In an ongoing series, the editors, former contributors, and readers of Eclectica have been invited to write a poem containing four pre-chosen words. The words for this issue are vinegar, fossil, heedless, and embroider. Below are the resulting selected poems.

If you would like to participate in the next special poetry assignment, the new words are bathrobe, plastic, juxtapose, and impediment.

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(These are excerpts--click on the title to view the whole poem!)

 

Interviewing an Old Rock Star
 
The paternity suits that followed him
are stacked away like old fan letters.  
 
Bob Bradshaw

 

the secret meanings of greek letters: iota
 
the colour of apple vinegar lures me to beaches for this:
a runaway drop of resin that caught an insect by surprise  
 
Michaela A. Gabriel

 

This Woman in the Sewing Room
 
This woman in the sewing room
can embroider dresses
with her eyes closed.  
 
Cheryl Chambers

 

Swallow
 
the youngest and the oldest
have a right to be heedless  
 
Dorothee Lang

 

Two Word Poems
 
He remembered how, as a child,
he drank vinegar directly
from the bottle. First love.  
 
Arlene Ang

 

The Wasp
 
I am carrying a bag of angry buzz down
three flights, around the corner and
into the alley.  
 
Jennifer Finstrom