An entry to this week’s Totally Optional Prompts, here’s an Anaphora.

Anaphora is a repetition device where the same expression (word or words) is repeated at the beginning of two or more lines, clauses, or sentences. You can read an example written by David Lerner here and a couple more here, one by Lawrence Ferlinghetti and another by Pablo Neruda.

On reading the definition, I realized I had written an anaphora some time back, a fable: A Suitable Moment.  More on the lines of a continuous prose than a poem of course, but the technique, I imagine, remains the same.

***

Her Voice
Rippling like the stream in his
backyard, clear, soft and gushing
Mirth
In abundance and overflowing

Her Voice
Tender and Soft, like a baby’s
cheek, brimming with care
Concern
In abundance and overflowing

Her Voice
Deep and Husky, a zephyr
skirting the boughs
Seduction
In abundance and overflowing

Her Voice
Playful and Naughty, an imp
darting in and out of words
Mischief
In abundance and overflowing

Her Voice
Profound and Sincere, a sage
oracle seated within
Wisdom
In abundance and overflowing

Her Voice
Vulgar and Reckless, a fisherwoman
cussing in abandon
Anger
In abundance and overflowing

Her Voice
Trembling and Shaken, a leaf
caught in a tempest
Fright
In abundance and overflowing

Her Voice
Muted and Shocked, a cadaver
frozen mid-scream
Silence
In abundance and overflowing

Tags: anaphora