Another New Poem and Writing Challenge

Following in tattered sneakers behind a great poem by Maxine Kumin called "Credo":


Credo

I believe in magic. I believe in the beauty
of tiny rain drops as they land gently

in the pool, shimmering like diamonds.
I believe in the greyness of the clouds

and all it reprents as a manifestation
of evil in the world. I believe more

in the silver lining. I believe animals and plants
have souls. Our dog waited over a week

until we returned from a trip to die.
She looked at us, said goodbye, and was gone.

I believe in the healing power of my mother's
homemade turkey soup she makes once a year

after thankgiving, making enough to freeze
for six months. I believe a good heavy rain

cleans more than the air, cars, and sidewalks.
Between man and woman, I believe in electricity

that blinds. I believe that slugs have a purpose
for thier slow, slimy crawl across the earth.

I believe that whoever invented corsets
should be shot. I believe a mother's spit

can clean caked-on grease off a frying pan.
I believe Beethoven's deaf ears were a gift,

his fingers were not fingers, but magic. I believe
I have been here before. I beleive I never left.


The Challenge: Write your own Credo