Natural Rhythms

A poem incorporating nature and the senses

Photo by Muriel GARGRE 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 13.

Start by creating a “word bank” of ten simple words. They should only have one or two syllables apiece. Five should correspond to each of the five senses (i.e., one word that is a thing you can see, one word that is a type of sound, one word that is a thing you can taste, etc). Three more should be concrete nouns of whatever character you choose (i.e., “bridge,” “sun,” “airplane,” “cat”), and the last two should be verbs. Now, come up with rhymes for each of your ten words. (If you’re having trouble coming up with rhymes, the wonderful Rhymezone is at your service). Use your expanded word-bank, with rhymes, as the seeds for your poem. Your effort doesn’t actually have to rhyme in the sense of having each line end with a rhymed word, but try to use as much soundplay in your poem as possible.

These are the words I chose for my “word bank.”

Stars, Jars / Breeze, Tease / Guitar, Sitar / Mango, Tango / Coffee, Softly / Path, Staff / Trees, Sneeze /River, Quiver / Laugh, Half / Sing, Spring

The vast expanse of softly gleaming stars,
Gives way to dawn and Spring’s opulent jars.

While through the great trees blow a gentle breeze,
Carrying melodies, a playful tease.

Harmonic blending with a tuned guitar
Fingers also dance across a sitar.

We watch, eating granitas of mango,
As two souls entwine in a slow tango.

In the air, the aroma of coffee,
Swirls with love’s intoxication, softly.

We find our way along a winding path,
With me clasping close a carved wooden staff;

Guided by the gentle sway of the trees,
Releasing their pollen that makes us sneeze.

We walk beside the slow moving river,
You with a bow, arrows, and a quiver.

You are so serious, I have to laugh,
You chuckle too, just as happy by half

We then lift our voices, to the day sing,
And celebrate another verdant Spring.

Author’s Note

Look for the regularly scheduled posting later today, coming-of-age stories.

Thanks very much for reading, subscribing, and sharing the stories, poetry, and essays in this space. If you like a story, poem, or essay, please click on the heart. Also if you are so moved, please leave a comment.