This month my Poetry Sisters are writing Poems in the style of Taylor Mali,
the spoken word poet. I enjoy his work so much, but I didn't think I could
do anything like it. I normally write pretty short poems with just a few images.
But then I saw Liz wrote something in response to a prompt on Mali's blog,
where he suggests writing a poem in the style of Nikki Giovanni. He says,
"write a short poem that begins with the word "once" and ends with the
speaker ... suddenly realizing..." I gave it a shot. This is a true story
about me and my little brother John, from when we were in elementary school.
Once…
In the style of Nikki Giovanni and Taylor Mali
Once my little brother and I
could fly and we danced
through blissful air under the Maple
tree, frolicking amongst the
twirling, falling Maple seed keys
until we crashed into each other
and discovered gravity.
My little brother’s knees burst
open in a flood of blood.
He was taken to the hospital for stitches
and I learned I had weight
and a burden to carry.
-Andromeda Jazmon
Please visit my Poetry Sister's blogs and read their fabulous poems:
Kelly
And stop by the Friday Poetry Roundup at Jone Rush Macculloch's blog.
Also! Today is Poem in Your Pocket Day, 2022. What's in your pocket?
Oh, what a hurtful surprise. Well done, Andi. It's a prompt that carries memories very well, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteGreat prompt! I had a little brother, John, too; and we also got ourselves into a few pickles. Love the mining of memories that are turned into poems!
ReplyDeleteAndi, I love that you shared this story. It's a lot knowing at a young age that you have some responsibility for others. How you must miss him.
ReplyDeleteOuch! A weighty and sudden realization contrasting so sharply with the light and rather feckless spinning of maple seeds. This is a really good use of Mali's exercise. I really am going to try one of these.
ReplyDeleteWhat a turn at the end!
ReplyDeleteWow. That sudden realization of how fragile our bodies are and how easily we can hurt each other--all wrapped into this little delightful moment. THis is terrific, Andi!
ReplyDeleteAw. Poor John! My cousin John and I taught his younger brother how to spring from the bed onto the wooden floor like a frog, which was great fun until the little guy crashed into the dresser and ended up with stitches. Not our best idea, obviously.
ReplyDelete