Distinctly, Decidedly December

Summary

Carolyn Hastings presents a whimsical tautogram poem celebrating December's festivities, while acknowledging the challenges the month may bring for some, and encourages participation in the "Decidedly December" writing prompt on Medium.

Abstract

In a playful exploration of the alphabet, Carolyn Hastings crafts a tautogram poem that revels in the alliterative excesses of December, a month known for its indulgences and traditions. The poem, titled "Decidedly December," is a delightful cascade of 'd' words that paint a vivid picture of holiday cheer, from delectable foods to festive decorations. Hastings embraces the constraints of the tautogram form to create a poem that is both a literary challenge and a tribute to the Christmas season. While the poem is lighthearted, Hastings takes a moment to express empathy for those who may find December to be a difficult time, offering a message of peace and happiness to all. The article also invites readers to engage with other writers' works and to contribute their own pieces to the "Decidedly December" prompt, fostering a sense of community and shared creativity on the Medium platform.

Opinions

Hastings views tautograms as a fun and extreme form of wordplay, more intense than alliteration or tongue twisters.
The author acknowledges the traditional excesses of December, both in celebration and struggle.
Hastings hopes that everyone can find inner peace and joy during the holiday season, regardless of their personal circumstances.
The article promotes the work of other writers, such as Gloria D. Gonsalves and Charlotte Ella King, who have also contributed to the "Decidedly December" theme.
Hastings encourages readers to subscribe to her email list and consider becoming Medium members through her affiliate referral link, indicating a desire to grow her audience and support the platform.

A d-overdosed tautogram

Constructed in Canva by author using author’s own photo

Delectably delicious deli delights Dangerously domed dinner dishes Devilishly decadent desserts devoured Dietary dilemmic delirium Dizzy dinky-di drivers deliver dozens de Delilah dilly-dilly dollies downunder Deer disco-dance down drainpipes Donner double-donks Dasher’s derrière Door decorations dingle-dangle Ding-donging doorbells ding-dong-dinga-ding Devoted drummerboy darum-da-da drums Dear daughters don daggy dressups Dazzling daybreak dawns Drip-drop diamante dewdrops Dozy dove duos daydream Distinctly decidedly December

Definitely overdosed on the ‘d’ words with this one! But it wouldn’t be a tautogram if I hadn’t overdosed on one letter or another because that’s what tautograms are — poems constructed entirely from words beginning with the same letter.

In that sense, tautograms are more extreme than alliteration and tongue twisters. And, they’re a whole lot of fun. 😅

When it comes to ‘extreme’, December traditionally takes the cake, unfortunately not always in a good way. While my poem draws on some of the — hopefully harmless — excesses we indulge in during the month, I want to acknowledge those who find December a struggle for whatever reason.

My simple hope is for everyone this December to find peace and happiness within themselves no matter their circumstance. 🙏 💞 🕊️

I’ve written this humorous, Christmas-inspired tautogram for Paper Poetry’s Decidedly December month-long prompt after prompting myself in a reply to Gloria D. Gonsalves’ recent comment on my first attempt at a tautogram. Gloria beat me to it with her own ‘c’ tautogram, December Spirit —

And here’s a completely different take on the prompt, Bumpy Whee! by Charlotte Ella King –

There’s still plenty of time to join Indubala Kachhawa’s Decidedly December prompt. You’ll find the details here –

Thank you all so much for reading. 🙏 💕🕊️

✨ If you like what you’ve read, please consider — 👉 Subscribing to my email list 📩 👉 Becoming a Medium member using my affiliate referral link ✨

Decidedly December

Distinctly, Decidedly December

A d-overdosed tautogram

December Spirit

Tautogram poem

Bumpy Whee!

A poem about a Decidedly December activity

Decidedly December

Last beautiful ‘ber’ month