Author Archives: Liz

About Liz

Writer, poet, photographer, omnivorous reader, and observer of life.

Some distance between posts

Posted on 2018-11-01 by Liz

During September and October, I was taking a six-week photography workshop online from Andy Ilachinski via Shanti Arts. Didn’t get in much off-topic writing during that time. Quite absorbing.

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Up at 2 a.m.

Posted on 2018-11-01 by Liz

… and wondering how so much time could have gone by. I worked freelance for twice the number of years I was employed by corporations after college graduation. How did I come to be in my seventies? I don’t feel … Continue reading →

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Larger than life…

Posted on 2018-08-22 by Liz

i would not rebel against nature’s potpourri— evening’s smoky reds cold winter’s crusted snow…or changing the world in my dreams Copyright © 2018-08-22, by Elizabeth W. “Lizl” Bennefeld.

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If trees had wings #poem

Posted on 2018-08-12 by Liz

if trees had wings— need not trust to fickle winds to safely bear their seed if the heart could hear tomorrow… choose to go or stay Copyright © 2018-08-12, by Elizabeth Bennefeld.

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Waiting for the silence

Posted on 2018-08-11 by Liz

So many names, so many faces I no longer remember, voices muted by the overwhelming years. I threw away their letters. Burned their photographs. Drowned grief in nights of walking…days at the piano, my hands exhausted, my fingers worn. All … Continue reading →

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Evening Walk

Posted on 2018-07-25 by Liz

Also published this date on the Quilted Poetry blog and inspired by a photograph (third one from the top) on Thomas Gable’s post: Spring is Near on the blog When Timber Makes One Still. honey-dark amber reflected in the water … Continue reading →

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Forerunners

Posted on 2018-07-21 by Liz

those who came before did not see a moon our first stepping stone to space Copyright © 2018-07-20, by Lizl Bennefeld.

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No Rereads, Nothing More

Posted on 2018-06-24 by Liz

no history fires made of letters that I’ll never read again Copyright © 2018/06/24, by E.W. Bennefeld. no correspondence between life and death lights turned off Copyright © 2018/06/24, by E.W. Bennefeld.

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Sometimes…

Posted on 2018-06-13 by Liz

Sometimes, at waking, the most odd and unexpected trains of thought roll through my mind. time does not heal all wounds, but only stretches out the tepid stream life—an endless river immortality its death Copyright © 2018-06-13, by Elizabeth W. … Continue reading →

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No Regrets

Posted on 2018-06-03 by Liz

the colors of springtime the scent of autumn’s falling leaves non, je ne regrette rien © Elizabeth W. Bennefeld, 2018-05-31. Written in response to Mara Eastern’s (maraeastern[dot]com) post on that date on the discontinuation of WP’s weekly Photo Challenge (among … Continue reading →

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Tidying up #NaPoWriMo2018 month

Posted on 2018-04-30 by Liz

In the midst of all, I have misplaced text files for poems I wrote and meant to put here and/or email to my writing partners for this National Poetry Month challenge. I hope to have all gathered together (more poems … Continue reading →

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Day 30, A Closing Poem | #NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-30 by Liz

Today’s prompt, write a closing time poem. I had thought there would be more feelings about…more active involvement in the act of my dying. Interaction with this new experience. Not simply waiting in the not-silence, listening to my breath in- and … Continue reading →

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Rewriting the World – April 21

Posted on 2018-04-30 by Liz

nahaiwrimo prompt for Day 21: PRINT Bring Your Own Plot Print has gotten smaller in books as years go by and letters crowd the line with two or more ascenders where only one should be, and below the quivering baseline … Continue reading →

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Story Poem, another Day 27 prompt | #NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-29 by Liz

Brewer: For today’s prompt, write a story poem. Think of a story, could be a long, complicated, winding story, but for a poem, it may make more sense to make it a short, direct story. Sort of a plot summary … Continue reading →

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Day 27: Wind and Water (final version) | #NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-27 by Liz

waves beat on the shore playing footsies with strangers then slipping away wind and sand party along the beach … Catch me if you can! Copyright © 2018-04-27, by Elizabeth Bennefeld, final version. Prompt: Ronovan Writes Haiku challenge of 23 … Continue reading →

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Day 25: Warning Sign | #NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-25 by Liz

The prompt that I chose for April 25 was from NaPoWriMo: Today, we challenge you to write a poem that takes the form of a warning label . . . for yourself! (Mine definitely includes the statement: “Do Not Feed … Continue reading →

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Day 22: As Far as the East Is | NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-25 by Liz

For April 22, I selected this prompt from naprowrimo: And now for our daily prompt (optional as always). I’ve found this one rather useful in trying to ‘surprise’ myself into writing something I wouldn’t have come up with otherwise. Today, … Continue reading →

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Day 23: Vistas | #NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-24 by Liz

slumbering dawn tucked away in grey-pink clouds— wake the morning sun Copyright © 2018-04-24, by Elizabeth Bennefeld.

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Day 20 – Energy | #NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-20 by Liz

exuberant raindrops keep time against the window until the cloud-break streams send water toward the sea as shadows turn to light Copyright © 2018-04-30, by Elizabeth Bennefeld. Note: Finishing up with the missed/delayed poem postings for #NaPoWriMo2018. Searching for photographs … Continue reading →

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Day 18 – Tempted to Silence | #NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-18 by Liz

Brewer: For today’s prompt, write a temptation poem. Nearly everyone is tempted by something: fame, glory, money, chocolate. Today is the perfect day to give in to the temptation to write about your (or “a friend’s”) temptation. Also, I totally … Continue reading →

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Day 17: Aeronautics, Intermission | #NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-17 by Liz

Prompt from #RonovanWrites #Haiku – Original post with more photos. sunlight on his wings iridescent dragonfly the joy of his dance Copyright © 2018-04-17, by Elizabeth W. Bennefeld.

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Day 16: fish | #NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-16 by Liz

I love to dance balancing vertically strong horizontal sweeps of the tail fin below… gill covers and filaments vibrating, my head up looking at the bright waves of sunlight as the lights flow on above me the water moves and … Continue reading →

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Day 15 – If I were a garden | #NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-15 by Liz

Prompt- Cayahoga library: Katerina Stoykova-Klemer has written, “Often I Wish I Were// a potato.// Eyes opened/ in all directions.” Begin a poem with “Often I wish I were” and complete the  stanza with…” and  see where that takes your poem. … Continue reading →

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Day 13 Prompt: “M” = Muskeg | NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-13 by Liz

Cuyahoga Library Prompt: ‘Open a dictionary to the letter “m.” Scan until you find the first word you don’t know the meaning of that intrigues you, and then write a poem about that word.’ muskeg meadows camouflage soft ground that … Continue reading →

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Day 12 Prompt: Natural Landscape | NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-13 by Liz

NaPoWriMo Prompt: Today, we’d like to challenge you specifically to write a haibun that takes in the natural landscape of the place you live. It may be the high sierra, dusty plains, lush rainforest, or a suburbia of tiny, identical … Continue reading →

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Day 9: Who We Were | #NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-12 by Liz

I decided to go back to April 9, to the Pilgrimage prompt, and wander a bit through the family tree. My mother was a genealogist, among other things, and we kids got to do research, each in our turn. Who … Continue reading →

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Day 10: Simultaneity | #NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-10 by Liz

NaPoWriMo Prompt: “Today, we’d like to challenge you to write a poem of simultaneity, in which multiple things are happening at once.” geese cry overhead the dogs sit up and listen leaves remain silent I would fly like those wild … Continue reading →

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Journaling: paper vs. digital

Posted on 2018-04-09 by Liz

I find it interesting, how different the topics are for my online journal from the paper journal that I have returned to since the first of 2018. Things that I would only post, if at all, on my Patchwork Prose … Continue reading →

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Day 8: Late Snowfall | #NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-09 by Liz

tulips pushing through loam to newly fallen snow wait in line for spring our rabbits, lacking new grass, nibble tender tulip shoots Copyright © 2018-04-08, by Elizabeth Bennefeld. We have a lot of rabbits in our yard and the surrounding … Continue reading →

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Day 5 Prompt – Intelligence | #NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-06 by Liz

Brewer: For today’s prompt, write an intelligence poem. Of course, intelligence is subjective. What is common sense for one person makes no sense to another. But intelligence is more than IQ and test scores. There’s artificial intelligence, intelligent animals, and … Continue reading →

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Day 6: uneven lines | NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-06 by Liz

Prompt from NaPoWriMo: “Today, we’d like to challenge you to write a poem that stretches your comfort zone with line breaks. That could be a poem with very long lines, or very short lines. Or a poem that blends the … Continue reading →

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Day 4: Dragonfly, Perspectives | #napowrimo2018

Posted on 2018-04-04 by Liz

Prompt for Day 4 from the NaHaiWriMo page on Facebook. Sleepy dragonfly… reconsider this day’s world shifting perspectives warmth and rest can set thoughts free transforming dreams into flight Copyright © 2018-04-04, by Lizl Bennefeld.

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Day 3: Empty | life of words

Posted on 2018-04-03 by Liz

life of words filtered through words life lived at second hand a slower pace—indepth reexamined contemplated and reworked without the words written out or spoken— if only heard, repeat them before they disappear into the aether— wordless melodies and rhythms … Continue reading →

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Day 2: Portrait | NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-02 by Liz

Prompt: Portrait the face in the mirror…mine as I looked 30 years ago gaunt…drawn…withdrawn hair cut short—cut off after all those years do I appear the same to anyone but me? will they know me at a glance? I will … Continue reading →

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Day 1: Dreams in Porcelain | #NaPoWriMo2018

Posted on 2018-04-01 by Liz

 within the bowl blue trees surround a small house patterns from childhood born of her best memories— paths forward…wishes…hopes Copyright © 2018-04-01, by Elizabeth W. Bennefeld (Lizl). I read both the NaPoWriMo and the NaHaiWriMo prompts for this day, coming … Continue reading →

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Late night thoughts

Posted on 2017-12-28 by Liz

Reading about the excess profit taking on generic drugs by companies centered on fast money rather than service to society, I find myself becoming convinced that for me to purchase and use such products would not be something I could … Continue reading →

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Late at Night

Posted on 2017-12-18 by Liz

the ticking clock restless sounds of puppy dreams… one unread chapter curtains closed against the dark stars above adorn the night Copyright © 2017-12-18, by Lizl Bennefeld. All rights reserved.  

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Being real

Posted on 2017-12-05 by Liz

what’s real being real isn’t hard if you don’t expect today’s real to be the same as yesterday’s or tomorrow’s version reality changes as the hours and days journey through near and distant lands inner and outer space and down … Continue reading →

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Back in the Day (30 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-12-01 by Liz

Brewer: For today’s prompt, write a “back in the day” poem. You might also call this a “good old days” poem or a “bad old days” poem. To me, back in the day is synonymous with history–but a kind of … Continue reading →

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Response Poem (29 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-29 by Liz

Brewer: For today’s prompt, write a response poem. The poem can be a response to anything–a piece of news, some art, a famous (or not so famous) quotation, or whatever. However, I thought it might be a cool opportunity to … Continue reading →

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Rough Draft – (28 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-29 by Liz

I wrote a rough draft for a longer poem, yesterday.  I’ve been working on revisions, but it’s not ready to post anywhere.

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The Marsh’s Edge (27 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-28 by Liz

marsh’s edge red-winged blackbirds celebrate new-hatched chicks   clinging to his reedy stalk, feathers fluffed, the father sings Copyright © by Elizabeth Bennefeld, 2017-11-27

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Shine (26 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-27 by Liz

sunshine through leaves kissed by frost…changing color golden light Copyright © 2017-11-26, by Lizl Bennefeld. Prompt: Brewer: shine  

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Raindrops (25 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-27 by Liz

PoetryPotion: Rain, rain, rain! raindrops on the roof raindrops on the window pane raindrops all about rain came down, this week, in sheets that can’t be used for sails      —Elizabeth Bennefeld, 2017-11-25

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Remember Me (24 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-25 by Liz

My husband and I have been talking about this writing prompt, how we feel about being remembered after we die. As a writer, I thought at first that I would want my poetry to be remembered (and I would be … Continue reading →

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Neglected Chores (24 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-24 by Liz

stacks of clothes worn and freshly laundered gather dust the outside world fades away when words are singing in my mind Copyright © 2017-11-24, by Lizl Bennefeld.

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Outside the Window (23 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-24 by Liz

songs of birds outside a window too often closed— their songs muted cats cannot fly away…but birds cannot escape the cold Copyright © 2017-11-23, by Lizl Bennefeld. Prompt 172. Write a poem using the following image: a cat sitting on … Continue reading →

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Spring Blizzard (22 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-24 by Liz

brisk arctic windsspring clouds from the southwind sculpted ice icicle teeth hang from branchesthreatening spring tulips Copyright © 2017-11-22, by Lizl Bennefeld.

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Outside War, Inside (21 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-24 by Liz

bifurcated forcibly polarized world no in-between dark skin or white…no gender pushed to declare a side Copyright © 2017-11-21, by Lizl Bennefeld. Prompt from PoetryPotion: “The war inside”

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Season Transformation April 2013

Posted on 2017-11-22 by Liz

Photographs from an earlier, very “weathery” year brisk arctic winds spring clouds from the south wind sculpted ice see-through teeth hang from branches threatening spring tulips Copyright © 2017-11-22, by Lizl Bennefeld. WP Weekly Photo Challenge: Transformation

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ecology (19 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-21 by Liz

we didn’t expect oceans dead, oxygen gone cities down sink holes we thought…smog and air filters self-sufficient geo-domes Copyright © 2017-11-21, by Lizl Bennefeld. I believe that the 19th day was the one that I missed in the poem-a-day string. … Continue reading →

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Ragged Sunlight (20 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-21 by Liz

  sharp north winds broken cloud cover ragged sunlight winter…refuge from the heat cold seeps into these old bones Copyright © 2017-11-20, by Elizabeth (Lizl) Bennefeld.

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What I Meant to Say (18 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-20 by Liz

I did write a poem for Day 18 in response to the prompt “what I meant to say”, but decided not to put it on my blog. Sometimes that happens. Still working on a poem for Day 19.

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Night Sounds (17 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-19 by Liz

For Day 17, the prompt I chose is “ember” tea leaves and night sounds a steel pot on warm embers battered cups distractions discarded we talk about what matters — Elizabeth W. “Lizl” Bennefeld, copyright © 2017-11-19. Prompt: “ember” from … Continue reading →

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Seeing Mother (16 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-18 by Liz

Prompt: “When I see my mother” When I see her now she looks so much younger— filled with song vigorous and happy, radiant… sorrows past, still in love —Elizabeth Bennefeld, 2017-11-18 Note: My mother died on 15 November 2016 (age … Continue reading →

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Memories (15 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-15 by Liz

banked camp fire glowing embers toast the last s’mores laughter and hot cocoa childhood memories of love Copyright © by Elizabeth “Lizl” Bennefeld, 2017-11-15  

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Harvesting Fog (14 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-15 by Liz

Nahaiwrimo: droplet harvest mountain fog catch droplets on nets—water to green the desert — Elizabeth Bennefeld, 2017-11-14

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Partly Cloudy (13 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-14 by Liz

This is a poem that I wrote for the “Ronovan Writes Haiku” weekly poetry writing challenge, for which two words are provided as prompts and synonyms are allowed. Haiku are, for purposes of the challenge, defined as 5-7-5 format…or writer’s … Continue reading →

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Fog and Ice (11, 12 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-14 by Liz

NaHaiWriMo prompts for days 11 and 12: fog and ice early dawn fog above the river veiled hills Copyright 2017-11-11, by Elizabeth “Lizl” Bennefeld. ice along the shore the tree twigs and branches coated with rime Copyright © 2017-11-12, by … Continue reading →

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Blanket of light (10 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-12 by Liz

night sky fiery blanket of light a sea of stars broad enough to span a life deep enough to hide within Copyright © 2017-11-10, by Elizabeth “Lizl” Bennefeld. Source: QuiltedPoetry.net – Poem a day, Day 10

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Cold Winds (9 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-09 by Liz

  geese and frigid winds flow south…ragged array their loud cries — Elizabeth W. Bennefeld Copyright © 2017-11-09 NaHaiWriMo prompt for this day: “flow”.

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Water Puddle (8 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-08 by Liz

after rain water puddle mirror sky underfoot Copyright © 2017-11-08, by Elizabeth Bennefeld. Writing a poem a day during November 2017. WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Temporary

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Sleepy Ocean (November 7, 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-07 by Liz

ripples slide onshore whispering along the sand— night songs in moonlight as the restless ocean sighs… falls more deeply into sleep Copyright © 2017-11-07, by Elizabeth W. Bennefeld. NaHaiWriMo prompt for 7 Nov. 2017: sigh  

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Breath of Morning (November 6, 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-07 by Liz

the breath of morning tints eastern skies … as night’s hand tucks away its stars Copyright © 2017-11-06, by Lizl Bennefeld. I went through a number of variations on this. Still not sure which one I like the best. This, … Continue reading →

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Swoop Down (5 November 2017) | #NaHaiWriMo

Posted on 2017-11-05 by Liz

peregrine’s swoop grasping talons…beating wings flickertail feathers Copyright © 2017-11-05, by Elizabeth W. (Lizl) Bennefeld. Prompt: #NaHaiWriMo : Swoop  

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New Snow (4 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-04 by Liz

  blanket of new snow puffy clouds hold in earth’s warmth rabbit tracks melt first Copyright © November 4, 2017, by Elizabeth W. (Lizl) Bennefeld.

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November Weather (3 November 2017)

Posted on 2017-11-03 by Liz

Today’s prompt is from The Daily Poet: What’s The Weather Out There? tiny snowflakes drift down in slow motion…to ground too warm to hold them Copyright © 2017-11-03, by Lizl Bennefeld.   Also, I made a stab at using the … Continue reading →

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Tomorrow never comes

Posted on 2017-10-22 by Liz

the sun rose rolled along its silent path— solitary it’s wandered off unnoted tomorrow will not happen Copyright © 2017-10-22, by Elizabeth W. Bennefeld Fargo ND USA

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trapped in dystopia

Posted on 2017-10-13 by Liz

not fake news poor people live there… let them starve caught up by someone else’s timeline…no way out of here Copyright © 2017-10-13, Elizabeth W. Bennefeld. Tough, getting to sleep, tonight.

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One-upmanship

Posted on 2017-10-07 by Liz

crows caw overhead landing on high branches taking off again the loudest bird will settle only for the highest perch Copyright © 2017-10-07, by Elizabeth W. Bennefeld.

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Startled amusement

Posted on 2017-10-05 by Liz

old photographs a poppy for remembrance— so long ago his proposal accepted his startled silence Copyright © 2017-10-05, by Elizabeth W. Bennefeld.   The waning days of the Japanese Poetry workshop. Far too short!

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Pedestrian – Photo Challenge

Posted on 2017-10-04 by Liz

I like this one a lot, and so decided to put it here, also. This is the last week of “Introduction to Japanese Poetry”, and I’m really enjoying it. cross-branch travel Asian lady beetle on foot a common sight air … Continue reading →

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Graveside memories

Posted on 2017-09-29 by Liz

Remembering my parents’ graveside military services as the months progress toward first anniversaries. A year ago, plus a few weeks, my mother entered the hospital, and then into hospice care for two months before her death. Father followed her perhaps … Continue reading →

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In its own shadow

Posted on 2017-09-28 by Liz

The tanka practice in week three of the workshop continues. This is one of the practice poems that I think I will not submit to the workshop leader; it feels like just an extended haiku. I like the flower, though. … Continue reading →

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It is morning . . .

Posted on 2017-09-14 by Liz

It is morning, and I worry about the honeybees and the farmers who grow weeds no longer bothered by herbicides Copyright © 2017-09-14, by Lizl Bennefeld.

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Everyday Inspiration: Poetry Workshop

Posted on 2017-09-12 by Liz

Beginning on Monday, 11 September, and continuing for four weeks, I am taking part in an online poetry workshop: Introduction to Japanese Poetry. It is a “hands-on”, writing workshop, which I expect to enjoy immensely. I’ve a book by the … Continue reading →

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Finding Everyday Inspiration, Day 20: Wrap It Up

Posted on 2017-09-09 by Liz

  What I enjoyed (and did not) I enjoyed the prompts. They were not earthshaking, but they served their purpose. The subjects were predictable, but the techniques/methods for addressing the prompts were varied. I was able to bypass the techniques … Continue reading →

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Finding Everyday Inspiration, Day 19: Roundup of Great Reads

Posted on 2017-09-09 by Liz

Perhaps not so much great “reads” in every case. I do enjoy looking at photographs of the out-of-doors and the creatures that live there. Belinda Grover Photography: Belinda Grover has a particularly nice photograph of a hoverfly on a plant … Continue reading →

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Finding Everyday Inspiration, Day 18: A series of anecdotes

Posted on 2017-09-08 by Liz

Not likely…Instead, a few pictures with comments. These photos are from my personal album. My parents took a lot photographs throughout their lifetimes. As we left home for college, we each received a large photo album with a copy of … Continue reading →

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Finding Everyday Inspiration, Day 17: A Map as Your Muse

Posted on 2017-09-08 by Liz

For this day of “Finding Everyday Inspiration”, I am once again “mining my own material”. “Right-of-Ways” was written in response to a Poetry 101 Rehab prompt (March 2015). The Google Map encompasses various places I traveled to, whether by train, … Continue reading →

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Finding Everyday Inspiration, Day 16: Mine Your Own Material

Posted on 2017-09-08 by Liz

Favorite Recipes and a Short Story, from previous years of blogging Eggs and Orange Juice, September 2014 I like starting out the day with an omelette, a couple times a week. Sometimes they’re simple, and sometimes they’re more involved. This … Continue reading →

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Finding Everyday Inspiration, Day 15: Take a c(l)ue

Posted on 2017-09-07 by Liz

Rather than poll my readers (hi, Mara!), I turned to the alternatives listed for Day 15 on the Resource Page and selected three related suggestions: Tell us about a book that opened your eyes when you were young. Describe a … Continue reading →

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Finding Everyday Inspiration, Day 14: Making My Day

Posted on 2017-09-07 by Liz

This morning, 7 September 2017, I awoke after eight hours of sleep (or more). I’d practically fallen into bed, last night, before the sun had set. Exhausted, I think. I had fallen asleep towards the end of the afternoon, was … Continue reading →

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Finding Everyday Inspiration, Day 13: Play with Word Count

Posted on 2017-09-05 by Liz

  Mostly, I write short verse. What SFPA refers to as “Dwarf” poetry (10 lines or fewer). Writing a longer poem than usual would qualify, I think, as playing with the word count. On a whim, I also upended habit … Continue reading →

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Finding Everyday Inspiration, Day 12: Critique a Piece of Work

Posted on 2017-09-05 by Liz

Today, express your opinion on a topic or a piece of artwork. This is your opportunity to comment on something you’re passionate about, or review a piece of entertainment that you love or despise. | You can approach this assignment … Continue reading →

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Finding Everyday Inspiration, Day 11: A Cup of Coffee

Posted on 2017-08-30 by Liz

If we were having coffee together, today, I would share some fresh, cold-brew coffee with you. Hot, warm or cold, made with water or milk or some of each. There’s also a selection of black tea in the cupboard and … Continue reading →

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Finding Everyday Inspiration, Day 10: Let the Scene Write Itself

Posted on 2017-08-30 by Liz

I quietly observe the world around me through the eye of the camera, more often than not. So far, we’ve found inspiration from our own experiences, images, words, and more. Today, let’s quietly observe the world around us and write … Continue reading →

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Finding Everyday Inspiration, Day 9: Writing and Not Writing

Posted on 2017-08-30 by Liz

What do you do when you’re not writing? How do you reset and return to the dashboard, refreshed? What do you need in your day-to-day life to maintain balance: Running? Yoga? Gardening? Painting? Cooking? Today, tell us. A lot of … Continue reading →

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Finding Everyday Inspiration, Day 8: Reinvent the Letter Format (or not)

Posted on 2017-08-29 by Liz

Some might say a post in the form of a letter is trite and overdone. But with the right approach and tone, a letter can tell a great story and get your message across (and it doesn’t have to be … Continue reading →

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Finding Everyday Inspiration, Day Seven: Let Social Media Inspire You

Posted on 2017-08-26 by Liz

One of the goals of this course is to help you tap into new and unexpected places for post ideas. Today, let’s look to Twitter for inspiration. Don’t worry — you don’t need an account. Even if Twitter isn’t for … Continue reading →

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Finding Everyday Inspiration, Day 4: In Transit

Posted on 2017-08-24 by Liz

In Transit: Nth Dimension Travel the perfect place, filled with people going somewhere— step aside from them picture one unnumbered world where green, vibrant valleys wait cross over, mindful to watch your step–don’t look up and lose the pathway two … Continue reading →

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Everyday Inspiration, Day Three: One-word inspiration

Posted on 2017-08-22 by Liz

Select one word from this list as your post inspiration. Have you always wanted to write about the decision that changed your life? Are you a long-term traveler looking for a place to settle?… Or, one can look at the … Continue reading →

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Too short, mourning

Posted on 2017-08-18 by Liz

  only photographs– still, silent in their stark frames– wait for tears to fall 12 months, too short for mourning … too soon, the memories fade   too short, mourning. Copyright 2017-08-18, by Lizl Bennefeld.

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July 26: A pair of poems

Posted on 2017-07-30 by Liz

“i did not want to trouble her” i would not trouble her with present reality the look behind her eyes, knowing that she did not know, worrying what she’d once again forgotten that should always have been remembered i’d said … Continue reading →

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Fading Rainbow

Posted on 2017-06-18 by Liz

‘fading rainbow’ rainbows fade too soon turning to vapor as night falls upon the sky mist rises at the new moon the night sky falls toward the Earth   Copyright © 2017-06-18, by Lizl Bennefeld. All rights reserved. As the … Continue reading →

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Getting It Right

Posted on 2017-06-11 by Liz

“Getting it Right” I write the story of my life one day at a time, taking care to leaf through previous pages, editing events, adjusting back stories, tidying errors and casual mistakes that I would not have made, had I … Continue reading →

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NaPoWriMo17, Day 28 – Lake in Winter

Posted on 2017-04-28 by Liz

  the lake in winter whispering silence gentle touch of winter’s cold water’s smooth surface the quiet of falling snow the chime as each flake fractures Copyright © 27 April 2017, by Elizabeth W. Bennefeld. Source: “The Sound of Snowflakes”, … Continue reading →

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SFF Net and grief

Posted on 2017-03-31 by Liz

Among the losses that I am mourning is the closure of SFF Net, of which I had been a member since 1997, I think. Believe I didn’t get a newsgroup until the next year.  Yesterday I had my first in-person … Continue reading →

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