NO ONE'S WORTH WAITING FOR

Gotta run,
Yada-Yada,
Meeting, Meeting,
Yada-Yada,
lunchtime's done,
Yada-Yada,
Prompt's begun,
Yada-Yada,
No one's worth waiting
a whole morning for
except our leader,
Yada-Yada.


(I think I saved THAT one!)

Nobody’s Worth It

Believe me.
No matter the torrent in your heart
Or the piercing laceration of his words,
Nobody’s worth it.

Taking away all possibilities and
Shaving off your speck of existence
For what?
For whom?
Forget it!
No way is he worth it.

Don’t
SLAM
The door
On Life.

There was a you before him
And there will be after
If only you believe
Nobody,
And I mean nobody’s worth it!

NO BODY IS WORTH NOTHING

They say that each of us has a price,
of that we can be sure,
quick to offer some advice
as if it were the cure.
And when we're feeling not ourselves
and mired in self-doubt,
think about the things you have,
and you'll have it figured out.
We truly have a value,
Every gal and guy,
which pays our way to live each day,
the best life cash can buy.
We're all somebody's someone,
we have so much to give,
we pay our "bill", and give our thrill,
we nurture and forgive.
In the scheme of God's grand puzzle
we are that "missing piece",
we fill the void up with our gift,
which gives us a new lease.
If you are a wiz with wood,
some baker breaking bread,
an alchemist with a heart of gold,
(which yesterday was lead)
A parent with an open ear
and a heart that matches that,
A friend indeed to a friend in need,
or the clean up guy at bat,
a writer with a way with words,
or Amish butter churner,
a teacher who devotes their time
to a struggling young learner,
we, all of us carry so much weight,
our value surely something,
and give it back to all humankind,
for no body is worth nothing.

Really loving ALL the great stuff here so far...

Colleen, I feel you pain and see your redemption. Emotionally charged.
Good piece.

And...

Nobody’s Worth Losing My Humor Over

If I don’t often laugh at me
I fear in the abyss I’ll be

Depression looms close by at times
Dissolves a bit by silly rhymes

A wrong word in speech or on page
Should send me into inward rage

Instead a picture I project
In bold letters “Oh, what the heck?”

Raining gold g-strings, pink poodles
Mad images I’ve got oodles

Bold chipmunks flying through the air
50’s aliens with a glare

A giggle, a grin, a chuckle
Prevent my knees from a buckle

Instead of fear of saving face
I open humor’s trusty case

Nobody's Worth Nothing

The latest nobody
was taken to the morgue
and they slid him out
of a silver drawer
with a tag on his toe
so you could see
if he was your brother.

He wasn't.

And at that moment
that fact was all
that mattered to you.
Your brief connection
to this man was over
and the sheet was dropped again.

Yet his spirit tried to be heard
with his muffled voice
ever so slightly
lifting the sheet
as he tried to warn you
to find your real brother
before it was too late.

It wasn't.

And that was all
that mattered to him.
His brief connection
to you was over
and the sheet was dropped again.

And you could have sworn
you heard him whisper
and it made you say, "Huh?"
until the coroner asked, "What?"

And you replied, "For a minute
I thought I heard somebody,
but it was nobody."

It wasn't.

nobody's worth completely understanding

when I said
I understand,
what I meant was
I've heard enough
to know I will
never understand.
and that's ok,
I like mystery
in my life.

Hmm, somehow mine didn't post... hope it works this time. Robert, I think you had us worried, glad everything is okay! :)

NOBODY'S WORTH THIS SHIT

The streetlights click;
I'm bathed in orange light outside your condo,
smoking cigarettes. You've woven
lies from smiles,
cast your nets of promises,
that some forsaken night,
you might be ready, leave your shrewish wife,
and flee with me, Ibiza-bound
for tropic breezes,
cocktails,
put fancies to a stop,
throw off pretense you've worn for all your life;
and see me.
Every coffee break and chat, each touch,
each word, would give me hope--
but no,
it's cold out here, and I can hear you two are
doing kama sutra, things like that.
I'm done.
I live in fantasies, and so,
(least, til tomorrow)
I won't weep for you.

Also, Walt: haha, cute.

And Patricia: gave me goosebumps, excellent! :)

"Nobody’s Worth”


On March 3, 1859, the race course
at Savannah was packed with people.
They had come for the largest slave auction
in American history –
436 men,
women, children
and babies
to be sold.
The slaves were owned by Pierce M. Butler,
a Philadelphia man,
inheritor of rice and cotton plantations,
deeply in debt.
The auction was in a narrow room.
One by one, the slave families were pulled
out to the stand
for the buyers to assess.
Value depended on age and fitness.
Babies cost $100.
Older women were not valuable at all.
One mother had just given birth.
She stood on the stand,
her newborn wrapped in a shawl.
The buyers yelled at her
to remove the shawl.
They had to see her better
to know what she was worth.
And she did unwrap the shawl,
holding her baby’s soft head
so it wouldn’t fall.
But they didn’t see her at all--
not her or her baby,
worth more than those men
could ever pay, and soon to be free, too.

Great minds and all that--been working on this since I saw the post with 0 entries up--any guesses how many will have this title before the week is through?
Chev--yeah--a little mystery is good. Well done

Nobody's worth Nothing


Each crinkle and loop of each brain--
one of a kind originals--
traces a pattern all its own
made more rare and complicated
by the varied words, sights, and sounds
absorbed almost by osmosis
since the moment of conception.

Then start adding free will choices
with all their multiple branching
paths leading to ever more cross roads
lined by Greek choruses chanting
strange unique major and minor
harmonies in unknown language,
each stop boasting different voices.

No same press numbered editions--
where only the signature's real.
These poiema each a masterwork,
crafted with care and pure genius,
inscribed in the author's own hand,
worth millions at open auction.
( Even more has already been paid)

 No body’s Worth This


She was a single mother
Trying to be both mom and father
She had a daughter and her step brother
Having been called in so many times,
she thought why even bother

Forcing herself away from her daily soap
She grabbed a little something to help her cope
after all, what’s just one toke?
Two or three
She thought, it’s not enough to affect me

She got behind the wheel
forgetting how good it could feel
Just to be in control
Just one more time to feel whole

She arrived at the school just a little late
Her appointment was at ten
Hey the teacher wanted to see her, he could wait
after all, he had called her over and over again

When she arrived smelling of vodka and pot
The receptionist explained
He’s teaching now, your appointment was. .
I guess you forgot
She screamed about how she could not be detained
demanded to see him, during what remained
Of what, she was not sure

The squeaky wheel gets the grease
so, the louder she became,
the more the office wanted just a little peace
He was sent down to play the game
the one called pacify, placate, after all their all the same

She demanded to see her son
all the while he explained what had been going on
She thought these accusations are pretty wild
I want to hear the side of my child
Looking at the teacher who was exasperated
she said, he’s my son, we’re related
I believe him and not you
with that, he knew what he had to do

He shook her hand, thanked her for her time
then returned to his class, tried to think of something divine
took out his behavior log, started taking notes
He would send her a very detailed anecdote
that is in a month or two
after even he knew,
when the professional does not work, time to take some notes
no one is exempt,after all everybody’s shit floats. . .

Ralph J. Fitcher, July 1, 2009, “Nobody’s worth poem”

Nobody's Worth Impatience

sometimes one must walk
away from a prompt,
no matter the wish, the talk,
the html will stomp,
in fact, will balk,
at laying down your words,
oh digital poet herd
so while you bide your time,
revisit last week's lines
there's gems that bear a re-look,
at least it's so in my book.

Nobody but I worth a rare seat?

Eyes looking over the crowd,
red Chanel bag in tow.
Thin pursed lips,
body tight against
real or imagined threats.
Watching everyone she considers
undesirable. Man
was it the taking a seat
across from her gaze or eyes
is it a disdain for all humanity?
Crossed arms locking shopping and
purse tightly beneath
interlocked arms – a shield against
the world.
Or was it just a tired commuter
heading home to bushed to smile?
Was she a sister on the rail
To nowhere or an evil doppelganger?

Maybe after a little thought I can make this work better for me.


Nobody's worth a nickel
Nobody's worth a dime.
If you can't pay
The price of admission
Then don't commit the crime.

You gave salvation army
The very shirt you wore
And you gave me a piece of your mind so often
There can't be that much more.
You've willed your body to science
And pledged your soul to god
You gave your blood to the good red cross
But you can't give me your word.

You're not worth my nickel.
You're not worth my dime.
You're not worth the the price of admission.
You're not worth my time.

"No one is worth air whose word is not gold."

Worthy

No one’s worth the blood of Christ,
but that didn’t stop God going
way out of His way to offer it.
Impregnating Mary by the Holy Spirit
Sending the angels and wise men
to announce and honor His birth.
Keeping Him safe from Herod and
all the rest who wanted to kill Him
before His time. Turning His back
on His beloved Son because
He could not look on the sin
He shouldered. Watching Him die
a humiliating death like a common thief.
No one’s worth that, yet He did it
for everyone. Somehow He loved
us all so much He decided,
Yes, they’re worth it.

NOBODY’S WORTH SHOOTING UP

a schoolyard. There’s fingerpaint all over
the walk, and no first graders
finger-painting. Red paint smeared in sticky
texture on the wall, red graffiti spray-
paint semi-automatic.
Even weeks after the shoot-out/hose-down/
scrubbing, what the eye
doesn’t see, can’t help seeing.
Dread of a schoolyard in daylight.
The color red.

Nobody’s Worth More Than You

Monetarily speaking, people can be worth
more than you, but that is material
worth and, if fate or stupidity
intercedes, they can lose it.

Wiser to consider worth a personal,
internal, and mental inventory
which no one can sum up
except you, and have you

thought about your worth?
Do you measure it by looking
at others who can write
words that flow as a river
of gold, or paint scenes

of vividness whose colors seep
into your soul and stay forever?
If you do your best, try your hardest,
and are tolerant of others, then
nobody is worth more than you.

Nobody’s Worth the Life of another

Now that’s a subject you can talk about-
A group of us around the kitchen table on
A Saturday night. Some beer, some tacos
And a snow storm beating against the windows.

The wind knocked out the cable so we got
The news over the radio. They interrupted
Our music to tell us that the rescue plane
Carrying an accident victim from the islands
Went down and all aboard feared lost.

For some reason, we all stood up and walked
Over to the windows as if we could see the
Storm-tossed lake and the lighthouse beacon
But all we saw was snow – giant handfuls of it
Flung against the glass and beyond it blackness

-Think Shorty was the pilot?
-Could be, Were they heading for Toledo?
-Accident victim – must ‘ve been bad off
to take off on a night like this….
Someone turned up the radio, but we heard
Only the music, playing louder.

-Wasn’t this bad when we came out here.
-Must have gotten worse real quick. What
time they say it was when they took off?
-See if Joe’s scanner’s working. Give him a call.

-Yeah, Joe, four you say. Shit. Never had a
chance. Yeah, it’s getting bad here, too.

-Some kid crashed his sled into a tree. Thought
they could save him. His mother went along.
- That’s four. Four lives for one.

Was it worth it, worth the trade
But they didn’t know they was going to crash.
No one knows when they’re going to die
But conditions were shit! Listen to that wind!
A kid. You’d do anything you could to save a kid.
You couldn’t just leave him –
What about the EMT?
He radioed ahead, they said bring him quick.


-They’ve done it a hundred times before…
-not in a blizzard
-who could tell?

A memorial service held in the spring
From the Coast Guard station dock
A wreath of white roses set afloat in the water.

The Minister prays and the priest
Sprinkles the waves with holy water.
The wind picks up and roughly wipes away
All tears and so all waters come together
The relatives huddle in little groups.
Would you have done it? Would you?
Would you?

There are some decisions that you pray
You will never be called upon to make.




fr

tough prompt....


"Nobody’s Worth 99 Cents"


Who
meets
in a plastic
ball &
bat set?

People
in Taiwan,
people who
travel the world
people from
Mexico,
& many of us
in the U.S.

fragments
of tax
span the grass
from pitch
to swing,
sun
in the eye.


DA

Nobody's worth it.

Nobody’s worth the long slow walk
The talking silence, frozen words
In capsules, blurry discs of blue
And gray. Nobody’s heard you anyway.

Nobody’s worth the lonely cry
That lies unanswered. No one knows
The reasons and the seasons change
To strangers. No one saves you anyway.

Nobody’s worth the end of it.
Nobody’s worth the start so seal
Your bleeding heart inside with tears
And nobody will seem to hear you pray.

Nobody lay on broken ground
With streams of red and pools of brown
And no one cared but nobody
Did it for you forever and always.

Nobody’s worth doing time for…

Nobody’s worth killing
Nobody’ worth ripping off
Nobody’s worth making miserable
Nobody’s worth suffering heartache for
Nobody’s worth all that energy and pain
All that effort for no gain
Nobody’s worth a damn
When it come to making jam
‘Cept my Granma, she made it best
But don’t give a jam-jar for the rest
Nobody’s worth a tear
They don’t care anyway
Nobody can make me sad
I’ll take the good forget the bad
Nobody has the right
To make me stand up and fight
And nobody is worth the final price
I won’t die for anyone
I won’t lie for anyone
I won’t cry for anyone
No one is worth the time…
…except you
And I’ll “Do” all the time you ever need
I’ll cry for you ‘til I bleed
I’ll fight and kill all your demons
I’ll give time to all your reasons
I’ll sacrifice what is mine
And give to you all my mind
Cos nobody’s worth doing time for, lil sis,
Nobody except you.


Iain

Nobody’s Worth That Kind of Money

Stockbrokers don’t drive no stock
Chairmen don’t build no chairs
TV hosts don’t serve no snacks
News anchors don’t sail no ships
Weathermen don’t build no vanes
Athletes don’t play with kids
Movie stars don’t shine real light
But
Teachers really teach
Nurses really nurse
Waiters really wait
Poets really write
Garbage men really toss the trash
Postmen really deliver
Pedicabbers really pull their weight
Messengers really get the word out
And
Moms, well moms really save the future

Nobody’s worth this, the sequel

He’d been in his third fight
In as many days
The dean knew she was right
when she said, he’d never change his ways

So, she called in a parent
never realizing the waste of time
Soon it became apparent
who was who in that’ family line

When the mother asked the child why
He stood up, started to cry
then slapped his mom right across the face
None of us, could believe what had just taken place

The child had to be pulled off of her
It took three School Security agents
happening so fast, it seemed a blur
Soon, it became clear, this kid was not gent’

The child was suspended
certainly not what the dean originally had intended
The mom taken to receive medical treatment
the rest of us, wondering about this miscreant

I have told you
exactly as it all had occurred
How do I remember, and I do
Because, I was there
it’s not just something I heard. . .

©Ralph J. Fitcher, July 1, 2009, the sequel to my last one.

Thank You Daniel, I love the poem, and I appreciate the plug for us teachers.

Ralph.

Nobody's Worth This Much Pain



Nobody is worth this much pain
Not for me
There is no sense in spending so much time
Curled up in my bed
Alone in the dark
Sobbing because you’re not here
And I can’t go there
No matter how much I want to
There is no sense at all
In my wanting to pick up the phone and call
Just to talk about things,
Just to cool down after a harsh incident,
And not being able to
Due to circumstances beyond my control.
There is no sense
In sinking my teeth into your shoulder
At that very precarious moment
And having to stop myself
Because the no marks rule is still in effect
There is no reason I have to hurt like this
There is no reason you have to hurt like this
I know it can’t be easy on you
Carrying this burden
This stinking carcass of an old worn-out horse
Over your shoulder.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Not between us.
All you have to do is put that old horse down
And walk away.
It’s the best thing you can do
For everyone involved.
There’s a bigger picture here.
It’s not just you and me.
There are other people.
Other forces.
Everything all around.
All you have to do is let go
Of that one thing
And then reach out,
Take my hand and hold on tight.
Watch the magic commence.

Nobody’s Worth Losing Yourself

I have a friend whose boyfriend dumped her
three years ago, and her head’s been on backward

ever since – why, she cries, what did I do wrong,
(nothing), what was wrong with me (nothing),

what should I have done differently (nothing),
deaf to all suggestion she has driven away

those who loved her and failed to recognize
others who might, and what has she gained,

(nothing), what glues her feet to this painful
place, (nothing) but her determination

to write an alternate ending to a movie
whose credits rolled, three years ago

Nobody’s worth Fibbing for

Don’t
just
lie there
thinking he
will change in good time
because he won’t, and that’s a fact.
Whisper truth into your own heart,
change your own sound mind.
For he will
lie here
and
there.

Nobody’s Worth Losing

What can I do
To convince everyone
There is a better way
A better place
A better life
An eternity

How do I show
They all have a worth
They are all precious
To Me

Wasn’t it enough
That I sent My Son
To show them the Way
The Truth
And the Life

There’s room for everyone
All that I ask is
That they believe
In Me
And My Son

All of My creations
Are precious to Me
Nobody’s worth losing
To the fallen angel
Because once lost
They’re lost forever
And ever

Come to Me

"NOBODY LOVES YOU LIKE I DO..."

Nobody loves you like I do.
Do I take pleasure in your foibles?
Foibles, quirky yet enjoyable.
Enjoyable afternoons planning nothing,
nothing makes me as complete as you,
you are the only one who loves me too.
Too much to even explain?
Explain to me this love's depth.
Depths as deep as ocean blue,
blue and clear as skies expanse,
expanse as wide as heaven.
Heaven sent souls unite,
unite as one beneath the stars.
Stars speckle a moonlit canvas,
canvas delicately stretched above.
~Hannah Gosselin

Just stopping in to get the prompt. The only posts I've read so far are Robert's and Earl's. Great poem, Robert, but I must say that I agree 100% with "Nobody is worth missing the Ohio State - Michigan game" !!! O-H!

And Earl: Amen, and Amen, and Amen. Beautiful.

A Southern Mother’s Advice

Nobody’s worth crying over,
at least that’s what Mama said;
It won’t move the living
and it sure won’t raise the dead.

Just powder your pretty little nose
and hold it up in the air.
Inside you may feeling like dying,
but look like you just don’t care.

Avoid dark shadows under your eyes;
Nobody’s worth losing sleep.
Put your worry aside until morning;
If it’s worth that, it will keep.

If you don’t take care of yourself,
she said, you can bet nobody else will.
I believed my mama when she said it,
and I believe her still.

Nobody's Worth

Losing my marriage over
No bronzed
toned
brothah
No sultry
swangin'
sistah

Nobody's Worth

The years put in
Learning about
each
other
Living to give
to
another

Nobody's Worth

The children
the home
The heart
and the life
Vowed when we became
Husband
and wife

Nobody's Worth

All that

Amazing efforts today poets, I've been impressed by ALL today. I read through once and was WOWED by the talent out there. This list of particulars doesn't cover it but...

Marian, you really drew me into the story; I liked the detail about all the waters coming together.
Sara and Walt, I found both of your pieces to be very encouraging.
Connie and Earl tear strikingly honest both so beautiful; bless you both for bringing His love to this thread.
Penny, I agree with you and VERY well written as well.
Ann, heart wrenching amazing piece.
Patricia, you have such a unique mind, loved your work as always.
Sheila, distinct feelings, images and colors...really worked.

Happy writing my friends in poetry!

Barbara - Nobody's worth a nickel...love it!

Nancy - Your advice...kudos!

Walt - fabulous as always:)

Isn't all the talent on these posts amazing? I love Wednesdays!

Nobody’s
Worth
Nothing,

But
Perhaps
Somebody’s
Worth
Something.

What
We
See
Leaves
Us
Seething.

Is
Anyone
Worth
Anything?

Everyone’s
Worth
Everything.

SALARY CAP $0
By: Nikki Markle

Nobody’s worth forty million dollars!
Especially not to swing a bat,
Field the occasional ball,
Spit when they think the camera is on them,
And scratch at their cup when they think it’s not.
If they loved the game,
They’d play for free!

Nobody is Worth a Bad Back Up Plan

Sometimes life can screw you over
and that's when you need my Dad
who can fix just about anything.

His advice has always been:
You need a back up plan.
But when I saw your yard
I was quite confused.

You could have your yard boast
benches or water features
instead of whirligigs and garden gnomes.

And other people by wood
to build a house for seeds
to watch the birds bend over.

But if you think a flat wooden decoration
of a bent over fat lady's ass
should be displayed in your yard as art,

then even my Dad can't fix you.

And other people buy wood

“NOBODY SHOULD SELL THEMSELVES SHORT”

Thinking on infinite possibilities,
thinking about your capabilities,
thinking while among loved ones, think of hope.

Speaking of rhetoric inventions,
speaking about the art of expressive speech,
speaking of raw materials, speak of language.

Reliable are your innate abilities,
reliable is your potential,
reliable are the integral parts, reliable are indelible plans.

By all hands of potency and quality,
by the hands of diluted and dismal,
by your hands of squandered salts, by your hand save what’s of worth.

Patience is the mortar of love,
patience is character grown in the form of acceptance,
patience is the building block for all relationships, patience is a choice.

Savoring the good within,
savoring our purity beneath,
savoring the gift of grace, savor it now before it’s too late.

~Hannah Gosselin

Truly fantastic work from all. Daniel, I agree with you -- this is a tough promt. I'm drawing a blank. But I can deal with that. I'll just enjoy the fruits of this talented group. Nobody's not worth reading!

Nobody's Worth Nothing

I consist of
65% Oxygen,
18% Carbon,
10% Hydrogen,
and 3% Nitrogen,
and that is just the gas
which I assure,
from time to time will pass.

Of what remains,
1.5% is Calcium,
There is 1% of Phosphorous,
0.35% Potassium,
0.25% Sulfur,
0.15% Sodium,
0.15% Chlorine,
0.05% Magnesium,
0.0004% Iron,
0.00004% Iodine,
And that is if I'm eating well
And properly.

I'm told that I can sell this
Chemical me for
Somewhat less than a dollar
And I assume that this assumes
I'm holding in the gas
And doesn't mention
Fillings made of gold or silver,
Titanium bolts inserted
To keep a jaw or knee or ankle
Firmly in expected place,
Which increase my value slightly
Depending on the market.

There is my skin, of course,
Which, based upon the price of cowhide
On any given day
Is worth about a quarter per square foot,
And makes me, if I'm average,
Worth another three bucks,
Maybe even four.

So I am worth a fin
At best
Before you count my mind,
My heart, (and not the ones for sale)
(Which, by the way they are, see my ad
On Craigslist)
No,

My mind, my heart, my soul
Which are, after all,
Priceless.

I love the work posted on here!
I'm working on one now inspired by Iain's "Nobody's worth doing time for..."
and De Jackson: I hope you are putting these fibs of yours together as a collection. (Which I will buy in hardback.)

Nobody’s Worth This
by Juanita Lewison-Snyder

Next time
he’s on the front stoop
banging on the door,
promising he loves you
so much that he’ll end his life
if you don’t take him back
(for the 4,739th time),
fling the sucker wide open,
and demand he prove it
right then & there.
Palm a .38 into
his right hand
and watch his eyes
hydroplane against
the cold steel.
Show me just how
worthless your life is,
you bastard
and then pony up.



© 2009 by Juanita Lewison-Snyder

(hmmmm.....a little HARSH maybe??? Soy enojodo este noche) LOL
-spidey

Nobody is Worth Origami

This is not another love poem
about ‘aww!’, a childhood crush
over cafeteria pizza, tapioca
and chocolate milk, tetherball
out on the playground, glance
quick or else she might think
I like her, ‘shh’, I love her. No!
I don’t, I tell my friends, ooh
Jay and Michelle, sitting in a
class, o-r-i-g-a-m-i. First comes
‘dove’ then comes marriage,
then comes divorce because
marriage is too boring for kids
and the paper ring got ruined
in the rain walking home today.
Besides, I think Beth likes me.

I made a crane, the whole time
couldn’t decide who I like, love,
enough to give it to, I like Beth,
but I still love Michelle. This is
not another poem about like, love,
or anything that can’t be changed,
taken back, denied tomorrow, like
childhood crushes, like origami,
tomorrow is something all new,
and nobody is worth origami
or like, love, when you’re 10.

Some of my favorites this prompt: Walt, Barbara, Marian, Iain, Kristy, Nancy, Ginger, Nikki, Patricia, and J. Alvey

A quick flash of gratitude to Connie, Hannah, De, Marie, Joseph, and Nikki. More in depth later.

NOBODY’S WORTH
GOING TO HELL FOR

We all get tempted with apples
that look so sweet
we’re ready to kick aside
our unseen souls
to take a bite
and we don’t reckon
what will bring us grief
what that shiny red
can do to tear us
from the core of our being
what damage a little dash
of sin can do
nothing and nobody’s worth
going to hell for
passing pleasure
let it pass
for what can be the profit
for gaining a peck of apples
a peck of a whore’s kiss
the whole world
and lose one’s soul

#

NOBODY’S (WORTH MORE)

You’re priceless (a hoot).
Can’t replace (to boot).
Pure of heart (bod’ fine);
Solid gold (all mine).
Faithful one (loves me).
Fair visage (come see).
Kind actions (for all).
Listens well (you call).
Keeping peace (well-blessed).
Soothing voice (I rest).
High values (sets goals).
Top morals (saves souls).
Good model (just pose).
An icon (a rose).

W

This, as others have said, is a toughie prompt!
All here are great, but Patricia, you really got to me with both of yours;
Walt, as usual, started my day off on a positive note -much needed today;
Ralph, keep hangin' in there - so much emotion;
J. Alvey, you made me feel like a MILLION!
Thank you, ALL.

W

Nobody's worth
the headache,
the trouble,
my two cents of thoughts
that I can muster up the guts
to share when I'd rather just
crawl under my desk and pull in
the chair after me,
curled up like a rolypoly bug
with its legs all on the inside
so it becomes just a tiny hard ball.

Nobody's worth such effort,
struggle, self-defeating,
body-forcing,
fast heart beating fear
of indifference or worse,
scorn,
at the unworthy words better withheld.

Nobody but you,
me,
and, come to think of it,
all of us,
who are in this thing together,
all at once fighting the same urge
to run.

Thank you Willy, it's easy to write something that you witnessed happen. The sad thing is, that was not the only time, I have seen children hit their parents. I remember one father with tears in his eyes, saying, "You See, he can hit me, but if I touch him, I go to jail!" That says way too much about a system gone wrong.

Ralph.

nobody's worth
the stars.
please do not
pluck them from
the sky, like
so many diamonds,
to present to
your love.
they may have
worlds which
encircle them,
some of those
may harbor life.
a sad fate
to become
a trinket
on someone's
chain.

N obody’s worth my time
O nly I am worthy she thought, the
B ottled up anger always simmering just below the surface
O ften a hair’s breath away from exploding, then
D eath came and peaked into her life, as the
Y ield sign flew up and smacked her in the face, and
S he realized that everyone is

W orthy of her time and consideration, she was
O nly hurting herself when she thought no one was worthy,
R aw now from the dissipation of years of anger, she
T ook stock of herself and was satisfied that she
H ad become worthy and she would not die alone.

Michelle, very creative, such truth, beautiful.

Chev really enjoyed yours, getting people to look outside our own miniscule individual worlds, nice work.

Ain’t nobody’s worth losing yourself.
Not even in these days.
Taking care of your
Heart and soul is what you got to do.

Losing your sleep, losing dreams,
Ain’t nobody worth that with
Him talking to you like you is
A piece of somethin’ he stepped in.

No dinner in the fanciest place,
No jewelry in the prettiest box,
No ma’am, ain’t none of it worth
Losin’ every piece that’s yours.

Ain’t nobody right when they wrong
And pretending it’s okay
Will only take away and kill
Anything you ever believed in, darlin’!

You got the bones
And the heart inside there too!
Ain’t nobody worth
Losing yourself

To that kinda hell.
Ain’t nobody worth
Sellin’ yourself out
To a man that never even loved you.

NOBODY’S WORTH MUCH

7/3/09

In the eyes of a scientist,
they say a body is worth $.98
in minerals.
And yet, God says
our souls are worth more
than the whole world.

That’s why He
sent His only begotten Son
to pay the price we owe
but could not pay.

Beautiful work here. I especially loved:
Patricia A. Hawkenson...both, but especially the first one.
ann malaspina...heartbreaking and beautiful
Connie L. Peters and Earl Parsons...so, so, SO true
Danielle Paicopulos...also true as can be
J. Alvey...brilliant
Chev Shire..."stars," so simple and lovely
J. Martin..."Origami"...by far my favorite from this prompt so far

Gratitude to Padgett Posey. I was thinking yesterday that I do indeed "Fib" a lot. It's just such an intriguing form.

Happy Writing, all!
de

No one is worth more than before.
Our worth does not expand.
Nor rely on fiscal rank;
Unfortunate or grand.

No one is worth less than before
Our worth does not decline.
Nor does it vary one to next;
All made by God’s design.

Nobody’s worth giving up the last bite of Ben & Jerry’s



Sorry, love.

I know
I promised to
love
honor
cherish
respect
etcetera, etcetera, etcetera

I know
you are my
best friend
soul mate
true love
partner in parenting crime

I know
you’ve given me
patience
understanding
love
acceptance
and two amazing little creatures

But this is
Coffee Heath Bar Crunch
we’re talking here.
And honestly,
I loved it long before
I ever knew
there was an azure-eyed hero in my future.

So
take my hand
take my heart
take my breath away

But
seriously
step away from the spoon.

Nobody's Worth the Assembly

With the taste of my neighbor's charcoal
lingering on the back of my taste buds,
I paid one hundred and thirty-five dollars
for a new gas grill.

Before the box was even out of my car
I loaded up on hamburger, brats and chicken.
And then, with salivating anticipation,
I opened the box.

It was filled with bubble wrap, and lots of it
around every single piece,
a popping fun for a four-year-old,
but a blistering pain to me.

It seemed as if there were
more than one hundred and thirty-five pieces
all slightly different looking
than in the directions.

Now with the parts all spread on the driveway
I stand with screwdriver in hand
contemplating the cost
of the assembly.

But there are only a few bills left in my wallet,
so I order a pepperoni pizza,
pre-assembled.

Patricia....Assembley..I feel your pain! Thanks for the chuckle!

NOBODY’S WORTH MORE…

…and so I finally found the time to dream.

My time had come.
No time for fanfare or celebrations.
No time to gather the essentials.
No papers to get in order.
Nothing more than my mortal soul
and a whole lot for which to answer.
As I stood in queue, I could see “IT”
in the far distance. The portal.
The passage. The gate.
The “Pearly Gate”, more iridescent
than pearly, but beautiful none the less.
We proceeded slowly, but there was
no pushing, no shoving, no cutting
(or even head butting), just time.
Plenty of it. Line rage was nonexistent.
We smiled and felt at peace.
We certainly weren’t in “Kansas” anymore.
One-by-one we were disposed, until
I found myself face-to-face with the man.
“You must be…” I began, but the gentle spirit
raised a finger to his lips and
pointed over his left shoulder.
I saw nothing. “I…” again I was given the finger
(not that finger), and a wise smile.
Over the shoulder. Nothing.
He reached over for a tightly wound scroll.
“Is that my…”
A raised eyebrow and a jab to his left.
“Excuse me”, I insisted. “What are you pointing at?”
“The sign” the words emerged in my mind telepathically.
“What sign?” I ask.
“The one right…” he looked over his shoulder,
and embarrassed, pointed over his RIGHT side.
“…uh, THAT sign!” St. Peter finally spoke.
It said simply “Shhhhhh!”

He unrolled the scroll as I nervously watched.
“Uh, Hmmmmm” he nodded, tracing his
massive finger down the parchment.
Talking to himself loud enough for me to hear,
he chuckled. “I remember that… ha, that was a kick”
I crane my neck for a glimpse at a reminder.
“Didn’t say a whole lot, did you?” Peter inquired.
“I…uh..” I stammered.
“That’s okay, you weren’t given the gift of gab…”
I swallowed hard.
“But you were blessed with a way with words” he continued.
“Glad to see you finally did something with that.
We were worried that gift would go to waste.”
The benevolent smile returned, nodding.
“I see you were a lover, not a fighter.”
“Well, you see…” Point right. “Shhhhhh!”
“You had passion…Good!”
“You touched people…even better!”
“You suffered through your trials with
dignity and remorse…very nice.”
Looking over he surveyed.
“Bringing back all ten fingers and toes... Check.
…As much hair as you went out with…Check.
…the ability to smile and feel joy…Check.
…the capability to give joy to others…Check.
…one high capacity and heavily worn loving heart…Check.
…you were equipped with an “Innie”, right?...Check.”
“All seems to be in order.”
“Do you have anything to say in your regard?”
“I seem to feel I have done so much more,
but I can’t think of anything other than
what you’ve mentioned.” I defended.
“That’s all we concern ourselves with here.” St. Peter beamed.
And again he pointed over his right shoulder.
Nothing. The sign was gone.
But there to the left of the stack of scrolls,
was a gilded placard. It bore this simple explanation:
“Nobody is worth more than God had given in the first place.”
St. Peter extended his powerful hand and pointed
one more time. The gate retracted.

Approaching “The Gate”, my alarm sounded.

Marie,
AGAIN? We danced around the same thought. As always, you dance divinely!

Nobody’s Worth Decides

If someone could explain to me
How each of us came to be
The who we are (or were) –

Why Sid is born in Africa
And Lee in Timbuktu
How Grace is blessed with mega-bucks
And Gail earns but a few
Why Page’s parents spare the rod
But William’s wield the belt
And Laura’s left her years ago –
What deals the hand we’re dealt?

Is life a game of drawing straws
Where entrants line the floor
And nobody’s worth less than you
And no one’s valued more
But Fate comes in and steers your hand
To choose a given straw
And where you find yourself in life
Depends on which you draw?

De and Patricia, love the humor.

Patricia! "Assembly"...still laughing. Wonderful! Thank you for the smile today.

Thanks, Connie.

Walt -
You are AMAZING! LOVED it!!

Everyone's done so well with this.

Y'all enjoy the upcoming holiday as best y'all can!!!

W

Confession


Nobody’s worth
the reams of paper I spent
the trees I killed
the words I willed
onto the page
searching for answers for your apathy.

I wrote them anyway.


Nobody’s worth
the oceans of tears that stained my pillow
seared my soul
surrendered control
in silent rage
trying to shed you from my very skin.

I cried them anyway.


Nobody’s worth
the thousands of breaths I held
the years I lost
the incredible cost
of self-made cage
loving one who wasn’t worth one day.

I loved you anyway.

De,
WOW!

"NOBODY SHALL TAKE THE WIND FROM MY SAILS"

Lest I should falter and fail,
fail to unfurl canvas, set sailing.
Sailing these unfathomable seas,
seas teeming rich and thick,
thick with vivid, envisioned dreams.
Dreams that shall set me free,
free of the anchors and chains that bind,
bind the mental capacity of mind.
Mind with sails that are billowing,
billowing and full with wishful wind,
wind that no one shall pilfer,
pilfer these hopeful opportunities.
Opportunities to hoist my sails,
sails of most grand, adventurous dreams,
dreams that offer me vitality and life.
Life fulfilled and lived enthusiastically,
enthusiastically with vigor and void of fear,
fear, lest I shall not pursue my course.
Course guided by my heart and radiant star source.
~Hannah Gosselin

NOBODY'S WORTHY...

of the unselfish sacrifices made
by the brave men and women,
who over 233 years have
secured the freedoms we take for granted,
and made the Independence we celebrate
on Saturday, possible.

But they make them anyway!

God Bless Them All!

Hannah, you've daisy chained another beautiful mental picture. I love it.

I've been trying out some rhetorical scheme this week just for the poem of it! Bear with me it's a little foreign.

Walt I second that motion wow, wow!! Nice one De!

Marie, Walt and Sally you guys are on the same page today, loved them ALL so much.

Patricia, you've got me remembering all the times I've tried to piece things together myself, hysterical!

Patti, wish I had that kind of advice when I was a teen! Great poem, you should send that to a teen magazine of some type it's very empowering.

Thanks bunches and barrels full Walt, very kind of you.

"NOBODY SHOULD FIGHT TEARS"

Fighting tears is a most futile action,
the least of which we should do.
Often we repress feelings so human,
never to release tears teeming.
We gain face, lest that we're disgraced,
while what's lost is an emotional release.
A chance to cease the feelings leading to a tearful moment,
take the chance to free that which makes us uniquely human.
I suggest letting out a good heart wrenching cry,
I discourage holding it in, don't even try.
Go ahead get your box of tissues,
stop and rummage through your saddest movies (or watch the news).
Maybe "Titanic" will do,
definitely "Project X," that one about the monkeys sent to outer space.
Let the tear drops fall,
feel the emotions rise.
It's the prize in this "cracker-jack" box of life,
it's the watery surprise that we'll feel till death.
Free the need to unleash emotions,
capture the moment and let them flee.
~Hannah Gosselin

The last one was supposed to be an antithesis but technically I think it flopped and turned into an antonyms poem of sorts. Oh well, got my brain ticking to a different clock.

Thanks, Walt and Hannah. And right back at ya. You're both on fire on this one!

Thank you Hannah.

Nobody's Worth Rich Atwater (c) July 3, 2009

And God said "Let there be light"
And it was so, and He saw that it was good.
And thus He divided the day from the night,
And it took place from where He stood.

Then God divided the firmament and the waters,
And the dry land appeared at His command.
Behold: Mother Earth, a jewel among His planetary daughters.
Then God said "Let us" create a woman and a man!

Father Elohim said to His Spirit Son,Jehovah:
"It is not good for man to be alone!"
We have created plants, and trees, and "Behold, Ah"
The fish, and animals, and birds, now flesh and bone!

Let's put within them "Breath of Life", a spirit,
And fashion them like even unto God.
For in "our image" thus we have created merit.
And we have done it from the very sod!

Nothing ventured, nothing gained,But God creates by very thought,
Nobody's worth more than "God's in embryo"
According to "the One" who made it so, and sent His Son who bought
The price of souls on Calvary's Hill, it can be so:

To be, or not to be: A son or daughter unto God,
And live the life He hath ordained in happiness,
To love, to forgive, to seek amends, to walk "the iron rod"
"To come unto me" that I may give "eternal life's" fulfillness.

And thus occasion out "the plan" He so designed,
That man and woman, sons and daughters unto God,
Return to Him among Celestial throne and home opined
By poets, prophets, philosophers of truth and wisdom not so odd.

That we among the mortal sphere may yet participate,
To fight the cause of good among our fellowmen,
And seek that all may know that Nobody's Worth losing at the gate
Of judgment day, but "free agency" must prevail so that when

We stand before the Master to give accounting of our deeds
That He may have cause to justly measure out
And sift among the "good wheat" and the tare of weeds
For just "eternal assignments" within the spheres that be, to "Shout"

Hallelujah to God, and to "the Lamb" for justice, mercy, truth,
That we should have such joy of acclimation
And stand approved within the realm of glory, not aloof,
That each should receive his just reward, or punishment station

And yet remain "eternal man and woman" under jurisdictions
Telestial, Terrestrial, Celestial, Perdition,as the case may be
Of Dante's heavens, hells, in vast and various gradations
Like stars, like moons, like sun, or "outer darkness", not to see

The glory of God is intelligence, and this His work and glory:
For thus He spoke it so: "To bring to pass the immortality
And 'eternal life' of man", that He may complete the story
Of mortal strife, experience, that through His instrumentality

All amends shall be made for good and bad, for equal justice
Through repentance the good or righteous of his clan,
Whilst those who seek to thwart His purpose must, this
"Once upon a time" know that we all are in "the hollow of His hand".

Richard, that was intense, nice to see you on the thread!

Nobody’s Worth a Broken Heart

Time
stops
breath halts
say goodbye
really have no choice
self-defense the rule of the day
how can I let you keep wounding, keep breaking my heart
a heart is such a precious thing
mine needs defending
protecting
from such
as
you

NOBODY IS WORTH THAT PLAYER TO BE NAMED LATER

Nameless.
Faceless.
Not a used to was,
more of an ain’t been yet.
Unproven.
Unseen.
The promise of potential
in a mysterious package.
You’ve given your heart and soul;
taken your lumps for the team.
All you wanted was a shot,
and this is how they repay you.
You’ve just been traded
for THAT guy.
What’s his name?
What’s his face?
Is he any good?
Who knows?
But he’ll be getting your spot
in a year or two.
You don’t deserve this.
There ain’t nobody worth
that player to be named later.
You’re more valuable than that.

NOBODY IS WORTHLESS WHO HAS FRIENDS

That’s right, Clarence! That’s right!
Living in the moment
instead of imagining what a life
would be like if it never happened.
The people we’ve influenced.
The people we’ve saved.
The people we’ve loved.
Being failures for lack of us.
Being lost for lack of us.
Being alone for lack of us.
For in the darkest times,
there is a light that shines;
a beacon that brightens your world
and illuminates your life.
That is the light of friendship,
the beacon of possibility.
A chance to “lasso the moon”
with the love and support of friends.
Friends who believe in you and
gather around you in your moment of doubt.
It’s that realization that makes you
know you’re alive. Makes you
shout “I want to live!”
Your revelation. Your epiphany.
Your “George Bailey” moment.
For nobody is worthless who has friends.
It’s a wonderful life!
That’s right!

Nobody’s worth giving up on

My son was born with a damaged brain
He wasn’t expected to live yet he did
He fought a hard fight and this year turned 21
He is deaf and blind and lives a life most would pity
Yet he lives each day as if he were whole
He loves the sun on his skin
He loves the water and the wind
The touch of a hand on his face
A warm and tender embrace

I truly believe in his short troubled life
He has taught more people the meaning of true love
Than most could ever teach in a lifetime of normal
No one knows the worth of a soul
The reasons a person has trials and pain
He never gave up so why should I
To this day he has helped countless people
To learn his lessons of life and love
I know, I am his most devout student

Shelley,
And now your son has taught me something as well, through your words. Very touching and heartfelt. That's a courageous young man. Always be as proud as you sound.

Yay, Teresa! Come Fib with me! Nice one! :)

Ha, of course the one time it posts immediately instead of taking three times...is the time I spell a name wrong. Sorry, Theresa! Loved your piece!

Shelly, he IS whole, and wholly loved. And created to be just exactly who he is. Beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing your son, and your heart, with us.

Wow, we got a couple of fibbers amongst us. Nice work ladies!

Wow! This prompt has elicited some amazing work. Thank you all for sharing your pain, your observations, your praise, and your jubilation.
Trudi

Nobody’s Worth...

“This is my life and I’m the boss.
You wanna be here, you do what I say.
You wanna be a part of my life, you be what I want you to be.
Don’t talk.
Don’t think.
I’m not interested in what you want.
Just do everything I tell you.
Stay out of my way.”

The honeymoon’s over, he turned off the charm like turning a tap.
My new reality hit like a locomotive and everything changed.
What happened? I’m still the same person I was before
he put the ring on my finger three months ago.

We’ve been married a year now. It’s a good thing
the baby turned out to be a boy.
This isn’t a healthy house to be a girl in.
I better wear a long sleeved blouse to the store.

You’re my best friend, kid.
Thanks for staying home from school today.
I got lots of stuff I can teach ya.
Love? Doesn’t mean a damned thing.
Just another word to bait a trap.
Hand me the bottle, will you, son?
Daddy’s coming home soon and
Mommy needs a drink.

Good work, everyone. My favorites today--Patricia Hawkeson and De Jackson. Kudo, as well, to Anna Malaspina, Kristy Worden, Juanita (gee, where did THAT anger come from? not a typical mood for you but I love it), Trudy Jarvis, Michelle H. (nice acrostic), Patti (just remember those words no matter how hard it gets), Marian Vevera, Taylor Graham. Iain--that was a sweet one for your sis...and Ralph, the truth of that is so sad.

:nobody’s worth the freedom of air:

we soak in starbursts.
drink a black hole
endlessly deep.
a sea beyond expression
filled with sweet, solid suns.
their images peeling
away our skin memories.
we meandered to the reed. skins
slipping back centuries
to a place so full of night
our skin became sound
and pounds away that
no-man’s-land outside.

i actually had the chance to read through quite a few of these, and had to shout out to a couple ... actually a lot of you!

kata kollath-- a welcome lesson on savoring silliness and humor
patricia a. hawkenson-- first haunting and moving, then hilarious! i love your work
chev shire-- i like the mysteries, too; wonderful to read your writings
penny henderson-- one word: lovely
daniel ari-- i loved the flow and pulse of your poem. what you thought was difficult, you made look easy.
nikki markle-- for $40 million i couldn't agree with you more! :) loved it.
salvatore buttaci-- a great message minus the easy cliches. well done
willy-- so nice! rhythmic, smooth, soothing ... absolutely "aw"-dorable! :)

and a special one for taylor graham: your poem was so vivid and real ... it took me instantly to a place i never wanted to go again, and yet i give you my sincerest thanks for making me go. moving and wonderful. thank you!

you're all such wonderful poets! keep writing; i'd love to keep reading!

Nobody's worth sticking your neck out for.


There's that famous poem on a poster
'Then they came for me'
But people don't seem to pick up
on the message they're supposed to see.

It's as if they read those haunting lines
added two and two and came up with five
and found the words were telling them
to hide harder to stay alive.

I'm the fool who thought it meant
we should stick up for each other
but then I'm the sort of fool who takes poems to heart
where clever sorts don't bother.


This is a beginning point - I'm not totally happy with it and will probably be working on this much more before it gets where it's going.

Nobody’s worth giving up yourself for,
changing the way you wear your hair,
panning the stream of your mother tongue
only to toss out nuggets of pure gold
as if they were pyrite,
sitting silent as your face burns red
at others’ hateful jests—no harm intended,
they assure themselves more than you.

What would we make of a salmon
who chose to float downstream,
giving up the fight to lie in the riverbed
with carp and catfish, bottom-feeding
in the dark?

Let others seek you out if they will,
a wildflower not a weed. Who would
prefer a dozen roses plucked from florist windows,
fragrance long lost to a single sweet gardenia
that bruises at each touch?

Who would choose tomatoes, grown
to be stacked and shipped green,
all alike, the imperfect tossed aside,
no hint of kin to the vine-ripened fruit,
plucked warm and dusty in the Alabama sun?

Nobody's worth
Suffices.
Need
Is the void that eats the wind.
Is the dust that drinks the oceans down to cracking plates and plains of salt.

Take all the wealth of ten rich men,
Convert it into cash and fill
A mile long train.
Pack bales of paper money
Into container cars
And haul it all
Up to the top of Lookout Mountain.
Commission tens of tens of ten-year-olds
To roll the bills into paperwads
And dip each one in glue.

Set aside to dry,
And find the sign,
The brass plaque
The one that says:
See Seven States.
Go there at dawn
On summer's longest day,
And flick the pellets you've created
One by plinking one
Off
The
Mountain.

Nobody's Worth.


Nobody knows who I am.
I can go out with greasy hair
it doesn't matter a damn.

Nobody knows my name
if I make an almighty cock-up
no-one knows who to blame.

Nobody recognises my face
I can go uninterrupted
any time, anywhere any place.

I can be private any place on earth
there isn't anything else as precious to me
as what being nobody's worth.

Nobody's Worth.

No-one knows who I am.
I can go out with greasy hair
it doesn't matter a damn.

No-one knows my name.
If I make an almighty cock-up
no-one knows who to blame.

No-one recognises my face.
I can go uninterrupted
any time, anywhere any place.

I can be private anyplace on earth.
There isn't anything else as precious to me
as what being nobody's worth.





That makes more sense - sorry for needing to post twice.

Nobody's Worth It

Nobody’s worth singling out.
Nobody’s work deserves a shout.
Nobody’s work carried clout.
Nobody’s work knocked me out.
I hope these words don’t freak you out.

You’re all a bunch of Nobodies!


(Inspired on the spot by our banana.) ;)

Yay for Nobodies! You're one too Marie Elena :)

This prompt is a tough one. I guess I don't like loosing the control of creating the title. At any rate, it is still great to receive your compliments on my efforts so far with this prompt. Tks, and tks again. Kudos to the names I always read, you never let me down, but I wanted to add acclaims to a few voices that brought a WOW!: Juanita, loved the intensity!; Taylor, graphic and vivid; Ann, humbling history; Knitting, felt it; Ralph, I'm fighting in the trenches with you. Soldier on.

Thank you Linda, and Patricia. Patricia, I believe that unlike yourself and myself those who do not experience what we do from day to day, do not necessarily know what really goes on in a classroom. Present company excluded of course, as I have brought many vivid images through my poetry to our group. But, the masses somehow still think of a classroom as children seated in rows, hands folded quietly listening while the teacher teaches. That image is so out of date, it belong with the dinosaurs.

Ralph.

The prompt can be a title or just a beginning point. Just like first lines (or novel first chapters), don't we often change the beginning? I like to think of it as place holder.

Walt -- Thanks! I'm so pleased to be mentioned along with De.

De -- I think I've caught fib fever from you! They really are fun and challenging to write, especially for a naturally wordy writer like me. I couldn't be in better company.

Back later with some mentions. Hope everyone is having a great day.

Nobody’s Worth Your Wrath
And who are you to taunt someone,
Over slips and normal err’?
Does it make you choice over all your friends?’
To point out others faults?
I beg you to stop and contemplate,
The next time you feel the need,
To mark someone with words of despise
While they cower under your stare.
You gather your associations around you tight,
while slinging jeering scorn.
I hope the peace of true friendship strikes you,
before you leave this earth to find that God,
had been listening to your ridicule.

Sammy, We are on the same wavelength this morning! Here is mine:


Nobody's Worth the Price of Admission

I had to admit that I was wrong
so wrong.

Not that I was, of course,
but I just had to
shut you up.

It was not worth being right
to listen to you to telling me
how wrong I am,
so wrong.

Not that I care, of course,
but I just had to
listen to you.

Because you said I should just
pack my bags and get out,
get out.

Yes, my dear.
How right you are,
so right.

Just wanted to give a shout out to Patricia (Nothing gave me the chills and Assembly a chuckle!), J.Alvey, Connie, Iain, Patti, Ralph, and Nancy!!

Thank you Linda H.!

Nobody Is Worth That Kind of Stress

They married for all the wrong reasons
they were young, sex was always in season
They thought they were in love
but, good in bed, was all they were thinking of

She was an epileptic
when it comes to love,
some things you don’t pick
at the time of marriage,
there are those you don’t think of

Through every test
Every seizure,
he did his best
every time she fell,
he truly believed her
while what she was doing,
she could never tell

It was true,
he worked sometimes 15 hours a day
if he only knew
what she did while he was away

Earning the money
She would spend day after day
With eyes closed, life is sunny
open them, the sun goes away

How many times, he ran into his boss
“I’ve gotta leave, she had another seizure”
“She fell on the street”
He went because he cared, not just to please her
wherever she fell, he was there to meet

Then came the day
he came home only to say
It’s over, I’ve quit my job
I’m gonna teach
children named Joey and Bob
there are so many to reach
I’ve found what I need
she angrily began to plead
But, the money,
what about the money we need
Oh Honey,
did you even think of me
as he began to see
he said “Yes, I did” “and it’s true”
“I’ll be home more to spend more time with you”

She was not pleased,
but decided not to argue
maybe he just teased
something he often would do

Then he went to work for that first day
She was truly lost, and knew not what to say
that lasted about a week
then the very same day
she found out what he would earn,
she caught a peek
a peek at his pay

Well, this was it
she put up with him for 15 years
she wasn’t gonna take this shit
no time for tears
she made some calls
packed two suitcases
no time for falls (nor epileptic fits)
time to find her some empty spaces

He was just lying on the couch
Watching some stupid cartoon
growing that pouch (beer belly)
grading papers since noon
He’s truly lost his mind
time to leave, Oh Yea, it’s time

As she walked out suitcases in hand
he asked “Do you need help”
He just didn’t understand
She said “I’m leaving, I need a real man”
thinking it jest,
he laughed, actually trying his best”
as he watched she left

Now, he continued to grade
she often went to friends
he hadn’t thought about what she said
never thought about how love ends
then began to worry, when she did not return
soon he would learn
she was gone
and he would have to move on

He was devastated at such a loss
they had married at eighteen
he was thirty-three
she was the only one with which he’d been
at least the only one with which he thought he’d be

Time moved on, he did remarry
lost touch with her,
though, in passing there was she
the rest became a blur
just an old memory

then one day, he went back for his mail
he met some neighbor’s who had a sordid tail
of how when he was away
she would spend her day
with not just the male’s
but, the lonely female’s
all of the apartment complex
apparently all she did was have sex
He first worried about disease
then thought about how she always wanted to be pleased
got himself a test
suddenly realized, nobody is worth this kind of stress
the tests came out OK,
then became thankful that she went away
she had been his first real love
now, she was the last person he ever wanted to think of . . .

Ralph J. Fitcher, July 3, 2009, this is the true story of my first wife. If my wife every finds out I
wrote she will kill me. As I promised many years ago, not to write about the first wife anymore.
Guess I broke that one, but it was a poem that fit this prompt so perfectly. I guess writing this
poem is the closest I will ever get to breaking any vows. Not so terrible in the overall scheme of
things is it? I am a writer, I love my wife very very much, but I write what I feel, I cannot stifle
that at the time. It’s just not possible.

Thank you Michelle. :-)

This prompt is bringing out really good work, but five I just have to single out

Salvatore--excellent
De--Ben and Jerry's! Absolute stitches!
Walt--"to be named late", a perfect description of the indignities of
life that leave you wondering who you are
Shelley--I know know several such 'gifted' teachers. You are so right.
banana and Marie--Miss Emily's 'nobody' is still my favorite, but you guys are running a close second

It took me so long to read through that there were a bunch of new ones before I got my comment up. All good, but Sammy, ooo, I have tried so many times to tell someone that but never as well as you did.

Thank you, Penny Henderson!
And thank you, Linda H., for putting me in the same sentence as Patricia A. Hawkenson. High honor!

Patricia, I played around with the "Price of Admission" title, as well. I shall put it down now, though. I simply cannot do it the justice you did. So tight, and SO true.

Barbara Young, WOW. Especially this: "Is the dust that drinks the oceans down to cracking plates and planes of salt." I can just about see, touch, and taste that line. Wonderful.

Khara E. House, the imagery in your work is SO vivid. I always read them at least twice. Your latest is wonderful.

Sweet Marie, ALWAYS happy to be a "Nobody" with you! :)

Robert: I've been meaning to say that I think Reese is a genius...
"They should stop releasing
atomic bombs, because all these
monsters are getting loose."

Ah, the innocent wisdom of the little people. I once taught a 5-year-old girl who said, "But if we don't share the crayons, how will we all color?" I've never forgotten that statement.

This is the first prompt that left me cold. I thought there was nothing I couldn't write about. And so many great responses from all you people out there.

Questions

Is nobody worth waiting for?
No one?
How about a child?
Surely a child is worth
nine months of patience.

Is nobody worth and aching heart
or tears? No one?
What can we know of real love
without a hurt?

Even Christ thought
people were worth a sacrifice.
And he's not alone.
How many have given themselves
to save another or for freedom,
or for an ideal?

Sometimes you lie,
lose yourself a little
because Nobody is Somebody
and everybody is worth something.

Thank you Michelle and loved your acrostic.

thank you, de! the funny thing with this poem is that it came from a word bank of images that initially were unrelated, but as i started picking some for this poem i think maybe my mind was inadvertently focusing in on something i didn't even see coming! i had to read it twice myself to realize that what i thought was a "random" jumble of pretty word images had actually come together to have "meaning." it's fun to work with your mind's unseen triggers sometimes, and see what happens!

I'm with you, Alana. It was the hardest prompt so far for me. Great job on yours!

All,

This weekend, as you enjoy the freedoms you have, mix it up with family and friends, barbeque, watch the fireworks, etc., don't forget to remember our forefathers that secured our independence, and don't forget to thank those that keep us free with their time, effort, and occasionally, their lives. Thank God for a free America and for the freedom fighters that keep it that way.

This one was really difficult for me, too. Maybe it's thinking from the negative, I don't know, but those of you who worked it well really turn me green.

I really like Patricia's speaking dead, and J. Martin's o-r-i-g-a-m-i in the rain. Nikki's Salary Cap and Chev's trinket stars. De, I like the Confession, but your azure-eyed hero and the timing of the last line may be my winners for the quest.
Yeah, Juanita, harsh. But right on target.

Thank you Earl, I believe we all need to be reminded on occasion that our freedom did not, and does not come cheap.

Ralph.

My two very favorites - Juanita--harsh, maybe, but powerful!

Ann Malaspina - I became that woman with the baby and felt her fear, shame, but mostly her pride.

Nobody's worth can be measured
until he has served his brother with blistered palms
and a sweat beaded brow
until he has listened to more heartache than he could bear
and prayed hours of prayers on another's behalf
until he has worn the shoes of drug addicts and beggars
the deranged and the destitute
until he has filled their cups over and over
and become himself an empty vessel
Only then can his worth be measured
Only then will his heart become full

Nobody's Worth Convincing

They have the same ingredients,
but no one has to be convinced
that homemade cookies are better.

So without too much effort
you should be able to identify
that I am better than her.

Or choke on it.
Your choice.

I agree -- tough prompt this time around. I'm still thinking about it.

So many did a great job. These stood out for me: Patricia; Chev's stars; Ann - another gem, so moving; Connie and Earl - inspirational; Salvatore; Michelle's acrostic; Walt; Marie's "nobodies" (count me in); all of De's. And Shelley - wow. Every soul God creates has a purpose and worth beyond our ability to comprehend. Bless you and your beautiful son.

NOBODY’S WORTH THAT MUCH TROUBLE!

“Hey, Mom.
Can I have a couple of bucks?
I promise I'll pay you back."

“Hi, Mom.
I'm really hungry.
What's for lunch?"

“Mom,
I need a new pair of shoes
and I don't have any money.
Can you buy me a pair,
just till I get on my feet?
No pun intended, ha ha!”

He was an adorable little boy,
with curly blond hair,
so light,
it looked like spun sugar.

He won everybody over
with his smile
and that charming personality.

I once remarked
that he could sell ice boxes
to Eskimos.

Now he's come home,
alone,
unemployed,
needing me;
needing his mom.

He's in trouble,
and I know
I'm supposed to help him,
but if I do,
he'll never learn his lesson;
never learn to be on his own.

"Hey, Mom.
Dinner sure smells good.
Mind if I crash on the couch?

It'll just be for a little while -
just till I get a job -
or find a place to live."

Nobody's worth that much trouble. . .
but he's my son.

NOBODY IS WORTH LOSING SLEEP OVER

Go to bed, you maniac,
you over-tired insomniac,

your bloodshot eyes are really red,
get off the couch and go to bed.

The sleep disorders you’ve acquired
mess with you when you get tired.

Nearly nodding as you sit
in your narcoleptic fit,

anytime and anywhere
you can sleep, you just don’t care,

but indeed, you start to nod.
For about five minutes, but it’s odd

when your disruptive sleep apnea,
takes the breath right out of ya.

In company, you are a bore,
then you nod to nap, and snore,

loud enough to wake the dead
and blast the pillows from your bed,

causing you to lie awake
as your RLS makes your legs quake.

Sleep is an elusive prize
when gravity affects your eyes

from wide awake, to fast asleep
you lay in an exhausted heap,

Praying for a solid night
to sleep until dawns early light.

But alas, you know the scene,
you won’t fall asleep to dream,

you’ll just start to toss and turn
and stay awake ‘til your eyes burn,

So go to bed, insomniac,
You over-tired maniac.

You don't believe in taking pills,
to subjugate your slumber ills.

No one’s worth you losing sleep,
close your eyes, try counting sheep.

Nobody's Worth Our God-given Dignity
(Shadorma)

God made us,
not to be abused
mistreated
or demeaned.
He's watching. He's got our backs.
A word to the wise.

Linda, I hear you.

Walt, that sounds horrible. You've struggled with that quite a long time, haven't you?

Theresa, AMEN.

Well it did get three of my stage plays written, but those all-nighters were not by design. I battle it, try to control it, but best I can do is live with it and get my nods where I can. Partly why I'm on so much, I suppose.

Theresa, we have "form"ed some sort of mind-meld this week. I had been working on a Shadorma, as well. Once again, couldn't be in better company. Loved yours.



A Heart’s Worth

Still mourning
all the time I lost,
the nights I
tossed and turned
myself inside out for you.
Still, morning will come.

"Nobody's Worth".
Such a dolorous sound.
All tolling Os.
A final T.H.
Like a pthlit lithp.

Thanks, Marie Elena.

De -- Love your Shadorma, especially the use of repetition in the first and last lines. I think this prompt lends itself to a somewhat different approach. Maybe that's what got us thinking of other forms. Whatever the reason, I am pleased to be in such stellar company. I'll mind-meld with you any day!

My Bandaged Soul

Nobody's worth
another beat of
the broken drum
my broken heart

Nobody's worth
the heavy sigh
a dying ember
choking on smoke
i wish it would
just die

Nobody's worth
what i gave away
in naive innocence
my heart's folly

beyond crying, too late
the gloom of existence
wrapped inside a glacier
permanent winter

Nobody's worth
stopping the clock
stopping the car
get the hell out!
i've had enough!
a long walk home

zoom out and breathe
as it must, time passes
and all returns
sweet sunlight and
sneaky unexpected joy
suddenly i'm too spent
to stop from smiling

humor now caresses
my bandaged soul
my friends toast
with glasses high
the return of
my wicked
sense of humor

Walt, I liked Nobody is Worth Losing Sleep Over.

Walt - That's a tough one. Your description makes it real and true. Keeping good thoughts for you.

Tom - Really like this, especially good use of metaphor. Love the upbeat, hopeful ending.

Nobody's Worth Knowing
_____It's as simple as something that nobody knows.


Nobody
knows you when you're down and out. You're
nobody
til somebody loves you. I never think at all when I write.
Nobody
can do two things at the same time and do them both well.
Nobody
can hurt me without my permission.
Nobody
goes there anymore. It's too crowded. In heaven an angel is
nobody
in particular. I never hurt
nobody
but myself and that's
nobody's business
but my own. Just because
nobody complains
doesn't mean all parachutes are perfect.
Nobody
can bring you peace but yourself.
Nobody
is forgotten when it is convenient to remember him.
Nobody sees
the obvious,
nobody
observes the ordinary. There are more miracles in a square yard of earth than in all the fables of the Church.
Nobody
ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public.
Nobody expects
to trust his body overmuch after the age of fifty. Childhood is the kingdom where nobody dies.
Nobody that matters, that is.

Rats. there was supposed to be a line break after "kingdom where".

Barbara,

Nice just the same! And nice of you to give us a few more ways to approach this prompt.

Nobody's Worth Listening To

Pity the poet's love
who must drop their shoulders
and sigh with a quietness
more yielding than the graceful air
of a fanning peacock's tail.

Beauty in nature and in words
must be displayed in gentle tones
so soft that their lover does not hear
when they are told once,
and once again,

"Listen to this one."

Nobody’s Worth Not Learning From

Attention
Take down barrier
Each person
A story
Look and listen with my heart
My being is changed


This is my first attempt at a Shadorma. This group makes my brain cells feel like happy puppies again.

Patricia, I am SO drawn to your latest one...YOU are worth "Listening To," as I read your lovely, carefully weighed words over and over again, aloud. Nice work.

NOBODY’S WORTHY OF HER LOVE

She carried herself with a grace so rare,
the world was a better place where she tread,
the heartache of her leaving so young was unfair,
I can’t get the thought of her out of my head.
What can I say of her that hasn’t been said?
How do my memories even compare?
There is no accounting for tears that were shed,
she carried herself with a grace so rare.
You at once fell in love with the flow of her hair,
the color of which was the most dazzling red,
her heartfelt compassion held the world in her care,
the world was a better place where she tread.
No other can fill the void left in her stead,
so I hold her close when I’m deep in prayer.
I felt true love’s anguish as she lay on death’s bed,
the heartache of her leaving so young is unfair.
As she looks down on me now from up there somewhere,
my sense of unworthiness fills me with dread.
But, her love was a treasure, a true gift to share,
and I can’t get the thought of her out of my head.
Now every night when my head hits my bed
and I’m lost in a somnambular stare,
I remember her love and I’m lifted instead,
to have been given that prize from someone so fair;
she carried herself with a grace so rare.


***Form: Rondeau Redoublé - (represented as - A1,B1,A2,B2 - b,a,b,A1 - a,b,a,B1 - b,a,b,A2 - a,b,a,B2 - b,a,b,a,A1)

THE SELF-WORTH OF NOBODY IN PARTICULAR

You are who you are.
Who you want to be,
who you aspire to be,
who you believe yourself to be.
Because, if you think it,
you’ve already become it.
We all have a value to this world;
a price that we pay,
a worth for which we have
bartered our existence.
Hold yourself in high regard,
let your esteem rise to heights
yet unseen. Carry yourself
with aplomb and confidence,
brandishing your talent like
the cocky gunslinger aiming
to duel every aspect of your
capabilities, arising victorious,
undefeated and unwavering.
The “King of the World” or
at least your little domain, for
if you have the bull by the horns
you will retreat from no challenge.
Stand tall and step to the plate
wielding the biggest bat,
swinging for the fences,
knocking everything you do
out of the park with pride.
Write your poetry from your heart,
Tap into your soul and
use it to touch others,
and be proud of who you are.
Take stock in your value
for you are that feared gunslinger;
the “King of the World”;
a champion bull wrangler;
powerful home run hitter;
a humble poet.
You are who you are.
Who you want to be,
who you aspire to be,
who you believe yourself to be.
Because, if you think it,
you’ve already become it.

Walt, LOVE IT - with capital letters!!!

NOBODY’S WORTH; SOMEBODY’S VALUE

She stood in the shadows
and watched life go by,
her clothes all disheveled,
thread worn and dirty,
Left to her defenses
to struggle; survive,
abandoned by a world that
deemed her unworthy.
Who did she think she was anyway?
She was a child of God in her mind,
but that thought had escaped
her in down trodden times.
How could He have left
her here all alone? How could she
find her way back to her home?
She by no means was worthless,
this kid knew her stuff, but ability
alone was in fact not enough,
she hadn’t the drive to
be all that she could.
She hadn’t the faith to
believe that she would,
she just saw herself
as an extension of him,
he just kept her down, and
for some reason she let him,
only to find herself here in this place.
What to do, what to do,
how to vacate this space?
And as she sat there and
questioned her worth,
The clouds slowly parted and a light
filled her berth showing
the realm of true possibility,
a perfect venue for her ability,
and all she need do is
truly believe, that she had it all,
she had what she’d need
to rise from these shadows
and walk where life’s trod,
realizing that this gift from God,
this epiphany that her value
was priceless and her strength
was her faith and by that
she’d suffice. Yes, she IS
that child of God so assumed,
an un-nurtured blossom
that by Love’s light did bloom.
She found her life’s calling,
she knew what she’d need,
it was not based on her wanting;
her greed, it was based on the love
she had found for herself,
a worth more than gold,
a personal wealth and a vow
that she’d never be swept
from her berth, for she was a person
of principle, value and worth.

Nobody’s Worth More than Four Dollars and Fifty Cents

It’s that exercise they do every so often,
where they break the human body down
to its composite elements and figure out
how much they’re worth in today’s market.

So nobody is literally worth their weight in gold.
And certainly nobody’s worth ten million a year
no matter what team they play on,
no matter what corporation they head.

And I’m sorry, but nobody is really worth billions,
not a sultan or a founder of some electronics empire.
It’s just stuff, and they’re still just
pathetic bags of chemicals.

To some, life is cheap, and nobody is worth anything.
This is where suffering comes in.
But I say all that’s irrelevant. We are priceless,
no matter which way you take us apart.

Linda H., Theresa and Patricia, thanks for your appreciation of my sundry thoughts put to rhyme. It seems to be beating me into submission today. I go willingly.

More Shouts!

Thanks to Penny, Willy, Trudi.

Patricia - "...Worth Convincing" and "...Worth Listening to", Superb!

Tom Stevens - "My Bandaged Soul" Love it.

De - "A Heart's Worth" Letting your passion free is cathartic and healing.

Theresa - "God Given Dignity", Great thought.

Terri French - "...Worth Can Be Measured" Likewise.

alana - "Questions" answers a lot. Thanks.

Ralph - "That Kind of Stress" Powerful.

Sammy - "Worth Your Wrath" (I think I was married to that!)

Marie - This "Nobody" is grateful for your observation among other things! But you know that too!

banana - "Nobody's Worth. The second was twice as nice!

Nancy Posey - "Giving Up Yourself" Wonderful Thought, well conceived.

More when I can...

Nobody's Worth Nothin’


Never meant much
cookies and milk,
smiles and attention,
a safe place, when home
was an empty house.
Lonely old lady
living next door;
nothing more.
Kitchen counter jar of cash
to pillage.

Nothing special that
mentor, coming early,
staying late, playing ball,
offering company, solace,
help with homework.
Just a working slob
doing his job.
Desk drawer of pocket change
to plunder.

Don’t think twice
about their kindness;
never wonder
how they’d feel,
if only they knew,
‘cause nobody's worth nothin’
to you.

- - - - - - - Back later to read & comment! :-) - - - - - - -

Walt - Thank you. Awesome rondeau. You really do "write your poetry from your heart". It comes through in every line.

Patricia - What a gentle, lovely tone your last piece has. Great work on this prompt, as always.

Kata - Keep those puppies happy!

Bruce and PSC - Always look forward to your good work.

Hannah, Penny, Banana, Theresa, & De: your encouragement means a great deal to me. It’s a wonderful thing to receive kind words from those whose work I greatly admire.

Mr. Atwater: Outstanding work. (I smile when I see your name).

J. Martin: You’ve captured the 10-year-old heart dead on! Excellent!

Michelle: Wonderful acrostic.

Sheila, Ginger, Tom, PSC, and Knitting: Your work also stood out to me.

Walt, I thoroughly enjoy dancing with you. I study your moves as I work on my steps and flow. You’re a great leader, Walt. But … you knew that … ;)

Nobody’s Worth Waiting For


She was just sixteen
he was wild and mean
they hooked up
quickly fell in love
Or was it lust

When your’ young
You do what you must
Once begun
They both knew
Their relationship would continue

Just before she turned seventeen
they ran away together
why not, there was a world to be seen
they left, not to return ever

Plans change when reality sets in
finding themselves hungry and broke
She found she could not rely on him
His promises, empty fumes and smoke

So, while they slept
under a sign in a doorway of some town
She slowly crept
into a window, just for a look around

She was just looking for a little cash
maybe a bite or two
He woke, she was gone,
He was not sure what he would do
She was young, cute and blond
maybe she left for someone else
No, she wouldn’t he told himself

He started to look for her
She must be in that open window
he surprised her
Deciding to follow

When she saw his face
she jumped and screamed
They started to leave that place
The door was a lot further then it seemed

In the doorway stood a man
he was big, ugly, and mad
It was three am, his anger was easy to understand
they started to pray, thankful for the time they had
She didn’t know what to say

Before she knew it
her boyfriend, snuck up from behind
One big hit
and he was one body,
she hoped they’d never find

Life does not work that way
they were caught a mile down the road
both had nothing to say
just wanting each other to hold

He was sentenced to life without parole
She was given probation
She promised to wait
But, in the night,
a young woman needs someone to hold
she thought, it’ll be alright
He’s got to understand
after all he’s a man

She would rationalize
he had to realize
a young woman has needs
she felt her betrayal like a disease

Then one day, she met another
that’s when she knew
No body’s worth waiting for
she had promised there would be no other
but, as she grew
time passed her by,
she closed that door
stopped wondering why
put those years behind her
married, and became just a little wiser. . .

Ralph J. Fitcher, July 6, 2009, another nobody’s worth it poem. Totally fictional.

Thank you Walt, it was based on the true story of my first wife and I. She was doing everyone in the world, while I was very faithful, and there for her at every step. The funny thing is, society see's us men as being the ones who cheat in relationships, but I can honestly say having been married 30 years of my adult life, 15 to the first, and now 15 to my second, I have never ever cheated. My first, cheated with everyone both men and women. I never knew, it was truly devastating to find out. Luckily I found out after the divorce. But, if you ever want to see what my first looks like, or who she was. Go to the web site of gay show on shotime for "The L Word" my first wife is a contributing writer. Her name was Cynthia Fabian. She never remarried as far as I know. I only find stuff out about her accidentally, we have no contact.

Ralph:

Just eavesdropped on your message to Walt. I know what it's like to be cheated on, while being completely content in the marriage and equally completely unaware for nearly 13 years. "Devastating" doesn't even scratch the surface. It's something I've never written about, but you've sparked something in me to consider doing so. Perhaps it really would be therapeutic and releasing.

I can tell you that I was convinced I'd never trust another. But then came Keith. :)

Bless you, Ralph.

Okay ... now I'm totally embarrassed for posting such personal info here. I wish there was a way to delete. Sorry, all. :(

Oh, like we've never done that (embarrassed ourselves personally) Humanity is alive and well in Sloan, NY and Ohio. Chalk it up to the poet in you. When you feel it's worth writing, it will come. If not, it will go back into hiding. I think...

Don't be embarrassed, Marie. It's no wonder we all get along so well. My first marriage lasted all of 10 months, though I'd been with him for four years, straight out of high school. He was a class A scuzzball, in case it doesn't come through in some of my writings. ha. Thanks to the God of second chances, and the love of my life of over a decade, I now get to just write about it, and live something else entirely. Sounds like you do, too. :)

Ralph, I remember that feeling of devastation well. I pray life treats you much better these days. Hey, at least we get some good cathartic writing out of it, right? What doesn't kill you only makes you...and all that?

Marie Elena: I think that's what we're here for.

Thank you Marie, in truth, I have found writing about it over the years to be the most therapeutic means of dealing with it. There was a time, when I could not even say her name without wanting to cry. That was over 17 years ago. Now, I am happily married for 15 years. While there will always be residual pain and feelings, I am well past it now. I still do write about her on occasion, but, I believe that we as poets do that, we write what we feel at the time, be it fantasy like my last poem, a current reality, or something that has been eventful in our past. Some eventful has been joyous for all of us, other eventful has been painful. We tend to write more about the painful, it's a great release. Regarding personal information, I believe we all share personal information on this medium. And, why not, we all feel very comfortable with one another. I personally thing that is a good thing. I know many in the real world, who know very little about me, here most everyone knows my life story. They would not, if I were not comfortable with the people here. So, smile, and be happy to have some many great friends. I am glad you too have found happiness. So many of those cheated on, never trust anyone again. The most recent Time has an article on infidelity and the growing trend in this country.

Ralph

Thank you De, I am very happily married, and have been for 15 years. :-) The writing has been of a great help, I must admit, my writing has gotten me through much in life. If not for this, I might have become an alcoholic, drug addict, or worse. It's nice to have a drug/means of escape that is neither illegal, nor harmful to others, such as writing.

Ralph.

It is funny how well I feel I know some of you. It's like a family atmosphere here in so many ways. Thanks for understanding and encouraging words. You guys are the best.

"PA" just got changed to mean "Poets Anonymous" "Hi, I'm Walt...and I'm a...a poet," "Hi Walt..." And so our therapy begins, thankfully! Ralph, no truer words were ever written and the escape most welcomed.

Sister, you don't know how right you are! ;)

Hi, I'm De, and I'm a poet (I hope). And also (for sure) a Pro Crastinator, which is what I'm doing here right now when I should be working and working out! ;)

Hi De!

Only Walt ... ;)

"Pro Crastinator." I resemble that. At this very moment.

I guess that's better than being the "Head Worm Guy" at the Fishing Academy!

Oh, sorry. I spoke out of turn. Hi. I'm Marie Elena, and I'm a Walter Wannabe ... I mean, a poet. I mean a ProCrastinator. Hi De. Hi Walt. Soooo ... I have a question. Exactly what meeting am I at? Is this Poets Anonymous? Procrastinators Anonymous? I'm confused.

P.S. Head Worm Guy at the Fishing Academy. HA That one took me a second.

Hey, we can embarrass ourselves, not each other. Hi Marie Elena. You're at which ever meeting fits your muse at the moment. Confusion is actually a pre-requisite to either group. So you have the right 'tude. The "Walter Wannabe" group disbanded when the BS got knee high partly, and because of lack of interest mainly. We can put you on the waiting list if they ever get their crap together to give it another go. Thanks for your inquiry.

Nobody's worth heaven
because heaven is a gift,
a price was paid to get it
and a balance had to shift.

Nobody receives it
if they do not know the Son
the Son was He who bought it
and bestows it. Yes, the Son.

Nobody’s Worth Getting Fat Over

Do you turn to booze
or maybe get self-destructive?
When someone’s seriously hurt you
it’s kind of seductive
to do some things you might not
otherwise normally do,
like chowing down on cheese or chocolate
if you’re feeling quite blue.
But it’s important to realize
that alcohol and drugs
and candy and whatnot
cannot stop what bugs
and bothers and haunts you
and makes you feel wretched.
So instead, gripe, whine, complain
and (to anyone who’ll listen) kvetch, kvetch, kvetch it!
But do not gain poundage
since it comes off more slowly
than when you first put it on
(like, from onion dip or guacamole.)
See, nobody’s worth it
Yes, no one should make a mess out of you.
But if the above advice doesn’t work,
you can go and get revenge too.


(Just got back from a 2-week trip to Florida with my family. Lots of fun but no computer. So...I have to read and catch up, but I saw the theme and had to scribble out something. Of course.)

Post-Crastinators Annonymous?
Barbara here.
Is this outfit autonymous?
Or connected anywhere
To stepping stones eponymous?

I would have written earlier, but... I was busy tending my three Facebook farms.

Hi Walt, De, I'm Ralph. Umm, where do I begin?

Ralph

Hi Ralph, Start at the beginning, give us an ending, and we'll flesh out the middle.

Hi I'm Ringo, I drive a taxi in NYC & I'm a Yanks fan...if that don't suit ya get yer own damn 12 step program

Howlin'in denial!





Iain

Hi Ralph. Hi Iain. Who's leading this group? 'Cause, I gotta tell ya, Barbara is making me giggle. I hope that's acceptable here.

Hi lain, Ringo, and Maria, well lets see it all started on a planet far far away. My dad a scientist found out the planet was about to explode, but no one believed him. So, he built a rocket ship and sent me to this planet, things went downhill from there. . .

Ralph.

Oooooo!!!! Meepoid beeple, Ralph! :)

(Physicians, heal thy selves!)

Nobody's Worth Sickness

Her body is so limp
rolled into a blanket sausage
with her hair fever damp
sticking to her forehead.

The doctor's orders are clear
for every hour on the hour
and prayers are flowing like syrup
flavored with sweet cherries.

You twist a rag under the faucet
running cool relief into the cloth
and with your mother's touch
wipe love into her skin.

Medicine and tenderness are measured
as the hours wilt into morning
but relief comes in a remedy of tears
as she sits up and you lie down.

Nobody’s worth her time of day.

She sits.
The clock ticks.
Last night she sent him away.
Heart on her sleeve, determined to leave
no one to hold onto, no one to believe
she wastes yet another day.
The clock ticks.
She sits.

De, I really enjoyed that one! Form fits function! KUDOS.

Thanks, Patricia!

De time of day is really good.

Ralph

"Nobody's Worth My Love"

I loved them before--
a starlit morning
mourning yesterday's pain

They came in rescue-
I loved in vain
and suffered pain afterwards
and it's forever.

Nobody's worth my love
it's inside and true
and I beckoned for you
and those before to understand--

For I've loved more than
a few
that have torn me
into a shattered string of regret,
punishing this truer Soul--

My heart bled too much
and I need it and hold
it dear

Near to a space, this envelope of time,
to breathe
this opening to know who I protect,
and persevere, through fear,
never loving again and a silence in this feeling heart

This uncertain
This longing, yet a sense noone's worth loving.


Debra Cochran

Hi De, Ralph, Walt, Marie, RIngo and Iain---I'm Penny, and I would like to join Poets anonymous, as long as we aren't trying to give up anything.

Ringo--didn't I once sit in the back of your cab? Aren't you the bossy guy who tired to let me out at Yankee Stadium instead of the Metropolitan Opera? DOn't you have a friend in England? Howseedoin wit that Cricket stuff? On withdrawal I bet.

Patricia--every Mom felt that last ones in her bones-well done.

You guys are all inspired and inspiring!

I just logged into my other favorite poetry website, Pathetic.org, this morning and found that they selected my prompt poem for this week as their Poem of the Day. A nice surprise!

Congratulations, Bruce! A well-deserved surprise if there ever was one.
And thanks to all who are keeping us entertained and inspired as we make our way to another Wednesday.
Sign me up for Poets Anonymous. My name is Theresa, and I'm very new at this but loving every minute.
You guys are the best.

Patricia, De, and Debra: all very touching and well done.

Congratulations, Bruce! You must be on Cloud 9!

Hi Penny and Theresa! Penny, no chance of giving up anything here. Neither poetry (yay), nor procrastination (boo).

Theresa & Maria Elena - Thanks for the kind words. Your comments make my day! :-)

I've only managed a little time for reading myself -- another busy week -- but here's what I've enjoyed the most so far:

Walt Wojtanik - NO ONE'S WORTH WAITING FOR - an excellent kick-off! LOL.
Patricia A. Hawkenson - Nobody's Worth Nothing - Amazing! Loved this!
Chev Shire - nobody's worth completely understanding - cute!
Joseph Harker - NOBODY'S WORTH THIS SHIT - Felt like a slice of life.
Taylor Graham - NOBODY’S WORTH SHOOTING UP - eerie, for its reality.
Sara McNulty - Nobody’s Worth More Than You - a beautiful thought.
Sheila Deeth - Nobody's worth it - wow!
Iain - Nobody’s worth doing time for… - sweet.
Daniel Picoulas - Nobody’s Worth That Kind of Money - So true!
Kristy Worden - Nobody’s Worth Losing Yourself - Nice job.
De Jackson - Nobody’s worth Fibbing for - Excellent!
Nancy Posey - A Southern Mother’s Advice - A Northern Mama’s too! Very nice.
Juanita Lewison-Snyder - Nobody’s Worth This - Muy enojada - no??
Salvatore Buttaci - NOBODY’S WORTH GOING TO HELL FOR - and that’s the truth!
Beth K - Nobody's worth - another truth.
Chev Shire - nobody's worth the stars - A sad fate, indeed.
De Jackson - B&J - Seriously! and: Confession - nicely done!
Walt Wojtanik - NOBODY IS WORTH THAT PLAYER TO BE NAMED LATER - Liked this!
Shelley - Nobody’s worth giving up on - Beautiful!
Trudi Jarvis - Nobody’s Worth... - so sad, because it’s too often true.



Hope to be back later for more reading & comments! :)

Good for you Bruce. Nice Job.

Hi Penny,
We don't give up ANYTHING. We share our work in a friendly and inspired environment and support each other to all get out!All we ask is that you conform to that dictate and do the best poetic work you can according to the weekly prompt. Welcome aboard.

Thanks PSC in CT, Marie Elena, and Ralph!
Congratulations, Bruce! That's awesome!
re: Poets Anonymous...I wonder if maybe what we are (finally) trying to 'give up' IS our anonymity? Perhaps we are more like Poets Autonomous? (wink to Barbara Young);)

PS: As long as there are donuts (and pretty words), I don't care what we call us. :)

There were doughnuts? Where? Was there coffee too? Man, I just don't get all my memo's.

Ralph

All the coffee you can bring, my man. The beauty of it is after one fine poem, you are not by any means anonymous! We know who you are.

NOBODY GETS WHAT THEY DESERVE
(Fair Market Value)

“…you can’t always get what you want,
but, if you try sometimes, you get what you need.”
~ Rolling Stones

What is the worth of a well-turned phrase,
a line full of meter and rhyme?
How do you value a passage of prose,
a moment’s depiction in time?

What is the cost of a sentence or two
that rolls off the tongue so refined?
Is there a price to a word of advice
that sits in the back of your mind?

To live for today, there’s a price that we pay,
that is just “what the market will bear,”
we all set the value for our wants and needs
whether it’s fair or unfair.

We have some set notion of our own worth
commensurate to our dexterity,
and we sometimes feel slighted when the things that we write
get lost in our search for some clarity.

So, how is it as poets that we set the bar
to get the respect that we crave?
We beg and we plead for someone to just read
and accept in our minds that we’re “saved”.

But that phone seldom rings extolling the things
we offer the world, full of pride,
opportunity knocks rarely, we’re hanging on barely
and pent up our emotions inside.

So we just keep on writing while ideas are fighting
to be the next thought that inspires,
and use that spark to flame our muse,
to kindle our poetic fires.

We post our submissions with our kind permission
for those of our ilk to admire,
we bolster each other, poet sister and brother,
and encouragement is what stokes our pyre.

And so it is true this thing that we do
won’t always “pay” what we plead,
we will still plug away and pray for the day
and work hard to get just what we “need”.

Nice one, Walt!

Thanks De. Nice mutual admiration society we have going here, isn't it?

Back to finish reading & commenting:

banana_the_poet - Nobody's worth sticking your neck out for - I like your beginning! Keep tuning it. It’s going somewhere good! And: Nobody's Worth - ‘there isn't anything else as precious to me as what being nobody's worth.” I’m with you on that one -- 100%!

Nancy Posey - Nobody’s worth giving up yourself for - You must have been reading my mind! I started with this idea too, but it‘s stalled in my “work in progress“ folder. Yours is excellent! Nicely done!

Marie Elena - Nobody's Worth It - What a lovely thing to say! LOL! From one nobody to another . . . and another . . . and another . . .

Alana Sherman - Love your questions; :-)
Theresa Cavicchio - Your shadorma was a treat.
Tom Stevens - My Bandaged Soul - sweet ending.
Barbara Young - that’s a whole lot of nobodies!
Kata Kollath - Nobody’s Worth Not Learning From - Excellent!
Bruce Niedt - “We are priceless, no matter which way you take us apart.” - Lovely! And congrats on your selection for Pathetic.org!
Walt - NOBODY GETS WHAT THEY DESERVE (Fair Market Value) - Love it!

Back tomorrow to pick up the prompt. Wednesday already??

Lies

Nobody’s worth more than the truth of their words.
If there is no truth behind what they say
Then the person is worthless.

Nobody’s worth believing once their lie is exposed.
If that lie is not exposed, we will keep believing
Until the day that the truth shines through.

And the truth will eventually be told.
Truth will always rise to the top
Of any dung heap it is buried in.

No matter how deeply buried.
No matter how they try to cover it up.
Truth will eventually expose the lie.

Once the lie is bared to all,
Once the truth is known,
Then the liar is of no value.

NOBODY'S WORTH WAITING (MORE) FOR

Relinquish the reigns,
Yada-Yada,
Resting our brains,
Yada-Yada,
Wednesday is here,
Yada-Yada,
A new prompt appears,
Yada-Yada,
Nobody's worth waiting
more for, for sure,
except our leader,
Yada-Yada.

Wanda: "Nobody is worth more than the truth of their words." Brilliant. I wanted to write about honesty as well, but could not figure out how to work within the prompt to present it. You "wowed" me with this.

Walt: Wish I could stick around and wait with you. Have a cup-o-joe and watch for Robert. But I have to hop off and get to work. Your "reprise" is the perfect way to end this prompt, eh? You always make me smile.

All of you have a wonderful writing day, and I'll catch you later. Can't wait to see the new prompt and all the extaordinary results of your beautiful minds!

De - Love the form and substance of "time of day".
Walt - "We bolster each other, poet sister and brother"; love that.
Wanda - I'm with Marie Elena; your opening line is a gem.
Marie Elena - You have such a way of making us all feel good. It's a true gift.
PSC - Many thanks. I'm enjoying trying out different forms.
All - The new prompt is coming. Can't wait to see what we come up with.

Just popped in on my lunch break to see the new prompt. Nothing yet, eh?

Thanks for the sweet sentiment, Theresa. But I am by FAR not the only one offering encouragement around here. Present company included! ;)

Nobody’s Worth That Trade

She for her
Tits for ass
Sort of revenge
Making that pass

Time to trade
She for her
All swept up
One time per

Aren’t the same
In the details
She for her
No substitution quells

Perfume and sweat
Emotions to transfer
Making the swap
She for her.

Thought I'd pop by and write a quickie for last week's prompt while waiting for the newone. Hi everyone!

No-one's Worth The Paper They're Printed On

No-one's worth the paper they're printed on:
Not the crumbling tabloid quarter sheet
with the finish that reminds me of
papier mache wrapping and oozing
over my fingers like an old dead thing
but unlike a mache' bowl, which reaches nowhere,
it shows millions the last picture of a rhinestoned glove
the first of the first dog
or another alien landing in Brazil

Not the faxed paper, no longer smooth and remiscent
of ditto sheets with their funny comforting
purple smell, in an in-tray
snooping after vaccines,
activity waivers, and tax exemptions
for summer camp for [insert name here],
due yesterday

Not the framed in red
three inch side-bar
of words, words
with "probable picture of"
devoted to a blurry camera-phone video
of an ordinary woman bleeding
to death on the street for what I
think of as the ordinary act of speaking

Not the two-thousand six hundred and ten
dollar bills with that soft-from-hands
and inky feeling
though the inks on a dollar
never bleed, for the sterile drapes,
the sting of iodine, the chalky pills, for each person
who comes back from the streets and dunes
of Iraq or Afghanistan to Ohio or
Hawaii or anywhere that was once here

Because nowhere is there a balance to weigh out
the drift of paper layers and reams
against the rich redness of blood under the
skin and the electrical sparks like thousands
of trapped stars each time someone thinks,
sings,
breathes,
blinks.

Prompt 51 Playing catch-up.

Nobody’s Worth More than Others

Will climate change lead to a “fortress world”
where the rich lock themselves away
inside gated communities, fearing invasion while
the poor must fend for themselves in shattered environments?

Social problems are worsened by the consequences
of rising emissions’ invasion of our troposphere.
Will climate change exacerbate poverty,
social polarization and terrorism, not to mention chaos?

Developing countries will be hardest hit by the
invading, ominous climate changes.
This seems unfair, they contributed less
air pollution than has our own industrialized world.

Before rising seas swallow large percentages of land,
I expect rational processes will save the day.
Ingenious minds got men on the moon. Enough
grey cells can surely solve our earth’s dilemmas,
if we listen well, and act on sensible solutions.

That is my hope, for the consequences of failure
remain unimaginable. We’re all in the same earth-boat,
and will sink or swim together. No one wants to hear
“The Barbarians are at the gate” ever again.
We’re all worth saving.

Nobody’s Worth the Fuss

when it comes to being intolerant.
When bigotry fills a mere second,
you lose the wages of patience:
then the mind cannot afford
food for thought. You can spread
homemade jam on burnt toast-
bread scabs won’t appear to be
charred when its broken down
on any surface, but go ahead,
take a bite.

Nobody’s Worth the Fuss

when it comes to being intolerant.
When bigotry fills a mere second,
you lose the wages of patience:
then the mind cannot afford
food for thought. You can spread
homemade jam on burnt toast-
bread scabs won’t appear to be
charred when it’s broken down
on any surface, but go ahead
and take a bite.

Nobody's worth the heartache and pain,
The headaches and sleepless nights
and lack of eating.
Nobody's worth all of the analyzing,
studying, wondering what I
did to push you away.
Nobody's worth the hassle and pain,
Nobody but you.

Nobody's worth more than you

Nobody is worth more
Than your green eyes
Your loving nudging
Your wanting and needing
Your whiskers
And your little paws

Nobody is worth more
Than you

Nobody’s Worth Forgetting What I Know

Okay, so I’m picky.
But I know what I like
and what I don’t like.
I know what I can live with
and what I can’t.
I know what I want
and what I don’t.
I know who I am
and who I’m not.

Why do I always
forget all this
in the face of my longing
to be with someone?
Why do I try to
convince myself
that I can learn to
like what I hate,
live with what I detest,
want what I loathe?

Why do I forget
who I am
and make the other person
everything;
give up myself
and what I know to be true;
set myself up for
the inevitable broken heart
when we both realize
that for me,
there is no meeting
in the middle,
that for me, compromising
where I shouldn’t
is being compromised.

When will I learn
to tell myself the truth?
That I am just as important
and valuable as the one
I put on an unwanted pedestal;
that to change myself
for someone else
is to sell myself out;
that no one is worth having
at the loss of who I am;
that nobody’s worth forgetting
what I know.

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With love ;-), Senta.