I subscribe to Poets & Writers The Time is Now writing prompt email each week. This week, the poetry prompt here asked writers to watch a video of a dance in which their movements were stilted rather than flowing. The prompt was to write a poem of one syllable words. I want this to be a new form: single-syllable song.
My dog in many ways is the perfect dog, schnoodle (schnauzer/ poodle mix) so no shedding. He always wants to please. He’s incredibly patient with kittens and babies. However, he is afraid of storms.
Last night a storm rumbled around 11:30 PM. Charlie barked. His bark is more of a squeal. Like a baby’s cry of fear. I got up and held him in my lap for a while until he was calm enough to sleep. That’s where my mind went to write this poem. I like how placing each word on its own line helps bring out the tone of fear and release.
Storm Song
(c) Margaret Simon, draft
One
step
forth
leads
me
through
dark
halls
when
he
cries
he
pulls
my
heart
grabs
me
in
a
hug
we
fall
to
sleep
dream
of
a
new
way
to
feel.
Reflections on the Teche 
Wow, this form is so effective for your words! I feel anxiety, fear, love and peace in your poem. I was so caught up in the emotions. Powerful. I love how he grabs you in a hug! Maybe a good form for your students.
I love your form’s name, Margaret. It even sounds like a song! And your poem takes us fast into the terror, ending with calm. So sorry about your sweet Charlie’s fears. My mother had a dog that also was terrified, started shaking even before the storm had begun. How sweet that you held Charlie close.
What an interesting form! I imagine it was a challenge to write and I agree that it was very effective. I’ve been ignoring those Poets & Writers e-mails lately (over full inbox and screen time overload!), but thanks for the reminder to check them out.
This is lovely. I read it before reading your description and thought maybe one of the grandbabies was with you and was scared during a storm….but Charlie is a perfect little baby too.
The poem captures the feelings of the caregiver so well. I like the repetitive ll sounds – thread that weaves the poem into a whole, I think.