Prompt #4 was to create an anagram poem based on a word or phrase that spoke to us. We were invited into this write on the date of the summer solstice, so what came to mind was “beginnings,” a time to (re)set focus and intentions.
Beginnings
letting go of
sinning
leaving behind
the negs
sprinkling ginseng
on my outlook
using my nib
to declare,
sign
my intent
to sing
Today’s prompt asked us to look around our space and notice an object, then go through an exercise of word associations with the object. I cheated… only a little… and took the idea of the prompt. Word associations are commonly used in improv warmups and practices as a way to help the players focus and really connect with their fellow performers, so that was the first word that popped into my mind.
Improv
hands loosely grasped
circled together
heads bowed in concentration
listening, observing
waiting, focusing, seeking
that one mind
that leads all
to the same conclusion
and a bout of laughter
For five days in June, Ethical ELA is hosting a poetry “open write.” Today’s prompt used “things you can do with…” as the opener. The first noun that popped into my mind when reading the introduction was “slug,” because they are the nemesis of Pacific Northwest USA gardens, especially during years like this, when cool, wet weather lingers. I spent several hours in the garden today, and dispatched quite a number of them!
Things you can do with a slug
sprinkle salt on it
chop it in pieces with a spade
feed it some beer
or sourdough starter
invite snakes
and frogs
and songbirds
into your garden
to dine on it
surround plants
with copper bands
to zap it
but ultimately
slug is here to stay
and so am I
Thank you, Jennifer for guiding us today. The lines “sometimes the old is far better than the new” by Glenda inspired a nostalgic burrowing into the past.
sometimes the old is
far better than the new
the washing machine
that never quit
denim jeans admired
for sturdiness, not holes
typewriters clacking forever
(oops, change the ribbon)
automobiles repaired with
wrenches, not computers
meetings arranged in person
instead of by thumbs flying
store purchases that cost
a dime, not dollars
conversations enjoyed while
looking into another’s eyes
lunch dates in a cozy
spot, not on Zoom
sometimes the old is
far better than the new