselves perfectly! Both made me smile.
Looking forward to coming back to read the rest. For now, I’m adding mine and running. Busy day ahead. 
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, PAMELA SMYK CLEARY?
Perplexed & perplexing, paradoxical, problematic
Agonizes at times (
Mostly over
Everything) somewhat
Lackadaisical, occasionally
Annoyingly ambitious
Sometimes
Moonstruck (
Yet, often exhibiting a sunny
Kink)
Can be
Likeable – even lovely (
Every now
And then)
Really??
Yes!
July 31st, 2012 at 9:41 AM
LOL! You’re so cute! “Moonstruck, yet often exhibiting a sunny kink.” Love it!
Marie Elena
August 1st, 2012 at 10:18 AM
July 31st, 2012 at 3:11 PM
Loved your use of parantheses…very cute, indeed!
August 1st, 2012 at 10:19 AM
Thanks, kelly! :-]
July 31st, 2012 at 10:06 AM
Who Do You Think You Are, Daniel?
Why would she take me down this path again?
Dare I reveal any more?
You’d think my bones are already bare enough.
There’s been a lot of self-examination, lately.
Yet, once more into the breach.
Am I ready for another look in the mirror?
Darn straight, I am.
Desiring less of the material world,
and more of the ideal,
now, then and always.
Imperfect in most things,
ever seeking to improve,
love a way of being more than a goal.
Patience is clearly a virtue,
authenticity and transparency too, and
I wish that I possessed more of each,
calm in such places as grocery lines,
or, at least, pretending to be.
Positive thinking works for me,
unless it doesn’t,
LOL.
Ok, it’s a
start.
July 31st, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Cool! And you know what? “Darn straight I am” would make a great title!
Marie Elena
July 31st, 2012 at 12:38 PM
which is an amazing concept for a guy with more than 100 gay friends
July 31st, 2012 at 12:44 PM
LOL! Well, there ya go then!
Marie
July 31st, 2012 at 3:09 PM
I enjoyed this, Daniel. Especially: “love a way of being more than a goal”
August 1st, 2012 at 10:24 AM
LOL Interesting, how the first stanza is an acrostic of the title, but I REALLY love the last stanza, Daniel! Maybe because it touches too close to home, but — well done!
July 31st, 2012 at 10:52 AM
Who Do You Think You Are: Marilyn?
Meticulously Virgoan, pedantic and
Annoying, insufferable attention to detail.
Rigid and renown as being pigheaded,
Irrational by choice and just to amuse.
Light-hearted as helium, and of course,
Yes, loved and cherished
Nanna to Emma and Ethan.
July 31st, 2012 at 6:25 PM
I soo get the meticulously “Virgoan”, Misky, as I am Sagitarrius but with TONS of Virgo; and Scorpio/Pisces depth!
! I just Love your Grandchildren’s names!!!
July 31st, 2012 at 1:18 PM
Who Do You Think You Are, Michelle Hed?
White veins run through her chocolate
Hair, making her appear
Older than she is, sometimes a
Dent to her ego,
Other times a place to hide.
Yearning to leave a whisper
Of herself to last
Until the sun’s light no longer shines.
Trying to live her life with gentle dignity
Humble humor, and always
Interested in snatching serenity like
Naps in warm sunshine,
Keeping the anxieties of life at bay.
Yet not always succeeding
Often times finding herself in
Uncomfortable situations,
Arrested by the illusion assumed as a child that
Reaching adulthood would make life
Easier but in truth she is still searching,
Making mistakes, learning, growing new
Interest to replace the ones that withered,
Challenging her mind and
Heart to heap love
Every day onto those around her, hopefully
Leaving smiles and hugs in her wake –
Lessons of patience, practice and embracing
Every imperfection as unique for herself and her children.
Hoping the muse of inspiration never forgets to
Entertain her heart, knowing her
Door is always open to new ideas.
July 31st, 2012 at 3:04 PM
Wonderful, Michelle! I keep reading it over and over.
July 31st, 2012 at 3:37 PM
Thank you Kelly!
August 1st, 2012 at 10:27 AM
Ah, yes! So many universal tendencies here, Michelle! So easy to relate to!
July 31st, 2012 at 2:39 PM
Marie and Walt – what a wonderful prompt!
As I’m sitting here, alone, convalescing (infected tonsil – spreading to my other tonsil) and having a small pity party (I’m missing my family vacation) – I have read each and every “Who Do You Think Are” Acrostic and I have felt like I’ve had you each over for tea and now I don’t feeling quite so lonely. You are all wonderfully talented and gifted writers and I’m so glad to have spent the last few hours getting to know you all a little better.
Hope you are all having a wonderful day! – Michelle
July 31st, 2012 at 3:06 PM
Your pain (both physical and emotional) inspired a truly magnificent piece!
July 31st, 2012 at 3:15 PM
And your comments have made it so, Michelle. It does give that impression, doesn’t it? Walt.
July 31st, 2012 at 3:40 PM
Thanks Kelly, I very much appreciate your comments. Thanks Walt and yes it does, very much so.
July 31st, 2012 at 2:47 PM
Michael Grove has inspired me to try this a few times.
My entire name, this time.
Who Do You Think You Are, Kelly Elaine Donadio?
Keeper of memories,
Even the bad ones; which sometimes
Linger, but also propel me to
Live life how I want, regardless of what
You think.
Eager to experience new things with the
Loves of my life;
Angelo, Claire, Marina and Olivia,
Including their wonderful Dad, my
Nocturnal snoring mate!
Edging toward 50, I
Don’t really enjoy crowds. An
Only child, I am content in solitude.
Never setting high expectation on
Anyone (but me), it is much less
Disappointing that way.
Incisive and decisive,
Obstinate…at times.
© KED 2012
August 1st, 2012 at 10:29 AM
Liking this one too, kelly!
July 31st, 2012 at 2:49 PM
Next, one word per letter.
Who Do You Think You Are, Kelly E. Donadio
Kneader
Eclectic
Lioness
Lover
Youthful
Earnest
Donuts
Onions
News
Advocate
Discerner
Independent
Original
© KED 2012
July 31st, 2012 at 3:28 PM
Who Do You Think You Are, Michelle Hed? (Part 2)
Mischievous streaks appear when least expected
Intelligent but introverted to the core
Childlike with glee when happy beyond reason
Humor – love it, sometimes lack it
Elegant, snort, only in my dreams
Loyal
Likeable, gee I hope so
Easy going
Rational, I can rationalize anything (I’m secretly a Vulcan)
Animal lover
Earthy, prefer to be outdoors with a camera in my hand
Kinky – ha ha ha, just grabbing your attention (Kind is the real word)
Reasonable
Artistic with a passion
Unusually large heart and believes in giving people
Second chances
Educated but lacking wisdom (I’ll never be old enough)
Hard working
Enjoys life one day at a time
Devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece – family first
July 31st, 2012 at 11:41 PM
Who Do You Think You Are, Regis Jane Neilson?
Radical may not quite describe me, but
Everything I believe, I hope, comes through clearly.
God is my Lord, King, and Creator;
I am His child, though
Shamefully disobedient at times.
Justice calls my name,
And words are never far away.
New poems and ancient stories
Eat away at me persistently.
Never able to resist a good book,
Early morning hours host my coziest adventures.
I love piano keys beneath my fingers and
Lilting, wordless tunes on prairie winds.
Songs, stories, and big skies are improved
Only by the presence of dear ones who are
Never far from my flittering heart.
August 1st, 2012 at 10:31 AM
While I enjoyed your previous piece, missr, this one paints a much clearer picture. Thanks for sharing more info!
August 1st, 2012 at 6:30 PM
You’re welcome.
Thank you for your kind comments!
August 1st, 2012 at 2:29 PM
Who Is Randy Bell ?
₩olf spooled in golden-tongue
Hot head guttersnipe strutting
❍’ how I love to be prompted to mock myself !
I only crave a
$ weet life, but I’m
R eckless as recess
Å droit with a daub of charismatic eloquence
₦ urturing a smiling facade
₫ ithering, daydreaming Gemini
¥ earning to shed second skin
β lended concoction$ of plausibility
€ lfin, flirtatious, firefly pursuing
₤ ong guided by layogenic ambitions
₤ over of sugary poisons which taint my crippled heart
August 1st, 2012 at 6:37 PM
I’m with Barbara, not much on acrostics, yet realizing y’all are onto a very clever project, so holding my nose and my breath–here it is.
Who Do You Think You Are Sara Vinas? (did anyone else get flashbacks of parental scoldings when they wrote this?)
Semiserious in most endeavors
Alliteratively inclined in speech and poetry
Ready to laugh
At almost anything, especially slapstick
Values friendship and family
Inspired by and requiring daily doses of nature
Needs music to do everything but write
Always thankful and mostly optimistic
Sings in the car and smiles at strangers
August 1st, 2012 at 8:48 PM
Very nicely done, Sara! I didn’t think about my parents a lot in contemplating this prompt, but I’ve had the song “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri stuck in my head since the prompt was posted! Good thing I love that song…
August 1st, 2012 at 8:46 PM
Who Do You Think You Are, Mary Mansfield?
Maybe an old soul
Arcing through the mists of time
Remembered the joys of physical form,
Yearned to complete a journey
Begun eons ago,
Ethereal freedom
Traded for
Humanity.
Maverick tendencies
Amplify the contradictions
Nestled within me,
Sarcasm cloaked in sweetness,
Fundamental flaws
In one seeking a more spiritual side,
Eccentric yet predictably normal,
Likeable but intimidating, and just a bit
Disjointed.
August 1st, 2012 at 9:30 PM
Mary, love the flow of your poem
Also love the song Jar of Hearts. Thank you for your warm words.
August 1st, 2012 at 9:35 PM
I do so agree that you are very likeable!!! Also, I love your work!
!
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:34 AM
Brava to each and every poet and supportive soul who have responded with such vitality and passion! I was hesitant to propose this project. It proves that even my instincts can fail me. Gladly, I was wrong! Great job, again! Walt
August 4th, 2012 at 10:38 AM
…because I haven’t missed a week yet…
Perhaps
another day I’ll write; for now I’m
unable to think of anything but self-
loathing words
and depressing thoughts
When
another day comes, I’ll
not hesitate to write who I
know myself to be;
everything has a season,
now is just not the time.
August 4th, 2012 at 11:36 AM
Put This One on the Stone
Left with many names
Over long years of living
Very few matter
Except
Yours
August 4th, 2012 at 5:07 PM
Who Do You Think You Are, Jane Shlensky?
Joyful thoughts go with me wherever I go,
Assembled over the years from ideas that
Nourish me, each in its own way, with never
Enough time to do them all justice.
Could I have another forty years to
Read and write, sing and play, I’d still befriend a piano,
Argue for the rights of dulcimers and kazoos,
Value fur and feathers, sunlight and rain,
Enjoy a good joke and glass of wine,
Range over landscapes of possibility.
Shouldn’t I spend my mature years
Hugging strangers, humbled by simple happiness,
Loving for the sake of loving,
Engaged in using myself to the last drop?
Now I understand a thing or two,
Search and find my people,
Know that life can be hardship and joy, earth and sky,
Yin and yang.
August 5th, 2012 at 10:14 AM
Jane what a wonderful poem! I would love to share some jokes and a glass of good wine with you:-)
August 7th, 2012 at 11:20 PM
[...] first prompt in this series was to write an acrostic poem entitled “Who Do You Think You Are, ___?” [...]
August 11th, 2012 at 1:15 PM
[...] series into the exploration of self. As I am playing catch up at the moment, I am starting with Part 1 which aired on July 29th. The prompt is to write a revealing acrostic poem using one’s name [...]
August 11th, 2012 at 1:26 PM
Truly, truly amazing…. Two weeks late to the party. But, oh my, what a group of fantastically amazing people to be associated with.
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, MEENA ROSE?
By: Meena Rose
Myth lover – legend creator extraordinaire;
Enigmatic – she prefers it that way;
Elemental – swayed by forces unseen and words unspoken;
Nebulous and undefined – a shrouded mystery;
Acolyte – following in footsteps of bygone masters.
Romantic – hopelessly so;
Optimistic – never gives up;
Servant – heeds a higher call;
Engaged – in thought and deed.
http://2voices1song.com/2012/08/11/part-i-who-do-you-think-you-are/
February 28th, 2013 at 3:23 PM
Way late to the game. But catching up.
<a href="http://neversayacommonplacething.blogspot.com/2013/02/who-do-you-think-you-are-child.html".WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, CHILD?
Kids have a way of
Immersing themselves in the
Magic of everyday
Imagination, not
Knowing that this
Openness we think ordinary
Lives wild in our
Youth, so
Near that we
Never believe it can disappear.
Years later we will see that
Optimism challenged as the
Unknown morphs from
Newness to negativity. We
Grow wiser, we think,
Master our own lives
And wonder why
Reality is far less
Tantilizing than
It was when
No one was looking.
Evermore we seek the
Zen of childhood.
March 13th, 2013 at 8:37 PM
[...] Written for Poetic Bloomings Prompt #66 (Memoir Prompt #1): Who Do You Think You Are? [...]
May 21st, 2013 at 10:06 AM
I’m really, really late. But, here goes:
Who Do I Think I Are?
E verthing about me is
A mystery to some
R ealistically I am a
L iterary bum
J ust a little reading of
A few of my creations
M akes one want to wonder
E ven ponder a vacation
S urely you make humor
P oetry is what I love
A well constructed verse
R eally makes me proud to say
S ee, it could be worse
O h, come on, it’s not that bad
N o one’s pitched a fit
S eems you’re having a hard time understating it
Seriously, now:
Who Do I Think I Am
E arly in my childhood I decided I would be
A ll that my grandfather was, he was so good to me
R aising me as he did, with love beyond understanding
L ove was all that radiated from his aura and inner being
J esus was my Grandpa’s mentor, they talked every day
A lways walking in His grace, and following His Way
M y Grandma, God rest her soul, lead me to the Lord
E ternity in Heaven they are sharing their reward
S urely they’ll be waiting at the Gate
P owerful the lessons that my Grandpa left for me
A lways treat your fellow man with love and dignity
R ealize that in the world there is only good and bad
S tay the path of righteousness we taught you as a lad
O n the rock of Jesus you must firmly take a stand
N o one can defeat you if you hold onto God’s hand
S incere thanks to God for my Grandfather