When we started Eunoia Solstice, Eric and I wanted to post compositional prompts and games. We called it “The Goading,” but only managed to goad each other. Here is one of the prompts we developed and my response to it using song titles.
MyTunes Remix
a. Open iTunes and view your songs according to artist.
b. Sort them randomly.
c. Use the list as inspiration, reflection, or fodder for a found poem.
My Responses:
Upon Reading Kerouac, The Panda Haven Delivery Boy Begins To Write His Own Fortunes and To Secretly Place Them In the Restaurant’s Fortune Cookies
I.
If you see her, say hello
In a silent way
II.
One reporter’s opinion:
This ain’t no picnic
III.
I am the Resurrection
I am me once more
IV.
This is heaven
It tastes better than the truth
Live Improvised Verses Later Rejected By the Great Omaha Bluesman Dougie “Skinner” Swanson
I.
If I had you
All this and heaven, too
I’ll be waiting
I’ll cut a hole and pull you through
II.
“Please don’t be gentle with me
Please, Mr. Postman
Please Please Please”
–And the devil seized her ankle
III.
The King of the World
He won’t go
The angels hung around
At the air show
A bunch of lonesome heroes
Digging for gold
IV.
The street is an empty knife
Under the blacklight
Fools in love
Follow the signs
The butcher
By your side
One more time
Stephen McClurg 