constructing poetry

taboo

my daily habits
(I affirm)
would make
a Chinese grandma squirm—
this new Dog year,
when I got up
to take my shot
and fill my cup,
I didn’t pause to think:
Oh No!
this shot’s unlucky—
if I go
ahead and dose
before I eat,
this year will fill—
more shots I’ll meet!

throughout the day,
shots numbered five—
of insulin
to stay alive,
and I took each
without regret,
no hesitation—
shots? no sweat.

but maybe there
is something to
this Chinese thing
I never knew—
this year will end
as it begins:
it will be filled
with insulin.

line count: 32

Prompt ▼

Prompt for: Feb 1 (Ren)
Subject or Theme: Pick a taboo from https://chinesenewyear2018.com/taboos/
Word(s) to Include: ”dog," reference or describe your taboo, and title your poem “Taboo” (and nothing else) (or any derivatives of these words)
Forbidden Word(s): taboo (except as the title), forbid, ban, restrict (or any derivatives of these words)
Additional Parameters: Must be at least 20 lines AND include internal rhyme.
Remember, do not use forbidden words ANYWHERE, including title or the brief description.