Nov 9 09: Once in the Night
Today’s assignment from Poetic Asides? To write a slippery poem. “The subject can be about something slippery (snake, soap, etc.), or the poem itself can deal with a slippery subject (I’m thinking big concepts like that have words ending in -ism might fit the definition of a slippery subject).”
I started by thinking of slipping out of bed, and then the concept changed. But perhaps the topic is slippery enough. Really, as long as the prompt creates a poem – what does it matter? Or to quote Alfred E. Neuman, “What, me worry?”
Once in the Night
Once in the night, I fell out of you.
I pushed away from your gravity
And rolled up the side of the bed-bowl.
But I miscalculated and landed hard.
A betta fish flares its fins in rage;
It strikes by leaping and suicides by air.
My bowl is pillowed, soft.
It embraces me like quicksand.
I gulp and gasp; I flail my pale tentacles,
But my landing only bruises.
Lucky fish! Live to swim again another day!
This poem, like so many you write, suggests so many possibilities. Maybe it’s a third thought down, but the image of a classic circus clown came to mind – that range from tragic drama to amusing jest. (Yes please, appreciatively I mean.) I am much impressed, slippery and bruised! Excellent Pamela.
Neil, thank you for your constancy and commitment to reading. I greatly appreciate all your support!
You are more than welcome Pamela. It is my pleasure to read your poems.
I agree with Neil. So many possibilities! It leaves this reader breathlessly pondering the ifs. Sometimes I catch myself daydreaming and wondering what prompted these…
SA, you might be quite disappointed if I told you what did…
Doubt it. :)