The funeral dress

Like a cloak, grief worn
Thick and heavy upon us
In our time of mourn

H*A*I*K*U

Humbly authoring
Imaginative kickshaws
Unrelentingly

Humility

Without brag or boast
Mutely achieving greatness
Never seeks a toast

Seven virtues series: Chastity, Temperance,  Charity, Diligence, Patience, Kindness, Humility

Kindness

Helping a neighbor
Showing respect and good will
An endearing skill

Seven virtues series: Chastity, Temperance,  Charity, Diligence, Patience, Kindness, Humility

Patience

Tranquilly facing
Life’s trials and tribulations
Steely nerves bracing

Seven virtues series: Chastity, Temperance,  Charity, Diligence, Patience, Kindness, Humility

Diligence

Tending to details
Shows integrity and pride
Quality is vied

Seven virtues series: Chastity, Temperance,  Charity, Diligence, Patience, Kindness, Humility

Charity

Giving of ourselves
From our pocket or with time
Reaps rewards divine

Seven virtues series: Chastity, Temperance,  Charity, Diligence, Patience, Kindness, Humility

Temperance

Practicing restraint
Helps us to appreciate
What is on our plate


Seven virtues series: Chastity, Temperance,  Charity, Diligence, Patience, Kindness, Humility

Chastity

When we forgo urge
Our deep emotional bonds
Are more clearly forged

Seven virtues series: Chastity, Temperance,  Charity, Diligence, Patience, Kindness, Humility

Beyond prejudices

Race, religion, creed
Should not define friend or foe
Judge only by deed

Elastic bonds

Despite life’s fractures
Even with distance between
Friendship will remain

River’s tail

The estuary
Teeming with grace and beauty
Natures aviary

For my wife

My eternal mate
By my side, makes me complete
Love will not abate

The Diva

Why all the drama
There’s no need for pageantry
It’s just you and me

Cupid Investment

Love made commercial
On this holiday of hearts
Spending plays the part

Superfluous poetry

Redundant prose
Fill this pleonastic drivel
With syllabic woes

For Deirdre Hock - Suggested word: Pleonastic

Tomayto / Tomahto

Together they sit
Courage and Foolhardiness
Split up by intent

For Brad Stuhlsatz - Suggested word: Courage

Sad little man

Self-conscious he sits
The pitiful pilgarlic
Follicle bereft

Deirdre Hock - Suggested word: Pilgarlic

Just add salt and lime

Sipping Tequila
That sweet golden elixir
No need for mixer

For Darla Baker-Hoffpauir - Suggested word: Tequila

Paying our debts

Time taxes us all
From each a different toll
Lessening our whole

Brad Stuhlsatz - Suggested word: Taxes

Finding equilibrium

Striking the balance
Between sensible and fun;
Life's grand conundrum

For Deirdre Hock - Suggested word: Conundrum

Unwavering belief

From faith we draw strength
In hard times helping us cope
With courage and hope

For Michelle Reece - Suggested word: Faith

False sympathy

From crocodile eyes
Flow those gratuitous tears
Pretending to care

For Jeanne Jacobs - Suggested word: Gratuitous

Need a vacation

Looking for a beach
And lackadaisical days
To relax and laze

For Darla Baker-Hoffpauir - Suggested word: Lackadaisical

Made for each other

Opposites attract
Like yin and yang juxtaposed
An eternal pact

For Regina DuLac - Suggested word: Juxtaposed

Thrust into the limelight

Humble by nature
The hero by circumstance
Born of fateful chance

For Tiffany Francis - Suggested word: Hero

Art on a grand scale

Breathtaking sunsets
Canvas of the western sky
Beauty to the eye

For Lisa Navarro - Suggested word: Sunset

Thrill seekers

Life on razors edge
Dangerous and exciting
Until cut and bled