I have to thank authors/poets Michelle H. Barnes and J. Patrick Lewis for introducing me to the zeno, a short, fun poetic form Pat came up with a few years ago.
Michelle shared a couple of Pat’s zenos on her blog earlier this month and I went on a zeno-writing spree that had me writing a couple each week! (You can read about what they are and see one of mine HERE)
Today, Michelle is featuring all the zenos she has received at her blog as part of the wrap-up to her “Ditty of the Month” challenge. Hopefully, you’ll also enjoy this new one I wrote specifically for today! And for all of today’s ghoulish Poetry Friday links, Linda Baie is hosting the festivities at Teacher Dance!
Standards
When I go trick-or-treating, I’m
not that picky –
not at
all! –
but I may break
down and
bawl
with a stinkin’
popcorn
ball.
– © 2014, Matt Forrest Esenwine
Hah! Poor maligned popcorn ball. Think how he feels. . . Happy Halloween Matt :).
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I think some “used” to give them out, but probably not anymore. You’ve hit it right, though, not always kids’ favorites. The zeno was delightful to try, wasn’t it? One of our classes explored your hailstone sequence mathematically, then wrote their own zenos, Matt! Happy Halloween!
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Talk about universal truth, Matt! This had me laughing out loud. (I’ll link up to it on my blog.) So glad I could play a small part in your zenoriffic month!
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Thanks, folks! I appreciate you stopping by. And thanks again for the challenge, Michelle!
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Very funny, Matt! That’s a great zeno! And perfectly titled.
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Thanks…those things were the bane of my existence when I was a child!
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Matt, you went zeno crazy this month and all for our benefit. I am amazed at your prolific touch. I had many attempts at writing in this form before I was able to write just one. Your Halloween zeno is delightful. I can see a child not liking the popcorn ball. I am a chocolate freak myself.
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Thank you, Carol! This was a fun form to play with….and I’m with you on the chocolate – as long as it’s dark. 😉
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Fun! We weren’t even supposed to eat them because they weren’t factory-wrapped.
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That was never a problem for me, since I always found them inedible, anyway!
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Too funny! And, as Penny said, the title is perfect. Thanks for the post and the recap of zenos… I missed a lot being out of commission the past couple of months. Great to catch up now, though. :0)
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Thanks, Robyn…we’re glad you’re back, catching up!
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Love this–and I love the zeno form, too! Yeah, popcorn balls. Meh.
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Thanks, Laura! Zenos are addicting, aren’t they?
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