Monday, May 20, 2019

DMC: "Instructions for a Lawn Sprinkler" by Rosi Hollinbeck




INSTRUCTIONS FOR A LAWN SPRINKLER

Keep your head down
and perfectly still.

Patience.

When you feel the pressure,
hold your head up high and

Squirt! Squirt! Squirt! to the left.

Turn back.

Squirt! Squirt! Squirt! to the left.

Turn Back.

A perfect arc.
Every time.

Squirt! Squirt! Squirt! to the left.

Turn back.

Head down.
Rest until tomorrow.

© 2019 Rosi Hollinbeck. All rights reserved.



Elizabeth Steinglass has challenged us to write a poem giving instructions to an inanimate object about how to do its job. Click HERE for more details and to read this month's Spotlight ON interview.

Post your poem on our May 2019 padlet. All contributions will be included in a wrap-up celebration on Friday, May 31st, and one lucky participant will win a personalized copy of her fantastic debut poetry collection from WordSong:





12 comments:

  1. As I sit here by the window, Rosi, watching the lawn sprinkler at work, I have you to thank for the smile on my face. Thanks for helping me to feel more grateful. :)

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  2. I won't watch the sprinklers outside my window without thinking of your poem, Rosi. The word 'patience' made me smile! Special imagination here.

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  3. The sound of those sprinklers brings back memories of lazy childhood and the smell of fresh mown grass. I have other memories now. We've set up a sprinkler with an electronic eye that detects movement and sprays. Squirt! Squirt! Squirt! to the left./ Head down./Rest until the next feral cat./Until the next greedy peacock./ Protect our turtles' food!

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  4. Thanks, Michelle, for choosing my poem! This was such a fun challenge. Thanks for your kind comments, Michele, Linda, and Stephanie.

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  5. The repetitions really sound like a sprinkler!

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  6. What is it about sprinklers that brings such nostalgia?! This is so sweet, Rosi -- thanks for the blast (squirt) from the past! :)

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