Level III Winners

An Exquisite Prompt inspired by Exquisite Corpse author Calef Brown and Sophie C.

Writing prompt

In Dutch Sneakers and Flea Keepers, Calef Brown includes a clever poem about a creature he invented, the Tattlesnake. Sophie C. from Bethesda, Maryland, thought up her own imaginary creature by brainstorming a similar play on words and invented the Whinoceros. The name of her make-believe animal suggests he's something rather unpleasantly unusual and her rhyming poem describes this animal's unique qualities, which unfortunately include the fact that he carries a very catching disease for which there is no cure. Help us get to know the Whinoceros a little more — we know about the havoc he wreaks, but how does he feel about being a plague carrier and having people yell "Igglemigglemye!" to scare him away? Continue Sophie's poem, but write it in two voices: the perspective of the Whinoceros and a friend who is trying to help him feel better about himself.

The Whinoceros
Sophie C.
Bethesda, MD

If Emma is grumpy and won't come to play,
If Christopher cries when he can't get his way,
Beware! and watch out for a flash of grey-brown;
The dreaded Whinoceros has come to town.

Bringing with him an awful disease,
It's straight from the halls of the Whinocerese,
He's petty with an enormous appetite
For his favorite food: a loud whiny fight.

He'll sneak in your school, and then out of the blue
A terrible plague of WHINE FLU will hit you!
The symptoms are many, and there is no cure,
For whining and fighting and being immature.

So cross all your fingers and shout "Igglemigglemye!"
(To scare off the Whino if he's passing by.)
Just hope that the plague isn't too too severe,
And soon the Whinoceros will pass from here.

Winner

G. Erixon

Omaha, NE

A Helpful Friend

You must understand that it's hard to be me,
Just because I caught a disease from a pesky flea.
How people run and people cry,
Whenever I walk or scamper by.

Now, Whinoceros, listen close to what I have to say,
For this disease of yours will go away someday.
Yes, you're different – but you're just unique,
You like weird things – but you're not a freak.

I wish I believed you – I wish it were true.
Do you really think I don't belong in a zoo?
Be proud of yourself – stand tall and strong,
It's not your fault you look like King Kong!

Believe in myself! I can do that!
No more hiding behind this hat.
Go, Whiniceros, go you must go,
The whole world is waiting for you!

Honorable Mention

N. Allbritton

Phoenix, AZ

Whinoceros

I am the Whinoceros
so very big and hairy
Everybody runs from me because they think I am scary

I'm your best friend Sam I've known you since birth
It doesn't matter what they say you're the nicest thing on earth

Every time I try to play tag
They look at me in disgust and start to gag

Let's change their minds once and for all
And dress you up for the princess's ball

Where will we find time to get me a suit?
We might as well give up this crazy pursuit

Oh come on, I did the math
Just go on and take a bath

Are you sure a bath will do the trick?
I don't wanna make anybody sick
Once you bathe we'll fix you up
I know that you can't mess this up

Thank you for always being so kind
You always let me be myself and unwind

No need to thank that's what friends are for
Now get that tooshie out the door

Alright, alright no need to rush
Wait I think I might need a brush

A brush, are you crazy?
Are feeling a little hazy?

No, no, no I'm perfectly fine
I just wish I had a little more time

Bye Whinoceros
I hope you have fun
Come and see me when the night is done

Honorable Mention

H. Ervin

Phoenix, AZ

Whinoceros

I'm the Whinoceros, Big and Scary
I'll make your face as red as a cherry
In the Whinoceros going to town
There are no smiles, just big, ugly frowns
Ill will not huff, or puff, or bow your house down
Little ones cry and toddlers whine.
I spread my disease so undivine
Everyone hates me, or so it seems
Except for my dear friend Jelly bean

Poor Whino, I feel so bad
How I hate to see him so sad
He weeps and he cries
But he's a nice guy inside
He can't help it
That he's such a misfit
I try to lift his heavy heart
And then again, he falls apart.
He thinks his life's doomed
But no one can see
No one but me
That he's a flower waiting to bloom

Jellybean's just gone home.
Leaving me here all alone.
I'm really depressed.
Is this just life's test?
If even that is true,
I'm going to lose
Whatever I did
I didn't mean it
Whatever I did,
I didn't really plan it.

I forgot my hat walking out the door,
Maybe I'll go visit Whino 5 minutes more.
There's a glow from his house,
It can't be the mouse.
A loud shout of glee
Perhaps a "WHOOOPEEE!"
I look for Whino, but all I see,
Is a normal Rhino staring at me?
He is smiling I try not to laugh
Alas its you, Whino I shockingly gasp

I am a rhinoceros not a bit hairy,
I am not Whino, the big and the scary.
Alas I am cured, that horrid disease.
I gave it to Jellybean a dear gift from me.