by the Read Write Poem Staff
We are more than one-third through NaPoWriMo. If you feel like you’ve started to make things up (two parts desperation, one part coffee grinds), then Carolee Sherwood’s prompt for Day 12 will play into your hand.
Make up a secret code. Begin by writing a few nonsense sentences, like “The raindrops tap out a cry for help” or “The dandelions are saying all at once, ‘You are overwhelmed.’” The formula is easy: come up with a message and assign it to something unlikely. Remember, of course, that inanimate objects can speak and that signs and symbols may be nonverbal.
Once you have a few sentences, select the one that is most intriguing to you and use it to start a poem. 
Reminders for everyone
Read the Read Write Poem NaPoWriMo Challenge Kickoff post for details on how the challenge works — and how you can engage with Read Write Poem this month, no matter what your personal writing challenge is for the month of April.
Please read this page to find out how Read Write Poem’s prompt posts work. Remember that work linked from any post this month is shared in precisely that spirit: sharing, as opposed to critiquing. If you haven’t done so already, please read all the pages under About in the navigation bar.
Sooo looking forward to reading some of these. I had fun with this one.
Read here.
Loved this prompt! The Rose By Any Other Name: http://web.me.com/susansonnen/Susan_Sonnens_musings/Blog/Entries/2010/4/12_NaPoWriMo%2C_Day_12.html
I decided not to take this prompt today, mostly for short of time for me today. I chose to combine two prompts, the first one was to write a fear poem, and the second one was to take the words The Last (blank) and replace the words blank with a word of phrase.
http://systematicweasel.blogspot.com/2010/04/last-broadcast-4-12-2010-poem-day.html
I’ve got one that might fit this prompt though. It’s something I’m getting published in a local college Arts Journal. The title of it is Stream of Consciousness.
http://systematicweasel.blogspot.com/2010/04/stream-of-consciousness-rewritten.html
Enjoy!
#12
http://robin-turner.blogspot.com/2010/04/this-room-is-patient.html
A Message from Nature
At sun up the ponds still wear
A skim of ice
Which by noon have opened
To reflect
The opening buds of pussy-willow fur.
At evening time, the breeze falls hushed
And then the Peepers in a rush
Sing to all their song of cheer –
Spring is here! Spring is here!
kolokolchiki replied:
April 12th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Did you visit my house to write this poem? You’ve described my environment beautifully
I’m forced to be earlier today, because I’ll be out this evening. Earlier definitely feels better than REALLY last minute–my muse and I are going to have to work something out.
I’m title-challenged, so I bid you forgive me that too. I’m toying with just not naming the rest, but who’s to say.
My effort for today is Not Until it was Too Late.
My internet is down, can you believe it? I borrowed a friend’s computer to post a poem, didn’t have the prompt (may write it later, just because) but for now, here is Day 12:
http://juliejordanscott.typepad.com/jjspoetry/2010/04/the-dishes-call-napowrimo-day-12.html
It’s all about secret codes today
http://waynepitchko.blogspot.com
Leaf
kolokolchiki replied:
April 12th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Beautiful!
Here’s mine. Not sure about it at all, but I’ve run out of time to fiddle, so I’ll come back to it later!
http://just-somestuff.blogspot.com/2010/04/napowrimo-12-chair-sings-to-us-like-old.html
This is definitely silly, but here is my number 12:
S.E.C.R.E.T.
http://richelledodaro.blogspot.com
Bonus poem today: http://alienfireworks.blogspot.com/2010/04/xenoglossy_12.html
Wrote about a code, but not exactly in the way instructed. Also, I need to acknowledge J.D. Mackenzie’s poem, which I read in the morning and which inspired me to also write about a childhood friendship.
http://rrosenchang.blogspot.com
back to school & my brain is tired — http://another2doors.wordpress.com/2010/04/12/code/
The Regal has branded: http://thekitchenbitchponders.blogspot.com/2010/04/national-poetry-writing-month-day_12.html
Turned more into allegory than “secret codes” –
The body gets old…
http://novaheart.wordpress.com/2010/04/12/poem-41210-morning-armistice/
A bizarre image (for me) stuck in my head. Rat-rod: http://jasonriedy.wordpress.com/2010/04/12/rat-rod/
To A Lady’s Ginger Madness
http://tinacelio.wordpress.com/2010/04/12/to-a-ladys-ginger-madness/
a crowded bus spilling
the early morning incarnations of
feisty acrobats and jugglers
the old stove burns quietly,
a small pot sits quietly
like an unrecognised celebrity
sometimes the smell of fresh coffee
leaks the secret
but today Lindy finds him and whispers
‘the badger is on the log’.
Not with the prompt again today.
http://eyemachine.xanga.com/725246644/some-teeth-are-for-tearing/
http://crankymango.blogspot.com/2010/04/code.html
This seemed so fun to write…while hungry. LOL!!
http://wp.me/pGBCb-1F
Hmm…don’t know what happened to my post, so will try, try again.
Again, I’d like to acknowledge and thank J.D. Mackensie for her poem, which got me thinking about my own childhood code.
http://rrosenchang.blogspot.com
Here’s mine:
http://marcieaf.blogspot.com/2010/04/napowrimo-day-12.html
Decoder Girl is still trying…
http://daily-yawp.blogspot.com/2010/04/april-12.html
Trying to get this to post yet again..and thank you to J.D. Mackensie for her poem, which got me thinking about my own childhood code of friendship and inspired this poem…
http://rrosenchang.blogspot.com
Uma Gowrishankar replied:
April 12th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
This is good, reads in one breath and that gives the poem an intensity.
“Anthem of the Rabbit Hole” is here–
http://theresebroderick.wordpress.com
This one ended up sounding like a nonsense rhyme…so maybe I’m bad at code.
http://www.cathymcguire.com/poetry.htm
Marie replied:
April 12th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
I like it. The rhythm makes it beautiful even if I don’t know what it means.
Great prompt today! I combined it with the prompt from day #9 that I set aside (because I do so love an octopus!). Here you have Analogous Cephalopod.
http://rustbloommansions.blogspot.com/2010/04/day-twelve-poem-12-analagous-cephalopod.html
Galaxy Of Wings
Angeliad of Surazeus
2010 04 12
http://open.salon.com/blog/surazeus/2010/04/12/galaxy_of_wings
http://stores.lulu.com/angeliad
Athena wearing large butterfly wings
she drew on paper with purple marker
and cut with scissors and stapled straps
dances around living room and sings
how I love to fly high on galaxy of wings.
Standing by me where I sit at a table
with quill and ink and book of dreams
Athena touches my arm with a smile
asking did you hear what I said on stairs
that I love to fly high on galaxy of wings.
Angel wings flutter from my open mind
when I fly so high above flowing waters
and sunshine beams glow of my eyes
as I become light of endless blue skies
for I love to fly high on galaxy of wings.
Dancing above hills under shining stars
cute angel with purple and brown wings
reaches hands toward galaxy of worlds
and touches planet of hot noon wind
so I love to fly high on galaxy of wings.
My favorite planet is Mercury that spins
among spiraling stars that blink eyes
on that small planet of forgotten dreams
for I call it planet of soft yellow noon
and I love to fly high on galaxy of wings.
I smile at beautiful vision of her mind
and watch her eyes sparkle with joy
then write words she tells me to write
as she spins on butterfly wings and sings
how I love to fly high on galaxy of wings.
foodpoet replied:
April 12th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Very musical! That is a particular form isn’t it? I don’t recall which one, but I like what it does.
Surazeus replied:
April 12th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
ballad
My poem, Bare-Breasted Women, can be read at musetomyeyes.blogspot.com
this is off-prompt (used prompts from Poetic Asides today)
http://lanijo.com/poetry/tri-cities and here’s one
written today from their yesterday prompt
http://lanijo.com/poetry/last-time-i-saw-richard
Day 12!
http://paperdreams-jgc.blogspot.com/2010/04/day-12-secret-secrets-are-no-fun.html
“Remember, of course, that inanimate objects can speak…”
Here’s a short bonus poem entitled ‘A Question of Rain’ at http://www.gregoconnell.com
Sorry, off-prompt again. I’ve got flowers on the brain with Floral delights. I think this is the first strict rhyming poem I’ve written all month!
i’m black.
“The Keyboard’s Call”
http://www.redbubble.com/people/nebsy/writing/4992506-napowrimo-12
A second and a very silly one at that…I prefer the first one for today, but this one followed the directions a bit more.
“Take that, yoga mat!”
http://rrosenchang.blogspot.com
How I arrived at where I went is something that happens when you sit down to write. My poem No Place to Go is here: http://word-painting.blogspot.com/2010/04/no-place-to-go.html
My secret line was: “…the books seem happy their edges don’t line up…”
I have to admit, I didn’t really get this one. Is it that an object has a secret code unknown to me? Or do I know the secret code, and it’s just the reader that’s in the dark? Does the reader even know that there’s a secret code? Does the reader know that I know? And do I? Or is it a conspiracy between the reader and the object? Or are we all just being paranoid, seeking patterns where none exist? Well, I gave it a shot: Spines.
Kelly replied:
April 12th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
I didn’t really get it either.
I liked your poem, tho.
Untitled #12
http://motherveg.wordpress.com/
I may have confused myself with this one…not the first time that has happened…
http://wintermintfruit.blogspot.com/2010/04/cherry-blossom.html Psst … the cherry blossoms are pickled at midnight…
(really liked today’s prompt~)
Smooth Jazz Vibe
Angeliad of Surazeus
2010 04 12
http://open.salon.com/blog/surazeus/2010/04/12/smooth_jazz_vibe
http://stores.lulu.com/angeliad
Sleek in sun glasses and black suit
I stride into elegant Sunset Jazz Club
black fedora perched cocky on my head
then dance with my girl and watch crowd
laughing and dancing in loving pairs
as their souls flow on smooth jazz vibe.
Great phoenix spreading wings of fire
soars over crowd in painting on a wall
as saxophones flash in candle lights
of chandeliers that glitter on a chain
hanging over heads of people in pairs
as their souls flow on smooth jazz vibe.
White sails billow in wild ocean waves
when wood ships packed with human slaves
chained together with rusty iron chains
glide from Africa to Haiti on sea of storms
and broken hearts wail for lost lovers
as their souls flow on smooth jazz vibe.
Whip snaps over backs bent in hot sun
as callused hands harvest sugar cane
then Jant begins to chant a flowing tune
singing my heart longs for my flower girl
who dances waiting for me by river of stars
as their souls flow on smooth jazz vibe.
Sun blazes hot in eyes of man on a horse
when Jant rises up from shadow of despair
and hurls him down with a heart-aching howl
then slaves stamp feet and clap their hands
and break chains to dance free on sun hill
as their souls flow on smooth jazz vibe.
Leading crowds who chant to ocean shore
Jant claps hands and sings sun shine bright
and guide my steps from darkness to light
so I build a new home on hill by a blue sea
but men with swords chase me from paradise
as their souls flow on smooth jazz vibe.
Capturing ship with broad billowing sails
Jant hires old woman with serpent eyes
who guides ship to wild city on quiet bayou
where they walk free now clapping hands
in crowded teeming streets of New Orleans
as their souls flow on smooth jazz vibe.
Jant earns money hauling bales of cotton
then strides wearing clean white suit
and stops at window of a music shop
where saxophone glints gold in sunlight
so he lifts it to his lips and blows soul
as their souls flow on smooth jazz vibe.
Heart aching in anguish for his lost love
who dances elegant in silver moonlight
Jant blows sweet spirit of golden notes
that flow up from blood of his dream soul
and thread shimmering through every heart
as their souls flow on smooth jazz vibe.
Crowds of men and women gather in hall
dancing in wordless pleasure of wild songs
that dig aching sorrow of broken hearts
transforming bitter despair into sweet hope
so they raise hands toward stars and sway
as their souls flow on smooth jazz vibe.
Head beaming rays of sun while he plays
blowing ocean songs in saxophone horn
Jant closes eyes and sweat drips gold
while he wails ancient bitter-sweet sorrow
that guides our hearts through tomorrow
as their souls flow on smooth jazz vibe.
Jant sings in deep baritone voice of hope
though I lost all I love in a land far away
I find good people to love every new day
so rise up from grave as I take your hand
and dance with me in our paradise land
as their souls flow on smooth jazz vibe.
Jant winks at a pretty girl in a silk gown
open wide your eyes and see this earth
be hip to its beauty with our second birth
for I give you my soul in true notes I blow
that carry us to heaven on harmonious flow
as their souls flow on smooth jazz vibe.
I see his soul in every woman and man
who blows their soul through a saxophone
creating our universe with wide open eyes
for we see immortal spirit of our true souls
smiling down at us from storm-black skies
as our souls flow on smooth jazz vibe.
“Coda”
http://eveningpoems.blogspot.com/
Here’s mine. Thanks, again!
http://kolokoli.blogspot.com/2010/04/ducks-fly-north.html
This was fun.
I took a break from NaPoWrMo for a few days, but I’m back!
http://thegoodtypist.blogspot.com/2010/04/bone-clock.html
Lead Wings
The sky is calling
With the birds
Preaching to poor
Earth dwellers
Its psalm of freedom
Gaia calls to the sky
Her arms open wide with
Promise of security
Promise of warmth
And of love
I am the
Cross-breed
The halfling
One part longing
One part daring
Accepted by both
Somehow
One step away
From taking a leap
And beginning my flight.
http://sky-lined.blogspot.com/2010/04/prompt-one-write-nonsense-secret-code.html Heirographa : D
oye!!!
few, too few
http://mmw113.blogspot.com/2010/04/napowrimo-12-few-too-few.html
http://rosettathurman.posterous.com/napowrimo-poem-12-conversations-with-the-moon
As per my usual, I over-thought the prompt until I finally sat down to write and it came easier than I thought. Here’s my attempt for today:
http://cosmicmermaid.wordpress.com/2010/04/12/sound-unsound/
Gone:
http://mygorgeoussomewhere.org/2010/04/12/gone/
“How to Become a Writer”
Thank you Carolee!
This was a lot of fun!
http://freckledwriter.blogspot.com/2010/04/kmart-waiters.html
Really fun! Nonsense phrases are a blast to work with.
http://mayaganesan.blogspot.com/2010/04/napowrimo-12.html
Not on prompt.
http://pamelavillars.wordpress.com/2010/04/12/april-12-10-erratic-heart/
Bloom – http://scriptophobe.blogspot.com/2010/04/napowrimo-12-bloom.html
When I’m driving the trees whisper encouragement to me such as
“Keep going,”
“You can do it,”
“Don’t worry about anything,”
“It will be there when you return,”
“Faster.”
Encouragement or a devilish contrivance, I wonder
as my foot inches closer and closer to the floorboard.
I ease up suddenly
like a child sneaking fresh baked cookies from the cookie sheet
noticing a trooper hiding under the approaching overpass.
The trees are silent once more.
Reality sets in.
My exit arrives
and I gravitate towards its beck and call.
My speed slows as
the stoplight gets closer;
Green. Yellow. Red.
Light after light,
block after block,
My home reaches my sight, alas my quiet yearning still not fulfilled.
http://www.robertlunday.net/2010/04/poem-12-center-field.html
Wow – I struggled with this prompt a bit at first, and then this just crawled right out of my subconscious. I have been watching lots of Jane Austen movies lately and I think a less refined side of me is rebelling!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Cockroach
The cockroach tells me to lighten up.
He’s wearing a top hat, but his jacket is
covered in cartoon garbage:
fish skeletons and green slime.
He belches skulls and winks at me.
His antennae can pick up
Japanese game shows.
He’s floating in a pool of beer on a little raft,
trailing his hairy legs
and sucking on a cigar.
“Enough with the Jane Austen crap already,”
he bellows. “Live a little!”
Hahahaha!
http://katharinewhitcomb.blogspot.com/2010/04/napowrimo-12-kryptos.html
Streetlights
The streetlights go dark in unison
to prove names can be misleading.
Filaments are like that, stubborn
as they are fragile. Every Thursday
the street sweeper rattles by
and my teeth chatter in sympathy
while all the bulbs suspended
across the block sleep, counting
sheep made-up like woolen suns
leaping over the horizon. Imagine
a world with light emanating
only from below us, burning
into the sky and singeing black
the soles of our feet as we walked
all the way to the edge of electricity
always looking up ruefully
at the dark, distant stars.
Hear the generators rumble silent
as flame reclaims its rightful place
in the sway, all the forgotten flickering.
I wasn’t sure I’d make it today – Back to school after a week off…It was crazy! Here’s my installment for today. I will need to revise later. I borrowed from an adventure repeated frequently as a child…a gathering of secrets and secret codes. You can find “Gathering” at http://bridgeanna.blogspot.com
Blessings on your evening!
Here’s mine…this prompt was harder for me but I needed to do it and this was the end result.
http://mylineofwords.blogspot.com/2010/04/napowrimo-12-secret-codes.html
secret codes
clouds mood back in
over low hanging roof
when love goes
not home to bed.
Blades of new life impale the tiniest creature but
Embrace my gentle footsteps.
These branches sing a lullaby until early morning dew awakens the soul.
Bark advances its skin to meet mine like
Two lovers in the dark.
Sun beams fly high as kites until absorbed by each leaf,
Every entity
No more significant than the other.
Roots relay a message, up the spine, through its hair.
How do limbs know when to reach up and grab the sky?
Poem #12. “The Secret Sentence of the Sea.”
Posted at: http://troysworktable.blogspot.com/2010/04/napowrimo-12.html
http://seashelllz.livejournal.com/115006.html
Day 12 and I still don’t know the first thing about poetry though I’m reading and reading.
I took this one a bit too literally, as I’ve taken them all I think. But, what the hell. Ottomans have feelings too.
http://menremainboys.wordpress.com/2010/04/13/poetry-without-a-map/
http://self-intoxication.deviantart.com/art/Whatever-160571874
Right at the deadline – today’s prompt:
http://lanijo.com/poetry/white-bike
last minute limbo
april 12, 2010
heart still hollering
like a hoot owl at a barn dance,
i shall shimmy under this deadline
with the ease of a sun
slipping into the sea;
with luck, i’ll find a poem
on the other side.
Here’s my # 12, Hack Attack:
http://brokeness.blogspot.com/2010/04/napowrimo-12-hack-attack.html