Poetic Expression Challenges

January Challenges

Our first Mini Assignment for January (and for the year) is the obvious one. . .to write a short poem about a New Year's Resolution, real or imagined. Since my thyroidectomy in 2004 I've gained weight and have yearned to lose it....which never happens. My surgery was the result of one of the medical conditions I have for which I should take better care of myself. So this is MY "resolution"....lol

~ Age-Old Resolutions ~

Oh dear another year is gone
along with my resolve
To make that promise to myself
before I get too old.

For each year it's the same old thing
I start with good intent
But then I'd simply put it off
before January's end.

Next year, next year I will be good
I promise, it is true
I'll lose the weight I gained last year
and begin this one anew.

I will resolve, I really will
to exercise regularly
The goal for which I long to reach
and take better care of me.

But you know each year it's just the same
I just procrastinate,
Still next year will be different
I promise, just you wait!

© Christina
6th January, 2006


Our second Mini assignment was to take these Challenge Words and use in writing a poem.
snuggling...wood...marvelous...silently...lake...rosy...complete... icicle...chilly...curving
and being the midst of stifling summer here in Australia I could hardly be inspired to write about winter chills and icicles. So this was my attempt.

~ Dreams Within the Dark ~

Within the wood I silently
across the frozen lake
Where icicles are blanketing
each desperate step I take.

My rosy cheeks are chilly
my heart it skips a beat
As I begin to wonder if
the nightmare is complete.

Eyes are masked in terror
as the marvelous surrounds
Envelop me within their grasp
and knock me to the ground.

Then curving through the undergrowth
rising from the deep
A scream escapes the silent lips
and wakes me from my sleep.

Breathing deeply in the dark
my mind still on the lake
Snuggling beneath the covers there
the dream keeps me awake.

© Christina Smith
12th January, 2006


As Aussies finding it difficult to be inspired by snow and winter and all things cold while we were sweltering here, Grandma Lyn gave us a Special Challenge ~ to write a poem using these following words:
sunny...broiling...sweaty...searing...scorched...blazing...sizzling... boiling...barbecued...summer...roasting...burning...hot...hot...hot!!!!!

~ Summer in Australia ~

We love a sunburnt country
of blazing summer heat,
Of sunny days so hot hot hot
with sweaty hands and feet!

We love the burning fever
of morning's early chill,
Searing into the humidity
that leaves evenings sizzling still.

We love our only blanket
is of stars, not snow,
That we don't freeze at Christmas
huddled round a broiling stove....

We love that summer lasts us
November until March,
And that no else can comprehend
the warmth of where we are.

We love our wondrous beaches
our skies of brilliant blue
While roasting 'neath the sunny rays
till we are barbequed!

Yes, we love this sunburnt country,
now would we tell a lie?
As we share with you this fine scorched land
gee, it's boiling hot outside!

© Christina
14th January, 2006


With the beginning of a New Year, January's third mini assignment was to write a poem about whatever this picture might inspire.



The night before, the half-Australian half Danish baby Prince was christened in Copenhagen, first born to Australian Princess Mary and Crowned Prince Frederik of Denmark. So my poem was also inspired by that happy event.

~ Kingaroo ~

Nestled in the loving hands
this tiny blessing came
Born this last October
though no one knew his name;

Innocent and beautiful
tradition it was told
Would give to him the day he was
christened before the world.

Christian Valdemar Henri John,
heir to Denmark's throne
Nicknamed as the "kingaroo"
to all the Danes he's known;

A joy to have and to hold
within the loving arms
This blessed child in Belgian lace
has won all of Denmark's hearts.

An angel of the loving kind
a gift from God above
The gentle heart of a Prince
and the king he will become;

Nestled in the hands of love
his parent's pride and joy,
So innocent, yet so beautiful,
this precious baby boy.

© Christina
22nd January, 2006