As part of National Poetry Writing Month, I will be writing 30 poems in 30 days. I will try to write one each day, but if I miss a day or two, I will catch up on later days. Sometimes I will be following prompts; while other days will come from my own ideas.

This poem is based on an improv game, where people answer questions from the audience as distinctive characters.

Expert Panel: Pirate, Robot, Poet

How can I get my toddler to take a nap?

Pirate: Give him some rum. Arrr!
Robot: Toggle his off switch.
Poet: Sing to him the earth's heart hymn.


What should I look for when buying a house?

Robot: Plenty of outlets and a storage shed for lasers.
Poet: An attic to store dreams, a yard to live them.
Pirate: A roomy cabin and a sturdy dock.


How do robins know where to find a worm?

Poet: They look askance at the shivering grass.
Pirate: They call, "Worms ahoy!" And board that frigate!
Robot: They use their invertebrate sensors.


What should I wear to a semi-formal event?

Pirate: Your best eye-patch and a clean justaucorps.
Robot: A silver bow-tie, with polished panels.
Poet: A dress as aromatic and short as green tea.


What does the future hold?

Robot: Centuries of digital dominion.
Poet: Air and water shaping new fantasies.
Pirate: More rum! Arrr!

- April 30, 2013

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