Sunday, July 17, 2011

The Last Straw





GRANDMA'S GOULASH
asks for a very short story.

THE LAST STRAW! 

  Said she 'We've walked for miles
And now you're going to get piles!
What would your mother say
To see you sitting that way?
You're sitting in the wet
And it's something you'll regret!'
*
Said he ' Odette, get lost!
I'm sick of being bossed!'
*
So ended a love affair!
What a silly pair!
*
-------------------------------------------------------



A ZEN GARDEN

Seeking relaxation? Then you
Need to find the perfect venue.
You will find the Japanese
Have the needed expertese.
Brushed sand evokes a peaceful mood
Where no bitter thoughts intrude.
Think of a garden; think of Zen
Far away from the noise of men.
Choose an area shaded, flat
Rather like an enormous mat;
Choose the very finest sand,
(Tell the merchant what is planned.)
Then take brushes, long and short
(Special brushes can be bought.)
Now to use imagination
Sweep and swirl a configuration.
Add some rocks at strategic places
Grouped or parted by several paces.
Of course, true Zen is complicated;
More spiritual than I have stated,
But you can fashion your own design,
Not like the Japanese (or mine).
Make sure a bench is placed just so
For you to sit and enjoy the show.
But be aware that the cat next door
May scuffle it up!
Then it's 'Zen' no more!
*

8 comments:

Sonia Lal said...

Silly indeed! Great poem, liked the rhythm of it.

Kay L. Davies said...

I was wondering about the sand getting messed up as I read your Zen poem. I can't imagine having the patience to brush the sand, and I know my back would hurt afterward.
Loved your Succinctly submission. I don't hear many people mention "piles" any more! Very good, very funny.

—Kay, Alberta, Canada

Helen said...

He sounds well rid of her! What a bossy girl!

Jim said...

Hi Gemma ~~ Sonia used my words, silly pair indeed!
Nice writing, very nice µ-fiction poem. I liked the rhyme too.
..

Susan Fobes said...

These were both very funny this week! I laughed out loud at number one :0

Pooch said...

Neither was content, so best that it ended. You created quite a scene!
:)

Grandma's Goulash said...

Odette may be bossy, but she probably has a point. I can just picture that cat scratching the carefully placed sand. Wonder how the Japanese handle that. Thanks for the double smile today.

Calico Crazy said...

I love your take on the succinct photo, and I couldn't help but laugh at the cat messing with zen.