This past week, Laura Shovan wrapped up her Water Poem Project and the final bonus prompt came from author and poet, Aida Salazar. She wrote, “Imagine you are the goddess of the ocean. Write a poem about what you have to do during an ocean storm to keep all its creatures safe.” I saw the first half of this prompt, ignored the rest, and went on a mini-rant. I vacillate between feeling frustrated, angry and scared these days, and the idea of being a powerful goddess of anything is very appealing.
If I Were Goddess of the Ocean
Hell!
Some people would feel my wrath!
I’d rage through DC,
sweep wild waters before me,
send towering waves
thundercrashing
through the Oval Office,
channel cascading currents
through Congress
purging it of sycophantic cronies,
then surge forth
to scour away
self-righteous hypocrites
clothed in a veneer of Christianity
who have forgotten the meaning
of compassion
and willingly play
Russian Roulette
with others’ lives.
I’d tumble them about a bit
shake them up.
Unwilling to further
foul my domain,
I’d pull back the tides,
toss these sodden creatures
back onto land.
Bedraggled and drenched,
perhaps they’ll reconsider
their self-serving stances,
their callous calculations,
their disregard for truth
and consequences.
I’ll settle back down
to the ebb and flow
yet whisper warnings
with my surf…
Don’t mess with me!
©Molly Hogan, 2020
Christie Wyman, birder, naturalist, poet, teacher, is hosting this week’s Poetry Friday Roundup at her blog, Wondering and Wandering. She’s been making the most of National Poetry Month with her fabulous ThoreaulyInspired Poetry Project and also shares her contribution to the Progressive Poem.
Nix the comfort zone 
Love it! You’ve got my vote for goddess
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks, Patty! I’m definitely trending toward surly, unhappy goddess though.
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Molly, I’m not positive, but I’m sensing a bit of, um, maybe frustration in your poem. Anger? I don’t know, though, that’s just an impression. Seriously, I appreciate this work and sentiment. These are difficult times, and expressing frustration is good for the soul on occasion.
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And I thought I was being subtle! lol I actually hesitated before posting this because it is a touch political. Felt good to write it though!
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Well, of course the Goddess of the Ocean is angry–as she should be! She spelled out very good reasons to be completely finished with the human race. I’m grateful Molly has given voice to the frustration of many—not just herself. Goodness, if it were up to some, we’d all have drunk our shot of bleach by now. The astounding ignorance and stupidity is pretty tough for educators to take…let alone, one who is Goddess of the Ocean. Mwah! for an excellent poem.
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And I wrote this before the bleach injection comments!
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“purging it of sycophantic cronies” – yes! Amen, sister! : )
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Good to know I’ll have backup!
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Now if you could only have a “Ted talk” stage, it would be the highlight of my day, Molly. I love every bit, don’t mind the rant, & this “I’d tumble them about a bit” makes me want to help! Yes, Goddess, do your work!
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Thanks, Linda! I appreciate the offer of tumbling assistance.
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I’m so glad the goddess has come out. She’s unsettled as we all are. I can’t believe the stupidity that comes out every day. Did you take your dose of Windex today?
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Unbelievable!? But how many times can you say that before you have to admit that it’s sadly believable?
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Go Water Goddess Molly, spread your wrath and leave no wave unfurled! Excellent–would have loved to write a poem for this prompt, I’ve painted many Goddesses–one water Goddess from a while ago is posted on my FB page along with my “Dear Earth” poem, thanks.
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I’ll definitely go check out your water goddess painting. I love your artwork!
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Goddess, you are powerful, righteous in your rage, and yet merciful, which is why all the countries with women in leadership are doing better with this crisis. Thanks for crashing your fury over all of us!
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I’d read that about countries with women in leadership as well. Fascinating!
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I love it! Can I hereby crown you goddess of the ocean to display your wrath? I would applaud and cheer you on.
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Thanks for the support, Kay. I think we all need to join in on this endeavor!
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Yes! Please “scour away
self-righteous hypocrites
clothed in a veneer of Christianity
who have forgotten the meaning
of compassion!”
Thank you for giving voice to the frustrations so many of us share!
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What an emotional roller coaster this time is! This prompt caught me in an angry place.
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There’s some fire there! Love it! The hypocrisy at the WH and his cronies blows me away. One of these poems/rants might work for KGUA writers. Not this one considering they have prompts to follow, but the passion of your voice rings true and truer.
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Thanks, Dan! I did sign up for the FB page and hope to follow along and maybe try a few.
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Trust me, I will NOT be messing with you, Goddess Molly! It was refreshing to hear a poem of anger for a change, instead of grief and yearning. I bet it was cathartic to write too!
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It did feel good to write this, at least momentarily. The idea of having power in this time is particularly tantalizing.
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