During the month of May-June, as we prepared to publish Timothy Joshua’s new poetry and prose collection, “I Watched You Listen,” we were excited to announce another Penwings writing challenge with the book title as this month’s prompt! ✨ Poets have written however the title calls to them—a fable, prose, sonnet, or even their next novel! 📖 They have shared their creations with us using #PenwingsPromptChallenge2024, or tag us for a chance to showcase your art. 🎨✍️
By: @franklinfireheart
“My shooting star, I watched you listen,
When I read the words you have written,
You helped me relate to my thoughts,
That were my sad midnight monologues.
But those midnight monologues started our stories,
When you flew by, I watched you listen to my worries,
That night, I steered my lifeless ship with broken oars,
While searching for a page to write daylight dialogues.
I watched you listen to my heartbreak,
You taught me not to be afraid of change,
That to recite our monologues with brighter grace,
We must be open to learn a new language.
I came from a generation of fragile children,
Lived like a lost soul until I watched you listen,
What you preach to me is more than words,
They are the stars that show the moon its worth.
Sometimes, I wonder, “What does your name mean?”
Still, I watched you listen to my musings,
You led me to look away from past experience,
By proving both light and dark exist in transience.
Whenever I have questions to our answers,
I always find guidance within your pages,
Diving through them, I feel not quite alone,
I thank your beacons for guiding me home.
I was found when I watched you listen,
You spell out my heart through your poems,
I witness beauty itself when I read,
Your verses that are sagely and sweet.
I feel a kindred spirit floating among the lines,
It’s like talking to a muse who comes to life,
Thanks for listening, whoever you are,
Your words bring warmth to my heart.
You healed my wounds when I watched you listen,
Loving an angel like you is my medicine,
Your presence soothes the rhythm of my heartbeat,
You bless me with a strange and wicked magic.
Although we are not bound by blood,
I will stand by you as your companion,
Because when I gave you my word,
My shooting star, I watched you listen.”
– the Paranormal Postman
By: @chuunnn._
Heavy is the heart that tries to stay
And the thoughts of leaving that I could never say
Does it matter if we never met?
And to question it now, is it too late?
Heavy is the feeling of being betrayed
By the man you dearly loved and cared
Does it matter if you never know me that much?
And will you ever stop blaming me for the rush?
Heavy is the feet that can’t walk away
And you think I’ll just be gone for a day
Does it matter if I never come back?
And will you finally stop pretending your feelings aren’t fake?
By: @thaashaadiveena_
I watched you listen.
With those glistening eyes,
As I watch your mood rise.
With those perked up ears.
An enthusiasm I haven’t seen in years.
I watched you listen.
It was that look of love,
That made me feel alive.
It was that look of love,
That made my soul thrive.
Purchase I Watched You Listen at Kinokuniya Singapore, Popular Online or MPH Online.
Available in all major bookstores in Malaysia & Singapore.
