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Mar 2020 · 216
DO THE FIVE
Mark Toney Mar 2020
help stop coronavirus - public service senryu

real danger that lurks
moments of forgetfulness—
wash your hands often

real danger that lurks
moments of forgetfulness—
cough into elbow

real danger that lurks
moments of forgetfulness—
stop touching your face

real danger that lurks
moments of forgetfulness—
stay six feet apart

real danger that lurks
moments of forgetfulness—
feel sick then stay home


© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.

The 5 precautions are part of a public service announcement Google is running.  May we all keep ever vigilant in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
3/18/2020 - Poetry form: senryu - © 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
Mar 2020 · 223
Coronavirus Blues
Mark Toney Mar 2020
Crazy COVID-19 has us all in a tizzy
Too much information making all of us dizzy
Most who’ve been exposed self-quarantine
Running out of toilet paper making us mean
“Social distancing” is the phrase du jour
Scientists now scrambling to find the cure
Hurry!

(Chorus)
COVID-19 apolitical
Proper testing so critical
Slow response hypocritical
Naysayers hypercritical
Division and strife
Don’t take my life
Give it back!

What started out in China as an epidemic
No respecter of nations totally pandemic
All around the world countries shutting down
Even New York City looks like a ghost town
Is there no end to this viral mess
As our way of life’s forced to evanesce?
Scary!

(Chorus)
COVID-19 apolitical
Proper testing so critical
Slow response hypocritical
Naysayers hypercritical
Division and strife
Don’t take my life
Give it back!


© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
3/14/2020 - Poetry form: Lyric - © 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
Mar 2020 · 318
He's Really Nowhere, Man
Mark Toney Mar 2020
H e ' s   r e a l l y  
Nowhere, man—
Living life
Sans plans
Stuck on roads
Kicking cans
Buying time

H e ' s   r e a l l y
Nowhere, see—
Used to be
A maitre d'
For a cruise ship
On the sea
Finally escaped

H e ' s   r e a l l y
Nowhere, son—
An enigmatic
Friend of none
Playing hard
Having fun
Dying inside

H e ' s   a   r e a l
Nowhere cat—
Doesn't care
Where he's at
Growing old
Getting fat
Trying to forget


© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
3/16/2020 - Poetry form: Free verse - © 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
Mar 2020 · 374
Brokered Finale
Mark Toney Mar 2020
In your parched desert land
As the pendulum swings
And your friends are all gone
Still you’re moving right along
Like it doesn’t mean a thing

In your parched desert land
Thinking life’s unforgiving
Why not swallow your pride
Take an honest look inside
Join the land of the living

In  your parched desert land
Your manufactured death valley
Kind response was so important
Yet your manner was discordant
Isolation’s blind alley

In your parched desert land
When they take the final tally
You’ll surrender the fight
Find exquisite delight
In your brokered finale


© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
3/9/2020 - Poetry form: Rhyme - © 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
Mar 2020 · 738
Jamaica Jam
Mark Toney Mar 2020
Jammin' in Jamaica
Driving my DeSoto
Being pursued by
My foe Quasimodo
Lying on the dash is
The missing person photo
When my phone rings
I hear "Hello Moto!"

(Chorus)
I don't have to work
When I'm in my pajamas
Acting like a ****
When I'm in the Bahamas
Really go berserk
When I'm feeding my llamas
We all go to pieces
When we’re talkin' to our mommas

Jammin' in Jamaicaaaa...
Jammin' in Jamaicaaaa...
Jammin' in Jamaicaaaa...
Jammin' in Jamaicaaaa...

Rush hour traffic
So I park my DeSoto
Nowhere in sight
Is my foe Quasimodo
See a man who looks like
The missing person photo
Then his phone rings
Shouting "Hello Moto!"

(Chorus)
I don't have to work
When I'm in my pajamas
Acting like a ****
When I'm in the Bahamas
Really go berserk
When I'm feeding my llamas
We all go to pieces
When we’re talkin' to our mommas

Jammin' in Jamaicaaa...
Jammin' in Jamaicaaa...
Jammin' in Jamaicaaa...
Jammin' in Jamaicaaa...

Jammin' in Jamaica
With the man in the photo
Who's not really missing
Just roving incognito
Suddenly appears
My foe Quasimodo
Truce as we pose
For a group selfie photo

(Chorus)
I don't have to work
When I'm in my pajamas
Acting like a ****
When I'm in the Bahamas
Really go berserk
When I'm feeding my llamas
We all go to pieces
When we’re talkin' to our mommas


(Repeat chorus and fade, with "Jammin' in Jamaicaaa" playing in the background with lines 1, 3, 5, and 7 of the chorus.)

© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
3/5/2020 - Poetry form: Lyric - © 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
Mar 2020 · 215
COVID-19
Mark Toney Mar 2020
suddenly appear
unsuspecting carriers—
Coronavirus



© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
3/3/2020 - Poetry form: Haiku - © 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
Mar 2020 · 243
Stirred But Not Shaken
Mark Toney Mar 2020
~A parody inspired by "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost~

Two drunks converged in a crowded bar
And sorry that I knew them both
And be one patron, long I stared
Looking out for each I really cared
As both of them bent I swore an oath;

I helped the one, and deemed it fair
He having perhaps the better claim
His eyes more glassy and worse for wear
Though the other also was passed out there
In reality both wasted about the same.

And both next morning equally lay
In heaps their missteps left them in.
Oh, I wished them both a better day!
Yet knowing how wine can make you stray,
I concluded they both would repeat their sin.

Forever I’ll be telling this with a sigh
Everywhere ages and ages hence:
Two drunks converged in a bar, and I—
I helped the one most weakened by,
Stirred but not shaken in diffidence.


© 2020 by Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.
2/24/2020 - Poetry form: Parody - A parody inspired by "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. The title may remind you of 007, James Bond's penchant for martinis. Bond's preference was "shaken, not stirred" and reversed it for my title. Now you know the method to my madness ;) - © 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
Mar 2020 · 182
A Baby Cries Deux
Mark Toney Mar 2020
A
Baby
Cries,
Demanding,
Emphatic,
Forming,
Growing,
Having
Intelligence,
Joy,
Kindness,
Love.
Mounting
Neuroses,
Outrageous
Propaganda,
Quickly
Remove
Simple
Truth,
Unleashing
Violence-
Wanton,
Xenophobic.
Youthquake
Zeitgeist!


© 2020 by Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.
2/25/2020 - Poetry form: Abecedarian - An Abecedarian poem is a type of acrostic poem that is arranged by alphabetical order, the initial line beginning with the first letter of the alphabet. Each line or verse begins with the next letter of the alphabet and ending with the final letter; sometimes known as an alphabet poem. - © 2020 by Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.
Mar 2020 · 1.1k
La Gioconda
Mark Toney Mar 2020
saw the Mona Lisa once - couldn't stop smiling




© 2020 by Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.
2-20-2020 - Poetry form: Monoku - © 2020 by Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.
Mar 2020 · 293
Conversion
Mark Toney Mar 2020
HEAR the quiet sea
SEE the man looking for me
ME hiding from him
HIM with simple eye
AYE his words I hear
HEAR the quiet sea

THINK the time has come
COME take life's water free
FREE yourself from sin's grip
GRIP hold of the real life
LIFE everlasting at last
LAST days require us to think
THINK the time has come

LISTEN to words inspired and true
TRUE faith follows the thing heard
HEARD faith without works is dead
DEAD we are to our former sins
SINS forgiven by means of Christ
CHRIST one to whom we must listen
LISTEN to words inspired and true


© 2020 by Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.
2-20-2020 - Poetry form: Lyric echo - © 2020 by Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.
Mar 2020 · 106
Praise
Mark Toney Mar 2020
that which we hunger for
our appetite is huge—
times to reciprocate
we become
Skrooge




© 2020 by Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.
2/9/2020 - Poetry form: Fifer - 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 lines of reducing number of words (or syllables if preferred) - © 2020 by Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.
Mar 2020 · 438
Antarctic Meltdown
Mark Toney Mar 2020
majestic glaciers
the hottest day on record—
Antarctic meltdown




© 2020 by Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.
2/8/2020 - Poetry form: Haiku - "Argentina's Esperanza Base on Antarctica's Trinity Peninsula reached 65°F (18.3°C) on Thursday, notching the continent's warmest temperature in recorded history.  Why it matters: Antarctica is one of the globe's fastest-warming regions with temperatures rising 5°F (2.8°C) in the past 50 years, spurring the retreat of 87% of the glaciers along the Antarctic peninsula's west coast." ~axios.com - February 7, 2020 - Energy & Environment - © 2020 by Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.
Mar 2020 · 294
Glass is Empty
Mark Toney Mar 2020
Hindsight 20/20
Writer's block
My glass is empty!

Creative process
Transparently fragile
Must find my muse!
Must be mentally agile!

Struggling through
But no inspiration
Need some relief
From brain constipation

Finally!
Oh, what a thrill!
My muse returns
My glass starts to fill!

From immovable object
To unstoppable force
Manipulate physics?
My muse can of course!

My glass is now full
I've just posted my poem
Alas, glass now empty
My muse loves to roam


© 2020 by Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.
2/8/2020 - Poetry form: Rhyme - "Glass is Empty" is my avatar. It reflects a play on words with my initials, as "Empty" becomes "MT" for my name. The glass represents my transparently fragile creative process. The glass begins to fill as I struggle through the process of writing, becoming full when I (finally!) complete a short story or poem. After publishing the work, the glass becomes empty again, awaiting new inspiration. Empty or full, the glass is always "MT" :) - © 2020 by Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.
Mar 2020 · 515
Harbor Wave
Mark Toney Mar 2020
Seismic—
                      Shock wave of energy
                    swelling ocean waves,
                  Powerfully driven
                like a freight train
              rolling fast as a jet,
            Open ocean ninja stealthily
          racing toward landfall’s
        most evil betrayal,
      Rip-tide on steroids
    sweeping away
  unsuspecting souls
                                        — Tsunami




© 2020 by Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.

The Japanese word "tsunami" translates as "harbor wave" in English.
2/6/2020 - Poetry form: Shape - The Japanese word "tsunami" translates as "harbor wave" in English. - © 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
Mar 2020 · 271
Bitter Adieu
Mark Toney Mar 2020
Me my true love did decry
Cry

She on whom I did rely
Lie

Now I see her walk on by
Bye

A bitter adieu—
Bid her adieu




© 2020 by Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.
2/5/2020 - Poetry form: Echo Verse - © 2020 by Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.
Jan 2020 · 378
Q-U-I Quit!
Mark Toney Jan 2020
(substitute teacher addresses class)

Quiet!
Quotients
Quiz. . .

               ~Quantophrenia!

Quiet!
Quiz—
Quantify
Quotients. . .

               ~Question!

Quest :)

               ~Quantulate
               Quotients'
               Quantuplicity?

Quite!

Quiet.
Quiz—
Quantify
Quotients. . .

               ~Quisquilious
               Quiz!

Quiet,
Quoz!!!

               (laughter erupts)
               ~Quirky
               Quadragenarian
               Quipped
               "Quoz"!!!

Quit
Quackling!!!

               (chanting)
               ~Quirky
               Quasimodo!
               Quelch,
               Quash,
               Quell—
               Quirky
               Queasy
               Quizzes!!!

Quiet!!!
Quiet!!!

               ~Quirky
               Quasimodo!
               Quelch,
               Quash,
               Quell—
               Quirky
               Queasy
               Quizzes!!!

Quiet!!!
Quelch,
Quash,
Quell—
Quisquous
Querulists!!­!

               ~Quirky
               Quadragenarian
               Quipped
               "Quisquous
                Querulists"!!!

Q U I E T ! ! !
Q U I E T ! ! !

(school bell rings)

               ~Queue,
               Quicksticks!

Q-U-I. . .
QUIT!


© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
1/23/2020 - Poetry form: Alliteration - Poetry form: Alliteration - Each poem in my Alliterative Alphabet Series describes conversations between two or more people while only using words that start with the first letter of the title of the poem. I’m publishing the poems as I write them on Wattpad.com, not necessarily in alphabetical order. My goal is to write at least 26 poems to cover each letter of the alphabet. I hope you find the concept interesting, maybe even clever. Most of all I hope you enjoy them :) - © 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
Jan 2020 · 1.1k
Terrible Timing
Mark Toney Jan 2020
Teresa!?!

               ~Tanner!
               Terribly
               Tardy?

Ticktock ;)

              ~Time?

T-minus
10
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
-
12:00am!

­               ~2020!!!

2020!!!
Tequila
Toast!

               ~Tequilla
               Toast—
               To
               2020!!!

To
2020!!!

               ~Terviseks!

Terviseks!

               ~Tasty :)

Tequilla
Tesoro

               ~Tesoro?

Translated
"Treasure"

               ~Tasty
               Treasure ;)

Top-notch!

               ~Tip-top!

(tender
touch...)

               ~Terrific
               Timing :)

Terrific
Time...

               ~Totally

Thoughts?

              ~Tired

Terrible
Timing :(

               ~Terribly
               Tuckered.

Together
Tonight?


              ~Together
          ­     Tomorrow?

Together
Today!
12:00pm :)

               ~That's
               True!
               Today,
               12:00pm :)

Terrific!

               ~Till
               Then—
               Tootles!


© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
1/18/2020 - Poetry form: Alliteration - Each poem in my Alliterative Alphabet Series describes conversations between two or more people while only using words that start with the first letter of the title of the poem. I’m publishing the poems as I write them on Wattpad.com, not necessarily in alphabetical order. My goal is to write at least 26 poems to cover each letter of the alphabet. I hope you find the concept interesting, maybe even clever. Most of all I hope you enjoy them :) - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2020
Jan 2020 · 325
ergo ego
Mark Toney Jan 2020
swift bird of prey soars
moment of truth elusive—
true nature concealed




© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
1/18/2020 - Poetry form: Haiku - © 2020 Mark Toney | All rights reserved
Jan 2020 · 347
Quirks Quinzaine
Mark Toney Jan 2020
Foolish speed bumps in my life
Do you have foibles?
Human quirks?


© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
1/6/2020 - Poetry form: Quinzaine - "The English word quinzaine come from the French word qunize, meaning fifteen. A quinzaine is an unrhymed verse of fifteen syllables. These syllables are distributed among three lines so that there are seven syllables in the first line, five in the second line and three in the third line (7/5/3). The first line makes a statement. The next two lines ask a question relating to that statement." -shadowpoetry.com - © 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
Jan 2020 · 1.5k
It Was Me It Was You
Mark Toney Jan 2020
Had to pick up the pieces
To mend a broken heart
So I put myself out there
Made a brand new start
Downloaded the app
Filled out my bio
Then selected "submit"
Said "here we go..."

(Chorus)
It was me it was  you
It was all of the above
The future was ours
From the start my love
Every time I look at you
It makes my heart sing
Makes me do funny things
Just like a ding-a-ling

When I saw your picture
And read your profile
I swiped to the right
Beguiled by your smile
Wasn't long till you replied
My heart skipped a beat
Couldn't wait for the time
When we'd first meet

Well the rest is history
It was love at first sight
We have been together
Since that very first night
Many years have passed
Our love still goin' strong
Because of you baby
I'm writin' this song

(Chorus)
It was me it was you
It was all of the above
The future was ours
From the start my love
Every time I look at you
It makes my heart sing
Makes me do funny things
Just like a ding-a-ling

(Repeat chorus and fade)


© 2020 Mark Toney.  All rights reserved.
1/5/2020 - Poetry form: Lyric - This is my first county song. Yee-haw! - © 2020 Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
Jan 2020 · 245
Lessons Lost Overnight
Mark Toney Jan 2020
Our children see others lie with impunity
Simply blow out the light, darkness perverts civility


© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
1/4/2020 - Poetry form: Poulter's Measure Couplet - Couplets of 12 syllables alternating with 14 syllables, often used for serious statements. - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2020
Jan 2020 · 1.3k
'Za Zucchini Zinfandel
Mark Toney Jan 2020
Zzzzz
Zzzzz

               -Zzzzz
               Zzzzz

Zz...
(???)
Zoe?

               -Zzzzz
               Zzzzz

Zoe??

               -Zzzzz
               Zzzzz

ZOE!!!

               -Zz...!
               Zane?

'Za,
Zucchini,
Zinfandel?

               -Zzzzz

Zoe!

               -Zz...
               Zane?!

'Za,
Zucchini,
Zinfandel?

               -Zaxby's
               Zalad

Zaxby's
Zalad?

               -Zzzzz
               Zzzzz

ZOE!

               -Zz...!
               Zane?!

Zaxby's
Zalad???

               (???)

Zoe,
Zaxby's
Zalad?

               -'Za,
               Zucchini,
               Zinfandel

Zzzzz
Zzzzz

               -Zane?


© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
1/4/2020 - Poetry form: Alliteration - Each poem in my Alliterative Alphabet Series describes conversations between two or more people while only using words that start with the first letter of the title of the poem. I’m publishing the poems as I write them on Wattpad.com, not necessarily in alphabetical order. My goal is to write at least 26 poems to cover each letter of the alphabet. I hope you find the concept interesting, maybe even clever. Most of all I hope you enjoy them :) - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2020
Mark Toney Jan 2020
Mom's joy, Dad’s
baby
boy!
I quickly
discern,
learn,
happily
God's Word
heard
then God's Will
instilled
deep
into my
heart of
hearts—
do the most
good I
should,
love my wife,
faithful
life,
with two sons
our lives
blessed,
good friends’ lives
end too
soon—
gowing old,
tired,
weak,
as dear ones’
deaths come
fast...
when Lord calls,
all things
new!


© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
01/03/2020 - Poetry form: Narrative Vignette - 3-2-1 perfect six sequence is a sequenced three line (three. two, one syllable) narrative vignette form. - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2020
Jan 2020 · 555
Misogynist
Mark Toney Jan 2020
'Morning,
Mary!

               -'Morning,
               Martin

Meet
My
Main
Man
Mike. . .

               -'Morning,
               Mike.

                                   ~'Morning,
                                   Mondo
                                   Mama!

               -Mondo
               Mama???
               Meaning??

Mary,
Mike's
Merely
Merry
Meeting
Mary :)

               -MEANING,
               MIKE???

                                   ~Mary,
                                   My
                                   Mistake,
                                   Mostly
                                   Merriment,
                                   Merely
                                   Mischievous ;)

Mary,
Mike's
Mistake. . .

               -Mike's
               Manipulative
               Mansplaining—
               Misogynist!

                                   ~Meh. . .


© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
01/03/2020 - Poetry form: Alliteration - Each poem in my Alliterative Alphabet Series describes conversations between two or more people while only using words that start with the first letter of the title of the poem. I’m publishing the poems as I write them on Wattpad.com, not necessarily in alphabetical order. My goal is to write at least 26 poems to cover each letter of the alphabet. I hope you find the concept interesting, maybe even clever. Most of all I hope you enjoy them :) - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2020
Jan 2020 · 130
One Flesh
Mark Toney Jan 2020
Una sola carne
Two become one flesh
Non approfittarne
Keeping true love fresh

           ~when love precipitates, selfishness evaporates~


© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
01/02/2020 - Poetry form: Rhyme - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2020
Jan 2020 · 479
500 Error
Mark Toney Jan 2020
"Uh oh, we encountered an error
           Making this page for you.
           We've been notified and
           will fix it asap."

Excuse me, but what's your
Definition of asap?
As slow as possible?

My HePo adventure begain
With great expectations
Each day I try to upload
My profile and cover photos
Again and again and again. . .
Always getting the 500 Error—
          "Uh oh, we encountered an error
           Making this page for you.
           We've been notified and
           Will fix it asap."

Really?  Imagine that!

Excuse me, but what's your
Definition of asap?
As slow as possible?
If you're not going to fix
The process for uploading pics
Then why don't you just
Be straightforward and honest?

I think I'll try to upload again!
          "Uh oh, we encountered an error
           Making this page for you.
           We've been notified and
           Will fix it asap."

Really?  Imagine that!
Ad infinitum  
Ad nauseam

Since I've become a HePoet
Each day you also ask for donations
          "You look good today.
           Why not donate?"
Each and every day
Over and over and over. . .
Well at least you say
"You look good today"
I think I'll try to upload again!
          "Uh oh, we encountered an error
           Making this page for you.
           We've been notified and
           Will fix it asap."

Really?  Imagine that!
Ad infinitum  
Ad nauseam

Oh, here's the donate blurb again—
          "You look good today.
           Why not donate?"
Well, I'm glad you asked!
My response is as follows—
          "Uh oh, I encountered an error
           Making a donation for you.
           I've been notified and
           Will fix it asap."
                    That is, as soon as my
                    Photos are uploaded
                    But I won't hold my breath. . .
                    Don't hold yours either. . .

Otherwise, I like your site
Please get it right
Please


© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
01/01/2020 - Poetry form: Free Verse - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2020
Jan 2020 · 358
Slings and Arrows
Mark Toney Jan 2020
****** into a turbulent nexus
Exceeding ability to cope
Sucker-punched in my solar plexus
Victim of life's rope-a-dope


© 2020 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
01/01/2020 - Poetry form: Rhyme - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2020
Dec 2019 · 403
Appreciation
Mark Toney Dec 2019
Andy!

          -Aaron!
          -Aloha!

Aloha!
All
A-ok?

   ­        -Absolutely

Amy?

           -Amazing

Awesome!
Alan
Apply
Army?

           -Almost

Almost?

           -Anchors
            Away

Ah!

           -Ahoy!

Amusing :)
Abigail
Alright?

           -Aye,
            Admiral ;)

Almost
Amusing :)

           -Andrew
            Alright?

Andrew's
Arrested

           -Arrested??

Amphetamines

           -Addicted?

Addict

           -Awful :(

Answer??

           -Adoration

Amen

           -Appropriateness
          -Acceptance
          -Approval

Also
­Appreciation

           -Agreed!

Adios!

           -Alligator. . .


© 2019 by Mark Toney. All rights reserved.
12/17/2019 - Poetry form: Alliteration - My Alliterative Alphabet Series - Each poem in my Alliterative Alphabet Series describes conversations between two or more people while only using words that start with the first letter of the title of the poem. I’m publishing the poems as I write them on Wattpad.com, not necessarily in alphabetical order. My goal is to write at least 26 poems to cover each letter of the alphabet. I hope you find the concept interesting, maybe even clever. Most of all I hope you enjoy them :) - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2019
Dec 2019 · 637
Late for Work
Mark Toney Dec 2019
leapt out of bed
groggy head spins
spouse said hurry!
12/15/2019 - Poetry form: Than-Bauk - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2019
Dec 2019 · 880
The Singularity
Mark Toney Dec 2019
A I
WIFI
8/22/2018 - Poetry form: Footle - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2018 - "You've probably been told that the singularity is coming. It is that long-awaited point in time — likely, a point in our very near future — when advances in artificial intelligence lead to the creation of a machine (a technological form of life?) smarter than humans." |Futurism http://bit.ly/2w23XLg
Dec 2019 · 465
Living on the Edge
Mark Toney Dec 2019
Intense
In tents
7/11/2018 - Poetry form: Footle - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2018 - "Perhaps you’ve heard about it. Maybe you’ve seen it. Now YOU can do it! Spend a night camping out on a sheer rock face hundreds of feet off the ground. Cliff Camping should be on every adventure seekers “Bucket” list!" Ah, let me think about it and I'll get back to you!
Dec 2019 · 2.6k
Identity Crisis
Mark Toney Dec 2019
IHOB
IHOP
7/10/2018 - Poetry form: Footle - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2018 - Alrighty then..."And so it ended, not with a burger, but with a whimper. The International House of Pancakes is once more all about the flapjacks. The restaurant chain famed for its breakfast menu upset and entertained fans in June when it (IHOb) to promote a new hamburger menu. The publicity stunt/experiment wrapped up on Monday.  IHOP posted on its @IHOb Twitter account, which completely took over for @IHOP during the name change, that it's now returned to its original moniker: '  (Excerpt from https://www.cnet.com/news/ihop-flips-back-to-pancakes-drops-ihob-name/)
I'm glad they cleared that up! :)
Dec 2019 · 492
Bite-Size Dish
Mark Toney Dec 2019
Dim sum
Then some
7/5/2018 - Poetry form: Footle - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2018 - “Dim sum (literal meaning: snack) is a style of Chinese cuisine prepared as small bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets or on small plates. The Cantonese tradition of having endless cups of tea and dim sum is also called “yum cha”, which means “drink tea” in Cantonese... Yum cha has its roots in travelers on the ancient Silk Road needing a place to rest. Thus, tea houses were established along the roadside... People later discovered that tea can aid in digestion, so teahouse owners began adding various snacks.” (Wikipedia -Dim Sum)
Dec 2019 · 322
Dual Infestation
Mark Toney Dec 2019
Crack house
**** mouse
6/27/2018 - Poetry form: Footle - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2018
Dec 2019 · 466
TEFL Frustrations
Mark Toney Dec 2019
English
Anguish
6/27/2018 - Poetry form: Footle - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2018 - Many people, after only a few minutes of online research, become extremely frustrated with all the different acronyms used in the field of ELT (That's an overall acronym to describe the industry - English Language Teaching). Especially confusing are the various acronyms used to denote initial teacher training programs and certificates. -http://schoolofesl.org
Dec 2019 · 377
Impulse Buy
Mark Toney Dec 2019
Walk by
Wok buy
6/27/2018 - Poetry form: Footle - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2018
Dec 2019 · 817
Planet Baobab
Mark Toney Dec 2019
Aardvark
Odd Park
6/26/2018 - Poetry form: Footle - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2018 - Follow the side of the road pointed out by that aardvark snout and you will discover the intriguingly named "Planet Baobab." Located in Gweta, Botswana, the Baobab tree capital of the world, where the average age of each tree is 4000 years and beyond, and the boundless lunar landscape of the Makgadikgadi salt pans is the size of Switzerland!(planetbaobabbotswana.com)
Dec 2019 · 413
Birds of a Feather
Mark Toney Dec 2019
Toucan
Two can
6/5/2018 - Poetry form: Footle - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2018 - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2018 - This footle poem fills the bill :)
Dec 2019 · 362
Comfy Diaper
Mark Toney Dec 2019
Happy
*****
6/5/2018 - Poetry form: Footle - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2018 - I'm not trying to raise a stink, but my footle poem phase continues.  It's so hard to change :)
Dec 2019 · 514
Pop Star Trek
Mark Toney Dec 2019
Lulu
Sulu
6/4/2018 - Poetry form: Footle - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2018 - For those who never knew, or those who may have forgotten :)
Lulu was a pop star in the 1960s.
Sulu was in Star Trek in the 1960s.
Booya!
FYI- I'm still in my footle phase ;)
Dec 2019 · 593
Medical Briefs
Mark Toney Dec 2019
Doctor's
Boxers
6/4/2018 - Poetry form: Footle - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2018 - My footle poem phase continues. I promise to be brief ;)
Dec 2019 · 316
Whereabouts Unknown
Mark Toney Dec 2019
Yeti
SETI
6/3/2018 - Poetry form: Footle - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2018 - A footle is a 2 line, 2 syllable trochaiac monometer poem with an integral title suitable for light, witty pertinent, topical verse. So there! Now you know :)
Dec 2019 · 699
Hipster Cowgirl and Cowboy
Mark Toney Dec 2019
Woman
Whoa, man!
7/14/2018 - Poetry form: Footle - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2018
Dec 2019 · 397
Malleable Minds
Mark Toney Dec 2019
Plato
Play-doh
7/11/2018 - Poetry form: Footle - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2018
Dec 2019 · 1.6k
Real Eyes See
Mark Toney Dec 2019
I realize
I have real eyes
That see real lies—
     ~Nearsighted
          (rule of law)
     ~Farsighted
          (rule of lies)
     ~The "ayes" have it
          (hidden agenda)
     ~The "ayes" have it
          (secret addenda)
     ~The "ayes" have it
          (hate crimes)
     ~The "ayes" have it
          (critical times)
     ~Undocumented truth
          (entombed)
     ~Unmitigated lies
          (exhumed)
I realize
I have real eyes
That see real lies—
     ~As the world cries
12/13/2019 - Poetry form: Free Verse - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2019
Dec 2019 · 476
Not The Same
Mark Toney Dec 2019
Sun scorching, sweltering, sizzling beach

My hardened soles resist the heat

Sunglasses shielding my eyes

White cotton ball clouds glide

Along deep blue skies

But I’m blue too

Intensely

Missing

You
12/12/2019 - Poetry form: Nonet - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2019
Dec 2019 · 394
Super-Secret
Mark Toney Dec 2019
'Sup,
Serena?

               -'Sup
                 Sadie?

Swear
Silence!.
                -Swear!

Shhhhh!
                -Sorry

Sit
Still...
Speak
Softly...
Supersecret...

                 -Supersecret???

Shhhhh!
                 -Sorry

Swear
Silence!
                 -Swear!

.Shhhhh!
                 -Sorry

(Softly
Speaks
Supersecret)

                 (-Screams!!!)

Shhhhh!!!
                -Sorry

Sean
Secretly
Sa­w
Sally!

               -Selfish,
               Sadistic
               Sean!

(Sobbing)

               -Sorry

S'ok
               -So
               Sad

Swear
Silence!
               -Swear!!

Shhhhh!
               -Sorry

Sick
Slimy
Stupid
Sean!
               (Snickers)

(Sad,
Soulful
Stare)
12/11/2019 - Poetry form: Alliteration - My Alliterative Alphabet Series - Each poem in my Alliterative Alphabet Series describes conversations between two or more people while only using words that start with the first letter of the title of the poem. I’m publishing the poems as I write them on Wattpad.com, not necessarily in alphabetical order. My goal is to write at least 26 poems to cover each letter of the alphabet. I hope you find the concept interesting, maybe even clever. Most of all I hope you enjoy them :) - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2019
Dec 2019 · 604
A Life That Matters
Mark Toney Dec 2019
Shine on most brilliantly my bold, brave lass
Whine no more over misgiving's past
White robe awaits after crucible's blast.
Write of your struggles to all whom this life batters
Trite experiences included, for your testimony matters.
12/10/2019 - Poetry form: Rhyming Morph - In this poem one letter of the first word in each line is changed - Shine, Whine, White, Write, Trite -  Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2019
Dec 2019 · 671
ancestry whack-a-mole
Mark Toney Dec 2019
genealogy
family tree treasure hunt—
come to your census
12/9/2019 - Poetry form: Senryu - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2019
Dec 2019 · 902
Came to a Sticky End
Mark Toney Dec 2019
Here lies the body of Jamie McGraph
Who decided to write his own epitaph
Thinking a selfie might make it better
While taking the photo he took a header
Off the edge of a cliff into oblivion
"Came to a sticky end" the fitting idiom
12/4/2019 - Poetry form: Epitaph - Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2019
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