What is a list poem? This poetry style collects a list 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 Spontaneous Packing.
Spontaneous Packing
Lift the suitcase off the top shelf in the closet.
Remember we’ll only be gone overnight.
Rooster, on a whim, put down a deposit,
So now it is time for you to take flight,
On a day adventure in the midst of a pandemic
The first thing you need is a change of clothes
That will have to be sweats because of physical therapy
Pack the black ones because you like those
A toothbrush and paste you wrap in plastic carefully
Two face masks to protect us from the epidemic
A hairbrush, prescription medicine, and a book to read.
A knight gown and robe in case there is a fire.
Shampoo and a dozen items you probably won’t need
Stuff you through in the luggage out of desire
Forgetting a change of underwear would be tragic
Now that you are packed and ready to go
It is time to hit the open road in our Chevy Spark
Twenty miles from town wouldn’t you know
We forgot something essential and it is past dark
Forgetting the underarm deodorant is no reason to panic
Even though our trip now has an unanticipated start,
Somewhere down the road there is always a Walmart.
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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Spontaneous words, isn’t it? Nice job.👍