February DMC Wrap-Up + Giveaway

Jennifer Wiggins

“Would you like me to [kill you] now?” asked Snape, his voice heavy with irony. “Or would you like a few moments to compose an epitaph?”
                           – J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows


At the beginning of February, J. Patrick Lewis and Jane Yolen challenged us to write an epitaph poem—a funny or clever verse that might appear on your chosen subject's tombstone.

Balmung6 on Deviant Art

Actually, writer's block does not appear to have been a problem this month. With more than fifty poems on the padlet, the only problem was mine—deciding which ones to feature as daily ditties! One might even say it was a matter of... grave concern. I'm never able to showcase as many poems as I'd like, but this month?  Seriously. Ridiculous.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to our graveyard fun fest!
At a time when we could all use a good laugh, several of you had me in stitches. Others made me pause and reflect, and that's good too.

Thanks especially to J. Patrick Lewis and Jane Yolen for the macabre inspiration, and to Jane for playing along by adding her own lines to many of the featured verses (in the comments).

Scroll through the poems below, or for best viewing, CLICK HERE.

Interested in adding your own epitaph poem to the collection?  

I've reserved your plot, but better act quickly—

TIME'S RUNNING OUT!

Add your epitaph poem to our February 2018 padlet by Wednesday, February 28, 2018 and I will add it to the wrap-up presentation.

Participants in this month's challenge will be automatically entered to win a copy of Last Laughs: Prehistoric Epitaphs by J. Patrick Lewis and Jane Yolen, illustrated by Jeffrey Stewart Timmins (Charlesbridge, 2017). One entry per participant, not per poem.

Alternatively, you may enter the giveaway by commenting below. Comments must be also received by Wednesday, February 28th. If you contribute a poem and comment below you will receive two entries in total.


The winner will be determined by Random.org and announced next Friday, March 2nd, when we reveal next month's interview and ditty challenge.


Until then, if anyone needs me I'll be in my office . . .

Elizabeth Steinglass is collecting this week's poetry offerings. Join her for the Poetry Friday roundup.