Life of a Story
by Kelly F. Barr
A story runs round inside my head,
Often as I attempt to sleep in bed.
Its characters speak to me,
Telling me what will and will not be.
They dictate whom they will love and where they will go,
And from their ups and downs the story will grow.
Each chapter I submit for critique
As tips and advice for improvement I seek.
After edits, Beta Readers have a look,
Then final edits before turning story into book.
Chipmunk Courage
by Kelly F. Barr
Chipmunks running across my deck.
I stand at the top of the steps.
I see one peek from under the shed;
It and another come scurrying up
And stop one step below.
I am here, they know.
One decides to retreat
As the other flashes by my feet.
Red is roses, lips and heat.
Red tastes like strawberries.
Red smells like tomatoes and watermelon.
Red makes me feel romantic.
Red is the sound of burning embers and “I love you”.
Red is flowers, love and a sunset.
Red is a blushing bride on her wedding day.
Red is commitment.
Red is a beating heart.
We Are Diverse; We Are the Same
by Kelly F. Barr
Walking down a city street
I’m intrigued by all the diverse faces;
Some white, some tan, some yellow, some black, some brown,
All attached to diverse bodies:
Some tall, some short, some thin, some fat, some soft, some muscular.
When I talk to people, no matter their skin color, I find diversity
In the music they listen to, the books they read,
The activities they take pleasure in,
The causes they defend, their passions,
The things that get their dander up, and their beliefs.
Some see the diversities as the people themselves.
Some appreciate and respect the diversities; Some fear and abuse the diversities:
The rich kid who looks down on the poor;
The bully in the schoolyard harassing the quiet, unassuming child;
The gangs in the city streets fighting and killing those of different ethnicities.
The racists who see themselves as superior
Verbally and physically attack people of different colors;
The parents who disown their child for converting to a different religion
Or for loving someone whose skin is a different color;
The elderly woman who trembles in fear when a young man with a nose ring walks by.
Despite the diversities, we are all the same;
We are all human. When cut, we bleed the same blood,
When a loved one dies, we all grieve.
We face the same fears and temptations.
We are all born and we all die.
Walking through the hospital E.R., I see
Two gang members who lay bleeding, one black, one Hispanic.
In the maternity ward two moms scream in labor, one white, one Chinese.
In the cancer ward white, tan, yellow, brown and black all on chemotherapy.
I question the doctor. His response,”We’re all the same biologically.”
Yes, we all laugh, we all cry.
We all face challenges and bask in victories.
We all need human interaction so why don’t we reach out a hand
To help one another no matter our skin color?
Together, let us celebrate that, though we are diverse, yet we are the same.
Charlie Brown
clumsy, kind
walking, giving, helping
boy, friend, girl, bully
bossing, mocking, yelling
loud, mean
Lucy
My Faithful Friend
by Kelly F. Barr
His ears perk up when I speak.
His kisses are wet and sloppy.
He senses when I’m sad or ill
And offers me comfort.
As soon as I take a seat
He is right beside me.
He puts his head upon my lap
For a scratch on chin or behind ears.
He’s quiet unless he senses a threat,
Then his growl and bark are menacing.
He is friendly, obedient, faithful
loyal; cuddly, soft and warm.
We play ball and take walks
Or go for rides in the car.
If you haven’t figured it out,
He is my Labrador Retriever.
A Writer’s Life
by Kelly F. Barr
Write, write, write;
Edit, edit, edit
And repeat time after time.
Could drive you crazy if you let it.
Spend hours staring at a blank page
You’re tempted to say, “Forget it!”
But you plod on;
You toil and strain.
For the right words
You rack your brain.
When you type the final page
Satisfaction replaces all the pain.
Turtle
Home upon his back.
He’s never in a hurry.
A pleasant fellow.
I Love the Sun
Sunbeams on my head
Bring warm and cozy feelings.
Sunny days bring joy.
SINUS ALLERGIES
by Kelly F. Barr
Kerchoo! Kerchoo! Kerchoo!
Oh, what am I to do?
Sniffle, sneeze, cough, cough, cough!
This is nothing at which to scoff.
Oh, the pressure in my ears and head!
Cannot sleep — coughing in my bed.
Cough relief ideas — I’ve tried them all;
Nothing causes this cough to stall.
Neti pot, cough drops, Echinacea tea.
From this cough, please set me free.
A tablespoon of honey, Vick’s VapoRub upon my feet.
This cough will not admit defeat.
Sinus allergies are the worst!
Why, with these allergies, must I be cursed?
It’s been a week; I’m not much better.
How much longer must I bear this fetter?
Scurrying Squirrels
by Kelly F. Barr
Watch the squirrels running around,
Digging holes in the ground.
In Fall, to hide treasured nutmeats;
In Spring, to find these precious treats.
They chase each other round and round;
Up one tree, jump to another and down.
They balance with their bushy tails.
Their antics bring us laughter in gales.
When they have babies in their nests
Keeping your distance would be best.
If you get too close, they will loudly scold.
These little critters can be quite bold.
Kelly F Barr 