Gaithersburg Book Festival offered an online workshop this morning. Here's what I wrote during the 5-10 minute writing prompts.
(1)
I am standing here,
On a dirt road,
Thinking,
Yes I could live here.
I’m looking at a panorama of mountains,
A highway,
With trucks and cars heading east and west.
No people that I can see,
Far or near.
Houses behind me.
I saw a man walking his dog
As I drove up the hill.
It’s hot,
A dry heat
That doesn’t cause drippy sweat.
Later, I will wash the dried salt and grit
Off my face,
And make my decision.
————————————-
(2)What are 4 or 5 things that are essential to you
Water and food
Place
At least one musical instrument
Running/walking shoes and clothes
Paper and pen or iPad and electricity
I need water and food so I can remain living.
Everything else I need
Relates to my happiness
And how well I live.
Place.
A view
A peaceful place to walk
Mountains, canyons,
water trickling or streaming over rocks,
Singing to me.
People
A friend or two who don’t question my quirks
And enjoy some of the things I like to do.
Music
A ukulele or guitar or keyboard,
My voice
Others playing instruments and singing
Writing
iPad, laptop, paper, pens,
A place to sit
People to watch
News and stories to read and hear.
Clothing.
Shoes and clothing for outdoors
I don’t care what I wear indoors
Outdoors, I need the right clothing
So I can run, walk, hike up mountains and into canyons,
—————————
(3)America is…
America is a beautiful day,
And a stormy sky.
Happiness and hope
Sadness and despair.
Ancient trees, newly planted trees.
Burnt and insect ravaged forests
Quiet contemplation,
In your face loud questioning.
Colors, accents, cultures,
Innocence and guilt.
Truths and lies.
Lines drawn,
No retreat.
Running away,
Marching in the streets,
America is a house,
And to some a home.
