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Author: Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld
Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld is the founder/manager of Prolific Pulse Press LLC and a widely published poet and writer. She is an editor of numerous anthologies and for Fine Lines Journal. She is Poet Laureate Emeritus of Garden of Neuro Institute and is an organizer for Living Poetry in North Carolina. ProlificPulse.blog ProlificPulse.com
Angels in Front of Us
Angels in Front of Us
Motel Merrion was on the outskirts of the next big city in Kentucky and Shandy was pleased with the homey look of the place, from the very moment she pulled up to the point of checking in, she knew she was in the right place and Belle, who sent her there, was right about it being a decent place to rest up; this became even more evident when the sole proprietor, Merry, strode up to the desk; she had a full head of blonde hair, curled and sprayed to the nth degree, penciled eye brows that appeared raised despite the fine line of her actual brows, coral puffs of rouge, and lipstick which reminded her of strawberries; she has a an unfiltered Camel burning in the ashtray, which she paid no care to, while she focused on Shandy.
“You must be Shandy; thank you for calling from Belle’s place, it helped me get your room ready, and I wanted to be sure you had a room close to the front so you could be close to the office, you are in a safe place, but there’s something to be said for taking that extra step, you know what I mean, yeah, of course you do; well you are all set in room 3, my lucky number, and I hope you find it to be yours, too; there’s coffee and donuts in the morning by six and just leave the key in the drop box when you leave.”
“How much do I owe you,” inquired Shandy.
“Shandy, dear, you don’t owe me a thing, I heard you are starting over and, well, I have been down that road, until I found this place to make a home for others, I was lost, and, well, I promised myself that if there ever was a woman who was in my shoes come in the door, I would treat her like she deserves to be treated, and I won’t have any money from you, I have a little cash stash for these reasons, and tonight is your lucky night.”
Speechless, Shandy tried to speak, but her throat closed up as her eyes welled with the fullness of tears, and when she found her voice, she spoke, broken but clear enough, “Merry, you are a jewel, I am going to accept this, well, because I remember that my husband would say to pay attention to the angels, they are in front of us, and, well, you are one of those angels, and, well, I will be sure to pass your kindness on to the next person I come across with a need.”
Merry handed Shandy the key to her room, Shandy reached out and gave her a hug, walked out to find her room and when she opened the door, she was greeted with a bouquet of fresh roses, clearly from the beautiful rose bushes which lined the front of Merry’s motel, and Shandy knew she found the right place to claim for her overnight home.
…..
And that is my installment of the continuing story of Shandy and Clarabelle. This week, the focus has been on Shandy, but Clarabelle will be back. She’s just not met Shandy, at this point.
You can go see what others have written to the prompt this week of FILTER HERE
Ten Things of Thankful – March 19 2021
Happy Friday and TTOT day! Let’s hop to it!
- The cardinal picture is reminiscent of my nephews Keith and Michael. Keith’s Heavenly Birthday was February 28 and Michael’s is today. Happy Birthday in Heaven to my nephews. They were both Saint Louis Cardinals fans. So, the cardinal has a double meaning, that of the reminder that when we see a cardinal it represents those we have lost and the other meaning is their fandom. I am grateful for the belief in the possibilities of visitors from the other side of the veil.
- The anthology “Heart Beats” is in the final proofing stage and I am just stalking my mailbox for the proof copy. I am grateful to have been involved in this project.
- Garden of Neuro has been an affirming experience for me. I recently posted the interview with Nanci Arvizu.
- Writing buddies. My good friend, sister from another mister, Chanah and I are back to doing virtual writing. We started this a good while ago on a live meeting basis, then we switched to virtual before virtual was cool and so when could have Sonia involved from long distance, and then we were meeting in person at home and incorporating lunch, and now we got back to virtual. I love doing this. It requires the discipline of focusing on your writing and not getting sidetracked by other things and we can bounce ideas off each other.
- Daughter and I started the Sketchbook Revival yesterday. It is a lot of fun. It is free and we created some fun pictures. The important thing is not to worry about perfection and just have fun. I am grateful for this option. And that my daughter is my buddy for these projects.
- Sunday is World Poetry Day and I am grateful that Green Cat Books, of which I have interviewed some of their poets, is going to be doing a poetry reading. Green Cat Books is from the UK, hence World Poetry Day. Want to be in the audience? Go HERE to sign up.
- Enthusiasm. I love it when people are enthusiastic. It raises my energies to be around others with positive points of view. I hope I am that person and am grateful for the energies of enthusiasm.
- The power of prayer. I have an unspoken prayer request for a dear friend and I know that putting this here will generate more prayers.
- Collaboration with my niece. I am having so much fun collaborating with my niece who is also my cover artist.
- YOU! What is in your gratitude bank? Bernie the Beaver wants to know.
Coming Soon! National Poetry Month is in April
National Poetry Month follows World Poetry Day which is March 21, by the way there is an event that day you might be interested in. I will be posting that next.
While it listed as a national event, it really is open to all people in the world. After all, who decides whether or not you can write your poetry?
I found several ideas on how to celebrate poetry on Poets.org
One of the activities I try to accomplish is to write a poem every day. And there is even a forum on Writers Digest where you can post your poems. Or if you want some ideas or prompts that is a great place to check. Robert Lee Brewer posts prompts every day in April, so it makes it easy. He has the Poetic Asides column on Writer’s Digest. You can check it out HERE
This year, I am writing a poem per day to a theme. I have not decided on what my theme will be, but I want to do something that could eventually be edited up to become a chapbook or manuscript.
What are your goals for National Poetry Month? I would love to hear what you plan. Comment below and fill this up with ideas.
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