Writers' Pantry #12: You Gotta Know When to Hold 'Em

Hello word artists and admirers! I just want to take a moment honor the memory of the recently departed Kenny Rodgers. His songs often felt like combinations of poetry and storytelling, especially his most famous one. When I read about his passing earlier this weekend, I thought about the way they moved me when I was a kid and influenced me in ways I hadn't thought of.

Before we play our cards this week, let's take care of a bit of housekeeping:

- Rosemary has collected some savory samplings of poetry around the idea of Addressing the Darkness in her latest Wild Fridays: Words from the Community post. Stop by, drink in the word offerings, and share a wild word or two of your own in the comments section.

- This coming Wednesday, Magaly invites us to write new poetry or prose which includes the words, “She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.” Use the sentences at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of your entry. Use them consecutively or in separate paragraphs or stanzas. All forms and genres are welcomed. 

So my fellow word enthusiasts, it's time to set out your bits of poetry or prose on the table. Please show us your hand--both old and new, fiction and non-fiction pieces are welcome, one per person. But if you are adding prose to the pot, please keep it to 369 words or fewer.