Grandpa's gone now -- A 'Challenge' answer poem

Grandpa, raconteur friend, gone
 
Grandpa lived in the good old days
Days of old when children played free
Free of worried moms' curtains peek
He'd be safe until supper time
 
Grandpa ran away, lets go too
We've packed some lunch, water bottle,
And the works in life's small treasures
A dead frog, old key, some marbles
 
We catch a ride, a wagon train
Bright with Gypsy decorations
Bundled away out of the cold
Breakfast porridge, chicken at night
 
One complaint from us, chores to do
Beg from farmers' doorsteps still damp
Damp with warm milk spilt every morn
Get our portion, us urchins bold
 
Then one day the sheriff he comes
Inspecting the train, horses too
Some he takes, Farmer Joe ID's
Under the blanket he finds us
 
We talk about those days of old
We're old now ourselves eighty-five
We snatch a key, drive to Mac Dee
Senior coffee, egg biscuit hot
 
Relive those days, our stories long
How our Gypsy hosts made kids work
How they boiled in oil Gramp's dead frog
Gypsy potion against the flu
 
We've just spread our strawberry jam
Second coffee filled, daughter comes
She'd seen us leave, knew where we'd be
Time for Grandpas to come back home
 
My dream tonight, it's true my oath
Grandpa's in Heaven telling tales
How Gypsies got us, olden day
How we'd escape in borrowed truck
 
Grandpa now six years older, gone
Gone to "a better place"--they're right
Daughter peeking through the curtains
Wonders, angels' ride did he steal

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Photos and Poem Copyright, © 2014 Jimmiehov, All Rights Reserved

I am linked with Björn Rudberg at the Real Toads, Sunday Mini-Challenge Time-travel

Also I am linked with  at the Real Toads, Open Monday (Link)

Bjorn's challenge  is to "Write a piece of poetry or prose that use past, present and future in the same poem."  I tried to do that.  I'll proof it again tomorrow.  :)

Notes: 
(1)  I have written several "Grandpa" poems on this blog and some more that mention the word "grandpa" within their bodies.  Go HERE to read some of them (this 'Old Blogger' machine does not make a "Next Page" button).

(2)  Pictures, top to bottom: (you can click on any for a larger few, click again for bigger still) 
 - Empty Rocking Chair, one of four on our back porch;
 - Elephant Driving Peddle Car taken in our local Toys 'R Us elephant plush toy display;
 - Fall Scarecrow was sitting in the lobby of my doctor's office;
 - a selfie I took on one of few of our cold Southeast Texas days;
 - Pretty Girl Green Jeep taken parked in front of a home in Key West, Florida; and
 - Faithful Shepherd Pal (it may not be neither a shepherd dog nor a 'him') waiting for his mistress in front of a church in Dolgellau, Gwynedd, Wales (beautiful little town, you should visit there--or spend two days and a night like we did).  The church was having a Saturday Morning Coffee event which we attended.  Mrs. Jim bought a couple of embroideried items and we had several servings of excellent (free) coffee and scones.

Fight against transitoriety

Come join in the fight against transitoriety,
that is, the lack of permanence

There are problems of dimensions man can never see a model, nor can your graphing calculator or  computer show them to you.  Man cannot envision them either but objects made of them hold properties one never has known.  Do these objects really exist or does the mind race ahead of what most consider reality.

Three dimensions have the cone, the sphere, the cylinder, the cube, the cone, the pyramid, and the prism of assorted non-regular faces.  These we can fathom, measure, and compute a volume or surface area.  This will be done with mathematical formulas involving axes of "X", "Y", and "Z".  There are more we generally ignore.

Anyone knows the directions an airplane can fly can be defined by axis.  One of three mutually perpendicular lines that define the orientation of an aircraft, with one being along its direction of travel and the other two being perpendicular to the direction of travel.  Note that the lines, imaginary are perpendicular to each other and meet at a common point, perhaps the 'middle'.

The plane won't go in any other directions, it was made by man and man thinks in three dimensions.  But the mathematician is not restricted to any certain number of directions.  They can be defined by up to an infinite number of axes.  All can be represented by formulas which can be solved as to an exact point in this unseeable space. 

But where does the e-mail go when you delete it?  No one can say it isn't gone into where we cannot know.  It cannot be seen, heard, smelled, felt, nor tasted.  I don't know, you don't know, but I know it didn't just end. 

Would you join into the fight against transitoriety, that is, the lack of permanence?  Everything that was still is.  Just in another dimension man cannot find.

Axis defined, The Free Dictionary 
Picture,  from Google Search

- - - - -

Poem Copyright, © 2014 Jimmiehov, All Rights Reserved

 

I am linked with Margaret at the Real Toads, Play it Again, Toads (link)

Notes:

 - Margaret's instructions:  "... please combine them [illustrative theme pictures] with an archived challenge." I chose Challenge #1)   Kenia's Wednesday Challenge - a philosophical challenge
 - I am not an expert in the field of dimensions.  Kindergartners learn of the three we normally use.  My bachelor degree is in Economics with a Math minor (seven courses I believe) and have studied some orbital mechanics when working with NASA.  (I have also taken enough courses for a political science minor but I didn't request that be on my degree.)
 - In one of my computer courses I developed a program to solve stimulus equations with an infinite number of variables (dimensions).  Not a serious problem for the computer using my program.

Buddha on the Hill -- Carpe Diem 2nd Vision Quest, 3rd day



Buddha vs. God

 

Buddha sits on hill

Garden flowers tell my soul

New man, changed by God

 

Buddha wants glory

Golden tree leaves say to me

Only God can change

 

Buddha stays on hill

Knows he's no match for my God

Mine, a God of love 

- - - - -

 

Poem Copyright, © 2014 Jimmiehov, All Rights Reserved

 

I am linked with Carpe Diem #610, Transformation (2nd Vision Quest, 3rd day)

The Buddha on the Hill picture above is from Carpe Diem also

 

For all three days of this 2nd Vision Quest click here

 

Carpe Diem ~~ Dripping, dripping

"Can I write/compose a haiku in the same tone, sense and spirit as the one by Tranströmer? With looking deeper into the hidden layers, the spirituality in the haiku? I don't know, but I have to try of course. So here I go ..." 
(those were the directions given for our 2nd Vision Quest Day 2)

Dripping, dripping

.

drops into the pond

gentle dripping leaf of fern

peaceful yet stirring

.

- - - - -

 

Poem Copyright, © 2014 Jimmiehov, All Rights Reserved

I am linked with Carpe Diem Special #118, Tomas Tranströmer's fourth "in time with the moon" (Vision Quest day 2) -- Directions are above the picture.

The Barren Woman -- today's poem for Carpe Diem

 

The Barren Woman

 .

Try to make amends

Help puppies; orphaned children

Barren woman dire

.

- - - - -

 .
Picture and Poem Copyright, © 2014 Jimmiehov, All Rights Reserved

Notes, on how I felt about my attempt to follow the instructions given below:
 - Puppies for my seasonword (kigo),  from list of season "words" approved for haiku, link.
 - Comma  for my  cuttingword (kireji, in western mostly interpunction) to start revert thought to basic theme (link to explanatory definitions and examples)
 - First and third line interposed (might make it better?):

 - - Barren woman dire
 - - Help puppies; orphaned children
 - - Try to make amends

- A short moment.  This was hardest of the criteria for me as I think it reads better if the woman used 'helping puppies' as a lifetime avocation rather an immediate action.  It would then read thus:
 - - Tries to make amends
 - - Helps puppies; orphaned children
 - - Barren woman dire

 - I will let the last, a deeper meaning, for you to be found.  To me it's meaning was in line with Jesus Christ's love for children (Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”)

- - - - -

Today I am linked to Carpe Diem "Sparkling Stars" #13, " "

 - Following is a part of the Carpe Diem instructions for today found in the above linked site.  It includes directions.  I tried to diligently follow the six-part instruction list printed in GREEN for my haiku.  See my "notes" above about my feel on how well I followed.

"""the childless woman,
- - - -how tender she is
- - - -to the dolls!

© Ransetsu (Tr. Blyth)

[photo furnished with directions, courtesy of  Kristjaan Panneman]
 

"It’s a gorgeous haiku full of compassion for this woman without children. He sees her taking care for the dolls as were they real children. How much pain and sadness this woman will have had as she couldn’t have children or maybe she had children, but they died ... it’s not clear.

Use your  imagination to see this scene in front of your eyes and try to write/compose an all new haiku following the classical rules:"

+ 5-7-5 syllables
+ a seasonword (kigo)
+ a cuttingword (kireji, in western mostly interpunction)
+ a moment as short as the sound of a pebble thrown in water
+ interchangable first and third line
+ a deeper meaning

Not an easy task I think, but I know you will succeed """

 

Carpe Diem ~~ Escape

My current Carpe Diem poem is below.
The setting for my inspiration follows here first from my prior blog post:
(Here is a Link to my prior blog post of September 24, 2008)

"""Now, all work and no play make Adi and Jim dull kids:

 
Our morning began with a nice walk back from the golf pro shop where Mrs. Jim dropped us off for her 8:40 tee time. She went golfing with her buds. Actually my day began with a Tuesday morning Bible study with about 15 other men at the club house. Then our walk. [super sized picture]

Too bad Adi isn't a counting dog, she could enjoy herself counting all these horse apples that the winds from Hurricane Ike blew off. Adi can count to two and six, one bite of graham cracker is never enough when I'm taking my medicine. She has one bite and then the second when I am on pill number six. [super sized picture]

[The part especially pertinent to Carp Diem tanka poem below, "Escape"]:
We ended up down in the quiet area of the golf course. It is down from our house just a short walk away. The lake is up after our rains but it will be lowered soon for inspection of the dam. Hurricane Ike may have damaged it as did Hurricane Rita three years ago. That year the lake remained empty all next summer still while the dam was being repaired. [super sized picture]

Adi got tired, she is tiring more easily now in her older years. (My Autumn poem link)

In case you don't go to that link, here is the picture I have posted there:"""

[large picture] [super sized

My tanka poem for today's challenge:

 

Escape

 

Adi and I would

Hide down in the quiet place

I still do that now

But Adi is gone, she died

Quiet here, I miss Adi

 

 - - - - -

Photos, and Poem Copyright, © 2008, and 2014 Jimmiehov, All Rights Reserved

Today I'm linking with Carpe Diem #609, Escape (2nd Vision Quest, day 1) 

Instructions are there

 

 Adi died September 17, 2012  (read my tribute to her here)

 

Leprechaun Love -- Imaginary Garden Challenge

Love in the Time of __Leprechauns___

(my choice)

 

They'd dance the night away

They'd trip you up any day

 

How were they in lover's lane

Peak in? Beat you with a cane

 

For sure they kissed and kissed

And kissed some more, never missed

 

Mustn't peel hat, pants, or dress

Green masquerade always fresh

 

With a cuppa Irish brew

They'd loosen up, let it go

 

Got things going then, embrace

cuddled, muzzled, kissed a face

 

Things went up, others came down

Masquerade began to frown

 

Nothing's changed, same as today,

Let youngsters' passions play

 

- - - - -

 

 - Poem Copyright, © 2014 Jimmiehov, All Rights Reserved

 

 - Picture, Leprechaun Couple, from "A timely favorite"

 

 - I am linked today with Kerry, at the Real Toads, Sunday Mini-Challenge ~ In Other Words

 - Kerry's challenge instructions were to select a "title and substitute your own words in the place of those indicated below, and write a new poem under the title you have created." 

 

- I am also linked with Kerry at the Real Toads, Open Link Monday
 

Protection -- a 'Carp Diem' Challenge

 

Protection

 

Guardian Angel

Coconut cream pie delight

Tells me "No" some days

 - - - - -

Photo and Poem Copyright, © 2014 Jimmiehov, All Rights Reserved

Today I'm linking with Carpe Diem #606, Guardian Angel  -- Instructions are there

Alone and Lonesome -- a 'Carp Diem Special' Haiku

Alone, lonesome

I'm trapped in my pot

Left alone, hungry for love

Take my flower, please

- - - - -

Photos and Poem Copyright, © 2014 Jimmiehov, All Rights Reserved
(Note:  pictures are from an unused flower pot we have.  It's been taken over by weeds)

Today I'm linking with (link) -- Instructions are here: 
Carpe Diem Special #117, Tomas Tranströmer's 3rd "a mother of stone"
The hope:  be inspired "to write an all new haiku in the spirit
of Tranströmer (imprisoned) and with a touch of romance. Have fun!"

Salvatore Quasimodo takeoff -- Sunday mini-Challenge

Street in Agrigento

 

On the main street of Agrigento, old Agrigentum, traffic came to a halt.  We were being overtaken by a herd of sheep.  Sheep not yet shorn, moving from morning pastures wet and green to the windswept native grasses of the valley, brown and wilting in the sun.
 
I followed those sheep while we were stopped.  They stopped at the fountain, people parting so they could drink of the cool waters, each one of them.  Then they picked up the pace, not daring to loose site of their herder and his crook.
 
They were still perky from their sleep last night, under the moon and stars there on the prairie grasses soft.  They knew not the cares of the world, not the prices of wool or mutton, not even of the latest levy by the Cosa Nostra
 
Rather their minds were on those walking in Grecian times down those lemon tree lined streets then much slowed.  Wagons and carts, no smell of singed gasoline or diesel fumes.  The same sun and moon as today, wet morning pastures, still, with browning dried prairie grass.
 
When the traffic started moving again the driver picked me up whistling his cheery noonday tune, not wary of my reminiscing with the dawdling sheep.  Wet morning pastures he didn't know nor of soft prairie grasses turning brown.  Same today as in olden time.


.

The old saying is "Like sheep,

we have all gone astray."

[click the picture to see it bigger]

[or even bigger, click here]

- Photo and Poem Copyright, © 2006 and 2014 Jimmiehov, All Rights Reserved

-  I am linked with Grace, aka Heaven, at the Real Toads, Sunday's Mini-Challenge: Salvatore Quasimodo found here.
 
- Again, on Monday I linked it with Magaly at the Real Toads, Open Link Monday (link)

 - Grace's challenge is to "write a new poem or prose poem in response to Salvatore Quasimodo's words.   Some examples of responses include affirming what the speaker said or using his title or line of verse as a jumping board for your own writing.   The prompt is wide open so feel free to explore where your muse takes you."

 - I chose Salvatore's poem, Street in Agrigentum, (link) as a starting place for my muse to become aroused.  You can scroll up or down at the linked site to read this and some of his other poems.    

 - Agrigento (link) is a small town in Southwestern Sicily.  Ruins of old temples of the old town, Agrigentum, are just outside the more modern town, I've been there. My picture was taken in Carleone, Italy. The home of the famous Italian Mafia has been there for quite a while. We spent one day in Carleone back in 2006. The sheep were following our bus until they decided to go around our slow traffic.

A Challenge Poem, Transforminng Nature

On My Wild Side

 

My horse, made of steel

It drinks gas and belches smoke

Not one grain of oat

 

 

 

My canyons, secure 

Steel beams, enclosed and girded

Rivers of people

 

 

My instincts, run wild

Silicon valley produced

Flash memories know

Poem Copyright, © 2014 Jimmiehov, All Rights Reserved

Picture Credits:
 - Top:  Harley Davidson Superlow, 1200T (Touring) http://www.harley-davidson.com.  Although I still have a motorcycle endorsement on my driver's license I haven't ridden one of my own since our youngest child, Karen, was born in the 70's.  I did have one and rode it at the time of our marriage.
 - Center:  New York City streets in 1936, near the present World Trade Center area.  Wikipedia, Radio Row-Berenice Abbott, Public Domain, (Link)

 - Bottom:  Copyright, © 2012 Jimmiehov, All Rights Reserved.  (I paid $5.00 for this old Underwood electric back when the college where I was teaching phased out typewriters in favor of computers with keyboards.)

 

I am linked with Hanna at the Real Toads, Transforming Friday with Nature's Wonders.

 - Hannah's challenge was to " include these canyons in your work...it could be the setting, color, sound quality or even explore the canyon in metaphor - the choice is yours."

 - The Canyon that Hannah referred to was Antelope Canyon in Arizona.  It "was formed by erosion of Navajo Sandstone, primarily due to flash flooding and secondarily due to other sub-aerial processes. Rainwater, especially during monsoon season, runs into the extensive basin above the slot canyon sections, picking up speed and sand as it rushes into the narrow passageways. Over time the passageways eroded away, making the corridors deeper and smoothing hard edges in such a way as to form characteristic 'flowing' shapes in the rock." (for more, see the Wikipedia article, here)

Pumpkin Patch -- An Acrostic Poem -- Flash 55 Words

 

PUMPKIN PATCH

 

Pumpkin patch beckons now

Under moon's cloud etched light

Met we there long ago

Pure delight evening bliss

Kissed we there, lingering

Instilled a love with lust

Never could it be told

 

Pumpkin patch calls once more

Allure of stolen love

Treasured memory still

Clandestine in our minds

Halved, now miles separate

 

  - - - - -
.
- Photo and Poem Copyright, © 2011 and 2014 Jimmiehov, All Rights Reserved

- Linked with Mama Zen at The Real Toads, Flash Fiction 55 (Link)

- Linked with Kerry at the Real Toads, Open Link Monday (Link)

- Mama Zen requested for her challenge for us to " write a set of 55 words (prose or poetry) ... Results may vary.  Ask your doctor if 55s are right for you."

- For this I have exactly 55 words counting my title.  I chose a syllabic form Acrostic.  I like to write acrostic 'poem's and haven't written one for some time.  The 'Label', 'Acrostic', below will take you to some other acrostic 'poems' I have written.

- As usual, there is some truth in this poem as I have lived several lives within this life I am living in since birth.  Just say it was pre-Mrs. Jim and not nearly as dramatic nor romantic as I have written here.  Of course the setting was not in a Pumpkin Patch but since November is upon us with its usual pumpkin harvest I thought it would be nice to use for my '55 words. I must confess, this piece, while fiction, is loosely based on facts as they 'could have been.'