I’m having a very hard time doing these exercises.  Having never writen “official” poetry, I don’t even know how to pronounce todays prompt, much less do it.  So each day I’m learning new words and finding out that poetry doesn’t just flow off my tongue onto the keyboard, but that I may know what I want to write but I have to think about how to write it, what words to use, do I make them rhyme or what?  So, as an old lady, I accept this challenge because I need to stretch my mind.  Thank goodness I don’t have to run around the block while I do it.  PLEASE don’t make that one of the prompts!

OTTAVA RIMA (or, Ode to the Elephant)

Little dancers whittled slowly made for fancy kings

Leathered bodies bleeding faces having no resort

Ivory toys precious pieces carved as little starlings

Babies crying, swaying screaming so wanting comfort

Priceless carvings stared at loved as one was one’s darling

Others stand straining groaning puzzled why they did abort

Fingers playing restful Brahms on keys of black and white

Pachyderms so loathed and used for humans own delight