Day 13 ... NaPoWriMo / Poem-a-Day 2020

Robert Lee Brewer’s Poem-a-Day prompt: “write a purpose poem. Many people like to have a purpose in life. Some folks do things on purpose. And yes, sometimes it appears there is no purpose to life’s events. Whatever drives you, I hope you’re able to pair purpose (or lack of purpose) with your poetry today.” Maureen Thorson’s NaPoWriMo prompt: “our optional prompt for today (developed by Rachel McKibbens, who is well-known for her imaginative and inspiring prompts) plays on the idea of stealing. Today, I challenge you to write a non-apology for the things you’ve stolen. Maybe it’s something as small as your sister’s hairbrush (or maybe it was your sister’s boyfriend!) Regardless, I hope this sly prompt generates some provocative verse for you.” I’m “going rogue” today, which means I’m not writing from today's prompts. As Alan has said before when he goes rogue, “I’m not feeling the love from either prompt!” Lee Harlin Bahan, my poet friend from college, has invited me to participate in a new poetry collaboration, exchanging sonnets on the coronavirus pandemic. Today she sent me one that began “Dear Vince” and here’s my response, with an opening that quotes the ending of Lee’s sonnet from earlier. Make COVID-19 Great Again Dear Lee:                   The virus killed 2000 yesterday. Soon it will be 3K, then 4K, moving on up. Some facebook friends were saying today, “Save 95% of people over 5% old folks,” meaning “let’s open the outlet stores, restaurants, churches, and malls. We’ve got to save the damn economy! Who cares if Boomers die?” Some claim social distancing is fake, a Democratic hoax, a Deep State plot to make the president look stupid. “Don’t be a sheep! Don’t wear masks!” they say. To these geniuses it’s evident that Trump is not an opportunist liar. Yeah, Trump is a superhero Messiah. —Draft by Vince Gotera    [Do not copy or quote . . . thanks.] This is a Shakespearean sonnet with some slant rhyme — e.g.. hoax and masks — and also one example of enjambed rhyme (rhyme that spans a line break) — let's open / the rhymed with economy. Today, Alan has gone rogue as well; interestingly his poem is also on a medical theme. Tech I understand dialysis leaves you lethargic and sore, that you are thinking of reducing the regimen from three times a week to twice, if any, so you can rest and feel better, but I am not sorry we are doing it for you, and I will try to understand if you decide not to come back. —Draft by Thomas Alan Holmes    [Do not copy or quote . . . thanks.] Hope you all are staying safe out there. Friends, won’t you comment, please? Love to know what you’re thinking. To comment, look for a red line below that starts Posted by, then click once on the word comments in that line. If you don’t find the word “comments” in that line, then look for a blue link below that says Post a comment and click it once. Thanks! Ingat, everyone.  ヅ

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