Notes About The Poem
*missed Natasha Scragg's "Silent Letters And Oxymorons" contest* Date written: 09/03/2026

Silent Letters


Django draws his pistol 
and shoots out "D" 
from pronunciation of his name. 
No one hears the "W" 
needed to do real damage 
in "Wreck."
"Island" might as well 
toss its "S" into the shallows. 
No one needs to see it 
if it's as quiet as a mouse.
The "K" in "Knight," 
a Mustang that has galloped
too far into the badlands
no one hears it go..."Neigh!"
The one in "Knife" 
silently slices and dices 
as if through butter.
Not a soul was around 
to hear the audible flush 
that sent "B" in "Plumber"
down the toilet.
The "G" in "Gnat" 
creates no buzz in the air, 
and has no sting.
The one in "Gnaw," 
 broke a jaw attempting to bite.
Did I mention it has...
no teeth? It's all gums.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
September 4, 2026 at 6:20 PM
wow, I love this. So sorry you missed getting it in the contest. It's quite witty.
Ibeh Avatar
September 6, 2026 at 6:16 AM
Thank you very much, Andrea🙏
Smith  Avatar
September 4, 2026 at 5:56 PM
A wonderfully playful tour of English’s stealthiest letters. The comic personification is sharp throughout—from Django shooting out his “D” to the plumber’s “B” getting flushed—and the escalating absurdity of the toothless “Gnaw” makes for a terrific closing punchline.
Ibeh Avatar
September 6, 2026 at 6:17 AM
Thank you very much, Alison 🙏
Scragg Avatar
September 4, 2026 at 9:17 AM
This is excellent Edward! ☺️ I know you didnt get entering but this would be amongst those given first place positions... thank you for still writing it. ✍️ 😉 love the humour in this... 😄✨️
Ibeh Avatar
September 4, 2026 at 10:22 AM
Really, Natasha? First place? Doggone it!😭 That's okay. I feel better knowing you liked it a great deal. Thank you so much for encouraging me to publish it🙏😊. I'm glad I did now!
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