Archive for September, 2008

My Close Encounter (I Think) With Paul Newman

Saturday, September 27th, 2008

I awoke today to the sad news that the great Paul Newman has died.  Paul Newman has always been one of my favorite actors.  So you can imagine how thrilled I was when I encountered him many years ago in a New York bar.  At least, I’m pretty sure I encountered him, but you be the judge.  Here’s a column I wrote about the incident way back when:

OGLING EYES

I was ogled last night by a very handsome, classy looking, much older man. Now most women (and I’m no exception) are secretly gratified by the occasional gawker … unless catcalls and droopy drawers are involved. (Okay, maybe not the sponsors of the Anti-Ogling Addendum to the ERA.)

Unfortunately, I’m such an unobservant person, that I usually have to trip over an ogler to notice him. Here’s a recent exchange with hubby Mark:

   Mark: Did you see that guy leering at you?

   Me: What guy?

   Mark: The one you just stepped on … over there on the stretcher.

However, even I couldn’t fail to catch last night’s ogling. It lasted forty-five minutes, well beyond the flattering stage into the “keep your lascivious eyeballs to yourself, buster” stage.

But here’s the thing — I’m almost positive (although not lie detector positive) that those ogling eyes (and the rest of him) belonged to Paul Newman.

Yes, I know that sounds unlikely, if not downright absurd. What would Paul Newman be doing anywhere near me? And even if we did briefly and serendipitously share the same piece of real estate, surely he could find something better to eye. And why wasn’t he busy dodging hordes of autograph hounds pestering … and ogling … him? … (Ogling Eyes is continued here.)

Wall Street Woes (Limerick & Haiku Prompt)

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

We’re in the middle of a financial crisis that affects almost everyone.  So I hope you’ll join me in writing limericks and haiku (senryu) about our Wall Street woes.  First, my limerick:

I shudder when opening mail,
And my sinking accounts make me wail.
I would sure like to beat
Up those guys on the Street,
But I fear that I can’t afford bail.

And now my haiku (senryu):

Financial vultures
First gobble up our assets,
Then demand dessert.

Now, of course, it’s your turn. Your assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to write some verse about Wall Street woes. When you’ve posted your poem(s), please return here and add a direct link to your themed poetry, using Mr. Linky. There’s no rush, by the way, because you have until October 3rd to post it.

Limerick and Haiku Prompts Participants 

1. Elephant Small
2. 2nd attempt-Random Short Stories
3. sister AE
4. Bev
5. Bev
6. Nickers and Ink
7. Just Someone

UPDATE: Mr. Linky is now closed, but you can still add links to your verse about Wall Street woes in the Comments. And if you’d like to participate in a new poetry prompt, you can always find my latest one here. 

Caffeinated Verse

Monday, September 15th, 2008

Just in time for National Coffee Day! (September 29)

Caffeinated Verse (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane

I’ve rarely been tempted by tea,
And coffee does nothing for me.
Cappuccino,  however —
Can’t miss it.  Not ever!
Addicted? Heck no!  I’ll take three.

*****

Here’s the same sentiment in its concise haiku version. (I prefer it in limerick form.)

I never drink tea.
Hot coffee? No, not for me.
Capuccino? Oui!

*****

(Updated with National Coffee Day info and new haiku)

Not So Artful At Athletics (Limerick & Haiku Prompt)

Sunday, September 7th, 2008

When I was in elementary school, I was really bad at two things — art and athletics.  Come to think of it,  I’m still bad at them.  And that leads me to this week’s alternative poetry prompt themes: school and/or things you aren’t good at.

First, a limerick about my art prowess … or lack thereof:

Please do not make me paint. Have a heart!
I was awful at art from the start.
Flunking finger paint’s rare,
But I did it. So there!
Use a house-painting pro and be smart.

And now my unathletic haiku (senryu):

I hope for my name,
As the girls pick their teammates.
Next to last again.

Now, of course, it’s your turn. Your assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to write some verse about school and/or things you aren’t good at. When you’ve posted your poem(s), please return here and add a direct link to your themed poetry, using Mr. Linky. There’s no rush, by the way, because you have until September 5th to post it.

Limerick and Haiku Prompts Participants 

1. Random Short Stories
2. Nickers and Ink
3. The Mane Point
4. kouji
5. MommyWizdom
6. sister AE

UPDATE: Mr. Linky is now closed, but you can still add links to your verse about school and/or things you aren’t good at in the Comments. And if you’d like to participate in a new poetry prompt, you can always find my latest one here.