Tupelo 25/30: Not Dead But Dead Set on Dying

Dear Reader, 

Today, my friends, I've written another two-prompt-for-one-poem! And with five poems remaining, I need to integrate eleven (yes, 11!) donation prompts. I don't know what I was thinking! I do, actually. And I am so happy/excited to be riling up my writing/process in a way I've never done before. 

I like how prompts can provide some type of container for the other ideas/images that are already brewing in my head/heart. In the past month, the various titles/topics/words have helped me write toward my own themes in new and exciting ways.

Today's poem is a Rondel, which was a formal challenge donated by colleague and fellow poet (and harpist!) Rosemarie Sprouls, and I've written towards/in response to a title donated by another marvelous friend and poet Donna Vorreyer.


Here is an excerpt from "Not Dead But Dead Set on Dying" (read the full poem on Tupelo Press' 30/30 blog): 

"If the ocean’s a type of black box,

for what should we be listening–

ghosts of cargo ships long lost? Foresight mocks

our fear of cannibal sharks when the sting

of man’s tentacled hate blisters, shocks."

Reader, thank you so much for following this blog and for sharing your kindness. 

Though I am swimming in prompts, if you have your heart set on sending me something, please do. It may be the exact image/words I need! 

Some people have asked what I will do when I'm done with this challenge. Will I still take poetry request? I think I will. Perhaps I'll open a cheeky little Etsy shop ;-). 

I will also need a break. Did you hear that, friends? I just admitted I will need a break. Friends who are close, try to hold me to that. 

If you would like to donate to support my project, please see my first posting for incentive amounts and make your way to the Tupelo Press donation page. Be sure to select my name from the scroll down tab titled "Is this donation in honor of a 30/30 poet?" After you've donated, be sure to email (edigiorgio@gmail.com) or Facebook message me your requests. I don't want to miss your request!

Also, if you're enjoyed reading poetry this month, you might consider a subscription to Tupelo. You'll receive 9 books for $99, which is a steal! You can also *gift* this subscription to someone else (including me!)...I have friends and students who would be delighted to be the recipient. 

Yours in poetry,

Emari