The Poetry Connection- guest Melinda Worland

by ErikE

There is another door you haven’t yet tried.
It’s a bit of a hike to the other side.
Out past the fields where the grasses grow,
and just beyond the edge of the Forrest of Wows.

There is a trail which twists and bends
and leads towards its very end.
Over the boulder and around an old tree.
This place is wonderful, just wait and see.

You’ll find a cave at the base of Mount Smoke.
Three paces inside you’ll cross a mote.
Next you will take a bend to the right
four more paces and the door will be in sight.

There is a bell, no one bothers to ring.
The door opens up with a mighty swing.
Inside you’ll find the Den of Dragons
some books and toys and Andrews red wagon.

Mount Smoke is the home of The Furnice Crew.
Dragons by nature know what to do.
They keep the fires burning to heat our city.
They all hold positions on the utilities committee.

Guys come here you have visitors today.
Jitters brought Sniffer to our lands to play.
They’ve been all over and back for more
And they finally found the way to your door.

Franklin has graduated with Honors from Yale.
Negotiates contracts, he can write with his tail.
He’s trim and he funny but strong when it’s needed.
Does his jobs quite well and isn’t conceded.

Bouregard has his deplomas from Harvard you know
Even took classes to learn how to sew.
He’s quite the taylor when he has the time.
His color selections are simply devine.

Filbert is quiet but another smart cookie.
Does all the mechanicals. He’s not a rookie.
Has his degree from Stanford it’s said.
He doesn’t display it, it’s under his bed.

Now we can’t forget Andrew he has no pedigree.
Andrew is different than the other three.
He started talking at the age of two
by three his collections of stories started to accrue.

His tales engage and his drawings delight.
Last weeks journey had a wonderous flight.
He says there are stories left to be wrote
He hums a lot while on his back he floats.

Last week they all went on a holiday,
to Cranium City, not too far away,
to visit their cousins Milton and Hiss..terical Jake
Andrew said what a story that trip will make.

Come with me I’ll show you around.
But you’ll have to watch for stuff on the ground.
Clean up day is thrid wednesday each year.
Our calendar got toasted, it use to hang here.

The kitchen is closed for repairs, sad to say.
The construction crew said there was a slight delay.
Seems the parts we need are on back order.
They are waiting for something south of the border.

This is the room, well… where ‘business’ is done.
Don’t open it up! The smell will make you run!
You get the picutre, right, you don’t need to see.
Unless you’re in need, just keep following me.

Here is the furnice that we keep lit.
Don’t get too close you could get bit.
The fire sparks bold and it has quite a sting.
Andrew called, ‘Can I use that line in what I’m writing?’

Well that’s about it on the sites of our cave.
They thanked each other and left with a wave.
Travling back on the path a sign caught their eye.
This way to Exit and the Door of Good-By.

~Mindy

Funny… when you start drawing for a book
you know exactly what you are looking for or imagining, and then when you draw it, you know it won’t work or it’s perfect.

I know this is the gate to the zoo, but I know it isn’t right for the book.

Password Please

Sniffles look! I can see the light.
This is a good thing for us tonight.
We can stroll up to the gates like we belong.
Our adventures will last all night long.

There he stands tho not quite steady.
Under one arm a well worn Teddy.
The sentury to Window Shade is a very old friend.
He’s good with words on that we depend.

You don’t have to worry come on and see.
Window Shade is the best place to be.

It’s been sometime since you’ve been here.
Give us a hug,” Password said with a tear.
“Jitters your return is a welcome sight!
Who have you brought with eyes so bright?”

“Sniffles just moved in the other day.
This is our first night to come out and play.”….

~Mindy