Last night I was talking to okcforgottenman in between posting pictures for the selfies prompt. He first said it didn’t sound very much like a prompt I would pursue, then advised me on which pictures seemed too staged (Yes, I removed them), and in the end suggested I add the picture of my shadow on a beach studded with jellyfish. That was a good suggestion and I posted my blog, then noticed that it was 3 a.m.!!!
This chain of events is not unusual, for I rarely try to go to sleep before 2 or 3 and sometimes even later (earlier?) but for some reason, I am always surprised at the hour. I think I said something like, “How did it get to be 3 a.m.?” Forgottenman answered, “Time is a snake,” and for once I was the one who said that would make a good prompt. Of course he agreed and issued the challenge, so here is my poem on the subject, which is not at all as original as his, which I have read. He’s now polishing it. Well, actually, he’s now out mowing his lawn but thinking about polishing it. I’ll give him 24 hours and then I’m posting with or without him. It is 3:30 p.m., September 12, 2015. I’m giving you fair warning, okcforgottenman!!!!
Yaxchilan Divine Serpent
Serpentine
Time is a snake coiled in the dark–
ready to strike, eyes on its mark.
In the sun of youth, the snake may laze
in torpor from the day’s long rays.
If it moves slowly you may not see
time progressing from A to Z,
but as you grow older, it builds up speed,
spurred onward by the urge to feed.
The snake uncoils and starts its race.
Sensing this, you join the chase.
Your goal is what you’re meant to do,
while the serpent’s goal is only you.
With luck, you are still in your prime
when you run your race pursued by time.
For later, fatigue stakes its coup
and you slow until time catches you.
Then it coils gently around your head
in hammock, easy chair or bed.
Its pulsing gyre steals you away–
that final price that life must pay.
See okcforgottenman’s poem written to this same prompt HERE.
We invite you all to write to this same prompt. If you do, please send a link to both of us!
Pingback: Time is a snake. | serial monography: forgottenman's ruminations
Warning noted. Challenge accepted. And here we are, simultaneously posted. Wonderful poem you’ve spun there!
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I just said the same thing on your blog but it was not accepted. I’ll try again.
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Very good! Both of you!
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Thank you, Relax!
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You’re welcome!
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Hot dog, Judy! That was inspired! Loved it!
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Reblogged this on Impromptu Promptlings and commented:
I should get on here late at night more often! I’ve found another poem that I love. It really made me thing of my little experience with the sandals… Great AND frightening, Judy!
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Thanks, Calen, for reblogging. That is always like a lovely gift and it is especially pleasurable to be in the company of S.Thomas on your blog!
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Well, you’re two of my favorites!
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Enjoyed this, terrific poem!
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We are usually up until 2 or three also. I like staying up late and so does Garry. It’s when he watches his favorite old movies and I read (listen) to my books. It’s relaxing time. No phone calls, dogs settled down. The world is sensibly asleep!
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I think they’ve overlooked bed time preference as a category for personality types. I always have gotten along best with night owls.
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I loved the thought. Challenge accepted. (Loved your response too!)
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Please make a link to our blogs so we don’t miss your poem.
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Love it!
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You got a wiggle on with this one!
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Ha.
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A couple snake charmers I see, watch me flee…..
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