Stone
formed from drops
of Christ’s blood,
the martyr’s gem
from legends of old –
jasper
stained with red flecks,
forever falling
from the foot of the cross.
(Written by Maranda Russell, marandarussell.com)
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Poetry
Poetry: Sword Care Instructions
Sword Care Instructions
By: Maranda Russell
After sharpening,
dust the bejeweled hilt
and place the sword
in clean purple cloth.
Afterwards,
you may admire its sparkle
but do not take internally,
as metal is poisonous
and organs puncture easily.
Poetry: Waiting for the Doctor
Waiting for the Doctor
By: Maranda Russell
Perch on the edge
kick the drawers down below
lay back
wish I had a pillow
turn to the side
curl up in a ball
poke a hole
through the thick
tissue paper cover
read the poster
about acid reflux
for the 15th time
flip onto back again
count the ceiling tiles
12 in all
play with the blood pressure
thingy on the wall
stand up
run the water in the sink
look through the cabinets
hear doorknob start to turn
hop back onto examination table
try to look innocent.
Poetry – At Your Service
At Your Service
By: Maranda Russell
One more
lost little girl
at your service.
Actually,
that’s a lie.
I’m not
at your service.
I’m not
at your anything –
and I never
shall be
again.
Poetry – Lovers Movie Night
Lovers Movie Night
By: Maranda Russell
He leans over to grab a magazine.
“People like you are so annoying,”
she sniffs disdainfully.
“People like me?”
he asks as he reclines back
and settles in to read.
Soon, he feels a tiny foot
wiggle over to nudge his shin.
“Why pay to see the movie then?”
she mutters
with a deeply pained sigh.
“What movie?”
…..
“I hate you.”
Poetry – Holy Warriors
Holy Warriors
By: Maranda Russell
Holy warriors
learn a lesson
today.
Their distorted agenda
rightly condemns
one righteous man
setting a fire
beyond their own
narrow audience –
but – to the best
of my knowledge –
this will be
a one-time exception.
Short Poetry – The Comfort Trap
The Comfort Trap
By: Maranda Russell
The comfort trap
has closed around me,
its cold metal arms
crueler than a vice.
But don’t help me out,
for I’ll only find
a creative way
to crawl back in.
A Few More Six Word Stories
I enjoy taking prompts and writing six word stories. I find it challenging to come up with something truly original and attention grabbing with only a handful of words. Here are a few more I wrote just for fun:
Prompt: Quarrel
I often quarrel with my squirrel.
Prompt: Introduce
Introduce me to your soul asylum.
Prompt: Wake
Wake me up, slow me down.
Prompt: Room
Is there room amidst your gloom?
Prompt: Bridge
Build a bridge. Don’t jump off.
I feel like most of these have at least a general association with mental health and mental illness (not surprisingly), even though that wasn’t planned. You are welcome to use these prompts if you wish to have some fun and play with words!
Poetry – Cook Me With Tenderness
Cook Me With Tenderness
By: Maranda Russell
Clever,
and not yet
without tricks,
I seem to
only disappoint
you further.
But I beg of you,
don’t roast me –
just smash me to bits
and cook me
with tenderness.
