on APRIL 7, 2022
"Wow, everybody! We’re already a whole week into Na/GloPoWriMo 2022! If you’ve kept up with writing a poem a day so far, pat yourself on the back. And if you have fallen behind, no worries – there’s plenty of time to catch up – or just cut yourself some slack! While Na/GloPoWriMo is supposed to be a challenge, it’s supposed to be a fun one, not a slog."
Fun! Great Fun, thank you very much…
"And now for our (optional) prompt! Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a poem that argues against, or somehow questions, a proverb or saying. They say that “all cats are black at midnight,” but really? Surely some of them remain striped. And maybe there is an ill wind that blows some good. Perhaps that wind just has some mild dyspepsia. Whatever phrase you pick, I hope you have fun complicating its simplicity. Happy writing!"
That said, I went a bit slant today; not entirely on prompt– used figurative
expressions and oxymorons in the fun poem that visited me today, and hope
you enjoy it.
A Greek Gift That’s All Greek To Me
Through the window blinds, I saw them,
the man child & the bittersweet Medea
it broke my heart to see them standing
cap in hand by the front gate.
I, their only choice among the widows
who’d nary a ha’dollar to fix my poor health
at first blush, I might seem made of minor miracles;
as if living in clover and Elysian bliss,
clearly misunderstood, by those wise fools.
So acting natural, I went out to greet them
In my baggy tights of genuine fake lace
but then Medea blew me a loud whisper
and in my hand, a sop to Cerberus:
jumbo shrimp: an exchange for her husband.
And that’s how I came to let the ragamuffin
into my organized mess and
share my bread and butter
with the orphaned boy
–pining for my lover; a living death:
a Greek gift that’s all Greek to me
***
© 2022 selmamartin.com
Looking to find a suitable name for the stronger of the two female characters in this
piece, I used the name of Medea from one of Euripides’ most powerful and best-known plays: Medea is a remarkable study of injustice and ruthless revenge.
Banner and buttons, Maureen Thorson.
Thanks so much for reading. Happy writing.
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I liked the oxymorons the most. They always make me wonder how often I say or write one of them, unintentionally. The only choice! Ha!
They’re fun morons, indeedy. I’m sure I say things like only choice too. haha. Be well. good night.
Good night, Selma. 🙂 It’s 5 pm here. Thank you for being the first to read my Boy with Deer just earlier. I wish he keeps you safe at night.
I, too, adore the oxymorons, such playful language with serious and comic overtones. Wonderful adventure, dear Selma. You inspire me to stay the course, and then we can celebrate together!
Yes, let’s plan that Zoom for when this is over… if I can find my head… I will be in the thick of it (my son’s wedding) and I still haven’t decided what I’ll wear… OMG! And I’m hoping to curate a few poems from the web to give to them. Oh, my, I shouldn’t be dreaming like I am. Anyway, my sweet, thanks for the lovely support. xoxo
A rip-roaring ride through Greek mythology, Selma 🤩
Your comment made me smile. Thanks for that. Blessings.