A Single Cup

A coffee challenge poem

A Single Cup

Empty mugs set side by side,
One for him, one for his bride.
His feeble hands lift to pour,
A single cup. Two, no more.

Robust coffee feeds a soul,
Transitioning to half a whole.
Her essence now consumes the room,
Where he once lived as her groom.

Ceramic warms an aching hand.
Eyes peruse his wedding band.
Steam emerges from his cup.
Tender memories wailing up.

Trembling fingers take a sip.
Deeper in he starts to slip.
Love and laughter. Pain and fear.
Watching as the end grew near.

Bold taste lingers on his tongue.
Hands caress her face of young.
A vision in her favorite pearls,
Surrounded by her golden curls.

Rich aroma taints the air.
Days spent prisoner to the chair.
Drinking slowly, so alone.
Lost and lonely to the bone.

Swallows hard his liquid brew,
Aching for the love he knew.
His grieving spirit longs to heal,
From daily life now so surreal.

An empty cup. A heavy heart,
Trying not to fall apart.
His feeble hands lift to pour,
A single cup. Two, no more.

~Shirley Keefer Topeka  2012~

Life's Highway

I entered this poem in a contest.

https://apps.facebook.com/poems-of-the-road/contests/209520/voteable_entries/49357791


Life's Highway
by Shirley Topeka

Mother Nature calls to me
Life’s highway my destiny
Breaking free from all concern
Past the point of no return
Gentle breezes through my hair
Whisk away my every care
Leaving painful history
Future yet a mystery
Music playing, filled with song
Fighting spirit, going strong
Following the setting sun
Road and sky merging as one
Wishing stars sensing my plea
Guide me where I need to be



https://plus.google.com/u/0/109419125736843180419/posts/icU3RL42EyA

Hurt

National Poetry Writing Month- Day 17 

Words prompts : Awake  blank soul  rage  page  deniable caustic 6/7 used

Hurt

Blank stares shoot into my soul

Awaken a rage, unaware.

Blight words undeniable

Caustic remarks followed by prayer.

Breaking Free

National Poetry Writing Month -Day 16

Today's word prompts:     fresh        cause         colt         detachable        liberate          serenade             harshly                           

                                                                              

Breaking Free

She spun the car about with a jolt

Breaking free from that foolish colt

His attitude she had to adjust.

Suddenly no longer afraid

Drained by his constant serenade

She left him standing in the dust

He’d tried to justify his cause

Since he’s s the one who broke the laws

But fueled her anger with disgust.

While she only listened partially

She didn’t think she acted harshly

Though he swears it was only lust.

She’d thought they were not collapsible

Relationship non detachable

But blinders come off with mistrust

Abruptly free and liberated

Starting fresh and invigorated

Clear vision of a life robust.

Free Flowing

National Poetry Writing Month-Day 15

Today's word prompts used were: editor revise blessed swamped wake analyze supply fresh

Free Flowing
In the dark of the night I wake, mind swamped.
Restless editor commences revising;
analyzing every word for a fresh approach,
grasping at a new supply of motivation.
Tonight, I am blessed. The words flow freely.

Old words mingle with new, each fighting to exist
teasing and taunting, blending and bonding,
unifying and defying, fusing as one.
My eyes close, mind clutter all clear.

Tonight, I am blessed. The words flow freely.

Memories

National Poetry Writing Month- Day 12
Today's poem was inspired by an article I read at http://www.musicandmemory.org 

Memories

What do I think? I can not tell
I try and try but always fail

Not things that I hold dear inside
Nor the things I wish to hide
So much to say, so much to share
Not knowing those who truly care

Searching for a familiar place
Frustration showing on my face
A date, a dance, a high school play

A kiss, a love, a wedding day
All now forgotten memories
Only revived by melodies

Music rejuvenates my soul

Briefly restoring it to whole

Recalling what was truly real

Cherishing how it made me feel

Comfort from a familiar friend

Praying the memories don’t end

The Day

National Poetry Writing Month- Day 3 

Today's poem word prompts were:

 zone     restart       guide     optimum    adulterous     crass    taut        

Here's what I came up with.  

The Day 

The day began like any other,

having faith thought to be taut and true.

Positive projections, optimum reflections,

hope in the forefront of expectations.

To the rose colored glasses distorting my view,

disappointment delivers a vicious blow.

Assaulting my world; attacking my zone.

Life air expelling from my body. Betrayal

invading and burning though my veins.

Crass consequences, penalty of another.

Adulterous connotations occupy my mind.

My faith diminishes. My vision unclear.

Delusions, shattered lenses once more.

Challenging choices restart my existence.

Pain and uncertainty becomes my guide.

My future altered without my consent.

..........But the day began like any other.