Even Prompter

Andrea

This is the first of the poems for the third year of the Promptly Poetry Challenge, 2022/2023

Andrea

Handed, without fanfare, like an unexpected unbirthday gift,
to replace a life worn with weak decisions and drifting,
I turn the choice over in my hands, inspecting, fearful,
dreading yet suddenly aware that I can do this thing,
that all my intent has always been to tear this brown paper,
wrapped around so unlikely and, certainly, undeserved a chance
beyond my heart’s desire, unidentified in a soul trained
to the endurance of the vagaries of fate and ambition.

I cast my future to the winds of belief in the one who calls,
whose spirit reassures me that life can still be lived,
that our desperate, defensive courtship can win the prize
in the final hour and we can be together. ‘Tis well with us.


Line count: 12
Free verse
For Promptly Poetry 3, Week 1 07.11.22
Prompt: A person who changed your life.