You refuse to send the words
Erasing what’s on your mind
Afraid that they will hurt
And put the friendship in a bind
But all you speak is honesty
From deep within your heart
And I know that you would never do
Damage that would break us apart
So my friend listen when I tell you
No need to backspace now
Just tell it like it is to me
Give me all the truth allows
Written for Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (FOWC) – erase
The song ended and there was a tumultuous roar from the crowd. The band had performed a final encore and the crowd was still hungry for more. There was applause and stomping, yelling and screaming for more. But the band had already spent all their energy after a two-and-a-half-hour concert.
The crowd slowly began to quiet, realizing the band would not return again, and Donna picked up her purse and made her way to the stage. She had a friend who had done this and had to try. She saw one of the stagehands unplugging wires and asked, “Excuse me, is it possible to get a set list from the show?”
He turned to her and smiled. “Sure, do you have a preference as to who’s list it is?”
She thought for a moment, “I would like Joe’s if I could.”
“No problem, miss.” He went towards the keyboards where Joe had just performed and grabbed a sheet of paper taking it to Donna.
“Oh, thank you so much, sir.” She was in heaven from the live music and the unbelievable bit of memorabilia she had just scored. This was one of her best concerts ever. Now, if there was just a way to meet Joe, she thought.
Written for Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (FOWC) – tumultuous
She slowly walked towards the pool table. He had his back to her. She stood behind him and said, “Stripes or solids sir?”
Surprised he turned around quickly. When he saw it was her he threw his arms around her and said, “Welcome home stranger!”
“Well you know, it doesn’t get any stranger than me.”
“You always had a way with words. Are you back for good?”
“Yeah, just had to get away for a little you know. It was a little intense here.”
“I am so glad you are back. Did you shake what was gnawing at you?”
From the other side of the table a man spoke up, “Are you going to take your shot today?”
He turned to the voice, put his arm around her and said, “for this, I will forfeit the game.” And he laid his pool cue down on the table and walked to the bar with her, smiling the whole way.
Written for Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (FOWC) – solid
Not too long ago I mentioned how I love music. Well as soon as I saw the word prompt two songs came into my head and no way to shake them but give in and post.
The band is The Offspring and the song is Pretty Fly (For A White Guy), not a favorite song but oh so catchy. Here, let’s get it stuck in your head too…
And whenever I hear that song it triggers something deep inside me, a slightly off kilter place. Maybe one would even call it Demented. I think I probably heard this on the Dr Demento show. All I know is once you’ve heard it you just cant keep Weird Al out of your head…
For Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (FOWC) – offspring
I don’t know why
I thought I could do this
Holidays are for gathering
I should have known this wouldn’t work
But here I sit with knots in my stomach
And tears on my cheeks
Feeling like I am forgotten
Although I know I am not
It’s just a matter of circumstance
That I spend this holiday alone
No late night baking
No early morning to start the food
I can do whatever I want
…
Except what I want is to spend it with you
And I know that is not possible
Too many years have gone by
For me to be hurting like this
But I truly wish you weren’t in heaven
And could share this special day
Laughter and happiness
And a swelling pride about our child
…
What I do instead is embrace my tears
And reminisce our love
Before the poison took it away
Our life was once like paradise
A smile at the twinkle in your eyes
and a blush from just a touch
the passion and friendship we shared
was really once in a lifetime
…
So I take a deep breath and sigh
Before the memories get muddled
By the way it all had to end
I think of our daughter and son-in-law
And hope they are eating well
I know you would be happy for them
To have found each other to love
And that is what I hold onto
Knowing you are with them in spirit
And somehow I don’t feel so alone anymore
Written for Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (FOWC) – knot
Gone are the days
Of just going to the doctor
They no longer can fix
Everything that ails you
You have a headache –
Go see the neurologist
You feel your heart racing
Call the new cardiologist
Your joints are arthritic
See someone in orthopedics
Sneezing a lot
Make haste to the allergist
Hard to catch your breath
That is time with a pulmonologist
So pull up the clinic’s doctor guide
And see all the practicing specialist
But don’t forget your referral…
I guess your PCP is still good for one thing
Written for Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (FOWC) – specialist
“Real art is one of the most powerful forces in the rise of mankind, and he who renders it acceptable to as many people as possible is a benefactor of humanity.” – Zoltan Kodaly
Art comes in many forms and can truly move you. Whether it is a photograph of a mountain you want to see some day, a sculpture of an inspiring person you wish to be like, or a painting of a field of flowers you can practically smell, it all touches a part of us that brings joy. It could be an intensifying piece from a symphony or the gentle movements of graceful dancers in the performing arts that brings back a memory or entices a moment.
Art can open our eyes to other cultures, times and ways of life. Teaching us, inspiring us and so often an encouragement to keep moving. One of my favorite forms of art is photography. A mood can be captured with the press of a button. The right lighting and composition can create a response you never expected.
As the winter months come upon us soon, why not plan a trip to a local museum? You can escape a little with the beauty of art in a nice warm environment. Just like stopping to smell the flowers (natural art if you will) you need to take time to appreciate the beauty that has been created all around you.
Written for Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (FOWC) – benefactor
You said hello,
I was intrigued.
You said you wanted to help,
I was taken in.
You said you’d be there,
Was that a lie?
You said you cared,
Was it all an elaborate trick?
You said you were sorry,
Did you even mean it?
You said goodbye,
Maybe it was a blessing in disguise.
Written for Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (FOWC) – trick
We all hide
We take out a mask
And put forth
What the world expects
We often want to vanish
Escape from what we know
To a different life
We can put on a costume
And forget what ails us
But the mask and the costume
Must eventually come off
It is ok to flee for a moment
Take a break
Just don’t expect it to last
Reality will follow us
No matter how good the disguise
Remember the illusion is only temporary
Written for Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (FOWC) – costume
We go to college
To earn more knowledge
But what do we learn
When we only do churn
Out facts and dates
And capitals of states
We become programed rats
Chased by industry cats
Who use what we learned
To make higher returns
On profit and margins
Leaving us the bargain
Of a life of service
That can barely suffice
The necessities of life
And everyday strife
Written for Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (FOWC) – college
Leigha Robbins 