read write prompt #65: 'relax responsibly'

by Carolee Sherwood

One thing that brings me joy in this world is reading the blue letters on the side of a case of Corona. “Relax responsibly,” it says. The slogan instantly transports me to the beach, the shade of palm trees and the warmth of the sun. “That’s right,” it coos. “Sit back. Chill out for a while. You’ve earned it. Stay put. There’s no place you need to be. There’s nothing you need to do.” (Slogans talk in short, abrupt little phrases.)

Is there poetry in “la cerveza mas fina” (the finest beer)? I dare say there is, although I am not offering anything by way of confession or encouraging any of our Read Write Poem members to imbibe. That’s a personal choice, and it’s not for everyone. But this week, I am asking you to find the poetry in one of two places: relaxation or slogans.

Write a poem about something that puts you at ease. Maybe it’s meditation. Maybe it’s running, painting or petting your dog. Write about tranquility itself. Write about quieting your mind.

Another option is to brainstorm about slogans from advertising (here’s a giant list if you’re having trouble thinking of some). “We bring good things to life” (General Electric). “Good to the last drop” (Maxwell House Coffee). “Just do it” (Nike). “Taste the rainbow” (Skittles). “Something special in the air” (American Airlines). “Grab life by the horns” (Dodge). Think about what the slogan means, the images it creates or the actions it inspires or think of the words or products themselves.

The U.S. tourism industry is also full of slogans (state slogans here). The State of Maine claims it knows “the way life should be,” and West Virginia says it is “wild and wonderful.” California wants you to “find yourself here,” and Virginia (and dozens of other places) are “for lovers.” International destinations have slogans, too, of course. Scotland used to be “the best small country in the world,” the Dominican Republic “has it all,” and Greece invites you to “live your myth” there. Do you believe the slogans or have you had experiences that contradict them?

Don’t like any of the available slogans? Create your own with the slogan generator. I entered in the word “poetry” and received these slogans: “Uh-oh, Better Get Poetry” and “Lipsmackin’ Thirstquenchin’ Motivatin’ Goodbuzzin’ Cooltalkin’ Highwalkin’ Fastlivin’ Evergivin’ Coolfizzin’ Poetry.” Yes, really.

Whether you kick back at home and remain calm or go out amongst the Capitalists and get wild with tag lines, come back on Thursday to Get Your Poem On (post links to your new poems).