December Days
Poetry and Prompt
I. December days are dank and dreary But in our home, it’s always cheery No tree, no lights, no hanging globes We’re often found in onesies, or robes Cosy and warm, with chocolate hot Vegetables stewing in one great big pot Candles are lit some evenings too Just not for a similar reason to you Neither Christmas, nor Yule Are celebrated as a rule Yet our hearts are still brim full with light We smile broad watching stars in the night
II. No money or rich things round here But lots of love for those who are dear We know that the value of all those small things Adds up to way more than diamonds in rings I’d rather be snuggled in blankets together Than lounging in finery on sofas of leather My problems are many, body, money and mind More important to me is to say I’m still kind Second-hand books and second-hand clothes Yes I’m the original second-hand Rose Or Sadie, the basic idea’s the same Let’s not quibble over a name!
The Prompt Section
For the last few months, I’ve been writing essays, poetry and prompts which have all circled around celebrations, festivals, socially/culturally projected ideas of what we should do and hold dear….and the differences we often find between those things, and what we actually do value and want to spend any of our limited time and money upon.
I’ve been asking you all to dig down deep into your psyches, your memories and your often hidden thoughts and feelings which conflict with the generally accepted and the expected ideas and beliefs.
As Rainbow Salad has developed an even closer bond with its ‘nonfiction sister’, I’ve been spending time thinking about how we can encourage our collective group of writers to open their minds and hearts, to further embrace the ‘Counter’ aspect of Counter Arts.
Therefore, the task I’m giving you for the month of December (should you choose to accept it), is to explore with us some of the more contrary, hidden, corners of your hearts and minds. Open them up, have a rummage around, see if you can unfold a thought or preference which runs Counter to the perceived wisdom of what is ‘the right thing’ in your culture, religion or society. Or even in your family, community or friendship group.
It doesn’t have to be a shocking confession. Though it can be, if you are comfortable with that! You could also start smaller though — maybe with a painting, song or film you like that has been generally slated (or vice versa). Absolutely anything really, so long as you write it well and write respectfully; and as usual we’ll be equally happy to accept both poetry and fiction submissions here at Rainbow Salad, or nonfiction stories, articles and essays at Counter Arts. This prompt will be shared, I’ll link each piece/publication to the other below:
To hopefully get the writing flowing, I’m tagging:
Arthur Dewson (AN0N) — Reece Beckett — Asterion — Will Hull — Carlos Garbiras — Harry Stefanakis — Marc Barham — Pam Saraga — Raine Lore — Margie Willis — Mariam Dalhoumi, PhD — Jackie Olsen — Amanda Laughtland — Aimée Gramblin — Joe Merkle — Carlo Zeno — Lover Boy in Space — Franco Amati — John O'Neill — Lisu Mei — Moony Thinker — Mel Marakalala — Christopher Massimine — Fox Kerry — aleXander hirka — frnkflwrs — Miyah Byrd — Roo Benjamin
Thank you all for continuing to read, write and comment.
If you enjoy my writing, you might consider leaving a ‘Tip’, or signing up for Medium membership through my referral link here. Many thanks and much love — Sadie.
