I found the bright colored crayon under the couch
The one you called “snot green” but was labeled “chartreuse”
It had been quickly discarded and forgotten
When I brushed the dust away I saw potential
With the periwinkle from under my pillow
And the magenta I brought home in my pocket
I took out every page you’d ever given me
With all the clearly defined shapes and hard angles
I pressed the green point to the white, holding my breath
Rebellion has never been for the faint of heart
But I liked the color and the power of it
At first I played along and learned the limits
Then I grew braver, borders became suggestions
Perfect patterns replaced with opportunities
Confines of lines couldn’t bind creativity
I used that chartreuse crayon to rewrite the rules
Boldness requires risk, things can get kind of messy
It might not be a masterpiece but it’s still art
Though you might not frame it or pin it on the fridge
You can’t deny it’s a bit of an eye catcher
Breaks up the grey of status quo monotony
Maybe it seems reckless to recycle the box
When I've only just stepped outside its four corners
And found myself at home way up here in the clouds
But from this bird’s eye view I can see quite clearly
Disruptors are the dreamers who dare to make moves
I’ll count myself among their number, knowing now
Life is better when you color outside the lines
About the Creator
D.K. Shepard
Character Crafter, Witty Banter Enthusiast, World Builder, Unpublished novelist...for now
Fantasy is where I thrive, but I like to experiment with genres for my short stories. Currently employed as a teacher in Louisville.
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The Ritual of Winter Challenge Winners
Welcome to the Winners Announcement for The Ritual of Winter challenge. This prompt focused on winter rituals and the meaning that settles into them over time. The top pieces stay grounded in ordinary acts and repeated routines, letting winter shape the work through pace, attention, and restraint.
By Vocal Curation Team3 days ago in Resources
Comments (12)
Absolutely love this poem & its conclusion… I am incapable of colouring inside the lines! Especially liked: “ Rebellion has never been for the faint of heart But I liked the color and the power of it At first I played along and learned the limits Then I grew braver, borders became suggestions Perfect patterns replaced with opportunities”💖
Life is always better when we do things differently hehehe. Loved your poem!
I love the message of this poem, D.K.! There are so many great lines, and they all highlight the beauty of a change in perspective.
So true and powerful! I love "It might not be a masterpiece but it’s still art". Great poem!
Well-wrought! I recall chartreuse being a liquor as well. I want to say I recall this from some early twentieth century account of the French Quarter in New Orleans, but the memory only tickles my brain.
I like this line best Life is better when you color outside the lines This starts out sweet and cute then becomes powerful and freeing. Great entry
Well... I was a bit meh about this challenge... but this is such a powerful and beautiful entry. Love the line you highlighted but there are so many other great ones there. Definitely ranks somewhere in the top of my favourites by you. Nice to see something new from your gifted brain and pen! I know you've been busy with the manifesto, so it's a justified break but glad to have you back doing what you do best!
Excellent. We should all colour outside the lines with "chartreuse".
I loved your take on stepping outside the box! The idea of recycling it just brings a satisfied smile to my face
Wow - this is powerful DK- and perhaps you are right - disruptors are the dreamers that care to make moves, but that takes courage. Great piece of work and it makes you think. I love that you made a connection to art. Nicely Done!!!
Wow, I LOVE this. A beautiful image and metaphor for quiet-to-bold rebellion...and of course I love that it's all in the language of art. How true it is that genuine creativity is often a resistance, of sorts...stellar work, D.K.!
This is wonderful. So many great line, like the one you folded. This may be my fave: Rebellion has never been for the faint of heart. Well done!