Welcome to today’s blog. Once again I am sharing a short story or a flash fiction based on a photo prompt. Author, Suzanne Burke offers these challenges and everyone is welcome to participate. https://sooozburkeauthor.wordpress.com/
The photo prompt for this week is below. I was inspired by the photo to write my first Tanka poem. This type of Japanese poetry requires 31 syllables written in one flowing sentence. The syllable count form is 5/7/5/7/7.
Your comments are welcome and appreciated. What did you feel as you read the Tanka? When you gaze at the four-sided clock, what thoughts come to you?
I invite you to go to Suzanne Burke’s website at https://sooozburkeauthor.wordpress.com/. There you will learn about this talented and award-winning author, plus be alerted to any future “Fiction in a Flash Challenges.”
Join in, have fun, and let the creative muse loose @pursoot. My thanks to Suzanne Burke for this week’s photo prompt challenge.
A FATHER AND SON
I HOLD YOU WITH LOVE MY HEART REJOICES YOU ARE A MIRACLE.
WE SLEEP TOGETHER IN A SILENT RHYTHM OF BREATHES YOU ARE A BLESSING
GOD’S LOVE EMBRACES US ALWAYS WITH US YOU ARE A GIFT
YOUR SWEET SPIRIT CALMS MY BEATING HEART YOU ARE SPECIAL
THIS TREASURED MOMENT IS ONE OF MANY TO COME YOU ARE MY SON
I welcome your feedback and comments about my poem and what this photo means to you. I encourage you to go to Suzanne Burke’s website https://sooozburkeauthor.wordpress.com/, follow her, and take the challenge with any future “Fiction in a Flash”.
In July we began celebrating the fifty years since Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrinwere the first humans to step onto the moon. It was a small step from the Lunar Module, but a giant step for further space exploration.
The thousands of men and women who contributed to this event are to be congratulated on their devotion, expertise, and time. It was not an easy task.
Apollo 11 Image Gallery–NASA
Many small steps have been made in the last few years with ovarian cancer. Immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and target therapy are new advances in the treatment of this cancer that is the 5th leading cause of death in women. Immunotherapy is being studied in many clinical trials. I refer you tohttps://blog.dana-farber.org/insight/2017/09/immunotherapy-and-ovarian-cancer-an-update/ for updated information.
As an ovarian cancer survivor for the past eleven years, I am thrilled to see giant leaps for women with ovarian cancer. The many years of small steps are coming up with advancements that are extending or saving lives. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/treating.html. The dedication of researchers and physicians and those who have participated in clinical trials are heroes and heroines. Thank you.
Another example of small steps leading to change has been the acceptance of all people no matter their race, religion, political beliefs, or sexual identities. A collection of poems by Forrest Stepnowski called Journey to Rainbow’s End brings enlightenment to a topic that has divided families and nations. I encourage you to buy it at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CZ9GWCM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1The small steps by him and thousands of others is bringing us to a giant step forward.
“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible.” –Maya Angelou
I welcome your comments. Perhaps share your memory of July 20, 1969; your experience or knowledge about cancer; and your thoughts about bias or acceptance in society. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Karen Ingalls
KAREN INGALLS, AUTHOR, BLOGGER & SURVIVOR 