Every Friday, I spend five minutes or so writing on a word prompt from the Five Minute Friday community. Then, I hit publish. Good for the writing muscles and for cultivating a playful approach to the writing work that can sometimes be taken oh-so-seriously.
In the drip
drip
dripping
of the steam-kissed coffee
In the space
between the pendulum
swings
marking moments
While the water
braces in the trays
becoming cold cubes
The story
simmers and richens,
thickening with
possibility,
every bitter thing enfolded
in better flavor.
And within the sense of stifle
and stiffening,
clock tick
takes a down payment
on my purpose
one slow penny at a time.
You can find the link up for today’s prompt here.
Waiting is hard.
We all experience those stretched-out spaces of time that seem never-ending.
Painful.
Unchanging.
Uncertain.
We hear lots of words about waiting. Plenty of sermons, suggestions, and sentimental sayings.
What we don’t always hear are reminders that we have options—options for pursuing a different path, asking more questions, or shifting our mindset.
Here’s a free gift from me to you that offers options. Inside you’ll find five things we never say when we talk about waiting, plus a worksheet to write or think through.

This is yet another rich and meaningful post, Amanda! I am glad to have visited. I felt myself slowing even as I read, and appreciated the reminder of “simmering. ” (Karen, FMF #7)
I appreciate that so much, Karen! Thank you kindly
I so appreciate this thought, Amanda, ” A down payment on my purpose – one slow penny at a time.”
So glad, Lisa, thank you! Those pennies add up, don’t they?!
Lovely poem! Write on!
Jennifer, FMF
Will do! You, too! Thank you, Jennifer
Amanda, wow…just, WOW. This is for you, with deep, deep respect.
You have a loving way with words
that sets the scene and pulls the heart
and soul and mind and set them towards
the dance in which we all take part.
You offer grace of metaphor
of which I now am only learning,
and offer a bright golden door
to that place for which I’m yearning
where bright birds of poetry
sail upon a liquid air,
and your writing victory
lets such as me to dream, and dare
to hope that maybe dreams come true,
to write just half as well as you.
Andrew, this is one of the kindest and most encouraging responses I’ve ever received on my work. Seriously, ever. Thank you!!
Oooh, yes. I do love a good food metaphor, and this one brilliantly extracts the sense of time stretching as you wait on the good stuff to gel.
Well, thanks! Your comment is a beautiful poem itself <3
Beautiful post and gracious thoughts expressed. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for those kind words, Joyce! Very encouraging
Reading poetry naturally slows me down!
I know, me too!
Yes. Nice. Thank you! (FMF#26)
Thanks, Rachel!
Absolutely lovely.
Amie, FMF #21
Thank you, Amie