The prompt for today was from the archives of NaPoWriMo. They challenged me to write a poem that addresses itself or some aspect of its self (i.e., “Dear Poem,” or “what are my quatrains up to?”; “Couplet, come with me . . .”)

I have to agree with the prompt in this regard: It did seem a little “meta” at first, and even kind of cheesy. But it also helped me interrogate my own writing process.

I’d love to hear your poem. Why don’t you give writing poetry a try. This is the month to do it.

Dear Words,

You fail me.

I come expecting,
anticipating
holding my baited breath
for that shiver of…
shiver of….
what?

shiver of chagrin?
shiver of shimmering shells?  I…

Oh, forget it.

I feel forlorn 
and frustrated 
and fragile,
so very fragile. 
Like fine china 
fit for fancy 
not function. 

I need to fucking function.

Instead, I sit here in silence
a simmering-shimmering shell… a sliver of a simmering-shimmering shell 
shocked at where she’s settled. 

Silently sinking, 
the sea salty on her lips, 
burning the breath from her lungs. 

So Words,

give me some help here.
Grant me some clarity.

Yours,
The Wordless Wonder