Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Real Toads: a 'short' challenge from MZ

At my favorite website, the online writers' group Imaginary Garden with Real Toads, Mama Zen asks us to write a poem telling a story, with conflict, in thirty words or less. She is the champion of the short-but-meaningful poem, is our MZ. Her economy of language is legend, at least in the writing circles where I hang out. Fortunately (for my husband, anyway) I have laryngitis and can't talk, so what better time to accept a little writing challenge?

Public domain photo from ec.europa.eu


I battle it.
it battles me
from deep within.
I use soft tissues
and antihistamines.
it uses wracking coughs
threatening shattered ribs.
now I use antibiotics,
hoping it’s not viral.


Public domain drawing from catherineryanhoward.com
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18 comments:

  1. Maude LynnOctober 3, 2012 at 10:28 AM

    Oh, this sounds so miserable! I hope that you feel better soon!

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  2. Kerry O'ConnorOctober 3, 2012 at 11:35 AM

    Sorry, Kay! Such microscopic adversaries can really get one down. Battle on!

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  3. Audrey Howitt aka DivaloungerOctober 3, 2012 at 1:36 PM

    Fell better! Tis the season I think-

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  4. The Blog of BeeOctober 3, 2012 at 2:15 PM

    That really is conflict!

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  5. FrikoOctober 3, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    Oh, I'm so sorry. You have been in the wars recently, haven't you.

    Here's hoping you'll feel up to snuff again soon.

    Byt the way, for someone poorly, this is an excellent effort. Funny how the braincells work in spite of the dreaded lurgi.

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  6. Janine BolléeOctober 3, 2012 at 2:53 PM

    It WILL pass. You just have to keep telling it to clear out.
    Sorry you still feel poorly.

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  7. MaryOctober 3, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    You are having a hard time, Kay. Hope it passes very soon.

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  8. SusanOctober 3, 2012 at 3:29 PM

    Sounds like a mighty big conflict to me!
    Perhaps you could bump up a notch and hit it with a powerful hot toddy?

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  9. KayOctober 3, 2012 at 3:31 PM

    Oh yikes! I'm so sorry you're feeling ill, Kay. This reminds me that I need to go get my flu shot. I just hate being sick too!

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  10. Susie ClevengerOctober 3, 2012 at 3:52 PM

    Oh my...hope you feel better soon!

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  11. EllaOctober 3, 2012 at 4:17 PM

    Sorry you are sick! Fight with vit H(humor) and some soup~
    xo hope you are feeling better~
    Clever

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  12. FireblossomOctober 3, 2012 at 5:21 PM

    Ugh, you paid a price for the inspiration for this one, Kay! Feel better soon.

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  13. HelenOctober 3, 2012 at 6:21 PM

    I am knocking on every piece of wood I can find now ... haven't been sick in a little over two years! Wishing you back to health ASAP!

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  14. UnknownOctober 3, 2012 at 7:34 PM

    Good one!
    Take care.

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  15. HannahOctober 3, 2012 at 10:20 PM

    FOR SURE!! This is a conflict I know too well!! Nice writing!

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  16. UnknownOctober 4, 2012 at 3:15 AM

    Uggg, a dreaded conflict! Hope you feel better.

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  17. vivinfranceOctober 6, 2012 at 1:11 AM

    Poor you. Battling bugs is horrible conflect!

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  18. Rick.DaddarioOctober 9, 2012 at 4:23 AM

    if you have to have it, might as well make use of it. well done. a battle royal. aloha.

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