Last Saturday I posted the second “Get Your Golden Shovel” prompt as a collaborative project for our writing community. In this round-up, I share my golden shovel poem as well as those that were contributed by the community.
What’s a golden shovel poem? It’s a poetic form originally created by Terrance Hayes. Check out the rules here.
I want to give a big thanks to each of you that were willing to give this week’s challenge a try:
Eric Drury (The Thoughtful Beggar)
Catherine (reflections of an unquiet mind)
Sam “Goldie” Kirk (one day at a time..)
Kathleen
Golden Shovel No. 02
“Cocoa in pods and alligator pears.”
The Tropics in New York by Claude McKay
Sun-Bleached Blond
By Monty Vern
Skin bronzed to a rich cocoa,
Hair sun-bleached blond, tied up in
Long braids hanging down past her ear pods
And
Shoulder straps, to the dancing twin alligator
Tattoos glistening beneath the dribbling juice of ripe pears.
Guests’ Poems:
I scraped the barrel and got all the cocoa,
By T.B.C.
By Eric Drury
I remember her skin, it looked and tasted like cocoa
In the shadows I hide to see her chest rise as she breathes in
By Catherine at reflections of an unquiet mind
On my lunch break, I stand on my porch with a cup of cocoa in my hand.
Just one more look at the scenery before I have to go back in.
by Sam “Goldie” Kirk
Delicious! Cocoa
Seduced from pods
And finding
Tongues
Of alligator
Under the shack
Where massages mysteriously happen
In
Zihua
Like sweet whispers of pears.
(Shhh!)
By Kathleen
I found this line both challenging and inspiring. I love what we all did with these colorful words. Once again the diversity is amazing, which is my favorite reason for doing creative collaborations. You all inspire me. Thank you!
Ready for Get Your Golden Shovel No. 3?
Be well,
Monty

- Salting the EarthSalting the Earth Torrents of tears flow down streaky cheeked hillsPuddling into overflowing pools under footSalting the earth barrenStripping soil of it’s soulHis body nowContinue reading “Salting the Earth”
- Portrait in BlueBe well, Monty
- Under the Earth’s ShadowI lay awake under the earth’s shadowGentle breathing curled at my feetA companion in this darknessHolding guard against The cold reality and coming lightFor I’mContinue reading “Under the Earth’s Shadow”
- Blue HeronBe well, Monty
- Endure MeEndure meEndure my cold feet under the sheetsEndure my rough breaths sawing through the night’s airMy tossing and turningMy hogging all the blanketsMy nightmare kicksMyContinue reading “Endure Me”
eeee
How is it Saturday all ready!!!
Damn. I’m going to participate in the next one much earlier!!!
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Time does move quickly…I’m going to change the format in the future to allow more time and flexibility. Stay tuned! The No. 3 prompt is already out by the way.
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Aww, thanks!! I saw that! I’m going to participate much sooner!!
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Just a friendly note to let you know I’ll be posting the round-up in about 24-hours in case you want to participate and be included.
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Thanks for the reminder! I’ll sure put my poem out before that!!
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