A Brief History of My Life

by Lani Longshore

First I was a turnip
With a candle nub
Needed for light
Kept for tricks
Scaring wanderers is fun

Next I was a pumpkin
It’s what happens in America
Bigger is better
Sharing more light
Spreading more joy

Now I am an icon
With LEDs
Or sequins
Still need for tricks
Still bringer of treats

Funky Pumpkin

by Jordan Bernal

Yo funky pumpkin
Arms and legs all akimbo
Brighten Halloween

Jack-O

by Diane Lovitt

Floppy arms and legs
Added to the Jack-o head
But where is body?

Pumpkin for Sale
by Kathleen Kull Urban

A pumpkin for carving
You’re looking to buy
But check out my colors
Please give me a try.

I never get smelly
Or wrinkle or rot
No slimy insides, oh
Definitely not.

I’m cheery and cuddly
From head to my feet
And my black button eyes
Are saying, “Let’s meet.”

You’re tempted to pass me
But just can’t resist
I’m one of a kind, so
Buy me. I insist!

Yo Pumpkin

by Paula Chinick

Disjointed fabric arms and legs
Melon head stuffed ready to avail
You pimp your pumpkin cousins
With your sign, Pumpkins for Sale!

Untitled

by Patricia Boyle

Round-eyed and grinning,

pumpkin sprouted limbs.

Catch me if you can!

Yo Pumpkin

by Art Tenbrink

The granddaughter’s laugh
Lights up the ol’ man’s dour face
Seeing “Yo Pumpkin”

Visual Arts Argue

by Linda Todd

The Winterfest celebration is almost underway. Vice President Patricia and Programs Director Tara rush to hang the two quilts Tidepools and O Christmas Tree on stands behind a table as members begin milling around the conference room.

“Hey, Tidepools. Remember me from quilt circle?” O Christmas Tree said.

“Yes, how could I forget? How are you?” said Tidepools.

“Finished, as you can see. Looks like we’re both entered in the Winterfest celebration. I heard there were twenty-five visual art entries.”

“I know and I can’t wait to see how many writers I inspired.”

“I’m sure I inspired more writers than you.” O Christmas Tree flipped up one of his lower corners to show off his green, gold, and blue colors. “Everyone knows abstract art is more inspiring than scenes from the sea.”

“What are you talking about? Have you never heard of Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea?”

“Who hasn’t? But I represent the biggest holiday of the year. Did you know that stores stock their shelves sometimes six months in advance of Christmas Day?”

Tara poses the arms and legs of Yo Pumpkin, a fabric gourd, in the center of the table.

“What are you guys yammering about?” said Yo Pumpkin flapping his arms into a more comfortable position. “I’m going to garner the most writings. Who could resist my bowling ball body and lanky arms and legs? With my orange, gold, and yellow colors, I can dress up any sofa or chair for fall. Did you take a good look at my cute face?”

“We’re all made of fabric, so of course one of us will have the most writings,” said Tidepools showing off her starfish and sea palms panel. “Our seamstresses spent hours upon hours drawing our patterns, choosing the right material, and stitching us up.”

“You’re right, Tidepools,” said O Christmas Tree. “Our creators did spend a lot of time making us. But I will be rewarded with the most writing pieces.”

Patricia and Tara arrange the two framed photographs Somewhere Out There and The Sunroom on the table.

“Wait just a minute,” said Somewhere Out There. “What writer could resist my starbursts of light and tree branches reaching toward the sky? I’m sure I inspired all the science fiction and fantasy writers out there. You watch. I’ll have the most writings.”

“Stop squabbling over there,” said The Sunroom. “It doesn’t matter how many writings we inspired. The purpose of art is to tell a story and evoke an emotion. I heard at least fifty people made a reservation for the meeting today. That’s one hundred eyeballs looking at us. All of us. I don’t know about you all, but I’m honored just to have been chosen for display.”

“I agree with The Sunroom,” said Tidepools. “Winterfest is a celebration of the members and all their creative endeavors, not just their writings. Remember, humans are busy creatures.

Some of the members may have wanted to write something, but didn’t have the time.”

“Look over there,” Yo Pumpkin said as he stretched out one of his floppy arms and pointed toward the opposite corner of the room. “They’re setting out the snacks. Smell that popcorn? Wish I could have some.”

“Quiet,” said O Christmas Tree. “President Jordan is at the podium. The meeting will start soon. Then we’ll find out I am the winner.”

“O Christmas Tree, didn’t you listen? We’re all winners,” said Tidepools.

< Tidepools