COME ONE, COME ALL / June 4

June 4, 2010
By Big Tent Poetry

by Carolee, Deb & Jill

It’s show time! It’s time to post your original poem, written in response to Monday’s prompt — where will our wild things be? — or any other inspiration from the week. (We love it when you write to our prompt, but we also love it when you write on a whim. We all know how fickle that muse can be.)

So leave a link to your blog post, or leave your poem itself, in the comments!

Let the show begin! This post is “sticky” — it will stay right here in the spotlight for you all weekend.

Here’s how prompts work under the Big Tent

You’ve got all week to write your poem, based on this week’s prompt. Come Fridays (today!) you’ll find a “Come One, Come All” post (this one!) where you can 1) leave a link to your poem or 2) leave the poem in its entirety.

We want to give you all weekend to post your work and read each others’ work. Take your time. Enjoy all the poems that are new to the world.

Some hints

Hint: We’ve set Big Tent Poetry to Central Time.

Hint: An easy way to check on new post comments is via a RSS reader, if you use one. Here’s the address you would add to your reader: https://bigtentpoetry.org/comments/feed.

Hint: Since we’re a new site, and you’re new to it, your comment(s) will be held for moderation for your first few posts. We’re checking the filters often, so don’t despair! That said, if it takes more than a half a day to see it come live on the site, do email us at info (at) bigtentpoetry.org. (But be patient, okay?)

Circus etiquette

We figure you know how to play in the poetry community, but here are the basics:

Be nice. Have fun. Remember we aren’t a critique forum. We want to support each other as we bring more poetry into our lives. Only provide critique if someone specifically asks for it.

Although we love seeing our badge in the sidebar of your blog, we would appreciate it if you would also link back to the site in each of your poem posts. Linking within your post helps people travel back and forth from your site to the Big Tent Poetry site, and it helps perpetuate Big Tent Poetry “findability” in Google searches — and that helps us all.

One other thing

So it might be more than one. Read our barkers’ articles, if you haven’t recently. Great stuff. Here’s the list of links.

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90 Responses to “ COME ONE, COME ALL / June 4 ”

  1. Joseph Harker on June 4, 2010 at 12:04 am

    Here goes something…

    Shatter

    Reply
    • Sharp Little Pencil on June 4, 2010 at 10:27 pm

      Joseph, as always, your choice of words is impeccable. I didn’t know you had this demon child within! “that waterfall of glass coming down/so fragile and still so deadly” and the reference to handbells, inspired. Really loved this, as freaky as the concept is! Also love seeing your blog in general. It’s “meet-ups” like these where we are reminded to click on each others’ blogs… Amy B.L.

      Reply
  2. Tiel Aisha Ansari on June 4, 2010 at 12:04 am

    Here we go: Daring Heaven

    Reply
    • Sharp Little Pencil on June 4, 2010 at 10:30 pm

      The dares you cite are filled with imagination, Tiel. So many mythological references… your idea of being bigger, more effective, even – intriguing. Loved this one. Amy Barlow Liberatore

      Reply
  3. pamela on June 4, 2010 at 12:20 am

    Thanks for an interesting prompt!
    Pamela

    http://flaubert-poetrywithme.blogspot.com/2010/06/once-again-it-happens-big-tent-poetry.html

    Reply
  4. Brenda Warren on June 4, 2010 at 12:27 am

    Here’s mine. Thanks for the prompt, it surprised me.

    http://bozone-bw.blogspot.com/2010/06/heroin.html

    Reply
    • Sharp Little Pencil on June 4, 2010 at 10:24 pm

      Tried to leave a comment there; wouldn’t “take.”

      First off, if I never see “Trainspotting” again, it will be too soon!! Believe me, if my former friends are any witness, you didn’t miss a thing. I was lucky – in LA in the 70s, and scared of needles. The only drug I didn’t try because I knew I’d like it too much…

      Really, scarily good work, Brenda! Amy B.L.

      Reply
      • Brenda Warren on June 5, 2010 at 10:29 am

        Thanks Amy. Looks like we traveled similar paths for a time. I appreciate the support. Off to your blog…. :) ~Brenda

        Reply
  5. Jeeves on June 4, 2010 at 1:44 am

    http://poemsotherwise.blogspot.com/2010/06/bat-and-me.html

    Reply
    • Carolee on June 4, 2010 at 6:27 am

      twinkle of love in your eyes after being with bats, huh? (i like the surprise of it in the poem!) and you and dave bonta would get along well. have you seen his recent post? it’s here: http://www.vianegativa.us/2010/05/portico-bat/

      Reply
      • Diane Truswell on June 4, 2010 at 2:52 pm

        Jeeves, I can certainly tell you love the dark! Well done!

        Reply
    • Deb on June 4, 2010 at 10:10 pm

      “Rest the soothing” is such a lovely line in the middle of this. I would have a twinkle, too. (They are marvelous critters.)

      Reply
    • Linda Goin on June 4, 2010 at 10:15 pm

      I was never more surprised than to be surprised by a bevy of bats…it was like walking on the edge of flying squirrel hell. But, it sounds as though your experience was much more masterful and…dare I say…loving (goosebumps).

      Reply
    • Pam on June 5, 2010 at 8:42 am

      I love the line: “rest the soothing moon in their wings”.

      Reply
    • Ana on June 5, 2010 at 4:47 pm

      there it is all (the mistery, the love, the temptation). who needs the twilight series?

      Reply
  6. Victoria on June 4, 2010 at 2:00 am

    My response to this prompt surprised me, but it feels right – can’t think of too many other unfulfilled fantasies I could dare to to if I would. http://victoria-andnowpoems.blogspot.com/2010/06/for-big-tent-if-i-would.ht

    Reply
    • vivienne blake on June 4, 2010 at 2:12 am

      Weird, Victoria – it says the page does not exist.
      ViV

      Reply
      • Mary Kling on June 4, 2010 at 6:19 am

        Here is the link to Victoria’s poem:

        http://victoria-andnowpoems.blogspot.com/2010/06/for-big-tent-if-i-would.html

        Reply
        • Carolee on June 4, 2010 at 6:28 am

          thanks, mary!

          Reply
          • Sharp Little Pencil on June 4, 2010 at 10:20 pm

            Victoria:

            WHY NOT? Sounds like a great idea to me!! Seems like this prompt is unlocking some cherished dreams. Thanks, Amy

  7. vivienne blake on June 4, 2010 at 2:02 am

    I’m on a theme here, my second rebellious poem is as many days http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com

    Reply
  8. vivienne blake on June 4, 2010 at 2:11 am

    So beautiful, Jeeves: “Rest the soothing moon in their anxious wings” is elegantly put.

    Reply
  9. vivienne blake on June 4, 2010 at 2:14 am

    Oh dear, I’m back in the naughty spam box again. It makes me feel unwanted and unwelcome!
    ViV

    Reply
    • Carolee on June 4, 2010 at 6:34 am

      you are wanted and welcome that’s why we take extra care and so tenderly scoop you out of the filter and set you on the ledge so you can dry your wings and flutter off back into the comments. :)

      Reply
    • Rallentanda on June 5, 2010 at 9:02 am

      What is it about us Viv that is so attractive to spam? Third time for me.

      Reply
  10. Big Tent Prompt 31.5.10 « Vivinfrance's Blog on June 4, 2010 at 3:36 am
    Reply
  11. rob kistner on June 4, 2010 at 3:50 am

    Beware the eyes of night… Lupus Luna

    Reply
    • rob kistner on June 5, 2010 at 11:55 am

      I am compelled to post this homage, the world has lost a great and humble man: Words of the Wizard

      Reply
  12. stacey wilson on June 4, 2010 at 4:29 am

    When I grow up….
    http://theoddinkwell.com/2010/06/04/career-day-assignment/

    Reply
  13. Gemma@Greyscale on June 4, 2010 at 5:09 am

    You wished for weird and crazy! I have weird and crazy!

    here

    Reply
  14. Carolee on June 4, 2010 at 5:15 am

    that moon jill saw (from here in upstate new york) was amazing!

    here’s my poem for it:

    http://caroleesherwood.wordpress.com/2010/06/04/big-tent-poetry-full-moon-notes/

    Reply
  15. Stan Ski on June 4, 2010 at 5:36 am

    Here’s mine: RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW

    Reply
  16. nan on June 4, 2010 at 5:40 am

    This is what came to me this week: the dilettante’s dream.

    Reply
  17. Mary Kling on June 4, 2010 at 5:45 am

    Here’s mine, based on a real experience:

    http://inthecornerofmyeye.blogspot.com/2010/06/tauranga-jet-boat-ride.html

    Reply
  18. Rachel Barenblat on June 4, 2010 at 6:30 am

    Here’s what I wrote:

    First Day
    http://velveteenrabbi.blogs.com/blog/2010/06/another-mother-poem-first-day.html

    Reply
  19. Carolee on June 4, 2010 at 7:02 am

    it’s already busy in the big tent! happy friday, everyone!

    Reply
  20. Amputated Moon » Life of Possibilities on June 4, 2010 at 7:21 am

    [...] Big Tent Poetry’s [...]

    Reply
  21. Pam on June 4, 2010 at 7:23 am

    I confess that I took all of my inspiration from Mary Oliver this week:

    Life of Possibilities

    Reply
  22. Linda Watskin on June 4, 2010 at 7:39 am

    The prompt made me think of what is important to me—
    http://word-painting.blogspot.com/2010/06/amor-est-vitae-essentia.html

    Reply
  23. angie on June 4, 2010 at 8:06 am

    mine is short — but not too sweet.
    be careful out there.

    http://therer2doors.wordpress.com/2010/06/03/phoem-moon/

    Reply
  24. Cynthia Short on June 4, 2010 at 8:28 am

    Here is a little “confessional” I put together…
    http://cynthiashort.blogspot.com

    Reply
  25. barbara on June 4, 2010 at 8:40 am

    Don’t know why, but I went blank on this. So I wrote Dream

    Reply
  26. Carolee on June 4, 2010 at 8:50 am

    jill’s prompt struck a nerve! a second poem from me here:

    http://caroleesherwood.wordpress.com/2010/06/04/another-big-tent-full-moon-notes/

    Reply
  27. Nathan Landau on June 4, 2010 at 9:25 am

    I really hate going to the doctor.

    “Anachronism”

    http://poemsaboutnothinginparticular.blogspot.com/2010/06/anachronism.html

    Reply
  28. Diane Truswell on June 4, 2010 at 9:26 am

    At first, I thought I’d done everything I have wanted to do. I’ve had many unexpected ‘adventures’ in life, lol. But then, suddenly the ONE thing I really wanted to do and haven’t came to me… here’s the link.

    http://troublebeingstrong.blogspot.com/2010/06/pedaling-through-provence.html

    Reply
  29. Linda Goin on June 4, 2010 at 9:44 am

    LOL — what a klutz. I posted my poem link on the prompt page. You all might want to remove it if you have time.

    I wrote a poem on the prompt for the prompt…the moon.

    http://lindagoin.com/2010/as-familiar-as-the-moon.html

    Reply
    • Sharp Little Pencil on June 4, 2010 at 10:17 pm

      Linda, considering all that’s up, this was totally unexpected. Lovely (I love all your work, but the “here and now” is the part that surprised me). Hope others log on to read it as well! Take care and keep on keepin’ on, Amy

      Reply
  30. What is Hidden in Ourselves? | Rubies in Crystal on June 4, 2010 at 10:17 am

    [...] ____ I wrote this prosepoem 5 years ago, but edited it for Big Tent Poetry’s June 4th poetry prompt: where will our wild things be?. [...]

    Reply
  31. Brenda Clews on June 4, 2010 at 10:22 am

    What is Hidden in Ourselves?. A prosepoem edit of something I wrote 5 years ago that shows I understand the question and implicitly reveals other selves that on occasion I’ve dared to be! ::grins::

    Reply
  32. irene on June 4, 2010 at 10:47 am

    Moon-inspired I think.

    the moon is

    Reply
  33. Francis Scudellari on June 4, 2010 at 11:13 am

    I got carried away by the talk of full moon’s and werewolves:
    Hair in unwanted places

    Reply
    • vivienne blake on June 4, 2010 at 11:23 am

      I commented once, and it told me “service unavailable”
      I said: you’ve really caught the spirit of this prompt. Bravo

      And the word verification letters were: killy!
      ViV

      Reply
  34. Tumblewords on June 4, 2010 at 11:46 am

    Mine is here – Thanks!

    Roundabout

    Reply
    • Sharp Little Pencil on June 4, 2010 at 10:14 pm

      Who is this person? Certainly not you, not from what I’ve read, anyway! You are a daring woman…

      The start-stop of this poem struck me. One step forward, the toe in the water and chickening out on the bellyflop into the pool! Nice poem.

      Reply
  35. gautami tripathy on June 4, 2010 at 12:08 pm

    Mine is outside of it:

    http://firmlyrooted.blogspot.com/2010/06/motivational-speaking-is-hogwash.html

    Reply
  36. EKSwitaj on June 4, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    I’m a little angry today: Having Been Denied

    Reply
    • Sharp Little Pencil on June 4, 2010 at 10:12 pm

      A different kind of letting go – and very well done. It was a mantra with me and my girl, “I didn’t burn my bra so you had to…” (fill in blank: Wear a dress instead of your tux to prom, conform with societal norms, play clarinet instead of drums because the teacher thought drums weren’t for girls…).

      Sometimes you have to let it out, let it rip, rend the fabric. Well done. Amy

      Reply
  37. vivienne blake on June 4, 2010 at 1:16 pm

    I really like that: the rage came through, and the defiance. You can calm down now.
    ViV

    Reply
  38. Donald Harbour on June 4, 2010 at 3:41 pm

    While I was napping you walked into the shadows. But then, when I look out of the corner of my eye, in the periphery, I see a glimpse of you, and now I know where you are.
    The curtain of déjà vu

    Reply
    • Deb on June 4, 2010 at 6:30 pm

      Welcome to the Big Tent, Donald. Nice to see you here.

      Reply
      • Donald Harbour on June 5, 2010 at 6:15 am

        Thanks Deb. Haven’t written much lately, the squash, peas corn, and mosquitoes have demanded my time. Keep smiling.

        Reply
  39. Deb on June 4, 2010 at 7:06 pm

    Hello, hello circus-goers.

    Here’s mine: Surgical Time Travel.

    Now to read you all!

    Reply
    • Sharp Little Pencil on June 4, 2010 at 10:09 pm

      Love this. You really let go in the space/time continuum! Great imagination here, Deb. Thanks! Amy

      Reply
    • vivienne blake on June 5, 2010 at 10:14 am

      Exciting, wonderful ideas to pursue. I enjoyed the rhyme and half rhyme, too.
      ViV

      Reply
  40. Peggy Goetz on June 4, 2010 at 7:13 pm

    Here is mine. I will post it right here:

    Something I always wanted to do but never dared

    Icarus Me

    Ever since I first heard about it
    probably in high school, I wanted
    to try skydiving. I have no idea why
    this still draws me. I am generally
    quite reticent about heights. Rickety stairs
    clinging to the sides of old buildings,
    wind-swept ledges, narrow ridges
    even with stunning views, not for
    me. Standing by the open door
    waiting to leap sounds terrifying,
    but skydiving itself sounds mystical
    exhilarating beyond my world
    and still, though most operators
    would say I’m too old, I hear it call
    as strong as ever. Perhaps
    I have just always wanted to
    open my wings and fly with the birds.

    Reply
    • Diane Truswell on June 4, 2010 at 9:08 pm

      This is something I would never do, lol. But I much admire people that do. Oh, I would like to fly with the birds, though! Great poem!

      Reply
    • carolee on June 4, 2010 at 10:43 pm

      isn’t that interesting how one aspect of heights can have allure and the others create fear? a great idea to try to capture!

      Reply
      • Diane Truswell on June 5, 2010 at 8:58 am

        For me it’s not height. It’s knowing a friend whose husband was a sky diving teacher and he died. My friend told me he always knew it would happen.

        Reply
    • Cynthia Short on June 6, 2010 at 8:34 am

      This is on my bucket list…really enjoyed you you think it will make you feel, and the last two lines are quite lovely.

      Reply
    • Deb on June 6, 2010 at 12:52 pm

      Terrific line breaks in here! “would say I’m too old, I hear it call/ as strong as ever. Perhaps” in particular.

      Reply
  41. Mallery on June 4, 2010 at 7:51 pm

    Mine is here: Coat rack, another poem combining both this prompt and the one at We Write Poems (their prompt was “doors” this week)

    Reply
  42. Dina Spice on June 4, 2010 at 7:58 pm

    Adored this prompt! Thank you, thank you for such inspiration once again….

    http://mypoeticlicense.wordpress.com/2010/06/04/mute/

    - Dina

    Reply
    • Sharp Little Pencil on June 4, 2010 at 10:07 pm

      Left a comment for you. WOW – folks, don’t miss this one!

      Reply
  43. As Familiar as the Moon on June 4, 2010 at 8:40 pm

    [...] sure to visit Big Tent Poetry to read what other poets wrote for this [...]

    Reply
  44. Sharp Little Pencil on June 4, 2010 at 10:03 pm

    OK, here goes. Those who know me understand it’s hard for me to break my tradition of being shy, reserved, and observant of all proprieties… (yeah, right!) Fun prompt, thanks!

    http://amybarlowpoetry.blogspot.com/2010/06/dance-groove-funhouse-big-tent-prompt.html

    Reply
  45. Rallentanda on June 5, 2010 at 6:36 am

    Another Icarus poem with a difference.
    ” Sun Fried”
    http://rallentanda.blogspot.com

    Reply
  46. Uma Gowrishankar on June 5, 2010 at 7:41 am

    Here is my poem for the prompt – http://umaathreya.blogsome.com/2010/06/05/the-perfect-golden-morning/

    Reply
    • carolee on June 6, 2010 at 8:30 am

      hi, uma! and hi, everyone!

      this just came to mind while i visited your post and i thought i’d use it as an example. (hope that’s ok!)

      in her post, uma links back to big tent poetry and that is soooooo helpful to us. (she also uses our logo, which is wonderful!)

      circus-goers, though you don’t need to use the logo, please please please please please include a link back here to big tent poetry in your poem posts.

      many of you are using “big tent poetry” as a tag or in your post titles (many shortening it to BTP) but the thing that really helps our community is when you type “big tent poetry” somewhere in your post and link it back here.

      ok. thanks. begging done. commence poetry.

      Reply
  47. Ana on June 5, 2010 at 3:36 pm

    Anaïs: Under the big tent :step 3

    I had those oiled stained bird images follow me and I was about to skip a prompt about a full moon. I was later able to connect the dots with this draft.

    Reply
  48. Dave on June 5, 2010 at 3:47 pm

    I listened to the Train Song — kinda like a siren song for hobo wanna-bes.

    Reply
  49. vivienne blake on June 6, 2010 at 2:17 am

    Terrific poem: full of rhythm, subtle rhymes and half-rhymes and words that pull the wanderlust to the surface.
    ViV

    Reply
  50. vivienne blake on June 6, 2010 at 8:11 am

    Still in rebellious mode, I’ve posted another more or less off topic poem: http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com
    You’ll need to scroll down to find my on-prompt poem.

    (Fixed the link — missing a “d” in wordpress. :-) )

    Reply
    • Deb on June 6, 2010 at 1:50 pm

      http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com/2010/06/06/still-in-rebellious-mode/ Is the direct link.

      Reply

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