WWAUW Spring Prompt Contest

A List Poem

What is a List Poem, you ask?
It is a poem organized around a central theme
and the idea is to write a "list" of things
that relate to that specific theme.

For this challenge your theme is to write about
"the things that make you smile".
What makes you smile? What makes you happy?
Seriously, it is not as difficult as seems.

Many of you would know the song "My Favorite Things"
from the musical "The Sound of Music"-
that is a perfect example of List Poetry...

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things."


Your challenge is to create your own
list of things that make you smile.
If you're not comfortable with line poetry,
try doing the list in prose.

I look forward to reading your responses!

Dianna

#1 - The Things That Make Me Smile…

A chickadee landing on my hand to eat,
A puppy calmed by my own heartbeat,
A cautious child reaching for my hand,
Castles being made in the beach sand…
These are things that make me smile.

A wild animal entrusting me with its care,
Washing and cutting my grandchild’s hair,
Greeting my husband off of the plane,
Helping someone feel hopeful again…
This is just some of my style.

Convincing a child to touch a snake,
Catching frogs by the side of the lake,
Photographing nature at it’s best,
Holding a treasure close to my breast…
For these I would walk that extra mile.

Learning something new each day,
Teaching a ruffian dog to sit and stay,
Bringing a smile to someone else’s face,
Sitting down to watch a NASCAR race…
These things make my life worthwhile.

Watching the dogs play in the water,
Seeing my grandchildren respect my daughter,
Springtime flowers and buds on the trees,
Lightning storms bringing me down to my knees…
Yes, some of these things can be a trial;

But all of these things make me smile.

©2008 Christine Raymo (Didi)

#2 - Life Isn't It Grand

Rain pitter pattering on the ground,
Children's laughter all around,
Traffic you can get right through,
Skies of brilliant peacock blue.

My child's face when fast asleep,
Far into dreamland way down deep,
Restful slumber easily taking,
Another day softly breaking.

Cool water against the skin,
A dress that makes you look oh so thin,
Someone else cooking for the night,
Food on your plate that tastes just right.

Covered in bubbles with a good book,
Giant sunflowers take a look,
Walking with my love hand in hand
Life isn't it grand!

©2008 Mish

#3 - My Smiles

Waking up breathing, yawning and stretchin'
Petting my kitty, now it's coffee I'm fetchin'
Quiet of morning and dawn is upon me
So happy that there's a new day I see!

Gettin us ready and checkin whose online
Looking for friends and laughing and good times
Teatime and bathtubs and breakfast for me
Knowing I'm the best person I can be!

Flowers and puddles from a fresh spring rain
Semingly washing my cares down the drain
Bustling new day, there's so much to do
Glad that my smiles include all of you!

©2008 Rita

#4 - I Love

A freshly bathed baby asleep in my arms,
A man who adores me and all of my charms,
A friend I can call up when I feel so blue,
I love these things and I wish them for you.

A family gathered around a table each night,
A world full of people all being polite,
A lover with a heart that always beats true,
I love these things and I wish them for you.

A softly placed kiss on my neck each day,
A sign from above to show me the way,
A bit of appreciation for all that I do,
I love these things and I wish them for you.

©2008 Dianna Doles Petry

#5 - Sharin' Smiles

Livin', lovin', laughin':
the things that make me smile.

Livin' as tho' I'm young,
Seein' how spring is sprung,
Knowin' I've got the time
To read 'n' write a rhyme.

Lovin' as tho' I'm bold,
Warmin' a heart left cold,
Tellin' tall tales in ink
To kind o' make one think.

Laughin' as tho' I'm odd,
Jostlin' in joy with God,
Scribin' a sunny ray
To light a loner's way.

The things that make me smile:
livin', lovin', laughin'.

©2008 Ruth Cox