I don’t think you should call me a word nerd, because at my age, I have trouble finding them hiding way back in the recesses of my brain, especially names. Last night I was trying to tell my husband about a place, and I said “It starts with an H.” Then it came to me a few minutes later “Rawhide!”
“That starts with an H, right?”
But seriously, who doesn’t love a good word for something. I wanted to start a collection of good words, so I decorated a marbleized journal and subscribed to the daily Word of the Day from Merriam Webster. Today’s word is gallivant. What a great word. I love the way it sounds. Out of the confines of Covid, I think many of us would love to gallivant around the country, freely wandering from place to place. It just sounds like such a regal and carefree word, doesn’t it?
My friend and writing partner in my writing group, the Inklings, Heidi Mordhorst, invented a wonderful poetic form for defining a word and playing with the sounds of it–the definito.
The definito is a free verse poem of 8-12 lines (aimed at readers 8-12 years old) that highlights wordplay as it demonstrates the meaning of a less common word, which always ends the poem.
Heidi Mordhorst
I save words that I like and every once in a while write a definto.
Flirtatious Definito
A dance in intricate lace,
Margaret Simon, 2023
draped over smooth shoulder,
ribbons flow
as 3-inch heels
reveal a quick flick
of bare ankles–
A dance of coy coquetry.
If you have a favorite word, perhaps you’ll try a definito. Tag me in your post if you do.
Reflections on the Teche 
Sounds like a fun poem to try, especially after the inspiration from coquetry!
Thanks for sharing. In April, Writer’s Digest does a poem-a-day challenge. I’ll probably write a definito now. I just need to be on the lookout for a great word.
I love the idea of a definto and think I will try it soon. Where can I learn more about writing defintos well?
There’s a link in my post. Heidi is the guru. I’ve written a few. You could search my site too.
Is that the link to https://myjuicylittleuniverse.blogspot.com/2019/08/reintroducing-definito-and-some-sunday.html?
Yes. It’s her invention.
Love this slice. I seem to remember the nuns and my parents using the word “gallavant”, as in “Your not going to be gallavanting all over!” This poetic structure is awesome. Can’t wait to try it. One more thing…could totally relate to the conversation with ur husband. We are a real team as we try to find the word hidden in our brains.
Ooh – now that’s a fun form and a fun word (actually two – gallivant and coquetry). Filing this away to try later on.
I feel honored to be here.I am going to try the ‘definito’ poem. I enjoyed the flow of the poem just as the lace dress in the picture.Coquetry is a new word to me. Thank you
Such a sleek and swaying definito Margaret, weds the word seamlessly, and nice pic too, thanks!