Saturday, November 15, 2008

COURAGE (OSI)



This week for OSI I decided to take a big leap away from haikus, tankas, and all
other usual poetic forms, and go for a “found poem” of sorts. So here it is, made up entirely of words and phrases we use to express courage.



have courage, take heart
chin up, hang tough
be cool, buck up, stand firm

take the plunge
stick your neck out
laugh at danger, grin
and bear it
take a dare, take the bull
by the horns, bell the cat

don’t look back
screw your courage
to the sticking-place
stick to your guns
have some spirit
show your mettle

just do it
you go girl



For more poetic interpretations of this prompt,
visit One Single Impression

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

23 comments:

bobbie said...

I love what you've done here.
Not so sure about the photo though. I don't really think bungi jumping takes courage. I think it takes stupidity. But that's just me.

Anonymous said...

..the spirit of courage-firmly expressed..many thanks..

sgreerpitt said...

I love it!! Your poem actually supports something I was saying about how we normally view courage. It may be a "found" poem, but you put it together just right.

Shelley said...

This is perfect for someone who wants to start a new venture - like it!

wispy willow said...

Well expressed!

Hmmm... bungie jumping, eh? Well, my first impression is, "That's not courageous. That's just crazy". But, whenever someone tackles their fears head on it's an act of courage. So, I guess it may not be as crazy as I tend to think it is.

anthonynorth said...

An uplifting poem, indeed. Although I changed the last word to apply to me :-)

Beth P. said...

Deborah--
That's such a nice composition! Thanks for that, and
you go girl.

Geraldine said...

You go girl indeed! I like your take on this prompt, very much. Well done Deborah.

www.mypoeticpath.wordpress.com

SandyCarlson said...

I love these words for taking, having, holding courage. All work at the right time! I love it.

Jim said...

Debrah, "you go girl!" I like it! Most all of those we've all heard (except the first three of the third 'verse'). Guess I'll go looking for the sticking place.
..
My poem was an attempt to be dark and strange (your comedic/noir idea) but not real heavy. Usually mine are intended to be cheerful with a touch of humor.
..

Quiet Paths said...

It is amazing to me how many of these definitions, words or phrases we have incorporated into our culture ~ Courage must be very, very important. Wonderful idea.

Edward S Gault said...

We certainly have alot of ways of saying it don't we?
Creatively done.

Great Grandma Lin said...

fun arrangement of phrases, some were new to me.

hitch writer said...

Bungeeeee is really really fun, adventure and thrill!!!!!!!

Julie said...

If something is fun, an adventure and a thrill then it does not rquire courage. It is like saying to someone with a mortally ill child, "You go, girl!".

This puzzles me ...

me ann my camera said...

What a fantastic photo of courage that would never be found being taken of me! And I love your expressions found to illustrate your dangling image of courage. I am surprised there are so many, yet I knew the familiarity of them all. Lovely.

qualcosa di bello said...

a wonderful idea...your weaving together of these words is fantastic. that photo...wow! that situation just might be he one that would sap every ounce of courage i could muster

Rose said...

I like it!

Dianne said...

Fantastic!! I needed a little 'bucking up' today, thanks :)

Tumblewords: said...

Wow, I like this format - good job!

gautami tripathy said...

Very inspiring, I must say!

foundations of wonder

Tammy Brierly said...

Very clever and some I've never heard. Enjoyed its spunk!

Patois42 said...

All those things I say to my kids. You've packaged them all nicely.