I didn’t think I’d post today and had nothing planned. That kind of brought me down, because participating in PF grounds my writing in so many ways. Then, last minute this morning, I was inspired to combine two prompts: Inktober’s word for Day 25 “splat” and the Poetry Princesses’ invitation to write a “Word Play” poem. (For more information on “Word Play” poems, look here.) It’s definitely still drafty, especially in terms of rhythm, and I think there’s room for some robust excising, but I enjoyed playing around with it.
Splat
Splat is a soft word,
an oh-dear-oh-my word,
a muffled-curse-or-worse word.
Though born from collision,
it’s rarely a catastrophe.
Hard to take seriously,
splat can be a pratfall
or a prelude,
à la Pollock,
a rollicking rhyme
a really fun time.
It bounces around in picture books
rat-a-tat-tatting
with cats, rats and bats.
Freewheeling splat
doesn’t have boundaries
doesn’t respect them
goes where it likes.
A quirky explorer
of blouses and floors
where people wipe it away
but splat is persistent
a misstep
or twist of the wrist
and it’s back.
Lover of children
and colorful condiments,
splat proves gravity
still
works.
©Molly Hogan, draft
This week’s Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted by Linda Baie at her blog, Teacher Dance. She’s sharing Halloween-themed poems spiced with a bit more.
Nix the comfort zone 
Sounds good.
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Thanks!
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What a fun poem! I love how splat is rarely a catastrophe and bounces around in picture books. I’m glad you posted. I feel the same., the stability and dependability of this community.
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I’m glad I posted, too! Thanks for your steadfast support!
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I can see you having fun as you wrote this…that a la Pollack made me giggle. Well done!
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Thanks, Linda. It was fun to play 🙂
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Molly, great first draft! So glad you joined in for Poetry Friday, grounding, indeed, it is. Splat–“a muffled-curse-or-worse word,” is fun to read. There are lots of these lines in your poem. Nice!
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I was enjoying playing around with phrases and sounds, so I’m glad you appreciated them. I’ll probably tinker some more.
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That ending! Children and condiments = TRUTH!
If you don’t get around to any other posts, be sure you read Kat Apel’s. She has a story of a splat that starts out the way your poem does, but has an unexpected happy ending.
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Thanks for nudging me toward Kat’s post. Fascinating!
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Ha! It’s a super ending, Molly, & I love the allusion here: “A quirky/explorer/of blouses and floors”. You need not write more there! I’m happy you posted with us today. Happy Halloween!
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Thanks again for hosting! You had a great “turnout” this week!
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Ah, that ending made me laugh, Molly. What a good “splat” poem. Every time I heard the word I think of the time I got “bombed” by a goose. “Freewheeling splat” for sure.
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Oh, dear! That is a “freewheeling splat” lol!
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Splat should be well pleased. An ode to an onomatopoeic word. An ode of the first order. Splat would salute you Molly. Your credentials as a logophile are further enhanced.
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Thanks, Alan. The “Word Play” poems are such a playful, fun exercise and splat seemed like the perfect word to take out for a spin.
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I’m so glad inspiration hit you… Splat! And I love your ending, Molly. You have the gift of the twist!
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Oh this is delightful! What a fun dive into the nature of splat. I love this challenge and how it prompts you to look at a word from so many perspectives.
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I love what you’ve done with splat! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
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Great ending Molly, I’m smiling wide from it! And you gave/described “Splat’s” personality so well, thanks!
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Yes! Splat is such a fun word. I am glad this poem found its way to you.
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Molly, there is so much in here to unpack! From fun internal rhyme and other poetic techniques to commentary on life to great humor! Gonna have to share this one with my husband, who invariably has a splat or two during dinner–haha!
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