A Whimsical World

A poem about Ogden Nash

Photo by Paul Bill on Unsplash

This poem is part of the NaPoWriMo 2024 challenge to write a poem a day in April. This is the prompt for April 12.

Today, we’d like to challenge you to write a poem that plays with the idea of a “tall tale.” American tall tales feature larger-than-life characters like Paul Bunyan (who is literally larger than life), Bulltop Stormalong (also gigantic), and Pecos Bill (apparently normal-sized, but he doesn’t let it slow him down). If you’d like to see a modern poetic take on the tall tale, try Jennifer L. Knox’s hilarious poem, “Burt Reynolds FAQ.” Your poem can revolve around a mythical character, one you make up entirely, or add fantastical elements into a real person’s biography.

Ogden Nash, the wordsmith playful and sly,
Lived a life as strange as his verses.
With mischief in his eyes, he roamed with delight,
An insatiable hunger for laughter.

Legend whispers of a gnome, so jolly and kind,
Bestowing a quill of enchantment.
With a stroke of his pen, ordinary turned grand,
Moments transformed by his magic.

Talking animals danced in his lyrical rhymes,
Naughty leprechauns brought mischief and cheer,
Whimsical unicorns galloped through his lines,
Even the sourest souls couldn't help hear.

Beside him, a dragon named Pumpernickel,
Breathed fire, joining his whimsical game.
Together they ventured on fantastical quests,
Adding a touch of magic to their fame.

In his later years, Ogden's laughter bloomed,
As he gathered the mirth he had sparked,
Scattering it across the sky, a constellation bright,
Evidence of his joy, a celestial delight.

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