Something Loud in the Night
Something in the night so loud it startled.
Like a low flying helicopter it bore down.
And I knew it was the neighbours’ dog Arnold.
When he snores he sends me into meltdown.
Like a low flying helicopter it bears down.
I’ve told the neighbours a million times,
It’s time for Arnolds’ snoring to be shutdown.
He’s much as his master; use human’s paradigms.
I’ve told the neighbours a million times;
Teach him to sing if you can.
Try a little ragtime before bedtimes,
And don’t let him sleep on his back is a plan.
Teach him to sing if you can.
No more low flying helicopters bore down.
Never letting him sleep on his back was a plan.
No more in the night, something so loud it startled.
Benita H. Kape © 19.4.2016
I’ve done a villanelle before, but this is my first pantoum (I think)
And now for our prompt (optional, as always)! Many years ago, “didactic” poetry was very common – in other words, poetry that explicitly sought to instruct the reader in some kind of skill or knowledge, whether moral, philosophical, or practical. Today, I’d like to challenge you to write the latter kind of “how to” poem – a didactic poem that focuses on a practical skill. Hopefully, you’ll be able to weave the concrete details of the action into a compelling verse. Also, your “practical” skill could be somewhat mythological, imaginary, or funny, like “How to Capture a Mermaid” or “How to Get Your Teenager to Take Out the Garbage When He Is Supposed To.” Happy writing!
benitakape 