APRIL 4, 2024

PROMPT: Our (optional) prompt for the day challenges you to write a poem in which you take your title or some language/ideas from The Strangest Things in the World. First published in 1958, the book gives shortish descriptions of odd natural phenomena, and is notable for both its author’s turn of phrase and intermittently dubious facts. Perhaps you will be inspired by the “The Self-Perpetuating Sponge” or “The World’s Biggest Sneeze.” Or maybe the quirky descriptions of luminous plants, monstrous bears, or the language of ravens will give you inspiration.

POEM:

THERE IS A CATHEDRAL-LIKE GROTTO UNDER MY BLOUSE

It caverns itself betwixt my collarbones.

It houses guttural cries of orgasmic glee,

grief,

guilt,

gloom…

gratefulness.

Only the strong seek sanctuary here. 

-Alexandra Johnson, inspired by Living “Stars” in Caves