What is a list poem? This poetry style is a collection of people, places, things, ideas, or even words strung together somewhere within a poem to form a list. It is not necessary for the list to rhythm, but the words used should be memorable. I find the freedom when creating a list poem fascinating. The wordplay can be wild and free similar to Indiana weather in the early spring. Therefore, in March, I plan to write a series of list poems. I will title this one Don Poncho.
Don Poncho
Red and black sombrero on a shelf
Child booster seats
Menus stacked in a pile.
Senoritas dancing
In a picture
Hung on a peach-colored wall.
An Aztec god
Muzzled by a
Blue face mask.
(It’s Friday night.
Where is the mariachi band?)
“No hablo ingles.”
“No speak Spanish.”
Chips
Salsa
Fajita
Vamanos
From Don Poncho
Goodnight
Don Poncho is a local restaurant in the town where Rooster and I live. We often eat there on Friday nights. It isn’t hard to get a seat and the food is good.
Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh. To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.
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They say that you learn something new every day, well the invisible people are right, never heard of list poetry until today, sounds very interesting and your example here is brilliant, thank you my lovely blog friend.
I’m with Jackjones. I’ve taught lots about poetry and short stories, but never heard of list poetry. It’s fun! I’m going to try some during New England’s wild month of March, and share this with my writing students. Thanks! 🙂