Random Thoughts
Little Ditty
Out of control my feelings rage
as words are read I turn each page–
Not sure how the thing will end
upon your whim my words will bend.
I, the letter-pusher, with fingers hardened
by years of key-poking, pray please pardon–
any attempt to turn the words around
they serve purpose of rhythm and sound.
I am the poet––you are the muse
to create utter nonsense I do refuse!
I sit tall, judging of every word
oh, letting imagination run wild is absurd!
After two mere minutes out popped this ballad
in the time it takes to make a pretty good salad–
If you like this little ditty of mine
Come on back...see what I write next time...
Lisa Kennard 1/15/2025
***
Thoughts on F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'
Last night I watched a redo of the movie The Great Gatsby.
It is a work of fiction by a man who was hellbent on being a published writer.
This man, Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald (1896-1940), started writing as a young man.
He was an American novelist, essayist, and short story writer.
You would think the war that he was drafted into, World War I, would ruin his mind.
Yet he continued to write during his service days.
He emerged from the war and continued his passion of writing.
His greatest work, in my opinion, was The Great Gatsby.
It heralded the flamboyance and access of the jazz age.
He and his wife, Zelda,
lived a fast life
consisting of parting, drinking, dancing, and
'rubbing elbows' with the elite of their time.
Their flamboyant and 'over the top' personalities
shot them high into the company
of other great creators of prose and music.
Many say Fitzgerald used is lifestyle and his wife's diary as muses for his writing.
I find that my writing style aligns with F. Scott's style of using local settings.
That one can write what they know, albeit in a more exotic and exciting setting.
I used to look up to contemporary writer Danielle Steele
as the writer-mogul I wished to emulate.
That classy lady achieved world-wide fame as a best selling author.
However, I have come to accept that God has other plans for me and my writing.
Local fame.
That is enough for me!
Lisa Allen-Kennard March 26, 2025
***
Wiggled Wire, Pushed Buttons
I let the child of ten use my computer to work on a school poster.
George Washington in bold letters - 1st president of the USA.
Found and printed out a recipe for Hoe cakes,
as she knew for a fact that Hoe cakes were the dude's favorite breakfast.
Like a child, she used hot glue to attach the printed out information on her poster board.
I would have used regular tape...it's easier and quicker...but it was her project.
Let her do it her way!
She left me finishing up with the hot glue in the other room
and she came in to write and print something else.
She was in there quite a while...
Then the words no one wants to hear..."Auntie, I think something's wrong."
The computer screen wouldn't come on,
The keyboard wasn't making the little apple icon appear--
OMG! what is wrong?
Turn off the computer and turn it back on,
yet still the unit was being stubborn.
I wouldn't normally stress over such a predicament,
but my 60,000 word novel is on this computer---Ahhh!
Took a break, then came back in with fresh temper.
Wiggled wires, pushed buttons
and it came on!
Hallelujah!
Lisa Allen-Kennard 4/10/25
***
If I make a funny face would you laugh?
If I acted like a birthday clown who makes balloon animals would you giggle?
If I jumped ten cars in a row like Evil Knievel and landed safely would you cheer?
If I sauntered around like Lady Godiva in my birthday suit would you blush and snicker?
If I did one act of kindness that was completely unexpected would you smile?
If yes, we should all step out of our bubble daily to act in kindness…so they can smile!
Lisa Allen-Kennard 4/29/25
***
Time may change…but Owl Always Love You!
Change––it sneaks in when we’re engrossed in other occupations.
Sneaks like a child plucking the last cookie from Grandma’s antique cookie jar!
Grandma, she’s a peach! Got her wrapped around my pinky finger.
Pinky promises made with my childhood best friend that have lingered fifty years now.
Is a childhood best friend the same as when you were both innocent spectators in life?
Or has the bloom of innocence flitted away…like dead dandelion heads on a mid-summer’s breeze?
Oh, the spring and summer seasons of life are behind us now.
In their wake, autumn blazes in all its glory!
Glory, glory, hallelujah…they taught us that anthem when we were young and in school.
An anthem, much like Owl Always Love You…
FYI––pinky promises live forever…they are always cherished, and forever true…
Lisa Allen-Kennard 4/29/25
