In e-ve-ry way
this penultimate day
of National Poetry writing,
I feel a great need
to wonder and grieve
for all the big words they are citing!

Now penultimate means
that my pen is a fiend.
Not really but how can you know it?
It’s dumb and absurd
using uncommon words
for the fancified voice of a poet.

And so I wanna say
this penultimate day,
remember what Jesus admonished…
TO be heard in your prayers,
don’t put on any airs.
Say the words in your heart and be honest!

—
Day 29 and holding… Penultimate means next-to-last. I’ve never used that word in my life! Today it’s just to prove a point.

What Jesus said was:

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. (Matthew 6:5,7, NKJV)