Are We There Yet?–National Poetry Month

 

Poetic Day 18 of National Poetry Month:  April 18, 2019, Thursday

 

Thanks again for joining me on this journey through National Poetry Month on WORDWALK.

 

In poetry and generally in writing, repetition–unnecessary repetition–should be avoided.  However, at times, for dramatic effect, special emphasis, a creativity stretch, or content enhancement–repetition of a word, phrase, or sentence may be effective in a poem or even in poetic prose.  Reading the passage or stanza and eventually the entire piece aloud will help you to determine if the repetition is worthwhile, effective, or superfluous.  Listening to your poem via audio-recording  or a live reader may also assist you in determining the merit of your repeated portions.

 

In the following poem-of-the-day, you, dear reader, may judge the value of the repeated lines.  At the end of today’s WORDWALK, please find the five writing prompts.

 

 

Are We There Yet?

 

poem by Alice Jane-Marie Massa

 

 

From the echoes of long ago,

in incantations from today’s SUVs,

I hear, I hear:

“Are we there yet?

Are we there yet?”

Over the miles and rhyming roads,

I hear:

“When will we get there?

When will we get there?”

Over each bridge and at every crossroads,

I still hear:

“How much longer?

How much longer?”

At a stoplight and beside a “Welcome” sign,

I hear again:

“Are we here?

Are we here?”

 

With patience, kindness, and understanding,

I want to turn around and say:

“Enjoy the journey.

Enjoy the journey.”

However, are they too young to understand?

“The destinations are much too brief,

so please enjoy the journey.”

 

Yes, they are too young to grasp

the joy and importance of the journey;

but you, dear friend,

are old enough and wise enough

to repeat this mantra

on your way to your wishes

and fulfillment of life,

before and after each destination of dreams:

“I will enjoy the journey.

I am enjoying the journey.”

 

* * *

 

WRITING PROMPTS FOR DAY 18 OF NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

 

1. Write a poem about the importance and joy of journey.
2. Write a poem about your writing, artistic, or creative journey.
3. Write a poem about a travel journey from your childhood.
4. Write a poem focusing on a real or imagined car or train trip.
5. Write a poem which includes repeating words, phrases, or lines.

 

* * *

 

This Wordwalk post and my other posts of National Poetry Month are dedicated

in memory of Deon Patrick Lyons–

poet, novelist, blogger, and friend.

 

Wishing you and yours a happy and peaceful journey,

Alice and Leader Dog Willow

 

April 18, 2019, Thursday

 

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