Today’s optional prompt comes from the poet and fiction writer Todd Dillard. The idea is to write a poem in which two things have a fight. Two very unlikely things, if you can manage it. Like, maybe a comb and a spatula. Or a daffodil and a bag of potato chips. Or perhaps your two things could be linked somehow – like a rock and a hard place – and be utterly sick of being so joined. The possibilities are endless!
Won’t you get up, sometime? I need to sit and think. I need some space to breathe. I’m in the middle of something here. No, you’re just being lazy. And you’re such a bore. I’m very much alive, for your information. You’re dead, haven’t you heard? I still breathe and tan with grace while you’re getting old and sagging. I’am much younger than you, you old-fashioned arrogant teak. I know, but you’re dead weight to me. I’m not that heavy. You’re a chubby little pig. Now you’re being mean. And you smell like one. I am sorry, onions don’t sit well with me. But you’re sitting on me. I thought we were getting along just fine. To hell with you, smart-arse!
Had myself a good chuckle at this one!
Brain Dead (Alzheimer’s conversation)
Why’d I think this?
Was it yesterday or today?
What time is it now?
Where’s the clock?
Did I eat breakfast?
What did you eat for dinner?
That was last night. Right?
A few days ago, I think.
Oh gosh. The stove burners still on.
Yes. Water in pot’s gone.
Oh, no chocolate with marshmallows.
Who knocked at the door?
Was it yesterday?
I got lost in the condo complex.
I think someone found me.
Didn’t you have your Shellie dog?
I’m here now with my dog.
Don’t you smell something burning?
I just don’t remember when the dog died,
Friends, daughter say so it was.
I remember one nephew. Have his photo.
Yet all is different now upon his arrival.
Who are they?
Cute kids.
I watched them in the pool.
Laughter like when an actress on stage.
Come with me. The play is over. We must go.
There is another stage show.