Every Wednesday, I write a post based on Today’s Word at Wordsmith.org. You can find past essays or flash fiction pieces under the Wednesday’s Word topic on the sidebar.
From Wordsmith.org, Today’s word:
callithump. noun. 1. A noisy, boisterous celebration or parade. 2. A mock serenade with pots, pans, kettles, etc., given for a newly married couple. Also known as charivari or shivaree.
And, as we near the end of National Poetry Month, I dare to write a poem and end this post with a song.
*****
Wake Up.
I am nudged awake
By the snout
Of my black lab.
Whose chin,
Wet from her morning drink,
Shocks me
And ensures
I don’t drop off
To sleep again.
She demands her walk.
Eyes barely open,
I slip into last night’s jeans,
A crumpled shirt,
My crocks.
And, I turn to see
She’s holding the leash
In her mouth-
A sign that I
Am moving
Too slow.
“It’s early yet,”
I whisper,
And, I hope
For a quiet walk.
But my sleek, dark friend
Has a different plan.
She pulls me along
Through a cacophony of music,
The sounds of a city
Revving up its day.
Squeaky brakes from a bus
Pitch an off-key tune,
And a jackhammer
Down the block
Sets the beat.
Bada-dum.
Bada-dum.
Bada-dum.
I am pulled by my dog
Until my pace falls in line.
I hear sounds from the left
And noise from the right
Like instruments, I think,
And I swear
People must be
Hiding
In alleys,
With cymbals
And triangles
And maybe a wood block.
They play a song
Of the city
Coming alive.
A tune
That culminates
When we reach
The fountain.
She stops,
My four-legged guide,
And looks right at me
With a grin. She’s sly.
I cock my head
As the water rises
And falls
Like the sound
Of applause
From an audience
Unseen.
*****
And, the song that woke me up this morning and reminded me to look around and listen and breathe. Happy Wednesday, folks!
On a side note: In an effort not to confuse anyone who knows me well enough, the poem is fictional. I don’t have a black lab. But, if I did, I wouldn’t need an alarm clock.
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Ha ha! I love it that you don’t have a black lab – I was so impressed that you walked her in the morning! I was feeling bad for my poor dog who’s lucky if I take her for one in the afternoon.
I love the poem – very convincing & alive.
Nice poem. I always look forward to your Wednesday posts. And this is especially nice. Thank you
Christi,
I don’t read much poetry, although I know I *should* 😉
More poems like this would make me read it more. This was really well-done, although I’ll admit, I probably liked it in part because it has a “story” flow. Still, very well done, and you changed my mood.
I loved the image of the fountain as applause.
I love this, Christi! Excellent use of the senses.
Thanks so much for your comments – every one!
Christi, your poem is wonderful! All my senses were fully engaged.
Thanks for visiting, Beth, and for taking the time to leave your comment!
“They play a song of a city coming alive.” Beautiful! Sheesh, this makes me want to have a black lab – or any cool big dog to take ME on walks in the morning. I never thought of using fictional characters and concepts for poetry. Doink!
Thanks for your comment, Mary Jo.
I would have a dog, except – if I did – I’d be buried in Kleenex and Claritin. So, I resort to make believe 🙂