2am my 8am
darkened solitude
patchwork brain
overacts, interferes
sleep, rest
problems hidden
plain sight
stacked, nested
Babushka dolls
tattered, torn
ripped with
bullet holes
bleeding through
everything
confidence
self-esteem
2am my 8am
craving sunlight
brightness, warmth
dandellions blowing
dew-licked grass
fresh hope
*
Thanks for reading!
Author's Notes: This is my first entry into Poppy's awesome Prompts Challenge thingo. You can find out more about it below.
Here are some other things:
About the Creator
Paul Stewart
Award-Winning Writer, Poet, Scottish-Italian, Subversive.
The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection out now!
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March 15, 2026
Merriam Webster - Word of the day: Tranche refers to a division or portion of a whole. World Contact Day is commemorated every year on March 15. It is a unique observance held globally to focus on communicating with extraterrestrial life and exploring the possibility that intelligent beings may exist beyond Earth. World Contact Day inspires people to invoke their curiosity and spend time thinking about the universe and the mysteries surrounding it. What is the “Ides of March”? According to the Roman calendar, the Ides are a monthly occurrence. In March and other months with 31 days, the Ides always falls on the 15th; it falls on the 13th in months with 30 days. The Ides traditionally marked the arrival of the new Moon and was cause for celebration. The word “Ides” is derived from Latin, meaning “to divide.” Mothering Sunday in 2026 falls on Sunday, March 15. Mothering Sunday, celebrated in the United Kingdom and Ireland, occurs on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which is exactly three weeks before Easter. Unlike the fixed-date Mother's Day in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, Mothering Sunday’s date changes each year according to the Christian liturgical calendar. On March 15, 2026, several notable observances and events are celebrated: Dumbstruck Day: A day to express frustration. Everything You Think is Wrong Day: A day to challenge and celebrate wrong beliefs. International Day Against Police Brutality: A day to raise awareness and advocate against police violence. My look at today, March 15, 2026 below:
By Denise E Lindquist2 days ago in Writers
Comments (13)
Ah, this is such an incredible entry! You expressed that feeling so perfectly, and each of the assigned words you just...totally slayed. Gosh, I felt this one. This is a winner in my book.
🧠 Nice brain! Both in cover image, poetic phrasing and imagery. I guess your brain is alright too!
This is really good, and I know exactly what you mean.
Love this 2 am quandary; I think Poppy will be quite pleased with your take on her challenge. I really, truly, deeply find your creations addictive.
Beautifully done & challenge well met, Paul.
The idea of problems being ripped by bullet holes is so innovative and brilliant, that I can’t stop thinking about it. Like you’ve spent so much time obsessing over the problems that they’re decimated, and the energy of the obsessing is akin to bullets. Wow. I love “2am my 8am”; it rings so well and is an entire poem in itself. Gorgeous gorgeous! This is such a fantastic poem, my friend. 🤯
I love this, Paul! The "Babushka doll" concept was really a nice, visual touch that adds to the sense of brokeness that hopes to be whole again ❤️
I really liked the flow of this and 2am my 8am brilliant. And thanks for the link to Poppy's challenge
I love this!! You used all the words so smoothly it felt like the words were taken from this poem!! I was excited about “patchwork brain” but then you used the other words just as masterfully!
Oooo, I loved the transition from intense and poignant to optimistic and powerful! 🍩🥐
Patchwork mind blowing!!! Love it! I 'emotionally & mentally' scarred my adult sons with your brilliant AI artwork!
Paul, this poem perfectly captures a sense of inner turmoil, isolation, and the yearning for hope and renewal despite the challenges faced! I especially love that glimmer of optimism with 'fresh hope'. Such a great ending! Loved it.
There's a lot you can do with two words per line. Except confidence is one, and that irked me!