Dare to Choose
clockwork
doorways beckon
gears and pistons fastened
we seek a master’s silver key
to click
unlock
we brave of heart
silence snaps with a snick
cogs whir and teeth weave as hands tick
time twirls
in loops
knobs thump, rings spin
through creamy clouds of steam
oil and grease, wheels whirl, and rust flakes
doors break
open
to infinite
portals, countless choices
through keyholes we peek before doors
creak closed
defy
the gyrations
clockwork machinations
we wield the ancient key and dare
to choose
***
I had the pleasure of choosing the image for February’s Ekphrastic prompt, and then struggled mightily to write for it! This poem is a Crown Cinquain, five stanzas, each with syllable count of 2/4/6/8/2.
The weekly #TankaTuesday syllabic poetry challenge is the brainstorm of Colleen at Wordcraft Poetry. Think about joining in. It’s great fun.
Myths of the Mirror 
Of course, you know I’m on board from the word “Choose.” Your word/sound choices really carried the feel of moving cogs, and I love the “puzzle” element of the rhyme scheme as well. On top of it all, even in its brevity, it’s engrossing and complete. (I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: you should consider releasing a book of your poetry.)
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Oh, you’re so kind to me, Erik. I have 9 years of blogging poetry and flash stories, so at times, I’ve considered an anthology of the best ones, just to have them recorded. Maybe I’ll wait until I have a decade! 🙂 It was wonderful to see you pop over. I hope you’re well, my friend, and enjoying the warming weather. Hugs.
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You do weave words together so well, a wonderful poem and with the structure and your creativity it seems more intricate than a clock 🙂 Beautiful work, Diana.
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Thanks for the lovely comment, Randall. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem. It was a fun one to write. Have a lovely Sunday and week ahead. 🙂
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[…] Dare to Choose #TankaTuesday — Myths of the Mirror […]
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Thank you for sharing the poem, Yvonne. That was kind of you. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Hi Diana, this is a wonderful and imaginative poem. Well done.
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Thanks, Robbie. I chose the image and then had the darnedest time writing for it. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy Writing!
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Good choice of image, Diana! It looks like one of your book covers. I bet the ancient treasure behind the door is the reward of the choice. Very nice story.
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Thanks, Miriam. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem. I like thinking about our lives as a long long list of choices, each one setting a new direction in small or big ways. The journey is the treasure I think. 🙂 Have a lovely day, my friend. Choose something wonderful.
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I agree with you, Diana. Each choice could make a difference. Some choices are just different but may not be good or bad. We can always improvise and make something beautiful out of them. Have a wonderful day, my friend. 😊
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Nice! Feels like you went a little steampunk this week, Diana!
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I did, Sean. It was fun to add all those sounds and movements. I like writing to visual prompts and had the pleasure of picking this one out. 🙂 Thanks for the visit, my friend.
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Wow, such an intriguing story you created from this photoprompt Diana. ❤
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Thanks Debby. I enjoy Colleen’s photo prompts and will try to do them every month this year. I’m glad you enjoyed it. And I hope you’re enjoying your vacation and feeling well rested. Hugs. ❤ ❤
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Thanks Diana. I will have much to write about (taking notes). And photos! ❤ xx
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So well done. I’m sure I’ve said this before, but you make it look so easy. 🙂
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I wish. I spend so much time on these, it’s a bit ridiculous. But plenty fun too. Thanks for stopping by Betsy and for the kind comment. Take care.
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I’ll bet it’s a fun challenge, though, getting it just right with syllables, etc. Like a far more intense wordle. 🙂
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Ooooh, I like wordles too. 🙂
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🙂
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I dare myself to choose and try this crown cinquain. Under the shadow of my own closed door, because heaven’s above, I couldn’t come close to this masterpiece (mistresspiece?) Well done. Tick tick tick.
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hehehe. You can do it! It’s not as hard as it looks once you come up with your “topic.” I’m glad you enjoyed this one, Pam. I just loaded it with sounds and movements (thereby accomplishing two stanzas. lol.) Thanks for the visit, my friend. I wonder what you’ve got going in the writing hopper. You keep such good secrets. Enjoy my friend. ❤
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My writing hopper is empty – alas! I’m trying to rejuvenate it with a winter break. Several writers have assured me I’ll get my writing chops back soon. 🤞
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I’m assuring you of the same, Pam. Sometimes a break is exactly the right formula to inspire creativity. ❤ ❤
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[…] D. Wallace Peach […]
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Thanks for the link, Colleen. 🙂
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