I Write Her

Going Home

Published on January 14, 2026January 10, 2026 by Susi Bocks19 Comments

***Scene captured by Susi Bocks in Cancun 2019***

now the day is done
heading toward peace and calm
all becomes tranquil

Loose Rings

Published on January 13, 2026January 8, 2026 by Susi Bocks10 Comments

Redux

The
cancer
impacts her
frame harshly and
leaves visible scars.
Her skirt hangs so loosely.
Her rings jangling so easy.
Her face in the mirror so gaunt.
These changes force her to face the truth.
Damn you, cancer! Nothing will be the same.

Originally posted 4/20/2019 on I Write Her.

She’s Watching

Published on January 12, 2026 by Susi Bocks8 Comments

***Sean Pierce – Unsplash.com***
***Inspired by What do you see #323***

oh sacred mother
our greed has become too much
please, please forgive us

This image also reminded me of another piece I wrote a bit ago titled Mother Earth. Interestingly, it was another What do you see inspiration! :)

Oh,
please see
that you must
protect me now.
I’ve given so much
for your survival here.
Take care of me. It’s your turn.
Give to me what will sustain you.
I was beauty, strength, and nourishment.
Your treatment of me shows something ugly.

The Sins Of The Mother

Published on January 11, 2026January 11, 2026 by Susi Bocks13 Comments

“I expect the truth!” the ancient-looking bald one declared. “Being blunt works the best,” as his eyes began to scroll down the page of his notes. I didn’t envy the witness in that moment, as he was in the hot spot, likely feeling as if a beam of light focused on him, just as all eyes in the court were. He began to shift in his seat nervously.

“Peter shook the lighter fluid over his mother, then threw the lit match on her. I saw it with my own eyes.” This testimony was likely beginning to shape a guilty verdict.

***Inspired by The Sunday Whirl – Wordle #739***

SenHai Saturday #34

Published on January 10, 2026January 10, 2026 by Susi Bocks35 Comments

Here is this week’s image to get your creative juices flowing!

The creator’s image shows autumn leaves hanging from a tree at the top, a brick wall at the bottom with fallen leaves and what looks like green moss, both framing historic stone buildings in a village that appears cloudy and overcast.

Please create one senryu and one haiku to accompany this image prompt. Remember that a traditional haiku describes nature or a season, while a senryu focuses on human nature and emotions.

Then, provide a link in the comments below or ping back to this post on your blog.

Here is a wrap-up of last week’s prompt. I appreciate each of you for sharing your thoughts!

Nolcha – THE TRUTH IS SOMEWHERE

Carolyn – SenHai Saturday #33

Tina – birds of a feather

Eugenia – #SenHai Saturday – 1/3/26

Indira – SenHai Saturday #33

Ange – SenHai Saturday

Carole Anne – 3 little birds

Heather – Reflections

Sara – wading birds

Ben – 6.1.26 — Haiku/Senryu

Sadje – Meeting by the shore

Diana – Hopeful Union

Violet – Warped

Freya Pickard

Published on January 9, 2026January 1, 2026 by Susi Bocks5 Comments

glimpse

grey sky at dawn – waterlogged clouds backdrop
to frozen scuds of whiteness;
a glimpse through my window

shroud

tattered shroud conceals hilltop and tor
reveals patchwork fields
in yellow, brown, and green

light

pale tears suspended on fine, taut lines
jewelled light reveals form
in misty summer dawn

breath

azure vastness diluted by white cloud
wind-ruffled leaves droop greenly
as furnace breath pauses

warm

thunder growl echoes on storm-laden air
warm wind moistens salty sweat;
I wait for rain to fall

ramrod

bent stalks, fallen leaves, verdigris debris;
ramrod bracken stiffly stands
unbroken by rainstorm

taut

wind-twisted wooden arms claw towards cloud
suspended from naked branch
taut rope holds slack body

tears

forgotten flowers now hardened green buds
garnished with pearlescent drops;
those tears will never fall

~~~

Pushcart Prize nominee (2022), Freya Pickard, is the author of both Vampirical Verse and The Kaerling Series. Her aim in life is to enchant, entertain, and engage with readers through her writing. She finds inspiration in the ocean, the moors, beautifully written books, and music (particularly heavy metal and rock). Freya was first featured on The Short of It in 2020 and has participated in every subsequent submission cycle. You can find her featured work by clicking HERE.