A Poet's Pledge

I will release no rhyme
Before its time.
No limerick, ode, haiku, or sonnet
Will 'scape from 'neath
My poet's bonnet
'til it be trimmed, and tamed, and non-aggressive,
Or overripe with verbiage
Or punctuation too excessive.

I will not break
This pledge I take,
Cruel critics' barbs though I endure.
My verse I'll brace with style and grace
Until my place in poetry's secure.
Of course, should "laureate" become my haunt, too,
I'll release anywhere,
And anyhow,
And anytime I damn well want to.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Hoffman Avatar
October 21, 2022 at 4:12 PM
Cleverly written and delightful piece, Jim! Congrats on you POTD!
Slaughter Avatar
October 22, 2022 at 10:22 AM
Thank you, Franci.
Kauffman Avatar
July 7, 2022 at 4:35 PM
Congratulations on Your POTD.
Slaughter Avatar
July 10, 2022 at 12:53 PM
Sam, thanks.
Watt Avatar
July 7, 2022 at 1:34 PM
Nicely worded, Jim. Congrats on your POTD ~ John
Slaughter Avatar
July 10, 2022 at 12:52 PM
Thank you, John.
Edmonds  Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 6:13 PM
Congratulations Jim on taking a poet’s pledge and being rewarded poem of the day… Belle
Slaughter Avatar
July 7, 2022 at 10:21 AM
Belle, thank you.
Tugaff Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 5:11 PM
Hello Jim. Congratulations on your beautiful POD. Don't rest on your laurels. Ernilando
Slaughter Avatar
July 7, 2022 at 10:20 AM
Thanks, Ernilando. I'm not sure I have any of those....yet,
Marcum Wong Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 11:52 AM
I love this humorous poem Jim. Congratulations on your wonderful POTD honor. Blessings xxoo
Slaughter Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 11:56 AM
Connie, thank you.
Fenn Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 11:18 AM
Good one! Congrats on POTD!
Slaughter Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 11:20 AM
Thanks, Jennifer.
Hankins Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 9:39 AM
Somehow I missed this one earlier, Jim. It really is quite good, and I send my congratulations on your P.O.T.D.
Slaughter Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 10:02 AM
Thank you, L M. I always appreciate your feedback.
Logan Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 9:21 AM
At laureat status you may do as you darn well please. Congratulations for your potd write, Jim.
Slaughter Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 10:03 AM
Jenna, merçi beaucoup.
May Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 9:18 AM
Fine tuning the verse with forms diverse, Congrats on POTD
Slaughter Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 10:03 AM
Thank you, Joseph.
Wolf Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 9:02 AM
Maybe you can rope yourself a laureate with that lasso -- your 'lariat!' Congrats on POTD, cowboy! ~ Caballero Gershon
Slaughter Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 10:04 AM
I don't know, G. He's a pretty elusive bugger. But thanks for the thought, anyway.
Calasibetta Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 8:37 AM
Congratulations on your POTD! A charming write for a principled poet! Love It! :)Paulette
Slaughter Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 10:05 AM
Thank you, Paulette. I hope I can always keep this pledge.
Goldsmith Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 8:08 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. A wonderful write. Love it. Have a blessed day writing away.............
Slaughter Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 10:05 AM
Paula, thanks.
Rodrigues Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 7:24 AM
EnjoyedM Congratulations on POTD!
Slaughter Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 10:06 AM
Thank you, Kim.
Kitchin Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 7:19 AM
Jim, wonderfully penned, congratulations on POTD!
Slaughter Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 10:06 AM
Tania, thank you.
La France Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 7:17 AM
Jim, wow, excellent writing, I love your poem so much and a big congratulations on your deserving POEM OF THE DAY honor, blessings ~Constance
Slaughter Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 10:08 AM
Constance, thank you. If I can strike a chord with other poets, I have, indeed, accomplished something "deserving".
Lawrence Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 6:22 AM
Laughing ! So much fun . I love it ! Big congratulations on POTD Jim! Cheers, Susan :)
Slaughter Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 10:11 AM
Thanks, Susan. I had fun writing it.
Pigeon Tart Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 5:40 AM
Chuckling out loud. Fabulous fun piece, delightful POTD! Congratulations Jim! xomo
Slaughter Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 10:11 AM
So that was you I heard? Thank you, Maureen.
Lawless Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 4:24 AM
WHAT!!!!! NO ROOM FOR DANDELIONS???
Slaughter Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 10:13 AM
I'll allow for sunflowers, John, but no other weeds in my poetic garden, I hope. Thanks.
Fowler Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 4:23 AM
Just perfect Jim. Freedom of speech! Congratulations on POTD. Linda
Slaughter Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 10:12 AM
FOS within reason. Thank you, Linda.
Bauer Avatar
July 5, 2022 at 12:08 PM
you had me with the opening lines, jim! wonderful!
Slaughter Avatar
July 5, 2022 at 1:48 PM
Thanks, Ilene. Yours are always at the ready.
Romios Avatar
July 5, 2022 at 11:26 AM
Fabulous and an immediate favorite, Jim. Love, love your rhymes and individualistic stance! Bravo… Love, Panagiota xx Fav line.. “ or over with verbiage”…Good show!
Slaughter Avatar
July 5, 2022 at 1:33 PM
Panagiota, thank you. I hope this will always keep me humble.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace