Funny how a simple writing exercise can expose what we’re really bothered about. Such is the power of a pantoum poem writing prompt! The instructions were straightforward, the results were… unexpected. It took me where I was not expecting to go!
The writing prompt was part of Pádraig Ó Tuama’s inspiring Poetry Unbound substack community. See his post here:
https://poetryunbound.substack.com/p/a-new-year-a-new-pantoum
And try it – poetry as in therapy, as in a personal reality check.
A SNOWY NIGHT IN ‘26
Throaty gurgle of ancient dishwasher has me charmed,
though I’ll be less charmed if woken by its final BEEP.
A multitude of visits to the little room–too much cider (0%).
Through curtains see thickening snow blanket in dim streetlight.
//
I’ll be less charmed if woken by a final BEEP.
On 4th loo visit now charmed by our white muffler 5cm deep,
through curtains watch thickening snow blanket in dim streetlight.
This thatched holiday cottage will look gorgeous in morning sun.
//
On 5th loo visit–our white muffler now 6cm deep.
Caught in a glass ball winter wonderland.
This thatched holiday cottage will look gorgeous in morning sun.
But don’t shake too wildly–for fear of shattered glass.
//
Caught in a glass ball winter wonderland,
a multitude of visits to the little room–too much cider (0%).
Don’t shake too wildly–for fear of shattered glass.
I dream of a throaty gurgle: life-as-we-know-it, its jugular cut.
CrackedCeiling 