The Versesmith

dVerse OpenLinkNight #400 "There is no specific form or theme required..." I saw the ravens again, waiting atop the lamp post, watchful as I walked past. A message to deliver, they attempt to catch my eye. It's best I acknowledge them. I write these words and wonder, do I trust myself enough? Heed a hunch? Believe a dream? The ravens' reappearance all the answer that I need. I'll leave them something shiny for their troubles. They journeyed far to strengthen me. ©2026 Lisa Smith Nelson. All Rights Reserved  

 It's Haibun Monday at dVerse.   The prompt is " Write a haibun that references Halloween ." Starting in early October, the neighborhood ghouls and witches appear.  Mostly inflatables, but a growing number of gigantic skeletons as well.  Where do they the residents keep those during the off season?  These things are 12’ tall!  Maybe they leave them up.  I saw you can get Santa outfits for them on Amazon.  It will be interesting to see if Easter Bunny ears will be available come spring, or Uncle Sam hats for July 4th.  Come to think of it, patriotic garb on a skeleton is a good representation of what’s been going on.   You know... the Death of Democracy.  bones reach for the sky  as children screech on the porch feeding sugar-highs  ©2025 Lisa Smith Nelson. All Rights Reserved  

  Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge: Photo Prompt For this week's Challenge " you’ll be writing syllabic poetry inspired by the following photo ."  I have written a  senryū. ©2023 Lisa Smith Nelson  glory days so bright in his mind faded star   ©2024 Lisa Smith Nelson. All Rights Reserved #tankatuesdaypoetrychallenge #tankatuesday #photopromptpoetry #senryu #syllabicpoetry #syllabicpoem