Paperweight (“It Seemed Like a Good Plan on Paper” writing prompt)

Art by: Jana Greene

On this second day of taking a cue from my favorite Author’s writing prompt suggestions, I bring you a little poetry jam. Anne Lamott’s prompt today? Write about: “It seemed like a good plan on paper.” This piece wholly turned into something completely different than I had in mind, as so often happens. I hope you enjoy, Dear Reader. From my paper heart to yours.

By: JANA GREENE

It seemed like a good plan on paper,

but Rock and Scissors intervened,

(even though I don’t remember

asking them to help me scheme.)

In “Rock! Paper! Scissors!”

it’s to the paper I relate,

because I don’t want trouble

(and have no need to double

down on all of that hate.)

Rock has tried to keep me down,

because that’s his only schtick.

Invite me to cry on his shoulder,

then pin me under a boulder?

That’s the oldest trick.

He tried to pull off his caper,

But my name is Paper,

so spare me your hullabaloo.

And Scissors, before you

start up with me, I’ve

a message for you, too.

Before you get lippy,

you best be damn skippy,

you know I will make it alive.

Hit me with your best shot,

shear me with all you got,

Go ahead and…strive.

Cut me into ribbons,

and as streamers, I will fly.

Fill me with words,

I’ll be a book by and by.

Drench me in deep colors,

I become a work of art.

Keep me as a journal,

and you’ll have a place to start.

Cut me in a million pieces,

and confetti I will be,

And then I will be everywhere,

a living thing, you see.

I will rain down celebration,

as was written at my birth.

I will peddle deep elation,

I’ll be a paperweight of worth.