Poem Prompt - Dickenson

I know prompts are a crutch, but I'd rather hobble on the field than sit on the sideline.  Don't judge. Or do. I really can't stop you.

Prompt: write a poem that begins with Emily Dickenson's first line "Bring me the sunset in a cup." Much to my shame, I was unfamiliar with the Lady in White's poem, so I wrote mine then read hers. Needless to say, mine is a fun little exercise and hers is a look into her soul. Well, I hope you enjoy both (though selfishly, I begin with mine).

If this doesn't inspire serenity, I'm afraid you're doomed.
(For original Photo: Click here)

Bring me the sunset in a cup,

  warm from simmering,

  with wispy clouds and soft hues.

Bring me the day’s end -

  the things still undone offset

  by the promise of tomorrow.

Bring me the beginnings

  of stargazing and dreaming

  that fill the night with beauty.

Bring me the sunset in a cup.

- Me :) 

Bring me the sunset in a cup,
Reckon the morning's flagons up
And say how many Dew,
Tell me how far the morning leaps—
Tell me what time the weaver sleeps
Who spun the breadth of blue!

Write me how many notes there be
In the new Robin's ecstasy
Among astonished boughs—
How many trips the Tortoise makes—
How many cups the Bee partakes,
The Debauchee of Dews!

Also, who laid the Rainbow's piers,
Also, who leads the docile spheres
By withes of supple blue?
Whose fingers string the stalactite—
Who counts the wampum of the night
To see that none is due?

Who built this little Alban House
And shut the windows down so close
My spirit cannot see?
Who'll let me out some gala day
With implements to fly away,
Passing Pomposity?

Emily Dickinson

I love Writing Prompts!

Once again I turn to the internet for prompts; I chose this one:

Winter is a great time for warm soup and hot chocolate. Describe the ingredients that you would put into your own soup recipe.

I love soup. I love the comfort. I love the magical properties certain soups have, the ones that heal the body and the soul. I am not, however, going to give you a recipe for food. Instead, I give you this:

Ingredients for my winter “soup” would include the familiar with a dash of the new. Cozy and cute scenes of scarves, boots, and other superficial goodness would set the base. I would then add rustic  chunks of old movies and classic books – something British and set in fog. That should simmer for a while. Once the flavors meld, add hot tea or coco (season to taste). 

Also, it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a good soup is in want of a good side dish. So, I would pair freshly baked adventure with this warming, wintery concoction. It doesn’t have to be too fancy – a new band or coffee shop, checking out a new artist or new city – it just has to be fresh.

Share this meal with good company to fully bring out the flavors.

And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is my winter stew.

What is your winter recipe?
(Photo: Three Kitcheneers)