Holmes Minor

Title: D is for Drab
Poetic form: acrostic 221b verselet
Notes: I'm doing a series of acrostic poems for Advent, but this one isn't seasonal.

detective's doldrums
remedy? chemistry
applied
BOOM!

Title: Shades of Red in Canon
Length: 107
Rating: Gen
Type of poem: colour poem

in lore are seen and heard four shades of red

like scarlet thread of murder running through
life’s colourless skein; a study, too,
that’s black and white and read by legions few

then there’s a rending of a ruddy tweed
castaway and torn upon the moor in deed
mistaken and most foul; cheeks wheezing greed

a coppery slickness, wetter than wet,
metallic tang slips ‘tween lips when met
with fists and sticks, with wielders of frank threat

at last, the crimson petals of the rose
whose yielding silks invite caress, expose
the hand of Providence in trials and throes

in lore are tasted, felt the red-hued thread

Title: Scottish Walking Tour
Poetic form: Burns Stanza
Rating: Gen
Length: 483
Summary: After Mary's death, Watson goes on a walking tour of Scotland.

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Title: Scheele's Green
Length: 500
Rating: Gen
Notes: colour poem + fic
Summary: Holmes has a young client who claims she's being poisoned.

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Title: The Business of Knitting (a birthday gift)
Rating: Gen
Length: 111
For: Small Hobbit. An early birthday gift as I shall be traveling tomorrow. Many returns of the day!
Summary: Mouselet is knitting a birthday gift for a certain Inspector. She gets distracted with predicable result.

Knit two, purl one, knit two, sweet Mouselet sings,
purl two, knit one, purl two, as needles click.
A cosy cosy, one of life’s best things
for cosy tea. This wool is nice and thick!

My fine inspector nevermore shall fear
his fortifying brew will pour out cold.
Fine sheep have spared fine coats for him this year
and needles click the fleece in pattern bold.

A gift for his most celebrated day,
Inspector, oh, knit one, for you, knit one!
With haste, devoted thoughts can’t help but stray.
Dear me! Oh, no! Pray tell, what have I done?

Woolgathering has frayed my wherewithal.
I’ve knit myself into a cosy ball!

Title: The Six Booms of the Bittern
Length: 6
Rating: Gen
Poetic Form: 221B Verselet
For: scfrankles, the inventor of the form.

hic jacet
heir hound
hall
Baskerville

Title: Christmas
Rating: Gen
Length: 148
Notes: for the monthly prompt. Not a palindrome, really, but an acrostic poem forward and backwards.

Christmas. It’s a time of darkness conquered by light.
Harkers and carolers enjoy a Silent Night.
Ripe in window frames, stout candles glow warm and bright.
In every humble hearth, a handsome Yule log burns.
Seasonal compliments, holly everywhere one turns.
Tenderly suspended the rogue green-and-white boughs.
Mulled wine meets mince pies, all the feasting joy allows.
Angels and gold stars decorate a hearty fir.
Snowy treks to loved ones make the stalwart heart stir.

Sinister foes elect to take a holiday.
Agents of smart strife hibernate or stay away.
Mistletoe, I fear, is a much-lacking poison.
Treason-toting sacks are too mean to put toys in.
Seeking puzzles, I hunt, but all I find is cheer.
In every mouth, there’s a wish for a glad new year.
Ringing bells toll boredom, my brain-attic’s near bare.
Hustling and bustling, there’s no conundrum to spare.
Christmas! It’s this detective’s unhappy night-mare!

To: scfrankles. Many returns of the day!
Poetic form: acrostic

Hoorah for the laughs
And here's to many more
Phrases turned so cleverly
Phlowing like gin to the floor
Yea to the years and years more

Best wishes to you on your day
In all that you do (and do not!)
Risible joys along the way
Time having well been forgot
Have a nibble, a slice, or a sip
Don't stumble, or tumble, or trip
All the grace be yours, all the bliss
Your friend (in Holmes) bids you this!