Taboo

February 1 prompt for the Construct Cup Chinese New Year Edition

Pick your words carefully
Provide praise gracefully
Avoid anxious allegories
That bring misfortune and horror stories
And snap at your heals
Like a wounded dog.as he reels
Instead conjure lightness
So that prosperity brings brightness
As it flows into your life
Positivity must flow without strife
And with all of that
A year of greatness comes to bat
Twelve full months
Overflowing with all things at once
That bring happiness to every member
Of your family and remember
Chase out the negative
And greet the energy in the affirmative
As it permeates the life blood
Of those you love like a flowering bud.


Lines: 20



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.


My attempt:
The taboo I have chosen –
1. Do not say negative words
All words with negative connotations are forbidden! These include: death, sick, empty, pain, ghost, poor, break, kill and more.
The reason behind this should be obvious. You wouldn’t want to jinx yourself or bring those misfortunes onto you and your loved ones.