Come, my friend, step into the circle of light. Gather closer to the campfire. The night brings the light of the moon and the cold whisper of the North Wind. It is time for another tale before journeying into the New Year: “Once long ago, there lived Burro, a sturdy animal with broad shoulders and…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Tiger
Unfurling
Green. A color with flavor. The green of limes souring in the sun, The green of tart apples with a bite. Green, the color of bile. Green, the green flash of jealousy as I listen To yet another woman friend pushing her envelope, Sprung, liberated from a marriage that turned green. She wrote of…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Tiger October Contest Prompts
The Nature of Being
I love wandering the aisles of Flora-Dec and Party City Stopping here and there, You think this is aimless, which is why I go alone And why you should go to Home Depot without me. It is a meditative walk for both of us, Done solo is best for what transformation is possible. On…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for August Contest
FOOSH (100 Words)
The taking of my wheels came earlier than expected, I tripped over a fan cord ER doc said I have FOOSH Fall On Outstretched Hand X-rays confirmed small fracture on my right wrist, no surgery needed. I exited the ER with a sugar tong splint, Contrary to the delicate imagery of sipping tea on the…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Tiger -- July Contest
A New Year’s Tale (500 Words)
The moon hangs in full promise on the last night of a strange year. The North Wind chills the air as it blows through town, making way for Sister South Wind’s breath of sea salt. Together, first one and then the other, they cleanse the land of restless unease. A clean slate is left for…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Tiger -- June Contest
Sign Of The Times
I tested positive for Covid the other day First with an at-home test kit which I never fully trust And then confirmed by one of those pop-up test sites, Trust in the home test was affirmed, Much like learning to trust the GPS to unknown destinations. I feel shame about this Like I did…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Tiger Writing Contest
Sisters II
Another lifetime ago I was nine, and you were red, wrinkled Like a monkey born shrieking. You grew pixie-like, happy to tag along On blue-sky days in the park, Not knowing how much my friends and I Longed for days without you. You tell me I was the smart one, the good child Always…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for April 2022 Bamboo Shoots Writing Contest
A Long Way
Food and memories go a long way From fork to mouth to ties that transcend The passing of time, of life. Take papaya, soft-boiled eggs, and toast People find it strange that I liked old people food From when I was a young girl, It’s the feeling of comfort and memory now Of eating with…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Tiger -- February 2002 Contest
Buddha Says
Every day I read the obits I take notice of the ages Today, a lot are older than me This makes me think I still get chance To out dance the piper Buddha teaches life is impermanent So no get use to it. In the meantime, the days fly by Adding another month, another…
Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Ox -- January 2022 Contest
So, What’s New?
Everyone knows January first is new To me, new means That sweet scent of a just born baby’s head The smell and crackle of book pages never read by anyone before me That book bag my Mom made from scrap material, filled with school supplies And a box of 48 Crayolas, sharpened and still whole…