I’m really getting into all the universal fear prompts for this week. I experienced some ego death in a dream last night that reminded me of a really embarrassing thing that happened to me in high school and then, I experienced upsetting ego death having to do with an imposter OctPoWriMo, but I realized my feelings only had to do with my ego.
Fear of failure is a huge stop for me. That’s why I loved pairing it with cacophony.
These are my responses to the Writober prompt post Sounds of Words: Cacophony.
OctPoWriMo
During this year’s focus on poetry, I worked hard to find my poetic community. I looked for readings, critique groups, and generative writing groups.
Today, being Friday, I participated in both Friday Gathering with MK Chavez and Critique of the Week with Tim Green editor of Rattle.
While trying to make this a vibrant, fun, responsive event, I wasn’t sure I would have time to keep up with these things I like to do. But poetry is always inclusive and adaptive and full of experimentation. I am so glad I make time for Friday Gathering and Critique of the Week.
My poem today is the fourth quadrant of my Window poem, the quadrant Not Known by the Poet, and Not Known by Others.
A Window Into Fear of Failure
Fear stalks us all—
like a panther in a sweaty subconscious
dream-jungle ready
to pounce, claws
always sharp
and barely
tucked, fangs
dripping, salivating for
inevitable failures.
Those we admire, those
who aspire, all smell
the same
to this invisible
feline—like prey.
Writober Flash Fiction
Stalked, she wears all the scents and hides under layers. He is inside her.
Halloween Photography Challenge
Today’s image was inspired by the appearance of both panther and jaguar during Friday Gathering. I used the tiger filter I created for this year’s Fourth of July fireworks with the lights I set up for “shame” yesterday, and started thinking about fear as predator, stalking.
Experience Writing 