And so we reach our final challenge of 2024, that being to write a poem in which the speaker is identified with, or compared to, a character from myth or legend, as in Claire Scott’s poem “Scheherazade at the Doctor’s Office.” Every day this month (year) I have gone to work on the first thingContinue reading “Why does Sisyphus go fishing?”
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Taylor Swift’s Cardigan
In recognition of Taylor Swift releasing another album, Merriam-Webster put together a list of ten words from Taylor Swift songs. The setter hoped we didn’t find this too torturous (you have no idea!!!), but we were challenged to select one these words, and write a poem that uses the word as its title. I grasped the nettle,Continue reading “Taylor Swift’s Cardigan”
Paradise Lost
Our optional prompt for today asks us try our hand at writing a sijo. This is a traditional Korean verse form. A sijo has three lines of 14-16 syllables. The first line introduces the poem’s theme, the second discusses it, and the third line, which is divided into two sentences or clauses, ends the poemContinue reading “Paradise Lost”
Ducklings
Off prompt because I fancied a day off; so I went fishing and saw these! …. Bi-coloured bundles of fluff. Water born double chocolate muffins Scuttle across the water, Legs hydroplaning like billy-ho When mother calls. ….
Old Lingard’s tune
I like today’s test, it being to write a poem that involves alliteration, consonance, and assonance. Alliteration is the repetition of a particular consonant sound at the beginning of multiple words. Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds elsewhere in multiple words, and assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds. Traci Brimhall’s poem “A GroupContinue reading “Old Lingard’s tune”
Employment Opportunity
Our optional prompt for today is to write a poem based on the “Proust Questionnaire,” a set of questions drawn from Victorian-era parlour games, and adapted by modern interviewers. We could choose to answer the whole questionnaire, and then write a poem based on our answers, answer just a few, or just write a poemContinue reading “Employment Opportunity”
Away wi ye!
Challenged to write a poem that begins with a line from another poem (not necessarily the first one), and then goes elsewhere with it, I chose to use a line from the suggested resource of the day. I’d not read much Robert Burns prior, so it was an ironic pleasure to be reading his nationalistContinue reading “Away wi ye!”
Hebat Ibu
Today, we’re challenged to write a poem about, or involving, a superhero, taking our inspiration from these four poems in which Lucille Clifton addresses Clark Kent/Superman. I’d already decided on the subject of my poem before I read Lucille’s “My Mama Moved Among the Days” which I took as part of the prompt, even thoughContinue reading “Hebat Ibu”
Rest in piece
Today’s prompt, to write a poem about two incongruous things engaged in a fight did not inspire me at first; I’m too tired of all the fighting going on to enjoy writing about it. I think my responses below explain why …. Politics; “let’s fight!”Ennui; “I can’t be bothered.”Apathy; “I win”.…. Soon I will beContinue reading “Rest in piece”
Jaune Billet Doux
The test for today is to write a poem the focusses on and repeats the name of a colour. I chose my colour for the uplift it offers each Spring and opted to use shades rather than duplicate the one noun. …. Outside the greenhouse, the glum grey, cold light of a November afternoon dimsContinue reading “Jaune Billet Doux”
Missives & Musings 