Dabblin' In Free Verse

This time you've really thrown me a challengin' curve, Mr. Flach!
You've asked this old "rhymer" to write somethin' called "free verse!"
To concoct such a "masterpiece" is agin' my poetical "religion!"
But if you insist, I'll give it a try sans my dictionary and thesaurus!

I suppose I could come up with somethin' dealin' with current politics,
But that might cause a flap with those who disagree with me.
Perhaps somethin' to do with hot romance, moonlit beaches and love,
But I'm not very astute about such things and would probably botch it!

Oh, I know!  How about an animal theme about rabbits and their prolific habits.
Nah!  Probably with my acidic tongue I'd leave folks "hoppin'" mad!
There's always nature things to write about - rivers, mountains and such.
Maybe I could concoct a stirrin' verse such as Kilmer's memorable "Trees!"

I could write about guv'ment meddlin', taxes and the high cost of livin',
But I'd get so angry that I might throw rocks at an occupied hearse!
So I'd better control myself and compose somethin' rather mundane,
Like feedin' squirrels and pigeons and contemplatin' the settin' sun!

Joe, though I doubt this composition will rate a Pulitzer Prize for poetry,
I've had a ton of fun and my first "free verse" made for easy writin'!
But I'd better forego writin' free verse before it gets any "vorse!"
And stick to usin' rhyme, rhythm and meter for my verse!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved

Honorable Mention in Joe Flach's "A Poem That Doesn't Rhyme - July 2010
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

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Brown Avatar
July 8, 2010 at 7:00 AM
Congratulations Robert on your win in Joe Flach's contest "A Poem That Doesn't Rhyme". Love, Carol
Taylor Avatar
July 7, 2010 at 5:34 PM
Congrats on your HM, Chief. Nice going, Ralph
Adeite Avatar
July 7, 2010 at 12:04 PM
Congrats on your well deserved win in Joe’s contest. your write was great! May you have many more wins as you keep your passionate pen alive… Please keep writing great poems, and enjoy this honor. Love, Adeleke
Haick Avatar
July 7, 2010 at 11:33 AM
Congratulations on your HM, Robert! Even though you don't write Free Verse, you did just fine with this! Peace, love, Audrey
Johnson Avatar
July 7, 2010 at 11:03 AM
LGreat job even though it goes agains the grain for you. I write very little free verse. I can't remember free verse but have loads of rhyming poems floating around in my head. conratulations. Love, Joyce
Dietrich Avatar
July 7, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Way to go for making it into the winner circle with this fun writing, Robert. Congratulations! andrea
Taylor Avatar
July 5, 2010 at 12:58 PM
Great entry, Bob. I think you got a shot. Best luck anyway. Thanks for your comments. All the best to you guys. Una/Ralph
Devonshire Avatar
July 4, 2010 at 5:07 PM
Ha! See you had a lot of fun with this, Bob. I know you always write with rhyme. It was a challenge for me as well, but lots of my earlier poems didn't rhyme. Best wishes for the contest! Love, Carolyn
Anderson Avatar
July 4, 2010 at 2:19 PM
Good luck in the cntest, Bob! Later, JA
Kendrick Avatar
July 4, 2010 at 1:57 PM
Well, neat write with a little bit of LOL interspersed throughout..Keep the creative pen flowing..Sara
Rich Avatar
July 4, 2010 at 10:28 AM
Loved this piece here.. I'm new so have mercy and I hope you have an open mind my styles pretty different. Enjoy ya day
Dietrich Avatar
July 4, 2010 at 9:10 AM
Well, I would rather have to sit and listen to sermons said in your fun way of doing them, than a long time in my church. haha. Keep up with those poetic sermons, Robert! LUv, Andrea
Dietrich Avatar
July 4, 2010 at 12:10 AM
hahaha, a parody on having to write free verse. My sentiments exactly, robert. Actually there is a name for what you just composed here. When you are using the same meter of rhymed verse. that same wonderful flow that rhyme has, it's called writing "blank verse" (learned that in a poetry course online) but don't feel bad, I can't write free either. All we can do is just try our best, but we cannot hide our "beat." Luv, Andrea
Richards Avatar
July 3, 2010 at 7:02 PM
Delightful entry, Robert!!! He is going to love this one! If this isn't in the winner's circle, I'll be surprised!! Loved it! ~ :) Carrie
A   Avatar
July 3, 2010 at 4:42 PM
nice entry, smiles to you Bob H. love the humor you have in your poem... You will do well in the contest, you do so often,,,have anice one,..Sidney LeeAnn
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