Author Archives: Dr. Crystal Grimes

“Clipping Changes” Ronovan Writes #Weekly #Haiku #Challenge #Poem

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I feel like I’m clipped
Having wings but cannot fly
I’m a world apart

I’m a world apart
In a void of my making
I long to be free

I long to be free
Even if in the same place
To spread my wings wide

To spread my wings wide
I must leave this patterned life
Choosing change renews

—
This is my attempt to write a Shi Rensa Haiku, created by Ronovan. You can learn how to write one and take part in this week’s challenge, using the words clip and wings,
here.

Thanks for the words and the form challenge, Ronovan!

“The Little Horses” DSE #6 #Music

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Also known as “All the Pretty Little Horses,” the origin of this American folk song is unknown. This arrangement is based on one by Aaron Copland.

This is the sixth in my series of
double strung experiments,
playing lyre and zither at the same time. You will hear the accompaniment weaving around the melody, without stopping it. Having two separate sets of strings, one for each hand, makes this possible.

I hope you enjoy this haunting lullaby!

Smiling Sphere #3TC #Poem

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His head is an arrogant, smiling sphere.
He never does listen, though claiming to hear.

He thinks that he’s needed, when really he’s not;
As far as men go, he believes he is hot.

He says all the right things until you’re alone;
It’s then you find out he’s a windbag ego!

He talks of himself like he’s some kind of king;
The truth is, this man doesn’t do anything.

O never you mind what you want, do or say,
Because it’s all wrong if it isn’t his way.

He hates this exact kind of treatment, it’s true,
But never does realize his own attitude.

He talks and he talks and he talks and he talks,
Not lending a thought to the path that he walks.

I can’t stand his company driving me mad,
And I cannot pretend that it makes me feel bad.

I wonder his head can still fit through the door;
Despite all the air, can he fill it with more?

Yet I could consider him farther removed
By sticking a pin in his ego balloon!

—
I used all three things in the first line and had to continue, for today’s
#Threethingschallenge.

Cleansing Fountain #Music

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This American folk melody is one of several musical settings for the hymn, “There is a Fountain,” also known by its full first line, “There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood.” The lyrics were written by William Cowper in 1772. I hope you enjoy this peaceful lyre arrangement!

When I Am Old #Poem

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When I am old,
I will only be old
to those younger than I am,
unless I’m still in chronic pain,
which makes me old already.

When I am old,
I will have some leisure time
to smell the wild huckleberries,
pick what I need,
and bake pies to share.

When I am old,
I won’t see the cumulonimbus clouds passing,
but I will sense them
as I sense everything.
I will learn their secrets.

When I am old,
I will sit on the porch
that I don’t have yet,
enjoying the verdant Springtime.
The grass is always greener after Winter.

When I am old,
I will still take in life
like a new spice market.
Because old or not, pain or pleasure,
I am here!

When I am old
and my candlelight grows dim,
I will reflect on my life.
It’s not polished to perfection like antique brass,
But… it… is… good!

—
My response to Linda Kruschke’s
Paint Chip Poetry Prompt #37, When I’m Old.

I’m glad this didn’t turn out to be a sad poem!

A Simple Gift #Poem

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Play or download the poem, accompanied by lyre, one of the oldest known stringed instruments.

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When you feel broken, you can mend.
When you have fallen, take these wings.
They carry you on weightless strings,
For music is a trusted friend.

As notes and words and voices blend,
Your soul is free and mind is clear.
Your heart refuses now to fear.
In time your body knows the wealth
Of perfect love and joyous health
From Spirit’s music given here.

—
This is a Décima for
Ronovan Writes Décima Poetry Challenge Prompt No. 22 (BLEND) This week, it’s the A rhyme line.

I’ve been reading some of the responses for weeks and finally decided to try writing one! I really enjoyed it!

This bass line and chord progression are the same ones I used in
Song of the Bluefin Tuna,
but different accompaniment and rhythm change the mood. 🙂

See You in Court #SixSentenceStories

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“The courtroom gallery is packed
To bursting!” So they say.
It feels just like a circus
Throughout the trial day.
I promise now to tell the truth.
To you it might sound fruity.
I really want to sit and serve
A term of jury duty!

—
Written for
#SixSentenceStories: Gallery.

Do let me know in the comments if you’ve ever had jury duty and, dare I say, whether you liked it(?) 🙂

The Water Is Wide #Music

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Here is another traditional melody often used in harp therapy sessions. It is a Scottish folk song, first published in 1906. Though its lyrics are not the happiest, as they tell the story of a lost or unhappy love affair, the melody is calming and well-known. I hope you enjoy hearing it played on lyre!