Prompt #1: Headlines
I’ve often heard fiction writers espouse the benefits of using the day’s headlines to inspire their next story. But this could as easily work for poets. Here are some recent headlines from the Wichita Eagle:
“Girlfriend describes how boyfriend disappeared after police chase”
“Volunteers take on scourge of Wichita parks”
“Simplicity leads to surprising depth in the “Life of Objects”
It might not be the headline that inspires you, but instead a particular sign or advertisement. Have fun looking at the world around you with new eyes.
April’s Effort:
Omen-
or Lightening Strikes St. Peter’s Basilica the Day Pope Benedict Resigns*
You say, It’s a good thing I don’t believe in that shit.
I cringe a little, blinking up at the sky for the jagged
exhalation of God’s wrath.
But the sky remains pristine.
You continue, Black cats, broken mirrors, Jesus:
it’s all hoo-doo voo-doo for the weak.
I worry that God will pay attention at all
to my little corner, on my little street, in my little world.
Science! You expound.
Now THERE is the magic of our day.
* Headline from The Washington Post, Feb 11th, 2013
This poem is short–and I think it’s meant to be longer, but as a first draft, I’m pleased.
April Pameticky 
Under Water
or Girlfriend describes how boyfriend disappeared after police chase
Breathing quickly as I ran away,
Don’t look back, just try to make it to the next turn,
Where’s Eric? His footfalls are suddenly silent,
The pond is still and looks like a silver tray,
this would be such a nice place to visit
under different circumstances.
Stop! You’re not going to escape,
Spread your arms and legs
wait for the search, custody, questions, confinement
Green all around, no longer grass and moss
institutional off-lime paint
is he here too? somewhere in another pod
Or is he still out there, enjoying the fresh smells,
stillness, sunshine, solitude, freedom
Thanks for the inspiration, April. Rough effort on my part but I wanted to join in!
Thank you so much for joining in. I thought your ‘rough effort’ was a lovely start, one I greatly enjoyed!