What is a poem not?

I like to read and write poetry, but I know a LOT of people that just throw up their hands at the very word---POEM. At our writer's workshop this week, we talked about poetry, what it is and what it's not which must have inspired me enough to write the following poem. I hope it'll help some of you, who find poetry nauseating, to see that it can be fun! 

WHAT IS A POEM NOT?
by me

A poem is not a how-to manual
A poem is not an artificial stance
nor a convoluted puzzle to decipher

A poem is not a rhyme
although it might like to rhyme
A poem is not a recipe guaranteed to delight

A poem is not fraught with ulterior motives
A poem is not mysteriously profound
And those are some things poems are NOT

A poem IS a collage of words
bumped up against one another
some simple words--some absurd

Most words are ones most have heard
A poem is made like a child's bouquet
of random thoughts one's observed

A poem is just what a poem IS
Oh my gosh--this might be one!

HAIKU

Haiku is an interesting poetical form made up of three lines. The first and the last lines have five syllables, the middle line seven syllables.  Here are two Haiku poems I wrote that I thought I'd share with you.

Morning shadows fade

Giving way to light's bright rays

Filling hearts with hope

Your holy precepts

Warm me like liquid letters

Poured into my soul

Have a blessed day!

Where have I been?

My blog is missing me...where have I been since Riley's birthday celebration?  In a funk?  In bed asleep?  On the dance floor?  Buried in studies?  Ladies Bible study?  Walking Sherman?  Playing Wii?  Watching movies?  Watching football?  Taking photos?  Shopping at flea markets?  Laughing with friends?  Playing Balderdash?  YES>>>> all of those!  Which one should I have blogged on?

When we lived in Australia, we often used the expression that would be appropriate here.  Hmmmmmmmm...You might see me with my hand on my chin, eyes gazing upward, with a wondering look saying...Hmmmmmmmm...

Actually, I've had a few ideas, but haven't been organized enough to put them together and now this morning, well, I just can't STAND it anymore!  I miss A WRINKLED TIME!  Love posting!  It's addicting like Chai, chocolate, Wii, iPhone Scrabble---you name it. If it's fun, I can be addicted...hmmmmmm...maybe I'm addicted to FUN!!!   

Okay y'all...a question for you.  I have exactly seven commitments per week that roll around leaving only Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays free.  (Some days I have TWO commitments)  Now I'm looking at taking on one more, but this one sounds SO once-in-a-lifetime-ish!  

Thursday nights at Central Arizona College (about 10 min. from here), a class called the Fundamentals of Publishing is starting.  It'll be from 6:00 to 8:45 and will cover internet opportunities, self publishing, types of publications, editing, style, agents, copyright, cover design, printing contracts, and that's not ALL!!!  Hands-on workshops...Oh...doesn't that all sound like a writer's dream?  I WANT to do it, but then I want to DO everything don't I?!

My fears---taking on too much, no time left for blogging (ha), giving up another evening, tests, homework?  No time left for Scrabble?  No time left for hubby and friends? 

Hmmmmmmm....any advice?