The little things

We're challenged today to write an ode to life's small pleasures. There is so much that I enjoy and so many things for which I am grateful, I could write volumes. However, I'm going to try to focus my thoughts...

Every little thing

It's being able to lie in,

not rush,

do my own thing

It's time with family,

with friends,

just sitting with them

It's fresh filter coffee,

cheese cake

and flowers in my garden

It's bird song,

a spring breeze,

even contented silence

It's an absorbing book,

sad songs

and poetry

It's night markets,

violins

and laughter

It's dancing across the street,

watching sunsets with friends

and sad goodbyes

It's every little thing

in every little moment

forever in my mind

Andrea Vermaak © 2020

The last stretch...

Today is the last day of NaPoWriMo 2014. I need to write eight more poems to complete the challenge of writing 30 poems in 30 days. Although I began late, missed a few days of writing due to work and such, and wrote more than one poem on other days - no matter how unconventionally I strive to meet the challenge - I, nonetheless, endeavour to meet it!

Today I am going to have a bit of fun, challenging myself to write in the style of a few poems to which I have recently been reintroduced in my readings. I will also write a few poems prompted by our hostess.

Firstly, I wish to write an ode. An ode is a poem which praises or glorifies 'an event or individual, describing nature intellectually as well as emotionally'.

I will take cue from the classic ode, structured in three major parts: the strophe, the antistrophe and the epode. However, I will use the English ode's most common rhyme scheme (also used by John Keats in his famous odes): ABABCDECDE. Keats also makes use of iambic pentameter. I'll do my best...

I will use a prompt from a dear cousin to write a humorous piece dedicated to one of my favourite subjects (read 'obsession'): cheese.

 

Ode to Cheese

 

Oh yellow goodness mild, potent and sweet

On all occasions do we eat you oft',

You're lovely melted and poured over meat,

You're wonderful crumbly, hardened and soft;

Often do we eat you on toasted bread,

We like to cut you into thick slices,

In a pot we melt you with herbs and wine,

For sarmies we love you as a thick spread,

Sometimes we add pepper, salt and spices -

In any form with you we'd like to dine.

 

Since I discovered you, I loved you much,

Of all your flavours I love gouda most,

If ever I am craving cheese as such

I grab some bread and make a piece of toast;

I cut thick slices of your golden glow,

Add lemon pepper and watch 'til you melt,

Until your deliciousness starts ooze,

Then I grab you and eat you on the go;

More delight have I very seldom felt,

Of you my friend, I will not dare to lose.

 

 

Now that I have declared my love for you,

Now that I can't think of more words to write,

I do, dear cheese, hope that you love me too,

As very little are you out of sight;

For breakfast, I'll make sure that you are there,

For lunch, I'll take you to my favourite park

Where I'll eat you melted over my fries;

For dinner we'll dine with fine wine and flair,

For cheese must always be there after dark,

And I will never to you say goodbye.

 

Andrea Vermaak