Two for ABC Wednesday. Two divergent subjects: Innocence and Iniquity. First, free verse; second, another “snowball poem,” with a descending number of syllables, one through ten. Don’t ask me why, but this form has me spellbound. Thanks to Joseph Harker for letting me know the name of the form!
Welcome
Welcome to the world
little wonder, who
worked her way
from my womb,
winding through the waterslide
into the waiting hands
of a woman who already knew
we two would make it work
without him.
© 2011 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
————————————
Witch
She’s
a witch,
there’s no doubt.
Vipers emerge
from her mouth; venom
paralyzing those who
get in her way, considered
inconvenient or bothersome.
You’d never guess, beneath her perfect
new frock lies a heart cold as charity.
© 2011 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Also posted at the poets’ collective, Poets United
Sharp Little Pencil 
vivinfrance
An interesting juxtaposition of subjects, and your two poems contrast in every way, 10 through 1 may be a snowball, I’d not heard of that one. You have written 1 through 10, which I know as an etheree. If it goes back down to a, it’s a double etheree.
Alice Audrey
I love “heart as cold as charity.”
Sharp Little Pencil
As I wrote elsewhere, that was my dad’s expression. He came from a rich family and his mom used to dole out pennies to the poor and she was a very cold-hearted person who wanted people to NOTICE she was doling out pennies. You got it. Thanks! Amy
Leo
Oh, that first one.. the wonder.. It is so well written Amy! To include so many Ws and make the poem so beautiful… kudos to your pen and your talent! 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
Leo, thanks so much for your kind words. I was in a “dubya” mood that day (but never THAT “Dubya”!), so it worked well. See, I’m still doing it! Also, my daughter inspires me in so many ways… I’ll stop by and see what you’re up to, because I like your writing as well! Peace, Amy
Pat Cegan
Hi, thanks for a new-to-me poetry form. I am eager to try it. I love, love, love your first poem. I raised my daughter alone after she was four and being a single mom is not easy, but your love and optimism will carry you through. The second poem is intriguing. I especially was stumped by your line “heart as cold as charity.” Need to think about that one.
Ah, so many wonderful blogs and poems. I could sit and read all day but my Boss has other plans so I must go and post on my blog. Sending you love and laughter with a big monkey hug from Brazil, pat
Sharp Little Pencil
Hi, Pat, thanks for coming over! BRAZIL? Very cool. Love me some monkey hugs!
The line “cold as charity” came from my dad. He used to use it to describe the cold-heartedness with which many of the rich extend charity – snobbish attitude, expecting some sort of stars in their crown in heaven for parting with some of their riches on behalf of the poor.
As for being a single mom, hooray for you, for whatever reason that got you there, because it’s a very, very hard struggle. But I’m proud my 22-year old is off on her own, going to art school in California, living the life she chooses and the life she was born with (that of a gay person). Hope to see you again soon – actually, heading to your blog NOW! Amy
MiskMask
“Welcome” made my heart leap with joy; an ending that’s truly a beginning for the mother and daughter. A wonderful poem. 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Misk. It was my favorite of the two – even though the second one is sort of about a member of my family, too!!! Amy
Renee Espriu
Both really nice pieces, Amy! Your writing always seems to come with a twist at the end…I really like that. Like a good mystery shortened down for a good read.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thank you, Renee. I read one poet (wish I could remember who it was – help me out, might have been Philip Larkin?) who said the last line was the kick.
Becca Givens
” … winding through the waterslide …”
Love this imagery … 😀
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Becca. Changed it from “wind tunnel,” because it’s not air, it’s still fluid. Eeew, too much info there… 😉 Amy
christine
So many forms to learn, so little time. I need to keep a form journal and try some of these out. Loved the first poem, and many people in my town could be the second one.
Sharp Little Pencil
Honey, many people in my FAMILY (since deceased) served as models for the second one, ha ha ha. And forms are what you make of them. Most don’t appeal to me, but once in a while something catches a rhythm in the air… Thanks, Amy
Berowne
“Snowball.” Remarkably ingenious; moving…
Sharp Little Pencil
Thank you, Berowne. I have since been informed that if it’s 10 syllables down to one, it’s a snowball; however, Viv says if it’s one to ten, it’s a etheree; one to ten back to one is a double entheree. “Double Ether-ee” sounds like three choice years in my twenties, LOL.
Madeleine Begun Kane
I love them both!
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Madeleine. It’s like “one from Column A, one from Column B” at the Chinese takeout. A
Sharp Little Pencil
OK, I’ll tell you the truth. It’s completely made up, although one of my aunts did (sort of, with a rhyming word) inspire the title! Thanks, Roger. Amy