@Marc A Brimble You are right about them having individual personalities. A number of crested pigeons visit my garden but there are only three that are brave enough to eat from my hand. First there was only one, Charles. Then the other two decided to eat from my hand too. The rest aren't so brave, as you say they are more timid. They wait until I go away before they eat seed.

I am so glad you saved that pigeon's life!

I find it lifts my spirits to think about a highlight for each day. Today was freezing cold, wet and windy so I have stayed inside all day. Well, almost all day. There are three crested pigeons that eat seed from my hand. We have named them Charles, Betty and Steve. I went outside to feed them when two of them looked in through the glass pane by the side door, trying to get my attention. I just had to feed them seed from my hand!

A poem can be inspired by anything, mobile phone, mug of coffee, the words 'interest free', an advert on the radio or COVID check in at the service station door. I have written poems about all these things. Here's one: COVID Check-In One after the other Customers enter By automatic door, Some do COVID check in, Mobile aligned with QR code, Others can't be bothered, Or fear phone tracing Is excuse for Big Brother To keep track Of our every movement. And the follow up poem: Is COVID Check In Tracking Us? Some say COVID check in Is really to keep track Of the common man, I actually don't care If the authorities know I've been to Coles Twice this week, Had my hair cut And consumed four lattes Since Sunday, Nothing to hide, Don't need to conceal anything.

I was interested in how you compose and store your poetry. The whole leather bound notebook and fountain pen with different coloured inks to suit your mood thing sounds lovely.

I get so annoyed at myself when someone points out a silly error I've made and it's something I should have picked up for myself! Like you, I am going to make more mistakes when I am under the pressure of a deadline.

@Sunayana Dash I agree Rachel is amazing the way she keeps coming up with varied prompts and lists of words.

@Adam Gary I do love a good gif!

@Adam Gary Glad the poem made you smile. The Poetry Cove is a wonderful place.

@Adam Gary I had that vanilla latte for you this morning and wrote this poem- Adam Built It and They Came Adam had a dream to build it, The 'Home to the world's most extensive poetry community,' He recalled words made famous by Kevin Costner, 'Build it and they will come,' So Adam planned as he sat in his shed, Ideas went through his mind while he drank his latte, He sweated, scratched his head, consulted with other poets, Started building 'a home to poets across the world,' Announced 'The Poetry Cove' On his YouTube channel my friends, He built it, And the poets came.

@Adam Gary I will have a vanilla latte for you with pleasure!

Sunlight pours through finger printed window, Music pumps from radio, I sip morning latte. Today I tried vanilla latte, think I have a new favourite beverage. I am grateful for being able to enjoy a latte and write poetry.

Dear nervous but hopeful poet, firstly, sending you a big virtual hug because I don't have the answers. But you will work things out step by step and you will get through. At the most stressful points in my life I have found writing poetry to express my feelings and help untangle the madness that is life has helped me. Much of that stuff I never never share because it is for my eyes only. I am not comfortable sharing my most personal stuff whereas some other people are and that's fine for them. I look back at some of the poetry I wrote in my teens and see how I have grown as a person and how some of the family conflict of the time has helped me become an empathetic person. Also that I shouldn't judge anyone because I have made my share of unwise choices! Like you, I find The Poetry Cove a safe haven where I feel welcome and accepted. It's my special place where I can go. I have felt reassured to read other people here admit to feelings of anxiety, lack of self confidence etc. Although I don't have a diagnosis of Anxiety or Depression I see how these conditions affect the daily lives of people close to me. I feel I cope pretty well much of the time but there are times when I am overwhelmed by life. And I am certainly an over thinker! I often have to tell my thoughts to stop doing the 'what if' thing. (What if I miss the train, what if they don't like me, what if all the poetry I have written is total rubbish, etc) So wishing you all the best, hang in there and keep writing poetry.

I am Happy Here Some love to spread their wings, Explore all corners of the Earth, So much to see, hear, smell, touch, Many experiences to take in, But I am happy here right now In my little corner of the World, There is much to appreciate here And I don't need a passport.

@Adam Gary I find it fascinating to read about the writing rituals of others.

I hope there is always some cash being used. I like to give cash to buskers whose music I enjoy. I often drop coins into charity collection boxes. Not all people who have a stall at a market or who hold a garage sale have a way of accepting card payments. What about the person who has a couple of items to sell when they are moving house? I think people who are struggling financially would suffer most in a cashless society. How are parents supposed to give their children pocket money. An online transfer into their bank account wouldn't be the same as receiving cash.

My 'rituals' are different for writing poetry and prose. Poetry - cafe or other place that serves latte, needs to be a mug, not a cup. I need to be alone except for my Muse. I write on my phone, not my tablet and not on paper. I like there to be music, vocals are fine as they motivate rather than distract me at a cafe. I find it difficult to write poetry at writers' group or when we have a workshop. I feel pressured in a group setting. I might come up with something but it doesn't flow the way it will when I am alone at a cafe with my latte. My Muse won't turn up when I am with others. I can write prose in a group setting but it is easier at home, kitchen table, headphones on listening to instrumental music (vocals distract at home but not in a cafe), looking out into the garden, maybe watching a bird drinking from the bowl of water. I don't drink coffee at home because I lack self control and drink too many mugs of coffee if I have it on hand! Night is my most creative time if I am at home. I write some poetry at home at the kitchen table on my laptop. This is where I edit my poetry.

Long shift ended, Her tired eyes, Those windows To the soul, Usually sparkling bright, Now washed out, Matching the hue Of her faded jeans.

I agree with you. Similar to your point about elevators, I catch public transport and it is annoying when people start getting into the carriage without waiting for others to first get off.

I enjoyed writing a little poem about my shadow. Thanks for the prompt, Rachel.