Our prompt for the day (optional, as always), is also rooted in dialect and regional phrasing. In her poem “Sunshower,” Natalie Shapero finds inspiration in a rather colorful phrase used in Mississippi and Alabama to describe the situation in which it rains while the sun is shining.
Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a poem that starts from a regional phrase, particularly one to describe a weather phenomenon. You may remember one from growing up, bu if you’re having trouble getting started, perhaps one of these regional U.S. phrases used to describe warm weather will inspire you. Or you might enjoy these French terms for cold weather, or even these expressions from the British Isles that are mostly for the very British phenomenon of rain.
I enjoyed writing today’s poem. I used the phrase ‘Hotter than Dutch love,’ used by people of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and New York. It means ‘its really warm’. I hope you like the poem and the use of Greek mythology in it
- Aeolus – is the keeper of winds and Boreas, Notus, Zephyrus and Eurus are his children ( North, South, West and East winds)
- Eros is the God of love
- Eris is the God of discord
- As per Greek mythology, Apollo is the Sun God and Helios is the sun bringer( he brings the Sun up everyday
Oh Boy! “It’s hotter than dutch love,” they say
It’s so warm… you don’t want to get in the way
Where’s Zeus? Even He does not dare
To stop this sizzling hot affair!
‘Oh Boy! It’s hotter than dutch love. Look the heavens too are blushing
Where are the children of Aeolus? Have they gone into hiding?
Its rather discomforting, this passion that’s blazing
And ignorant earthlings call it ‘Global Warming’
‘Oh Boy! It’s hotter than dutch love’
I bet Eros too is hand in glove!
It is Eris, to whom we must make an offering-
For She alone can now put an end to our suffering.
‘It’s hotter than dutch love,’ they say
And it’s only getting hotter by the day
And so we must pray, we must pray
That Helios understands and keeps Apollo away
Copyright©2019. lifeateacher.wordpress.com. All Rights Reserved.
P.C. From the Net
Really inventive Smitha – I love your use of Greek mythology which I think has created a unique take on the prompt.
LikeLike
Ha ha thank you. I had no idea when I started where it would lead but the Greeks did come to my rescue here😀. Thank you Andrea for your positive feedback on this attempt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was obsessed with Greek mythology in school. This brought up those happy memories and made me smile. Nicely written! A fun poem to read about a rather serious issue.
LikeLike
Thank you so much Madhumita for your lovely comment. Waking up to it made me smile😊…yes it is a grave issue but it happened to flow out with the rest of the words, I did not want to hold it back. I’m glad this poem brought back memories and thanks for sharing it.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely poem, Smitha.
LikeLike
Thank you Robbie
LikeLike
Well done Smitha! Your poem reads like a tale:)
LikeLike
Thank you so much Vandana. Enjoyed writing it. XXX
LikeLiked by 1 person