Welcome to Poetry Day for Story Chat Digest 2025. We will discuss these incredible poems just as we do the short stories. Any type or topic of poem is acceptable as long as it doesn’t contain profanity or erotica and would appeal to a large audience.
Story Chat is more than a writing challenge. It is a unique and proven online program that encourages interaction between authors and readers. It’s part writers group, part beta readers, part fun fiction, and pure enjoyment.
SUMMARIES have come to a halt because we are in the final phase of moving from Prescott, Arizona, to Visalia, California. As always, attendance at each Story Chat session includes a link to one of the latest blog posts of each person who comments.
Pride
Someone asked
Who do you take pride in?
Or what are you proud of?
Who you are? Or where you are?
Country or culture- status or finances….
What indeed it is that you truly are proud of?
I thought and thought again….
It wasn’t an easy question to answer
For though I’m proud to be a woman, a wife, a daughter and a sister
The most important role that brings me joy
Is to be a mother
Mother to three wonderful humans
Who are kind and thoughtful
Who are good parents themselves
Who are loving and caring
Who brings joy to not only us, their parents
But to people around them, their colleagues and friends
Who doesn’t shy away from saying the right thing
From pointing out the mistakes I may be making
To be champions of the oppressed, and the downtrodden
The upholders of law and human rights
Yes, I can say that my pride and joy are my children
©Sadje 2025
Biography
Sadje is a poet, blogger, and writer who loves to write. She loves reading and has read almost every genre of literature, except horror. This has helped her to
improve her writing skills. Her other interest is diet and health. She writes about keeping good physical and mental health and different forms of diets. She runs a writing challenge called, “What Do You See? (WDYS)
on her blog. You will also find her poetry on https://lifeafter50forwomen.com.
Here is a link to an interview with Sadje in 2022 on Always Write.
Perfect memories
In my laboratory,
I apply laser technology,
to take thinner and thinner slices of my past life
and subject them to historical re-engineering.
Having perfected my technique,
I’m sending in my clone to clear up the mess.
My future is now made from scraps of DNA
salvaged from the last of my unsullied remnants.
Unfortunately,
its behaviour will be so unrecognisable
you might shoot me as an alien impostor.
But at least I'd die perfected.
©Doug Jacquier 2025
Bach to the future
The boy at the window nods to himself,
noting the half-empty whisky bottle
and the last century headphones
and the old man’s arms waving,
and the wooden spoon in hand
and the closed eyes
and the knitted brow.
On the side table,
sits an ashtray full of forbidden butts,
an empty glass,
a tattered paperback
with a chocolate wrapper as a bookmark
and a filing cabinet wallet.
On the floor,
a half-eaten bowl of pasta sits,
congealing,
with a sprinkling of tobacco ash.
The boy slides silently
through the always unlocked door of yesteryear,
empties the wallet of all its cash,
bar twenty dollars,
and pads, in his stolen Nikes,
into the welcoming night.
As Bach’s ‘Toccata and Fugue in D Minor’
fades into the applause of The Proms audience,
the old man stirs,
re-fills his glass,
lights a cigarette,
and hopes the boy
will buy some food.
©Doug Jacquier 2025
Biography
Doug Jacquier lives with his wife, Sue, in Victor Harbor, South Australia. He’s had over 100 pieces of fiction, non-fiction and poetry published in 5 countries and is the editor of the humour site, Witcraft https://witcraft.org. He has another blog, Six Crooked Highways, as well.
He’s a father, grandfather and great grand-father, an avid cook, vegetable gardener and incurable punster. He’s had over 30 jobs (including rock band roadie) and has lived in many places across Australia, including regional and remote communities. He has travelled extensively, especially in Asia, the US and UK. He’s a recovering social worker and former not-for-profit CEO and has now retired to an increasingly unreal world.
Attendance
Thank you to everyone who attended this Story Chat Digest session. Without your input, Story Chat is an average writing challenge. Your helpful, honest comments make this like a book club. If you get a chance, check out our attendees’ blogs. It’s well worth your time.
- Doug Jacquier
- Keep It Alive
- Raj
- Roberta Writes
- Something to Ponder About
- Tame Your Book
- Unique Times with Cindy
- Writing Wrinkles
Story Chat Instagram Ad
Read it on Kindle or paperback today – $14.99. Purchasing the Kindle version is on sale for a short time for $2.99, and Kindle Unlimited is free to you and provides credit to us for each page read.
Exciting Story Chat Volume II Video
I hope you enjoy the video.
Story Chat Volume II Book Blog Tour Schedule
- Colleen Chesebro – November 24, 2024 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Gloria – November 29 (UK)
- Robbie & Michael – November 30 (SA)
- Diana – December 1 (US)
- Doug – December 2 (AU) December 1 (US, UK, SA) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Cathy – December 4 (UK) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Amanda – December 9 (AU) December 8 (US, UK, SA)
- Dan– December 11 (US)
- Philip – December 14 (UK)
- Cindy Georgekas – December 16 (US)
- Esther Chilton – January 30 (UK ) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- D. L. Finn – February 4 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Yvette – February 5 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Hugh – January 27 (UK)
Our video from Volume I is still up and getting views. My goal was 100 views, and we’re over that now! Yay!
Order Story Chat Volume I in paperback for only $12.99. Kindle version also on sale $2.99
Embracing the Power to Live Book Tour Posts
My new book, Embracing the Power to Live, is now on the shelves, and in my home bookstore ready to fly off the shelves.
- April 28th – Miriam – Showers of Blessing
- April 30th – Willow – willowdot 21
- May 7th – Sadje – Keep it Alive
- May 9th – Robbie – Robbie’s Inspiration
- May 12th – Cindy – Unique Times with Cindy
- May 8th – Colleen – Tanka Tuesday
- May 12th – Melissa – Mom with a Blog
Follow me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/tc_history_gal/
Lots of love to all! Hope you have a wonderful week.
Marsha Ingrao Always Write 
52 responses to “Story Chat Digest: May Poetry Day #5”
[…] May 27 Poetry Day – Your Choice of Topics […]
LikeLike
[…] Story Chat Digest: May 27 Poetry Day – Sadje & Doug Jacquier […]
LikeLike
[…] May 27 Poetry Day – Sadje & Doug Jacquier […]
LikeLike
It is a sad legacy if humans have to undo everything Ai has created.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Do you think they will?
LikeLike
In part, yes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would be an interesting topic for your blog. I just love how people respond to all your prompts. You have an amazing gift, my friend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so kind!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really enjoyed Doug and Sadje’s poem. Doug’s poem metaphorically questions the perfect world technology is creating or trying to create. Sadje speaks of the mother-child bond – so very strong and eternal. Something Ai can never replicate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very well put. I think we are all wondering if AI will erase the necessity for US! You have pointed out one very good reason that it can’t. We’ve become increasingly more technical over the years. It has supposedly made us more productive, but it hasn’t erased the need for human work. If nothing else, it’s increased it. LOL I hate to think of how much work the next generations will have because of AI! 🙂 Thanks for such a lovely comment. I hope things are going well with your website again. I will be over, hopefully by tonight or tomorrow. 🙂 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] May 27 Poetry Day – Sadje & Doug Jacquier […]
LikeLike
Interesting family of poems here. What mother doesn’t relate to Sadje’s poem?
Doug gives us a prophetic glimpse of the future? But poses a good question – we’re all going to go anyway… so what If I don’t die perfect? (I never have been up till now.)
But his poem about the (imperfect) old man enjoying his Bach, well aware of the lad stealing his cash painted a more human picture. I especially liked the lad leaving twenty dollars behind. Almost a regular arrangement… does he know the door is always unlocked? Perhaps a Bach listener of the future?
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an interesting comment, Cathy. I appreciate your words, “imperfect old man” because who isn’t. I also applauded your observation of the fact the old man was “well aware of the lad stealing his cash…” The fact that you noticed that the “lad leaving twenty dollars behind” put the humanity back into the young man. Perhaps that was his grandpa, not just some stranger from whom he was stealing money. He probably knew that his “Grandpa” didn’t mind him taking the money if he used it. I think they did have an agreement of sorts. Maybe they weren’t related, but they were definitely symbiotic. Your comments are always so thorough, thoughtful, and beyond the beaten path.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful you sharing all poems & author. “The boy at the window nods to himself,noting the half-empty whisky bottleand the last century headphonesand the old man’s arms waving,and the wooden spoon in handand the closed eyesand the knitted brow.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Rajkhoja
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad you enjoyed them, Raj. Any time you want to contribute, let me know. 🙂 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Marsha ☺️! You are telling me but I have no Idea how ?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just write a poem and email it to me, Raj. Poems are short. You can count the syllables in each line like 5-7-5 or just write down your thoughts. I’ll help you with spelling, if you need it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much,Marsha! Iam so glad. You support me write a poem. But I no words , which & where use in poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We can chat in email, Raj. You have lots of words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
okay, Marsha. I chat on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved Sadje’s poem, Marsha as I can relate being a mom as well. Beautifully crafted. I’ve read her review but maybe this is another. Dougs poems conquer up lots of imagery as the old man and young man speak. 💓
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Cindy for your kind words of support.
LikeLiked by 2 people
🩷🩷🩷🩷
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are always so welcome. It’s easy to support you as you were supportive of so many of us here. 🩷
LikeLiked by 2 people
How kind you are
LikeLiked by 1 person
The link was to an interview I did three years ago when we first became friends.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Got it well it must be still in my mind🩷
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, Cindy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your poem made me think that care for others is more nurture than nature, Sadje. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting, Doug. Sadje does call them humans, indicating that they have a will of their own that she had little to do with forming, but that they grew up learning to do good things. I think being generous is hard to learn either by nature or nuture. I should put up the link Sadje sent me about the woman her aunt knew who grew up in the most unfortunate circumstances ever, and turned out to be one of the most impressive philanthropists – entirely by her own work ethic. Then I read another book recently about heroes, one of whom was a boy soldier, who was killing people by the age of six. He, too, turned out to be an amazing, giving person. The book is Unfold the Stories of Unsung Heroes by Ritish Sharma (She’s a blogger.)
LikeLike
Thank you so much 😍 Indeed nurture is what brings the goodness in people we care for.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for publishing my poems, Marsha. Interesting range of responses to the old man, some judgmental. I meant to convey a man nearing the end of his life who is choosing music as his world but is well aware of the world outside the concert hall and chooses not to condemn a boy who’s simply trying to survive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least we hope he is just trying to survive and not part of a gang that is just out there robbing and killing to be in with the gang! He seemed to be acting on his own, and the man was trusting that he was doing that. It’s an interesting piece, Doug. I’m surprised no one has commented on your other poem, yet. That was my favorite of all of them. I thought it was hilarious. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting poems, and I appreciate the diversity. Sadje’s poem embraced her role as parent, hinting the street of learning goes both ways. Roger’s poems surprised me with the downward plunge into the dark side of technology and human nature. All poems conveyed emotions, ranging from light to dark, and hopefulness to hopelessness.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Grant. Parenting is indeed a two way street. We learn a lot from our children especially as they become adults and parents themselves.
LikeLiked by 3 people
So true, Sadje. Thanks for the heartwarming poem!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s a pleasure 💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
That might be the common thread between Doug’s and Sadje’s poems – the lights and darks of human emotions. Having family and doing good for others = light, being alone with no obvious family caring about you and caring only about yourself = dark
LikeLiked by 1 person
An interesting trio of poems, Marsha. The first is lovely and easily relatable to me as a mother. My children are my greatest achievements too. I always enjoy Sadje’s poetry which includes a lot of truths about life and love. Both of Doug’s poems are interesting. The second one aroused a mixture of feelings in me. The old man seemed a bit decadent and possibly neglectful of the boy but he also seemed to be making the most of his remaining time. The boy appeared neglected but use of the phrase ‘stolen shoes’ made me think that perhaps he is not a nice person. Perhaps his thievery is not due to neglect and perhaps the old man will go without food if the boy doesn’t buy any. It all seemed very sad.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks a lot Robbie. I appreciate your kind feedback.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Sadje
LikeLiked by 2 people
💞💞💞
LikeLike
That’s an interesting observation about the old man and the boy. I didn’t get the impression that the boy really knew the man. I thought he was just observing to see if he could steal something. The man seemed out of it, but he was more astute than he looked because he knew he’d been robbed. Basically, I felt he was allowing the boy to steal from him so that he would have some food – or at least the decadent man hoped that’s what he would buy. I agree it was sad, but I think your statement about a mixture of feelings is well stated. It will be interesting to hear if others feel it is sad. It seems sad to me because you have two lives that are somewhat wasted and unproductive at the time. One has no one to care for him in his old age, and one has no one to care for him in his young age – either that or they are both deliberately refusing help from people who care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Marsha, ah, your observation does make sense. I didn’t see it that way at all but we all interpret things based on our own life experiences. I can’t imagine an old man being neglected in his old age and left all alone. I can’t imagine it for a young boy either. So, I interpreted this based off what I know. So very interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are so many ways to interpret it. Did you read Cathy Cade’s explanation?
LikeLike
No, I’ll take a look
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love both the poems from Doug! Excellent writing and the desire many of us to visit our past to fix the errors and mistakes we made is so beautifully expressed.
Thanks for publishing my poem too. I appreciate your support and encouragement dear friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Sadje. I appreciate your support, too! You are awesome. 🙂 xxxx Have a great day. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot Marsha. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let’s face it, Sadje. We like each other! 🙂 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed. You’re a very kind and generous friend Marsha. Always encouraging and supportive. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person