Letter Chain Poetry

Music: Chains by Nick Jonas.

With summer winding down for this music educator, I'm going to hold my first unofficial challenge. I'm nervously optimistic.

The rules:

Write a poem in which each word begins with the last letter of the previous word. This is EVERY word linked to the next, not just each line. Earn an extra point if you bring it back full circle, ending with your starting letter.

Here's my example, obviously excluded from contention:

*

Whispering ghosts sometimes surface eerily

Yes, spirits shift through

How weaving ground dictates.

Some enter rather rambunctiously.

Yet, to others, soundless solitude evolves seamlessly.

Yet, those ether realms somehow woo oddball loners,

Searching great truths,

Sensing grand design.

Never really yielding good drama anew.

*

Did you notice that I ended with a W, which is how I started? Full circle!

A note for your consideration. This is NOT Andiplosis, for which a word or phrase is repeated. My short example of that is:

solitude on the mountain

mountain alight with bird songs

songs remindful of solitude

*

I do tend to like a full circle moment, so I did it again. Do try an Andiplosis poem for fun. If you can combine the two, more power to you, and bonus points for that too!

Alliteration and/or assonance are encouraged.

*

Here are the logistics:

I will allow two entries per person, if anyone is crazy enough to try this twice.

Any style of poetry is allowed.

Here are the prizes:

First place: $4

Second place: $3

Third place: $2

Fourth place: $1

My adult daughter, Andrea, and I will judge. We reserve the right to declare ties, which would result in two people earning said tip amount.

Deadline to submit is July 31. Results August 2nd.

Please include this piece as a link.

This really is a challenge, but I hope to get lots of entries. Please do join the chain nation now. See what I did there?

Have fun!

First entry, by Harper:

Another, by Mike:

One by Sara:

This poem is by Novel, who linked each line instead of word, but it's a lovely work nonetheless!

Another by Novel:

A poem from C. Rommial Butler:

This one is by Anoni:

Tim’s entry:

Here's one from Paul S:

Next is Angie's poem:

A second by C. Rommial:

Here's one from Andrea:

Rachel wrote this piece:

Mike decided to quote The Raven! Well, almost. 🤣

From Rachel:

...and finally, from Sasha: