NaPoWriMo 2018 April 2, 2018 Two Sylvias

As well as the NaPoWriMo.net challenge, I am also following one from Two Sylvias Press.  The prompt for April 2, is to write about superstition, existing or made-up. Here is my attempt for the day;

Cross Your Heart, and Circle Left Three Times Around

  

Very superstitious writings on the wall*
Fear of things that aren’t there at all

what will happen one day if
your ducks aren’t in their row?

The devil works your idle hands
each time you type those words

you bless yourself with spellcheck
(it really is absurd)

the way you step along the path
and over every tiny crack

It isn’t broken backs you fear
it’s unprovoked attack

from Twitterverse and
Facebook page, the endless stream

of his outrage, the Mad King’s smile
on his orange face, the nearness

of his tiny fingers
to that red button.

Carol A. Stephen
April 2 2018

 

*first line from Stevie Wonder’s Superstition

NaPoWriMo 2018 April 1, 2018

Today’s prompt from NaPoWriMo.net “is based off of Lauren Russell’s collaborative poetry exercise. Today, we challenge you to write a poem that is based on a secret shame, or a secret pleasure. It could be eating too many cookies, or bad movies, or the time you told your sister she could totally brush her teeth with soap. It’s up to you. Happy writing!”

I had written a poem several years ago on a similar theme, but rather than post it, I wrote an update of my sins for 2018.

 

Mea Culpa for my Secret Sins 2018

I confess I have worn a nightgown

under my winter coat to run to the store for milk

I have said no to oatmeal, all cinnamon and spice, feeling

virtuous for half an hour ‘til devouring bowls of potato chips instead

I admit I have taken the last piece of pie

not leaving it for my brother

I’ve walked by donation boxes, head turned to avoid

the gaze of the volunteer hoping I’ll stop to offer some coin

Once I walked through a door marked No Admittance only to be

scolded by a man in a military uniform at the Department of Defence

Most days I play Bingo Bash when I

should be editing old poems

But worst?

I hide away chocolate bars for forbidden snacks, flush away

the plate of dry toast and ten unsalted almonds.

Carol A. Stephen

April 1, 2018