I’m a little behind with writing and posting my poems, which is not surprising. With four of my own books I’m revising and one I’ve been hired to edit, my schedule has been locked. I haven’t forgotten about the challenge, and I haven’t given up, but I admit to already being off-schedule. The prompt list is posted below in case you want to follow along or, even better, participate.
Having said all that, this is one I thought important to share. While it was inspired by the prompt, it was influenced by the things happening in this country.
Figure of Speech
Growing up,
Things were often said
Off-color, derogatory things
Things that made me go hmmm
Until hmmm became how
And how became how far will they go
Before the words become flags
Flags flown half staff
A testament to their lost integrity
When the lie they told themselves
The promise they meant nothing by it
That it was nothing more than a joke
A figure of speech that everyone used
But not everyone, just everyone like them
Everyone they deemed important
Important figures with impeccable speech
Because their words held keys
Keys to the actions they wanted to take
Because taking was a promise they’d been given
Growing up.
