Today’s prompt (optional, as always) is based on this poem by Claire Wahmanholm, which transforms the natural world into an unsettled dream-place. One way it does this is by asking questions – literally. The poem not only contains questions, but ends on a question. Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a poem that similarly resists closure by ending on a question, inviting the reader to continue the process of reading (and, in some ways, writing) the poem even after the poem ends.
It’s happening
I see it with open eyes
or are they closed?
Crowded streets, busy markets
Me jostling… making my way
Foreign faces – man in a stained blue shirt
Or is it a green shirt with blue stains?
He’s watching
Or is he ogling-
Us…me and her?
I ask him to move, I ask her to follow
“Is this enough?” he sneers, stepping aside
I walk past; don’t look up
Then turn around
She’s gone
I see him smile
Or is he snickering?
Was it him?
Where is she?
My palms are wet; what should I do?
I can’t think; my eyes search wildly
I’m lost, I can’t see
My glasses, I’ve forgotten them
There are people; hundreds
Moving here and there, everywhere
And me… him
But, not her
My breathing fast , my pulse racing
Is that my heart-beat?
I hear it loud, louder
I break out in a sweat
It’s dark around
Pitch black
I’m awake
Or did I just wake?
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There’s a great balance in your poem between questions and statements that give it an unsettling air all the way through to the potentially sinister ending…
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Thank you so much Andrea. Your comment is very motivating. And as always, I wait for it 🙂
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I wanted to kick his ankles when he sneered at you and gave you little room to pass. I saw the picture with the frightened eyes of the girl and it seemed so darn scary. Got I got passed that to read your very good poem. Have a good day.
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I read your comment to my daughter and she was so happy. Thank you Benita for passing by my blog, reading the poem and your kind words. Motivation works in this month😊
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How horrid to lose a child in a crowd. You painted a disturbing picture well and executed the prompt with skill.
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Thank you LuAnne. I wouldn’t ever want to experience it…ever. Or want anybody else to. Its absolutely ‘ horrid’ like you said. Thank you very much for appreciating the poem though.😊🌷
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Full of suspense – a great write!
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Thank you so much Sam. And Happy Birthday to you!
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Ah – thank you so much! It’s a snowy one this end!
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Sounds fun! But snow at this time of the year-where is this- ?
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I am from the UK but living in Switzerland. This is not the norm though!
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Global warming in reality…that’s scary but for now have a wonderful bday. Enjoy the snowfall 😊
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Yep it is scary!
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Riveting!
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Thank you Frank for reading and leaving a comment. I’m glad it achieved its goal. Thank you again😊
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😇
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This gave me anxiety! Great imagery, very atmospheric. Well written!
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Thank you so much Madhumita for your positive comment. Woke up to find this comment😊. It made my day🌷
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I am glad to read this was just a nightmare you had, the poem is very shiver inducing.
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🙂 yes it was thankfully. A frightening one that felt so real…I saw the color of his shirt too. Today’s prompt allowed me to put it into a poem. Thank you for reading and for your wonderful comment.
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This felt like a prologue of a mystery thriller novel! Really good!
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Thank you for such a motivating comment. Am glad you dropped by. It led me to your blog. Enjoyed reading your poem ‘where is my home?’ Its simple and so full of meaning.
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Awww. You’re welcome! Happy to discover your blog, too via NaPoWriMo!
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Wow. Love this. I was in tour nightmare.
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Oh thank you Susan. I had this nightmare last night 🙂 So when the prompt came, thought I’d write about it and get closure.
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