Day 16 moves us into the second half of the month, and yet, summoning the muse becomes a bit difficult–at least it has for me today. Nevertheless, my memory has joined the muse again and I have composed a poem.
Maureen at Napowrimo.net always reminds us the prompt is “optional,” but I do like to try to follow along with other poets. It’s interesting to see the many different perspectives. And, sometimes making an effort to try something new results in a good poem!
So here it is: “today, we challenge you to write a poem in which you closely describe an object or place, and then end with a much more abstract line that doesn’t seemingly have anything to do with that object or place, but which, of course, really does. The “surprise” ending to this James Wright poem is a good illustration of the effect we’re hoping you’ll achieve. An abstract, philosophical kind of statement closing out a poem that is otherwise intensely focused on physical, sensory details.”
Remembering Neruda on the tavern terrace in spring
Jasmine & clematis drape a trellis in fragrance,
Nina Simone’s voice casts a spell on the night
while the server whose favorite poet is Pablo Neruda
(he has told me, noting I write poems on my placemat)
pours wine with a flair & a golden stream
swirls into my glass. Nina’s spell gives way
to Stevie Wonder’s funky beat on this tavern terrace
as cool as the spring evening laden with scent.
I recopy the poem I have written about the night & offer
it with my tab to the dark-eyed waiter who returns
to his Chilean home in the morning.
Was it Neruda’s poems of love or despair
that he held in his memory?
Jacquelyn Markham (4/16/2024)
Jacquelyn Markham, poet & writer, author of Rainbow Warrior, Finishing Line Press (2023), Peering Into the Iris: An Ancestral Journey and China Baby, among other titles.
Poet Voice 