National Poetry Month '24: Excuses Don't Write Poems (9 of 30)

Thanks for stopping by Merely Day by Day. It's National Poetry Month.

For April I will be taking a deep dive into The Practicing Poet: Writing Beyond the Basics, edited by Diane Lockward. This book is full of 30 craft tips, so it is the perfect way to shape this month's challenge and dig a little deeper into the craft of poetry. Stop by my Substack page, Merely in Progress, each day to follow this month's writing journey. There you will also find reflections, links, and inspiration across the challenge. 

Of course, this month is really about writing poetry so I will have a new poem posted here each day utilizing a craft tip from the book. I'm sure the ride will be bumpy, but there will be a lot learned along the way. 

Craft Tip #9: Writing a Descriptive List Poem

How about ten reasons I can't write ten poems a day? Ha!

Excuses Don't Write Poems 

I cannot write ten pages

each and every day.

It's just too many poems.

I've not that much to say.

I need to wake to coffee,

and the quiet of the morn'.

I have to read my book,

pull thistles and the thorns.

I need to do the dishes.

I need to sweep the floors.

I need to fix our dinner.

Tasks I can't ignore.

I have to run some errands.

I have to call a friend.

I can't ignore the laundry

that needs done before day's end.

I guess that I'll just sit here

and be glad that I have one,

a poem that is finished,

a poem that is done. 

© Cathy L. Mere, 2024