An Attempt At Prose

When I was in high school, I had a very narrow view of what a POEM is, i.e. a POEM has rhyme and meter. Otherwise, it may be poetic, but it’s not a POEM. This is one of my favorite poems I’ve written in response to my High School English Literature teacher encouraging me to expand my definitions.

There’s something strange about my poems

It happens every time

That when I sit to write my poems

They all seem to have a couple strategically placed words that sound pretty much the same.

Some say I should open up

And try to write some prose

I don’t see why in my business

They have to stick their breathing apparatus centrally located on the face between the eyes and the mouth.

But just to show I’m versatile

I’ll give their prose a chance

I will play their little game

I’ll do their song and rhythmic bodily movements sometimes choreographed and often to music.

As you can see this poem here

Has neither rhyme nor meter

And I did it on my own

For I am no person who uses dishonest and deceptive means for personal gain often at another’s expense.

This prose is not so difficult

It comes to me with ease

They who mocked me once before

Will now bow on their bending joints located between the calves and the thighs on the leg.

But now I think I’ve had enough

This prose is not for me

I think I will turn again

To writing poetry.

The Tree of Life

If I could be the tree of life

How strong would my roots be?

If I could be the tree of life

Could you depend on me?

If I could be the tree of life

Would it be with your time

To look upon this tree of life

And venture forth to climb?

If I could be the tree of life

Would I have limbs of strength

To hold you with security

As you explore my length?

Would I have limbs that flourished with

A brilliant coloured leaf

Or would the bareness of my tree

Just cause you pain and grief?

If I could be the tree of life

And this would be my prayer

That if you need a tree of life

Always would I be there.