from https://www.napowrimo.net

…”Finally, here’s our daily (optional) prompt. This one may seem counter-intuitive, but today I’d like to challenge you to write a poem about something you have absolutely no interest in. This isn’t quite the same, I think, as something you’re indifferent to. For example, I have absolutely no interest in investment strategy. Anytime anyone tries to tell me about it, I want to put my fingers in my ears and go “lalalalalala.” My brain tries to shut down! This is honestly kind of funny, and I think this prompt has value precisely because it invites you to investigate some of the “why” behind resolutely not giving two hoots about something.”

So, for this prompt, I did have a couple of things that make my mind go blank, but they never really made me write a poem about them…

My Mind Goes Blank

at the mere mention of numbers

that can’t be divided equally, long numbers

the kind you can’t play with in your head.

***

I know how to do the math; just don’t want to,

that is what calculators are for, and mental

calisthenics just hurt my grey matter.

***

Same for physics. No need to go on about

quantum this or theoretical that. Let the experts

twist their theories into ordinary English.

***

Even then. My brain just says, no thanks,

none of that needed or wanted on the voyage.

Even the words lie flat, splat on the page.

***

My mind just goes blank.

Carol A. Stephen

April 23, 2022