constructing poetry

red

it’s warmth.
it’s tomatoes,
valentines.
peppermint candy.

it’s a dream.
an elegant sports car
driving too fast
down a closed course.
elusive. nothing catches it—
but all eyes follow.

it’s paint made for toenails
or lipstick
smudged on a collar.

it hides
like the glow of a coal
banked for the night,
ready to be fed
so it can burst into an effusive
conflagration at one more touch,
one more kiss,
one more explicit interaction
that turns the world
inside out.

it’s love,
passion, anger, rage—
it’s the moment when
the world darkens to one
intense focus.

it fills you
like the taste of cinnamon
or chilies
burning like a dragon’s breath
until everything in the world
is gasping and sweat.

line count: 34

Prompt ▼

Prompt for: Feb 5 (Ren)
Subject or Theme: describe either red or gold
Word(s) to Include: elegant, effusive, elusive, explicit(or any derivatives of these words)
Forbidden Word(s): Red, gold (EXCEPT AS TITLE) fire, fiery, shimmer, luster. shiny, ruby, blood, sun, lantern (or any derivatives of these words)
Additional Parameters: Use the word Red or Gold as your title; nothing else. Min 12 lines,
Remember, do not use forbidden words ANYWHERE, including title or the brief description.