W3 Prompt #127
Lesley’s prompt guidelines
- Create a poetic scene, based on this imagery:
- It is early morning. You get out of bed and go to the window.
- Consider these questions:
- How do you get out of bed? Do you crawl, climb, jump, etc.?
- What do you see from the window?
- How do you feel?
- How do you begin this day?
- What lies ahead?
- You may write your poem in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd person.
You can join in W3 here: https://skepticskaddish.com/2024/10/02/w3-prompt-127-weave-written-weekly/
Lesley’s winning poem: https://lesleyscoble.com/2024/09/29/on-the-tip-of-my-tongue-a-free-verse-poem/

Just an Ordinary Day
Shrill phone alarm jerks me awake
Jumping up, I try enthusiasm to fake
Paddle next door on cold, bare feet
Waking sloth child an impossible feat
Open the window, let in fresh air
A few twitches from hibernating bear
***
Into the bathroom, turn on the taps
Shout at Sloth to prevent sleep relapse
Race through ablutions as fast as I can
Think about priorities, try day to plan
Switch off house alarm, race down the hall
Mustn’t go to fast or I might trip and fall
***
Switch on the kettle, set out mugs for tea
Prepare medications, this is quite key
Run back to Sloth’s room, shout in his ear
He won’t get up unless I instill some fear
Grabbing his phone, I make a quick deal
Get up and I’ll consider a return appeal
***
Make breakfast then turn on the washing machine
Thank goodness its easy to get dirty clothes clean
Rush round the house and pick up used cups
Spill cold, coffee dregs on the carpet – Aw shucks!
Dishwasher switched on and rumbling away
Glance at emails, the quantum causes dismay
***
Chase Sloth to put scattered books into bag
His look tells me I’m an irritating toe-rag
Leaving keys in the door, I get out the car
Thank goodness we don’t have to drive that far
The traffic is heavy, the drivers all deranged
A taxi shoots the lights after they’ve changed
***
Sloth fills in the late form at the gate
I drive away feeling annoyed and irate
Sure all of the teachers think I’m to blame
They’ve no idea every morning’s the same
Arrive at work feeling like chewed up string
Why on earth did I want this wedding ring?
In case you didn’t recognise the base song, this is it:

Thursday Doors
A few more pictures of the Rijksmuseum, front and back entrances, and some gorgeous paintings. You can join in Thursday Doors here: https://nofacilities.com/2024/10/03/big-e-doors/





Sunflower Tanka Journal
Colleen Chesebro and I are editorial partners for a new Sunflower Tanka Journal. You can find the details here:
The theme is Into the Light. I offer you the three paintings above as inspiration for this theme.

Well done! I love the poem to go with the classic rock and roll song.
LikeLiked by 2 people
HI Darlene, it’s such a great song and when I saw the prompt, this came immediately. Its so nice not to have to work for ideas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dawn. Sometimes you just have to enjoy the writing.
LikeLike
“Sloth child”………..Love it Robbie! Imagine If you had 4 or 5 Sloth children? You’d be a regular at the Sanatarium!
LikeLiked by 2 people
HI Wayne, fortunately I only have one. Greg gets up by himself and does everything he needs to do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love your poem, though I felt tired just by reading it.
LikeLike
It’s like this every day, Sadje. Boys!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😅😅😅
LikeLike
Something needs to be done to cheer up those mornings! Yikes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes I wonder why I feel tired by 2pm …
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had to laugh out loud at your poem, Robbie. It took me back to the days of trying to get my girls off to school. 🙂 Great door sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, I’m glad you could relate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh these are stunning Tankas thay went perfectly well with your song ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Michelle. I feel exhausted by 8.30am.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤭🤭 oh same here Robbie
LikeLike
🤗😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m the same, but the sloth is my husband.
LikeLike
I tactfully refrained from mentioning the tree form which this apple fell – haha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful sleeping beauty. Add a bunch of cats, and that would be me. Great parody lyrics.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, maybe its a boy thing then.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another great multifaceted post, Robbie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dave. Every day its the same …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another amazing post Robbie I do love your rewrites of songs , your doors and the artwork 💜.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Willow, I must admit that Thursday Doors posts are my favourite of the week.
LikeLike
And it really shows Robbie 💜💜💜
LikeLike
Great parody, Robbie and I love the artwork (yours and others). The worst part is when people blame you for the tardy ones. I really like the entrance of the Rijksmuseum. Thansk for joining us at Thursday Doors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, I feel so embarrassed because I’m sure the school thinks I am at fault. I wait in the car for at least 10 minutes every morning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember such hearing about such mornings. Fortunately, I was already at work.
LikeLike
😂🤣, spoken like a father
LikeLiked by 1 person
Guilty as charged 😉
LikeLike
😃
LikeLike
Well done with the wake up poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, VJ. Writing it took the irritation out of my morning. Michael’s been late every day this week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome. I think most of us can relate.
LikeLike
😊💗
LikeLike
This is delightful, Robbie. I adore the fondant! Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad to know that, Teagan. That cake was one of my family cake jokes and was modelled on Michael.
LikeLike
The poem captures those feelings so well. Love the cake to go with it and more fabulous doors and photos 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
HI Esther, I’m glad you enjoyed this poem. Writing it was a hoot and I enjoyed digging out the lyrics to Chuck Berry’s song. It is such a good one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow Robbie I knew you were Superwoman !
Loved the poem for W3 ✍️.
The fondant boy is so life like 🤗.
Best wishes for the journal 🌻 and thanks so much for sharing this post💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Maggie, I hope the poem made you smile. Smiling is always a mood booster. The fondant boy was modelled on Michael. Thankfully, Greg is the opposite and gets up quickly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Robbie
It did my friend, thank you !
Oh I see 😉 the joys of parenting 😁 to keep you on your toes.
LikeLike
I wouldn’t be without them but some days they drive me crazy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t relate , but can imagine!
You are an inspiration Robbie 😘
LikeLike
🤗💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic poem, Roberta, and beautiful pictures. That cool song goes well with your poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Tim, as soon as I starting thinking writing this poem, the song popped into my head. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Writing it gave me a good laugh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉
LikeLike
I loved your parody. The Sloth reminds me very much of myself in high school. (My poor mother . . . )
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, indeed, it’s a nightmare for mothers when kids won’t get up. I have been tempted to just leave him at home but that wouldn’t really help in the longer run.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Probably not.
LikeLike
Michael gets very upset when I am cross with him. With Greg, he tries harder and puts his best foot forward. With Michael, he goes backwards.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That must be tough to deal with.
LikeLike
🙏💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
ouch …. those mornings …
I could picture it lol… so very nicely done, Robbie 🤍
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you enjoyed this poem, Destiny.
LikeLiked by 1 person
my pleasure 🤍
LikeLike
This is a fabulous poem, Robbie. Which son inspired the fondant boy in bed?🤣 The paintings are stunning and great inspiration for the Sunflower Tanka Journal. Everyone loves the theme “Into the Light.” Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
HI Colleen, I thought posting a few inspiring pictures might be helpful for some poets. I thought I would slip the in when possible. This poem and the cake are all about Michael. Greg is just like me. LIttle Mr get up and go.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Robbie, I’m the same way… let’s go and get this done. LOL! The paintings are marvelous inspiration! 🌻
LikeLike
💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love all of this – the poetry, the art…bravo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John.
LikeLike
Fab! Simply fab! Of course, I HAD to sing your lyrics… I have to think that Chuck approves xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
HI Annette, I am delighted you enjoyed this. It’s such a great song.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Robbie – Even though I’ve been retired for 9 years now, and an empty nester for 18 yers (yikes), the morning routine that you so poetically described is still very, very relatable to me.
Incredibly well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
HI Donna, some things stay in your mind forever – smile! Thankfully, Greg is a morning bird like me.
LikeLike
such a hectic, fun read Robbie; love the sleeping teenage boy fondant and the art photos 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
HI John, I made that cake when Michael turned 13. Now he is 18 but nothing has changed – smile!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad 🙂
LikeLike
🌈
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good one , Robbie! Yes, I can hear it to the song.
I’m still laughing at Sloth child …Oh my…late slip, your fault, lololol!
Now that I’ve composed myself, The only thing I could answer is what I see out of my window.
Answer – graffiti
Gorgeous doors.
Fun post Robbie, thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
HI Resa, I must admit that writing this poem took the irritation out of my morning. Thank goodness I only have one sloth child and not two.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahahaha!!!!!
LikeLike
😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Leslie’s poem was indeed beautiful and powerful and so was your poem. I love the cake art “This is the full sleeping teenage boy cake” and the art photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
HI Thomas, thank you. The cake art is a bit of a record of events and times in my life.
LikeLike
I chuckled at the Sloth mentions — oh, the challenges of trying to get a teenager out of bed and getting ready for school! The cake looks fantastic 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Dave. The trials and tribulations of parenting 💓
LikeLiked by 1 person
That fondant is amazing, Robbie!
I can relate to the poem. My daughter, younger child, was horrible to wake up in the morning. One time her sibling set all the clocks later, and I might have poured a tiny bit of cold water on her . . . I don’t think she was ever late to school though, and it got better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Michael is late every day, it drives me mad. Greg is the opposite, thank goodness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always joke about Jay was born two weeks early, and Sheryl two weeks late, and that pattern continued. However, not so much now as adults. 🙂 My husband used to fall asleep, and it would be hard to wake him, but that doesn’t happen now either.
LikeLike
That is funny 🤗🌈
LikeLiked by 1 person
If we ever talk privately, I’ll tell you more! 😂
LikeLike
🌹❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Chris 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Robbie, this is wonderful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
HI Charles, I’m glad you like it.
LikeLike
These are beautiful museum pictures, Robbie. Love the teenage boy, too (have seen that pose!) 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, I am sure you have. Thanks, Barbara.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lot of nostalgia here! That Chuck Berry sure brought back a different time, as did your poem: my brother would NOT get out of bed in the mornings, and I’m sure my mom felt like that “chewed up string” more than once before she started her own day! The paintings are wonderful, but it’s the top one that made me stop for a while and just look. Such masterful works leave me in wonder. So much in your post! Thanks, Robbie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Maureen, I like the top picture best too. I was a favourite of mine in the museum. I thought this not getting up thing was a boy thing. The comments tell me that some girls are like this too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I chuckled as I read your poem, Robbie. My son never gave me any problem but yes, my daughter was a sloth during her school days!
That fondant is fabulous and the doors photos amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad this poem gave you a laugh. I am glad I only have one Sloth child and the other is an early riser.
LikeLike
Haha! Robbie, your poem is brilliant. The pace of it is superb! I love Sloth! Your fondant is phenominal! I want it! Your post, as always, is extremely entertaining. Bravo 👏❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Lesley, thank you. I’m delighted you enjoyed this poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very much ❤️
LikeLike
My goodness, you poetry is wonderful, and I think this might be one of your best fondants. The paintings at the museum, especially The Canal are incredible. Thank you, Robbie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
HI Jennie, I’m glad you enjoyed this poem. It was a fun prompt by Leslie. I liked the Rijksmuseum very much. I’ve always enjoyed painting of nature by the realists.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The two go together beautifully done by you.
LikeLike
💓🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
most wonderful and melodious toned poem for the morning. Sounds busy but you got a great poem in the telling. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Selma
LikeLike
You shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
‘Bout his teenage years that went by too fast—
You poked fun at his antics and shared—
And how that made all the difference.
Happy birthday to your son, Robbie. 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Selma. Your are right, but currently it makes me tired some days.
LikeLike
Teenager are impossible to wake. 😂 The have a dead mode, and the world could end. My niece once slept through a tornado. I was impressed.. well done, Robbie 😂😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sleeping through a tornado is very impressive, Nigel. My goodness. I am not easily disturbed by birds and animals but I am easily woken by my children, even now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah.. parents are light sleepers when it comes to their kids. Heightened senses. 💪
LikeLiked by 1 person
😃💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
love this one – the fondant sculpture is outstanding too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, da-AL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Robbie this was a fun read and brought back memories! At least you were not driven to the cold wet washcloth over the face trick!!! It will bring the dead to life…. but also make for very bad attitudes! hehehe! I only had to do it once and they became self starters!
LikeLike
Hi Val, I’ve never thought of that. It’s good to have an idea up my sleeve 🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahahaha! It tends to make the teen “madder than a wet hen”!
LikeLike
I can imagine.
LikeLike
Love your delightful poem and the fondant is perfect, Robbie. 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person