Taboo

Prompt for: Feb 1 (Ren)
Subject or Theme: Pick a taboo from Chinese New Year 2018
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.

Negativity is frowned upon,
positivity is all around!
Avoid any and all non-favorable denotations--
Do not fall; think twice of connotations!
Don't start your year with words of doom;
Take heart and never speak of gloom!
No pain, nor dying, no killings nor billings,
no strain, nor lying, no spillings nor nillings!
The New Year is like a trampoline:
you must fear the bouncing; keep all words clean!
Like a polished glass, your words reflect;
Let donkeys pass and show respect!
Like the dog, faithful be
No evil fog spread by thee.
Dream only good during your forty winks,
be as you should; don't be the jinx!
Celebrate, be of good cheer,
be free of hate in the new year!
Don't levy a curse upon your spouse
or even worse-- upon your house!
In other words be gentle, kind,
like song-filled birds, peace fill your mind.

22 lines