Day 16 ... NaPoWriMo / Poem-a-Day 2026 / Stafford 90

Welcome, friends! My poem today is #90 in this year's Stafford Challenge (and #455, including my poems in last year's Stafford Challenge). Maureen Thorson’s NaPoWriMo prompt: “Today, try writing a poem in which you describe something that cannot speak, and what it has taught or told you.” Robert Lee Brewer’s Poem-a-Day suggestion: “For today's prompt, write a new poem [— that is, a poem] about something or someone new.” I'm combining the two prompts again in a single poem, a Quadrille Quaiku, a new poetic form invented by David Hoffmann — exactly 44 words like a quadrille, with 4 linked haiku using strict 5-7-5 syllables, and 11 words per stanza. New Bass             —quadrille quaiku New Fender Jazz Bass, in brilliant electric blue, active and passive, five bright roundwound strings, sounds wonderful, smooth thunder in springtime rainstorm. It doesn't speak but it has a beautiful voice, deep, mellifluous. It boldly declares to me, confidently, I'm your new number one. —Draft by Vince Gotera    [Do not copy or quote . . . thanks.] My photo of the new bass when it arrived in late February. Today, Alan is also working with both prompts — a new interaction with a voiceless family member. P O E M   R E M O V E D while being submitted for publication.   Please come back later. The poem may return at some time in the future. Thank you!     Wow. That's an amazing poem, Alan. Thanks for coming by today. See you again tomorrow! Friends, won’t you comment, please? Love to know what you’re thinking. Thanks! Ingat, everyone.  ヅ