There was never a fight
no fist, nor voice ever raised
the fury was mute
but fatal…
death of a marriage
family divided, then
estranged…the end
to myriad dreams
every lingering hope
of restoration–
barring a last
minute miracle–
and her faith was
collateral damage ~
~ Cale
https://pensitivity101.wordpress.com/2026/02/01/three-things-challenge-mm322/
Oh how she yearned to be calm–
DNA of a soft-swaying palm…
but raised by crazed mother
everyday tight-wound bother
much solace she took in the Psalms ~
~ Cale
https://estherchilton.co.uk/2026/02/02/laughing-along-with-a-limerick-269/
Groundhog Day:
every anniversary
(48 yrs)
failure’s reminder…
now I’m mildly amused
celebrating freedom
courage, strength to leave
abuse, shame behind–
forged new future, solo
(an underrated blessing)
bearing best fruit ever–
don’t need groundhog
to look for shadows
spring flowers early bloom
where once was marriage tomb–
~ Cale
A poem by Hagar ~
I do not mourn you less
for never having met
in mind’s heart you lived
and loved me more
than any here on earth before
I do not mourn you now at all
in occasional dreams you visit still
fragrant blossoms speak, “until…”
https://sammiscribbles.wordpress.com/2026/01/31/weekend-writing-prompt-453-mourn/
https://lindaghill.com/2026/01/30/jusjojan-30-26-cinnamon/
FROM LINDA: This post is part of Just Jot it January, and the prompt word, “cinnamon,” is brought to us by Tessa K. Check out her blog here!
🐿🐿🐿
No idea how I could have missed this JusJoJan prompt, when cinnamon toast is a favorite comfort food. So I’m late…but not to worry, I was reminded by one of my neighboring nutty squirrels, whose coloring is cinnamon…
Nutty neurotic squirrel
races back and forth on fence
periodically pauses to stare
into my west window…
what is she hoping for?
friendship?
mental health advice?
(my neuroses offer
nought to share)
more nuts?
I shake my head
“sorry, Cinnamon
I’ve none to spare|”
but don’t fret, I’m sure
you hid some somewhere…
~ Cale
Solo crow paces on roof peak
pecks nervously ‘mid furtive glances
is he waiting for Contact, day’s intel?
Rain stopped, it’s Friday…I’d say, “chill!”
~ Cale
Thank you, Linda, for a fun JusJoJan. I was a first-tim-er, and now I can look forward to next January!😊
FROM LINDA:
It’s the final day for our combination Daily 2026 Just Jot it January prompt and Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt. This one is for SATURDAY, JANUARY 31st. January somehow went by in a flash and simultaneously lasted five years. How does that happen?
Your prompt for #JusJoJan the 31st and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “scratch an itch.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
😊😊😊
No itch to scratch, but day’s just begun
stayed up too late, rose earlier than planned…
Amazing, how much is already done!
HAPPY FRIDAY!!
~ Cale
“Goodnight, Goodnight!” she cried, “Goodnight!”
to all Past ghosts who gave her fright
she longed for just wee bit of peace
but monstrous dreams refused release–
Then sane voice laughed, “turn on the light!”
~ Cale
https://estherchilton.co.uk/2026/01/26/laughing-along-with-a-limerick-268/
2 fat (not plump, fat) seagulls
land on neighbors’s roof peak
with a grunt and sigh…
must have been a rest stop
they left in minutes
not a word between them
nor directed toward me
staring out my window
silent, wide-eyed…
they were big as turkeys
maybe strangers were generous
with New Year’s dinner scraps…
it’s a wonder they could fly–
~ Cale
It’s a plaid day…
wearing flannel shirt
I sketch out drafts, write
6 sentences for story
due this week…
the characters
live fierce within me
passionate people
who don’t suffer fools gladly…
I see them clearly, going about their days–
~ Cale
https://thedailyspur.wordpress.com/2026/01/24/sketch-3/
https://thedailyspur.wordpress.com/2026/01/25/write/
https://ragtagcommunity.wordpress.com/2026/01/25/rdp-sunday-plaid/
https://ragtagcommunity.wordpress.com/2026/01/23/rdp-friday-fierce/
Poetry ~ Cabbage After Christmas 