2010 Poetry Slam

I am going to be participating in my first ever Poetry Slam, feel a little more nervous than a regular open mic... I've only been to a few of those, but this seems a little more intensified, especially since there will be judges and everything! Please come out and cheer for me!

SATISFIED?

Satisfied?

Satisfied, satisfied, satisfied, will we ever be?
If we were satisfied it would un-move us, complacency.
Sleep too long, why get up, everything is going to be fine;
No need to be rational or sober, pass the carafe of wine!

Awakened from that life of bliss and not by a dream sweet;
But by foreclosure, repo-man, pull the rug out from under feet.
Satisfied, satisfied, didn’t think you’d ever become hurt;
Satisfied and by satisfaction decided you didn’t have to work.

Empty hand, empty belly, empty life, are you still full of pride?
Life on the street a rude awakening; are you still satisfied?


Katherine Norland © 6-7-09 All Rights Reserved

weSPARK Book Coming Out

I had been going to weSPARK most Tuesday's for their writer's group. The leader would throw out a topic or play music or pass around an item or a picture and then she'd give us about 5 to 7 minutes to write whatever that prompt triggered. Many of the poems on here (so far) were done in those 5 minutes on fire.

Judith from class has put together a collection of writings based on the writers from that group. I have the privilege of having about ten of my poems in that book that should be out later this year. It will be available at the weSPARK location and as of right now I'm not sure where else it will be.

But it is sure to be inspiring, thought provoking and even a little dose of humor for good medicine. Proceeds will be going to this important cancer support center. Please do your part and pick up a copy. Visit www.weSpark.org

When Parents Bicker

A Portion of: When Parents Bicker

When parents bicker and fight,
Sometimes it means things are alright;
Over kids or money ration,
Heat means there's still passion.

I’d be more concerned if they didn’t bicker,
That means there’s no longer a flicker.
A flame has gone out, died;
They’ve given up, no longer tried.
Strangers passing in the hall;
Actions rewind, out of love they fall.

Lost ambition to do what they did;
Staying together just for the kid.


Photo by RT Norland

WALKING ON THE PROMISES

The second half of the Poem: Walking on the Promises

My words are few,
no elegance left to express,
I leave it all to you to interpret
my feelings through my smile and dance;
can you see dark clouds disappear,
the sun shine causing new growth,
and drying the tears of loss and pain?
My hands swoop down and pick up my skirt,
and I spin and I spin and I spin,
I dance like no one is watching until
I collapse into a ball of dissipated energy,
rolling into what I once was,
hopeful;
walking on the promises with child-like faith.


Photo by: Judy Crozier

THE SCENT OF SPRINGTIME

2 of the 4 paragraphs from "The Scent of Springtime"

The scent of springtime is in the air;
A cornucopia of colors In awe I stare.
Daffodils dancing across the lawn;
Awoken by Robin Redbreast at dawn.

...

The blanketed snow on my dreams had hovered;
The smell of new beginnings is now uncovered.
I can see clearly now, inspired by the smell of spring;
That all things are possible, yes I mean anything.


Photo by: RT Norland

THE RICH SHOE SHINER

Portions of the Poem: The Rich Shoe Shiner

With a soulful smile he sang “da da da da dooos”;
As he flipped his cloth around and shined up my shoes.
He worked with diligence, singing all the while;
My hard exterior softened, against my better judgment, I’d smile...

How could this poor man, staring at stinky feet all day,
Still have that optimistic countenance and spirit of play?
I looked up at his tip jar of quarters and I didn’t understand
The pleasure he got shining my shoes that cost two grand...

He somehow had a better life and I didn’t want to hear it;
Though I was rich outwardly, I was the one poor in spirit.